fourteen_o year_n of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n king_n charles_n ii_o i._o a_o act_n concern_v sheriff_n make_v false_a return_v whereas_o the_o sheriff_n of_o the_o several_a respective_a county_n do_v often_o contrary_a to_o act_v of_o assembly_n accept_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o party_n arrest_v instead_o of_o take_v bail_n which_o by_o act_n he_o be_v enjoin_v to_o do_v and_o yet_o to_o save_v himself_o harmless_a do_v make_v false_a return_v viz._n that_o the_o writ_n can_v not_o be_v execute_v whereby_o the_o creditor_n be_v delay_v in_o the_o suit_n or_o non_fw-la est_fw-la inventus_fw-la whereby_o attachment_n issue_n to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o defendant_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v by_o this_o present_a grand_a assembly_n and_o the_o authority_n thereof_o return_v the_o penalty_n of_o sheriff_n make_v false_a return_v that_o every_o sheriff_n that_o shall_v be_v prove_v to_o have_v execute_v the_o writ_n and_o yet_o make_v such_o false_a return_n shall_v be_v fine_v three_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n one_o half_a to_o the_o public_a and_o the_o other_o half_a to_o the_o party_n damage_v or_o delay_v as_o aforesaid_a ii_o a_o act_n concern_v servant_n owner_n of_o good_n whereas_o many_o servant_n import_v into_o this_o country_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o custom_n here_o do_v sometime_o bring_v in_o with_o they_o a_o small_a parcel_n of_o good_n or_o have_v they_o send_v afterward_o by_o their_o friend_n which_o usual_o either_o the_o party_n that_o import_v they_o or_o he_o to_o who_o they_o be_v assign_v as_o servant_n convert_v to_o their_o own_o use_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v by_o this_o present_a grand_a assembly_n and_o the_o authority_n thereof_o use_n servant_n good_n be_v to_o be_v dispose_v of_o for_o their_o own_o use_n that_o all_o servant_n bring_v good_n in_o with_o they_o not_o be_v their_o own_o wear_v apparel_n or_o have_v they_o consign_v to_o they_o during_o the_o time_n of_o their_o service_n shall_v have_v the_o propriety_n in_o their_o own_o good_n and_o by_o permission_n of_o their_o master_n dispose_n of_o the_o same_o for_o their_o own_o future_a advantage_n iii_o a_o act_n against_o person_n that_o refuse_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptise_a whereas_o many_o scismatical_a person_n either_o out_o of_o averseness_n to_o the_o orthodox_n establish_v religion_n or_o out_o of_o the_o new-fangled_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o heretical_a invention_n refuse_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptise_a be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v by_o this_o present_a grand_a assembly_n and_o the_o authority_n thereof_o that_o all_o and_o every_o person_n and_o person_n that_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a sacrament_n of_o baptism_n baptise_a the_o penalty_n of_o refuse_v to_o have_v child_n baptise_a shall_v refuse_v when_o he_o or_o they_o may_v carry_v their_o child_n to_o a_o lawful_a minister_n in_o that_o county_n where_o he_o or_o they_o dwell_v to_o have_v they_o baptise_a shall_v be_v amerce_v two_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n half_a to_o the_o parish_n half_a to_o the_o informer_n iv_o a_o act_n declare_v how_o judgement_n shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o a_o non_fw-la est_fw-la inventus_fw-la return_v whereas_o by_o the_o present_a law_n when_o a_o non_fw-la est_fw-la inventus_fw-la be_v return_v attachment_n be_v grant_v returnable_a the_o next_o court_n and_o judgement_n upon_o the_o attachment_n the_o court_n follow_v yet_o if_o the_o arrest_v be_v upon_o a_o action_n of_o the_o case_n upon_o account_n prescribe_v no_o way_n of_o make_v proof_n of_o the_o debt_n the_o act_n for_o account_n refer_v they_o to_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o debtor_n inventus_fw-la proceed_n in_o case_n of_o a_o non_fw-la est_fw-la inventus_fw-la be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o henceforth_o in_o all_o such_o case_n the_o creditor_n oath_n shall_v be_v take_v to_o his_o account_n and_o judgement_n pass_v for_o the_o same_o he_o depose_v to_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n where_o bail_n be_v take_v and_o the_o defendant_n appear_v not_o upon_o proof_n make_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o creditor_n as_o aforesaid_a judgement_n shall_v pass_v against_o the_o bail_n for_o the_o debt_n v._o a_o act_n for_o punishment_n of_o scandalous_a person_n whereas_o many_o babble_v woman_n slander_v and_o scandalize_v their_o neighbour_n duck_v babble_v and_o slanderous_a woman_n to_o be_v punish_v by_o duck_v for_o which_o their_o poor_a husband_n be_v often_o involve_v in_o chargeable_a and_o vexatious_a suit_n and_o cast_v