In the case of national statutes and treaties,
the texts may easily be found through the references.
~1788, Feb. 22. New York: Slave-Trade Prohibited.~
"An Act concerning slaves."
"Whereas in consequence of the act directing a revision of the laws of
this State, it is expedient that the several existing laws relative to
slaves, should be revised, and comprized in one. Therefore, _Be it
enacted_," etc.
"And to prevent the further importation of slaves into this State, _Be
it further enacted by the authority aforesaid_, That if any person shall
sell as a slave within this State any negro, or other person, who has
been imported or brought into this State, after" June 1, 1785, "such
seller, or his or her factor or agent, making such sale, shall be deemed
guilty of a public offence, and shall for every such offence, forfeit
the sum of one hundred pounds.... _And further_, That every person so
imported ... shall be free." The purchase of slaves for removal to
another State is prohibited under penalty of L100. _Laws of New York,
1785-88_ (ed. 1886), pp. 675-6.
~1788, March 25. Massachusetts: Slave-Trade Prohibited.~
"An Act to prevent the Slave-Trade, and for granting Relief to the
Families of such unhappy Persons as may be kidnapped or decoyed away
from this Commonwealth."
"Whereas by the African trade for slaves, the lives and liberties of
many innocent persons have been from time to time sacrificed to the lust
of gain: And whereas some persons residing in this Commonwealth may be
so regardless of the rights of human kind, as to be concerned in that
unrighteous commerce:
Sec.
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