“An act to direct the disposal of negroes, mulattoes and persons of colour, imported into this state, contrary to the provisions of an act of the Congress of the United States, entitled ’an act to prohibit the importation of slaves into any port or place, within the jurisdiction of the United States, from and after the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eight.’”

Sec. 1.  Every slave illegally imported after 1808 shall be sold for the use of the State.

Sec. 2.  The sheriff shall seize and sell such slave, and pay the proceeds to the treasurer of the State.

Sec. 3.  If the slave abscond, the sheriff may offer a reward not exceeding one-fifth of the value of the slave. Laws of North Carolina, 1816, ch. xii. p. 9; Laws of North Carolina (revision of 1819), II. 1350.

1816, Dec. 3.  President Madison’s Message.

“The United States having been the first to abolish, within the extent of their authority, the transportation of the natives of Africa into slavery, by prohibiting the introduction of slaves, and by punishing their citizens participating in the traffick, cannot but be gratified at the progress, made by concurrent efforts of other nations, towards a general suppression of so great an evil.  They must feel, at the same time, the greater solicitude to give the fullest efficacy to their own regulations.  With that view, the interposition of Congress appears to be required by the violations and evasions which, it is suggested, are chargeable on unworthy citizens, who mingle in the slave trade under foreign flags, and with foreign ports; and by collusive importations of slaves into the United States, through adjoining ports and territories.  I present the subject to Congress, with a full assurance of their disposition to apply all the remedy which can be afforded by an amendment of the law.  The regulations which were intended to guard against abuses of a kindred character, in the trade between the several States, ought also to be rendered more effectual for their humane object.” House Journal, 14 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 15-6.

1817, Feb. 11.  Congress (House):  Proposed Joint Resolution.

“Joint Resolution for abolishing the traffick in Slaves, and the Colinization [sic] of the Free People of Colour of the United States.”

“Resolved, ...  That the President be, and he is hereby authorized to consult and negotiate with all the governments where ministers of the United States are, or shall be accredited, on the means of effecting an entire and immediate abolition of the traffick in slaves.  And, also, to enter into a convention with the government of Great Britain, for receiving into the colony of Sierra Leone, such of the free people of colour of the United States as, with their own consent, shall be carried thither....

“Resolved, That adequate provision shall hereafter be made to defray any necessary expenses which may be incurred in carrying the preceding resolution into effect.”  Reported on petition of the Colonization Society by the committee on the President’s Message.  No further record. House Journal, 14 Cong. 2 sess. pp. 25-7, 380; House Doc., 14 Cong. 2 sess.  No. 77.