obtain_v credit_n here_o and_o contract_v several_a engagement_n notwithstanding_o which_o engagement_n pass_v for_o valuable_a consideration_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o the_o whole_a estate_n be_v by_o pretend_a account_n out_o of_o england_n satisfy_v debt_n contract_v in_o virginia_n shall_v be_v first_o satisfy_v and_o foreign_a part_n take_v away_o and_o the_o country_n creditor_n deprive_v by_o that_o mean_n of_o their_o just_a due_n which_o this_o present_a grand_a assembly_n take_v into_o their_o serious_a consideration_n have_v therefore_o enact_v that_o in_o such_o case_n all_o court_n shall_v give_v a_o priority_n in_o judgement_n for_o debt_n contract_v in_o the_o country_n if_o the_o claim_v be_v make_v within_o twelve_o month_n before_o which_o time_n no_o foreign_a debt_n shall_v be_v pleadable_a unless_o there_o be_v effect_n remain_v after_o the_o country_n debt_n be_v pay_v but_o this_o assembly_n intend_v hereby_o but_o only_o the_o prevention_n of_o fraud_n not_o the_o prejudice_n of_o any_o just_a creditor_n that_o have_v bonâ_fw-la fide_fw-la adventure_v his_o good_n into_o this_o country_n have_v therefore_o further_o enact_v that_o if_o any_o factor_n come_v out_o of_o england_n or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o majesty_n plantation_n shall_v within_o two_o month_n after_o his_o arrival_n make_v entry_n in_o any_o court_n of_o record_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n adventure_v by_o he_o and_o the_o value_n of_o the_o good_n adventure_v every_o such_o adventurer_n shall_v if_o the_o factor_n die_v have_v equal_a plead_v with_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n but_o in_o case_n no_o such_o entry_n be_v make_v all_o good_n import_v shall_v be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a estate_n of_o the_o possessor_n and_o to_o the_o end_n all_o merchant_n and_o other_o person_n concern_v may_v have_v notice_n hereof_o it_o be_v further_a enact_v that_o this_o act_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o force_n until_o the_o first_o of_o march_n 1665._o ii_o a_o act_n for_o frontier_n to_o be_v seat_v with_o four_o able_a hand_n whereas_o experience_n have_v evidence_v that_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o frontier_n plantation_n have_v animate_v the_o indian_n to_o commit_v several_a horrid_a murder_n this_o grand_a assembly_n endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v the_o prevention_n thereof_o for_o the_o future_a have_v enact_v arm_v plantation_n on_o the_o frontier_n to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o four_o able_a man_n well_o arm_v and_o by_o these_o present_n do_v enact_v that_o no_o person_n shall_v hereafter_o seat_v above_o the_o plantation_n already_o seat_v but_o with_o four_o able_a hand_n well_o arm_v at_o his_o first_o seat_v down_o provide_v that_o such_o person_n that_o have_v already_o patent_v land_n in_o any_o remote_a part_n may_v have_v seven_o year_n grant_v they_o to_z seat_z and_o strengthen_v each_o particular_a plantation_n with_o the_o aforesaid_a number_n of_o four_o man_n or_o else_o desert_n their_o land_n iii_o a_o act_n for_o liberty_n to_o plant._n whereas_o many_o endeavour_n have_v be_v use_v to_o induce_v the_o province_n of_o mary-land_n to_o comply_v with_o this_o government_n in_o the_o endeavour_n of_o lessen_v the_o quantity_n and_o advance_v the_o value_n of_o tobacco_n which_o can_v it_o have_v be_v effect_v have_v undoubted_o much_o augment_v the_o happiness_n and_o prosperity_n of_o both_o country_n but_o since_o the_o government_n of_o mary-land_n have_v after_o so_o many_o treaty_n and_o frustrate_v expectation_n still_o continue_v their_o averseness_n repeal_v act_n restrain_v plant_v repeal_v this_o grand_a assembly_n not_o think_v fit_a to_o lay_v a_o restriction_n upon_o this_o government_n while_o they_o have_v so_o great_a a_o liberty_n have_v therefore_o repeal_v and_o annul_v and_o do_v by_o these_o present_v repeal_n and_o annul_v all_o act_n or_o proclamation_n whatsoever_o any_o way_n restrain_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n from_o make_v their_o utmost_a benefit_n of_o their_o labour_n the_o ensue_a year_n iv_o a_o act_n for_o the_o proportion_v all_o action_n to_o the_o forenoon_n and_o afternoon_n whereas_o the_o dispatch_n of_o business_n to_o the_o general_n court_v be_v very_o much_o retard_v by_o the_o liberty_n grant_v to_o all_o person_n arrest_v to_o the_o say_a court_n to_o appear_v at_o any_o time_n within_o the_o day_n assign_v in_o the_o writ_n by_o the_o plaintiff_n by_o which_o mean_v most_o cause_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o afternoon_n and_o that_o time_n be_v insufficient_a to_o hear_v and_o determine_v the_o say_v cause_n the_o court_n be_v thereby_o necessitate_v to_o put_v business_n out_o of_o course_n by_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o next_o morning_n for_o prevention_n of_o which_o inconvenience_n this_o grand_a assembly_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o enact_v and_o it_o be_v by_o the_o authority_n thereof_o enact_v regulate_v the_o time_n for_o issue_v out_o of_o writ_n regulate_v that_o all_o writ_n that_o shall_v for_o the_o future_a issue_n out_o of_o the_o secretary_n office_n returnable_a to_o the_o general_n court_n shall_v be_v divide_v according_a to_o the_o respective_a day_n into_o ten_o for_o the_o forenoon_n and_o ten_o for_o the_o afternoon_n and_o if_o the_o plaintiff_n shall_v at_o that_o time_n fail_v in_o appear_v to_o prosesecute_v a_o nonsuit_n shall_v be_v grant_v against_o he_o and_o judgement_n against_o the_o defendant_n or_o bail_n or_o sheriff_n in_o case_n the_o defendant_n fail_v of_o his_o attendance_n to_o answer_n v._o a_o act_n concern_v the_o regulate_v the_o secretaries-office_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o all_o country_n the_o well_o and_o ill_o keep_v of_o the_o record_n be_v of_o the_o high_a consequence_n as_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o right_n and_o property_n of_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o same_o and_o since_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a neglect_n in_o keep_v the_o record_n in_o this_o country_n for_o remedy_n whereof_o for_o the_o future_a the_o grand_a assembly_n at_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o present_a secretary_n thomas_n ludwel_n esq_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o enact_v and_o be_v it_o by_o the_o authority_n thereof_o enact_v that_o captain_n robert_n ellison_n state_v the_o record_n to_o be_v careful_o state_v mr._n walter_n chiles_n and_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o house_n to_o examine_v and_o state_n the_o record_n as_o they_o now_o be_v and_o that_o for_o the_o future_a as_o soon_o as_o there_o be_v a_o place_n convenient_a to_o receive_v they_o appoint_v no_o person_n may_v be_v permit_v to_o view_v they_o without_o public_a order_n except_o only_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o office_n or_o who_o else_o the_o secretary_n shall_v appoint_v no_o person_n may_v have_v a_o view_n of_o they_o unless_o upon_o public_a order_n but_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o office_n or_o who_o else_o the_o secretary_n shall_v appoint_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v the_o record_n certain_a when_o they_o be_v prostitute_v to_o the_o view_n of_o every_o one_o that_o will_v look_v into_o they_o who_o may_v as_o their_o interest_n lead_v rend_v out_o what_o may_v make_v against_o they_o provide_v that_o any_o person_n have_v occasion_n may_v be_v with_o the_o clerk_n when_o he_o make_v the_o search_n for_o which_o search_v there_o shall_v be_v pay_v to_o the_o clerk_n for_o his_o fee_n one_o shilling_n or_o ten_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n beside_o pay_v for_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o thing_n search_v for_o record_n the_o clerk_n fee_n for_o search_v the_o record_n and_o it_o be_v further_o enact_v that_o but_o half_a that_o fee_n shall_v be_v pay_v to_o the_o clerk_n for_o search_v the_o county_n court_n record_v vi_o a_o act_n for_o convene_v of_o the_o people_n upon_o the_o summons_n of_o the_o burgess_n to_o adjourn_v assembly_n whereas_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o convention_n of_o assembly_n be_v the_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o people_n safety_n and_o redress_n of_o the_o grievance_n which_o be_v usual_o make_v know_v to_o the_o burgess_n of_o the_o respective_a county_n at_o the_o place_n and_o time_n of_o their_o election_n which_o upon_o adjournment_n of_o alsembly_n be_v not_o do_v adjourn_v notice_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o people_n by_o proclamation_n when_o the_o assembly_n be_v to_o be_v adjourn_v by_o reason_n the_o sheriff_n do_v not_o make_v publication_n of_o their_o summons_n it_o be_v enact_v that_o for_o convention_n of_o the_o burgess_n at_o this_o or_o future_a assembly_n adjourn_v timely_a notice_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o people_n by_o publication_n in_o the_o parish_n church_n of_o the_o day_n appoint_v by_o the_o sheriff_n of_o their_o meeting_n at_o the_o usual_a place_n of_o election_n to_o present_v their_o grievance_n to_o the_o burgess_n vii_o a_o act_n concern_v widow_n three_o whereas_o some_o doubt_n have_v arisen_a about_o the_o proportion_v and_o
