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Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
The New-Jersey Legislature passed an act prohibiting the importation of slaves brought from Africa since 1776, authorizing manumission for slaves aged 21-35 under certain conditions, and imposing fines for abuse of slaves.
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By this law every person bringing a slave into that State either for sale or servitude, who has been brought from Africa since the year 1776, shall forfeit 20l. and every person bringing a slave who has not been born in or brought from Africa since that time, shall forfeit 20l. except persons meaning to reside in the State, who may bring their families; persons passing through, or transacting business, who may bring their attendants, provided they do not sell, and have not been brought from Africa since 1776.
Persons wishing to manumit their slaves, may do it under their hand and seal, without being subject hereafter to maintain them, provided they are not under 21 nor above 35 years of age, upon procuring a certificate from the overseers of the poor and two justices, that the slave is healthy and able to procure his or her living.
Persons abusing their slaves are made liable to be indicted, and fined at the discretion of the Court, not exceeding 5l. for the first nor 10l. for the second offence.
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Where did it happen?
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
New Jersey
Outcome
forfeits of 20l. for importing prohibited slaves; manumission allowed for slaves 21-35 years old with certification; fines up to 5l. first offense and 10l. second for abuse.
Event Details
The Legislature of New-Jersey passed an act prohibiting importation of slaves brought from Africa since 1776 (with exceptions for residents, transients, and business), authorizing manumission by hand and seal for healthy slaves aged 21-35 without future maintenance obligation upon certification, and making abuse of slaves indictable with fines at court discretion.