The committee finding upon enquiry that one of the slaves imported by Hereld Blackmore, was ordered after the publication of the resolves of the provincial convention of this province, and in contradiction thereto, and that he had at that time an opportunity to contradict the orders he had given for the other slaves, and he now confessing that he sent a copy of the provincial resolves to Granada: It is the opinion of the committee that the said slaves be re-shipped. And the committee do resolve that all slaves, imported since the first day of this instant, or which may be imported, shall be re-shipped from this province. Upon a suggestion to the committee that Mr. Arthur Mabson hath imported in his schooner from the West Indies, some slaves which are now at his plantation near this town: It is ordered that the sense of this committee relative thereto be made known to Mr. Mabson, and that Mr. [Archibald] Maclain write to him for that purpose, which he hath done as follows to wit:

Wilmington, 17th Dec. 1774

Sir:

The committee for the town, chosen to observe the conduct of all persons touching the association of the General Congress, have resolved that all slaves imported into this river since the first day of December, instant, shall be re-shipped to the place from whence they came as soon as possible, and being informed that you have, contrary to the express letter of the said association, imported slaves from the West Indies, which you have now at your plantation, it is expected that you will give a particular account of the number thereof, and take such steps as may satisfy the committee that you intend, on your part, to adhere strictly to the regulations laid down by your representatives. I am Sir [&c]