Sources

New York passes a gradual emancipation law, prohibits the importation of slaves, and allows masters to manumit slaves without posting bonds.

British general Lord Cornwallis surrendered to Americans at Yorktown.

Delaware makes it illegal to enslave imported Africans.

Rhode Island forbids the removal of slaves from the state.

Vermont is the first of the thirteen colonies to abolish slavery and enfranchise all adult males.

Sons of Liberty formed in New York for fair representation in Parliament.

Granville Sharp published A Representation of the Injustice and Dangerous Tendency of Tolerating Slavery: Or of Admitting the Least Claim of Private Property in the Persons of Men, in England

Boston Non-Importation Agreement addressed the colonies defiance not to import tea, paper, glass, or painters’ colours, until the acts imposing duties on these articles have been repealed

Anthony Benezet publishes A Caution and Warning to Great Britain and her Colonies, in a short representation of the calamitous state of the enslaved Negroes in the British Dominions in Philadelphia.

The Stamp Act imposed a revenue stamp on all newspapers, pamphlets, almanacs, legal documents, liquor licenses, college diplomas, playing cards, and even dice.