in_o great_a damage_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o in_o action_n of_o slander_n occasion_v by_o the_o wife_n after_o judgement_n pass_v for_o the_o damage_n the_o woman_n shall_v be_v punish_v by_o duck_v and_o if_o the_o slander_n be_v so_o enormous_a as_o to_o be_v adjudge_v at_o great_a damage_n than_o five_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n than_o the_o woman_n to_o suffer_v a_o duck_a for_o each_o five_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n adjudge_v against_o the_o husband_n if_o he_o refuse_v to_o pay_v the_o tobacco_n vi_o a_o act_n concern_v women-servant_n get_v with_o child_n by_o their_o master_n whereas_o by_o a_o act_n of_o assembly_n make_v the_o 23_o of_o march_n 1661._o every_o woman-servant_n have_v a_o bastard_n be_v to_o repair_v the_o trouble_n and_o charge_n sustain_v by_o the_o master_n to_o serve_v two_o year_n after_o her_o time_n by_o indenture_n be_v expire_v and_o late_a experience_n show_v that_o some_o dissolute_a master_n have_v themselves_o get_v their_o women-servant_n with_o child_n withal_o women-servant_n get_v with_o child_n by_o their_o master_n how_o to_o be_v deal_v withal_o yet_o have_v shameless_o claim_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o service_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o woman_n get_v with_o child_n by_o her_o master_n shall_v be_v free_v from_o that_o service_n it_o may_v probable_o induce_v such_o loose_a person_n to_o lay_v all_o their_o bastard_n to_o their_o master_n it_o be_v therefore_o think_v fit_a and_o acccord_o enact_v that_o from_o henceforward_o each_o woman-servant_n get_v with_o child_n by_o her_o master_n shall_v after_o her_o time_n by_o indenture_n or_o custom_n be_v expire_v be_v by_o the_o churchwarden_n of_o the_o parish_n where_o she_o live_v when_o she_o be_v bring_v to_o bed_n of_o such_o bastard_n sell_v for_o two_o year_n and_o the_o tobacco_n be_v employ_v by_o the_o vestry_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o parish_n vii_o a_o act_n compel_v witness_n subpoena_v to_o deliver_v their_o evidence_n upon_o oath_n whereas_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n already_o make_v prescribe_v no_o way_n of_o compel_a witness_n to_o give_v in_o their_o evidence_n upon_o oath_n imprisonment_n refusal_n of_o give_v evidence_n punishable_a by_o imprisonment_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o henceforth_o all_o witness_n subpoena_v to_o give_v evidence_n in_o any_o cause_n if_o they_o refuse_v to_o declare_v it_o upon_o oath_n shall_v be_v commit_v to_o prison_n and_o there_o remain_v until_o they_o declare_v their_o evidence_n upon_o oath_n viii_o a_o act_n concern_v servant_n be_v the_o repute_a father_n of_o bastard-children_n whereas_o by_o the_o present_a law_n of_o this_o country_n the_o punishment_n of_o a_o repute_a father_n of_o a_o bastard-child_n be_v the_o keep_n of_o the_o child_n and_o save_v the_o parish_n harmless_a withal_o repute_a father_n of_o bastard-children_n if_o servant_n how_o to_o be_v deal_v withal_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v the_o repute_a father_n to_o be_v a_o servant_n who_o can_v no_o way_n accomplish_v the_o penalty_n of_o that_o act_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o where_o any_o bastard-child_n be_v get_v by_o a_o servant_n the_o parish_n shall_v take_v care_n to_o keep_v the_o child_n during_o the_o time_n the_o repute_a father_n have_v to_o serve_v by_o indenture_n or_o custom_n and_o that_o after_o the_o say_v repute_v father_n be_v free_a he_o shall_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o parish_n ix_o a_o act_n enjoin_v the_o record_v all_o conveyance_n make_v in_o england_n in_o the_o secretary_n office_n whereas_o daily_a experience_n show_v that_o many_o person_n inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n do_v privy_o make_v over_o their_o estate_n to_o other_o in_o england_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n defraud_v all_o their_o creditor_n in_o this_o country_n of_o their_o just_a debt_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o all_o conveyance_n of_o any_o estate_n in_o this_o country_n make_v over_o to_o any_o person_n in_o england_n or_o authentic_a copy_n office_n all_o conveyance_n shall_v be_v record_v in_o the_o secretary_n office_n shall_v be_v send_v over_o to_o this_o country_n the_o next_o ship_n after_o they_o be_v make_v and_o be_v here_o manifest_v in_o the_o general-court_n and_o record_v in_o the_o secretary_n office_n or_o else_o to_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
