CHAPTER XIX.

THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND.

1647-1775.

Colonial Government in Rhode Island, May, 1647.--An Act passed to abolish Slavery in 1652, but was never enforced.--An Act specifying what Times Indian and Negro Slaves should not appear in the Streets.--An Impost-Tax on Slaves (1708).--Penalties imposed on Disobedient Slaves.--Anti Slavery Sentiment in the Colonies receives Little Encouragement.--Circular Letter from the Board of Trade to the Governor of the English Colonies, relative to Negro Slaves.--Governor Cranston's Reply.--List of Militia-Men, including White and black Servants.--Another Letter from the Board of Trade.--An Act preventing Clandestine Importations and Exportations of Passengers, Negroes, or Indian Slaves.--Masters of Vessels required to report the Names and Number of Passengers to the Governor.--Violation of the Impost-Tax Law on Slaves punished by Severe Penalties.--Appropriation by the General Assembly, July 5, 1715, from the Fund derived from the Impost Tax, for the paving of the Streets of Newport.--An Act passed disposing of the Money raised by Impost-Tax.--Impost-Law repealed, May, 1732.--An Act relating to freeing Mulatto and Negro Slaves passed 1728--An Act passed preventing Masters of Vessels from carrying Slaves out of the Colony, June 17, 1757.--Eve of the Revolution.--An Act prohibiting Importation of Negroes into the Colony in 1774.--The Population of Rhode Island in 1730 and 1774. 262