from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
POST NATI. Born after. This term is applied to persons who came to reside in
tho United States after the declaration of independence. They are generally
considered aliens, unless they become naturalized, or are otherwise so
declared, by law. In Massachusetts, by statutory provision, and in
Connecticut, by decision, a person born abroad, if he went there to reside
before the treaty of peace of the 3d of September, 1783, is considered a
citizen. 2 Pick. R. 394 5 Day, R. 169; 2 Kent, Com. 51, 2.