sign_v by_o the_o secretary_n which_o shall_v remain_v upon_o file_n in_o the_o office_n for_o the_o full_a justification_n of_o the_o clerk_n who_o be_v to_o enter_v they_o in_o the_o book_n of_o record_n xxii_o the_o plaintiff_n to_o file_v his_o declaration_n three_o day_n before_o the_o day_n of_o hear_v plead_v declaration_n to_o be_v file_v three_o day_n at_o least_o before_o plead_v and_o whereas_o the_o clerk_n be_v enjoin_v to_o enter_v twenty_o action_n for_o each_o day_n and_o the_o court_n to_o sit_v at_o certain_a hour_n so_o also_o it_o be_v hereby_o enact_v that_o the_o plaintiff_n file_v his_o declaration_n in_o the_o office_n at_o least_o three_o day_n before_o the_o day_n of_o hear_v in_o which_o time_n the_o defendant_n may_v take_v a_o copy_n thereof_o the_o original_a still_o remain_v in_o the_o office_n and_o provide_v his_o answer_n in_o write_v ready_a to_o present_v to_o the_o governor_n and_o council_n at_o the_o day_n of_o hear_v and_o further_o that_o if_o the_o plaintiff_n fail_v either_o in_o not_o appear_v to_o prosecute_v or_o in_o neglect_v to_o file_v his_o declaration_n as_o be_v hereby_o enjoin_v he_o shall_v pay_v to_o the_o defendant_n if_o he_o live_v within_o fifty_o mile_n of_o james_n city_n default_n the_o penalty_n of_o a_o default_n one_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n for_o a_o nonsuit_n and_o if_o he_o dwell_v further_o off_o then_o three_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n beside_o his_o amercement_n to_o the_o public_a and_o if_o the_o defendant_n make_v default_n the_o judgement_n to_o pass_v against_o the_o bail_n for_o the_o thing_n sue_v for_o or_o if_o no_o bail_n be_v return_v then_o against_o the_o sheriff_n beside_o his_o amercement_n of_o one_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n lay_v upon_o he_o by_o act_n for_o not_o make_v return_v provide_v that_o the_o bail_n and_o sheriff_n have_v respite_n of_o execution_n until_o the_o next_o court_n when_o if_o they_o bring_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o party_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o first_o court_n grant_v to_o be_v reverse_v but_o the_o amercement_n award_v against_o the_o sheriff_n to_o continue_v and_o not_o be_v remit_v xxiii_o adjournment_n to_o the_o two_o last_o day_n for_o determination_n of_o reference_n by_o avisare_fw-la volumus_fw-la or_o action_n enter_v in_o court_n time_n and_o whereas_o this_o act_n enjoin_v the_o proportion_v so_o many_o action_n to_o a_o day_n but_o give_v liberty_n to_o arrest_v in_o court_n time_n to_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o court_n and_o whereas_o some_o case_n of_o difficulty_n may_v be_v present_v volumus_fw-la adjournment_n to_o the_o two_o last_o day_n for_o determination_n oâ—_n reference_n by_o avisare_fw-la volumus_fw-la upon_o which_o the_o court_n may_v desire_v to_o advise_v be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o court_n have_v sit_v so_o many_o day_n as_o be_v fill_v with_o action_n it_o shall_v be_v adjourn_v to_o the_o two_o last_o day_n of_o that_o court_n and_o whatever_o the_o court_n have_v refer_v by_o their_o avisare_fw-la volumus_fw-la and_o all_o action_n enter_v in_o court_n time_n as_o aforesaid_a shall_v be_v then_o try_v and_o determine_v xxiv_o criminal_a cause_n to_o be_v try_v at_o the_o general_n court_n day_n crimminal_a cause_n to_o be_v try_v only_o at_o general_n court_n and_o on_o the_o four_o day_n whereas_o man_n of_o the_o great_a ability_n both_o of_o judgement_n and_o integrity_n do_v usual_o meet_v at_o the_o general_n court_v whither_o their_o ocasion_n do_v frequent_o call_v they_o and_o because_o any_o thing_n that_o concern_v life_n or_o limb_n require_v the_o able_a jury_n to_o inquire_v of_o it_o be_v it_o enact_v that_o all_o criminal_a cause_n that_o concern_v either_o life_n or_o member_n shall_v be_v try_v at_o the_o general_n court_v only_o the_o four_o day_n of_o the_o say_a court_n neighbourhood_n jury_n to_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o neighbourhood_n and_o because_o the_o law_n of_o england_n do_v enjoin_v jury_n to_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o neighbourhood_n where_o the_o fact_n be_v commit_v according_a to_o which_o the_o remoteness_n of_o our_o habitation_n do_v not_o admit_v we_o so_o full_o to_o practice_n as_o we_o desire_v yet_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o they_o as_o near_o as_o possible_a we_o may_v and_o because_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o part_n of_o the_o jury_n at_o least_o shall_v come_v from_o thence_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o near_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o business_n may_v give_v information_n of_o divers_a circumstance_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jury_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o immediate_o after_o the_o commitment_n of_o any_o person_n find_v criminal_a by_o the_o grand_a inquest_n criminal_a the_o manner_n of_o proceed_v by_o jury_n in_o case_n criminal_a the_o sheriff_n of_o the_o county_n to_o who_o custody_n he_o be_v commit_v shall_v give_v notice_n thereof_o to_o the_o secretary_n office_n at_o james_n city_n and_o the_o clerk_n of_o that_o office_n shall_v present_o send_v a_o venire_fw-la facias_fw-la to_o the_o say_a sheriff_n to_o impannel_v six_o man_n of_o the_o able_a and_o near_a of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o his_o county_n juries_n sheriff_n to_o impanel_n juries_n to_o that_o place_n where_o the_o fact_n be_v commit_v to_o be_v of_o the_o jury_n for_o trial_n of_o that_o cause_n returnable_a the_o say_v four_o day_n of_o the_o next_o general_n court_n where_o the_o say_v juryman_n be_v bind_v to_o appear_v charge_n what_o allowance_n juryman_n shall_v have_v for_o their_o charge_n and_o for_o their_o charge_n the_o country_n shall_v allow_v to_o each_o man_n twenty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n per_fw-la day_n for_o each_o day_n they_o may_v be_v reasonable_o come_v to_o and_o return_v from_o james_n city_n and_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n per_fw-la day_n during_o their_o attendance_n there_o about_o it_o viz._n from_o the_o day_n they_o be_v by_o the_o writ_n to_o appear_v until_o they_o be_v discharge_v and_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jury_n be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o bystander_n xxv_o the_o governor_n and_o two_o of_o the_o council_n to_o go_v the_o circuit_n whereas_o the_o honourable_a governor_n out_o of_o his_o singular_a care_n of_o his_o due_a administration_n of_o justice_n in_o all_o court_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o render_v his_o majesty_n a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o government_n have_v be_v please_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o council_n the_o pain_n of_o visit_v all_o the_o county_n court_v of_o the_o country_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o