or Ethiopians: They have the same Right to Religion and
Life, that the Richest Heirs have.

"And they who go about to deprive them of this Right, they
attempt the bombarding of HEAVEN, and the Shells they throw,
will fall down upon their own heads.

"Mr. Justice Davenport, Sir, upon your desire, I have sent
you these _Quotations_, and my _own Sentiment_. I pray GOD,
the Giver and Guardian of Life, to give his gracious
Direction to you, and the other Justices, and take leave,
who am your brother and most humble servant,

"SAMUEL SEWALL.

"BOSTON, July 20, 1719.

"I inclosed also the _selling of Joseph_, and my Extract out
of the _Athenian Oracle_.

"To Addington Davenport, Esq., etc., going to Judge Sam'l
Smith of Sandwitch, for killing his Negro."[650]

_Petition of Slaves in Boston_.

On the 23d of June, 1773, the following petition was presented to the
General Court of Massachusetts, which was read, and referred to the
next session:--

PETITION OF SLAVES IN BOSTON.

PROVINCE OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY.

_To His Excellency, Thomas Hutchinson, Esq., Governor_--

"To the Honorable, His Majesty's Council, and to the
Honorable House of Representatives, in general court
assembled at Boston, the 6th day of January, 1773:--The
humble petition of many slaves living in the town of Boston,
and other towns in the province, is this, namely:--

That Your Excellency and Honors, and the Honorable the
Representatives, would be pleased to take their unhappy
state and condition under your wise and just consideration.

We desire to bless God, who loves mankind, who sent his Son
to die for their salvation, and who is no respecter of
persons, that he hath lately put it into the hearts of
multitudes, on both sides of the water, to bear our
burthens, some of whom are men of great note and influence,
who have pleaded our cause with arguments, which we hope
will have their weight with this Honorable Court.

We presume not to dictate to Your Excellency and Honors,
being willing to rest our cause on your humanity and
justice, yet would beg leave to say a word or two on the
subject.

Although some of the negroes are vicious, (who, doubtless,
may be punished and restrained by the same laws which are in