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the_o law_n of_o virginia_n now_o in_o force_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n record_n and_o digest_v into_o one_o volume_n revise_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o grand_a assembly_n hold_v at_o james-city_n by_o prorogation_n the_o 23_o of_o march_n 1661._o in_o the_o 13_o the_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n king_n charles_n the_o ii_o london_n print_v by_o e._n cotes_n for_o a._n seile_n over_o against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n m.dc.lxii_o for_o the_o honourable_a sr_n william_n berkeley_n most_o honour_a sir_n since_o you_o care_v impose_v on_o i_o and_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o charge_n to_o peruse_v our_o law_n and_o to_o reduce_v they_o into_o as_o good_a a_o form_n as_o our_o weak_a ability_n can_v perform_v i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o render_v you_o a_o account_n of_o our_o performance_n which_o may_v perhaps_o have_v be_v better_o do_v have_v not_o the_o trouble_v of_o the_o indian_n and_o quaker_n and_o 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law_n we_o govern_v by_o and_o the_o country_n itself_o now_o govern_v by_o those_o law_n which_o truth_n as_o a_o public_a person_n i_o must_v ever_o justify_v and_o as_o a_o particular_a one_o confess_v myself_o by_o it_o oblige_v to_o be_v most_o honour_a sir_n your_o most_o humble_a and_o faithful_a servant_n francis_n moryson_n the_o law_n of_o virginia_n at_o a_o grand_a assembly_n hold_v at_o james-city_n the_o 23_o d._n of_o march_n 1662._o preamble_n whereas_o the_o late_a unhappy_a distraction_n cause_v frequent_a change_n in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o country_n and_o those_o produce_v so_o many_o alteration_n in_o the_o law_n that_o the_o people_n know_v not_o well_o what_o to_o obey_v nor_o the_o judge_n what_o to_o punish_v by_o which_o mean_n injustice_n be_v hardly_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o the_o just_a freedom_n of_o the_o people_n by_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o licentiousness_n of_o the_o law_n hardly_o to_o be_v preserve_v this_o assembly_n take_v the_o same_o 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endeavour_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o near_o as_o the_o capacity_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o country_n will_v admit_v to_o adhere_v to_o those_o excellent_a and_o often_o refine_a law_n of_o england_n to_o which_o we_o profess_v and_o acknowledge_v all_o reverence_n and_o obedience_n and_o that_o the_o law_n make_v by_o we_o be_v intend_v by_o we_o but_o as_o brief_a memorial_n of_o that_o which_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o court_n be_v utter_o unable_a to_o collect_v out_o of_o its_o vast_a volume_n though_o sometime_o perhaps_o for_o the_o difference_n of_o our_o and_o their_o condition_n vary_v in_o small_a thing_n but_o far_o from_o the_o presumption_n of_o contradict_v any_o thing_n therein_o contain_v and_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o honour_v the_o king_n as_o we_o shall_v unless_o we_o serve_v and_o fear_v god_n as_o we_o ought_v and_o that_o they_o may_v show_v their_o equal_a care_n they_o have_v set_v down_o certain_a rule_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o 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do_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n thereof_o i._o church_n to_o be_v build_v or_o chapel_n of_o ease_n be_v it_o enact_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o more_o decent_a celebration_n of_o his_o divine_a ordinance_n tnere_v be_v a_o church_n decent_o build_v in_o each_o parish_n of_o the_o country_n unless_o any_o parish_n as_o now_o settle_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o fewness_n or_o poverty_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n be_v incapable_a of_o sustein_v so_o great_a a_o charge_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v enact_v that_o such_o parish_n shall_v be_v join_v to_o the_o next_o great_a parish_n of_o the_o same_o county_n and_o that_o a_o chapel_n of_o ease_n be_v build_v in_o such_o place_n at_o the_o particular_a charge_n of_o that_o place_n ii_o vestry_n appoint_v that_o for_o the_o make_n and_o proportion_v the_o levy_n and_o assessment_n for_o building_n and_o repair_v the_o church_n and_o chapel_n provision_n for_o the_o