the_o honourable_a governor_n and_o one_o of_o the_o council_n or_o upon_o the_o urgent_a affair_n of_o the_o country_n hinder_v the_o governor_n yearly_o the_o governor_n or_o two_o of_o the_o council_n wh_z m_z he_o shall_v commissionate_v to_o go_v the_o circuit_n yearly_o that_o the_o governor_n commissionate_a too_o of_o the_o council_n for_o every_o river_n yearly_o in_o august_n to_o set_v judge_n in_o all_o the_o county_n court_v and_o there_o hear_v and_o determine_v all_o cause_n then_o depend_v in_o they_o by_o action_n or_o reference_n from_o any_o other_o precede_a court_n in_o that_o county_n provide_v no_o councillor_n be_v appoint_v to_o go_v the_o circuit_n in_o the_o river_n wherein_o he_o do_v inhabit_v xxvi_o appeal_n how_o to_o be_v make_v whereas_o many_o appeal_n be_v make_v from_o county_n court_v to_o general_n court_v and_o from_o general_n court_v to_o assembly_n whereby_o the_o speedy_a execution_n of_o justice_n be_v often_o retard_v and_o many_o person_n disable_v by_o the_o charge_n of_o go_v to_o james_n city_n to_o prosecute_v be_v force_v many_o time_n to_o desist_v from_o the_o claim_n of_o their_o just_a right_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v who_o appeal_v from_o county_n court_n how_o to_o be_v make_v and_o to_o who_o that_o for_o the_o avoid_v delay_n and_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n all_o appeal_v make_v in_o any_o court_n after_o the_o general_n court_n in_o march_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o hear_v of_o the_o governor_n or_o itenerary_a council_n in_o their_o circuit_n from_o who_o sentence_n there_o if_o any_o person_n will_v appeal_v if_o the_o governor_n be_v present_a shall_v be_v make_v to_o the_o next_o assembly_n if_o two_o of_o the_o council_n then_o to_o the_o next_o general_n court_n from_o which_o the_o say_a councillor_n during_o the_o trial_n of_o such_o cause_n or_o cause_n in_o which_o they_o have_v at_o the_o county_n court_v give_v their_o opinion_n shall_v be_v suspend_v but_o because_o in_o the_o winter_n time_n the_o general_a court_n be_v more_o frequent_a and_o all_o cause_n there_o receive_v a_o speedy_a determination_n and_o because_o tobacco_n be_v only_o then_o payable_a may_v be_v pay_v in_o kind_n court_n
non-appearance_n upon_o sub-poena_a '_o s._n be_v one_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n and_o for_o like_a default_n of_o the_o county_n court_v three_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n and_o that_o all_o witness_n summon_v to_o give_v in_o their_o evidence_n at_o either_o of_o the_o say_a court_n witness_n charge_n allow_v to_o witness_n shall_v be_v allow_v for_o their_o necessary_a time_n spend_v in_o come_v and_o go_v to_o and_o from_o the_o say_a court_n twenty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n per_fw-la day_n and_o for_o the_o time_n they_o attend_v there_o until_o they_o have_v give_v in_o their_o evidence_n forty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n per_fw-la day_n and_o because_o many_o malicious_o to_o aggravate_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o suit_n summon_v many_o more_o witness_n than_o be_v needful_a be_v it_o therefore_o further_o enact_v that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v allow_v in_o any_o bill_n of_o cost_v the_o charge_n of_o above_o three_o witness_n to_o any_o one_o action_n limit_v the_o number_n of_o witness_n limit_v unless_o for_o proof_n of_o several_a matter_n incident_a thereunto_o which_o several_o may_v require_v the_o attestation_n of_o two_o witness_n xxxi_o county_n court_v appoint_v be_v it_o also_o enact_v for_o the_o more_o due_a administration_n of_o justice_n in_o the_o several_a county_n and_o the_o great_a ease_n of_o the_o people_n in_o obtain_v the_o same_o the_o court_n be_v continue_v in_o each_o county_n form_v county_n court_v their_o institution_n and_o how_o to_o be_v form_v as_o of_o long_a time_n have_v be_v accustom_v and_o that_o the_o say_v court_n do_v consist_v of_o eight_o of_o the_o most_o able_a honest_a and_o judicious_a person_n in_o the_o county_n which_o eight_o or_o any_o four_o of_o they_o whereof_z one_o to_o be_v always_o of_o the_o quorum_fw-la be_v to_o be_v impower_v by_o commission_n from_o the_o governor_n for_o the_o time_n be_v to_o act_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o england_n and_o of_o this_o country_n and_o to_o empower_v they_o several_o and_o out_o of_o court_n to_o act_v and_o do_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o england_n be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n there_o and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o the_o person_n thus_o commissionated_a peace_n member_n of_o county_n court_n shall_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n and_o the_o oath_n of_o a_o justice_n of_o peace_n take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n and_o the_o oath_n of_o a_o justice_n of_o peace_n that_o they_o be_v call_v justice_n of_o peace_n that_o the_o court_n be_v still_v county_n court_n and_o further_o that_o the_o justice_n do_v keep_v the_o say_a court_n precise_o upon_o the_o day_n appoint_v by_o this_o and_o former_a act_n of_o assembly_n viz._n hold_v at_o what_o place_n and_o when_o county_n court_n shall_v be_v hold_v henrico_n the_o 1_o day_n charles_n city_n the_o 3_o day_n james_n city_n the_o 6_o day_n isle_n of_o wight_n the_o 9_o day_n nanzemond_n the_o 12_o day_n lower_n norfolk_n 15_o day_n elizabeth_n city_n the_o 18_o day_n warwick_n county_n the_o 21_o day_n york_n county_n the_o 24_o day_n nothampton_n the_o 28_o day_n new_a kent_n the_o 28_o day_n gloucester_n the_o 16_o day_n lancaster_n the_o rappahanoch_n the_o surry_n the_o northumberland_z the_o westmorland_z the_o and_o all_o adjournment_n by_o all_o mean_v possible_a be_v avoid_v and_o that_o all_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o say_a court_n respective_o shall_v due_o attend_v the_o same_o and_o shall_v not_o depart_v or_o absent_v themselves_o from_o thence_o without_o the_o licence_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o justice_n there_o present_a and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o have_v a_o lawful_a cause_n of_o absence_n it_o be_v think_v fit_a that_o in_o such_o case_n they_o shall_v upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o court_n signify_v the_o same_o to_o the_o court_n by_o write_v and_o that_o they_o make_v good_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o at_o the_o next_o ensue_a court_n or_o else_o be_v delinquent_a in_o the_o premise_n every_o justice_n so_o offend_v shall_v forfeit_v for_o every_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n three_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o the_o court_n and_o dispose_v of_o to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o county_n xxxii_o no_o arrest_n without_o entry_n of_o action_n be_v it_o also_o enact_v that_o all_o action_n to_o the_o county_n court_v and_o subpoena_n for_o witness_n or_o in_o chancery_n be_v first_o enter_v with_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o county_n or_o his_o know_a deputy_n before_o any_o arrest_v make_v or_o summon_v serve_v under_o penalty_n of_o five_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o be_v levy_v upon_o the_o sheriff_n that_o shall_v presume_v to_o serve_v any_o process_n contrary_a to_o the_o tenor_n hereof_o and_o be_v it_o enact_v that_o the_o plaintiff_n in_o any_o action_n shall_v at_o least_o the_o day_n before_o the_o court_n enter_v his_o bill_n of_o complaint_n arrest_n action_n to_o be_v enter_v before_o arrest_n and_o leave_v it_o in_o the_o clerk_n hand_n that_o the_o defendant_n if_o he_o will_v may_v have_v a_o copy_n thereof_o and_o according_o provide_v his_o answer_n but_o the_o original_a declaration_n or_o bill_n to_o be_v always_o file_v in_o the_o office_n xxxiii_o the_o defendant_n to_o put_v in_o his_o answer_n and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o for_o the_o better_a regulate_v and_o keep_v the_o record_n and_o transfer_v the_o precedent_n to_o posterity_n as_o also_o for_o prevention_n of_o new_a suit_n upon_o mistake_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o