assign_v the_o three_o of_o the_o estate_n of_o person_n intestate_a to_o their_o widow_n division_n all_o estate_n of_o person_n intestate_v to_o be_v divide_v into_o three_o and_o the_o widow_n to_o have_v she_o three_o and_o choice_n after_o division_n it_o be_v for_o explanation_n thereof_o enact_v by_o the_o grand_a assembly_n and_o the_o authority_n thereof_o that_o the_o estate_n of_o all_o person_n intestate_a where_o the_o will_n be_v doubtful_a whether_o personal_a or_o real_a viz._n land_n clear_v or_o wood_n land_n and_o house_n may_v be_v according_a to_o the_o quantity_n or_o quality_n of_o the_o say_a land_n and_o house_n divide_v equal_o into_o three_o and_o the_o widow_n to_o have_v she_o three_o and_o choice_n after_o the_o division_n viii_o a_o act_n repeal_n the_o act_n concern_v rumine_z whereas_o there_o be_v by_o a_o former_a act_n of_o assembly_n make_v at_o james_n city_n march_v 20_o 1661._o repeal_v the_o act_n concern_v rumine_z and_o paveal_v sugar_n repeal_v a_o imposition_n lay_v upon_o rumine_z and_o paveal_v sugar_n the_o house_n upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o collect_v the_o say_a impost_n and_o the_o define_n paveaâ—_n sugar_n and_o principal_o the_o obstruction_n it_o may_v bring_v to_o the_o trade_n of_o the_o country_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o enact_v that_o the_o say_a act_n be_v total_o repeal_v ix_o a_o act_n concern_v arrest_n in_o court_n time_n whereas_o divers_a person_n repair_v to_o james_n city_n in_o the_o time_n of_o quarter_n court_n and_o assembly_n some_o about_o service_n of_o the_o public_a some_o to_o give_v evidence_n county_n no_o arrest_n shall_v be_v serve_v at_o james_n city_n during_o the_o general_n assembly_n nor_o five_o day_n before_o and_o after_o except_o upon_o person_n dwell_v in_o james_n city_n county_n other_o to_o their_o other_o occasion_n which_o by_o the_o malice_n of_o some_o person_n take_v they_o at_o a_o advantage_n be_v arrest_v to_o a_o present_a answer_n for_o fear_v whereof_o divers_a person_n do_v absent_a themselves_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o the_o public_a affair_n and_o the_o obstruction_n of_o justice_n it_o be_v therefore_o order_v that_o no_o arrest_n five_o day_n before_o the_o general_n court_v or_o assembly_n or_o five_o day_n after_o the_o general_n court_v or_o assembly_n be_v serve_v upon_o any_o person_n at_o james_n city_n except_o he_o be_v a_o inhabitant_n of_o james_n city-county_n at_o a_o grand_a assembly_n hold_v at_o james_n city_n october_n the_o 20_o anno_fw-la 1665._o i._o a_o act_n impower_v a_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n to_o grant_v attachment_n whereas_o it_o have_v be_v scruple_v whether_o a_o particular_a justice_n of_o the_o peace_n may_v in_o any_o case_n issue_v a_o attachment_n this_o assembly_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o declare_v that_o in_o case_n of_o suspicion_n of_o any_o person_n intention_n to_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o county_n where_o he_o dwell_v either_o to_o conceal_v himself_o in_o the_o country_n or_o withdraw_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o country_n whereby_o the_o ordinary_a proceed_n at_o law_n can_v be_v have_v against_o he_o attachment_n in_o what_o case_n one_o justice_n of_o peace_n may_v may_v grant_v attachment_n it_o be_v and_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o any_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n to_o issue_v out_o a_o attatchment_n against_o so_o much_o of_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o person_n so_o suspect_v to_o remove_v as_o by_o the_o claim_v make_v shall_v in_o his_o judgement_n appear_v due_a to_o the_o creditor_n replievable_a by_o security_n give_v or_o appearance_n at_o the_o next_o court_n provide_v that_o the_o say_a justice_n take_v sufficient_a security_n of_o he_o that_o desire_v the_o attachment_n to_o pay_v the_o damage_n the_o court_n shall_v award_v to_o the_o defendant_n in_o case_n the_o plaintiff_n be_v cast_v in_o the_o suit_n ii_o a_o act_n for_o repeal_n of_o the_o act_n for_o defray_v the_o encouragement_n for_o kill_a woolve_n by_o a_o tax_n upon_o horse_n whereas_o the_o act_n for_o levy_v the_o encouragement_n of_o kill_v of_o woolve_n upon_o horse_n repeal_v the_o act_n for_o levy_v money_n on_o horse_n for_o encourage_v the_o kill_n of_o woolve_n repeal_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a inequality_n thereof_o impose_v too_o great_a a_o burden_n upon_o those_o frontier_n county_n which_o have_v most_o woolve_v kill_v and_o few_o horse_n to_o bear_v the_o charge_n it_o be_v therefore_o enact_v by_o this_o present_a grand_a assembly_n and_o the_o authority_n thereof_o that_o that_o act_n shall_v be_v and_o hereby_o be_v repeal_v and_o the_o former_a law_n for_o pay_v the_o encouragement_n per_fw-mi poll_n be_v revive_v and_o continue_v iii_o a_o act_n prohibit_v the_o sale_n of_o arm_n to_o the_o indian_n whereas_o there_o be_v former_o a_o law_n in_o force_n prohibit_v the_o sale_n of_o arm_n ammunition_n or_o gun_n to_o the_o indian_n which_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o