poor_a maintenance_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o such_o other_o necessary_a use_n and_o for_o the_o more_o orderly_o manage_v all_o parochial_a affair_n be_v it_o enact_v that_o twelve_o of_o the_o most_o able_a man_n of_o each_o parish_n be_v by_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o say_a parish_n choose_v to_o be_v a_o vestry_n out_o of_o which_o number_n the_o minister_n and_o vestry_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o two_o churchwarden_n yearly_a as_o at_o so_o in_o case_n of_o the_o death_n of_o any_o vestry-man_n or_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o the_o parish_n that_o the_o say_a minister_n and_o vestry_n make_v choice_n of_o another_o to_o supply_v his_o room_n and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v of_o the_o vestry_n that_o do_v not_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o subscribe_v to_o be_v
action_n to_o fill_v with_o that_o number_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a that_o the_o governor_n and_o council_n shall_v wait_v a_o week_n for_o a_o straggle_a business_n enter_v at_o a_o particular_a man_n pleasure_n and_o in_o case_n any_o special_a warrant_n issue_n that_o for_o the_o extraordinariness_n of_o the_o business_n may_v require_v the_o governor_n own_o sign_v it_o be_v enact_v that_o the_o person_n first_o go_v to_o the_o clerk_n and_o there_o enter_v his_o action_n and_o the_o day_n of_o the_o return_n before_o his_o warrant_n shall_v be_v sign_v and_o whereas_o some_o scruple_n have_v arisen_a about_o the_o time_n warrant_n may_v be_v serve_v viz._n whether_o ten_o day_n before_o the_o return_n return_v warrant_n may_v be_v serve_v to_o the_o general-court_n at_o any_o time_n if_o there_o be_v ten_o day_n between_o the_o arrest_n and_o return_v that_o be_v the_o day_n mention_v in_o the_o writ_n to_o appear_v it_o be_v hereby_o declare_v that_o warrant_n may_v be_v serve_v at_o any_o time_n if_o there_o be_v ten_o day_n between_o the_o serve_a and_o the_o return_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o further_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v in_o court-time_n for_o the_o same_o court_n if_o there_o beten_v day_n between_o the_o serving._n xxi_o court_v to_o sit_v from_o eight_o to_o eleven_o of_o the_o clock_n in_o the_o forenoon_n from_o one_o to_o three_o after_o noon_n be_v it_o also_o further_o enact_v that_o the_o court_n shall_v each_o day_n sit_v from_o eight_o of_o the_o clock_n till_o eleven_o in_o the_o forenoon_n and_o from_o one_o to_o three_o in_o the_o afternoon_n and_o for_o avoid_v all_o error_n that_o may_v happen_v in_o the_o draught_n for_o the_o order_n by_o the_o clerk_n either_o through_o his_o mis-apprehending_a the_o sense_n of_o the_o court_n or_o the_o partial_a information_n of_o any_o person_n concern_v which_o he_o be_v distract_v with_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o business_n may_v unwitting_o assent_v to_o that_o all_o order_n of_o the_o day_n be_v by_o the_o clerk_n draw_v up_o against_o next_o morning_n and_o then_o read_v in_o open_a court_n in_o presence_n of_o the_o plaintiff_n and_o defendant_n if_o they_o will_v be_v present_a when_o rule_n will_v be_v give_v by_o the_o court_n for_o amendment_n of_o error_n if_o any_o be_v before_o they_o be_v enter_v upon_o record_n and_o the_o plaintiff_n or_o defendant_n if_o they_o have_v any_o new_a matter_n of_o plea_n shall_v then_o have_v liberty_n to_o plead_v it_o in_o arrest_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o order_n thus_o public_o read_v and_o confirm_v shall_v be_v 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 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 there_o of_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 writing_n 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-city_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 &_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 amerciament_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 amerciament_n award_v against_o the_o sheriff_n to_o continue_v and_o not_o to_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 erect_v in_o court-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-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 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 assoon_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-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_v whereas_o man_n of_o the_o great_a