other_o that_o as_o the_o plaintiff_n both_o in_o general_a court_n and_o county_n court_v file_n his_o declaration_n so_o the_o defendant_n in_o both_o those_o court_n shall_v also_o put_v in_o his_o answer_n in_o writing_n file_v answer_n to_o declaration_n shall_v be_v file_v and_o that_o the_o judgement_n if_o for_o the_o plaintiff_n be_v endorse_v on_o the_o declaration_n if_o for_o the_o defendant_n on_o the_o answer_n and_o further_o that_o all_o evidence_n concern_v that_o cause_n be_v file_v together_o with_o they_o and_o by_o the_o clerk_n careful_o preserve_v xxxiv_o form_n of_o enter_v the_o court._n be_v it_o also_o enact_v that_o the_o form_n for_o enter_v the_o style_n of_o the_o court_n court_v form_n of_o entry_n in_o county_n court_v proclamation_n for_o silence_n the_o crier_n call_v the_o plaintiff_n and_o the_o defendant_n to_o answer_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o county_n court_v as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o general_n court_v vary_v only_o in_o the_o title_n of_o the_o court_n and_o the_o assessor_n xxxv_o court_v not_o to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o any_o thing_n under_o two_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n and_o be_v it_o also_o enact_v that_o the_o court_n shall_v not_o take_v cognizance_n of_o any_o cause_n under_o the_o value_n of_o two_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n or_o twenty_o shilling_n sterling_a which_o a_o private_a justice_n may_v and_o be_v hereby_o authorize_v and_o impower_v to_o hear_v and_o determine_v and_o whereas_o many_o vexatious_a person_n do_v very_o much_o trouble_v the_o court_n and_o their_o neighbour_n for_o babble_a word_n cognizance_n of_o what_o thing_n court_n shall_v take_v cognizance_n sometime_o passionate_o but_o not_o malicious_o speak_v be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v actionable_a what_o defamation_n be_v actionable_a that_o no_o action_n be_v admit_v for_o defamation_n in_o any_o court_n where_o the_o word_n be_v not_o actionable_a and_o further_o that_o there_o be_v no_o word_n actionable_a but_o such_o as_o if_o true_a may_v have_v bring_v the_o person_n to_o suffer_v punishment_n by_o law_n any_o other_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o court_n and_o the_o plaintiff_n to_o be_v nonsuited_a not_o that_o liberty_n be_v hereby_o give_v or_o intend_v to_o any_o scurrilous_a person_n to_o abuse_v other_o at_o his_o pleasure_n but_o that_o his_o majesty_n court_n be_v not_o for_o such_o brawl_n force_v to_o wave_n matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o because_o offence_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v determine_v by_o a_o particular_a justice_n who_o be_v hereby_o impower_v to_o bind_v the_o person_n so_o offend_v to_o the_o good_a behaviour_n or_o if_o they_o find_v not_o good_a security_n for_o the_o same_o to_o commit_v they_o to_o prison_n till_o they_o find_v it_o xxxvi_o private_a court_n prohibit_v whereas_o many_o thing_n be_v act_v and_o administration_n grant_v at_o private_a court_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o apparent_a damage_n of_o divers_a of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v prohibit_v private_a court_n prohibit_v that_o no_o private_a court_n be_v keep_v but_o that_o all_o business_n triable_a or_o grantable_a by_o or_o at_o the_o county_n court_v be_v try_v and_o
to_o pay_v levy_n for_o explication_n of_o the_o law_n which_o have_v seem_v to_o exempt_a artificer_n etc._n etc._n from_o pay_v levy_n be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o governor_n council_n and_o burgess_n of_o this_o grand_a assembly_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n thereof_o levy_n all_o merchant_n tradesman_n &_o artificer_n above_o the_o age_n of_o 16_o shall_v pay_v levy_n that_o no_o tradesman_n merchant_n nor_o any_o artificer_n whatever_o above_o the_o age_n of_o sixteen_o year_n be_v exempt_v for_o the_o future_a from_o payment_n of_o levy_n any_o act_n custom_n or_o usuage_v to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o at_o a_o grand_a assembly_n hold_v at_o james_n city_n the_o twenty_o first_o of_o september_n anno_fw-la 1674._o i._o a_o act_n for_o a_o address_n and_o supplication_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n majesty_n a_o act_n for_o a_o address_n and_o supplication_n to_o his_o majesty_n whereas_o this_o grand_a assembly_n be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o the_o many_o and_o grievous_a pressure_n that_o be_v daily_o grow_v and_o still_o likely_a to_o grow_v and_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o his_o majesty_n colony_n of_o virginia_n by_o certain_a lord_n pattentee_n who_o under_o colour_n and_o pretence_n of_o promote_a the_o good_a of_o the_o colony_n and_o augment_v his_o majesty_n revenue_n have_v obtain_v certain_a letter_n patent_n and_o grant_v derogate_a and_o in_o prejudice_n of_o many_o royal_a concession_n and_o grant_n from_o time_n to_o time_n grant_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o royal_a progenitor_n in_o favour_n to_o this_o colony_n all_o which_o may_v be_v just_o fear_v the_o say_a lord_n by_o their_o deputy_n and_o minister_n will_v endeavour_v to_o make_v void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_v by_o impose_v new_a rent_n and_o service_n alter_v the_o form_n of_o our_o tennors_n compel_v we_o to_o new_a survey_v and_o new_a patent_n impose_v fine_n and_o composition_n on_o surplusage_n land_n and_o lapse_n at_o their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n by_o nominate_v of_o sheriff_n escheator_n surveyor_n and_o other_o officer_n and_o in_o effect_n divest_v the_o government_n of_o those_o just_a power_n and_o authority_n by_o which_o this_o colony_n have_v hitherto_o be_v keep_v in_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n and_o all_o man_n right_n and_o property_n preserve_v unto_o they_o and_o whereas_o the_o say_v grand_a assembly_n on_o great_a deliberation_n have_v consider_v by_o what_o convenient_a way_n and_o mean_v those_o aggrievance_n may_v be_v remove_v how_o our_o liberty_n privilege_n immunity_n right_n and_o property_n may_v be_v have_v make_v and_o establish_v to_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n have_v think_v fit_a that_o a_o humble_a address_n and_o supplication_n be_v make_v to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n by_o this_o grand_a assembly_n in_o the_o name_n of_o this_o his_o majesty_n most_o loyal_a colony_n set_v forth_o as_o well_o by_o what_o legal_a grant_n and_o concession_n his_o majesty_n and_o his_o royal_a progenitor_n have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o indulge_v this_o colony_n the_o grievous_a pressure_n likely_a to_o grow_v on_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o late_a grant_n to_o the_o lord_n that_o his_o majesty_n will_v gracious_o please_v to_o revoke_v the_o say_v grant_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o secure_v we_o from_o our_o fear_n in_o time_n to_o come_v of_o be_v remove_v from_o his_o majesty_n immediate_a protection_n to_o confirm_v our_o liberty_n privilege_n immunity_n right_n and_o property_n as_o aforesaid_a by_o his_o majesty_n royal_a charter_n &_o that_o certain_a gentleman_n in_o who_o honour_n integrity_n &_o care_n for_o promote_a the_o good_a of_o this_o country_n this_o grand_a assembly_n have_v a_o just_a confidence_n be_v desire_v to_o address_v themselves_o to_o his_o majesty_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o grand_a assembly_n and_o negotiate_v in_o england_n all_o other_o public_a affair_n of_o this_o country_n and_o because_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o a_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o to_o be_v undertake_v nor_o effectual_o prosecute_v without_o money_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o imprudent_o want_v to_o ourselves_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n this_o grand_a assembly_n have_v think_v fit_a that_o a_o sum_n of_o money_n be_v raise_v of_o and_o from_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n to_o be_v use_v and_o employ_v