say_v indian_n be_v furnish_v by_o the_o dutch_a be_v omit_v it_o be_v then_o think_v impolitic_a to_o debar_v ourselves_o from_o so_o great_a a_o advantage_n as_o may_v accrue_v to_o we_o by_o the_o indian_n trade_n when_o we_o can_v not_o prevent_v the_o supply_n yet_o since_o those_o envious_a neighbour_n be_v now_o by_o his_o majesty_n justice_n and_o prudence_n remove_v from_o we_o and_o the_o trade_n now_o likely_a to_o be_v in_o our_o hand_n and_o none_o to_o furnish_v they_o beside_o our_o own_o nation_n which_o in_o these_o time_n of_o eminent_a danger_n have_v scarce_o ability_n to_o furnish_v our_o own_o want_n it_o be_v therefore_o enact_v by_o this_o grand_a assembly_n and_o the_o authority_n thereof_o that_o the_o sale_n of_o arm_n gun_n powder_n and_o shot_n felon_n any_o person_n sell_v ammunition_n to_o indian_n for_o the_o first_o offence_n shall_v be_v fine_v 10000_o l._n of_o tobacco_n and_o for_o the_o second_o be_v prosecute_v as_o a_o felon_n be_v whole_o prohibit_v and_o that_o whosoever_o contrary_a to_o the_o intent_n of_o this_o act_n shall_v by_o himself_o or_o any_o other_o sell_v or_o barter_n powder_n shot_n gun_n or_o ammunition_n to_o any_o indian_a shall_v be_v fine_v ten_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n or_o suffer_v two_o year_n imprisonment_n without_o bail_n or_o mainprize_n for_o the_o first_o offence_n and_o for_o the_o second_o to_o be_v proceed_v against_o as_o felon_n iv_o a_o additional_a act_n for_o better_a restrain_v the_o exportation_n of_o hides_n repeal_v by_o 12_o act_n anno_fw-la 1680._o vide._n v._o a_o act_n concern_v the_o intent_n of_o some_o former_a penalty_n whereas_o certain_a doubt_n have_v arisen_a in_o give_v judgement_n upon_o a_o penal_a law_n as_o steal_v of_o hog_n take_v away_o of_o boat_n and_o the_o like_a where_o several_a person_n may_v be_v actor_n in_o commit_v the_o same_o offence_n viz._n whether_o the_o penalty_n impose_v be_v to_o be_v levy_v upon_o all_o the_o actor_n in_o general_a fine_v where_o several_a be_v actor_n in_o the_o same_o crime_n every_o one_o to_o be_v fine_v and_o the_o payment_n of_o the_o penalty_n specify_v in_o the_o act_n by_o any_o one_o shall_v acquit_v the_o rest_n or_o else_o judgement_n pass_v for_o the_o entire_a sum_n against_o every_o particular_a and_o individual_a offender_n be_v it_o enact_v for_o the_o better_a deter_v people_n from_o commit_v such_o offence_n that_o in_o all_o such_o case_n every_o particular_a offender_n may_v be_v single_o prosecute_v and_o have_v judgement_n pass_v against_o he_o for_o the_o whole_a fine_a and_o because_o the_o law_n have_v be_v silent_a in_o prescribe_v any_o way_n to_o punish_v servant_n guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o such_o act_n where_o freeman_n be_v to_o pay_v a_o fine_a of_o which_o they_o be_v during_o their_o service_n whole_o uncapable_a and_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o attempt_v it_o shall_v their_o punishment_n be_v respite_v until_o their_o time_n of_o service_n be_v expire_v be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v punishment_n servant_n that_o be_v offender_n not_o be_v capable_a of_o pay_v a_o fine_a be_v to_o receive_v corporal_a punishment_n that_o in_o all_o case_n where_o a_o freeman_n be_v punishable_a by_o fine_a a_o servant_n shall_v receive_v corporal_a punishment_n viz._n for_o every_o five_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n twenty_o lash_n and_o so_o many_o such_o several_a punishment_n as_o be_v five_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n include_v in_o the_o fine_a unless_o their_o master_n or_o other_o acquaintance_n will_v redeem_v they_o by_o make_v payment_n and_o it_o be_v further_o enact_v that_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v by_o procurement_n of_o the_o servant_n upon_o promise_n and_o agreement_n for_o future_a service_n pay_v the_o fine_a and_o release_v he_o from_o punishment_n such_o agreement_n make_v shall_v notwithstanding_o the_o coverture_n bound_v such_o servant_n to_o performance_n after_o his_o time_n by_o indenture_n
confer_v of_o baptism_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n as_o to_o his_o bondage_n or_o freedom_n that_o divers_a master_n free_v from_o this_o doubt_n may_v more_o careful_o endeavour_v the_o propagate_a of_o christianity_n by_o permit_v child_n though_o slave_n or_o those_o of_o great_a growth_n if_o capable_a to_o be_v admit_v to_o that_o sacrament_n iii_o a_o act_n of_o encouragement_n for_o erect_v mill_n whereas_o it_o will_v conduce_v much_o to_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o country_n both_o for_o grind_v of_o corn_n and_o near_a road_n if_o mill_n be_v erect_v at_o convenient_a place_n which_o divers_a person_n will_v willing_o do_v if_o not_o obstruct_v by_o the_o perverseness_n of_o some_o person_n not_o permit_v other_o though_o not_o will_v