1646-1775. The Founding of Connecticut, 1631-36.--No Reliable Data given for the Introduction of Slaves.--Negroes were first introduced by Ship during the Early Years of the Colony.--"Committee for Trade and Foreign Plantations."--Interrogating the Governor as to the Number of Negroes in the Colony in 1680.--The Legislature (1690) passes a Law pertaining to the Purchase and Treatment of Slaves and Free Persons.--An Act passed by the General Court in 1711, requiring Persons manumitting Slaves to maintain them.--Regulating the Social Conduct of Slaves in 1723.--The Punishment of Negro, Indian, and Mulatto Slaves, for the Use of Profane Language, in 1630.--Lawfulness of Indian and Negro Slavery recognized by Code, Sept. 5, 1646.--Limited Rights of Free Negroes in the Colony.--Negro Population in 1762.--Act against Importation of Slaves, 1774. 252 CHAPTER XIX. THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND. 1647-1775. Colonial Government in Rhode Island, May, 1647.--An Act passed to abolish Slavery in 1652, but was never enforced.--An Act specifying what Times Indian and Negro Slaves should not appear in the Streets.--An Impost-Tax on Slaves (1708).--Penalties imposed on Disobedient Slaves.--Anti Slavery Sentiment in the Colonies receives Little Encouragement.--Circular Letter from the Board of Trade to the Governor of the English Colonies, relative to Negro Slaves.--Governor Cranston's Reply.--List of Militia-Men, including White and black Servants.--Another Letter from the Board of Trade.--An Act preventing Clandestine Importations and Exportations of Passengers, Negroes, or Indian Slaves.--Masters of Vessels required to report the Names and Number of Passengers to the Governor.--Violation of the Impost-Tax Law on Slaves punished by Severe Penalties.--Appropriation by the General Assembly, July 5, 1715, from the Fund derived from the Impost Tax, for the paving of the Streets of Newport.--An Act passed disposing of the Money raised by Impost-Tax.--Impost-Law repealed, May, 1732.--An Act relating to freeing Mulatto and Negro Slaves passed 1728--An Act passed preventing Masters of Vessels from carrying Slaves out of the Colony, June 17, 1757.--Eve of the Revolution.--An Act prohibiting Importation of Negroes into the Colony in 1774.--The Population of Rhode Island in 1730 and 1774. 262 CHAPTER XX. THE COLONY OF NEW JERSEY. 1664-1775.