ability_n both_o for_o judgement_n and_o integrity_n do_v usual_o meet_v at_o the_o general-court_n whither_o their_o occasion_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 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_v 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_o 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 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-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 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-court_n where_o the_o say_v juryman_n be_v bind_v to_o appear_v 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-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-court_n 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 that_o the_o governor_n commissionate_a two_o of_o the_o council_n for_o every_o river_n yearly_o in_o august_n to_o
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-court_n if_o the_o writ_n issue_n from_o the_o governor_n or_o else_o to_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o county-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 subpaena_n to_o the_o general-court_n for_o non-appearance_n of_o the_o evidence_n summon_v 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-court_n 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 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 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-court_n 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 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 empower_v by_o commission_n from_o the_o governor_n for_o the_o time_n be_v to_o act_v 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 peace_n there_o and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o these_o person_n thus_o commissionated_a 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 style_v county-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 henrico_n the_o 1_o day_n charles-city_n the_o 3_o day_n james-city_n the_o 6_o day_n isle_n of_o wight_n the_o 9_o day_n nanzemond_fw-fr the_o 12_o day_n lower-norfolk_n the_o 15_o day_n elizabeth-city_n the_o 18_o day_n warwick-county_n the_o 21_o day_n yorke-county_n the_o 24_o day_n northampton_n the_o 28_o day_n new-kent_n the_o 28_o day_n gloucester_z the_o 16_o day_n lancaster_n the_o rappahanocke_v the_o surry_n the_o northumberland_n the_o westmoreland_n 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 writing_n 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_n 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-court_n and_o subpaena_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 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 order_n that_o as_o the_o plaintiff_n both_o in_o general-court_n and_o county-court_n 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 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 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_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o county-court_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o general-court_n 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 empower_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 brabble_a word_n sometime_o passionate_o but_o not_o malicious_o speak_v â—e_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o no_o action_n be_v admit_v for_o defamation_n in_o any_o court_n defamation_n action_n of_o defamation_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 nonsuit_v 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 empower_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 that_o no_o private-court_n be_v keep_v but_o that_o all_o business_n tryable_a or_o grantable_a by_o or_o at_o the_o county-court_n be_v try_v and_o grant_v in_o open_a court_n at_o the_o time_n and_o place_n by_o
sheriff_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o creditor_n to_o who_o the_o sheriff_n shall_v give_v notice_n that_o he_o may_v take_v they_o into_o his_o own_o possession_n and_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o averment_n against_o a_o record_n it_o be_v further_a enact_v that_o the_o sheriff_n make_v return_v of_o the_o execution_n to_o that_o clerk_n of_o the_o county_n that_o grant_v it_o by_o he_o to_o be_v enter_v upon_o record_n under_o the_o order_n it_o be_v issue_v upon_o that_o so_o the_o satisfaction_n aswell_o as_o the_o judgement_n may_v be_v authentique_o prove_v if_o occasion_n require_v whereas_o the_o act_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o