themselves_o to_o promote_v so_o public_a a_o good_a it_o be_v enact_v by_o this_o present_a grand_a assembly_n and_o the_o authority_n thereof_o mill_n two_o commisioner_n may_v be_v impower_v by_o the_o county-court_n to_o appoint_v conveninient_a place_n whereon_o to_o erect_v mill_n that_o if_o any_o person_n willing_a to_o erect_v one_o or_o more_o mill_n upon_o convenient_a place_n have_v land_n only_o on_o one_o side_n the_o say_a place_n and_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o land_n on_o the_o other_o side_n refuse_v to_o let_v he_o have_v a_o acre_n of_o land_n to_o the_o use_n aforesaid_a that_o then_o the_o countie-court_n upon_o request_n of_o the_o party_n so_o refuse_v shall_v order_v and_o empower_v two_o commissioner_n or_o such_o other_o credible_a person_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o view_v the_o say_a land_n and_o if_o it_o take_v not_o away_o house_n or_o orchard_n or_o other_o immediate_a convenience_n then_o to_o value_n the_o say_a quantity_n of_o land_n and_o to_o put_v the_o same_o into_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o party_n build_v the_o say_a mill_n or_o mill_n he_o pay_v the_o consideration_n the_o land_n be_v value_v at_o and_o it_o be_v further_o enact_v court-house_n also_o for_o building_n of_o church_n or_o court-house_n that_o the_o like_a liberty_n shall_v be_v grant_v for_o two_o acre_n of_o land_n and_o no_o more_o for_o erect_v church_n or_o court-house_n provide_v that_o in_o case_n of_o desertion_n of_o any_o structure_n the_o land_n shall_v revert_v to_o the_o first_o proprietor_n he_o pay_v what_o he_o receive_v for_o it_o iv_o a_o act_n for_o roads_n to_o house_n whereas_o the_o dispatch_n of_o business_n in_o this_o country_n be_v much_o obstruct_v for_o want_n of_o bridle_n way_n to_o the_o several_a house_n and_o plantation_n it_o be_v enact_v by_o this_o grand_a assembly_n and_o the_o authority_n thereof_o that_o every_o person_n have_v a_o plantation_n plantation_n convenient_a passage_n for_o man_n and_o horse_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o every_o plantation_n shall_v at_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o convenient_a place_n that_o lead_v to_o his_o house_n make_v a_o gate_n in_o the_o fence_n for_o the_o convenience_n of_o passage_n of_o man_n and_o horse_n to_o his_o house_n about_o their_o occasion_n at_o discretion_n of_o the_o owner_n v._o a_o act_n against_o exportation_n of_o corn._n vide_fw-la act_n 3_o anno_fw-la 1675_o 6._o vi_o a_o act_n for_o rate_v of_o ordinary-keeper_n vide_fw-la act_n 10._o anno_fw-la 1676._o vii_o a_o act_n for_o fort_n to_o be_v build_v in_o each_o river_n vide_fw-la act_n 2._o anno_fw-la 1668._o and_o act_n 1_o anno_fw-la 1672._o at_o a_o grand_a assembly_n hold_v at_o james_n city_n september_n 17._o 1668._o i._o a_o act_n for_o establish_v a_o fast_a whereas_o the_o many_o sin_n of_o this_o country_n may_v just_o provoke_v the_o anger_n of_o almighty_n god_n against_o we_o and_o draw_v down_o his_o judgement_n upon_o we_o unless_o divert_v by_o a_o timely_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n the_o governor_n council_n and_o burgess_n take_v the_o same_o into_o their_o serious_a consideration_n have_v enact_v and_o do_v by_o these_o present_v enact_v that_o the_o 27_o day_n of_o august_n next_o be_v set_v a_o part_n for_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n hereby_o strict_o require_v all_o person_n on_o that_o day_n to_o repair_v to_o their_o respective_a parish-church_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n to_o implore_v god_n mercy_n and_o deprecate_v the_o evil_n just_o impend_v over_o we_o and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n in_o contempt_n hereof_o shall_v be_v find_v on_o that_o day_n game_n drink_v or_o work_v work_n of_o necessity_n except_v he_o or_o they_o so_o offend_v upon_o presentment_n of_o the_o churchwarden_n and_o proof_n thereof_o make_v to_o the_o vestry_n shall_v be_v fine_v one_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n half_a to_o the_o informer_n half_a to_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o parish_n and_o it_o be_v further_o enact_v that_o all_o minister_n in_o the_o parish_n where_o they_o reside_v be_v require_v to_o repair_v themselves_o to_o the_o solemnize_n that_o day_n ii_o a_o act_n for_o dispensation_n of_o ship_n ride_v under_o the_o fort_n whereas_o the_o act_n for_o erect_v fort_n enjoin_v all_o ship_n trade_v into_o this_o country_n to_o ride_v within_o the_o command_n of_o the_o fort_n now_o erect_v for_o security_n of_o the_o say_a ship_n in_o time_n of_o war_n and_o danger_n and_o since_o god_n have_v restore_v to_o we_o the_o blessing_n of_o a_o universal_a peace_n by_o which_o the_o necessity_n occasion_v that_o injunction_n be_v take_v away_o the_o governor_n council_n and_o burgess_n of_o this_o grand_a assembly_n