The Constitution of the United States promises to the citizens of each State, whatever their colour, equal rights in every State — but the practice in many States has always appeared to be at variance with this promise — and yet has passed unnoticed. In some, a coloured citizen is not allowed to come from another, without a special legislative act — in some he is restricted as to whom be may marry — in some he is not allowed to vote — and in some he is not permitted to do militia duty.
The Portland Gazette, Portland, ME, March 5, 1821