GLC06610: St. George Tucker A Dissertation on slavery with a proposal for the gradual abolition of it..., 1796.: Page #17
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Hend, from office too: they were formerly incapable of serving in militia, except as drummers or pioneers, but now I perfume they are enrolled in the lifts of those that bear arms, through formerly punishable for presuming to appear at a muster-field * During the revolution war many of them were enlisted as soldiers in the regular army. Even slaves were not rejected from military service at that period, and such as served faithfully during the period of their enlistment, were emancipated by an act passed after the conclusion of the war. An act of justice to which they were entitled upon every principle. All but housekeepers, and persons residing upon the frontiers are prohibited from keeping, or carrying any gun, powder, shot, club, or other weapon offensive or defensive: Refiftance to a white person, in any case, was, formerly, and now, in any safe, except a wanton assault on the Negroe or mulatteo, is punishable by whipping. No Negroe or mulattoe can be a witness
vote at the election of burgesses, or any other election whatsoever. - This act, it is presumed, was in force as the adoption of the constitution. - The act of 1785, c. 55 (edit. of 1794, c. 17,), alfo expressly exclude them fro m the right of reffrage.