for_o the_o ease_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o trader_n have_v enact_v and_o by_o these_o present_n do_v enact_v that_o licence_n and_o liberty_n shall_v be_v and_o hereby_o be_v grant_v to_o all_o merchant_n and_o master_n of_o any_o ship_n or_o vessel_n that_o already_o be_v or_o hereafter_o shall_v come_v into_o any_o river_n of_o this_o country_n unload_v ship_n permit_v to_o ride_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o river_n where_o they_o may_v most_o convenient_o unload_v to_o ride_v with_o their_o ship_n in_o any_o part_n of_o that_o river_n they_o shall_v make_v choice_n of_o for_o better_a dispatch_n of_o their_o affair_n and_o this_o permission_n to_o continue_v in_o force_n until_o the_o governors_n honour_n find_v just_a cause_n to_o command_v the_o contrary_n iii_o a_o act_n concern_v damage_n in_o appeal_n whereas_o the_o present_a act_n about_o appeal_n seem_v to_o take_v care_n only_o of_o the_o damage_n sustain_v by_o creditor_n in_o action_n of_o debt_n be_v difficult_a in_o prescribe_v a_o remedy_n upon_o action_n in_o the_o case_n trespass_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o impunity_n litigious_a person_n do_v more_o bold_o persist_v in_o stir_v up_o and_o prosecute_a malicious_a and_o unjust_a suit_n to_o the_o great_a trouble_n vexation_n and_o damage_n of_o many_o honest_a man_n and_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o majesty_n peace_n for_o redress_v whereof_o it_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o governor_n council_n and_o burgess_n of_o this_o grand_a assembly_n cent._n cost_v and_o damage_n give_v in_o county-court_n upon_o appeal_n to_o the_o general_n court_n if_o cast_v there_o shall_v be_v raise_v 50._o per_fw-la cent._n and_o the_o authority_n thereof_o that_o in_o all_o action_n the_o damage_n cost_n and_o reasonable_a expense_n of_o suit_n recover_v against_o the_o appellant_n in_o the_o county-court_n by_o judgement_n or_o verdict_n of_o a_o jury_n shall_v have_v fifty_o per_fw-la cent._n raise_v upon_o all_o those_o cost_n and_o damage_n in_o the_o general_n court_n or_o assembly_n if_o appeal_v be_v make_v to_o the_o general_n court_n against_o the_o person_n appeal_n if_o cast_v in_o the_o suit_n iv_o a_o act_n about_o correction_n of_o runaway_n whereas_o it_o have_v be_v question_v whether_o servant_n run_v away_o may_v be_v punish_v with_o corporal_a punishment_n by_o their_o master_n or_o magistrate_n since_o the_o act_n already_o make_v give_v the_o master_n satisfaction_n by_o prolong_v their_o time_n of_o service_n runaway_n corporal_a punishment_n may_v be_v inflict_v on_o runaway_n it_o be_v enact_v and_o declare_v that_o corporal_a punishment_n moderate_o inflict_v on_o a_o runaway-servant_n by_o master_n or_o magistrate_n shall_v not_o deprive_v the_o master_n of_o the_o satisfaction_n allow_v by_o the_o law_n the_o one_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o further_o persist_v in_o that_o idle_a course_n as_o the_o other_o be_v just_a to_o repair_v the_o damage_n sustain_v by_o the_o master_n v._o a_o act_n impower_v county-court_n to_o build_v work_n house_n assist_v by_o the_o vestry_n vide_fw-la act_n 10._o an._n 1666_o vi_o a_o act_n permit_v the_o exportation_n of_o horse_n and_o mare_n whereas_o the_o number_n of_o horse_n and_o mare_n be_v so_o increase_v that_o there_o appear_v not_o any_o occasion_n to_o continue_v the_o restraint_n of_o their_o exportation_n it_o be_v enact_v by_o this_o grand_a
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
evident_o appear_v to_o the_o court_n that_o it_o be_v just_o due_a to_o he_o xlviii_o apprisement_n of_o good_n be_v it_o enact_v for_o the_o equal_a aprisement_n of_o good_n seize_v by_o execution_n that_o the_o plaintiff_n and_o defendant_n shall_v choose_v each_o of_o they_o two_o indifferent_a man_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o in_o case_n of_o disagreement_n the_o say_v four_o or_o three_o of_o they_o shall_v choose_v a_o umpire_n which_o umpire_n so_o choose_v shall_v be_v swear_v by_o the_o next_o commissioner_n to_o apprise_v such_o good_n indifferent_o and_o his_o umpirage_n to_o be_v final_a appraized_a good_n seize_v by_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v appraized_a and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o if_o plaintiff_n or_o defendant_n shall_v neglect_v to_o appoint_v apprize_v within_o three_o day_n after_o execution_n be_v serve_v notice_n be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o sheriff_n to_o who_o the_o execution_n be_v direct_v that_o then_o the_o sheriff_n in_o such_o case_n of_o neglect_n shall_v choose_v and_o appoint_v apprizer_n either_o for_o the_o plaintiff_n or_o defendant_n for_o apprize_v the_o good_n by_o he_o seize_v upon_o execution_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v appraisement_n