Virginia Passes Restrictive Laws
The legislative assembly of Virginia enacted a law that it now legal for a white person to kill an escaped slave who resisted capture. Slaves are forbidden to:
- arm themselves for either offensive or defensive purposes. Punishment: 20 lashes on one’s bare back:
- to leave the plantation without the written permission of one’s master, mistress, or overseer:
- “[to]… lift up his hand against any Christian.” Punishment: 20 lashes on one’s bare back.
Morgan Godwin
The Anglican Morgan Godwin publishes The Negro’s and Indians advocate, suing for their admission into the Church (London, 1680).
Exclusion Bill Defeated in Lords
The second Exclusion Parliament met: the Exclusion Bill was defeated in the Lords.