death, by their executors or administrators, unless it be by
consent of authority assembled in some court, or two assist-
ants ; otherwise, all and every such assignment shall be void
in law.

"8. If any man smite out the eye or tooth of his man-
servant or maid-servant, or otherwise maim or disfigure them
(unless it be by mere casualty) he shall let them go free from
his service, and shall allow such further recompence as the
court shall adjudge him.

"9. All servants that have served diligently and faithfully,
to the benefit of their masters, seven years, shall not be sent
away empty ; and if any have been unfaithful, negligent or
unprofitable, in their service, notwithstanding the good
usage of their masters, they shall not be dismissed, till they
have made satisfaction according to the judgment of
authority."

In 1645, the General Court of Massachusetts, which then
exercised jurisdiction over the settlements at Pascataqua,
"thought proper to write to Mr. Williams, residing there,
understanding that the negroes which captain Smyth brought,
were fraudulently and injuriously taken and brought from
Guinea, by captain Smyth's confession, and the rest of the
company ; that he forthwith send the negro, which he had
of captain Smyth, hither ; that he may be sent home ;
which this court do resolve to send back without delay.
And if you have any thing to allege, why you should not re-
turn him, to be disposed of by the court, it will be expect-
ed you should forthwith make it appear, either by yourself or
your agent."

About the same time, viz. 1645, a law was made, "pro-
hibiting the buying and selling of slaves, except those taken
in lawful war, or reduced to servitude for their crimes by a
judicial sentence ; and these were to have the same priv-
ileges as were allowed by the law of Moses."

Among the laws for punishing capital crimes, enacted in
1649, is the following, viz.

"10. If any man stealeth a man or mankind, he shall
surely be put to death. Exodus xxi. 16."

Josselyn, in his description of New-England, which he
visited twice, and spent ten years in the country, from 1663
to 1673, speaking of the people of Boston, says,

"They have store of children, and are well accommodated