towards_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_v aforesaid_a be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v by_o the_o governor_n council_n and_o burgess_n of_o this_o grand_a assembly_n and_o the_o authority_n thereof_o that_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n beside_o cask_n and_o salary_n be_v levy_v from_o every_o tythable_a person_n within_o this_o colony_n this_o present_a year_n same_o levy_n to_o be_v make_v for_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o and_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n beside_o cask_n and_o salary_n the_o next_o year_n and_o that_o this_o be_v dispose_v to_o several_a undertaker_n at_o the_o rate_n of_o eight_o shilling_n per_fw-la cent._n for_o produce_v money_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o accomplish_v the_o end_n and_o purpose_v aforesaid_a in_o manner_n and_o form_n follow_v viz._n the_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o be_v levy_v this_o present_a year_n in_o the_o county_n of_o york_n new-kent_n gloucester_n and_o middlesex_n be_v pay_v to_o the_o several_a undertaker_n of_o those_o county_n at_o eight_o shilling_n per_fw-la cent_z raise_v how_o to_o be_v raise_v by_o the_o sheriff_n or_o collector_n of_o those_o respective_a county_n they_o pay_v double_a the_o money_n this_o present_a year_n that_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n per_fw-la poll_n do_v amount_v to_o at_o eight_o shilling_n per_fw-la cent._n and_o to_o accept_v of_o their_o full_a compensation_n of_o their_o present_a disbursment_n fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n per_fw-la poll._n of_o the_o same_o county_n aforesaid_a the_o next_o year_n and_o that_o the_o undertaker_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o county_n in_o virginia_n pay_v no_o more_o money_n than_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n do_v amount_v to_o at_o eight_o shilling_n per_fw-la cent._n this_o present_a year_n to_o be_v pay_v they_o by_o the_o sheriff_n or_o collector_n of_o those_o county_n aforesaid_a and_o the_o like_a sum_n of_o money_n next_o year_n upon_o payment_n make_v to_o they_o of_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n per_fw-la poll._n and_o order_v they_o to_o be_v levy_v and_o that_o all_o sheriff_n and_o collector_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o those_o payment_n to_o the_o undertaker_n be_v and_o be_v hereby_o strict_o require_v to_o cause_n payment_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o best_a tobacco_n and_o as_o convenient_a as_o may_v be_v provide_v always_o that_o if_o no_o undertaker_n do_v present_v themselves_o for_o any_o of_o those_o remain_a county_n that_o then_o the_o respective_a county-courts_a be_v hereby_o require_v and_o command_v to_o ship_n the_o tobacco_n within_o the_o county_n for_o england_n and_o consign_v it_o to_o sufficient_a merchant_n and_o to_o cause_v the_o neat_a produce_v of_o it_o to_o be_v pay_v unto_o mr._n secretary_n ludwel_n and_o colonel_n daniel_n park_n for_o the_o account_n of_o the_o grand_a assembly_n of_o virginia_n and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o the_o money_n which_o shall_v be_v find_v due_a on_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o account_n of_o the_o two_o shilling_n per_fw-la hogshead_n be_v also_o remit_v into_o england_n to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o grand_a assembly_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o whereas_o this_o grand_a assembly_n be_v also_o sensible_a by_o the_o lowness_n of_o the_o public_a revenue_n that_o money_n may_v yet_o be_v want_v for_o the_o advance_v and_o carry_v on_o this_o most_o necessary_a work_n be_v it_o also_o further_o enact_v by_o this_o grand_a assembly_n and_o the_o authority_n thereof_o that_o seventy_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n per_fw-la cause_n in_o the_o general_a court_n and_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n per_fw-la cause_n in_o the_o county-courts_a shall_v be_v amerce_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o penalty_n upon_o every_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v cast_v in_o any_o suit_n except_o in_o action_n of_o debt_n in_o which_o if_o any_o be_v cast_v he_o or_o they_o so_o cast_v as_o aforesaid_a shall_v be_v amerce_v in_o the_o general_a court_n fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n if_o in_o the_o county-court_n thirty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n and_o in_o case_n of_o appeal_n double_a provide_v nevertheless_o that_o all_o cause_n of_o orphan_n be_v out_o of_o this_o clause_n of_o amercement_n utter_o excuse_v and_o foreprize_v and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o county_n court_v give_v account_n of_o the_o say_a amercement_n also_o of_o all_o line_n arise_v on_o penal_a law_n at_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o levy_n when_o the_o court_n
appeal_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o the_o general_n court_n it_o be_v enact_v that_o all_o appeal_v make_v from_o october_n december_n and_o other_o intervening_a county_n court_v be_v make_v to_o the_o next_o succeed_a general_n court_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o assembly_n and_o because_o there_o may_v be_v as_o great_a error_n of_o judgement_n or_o will_n in_o matter_n of_o small_a value_n as_o in_o the_o great_a it_o be_v further_a enact_v that_o appeal_n shall_v lie_v open_a as_o aforesaid_a for_o any_o thing_n of_o what_o value_n soever_o always_o provide_v that_o the_o appellant_n put_v in_o good_a security_n for_o prosecute_a the_o appeal_n and_o payment_n of_o fifty_o per_fw-la cent._n damage_n to_o the_o defendant_n if_o the_o appellant_n be_v cast_v in_o the_o suit_n for_o his_o unjust_a molestation_n appeal_n proviso_n in_o ease_n of_o appeal_n provide_v also_o that_o no_o appeal_n be_v make_v from_o northampton_n county_n who_o remoteness_n and_o dangerousness_n of_o passage_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o for_o inconsiderable_a cause_n to_o be_v attempt_v under_o the_o value_n limit_v by_o former_a act_n of_o assembly_n county_n in_o whaâ—_n case_n only_a appâ—als_n be_v to_o be_v mâ—â—â—_n from_o nâ—â—â—hâ—mpton_n county_n be_v three_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n or_o thirty_o pound_n sterling_n any_o thing_n in_o this_o act_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o all_o cause_n of_o what_o value_n or_o nature_n soever_o not_o touch_v life_n or_o member_n may_v be_v try_v at_o the_o county_n court_v and_o that_o no_o arrest_n be_v make_v to_o the_o general_n court_n in_o any_o action_n under_o the_o value_n of_o sixteen_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n criminal_a no_o appeal_n from_o county_n court_v to_o the_o general_n court_n save_v only_o in_o case_n criminal_a or_o sixteen_o pound_n sterling_a upon_o penalty_n of_o five_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o be_v pay_v by_o the_o plaintiff_n to_o the_o defendant_n for_o his_o charge_n xxvii_o amerciament_n in_o the_o general_n court_v fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n per_fw-la cause_n in_o county_n court_v thirty_o per_fw-la cause_n whereas_o many_o suit_n be_v raise_v upon_o frivolous_a occasion_n by_o litigous_a person_n for_o prevention_n thereof_o for_o the_o future_a be_v it_o enact_v and_o confirm_v that_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v cast_v in_o any_o cause_n be_v they_o plaintiff_n or_o defendant_n state_v amerciament_n in_o general_n and_o county_n court_v state_v shall_v be_v amerce_v beside_o the_o damage_n and_o cost_v to_o the_o recoverer_n fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n in_o general_n court_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o public_a and_o in_o the_o county_n court_v thirty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o due_a collect_v whereof_o be_v it_o enact_v that_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o general_n court_v and_o the_o several_a county_n court_v amerciament_n a_o account_n to_o be_v keep_v of_o amerciament_n keep_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o amerciament_n and_o deliver_v or_o