Queries respecting the introduction, progress, and abolition of
slavery in Massachusetts.

1. The first introduction of negroes or other slaves into
Massachusetts?

2. Whether the African trade was carried on thither? at
what period it commenced ? to what extent it was carried
on ? when it began to decline ? and when it was wholly
discontinued ?

3. Whether it was carried on by European or American
adventurers ? by what means its declension first began ?
whether from legislative discouragement or other causes ?
and to what causes its abolition is to be ascribed ?

4. The state of slavery in Massachusetts when slaves were
most numerous ? their number when most numerous ? their
proportion to the number of white persons at that period ?

5. The mode by which slavery hath been abolished there ?
whether by a general and simultaneous emancipation ? or at
different periods ? or whether by declaring all persons born
after a particular period free ?

6. At what period slavery was wholly abolished ? what
were their numbers and proportion to the whites at that
period ?

7. What is the condition of emancipated negroes ? is any
and what provision made for their Education and mainte-
nance, during infancy, or in a state of decrepitude, age or
insanity ?

8. What are their political rights or disabilities ? if there
be any discrimination between them and white persons ?

9. Is there any perceptible difference between the general,
moral, or social conduct of emancipated persons or their
descendants and others ?

10. Are intermarriages frequent between blacks and
whites ? if so, are such alliances more frequent between
black men and white women, or the contrary ?

11. Does harmony in general prevail between the blacks
and white citizens ? do they associate freely together ? or is
there a pre-eminence claimed by the one, and either avowed-
ly or tacitly admitted by the other ?