The Era of Prohibitory Legislation against Slavery.--Boston
instructs her Representatives to vote against the
Slave-Trade.--Proclamation issued by Gov. Dummer against the
Negroes, April 13, 1723.--Persecution of the
Negroes.--"Suing for Liberty."--Letter of Samuel Adams to
John Pickering, jun., on Behalf of Negro Memorialists.--A
Bill for the Suppression of the Slave-Trade passes.--Is
vetoed by Gov. Gage, and fails to become a Law. 220


CHAPTER XVI.

THE COLONY OF MARYLAND.

1634-1775.

Maryland under the Laws of Virginia until 1630.--First
Legislation on the Slavery Question in 1637-38--Slavery
established by Statute in 1663--The Discussion of
Slavery.--An Act passed encouraging the Importation of
Negroes and White Slaves in 1671.--An Act laying an Impost
on Negroes and White Servants imported into the
Colony.--Duties imposed on Rum and Wine.--Treatment of
Slaves and Papists.--Convicts imported into the Colony--An
Attempt to justify the Convict-Trade.--Spirited
Replies.--The Laws of 1723, 1729, 1752.--Rights of
Slaves--Negro Population in 1728.--Increase of Slavery in
1750--No Efforts made to prevent the Evils of Slavery.--The
Revolution nearing.--New Life for the Negroes. 238