send_v the_o same_o to_o the_o several_a sheriff_n of_o the_o particular_a county_n who_o be_v hereby_o require_v to_o collect_v the_o same_o with_o the_o levy_n and_o be_v according_o impower_v for_o default_n of_o payment_n to_o make_v distress_n they_o sheriff_n to_o collect_v they_o and_o command_v not_o to_o return_v any_o arrear_n executor_n and_o administrator_n who_o can_v pay_v without_o order_n always_o except_v xxviii_o subpoena_n to_z be_v issue_v by_o the_o clerk_n be_v it_o also_o enact_v potestatem_fw-la when_o the_o clerk_n shall_v issue_v subpoena_n and_o when_o a_o dedimus_fw-la potestatem_fw-la that_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o general_n court_n shall_v issue_v subpoena_n from_o the_o secretary_n office_n for_o all_o evidence_n require_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o any_o cause_n there_o depend_v if_o the_o witness_n require_v do_v not_o dwell_v beyond_o the_o bay_n or_o the_o north_n side_n of_o james_n river_n and_o if_o they_o do_v that_o then_o a_o dedimus_fw-la potestatem_fw-la shall_v issue_v for_o take_v the_o deposition_n in_o the_o county_n or_o counties_n where_o the_o witness_n do_v dwell_v criminal_a evidence_n shall_v be_v give_v viva_fw-la voce_fw-mi in_o case_n criminal_a provide_v always_o that_o in_o criminal_a cause_n all_o witness_n be_v bind_v over_o to_o give_v in_o their_o evidence_n viva_fw-la voce_fw-la at_o the_o trial_n in_o the_o general_n court_n xxix_o dedimus_fw-la potestatem_fw-la how_o to_o issue_v whereas_o many_o cause_n between_o party_n and_o party_n be_v lose_v for_o want_n of_o evidence_n who_o live_v so_o far_o remote_a can_v but_o at_o a_o charge_n and_o expense_n far_o exceed_v the_o value_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v bring_v to_o give_v it_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-la at_o the_o general_n court_n or_o at_o the_o county_n court_v if_o the_o party_n dwell_v out_o of_o the_o county_n or_o else_o a_o great_a mischief_n be_v introduce_v by_o the_o partial_a and_o illegal_a examination_n of_o witness_n in_o presence_n of_o but_o one_o party_n before_o some_o one_o commissioner_n perhaps_o too_o favourable_o incline_v to_o the_o party_n in_o who_o behalf_n the_o deposition_n be_v take_v beside_o the_o trouble_n expense_n and_o hindrance_n of_o the_o witness_n themselves_o who_o many_o time_n be_v force_v one_o hundred_o mile_n from_o the_o place_n of_o their_o residence_n for_o a_o small_a allowance_n to_o give_v evidence_n in_o trial_n of_o petty_a and_o inconsiderable_a value_n for_o remedy_n whereof_o and_o that_o all_o party_n may_v with_o more_o convenience_n less_o trouble_n and_o cost_n have_v their_o evidence_n impartial_o and_o legal_o take_v be_v it_o enact_v and_o confirm_v that_o if_o the_o cause_n to_o be_v try_v at_o the_o general_n court_n the_o governor_n if_o in_o any_o county_n court_n any_o one_o of_o the_o council_n or_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o court_n direct_v a_o dedimus_fw-la potestatem_fw-la in_o what_o case_n to_o be_v grant_v by_o who_o and_o to_o who_o it_o shall_v be_v direct_v shall_v grant_v and_o sign_n a_o writ_n of_o dedimus_fw-la potestatem_fw-la for_o examination_n of_o witness_n in_o the_o county_n where_o they_o dwell_v direct_v to_o three_o such_o person_n as_o the_o plaintiff_n and_o defendant_n if_o they_o both_o desire_v the_o writ_n shall_v by_o consent_n make_v choice_n of_o and_o nominate_v but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o single_a request_n of_o either_o plaintiff_n or_o defendant_n than_o the_o governor_n councillor_n or_o judge_n of_o the_o county_n court_n out_o of_o court_n time_n shall_v nominate_v and_o appoint_v three_o or_o more_o such_o indifferent_a person_n to_o examine_v all_o such_o witness_n as_o by_o the_o party_n desire_v the_o writ_n they_o shall_v be_v move_v to_o summon_v before_o they_o and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o commissioner_n thus_o make_v choice_n of_o or_o appoint_v to_o execute_v the_o writ_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o shall_v by_o the_o say_v write_v be_v impower_v and_o require_v to_o appoint_v a_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o they_o will_v receive_v the_o evidence_n and_o to_o issue_v out_o subpoena_n for_o their_o appearance_n according_o and_o if_o upon_o such_o summon_v any_o of_o the_o witness_n refuse_v and_o neglect_v to_o come_v and_o give_v in_o their_o evidence_n than_o the_o commissioner_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o finable_a the_o non-appearance_n of_o witness_n in_o case_n of_o a_o dedimus_fw-la potestatem_fw-la finable_a be_v further_o impower_v by_o this_o act_n to_o lay_v such_o a_o fine_a upon_o they_o as_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n give_v in_o such_o case_n for_o non-appearance_n of_o witness_n at_o the_o general_n or_o county_n court_n provide_v always_o that_o the_o party_n procure_v the_o writ_n shall_v give_v the_o party_n concern_v against_o he_o notice_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o the_o commissioner_n intend_v to_o sit_v at_o least_o ten_o day_n before_o the_o day_n appoint_v by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n for_o put_v it_o into_o execution_n and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o the_o say_a commissioner_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o which_o take_v the_o say_a examination_n shall_v immediate_o subscribe_v they_o seal_v they_o and_o the_o writ_n up_o and_o return_v they_o with_o the_o writ_n so_o seal_v up_o to_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o general_n court_n if_o the_o write_v issue_n from_o the_o governor_n or_o else_o to_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o county_n court_n whence_o the_o warrant_n issue_v by_o either_o of_o the_o say_a clerk_n to_o be_v read_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o cause_n in_o either_o of_o the_o say_a court_n xxx_o penalty_n for_o non-appearance_n of_o evidence_n be_v it_o also_o enact_v that_o the_o penalty_n to_o be_v insert_v in_o sub-poena's_a to_o the_o general_n court_v for_o non-appearance_n of_o the_o evidence_n summon_v s._n penalty_n of_o
act_n of_o assembly_n provide_v for_o land_n for_o church_n and_o mill_n and_o that_o there_o be_v allow_v free_a liberty_n of_o ingress_n and_o egress_n to_o and_o from_o such_o house_n or_o house_n not_o commit_v any_o trespass_n act._n tobacco_n during_o their_o transport_v unto_o and_o whilst_o they_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o house_n aforesaid_a be_v exempt_a from_o any_o execution_n or_o attachment_n for_o debt_n contract_v before_o the_o make_v this_o act._n &_o for_o encouragement_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v transport_v their_o tobacco_n to_o the_o appoint_a place_n mention_v in_o this_o act_n it_o be_v also_o hereby_o enact_v that_o no_o execution_n attachment_n or_o other_o process_n in_o law_n shall_v be_v execute_v or_o lay_v upon_o any_o the_o say_v tobaccoeâ—_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o transportation_n thereof_o to_o the_o say_v appoint_v place_n or_o in_o the_o warehouse_n for_o any_o debt_n contract_v before_o the_o pass_a this_o act_n the_o party_n that_o remove_v or_o transport_v such_o tobacco_n have_v first_o make_v oath_n before_o a_o magistrate_n that_o he_o be_v real_o and_o bona_fw-la fide_fw-la transport_v the_o same_o to_o one_o of_o the_o say_a warehouse_n and_o for_o encouragement_n of_o carpenter_n sawyer_n brickmaker_n briclayer_n labourer_n and_o all_o other_o tradesman_n whatsoever_o that_o will_v cohabit_v dwell_v and_o exercise_v their_o trade_n within_o the_o say_v appoint_v place_n or_o any_o of_o they_o it_o be_v hereby_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o all_o such_o person_n so_o inhabit_v shall_v within_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n of_o the_o several_a respective_a place_n be_v whole_o free_a from_o any_o arrest_n of_o their_o person_n or_o seizure_n of_o their_o estate_n for_o such_o debt_n as_o be_v former_o contract_v for_o and_o during_o the_o term_n of_o five_o year_n to_o come_v next_o after_o the_o publication_n of_o this_o law_n year_n tradesman_n