poor_a prisoner_n have_v contrary_a to_o the_o intent_n thereof_o be_v extend_v to_o man_n of_o all_o capacity_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v a_o inconsiderable_a part_n of_o their_o estate_n or_o at_o least_o unprofitable_a to_o he_o who_o dependence_n be_v tobacco_n according_a to_o his_o agreement_n force_v for_o satisfaction_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o henceforth_o every_o debtor_n under_o execution_n for_o debt_n shall_v be_v detain_v in_o prison_n until_o he_o have_v pay_v the_o debt_n in_o kind_n but_o that_o real_a poor_a man_n lay_v under_o execution_n for_o a_o debt_n under_o one_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n shall_v still_o have_v liberty_n by_o part_n of_o their_o estate_n by_o some_o justice_n of_o the_o county_n indifferent_o assign_v and_o by_o apprizer_n summon_v by_o the_o sheriff_n and_o swear_v equal_o to_o apprise_v the_o say_a estate_n shall_v make_v payment_n thereof_o to_o their_o creditor_n and_o redeem_v their_o person_n xlix_o no_o commissioner_n clerk_n or_o sheriff_n to_o be_v attorney_n in_o the_o court_n where_o they_o officiate_v be_v it_o enact_v that_o neither_o sheriff_n commissioner_n under-sheriff_n or_o clerk_n of_o any_o court_n within_o this_o colony_n shall_v be_v permit_v to_o plead_v as_o a_o attorney_n in_o any_o person_n behalf_n in_o the_o court_n wherein_o he_o officiate_n and_o the_o say_a commissioner_n sheriff_n under-sheriff_n or_o clerk_n offend_v herein_o shall_v for_o every_o default_n be_v fine_v one_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o county_n provide_v always_o that_o if_o any_o poor_a person_n not_o able_a to_o plead_v his_o own_o cause_n shall_v request_v the_o court_n to_o assign_v he_o one_o of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o plead_v for_o he_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o the_o court_n to_o grant_v it_o and_o for_o the_o commissioner_n to_o plead_v according_o but_o the_o counsellor_n commissioner_n etc._n etc._n so_o plead_v the_o poor_a man_n cause_n not_o to_o give_v judgement_n therein_o provide_v also_o that_o any_o commissioner-sheriff_n under-sheriff_n or_o clerk_n act_v as_o general_n attorney_n for_o any_o person_n absent_a out_o of_o the_o country_n or_o county_n and_o negotiate_v their_o affair_n and_o so_o liable_a to_o be_v sue_v for_o their_o employer_n such_o person_n notwithstanding_o this_o act_n shall_v have_v liberty_n also_o to_o plead_v and_o prosecute_v in_o any_o cause_n that_o shall_v any_o way_n concern_v their_o say_a employer_n l._n publication_n of_o writ_n for_o election_n of_o burgess_n whereas_o frequent_a complaint_n be_v make_v by_o the_o people_n that_o they_o have_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o the_o election_n of_o burgess_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n be_v deprive_v of_o give_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o their_o own_o representative_n be_v it_o enact_v henceforward_o that_o the_o sheriff_n of_o the_o respective_a county_n shall_v upon_o the_o receipt_n of_o the_o writ_n cause_n copy_n thereof_o with_o the_o day_n appoint_v for_o the_o election_n endorse_v to_o be_v send_v to_o the_o minister_n or_o reader_n of_o every_o parish_n in_o their_o county_n who_o be_v to_o read_v the_o same_o to_o the_o people_n two_o sunday_n successive_o both_o in_o the_o church_n and_o chapel_n of_o ease_n to_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o end_n that_o no_o person_n may_v pretend_v ignorance_n and_o return_v the_o same_o to_o the_o sheriff_n with_o his_o attestation_n subscribe_v that_o he_o have_v publish_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o this_o act_n which_o attestation_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discharge_v the_o sheriff_n from_o blame_n but_o if_o the_o sheriff_n neglect_v to_o send_v copy_n as_o aforesaid_a then_o to_o be_v fine_v two_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o county_n and_o every_o freeman_n after_o such_o publication_n make_v neglect_v to_o come_v and_o give_v his_o vote_n at_o the_o day_n appoint_v for_o election_n shall_v be_v amerce_v two_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o county_n and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o if_o the_o sheriff_n shall_v not_o before_o the_o day_n of_o the_o return_n make_v his_o due_a return_n of_o the_o writ_n with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o