7] In 1704 "_An Act for regulating negroe, Indian and
mulatto slaves within the province of New Jersey_," was introduced,
but was tabled and disallowed. The Negroes had just cause for the
fears they entertained as to legislation directed at the few rights
they had enjoyed under the Jersey government. Their fellow-servants
over in New York had suffered under severe laws, and at that time had
no privilege in which they could rejoice. In 1713 the following law
was passed:--

"_An act for regulating slaves._ (1 Nev. L., c. 10.) Sect.
1. Against trading with slaves. 2. For arrest of slaves
being without pass. 3. Negro belonging to another province,
not having license, to be whipped and committed to jail. 4.
Punishment of slaves for crimes to be by three or more
justices of the peace, with five of the principal
freeholders, without a grand jury; seven agreeing, shall
give judgment. 5. Method in such causes more particularly
described. Provides that 'the evidence of Indian, negro, or
mulatto slaves shall be admitted and allowed on trials of
such slaves, on all causes criminal.' 6. Owner may demand a
jury. 7, 8. Compensation to owners for death of slave. 9. A
slave for attempting to ravish any white woman, or presuming
'to assault or strike any free man or woman professing
Christianity,' any two justices have discretionary powers
to inflict corporal punishment, not extending to life or
limb. 10. Slaves, for stealing, to be whipped. 11. Penalties
on justices, &c., neglecting duty. 12. Punishment for
concealing, harboring, or entertaining slaves of others. 13.
Provides that no Negro, Indian, or mulatto that shall
thereafter be made free, shall hold any real estate in his
own right, in fee simple or fee tail. 14. 'And whereas it is
found by experience that free Negroes are an idle, slothful
people, and prove very often a charge to the place where
they are,' enacts that owners manumitting, shall give
security, &c."[478]

Nearly all the humane features of the Jersey laws were supplanted by
severe prohibitions, requirements, and penalties. The trial by jury
was construed to mean that one Negro's testimony was good against
another Negro in a trial for a felony, allowing the owner of the slave
to demand a jury. Humane masters were denied the right to emancipate
their slaves, and the latter were prohibite