who_o will_v dwell_v in_o the_o place_n aforesaid_a shall_v be_v free_v from_o the_o payment_n of_o former_a debt_n of_o five_o year_n not_o bar_v the_o creditor_n or_o creditor_n to_o sue_v for_o and_o recover_v their_o debt_n when_o the_o time_n of_o five_o year_n be_v expire_v any_o law_n custom_n or_o usage_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o and_o it_o be_v hereby_o further_o enact_v that_o all_o such_o tradesman_n and_o labourer_n cohabit_v in_o the_o place_n aforesaid_a &_o not_o plant_v tend_v or_o make_v tobacco_n shall_v be_v free_a and_o acquit_v from_o pay_v any_o public_a levy_n during_o the_o term_n of_o five_o year_n from_o the_o publication_n of_o this_o act._n provide_v always_o and_o it_o be_v hereby_o mean_v and_o intend_v to_o be_v mean_v year_n such_o person_n not_o plant_v tobacco_n shall_v alsobe_a free_v from_o the_o pay-man_n of_o public_a levye_n for_o 5._o year_n that_o all_o such_o debt_n as_o shall_v accrue_v by_o any_o bargain_n or_o contract_v make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o say_v appoint_v place_n or_o any_o one_o of_o they_o immediate_a process_n may_v be_v grant_v thereon_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o law_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o and_o for_o the_o more_o sure_o reserve_v all_o such_o tobacco_n as_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o aforesaid_a store_n or_o warehouse_n levy_n no_o collector_n shall_v make_v seizure_n of_o any_o tobacco_n while_o in_o such_o place_n for_o public_a county_n or_o parish_n levy_n to_o the_o use_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o owner_n thereof_o it_o be_v hereby_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o no_o collector_n or_o collector_n of_o levy_n or_o parish-tiths_a shall_v make_v distress_n or_o seizure_n of_o any_o tobacco_n in_o such_o place_n for_o public_a county_n or_o parish-levy_n or_o for_o sheriff_n or_o clerks-fee_n but_o that_o all_o sheriff_n and_o public_a collector_n shall_v be_v and_o hereby_o be_v enjoin_v to_o collect_v and_o receive_v the_o tobacco_n due_a in_o their_o collection_n as_o heretofore_o be_v usual_a and_o the_o public_a or_o other_o creditor_n to_o receive_v the_o same_o according_o and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a and_o it_o be_v hereby_o enact_v that_o for_o the_o better_a adnaucement_n of_o the_o price_n of_o tobacco_n and_o lessen_v of_o freight_n that_o no_o merchant_n facture_n or_o adventurer_n whatsoever_o arrive_v with_o any_o good_n ware_n servant_n slave_n or_o other_o merchandise_n whatsoever_o into_o this_o colony_n shall_v presume_v to_o buy_v ship_n off_o or_o freight_n any_o tobacco_n whatsoever_o from_o any_o of_o the_o before_o appoint_a place_n at_o any_o time_n or_o time_n before_o the_o twenty_o day_n of_o march_n 1681._o by_o which_o time_n it_o may_v be_v presume_v and_o believe_v all_o tobacco_n whatsoever_o which_o shall_v be_v make_v in_o this_o colony_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o say_v appoint_v place_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o forfeit_v and_o lose_v all_o such_o good_n ware_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o tobacco_n so_o purchase_v one_o half_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o other_o half_a to_o he_o or_o they_o that_o shall_v or_o will_v inform_v or_o sue_v for_o the_o same_o any_o law_n usage_n or_o custom_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o any_o wise_n notwithstanding_o time_n person_n dwell_v within_o the_o say_v appoint_v place_n have_v liberty_n to_o sell_v their_o tobacco_n at_o any_o time_n provide_v always_o and_o it_o be_v hereby_o mean_v and_o intend_v that_o this_o restriction_n shall_v continue_v two_o year_n from_o the_o say_v twenty_o of_o march_n and_o no_o long_o provide_v always_o that_o notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o act_n contain_v any_o inhabitant_n dwell_v within_o the_o say_v appoint_v place_n have_v liberty_n to_o fell_v such_o good_n and_o merchandize_n as_o they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o at_o any_o time_n provide_v also_o and_o it_o be_v hereby_o enact_v that_o if_o two_o or_o more_o county_n lie_v convenient_a to_o each_o other_o shall_v within_o the_o two_o month_n before_o recite_v agree_v together_o on_o one_o common_a place_n and_o town_n for_o each_o their_o county_n and_o lay_v out_o the_o ground_n for_o the_o same_o in_o common_a betwixt_o and_o among_o they_o common_a where_o two_o or_o more_o county_n lie_v convenient_o one_o such_o warehouse_n may_v serve_v in_o common_a and_o there_o build_v house_n as_o by_o this_o act_n be_v enjoin_v that_o then_o such_o one_o town_n so_o agree_v on_o appoint_v lay_v out_o and_o build_v upon_o shall_v serve_v and_o be_v sufficient_a for_o such_o two_o or_o more_o county_n any_o thing_n in_o this_o law_n to_o the_o contrary_n notwithstanding_o and_o it_o be_v hereby_o further_o enact_v that_o all_o magistrate_n take_v due_a care_n to_o see_v this_o act_n be_v strict_o observe_v and_o put_v in_o execution_n vi_o a_o act_n ascertain_v attorney_n fe_n whereas_o all_o court_n in_o this_o country_n be_v many_o time_n hinder_v and_o trouble_v in_o their_o judicial_a proceed_n by_o the_o impertinent_a discourse_n of_o many_o busy_a and_o ignorant_a man_n who_o will_v pretend_v to_o assist_v their_o friend_n in_o his_o business_n and_o to_o clear_v the_o matter_n more_o plain_o to_o the_o court_n although_o never_o desire_v or_o request_v thereunto_o by_o the_o person_n who_o they_o pretend_v to_o assist_v and_o many_o time_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o cause_n county-court_n no_o person_n not_o licence_v by_o the_o governor_n shall_v plead_v as_o a_o atorney_n in_o the_o general_n or_o county-court_n and_o great_a trouble_n and_o hindrance_n of_o the_o court_n for_o prevention_n whereof_o for_o the_o future_a be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n by_o and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o it_o be_v hereby_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o no_o person_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v practice_v as_o a_o attorney_n or_o appear_v to_o plead_v in_o the_o general_n court_n or_o any_o county-court_n in_o this_o country_n but_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v first_o license_v by_o his_o excellency_n or_o successor_n thereunto_o and_o that_o any_o one_o that_o shall_v presume_v to_o plead_v in_o the_o general_n court_n or_o any_o county_n or_o other_o court_n without_o such_o licence_n first_o obtain_v and_o have_v shall_v forfeit_v for_o every_o such_o offence_n commit_v in_o the_o county-court_n six_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n penalty_n the_o penalty_n and_o in_o the_o general_a court_n 2000_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n the_o one_o half_a to_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n the_o king_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n and_o the_o other_o half_a to_o the_o informer_n to_o be_v recover_v by_o action_n of_o debt_n bill_n plaint_n or_o information_n in_o the_o say_a court_n or_o court_n where_o such_o offence_n shall_v be_v commit_v and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o no_o attorney_n