burgess_n endorse_v into_o the_o secretary_n office_n at_o james-city_n the_o say_a sheriff_n so_o neglect_v shall_v be_v fine_v two_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o the_o public_a li._n public_a levy_n to_o be_v first_o pay_v be_v it_o also_o enact_v that_o no_o sheriff_n shall_v where_o he_o receive_v tobacco_n of_o any_o person_n indebt_v for_o his_o levye_n and_o also_o for_o fee_n and_o other_o debt_n due_a to_o himself_o or_o any_o other_o officer_n and_o not_o pay_v the_o whole_a in_o kind_n by_o which_o mean_n for_o part_v thereof_o distress_n must_v be_v make_v shall_v presume_v to_o convert_v the_o tobacco_n in_o kind_n to_o his_o own_o or_o any_o other_o use_n and_o force_v the_o countrey-creditour_n to_o accept_v of_o the_o distress_n or_o stay_v for_o his_o debt_n but_o that_o all_o debt_n due_a to_o the_o public_a be_v first_o pay_v and_o the_o tobacco_n in_o kind_n pay_v to_o the_o creditor_n of_o the_o public_a who_o reputation_n be_v by_o these_o evasion_n often_o vilify_v and_o that_o the_o sheriff_n make_v default_n herein_o shall_v be_v fine_v ten_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o public_a upon_o proof_n thereof_o make_v in_o any_o court_n of_o record_n in_o this_o country_n lii_o the_o sheriff_n upon_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o treasurer_n or_o his_o deputy_n to_o collect_v the_o quitrent_n and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o the_o sheriff_n be_v his_o majesty_n immediate_a officer_n shall_v upon_o the_o instance_n of_o his_o majesty_n treasurer_n or_o his_o deputy_n here_o be_v compel_v to_o receive_v all_o such_o quitrent_n as_o the_o say_a treasurer_n or_o his_o deputy_n shall_v give_v he_o order_n to_o receive_v in_o his_o county_n and_o that_o the_o say_v quitrent_n be_v pay_v as_o the_o levy_n in_o the_o direct_a specie_fw-la of_o tobacco_n or_o money_n and_o that_o no_o particular_a fee_n or_o debt_n be_v prefer_v before_o they_o under_o like_a penalty_n as_o for_o the_o payment_n of_o other_o debt_n before_o the_o levy_n liii_o listen_v of_o tithable_n how_o to_o be_v take_v whereas_o the_o fraud_n of_o sheriff_n in_o bring_v in_o the_o list_n of_o the_o tithable_n have_v very_o much_o augment_v the_o tax_n of_o the_o country_n be_v it_o enact_v that_o for_o the_o better_a discovery_n of_o the_o number_n of_o tithable_n each_o county_n shall_v be_v divide_v into_o several_a precinct_n in_o each_o of_o which_o a_o commissioner_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o court_n appoint_v to_o take_v a_o list_n of_o the_o tithable_n to_o be_v bring_v or_o send_v in_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o master_n of_o every_o family_n of_o the_o name_n and_o number_n of_o tithable_n he_o have_v in_o his_o family_n and_o if_o he_o bring_v in_o a_o false_a list_n the_o say_a master_n shall_v pay_v treble_a duty_n for_o every_o person_n so_o by_o he_o conceal_v and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o the_o say_a commissioner_n give_v public_a notice_n in_o write_v to_o be_v read_v and_o set_v up_o at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n or_o chapel_n of_o ease_n of_o the_o precinct_n he_o be_v to_o take_v account_n of_o and_o of_o the_o day_n he_o will_v receive_v they_o provide_v the_o day_n be_v before_o the_o ten_o of_o june_n at_o far_a at_o which_o time_n every_o person_n neglect_v to_o bring_v in_o his_o list_n as_o aforesaid_a shall_v be_v adjudge_v a_o concealer_n and_o pay_v according_o and_o every_o commissioner_n fail_v in_o give_v notice_n neglect_v to_o take_v the_o list_n connive_v at_o other_o concealment_n or_o not_o give_v a_o true_a list_n of_o his_o own_o tithable_n shall_v also_o pay_v treble_a duty_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o every_o commissioner_n in_o august-court_n follow_v shall_v deliver_v the_o account_n so_o take_v by_o he_o and_o the_o subscription_n of_o the_o several_a master_n of_o family_n to_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o county-court_n who_o shall_v return_v a_o exact_a list_n of_o
