The state of New-Hampshire established their constitu-
tion in 1783 ; and in the first article of the declaration
of rights, it is asserted, that "all men are born equally free
and independent." The construction there put on this
clause is, that all who have been born since the constitution,
are free ; but that those who were in slavery before, are not
liberated by it. By reason of this construction, (which, by
the way, I do not intend to vindicate), the blacks in that
state are in the late census distinguished into free and slaves,
there being no Indians residing within those limits.

In the same census, as hath been before observed, no slaves
are set down to Massachusetts. This return made by the
marshal of the district, may be considered as the formal
evidence of the abolition of slavery in Massachusetts, especial-
ly as no person has appeared to contest the legality of the
return.

The prohibition of the slave trade was effected in the follow-
ing manner. In the month of February, 1788, just after the
adoption of the present federal constitution by the conven-
tion of Massachusetts, a most flagrant violation of the laws
of society and of humanity was perpetrated in this town, by
one AVERY, a native of Connecticut. By the assistance of
another infamous fellow, he decoyed three unsuspecting
black men on board a vessel which he had chartered, and
sent them down into the hold, to work. Whilst they were
there employed, the vessel came to sail, and went to sea,
having been previously cleared out for Martinico.

As soon as this infamous transaction was known, governor
HANCOCK, and M. L'ETOMBE, the French consul, wrote
letters to the governors of all the islands in the West-Indies,
in favour of the decoyed blacks. The publick indignation
being greatly excited against the actors in this affair, and
against others who had been concerned in the traffick of
slaves, it was thought proper to take advantage of the fer-
ment, and bring good out of evil.

Accordingly, in the association of the Boston clergy,
originated a petition to the legislature, praying for an act
to prohibit the equipping and insuring vessels bound to Afri-
ca for slaves, and providing against the carrying innocent
blacks from home. This petition was circulated, and sign-
ed by a great number of reputable citizens. The blacks
were urged to present a similar petition, which they did ; and