good_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o plaintiff_n possession_n till_o after_o appraisement_n that_o before_o such_o aprizement_n the_o sheriff_n shall_v not_o remove_v the_o good_n out_o of_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o plaintiff_n and_o the_o surplusage_n if_o any_o be_v return_v to_o he_o but_o after_o apprizement_n make_v as_o aforesaid_a the_o property_n to_o vest_n in_o the_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_o eenact_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 as_o well_o as_o the_o judgement_n may_v be_v authentical_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 prisoner_n what_o person_n shall_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o act_n make_v for_o relief_n of_o poor_a prisoner_n 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 officiate_n no_o commissioner_n clerk_n or_o sheriff_n shall_v be_v attorney_n in_o that_o court_n wherein_o he_o officiate_n 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 cause_n the_o court_n may_v notwithstanding_o permit_v a_o commissioner_n to_o plead_v a_o poor_a man_n cause_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 councillor_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_n sheriff_n vnder-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 church_n writ_n for_o election_n of_o burgess_n shall_v be_v read_v public_o in_o church_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 copies_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 tobacco_n freeman_n neglect_v to_o giuc_v their_o vote_n at_o election_n of_o burgess_n shall_v be_v fine_v 200_o l._n of_o tobacco_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_n 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 levy_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_v for_o part_n 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 country_n creditor_n to_o accept_v of_o the_o distress_n or_o stay_v for_o his_o debt_n pay_v debt_n due_a to_o the_o public_a shall_v be_v first_o pay_v 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 quit_v rent_n money_n quit_v rent_n shall_v be_v collect_v by_o the_o sheriff_n and_o shall_v be_v pay_v in_o tobacco_n or_o money_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 quit_v rent_n as_o the_o say_a
a_o sick_a servant_n to_o a_o hazard_n of_o the_o recovery_n than_o put_v themselves_o to_o the_o certain_a charge_n of_o a_o rigorous_a though_o unskilful_a physician_n who_o demand_n for_o the_o most_o part_n exceed_v the_o purchase_n of_o the_o patient_n many_o other_o poor_a people_n also_o be_v force_v to_o give_v themselves_o over_o to_o a_o linger_a disease_n rather_o than_o ruin_v themselves_o by_o endeavour_v to_o procure_v a_o uncertain_a remedy_n for_o redress_v thereof_o for_o the_o future_a be_v it_o enact_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o any_o person_n or_o person_n conceive_v the_o account_n of_o the_o physician_n or_o chirurgeon_n unreasonable_a to_o arrest_v the_o say_a physician_n or_o chirurgeon_n to_o the_o general_n or_o county_n court_n demand_n appeal_v to_o the_o general_n or_o county_n court_n when_o physicician_n or_o surgeon_n be_v unreasonable_a in_o their_o demand_n where_o the_o physician_n or_o chirurgeon_n shall_v declare_v upon_o his_o oath_n the_o true_a value_n cost_n and_o quantity_n of_o the_o drug_n administer_v for_o which_o the_o court_n shall_v grant_v order_n against_o the_o plaintiff_n with_o fifty_o per_fw-la cent._n advance_v and_o such_o consideration_n for_o his_o care_n visit_n and_o attendance_n as_o they_o shall_v judge_v he_o have_v deserve_v and_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v by_o evidence_n that_o the_o say_a physician_n or_o chirurgeon_n have_v neglect_v his_o patient_n while_o he_o be_v under_o cure_n the_o court_n shall_v censure_v he_o to_o pay_v so_o much_o as_o they_o in_o their_o discretion_n shall_v think_v reasonable_a xciii_o surgeon_n account_v pleadable_a after_o decease_n of_o the_o party_n whereas_o by_o act_n of_o many_o assembly_n no_o account_n be_v pleadable_a against_o dead_a man_n estate_n whereby_o many_o scruple_n have_v be_v make_v about_o the_o account_n of_o physician_n and_o surgeon_n who_o can_v possible_o take_v bill_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o physician_n and_o surgeon_n account_n shall_v be_v pleadable_a and_o recoverable_a for_o mean_n administer_v and_o pain_n take_v in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n whereof_o the_o party_n die_v and_o where_o the_o patient_a recover_v six_o month_n after_o such_o recovery_n and_o no_o long_o xciv_o discount_v to_o be_v make_v in_o court_n be_v it_o enact_v for_o the_o avoid_v many_o causeless_a suit_n in_o law_n that_o where_o any_o suit_n shall_v be_v commence_v in_o any_o court_n for_o a_o debt_n that_o if_o the_o defendant_n have_v either_o bill_n bond_n or_o account_v of_o