accomake_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n provide_v for_o the_o secure_n of_o the_o payment_n of_o the_o two_o shilling_n per_fw-la hogshead_n due_a to_o the_o country_n but_o no_o provision_n make_v therein_o for_o the_o secure_v the_o payment_n of_o fort-duty_n of_o fotomake_n accomake_n and_o lyn-haven_n from_o whence_o they_o fetch_v their_o tobacco_n in_o sloope_n be_v it_o enact_v that_o the_o say_a act_n shall_v extend_v as_o well_o to_o cause_v the_o planter_n load_v it_o to_o reserve_v and_o make_v payment_n of_o three_o penny_n per_fw-la hogshead_n for_o fort-duty_n of_o the_o say_a tobacco_n as_o for_o the_o payment_n of_o the_o two_o shilling_n per_fw-la hogshead_n cxxxi_o ten_o shilling_n per_fw-la hogshead_n whereas_o the_o prudence_n of_o all_o nation_n have_v provide_v for_o the_o defray_v the_o public_a necessary_a charge_n of_o the_o country_n rather_o by_o lay_v a_o imposition_n upon_o the_o adventurer_n for_o the_o staple-commodity_n of_o the_o country_n by_o the_o exportation_n of_o which_o the_o great_a advantage_n accrue_v than_o by_o tax_v the_o person_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n this_o present_a grand_a assembly_n endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o ease_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o people_n and_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o great_a benefit_n that_o accrue_v to_o other_o country_n by_o the_o custom_n arise_v from_o our_o commodity_n tobacco_n and_o that_o virginia_n who_o partilar_a staple_n it_o be_v have_v from_o it_o nor_o from_o the_o adventurer_n hither_o no_o public_a advantage_n we_o have_v think_v it_o necessary_a and_o convenient_a and_o according_o have_v enact_v and_o confirm_v that_o all_o master_n merchant_n of_o ship_n and_o mariner_n trade_v to_o virginia_n and_o not_o bind_v by_o charter-party_n to_o return_v and_o discharge_v in_o any_o of_o the_o english_a dominion_n in_o europe_n shall_v pay_v for_o every_o hogshead_n of_o tobacco_n they_o shall_v load_v aboard_o any_o ship_n bark_n or_o other_o vessel_n arrive_v here_o after_o the_o first_o of_o august_n next_o and_o not_o bind_v as_o aforesaid_a ten_o shilling_n sterling_a either_o in_o money_n or_o good_a bill_n of_o exchange_n with_o good_a caution_n or_o in_o good_a valuable_a commodity_n at_o twenty_o five_o per_fw-la cent_n advance_v provide_v always_o that_o all_o adventurer_n inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n trade_v in_o bottom_n belong_v to_o virginia_n owner_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o the_o say_a imposition_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o trade_n here_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n to_o purchase_v vessel_n and_o of_o mariner_n to_o make_v this_o their_o place_n of_o residence_n cxxxii_o castle-duty_n to_o be_v pay_v whereas_o the_o castle-duty_n grant_v by_o his_o majesty_n to_o colonel_n francis_n morrison_n captain_n of_o the_o fort_n at_o point-comfort_n be_v render_v of_o no_o value_n by_o the_o charge_n of_o boat_n and_o hand_n go_v to_o collect_v they_o and_o the_o inconsiderableness_n of_o the_o commodity_n they_o be_v pay_v in_o be_v common_o the_o refuse_n of_o their_o cargoe_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o all_o master_n of_o ship_n and_o other_o vessel_n be_v thereunto_o require_v by_o the_o officer_n appoint_v by_o the_o say_a colonel_n morison_n shall_v give_v in_o a_o true_a burden_n of_o their_o ship_n or_o vessel_n and_o the_o list_n of_o their_o passenger_n at_o such_o convenient_a place_n and_o to_o such_o person_n as_o the_o say_a colonel_n morrison_n shall_v in_o each_o river_n appoint_v upon_o oath_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o his_o say_a collector_n or_o officer_n if_o a_o commissioner_n or_o else_o by_o any_o one_o or_o two_o commissioner_n and_o if_o any_o master_n shall_v make_v false_a entry_n either_o of_o his_o burden_n or_o list_n of_o passenger_n than_o he_o shall_v upon_o proof_n thereof_o make_v pay_v treble_a duty_n for_o the_o number_n of_o passenger_n or_o quantity_n of_o tun_n conceal_v the_o same_o to_o be_v recover_v out_o of_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o master_n so_o offend_v and_o the_o like_a penalty_n upon_o all_o such_o master_n as_o shall_v without_o come_v into_o harbour_n fetch_v away_o their_o load_n in_o sloop_n of_o bo_n and_o what_o master_n soever_o shall_v not_o pay_v his_o duty_n in_o kind_n be_v half_o a_o pound_n of_o powder_n and_o three_o pound_n of_o leaden_a shot_n per_fw-la tun_n and_o six_o penny_n per_fw-la poll_n for_o every_o person_n import_v not_o be_v a_o mariner_n that_o then_o he_o shall_v pay_v in_o lieu_n thereof_o one_o shilling_n per_fw-la tun_n and_o six_o penny_n per_fw-la poll_n either_o in_o money_n or_o good_n as_o they_o cost_v at_o the_o first_o penny_n and_o that_o the_o collector_n