* * * * *
II. And whereas, in providing for the second object of this act, that is
to say, for the trade on the coast of Africa, it is first prudent not
only to provide against the manifold abuses to which a trade of that
nature is liable, but that the same may be accompanied, as far as it is
possible, with such advantages to the natives as may tend to the
civilizing them, and enabling them to enrich themselves by means more
desirable, and to carry on hereafter a trade more advantageous and
honorable to all parties:
And whereas religion, order, morality, and virtue are the elemental
principles, and the knowledge of letters, arts, and handicraft trades,
the chief means of such civilization and improvement: for the better
attainment of the said good purposes,
[Sidenote: Marts to be established on the coast.]
1. Be it hereby enacted, that the coast of Africa, on which the said
trade for negroes may be carried on, shall be and is hereby divided into
marts or staples, as hereafter follows. [Here name the marts.] And be it
enacted, that it shall not be lawful for the master of any ship to
purchase any negro or negroes, but at one of the said marts or staples.
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