New Jersey

         In 1702, when New Jersey became a British colony, Gov. Edward Cornbury was dispatched from London with instructions to keep the settlers provided with "a constant and sufficient supply of merchantable Negroes at moderate prices." He likewise was ordered to assist slave traders and "to take especial care that payment be duly made.But while slaves were encouraged, free blacks were not. Free blacks were barred by law from owning land in colonial New Jersey.