thereof_o transmit_v the_o say_a entry_n of_o ship_n and_o passenger_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o say_a master_n to_o the_o say_a colonel_n morrison_n to_o be_v by_o he_o record_v in_o his_o fort-book_n as_o former_o have_v be_v accustom_v cxxxiii_o ship_n to_o come_v up_o to_o james-city_n whereas_o the_o king_n majesty_n frequent_a instruction_n have_v command_v that_o all_o master_n of_o ship_n arrive_v in_o this_o country_n shall_v before_o they_o break_v bulk_n bring_v up_o their_o ship_n to_o james-city_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o seat_v of_o the_o inhabitant_n in_o divers_a river_n can_v without_o much_o prejudice_n to_o the_o say_a master_n extend_v to_o all_o party_n of_o the_o country_n yet_o that_o his_o majesty_n command_n may_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v be_v effectual_o obey_v we_o the_o governor_n council_n and_o burgess_n of_o this_o grand_a assembly_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o enact_v and_o be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o all_o ship_n whatsoever_o arrive_v in_o james-river_n do_v according_o with_o the_o first_o fair_a wind_n and_o weather_n after_o their_o arrival_n bring_v up_o their_o ship_n to_o james-city_n and_o there_o make_v entry_n of_o their_o ship_n take_v out_o licence_n to_o trade_n and_o perform_v such_o other_o thing_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v there_o certify_v the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n do_v enjoin_v they_o cxxxiv_o privilege_n of_o virginia-owner_n whereas_o some_o doubt_n have_v arisen_a about_o the_o privilege_n of_o virginia-owner_n and_o their_o exemption_n from_o the_o payment_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o two_o and_o ten_o shilling_n per_fw-la hogshead_n be_v it_o enact_v and_o declare_v that_o the_o say_a privilege_n be_v grant_v only_o to_o the_o owner_n and_o adventurer_n in_o such_o vessel_n as_o sole_o and_o whole_o belong_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n and_o not_o to_o such_o person_n as_o be_v only_a partner_n of_o vessel_n who_o othet_n partner_n dwell_v in_o other_o country_n and_o the_o governor_n be_v judge_n of_o such_o propriety_n and_o certify_v the_o same_o to_o the_o collector_n cxxxv_o a_o public_a notary_n appoint_v whereas_o for_o want_n of_o a_o public_a notary_n the_o certificate_n and_o other_o instrument_n to_o be_v send_v out_o of_o this_o country_n have_v not_o that_o credit_n give_v they_o in_o foreign_a part_n as_o due_o they_o ought_v be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o henry_n randolph_n clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v authorize_v and_o swear_v a_o public_a notary_n for_o this_o country_n to_o who_o attestation_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o we_o desire_v all_o credence_n may_v be_v give_v cxxxvi_o act_n concern_v the_o indian_n whereas_o the_o mutual_a discontent_n complaint_n jealousy_n and_o fear_n of_o english_a and_o indian_n proceed_v chief_o from_o the_o violent_a intrusion_n of_o divers_a english_a make_v into_o their_o land_n force_v the_o indian_n by_o way_n of_o revenge_n to_o kill_v the_o cattle_n and_o hog_n of_o the_o english_a and_o by_o that_o mean_n injury_n be_v do_v on_o both_o side_n report_n and_o rumour_n be_v spread_v of_o the_o hostile_a intention_n of_o each_o to_o other_o tend_v infinite_o to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o majesty_n be_v country_n and_o whereas_o the_o law_n prohibit_v the_o purchase_n of_o any_o indian_n land_n unless_o acknowledge_v at_o general_a court_n or_o assembly_n by_o reason_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o affright_v they_o to_o a_o public_a as_o well_o as_o a_o private_a acknowledgement_n be_v make_v fruitless_a and_o ineffectual_a corrupt_a interpreter_n often_o add_v to_o this_o mischief_n by_o render_v they_o willing_a to_o surrender_v when_o indeed_o they_o intend_v to_o have_v receive_v a_o confirmation_n of_o their_o own_o right_n and_o a_o redress_n of_o their_o wrong_n which_o mischief_n have_v they_o continue_v must_v needs_o have_v involve_v the_o country_n into_o a_o inevitable_a and_o destructive_a warr._n for_o remedy_n of_o which_o inconvenience_n and_o that_o for_o the_o future_a a_o sure_a equitable_a peace_n may_v be_v establish_v the_o governor_n council_n and_o burgess_n out_o of_o their_o tender_a care_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o