or_o attorney_n so_o license_v as_o aforesaid_a take_v demand_n or_o receive_v from_o any_o person_n for_o any_o cause_n in_o the_o general_a court_n county-courts_a five_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n the_o attorney_n fee_fw-mi for_o plead_v a_o cause_n in_o the_o general_n court_n and_o 150_o for_o every_o cause_n in_o county-courts_a and_o bring_v the_o same_o to_o judgement_n more_o than_o five_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n and_o cask_n and_o for_o any_o cause_n in_o the_o county-court_n and_o bring_v the_o same_o there_o to_o judgement_n more_o than_o one_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n and_o cask_n and_o it_o be_v hereby_o declare_v and_o enact_v that_o every_o attorney_n or_o attorney_n shall_v have_v for_o every_o cause_n he_o undertake_v in_o the_o general_a court_n five_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n and_o cask_n and_o for_o every_o cause_n he_o undertake_v in_o the_o county-court_n one_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n and_o cask_n which_o he_o may_v lawful_o claim_v without_o any_o pre-agreement_n make_v with_o the_o party_n for_o the_o same_o and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a and_o it_o be_v hereby_o enact_v that_o all_o such_o attorney_n or_o attorney_n that_o shall_v refuse_v to_o plead_v any_o cause_n in_o the_o general_a court_n for_o the_o aforesaid_a ascertain_v fee_n of_o five_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n and_o cask_n shall_v forfeit_v and_o pay_v to_o the_o person_n grieve_v five_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n and_o cask_n after_o legal_a conviction_n on_o due_a proof_n thereof_o make_v to_o be_v recover_v by_o due_a process_n of_o law_n aforesaid_a fine_a lay_v on_o attorney_n refuse_v to_o plead_v for_o the_o fee_fw-mi aforesaid_a and_o upon_o refusal_n of_o any_o cause_n in_o the_o county-court_n shall_v pay_v to_o the_o party_n grieve_v one_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n and_o cask_n after_o legal_a conviction_n as_o aforesaid_a to_o be_v recover_v by_o due_a process_n of_o law_n cause_n any_o person_n may_v notwithstanding_o plead_v his_o own_o cause_n provide_v always_o that_o this_o act_n or_o any_o clause_n therein_o shall_v not_o extend_v to_o debar_v any_o man_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o plead_v and_o manage_v his_o own_o cause_n in_o any_o the_o say_a general_n or_o county-courts_a but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v permit_v and_o allow_v to_o plead_v and_o manage_v his_o own_o business_n any_o thing_n in_o this_o act_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o vii_o a_o act_n ascertain_v the_o time_n when_o negro-children_n shall_v be_v tythable_a whereas_o it_o be_v deem_v too_o hard_a and_o severe_a that_o child_n as_o well_o christian_n as_o slave_n import_v into_o this_o colony_n shall_v be_v liable_a to_o tax_n before_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o work_v be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n by_o and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o it_o be_v hereby_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o all_o negro_n child_n import_v or_o to_o be_v import_v into_o this_o colony_n shall_v within_o three_o month_n after_o the_o publication_n of_o this_o law_n or_o after_o their_o arrival_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o county-court_n where_o their_o age_n shall_v be_v adjudge_v of_o by_o the_o judge_n hold_v court_n and_o put_v upon_o record_n which_o say_v negro_n or_o other_o slave_n so_o bring_v to_o court_n adjudge_v and_o record_v shall_v not_o be_v account_v tythable_a until_o he_o attain_v the_o age_n of_o twelve_o year_n age._n negro_n child_n import_v shall_v not_o be_v account_v tythable_a till_o 12_o year_n of_o age._n any_o former_a law_n usuage_n or_o custom_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a and_o it_o be_v hereby_o enact_v that_o no_o christian_a servant_n import_v into_o this_o country_n 14._o and_o christian_a servant_n import_v not_o till_o they_o be_v 14._o shall_v be_v tythable_a before_o they_o attain_v to_o the_o age_n of_o fourteen_o year_n any_o former_a law_n usage_n or_o custom_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o viii_o a_o act_n licens_v a_o free_a trade_n with_o indian_n be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n by_o and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n that_o all_o former_a act_n of_o assembly_n restrain_v limit_v and_o forbid_v trading_n with_o indian_n be_v and_o stand_v hereby_o repeal_v and_o they_o be_v hereby_o repeal_v and_o that_o henceforth_o there_o be_v a_o free_a and_o open_a trade_n force_n the_o time_n this_o act_n shall_v continue_v in_o force_n for_o all_o person_n at_o all_o time_n and_o place_n with_o our_o friendly_a indian_n and_o that_o this_o act_n continue_v in_o force_n until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o next_o session_n of_o assembly_n ix_o a_o act_n ascertain_v allowance_n for_o cask_n be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o it_o be_v hereby_o enact_v that_o from_o and_o after_o the_o publication_n of_o this_o law_n the_o allowance_n of_o cask_n for_o public_a county_n and_o parrish-levys_a and_o for_o clerk_n and_o sheriff_n fee_n be_v eight_o per_fw-la cent._n and_o no_o more_o more_o allowance_n of_o cask_n for_o public_a and_o county_n levys_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v eight_o per_fw-la cent._n and_o no_o more_o and_o that_o all_o sheriff_n or_o other_o collector_n of_o the_o same_o shall_v allow_v the_o planter_n or_o other_o eight_o per_fw-la cent._n for_o his_o cask_n as_o aforesaid_a upon_o penalty_n of_o pay_v for_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v one_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o the_o party_n grieve_v and_o to_o who_o he_o shall_v deny_v such_o allowance_n on_o due_a proof_n thereof_o make_v to_o be_v recover_v by_o action_n of_o debt_n in_o any_o court_n of_o record_n or_o before_o one_o single_a justice_n of_o the_o peace_n if_o the_o same_o exceed_v not_o two_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n x_o a_o act_n for_o prevent_v negro_n insurrection_n whereas_o the_o frequent_a meeting_n of_o considerable_a number_n of_o negro-slave_n under_o pretence_n of_o feast_n and_o burial_n be_v judge_v and_o deem_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n for_o prevention_n whereof_o for_o the_o future_a be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n by_o and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o it_o be_v hereby_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o from_o and_o after_o the_o publication_n of_o this_o law_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o negro_n or_o other_o slave_n to_o carry_v or_o arm_v himself_o with_o any_o club_n staff_n gun_n sword_n or_o any_o other_o weapon_n of_o defence_n certificate_n negro_n shall_v not_o go_v arm_v nor_o depart_v from_o off_o their_o master_n ground_n without_o certificate_n or_o offence_n nor_o to_o go_v or_o depart_v from_o off_o his_o master_n ground_n without_o a_o certificate_n from_o his_o master_n mistress_z or_o overseer_n and_o such_o permission_n not_o to_o be_v grant_v but_o upon_o particular_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o every_o negro_n or_o slave_n so_o offend_v not_o have_v certificate_n as_o aforesaid_a shall_v be_v send_v to_o the_o next_o constable_n who_o be_v hereby_o enjoin_v and_o require_v to_o give_v the_o say_a negro_n twenty_o lash_n on_o the_o bare_a back_n well_o lay_v on_o and_o so_o send_v home_o to_o his_o say_a master_n mistress_z or_o overseer_n punish_v resistance_n of_o negro_n or_o any_o other_o slave_n punish_v and_o it_o be_v further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o if_o any_o negro_n or_o other_o slave_n shall_v presume_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n in_o opposition_n against_o any_o christian_a shall_v for_o every_o such_o offence_n upon_o due_a proof_n make_v thereof_o by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o party_n before_o a_o magistrate_n have_v and_o receive_v thirty_o lash_n on_o the_o bare_a back_n well_o lay_v on_o and_o it_o be_v hereby_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o if_o any_o negro_n or_o other_o slave_n shall_v absent_v himself_o from_o his_o master_n service_n and_o lie_v hide_v and_o lurk_v in_o obscure_a place_n commit_v injury_n to_o the_o inhabitant_n &_o shall_v resist_v any_o person_n or_o person_n that_o shall_v by_o any_o lawful_a authority_n be_v employ_v to_o apprehend_v &_o take_v the_o say_a negro_n that_o then_o in_o case_n of_o such_o resistance_n kill_v fugitive-negroe_n resist_v such_o as_o be_v employ_v to_o apprehend_v they_o may_v be_v kill_v it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o such_o person_n or_o person_n to_o kill_v the_o say_a negro_n or_o slave_n so_o lie_v out_o and_o resist_a and_o that_o this_o law_n be_v once_o every_o six_o month_n publish_v at_o the_o respective_a county-court_n and_o parish_n church_n within_o this_o colony_n xi_o a_o