the_o plaintiff_n wherein_o he_o prove_v the_o plaintiff_n debtor_n such_o debt_n of_o the_o plaintiff_n shall_v be_v discount_v out_o of_o the_o debt_n he_o claim_v of_o the_o defendant_n and_o judgement_n shall_v be_v give_v for_o no_o more_o than_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o debt_n will_v amount_v to_o consideration_n be_v always_o make_v of_o the_o time_n their_o several_a debt_n have_v be_v due_a and_o according_o allowance_n make_v for_o the_o time_n and_o because_o it_o many_o time_n happen_v that_o the_o defendant_n in_o such_o case_n do_v procure_v bill_n or_o account_n of_o the_o plaintiff_n from_o other_o man_n which_o he_o perhaps_o can_v discount_n with_o those_o to_o who_o he_o pass_v such_o speciality_n or_o account_n it_o be_v therefore_o enact_v that_o no_o bill_n or_o account_n that_o be_v assign_v over_o shall_v by_o the_o assignee_n be_v pleadable_a against_o the_o debtor_n in_o such_o bill_n or_o account_n unless_o the_o assignee_n can_v prove_v that_o he_o give_v the_o debtor_n notice_n before_o his_o acceptance_n of_o the_o assignment_n and_o that_o the_o debtor_n at_o that_o time_n pretend_v to_o no_o discount_n against_o it_o xcv_o account_n against_o dead_a man_n estate_n whereas_o too_o sad_a experience_n have_v show_v that_o account_n against_o the_o estate_n of_o person_n decease_v have_v often_o unjust_o devour_v the_o estate_n and_o bring_v the_o wife_n and_o child_n to_o poverty_n and_o ruin_n and_o whereas_o as_o well_o the_o law_n of_o england_n as_o of_o this_o country_n permit_v not_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v pleadable_a against_o any_o person_n that_o can_v wage_v his_o law_n which_o executor_n and_o administrator_n be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o no_o book_n debt_n or_o account_n shall_v be_v henceforth_o pleadable_a against_o the_o estate_n of_o any_o person_n decease_v nor_o against_o any_o live_n if_o the_o say_a person_n shall_v upon_o his_o oath_n deny_v the_o same_o to_o be_v due_a unless_o they_o be_v such_o account_n as_o by_o particular_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n as_o officer_n fee_n levy_n and_o surgeon_n account_n be_v pleadable_a neither_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v put_v to_o his_o oath_n upon_o a_o ordinary_a keeper_n account_n keeper_n debt_n due_a to_o ordinary_a keeper_n but_o the_o say_v ordinary_a keeper_n shall_v take_v the_o hand_n of_o any_o person_n call_v for_o any_o drink_n or_o provision_n to_o his_o book_n or_o else_o his_o bill_n or_o otherwise_o his_o debt_n shall_v not_o be_v pleadable_a xcvi_o balance_v account_n of_o decease_a person_n and_o whereas_o divers_a man_n be_v indebt_v to_o other_o upon_o account_n may_v be_v induce_v to_o deliver_v good_n to_o they_o or_o their_o assign_v in_o balance_n yet_o take_v no_o receipt_n which_o account_v upon_o the_o death_n of_o either_o party_n may_v be_v bring_v by_o his_o executor_n or_o administrator_n against_o the_o survivor_n of_o which_o he_o can_v upon_o his_o oath_n deny_v the_o receipt_n yet_o that_o account_n though_o just_o balance_v before_o be_v often_o recover_v by_o this_o act_n prohibit_v account_n against_o dead_a man_n estate_n yet_o leave_v liberty_n to_o their_o executor_n or_o administrator_n to_o sue_v for_o a_o acount_n due_a to_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o person_n decease_v be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v discount_n account_n against_o a_o dead_a man_n estate_n shall_v be_v admit_v in_o discount_n that_o account_n against_o a_o dead_a man_n estate_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v shall_v be_v admit_v in_o discount_n of_o a_o account_n due_a to_o such_o dead_a man_n estate_n but_o if_o the_o account_v bring_v against_o the_o estate_n exceed_v that_o due_a to_o the_o estate_n the_o survivor_n for_o the_o overplus_n shall_v be_v dismiss_v without_o day_n provide_v also_o that_o where_o the_o party_n charge_v as_o debtor_n to_o any_o one_o shall_v refuse_v upon_o his_o oath_n to_o deny_v the_o account_n bring_v against_o he_o except_o a_o ordinary_a keeper_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v in_o memory_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o the_o court_n shall_v take_v the_o account_n to_o be_v due_a as_o by_o confession_n and_o shall_v give_v judgement_n for_o so_o much_o thereof_o as_o he_o shall_v not_o deny_v as_o aforesaid_a xcvii_o ordinary_a keeper_n how_o to_o sell._n whereas_o continual_a complaint_n be_v make_v of_o the_o exaction_n of_o ordinary_a keeper_n and_o other_o in_o the_o rate_n and_o measure_n of_o strong_a drink_n by_o they_o retail_v and_o sell_v be_v it_o enact_v that_o no_o person_n after_o the_o first_o of_o march_n one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o sixty_o and_o three_o shall_v sell_v or_o vend_v by_o retail_n any_o wine_n beer_n or_o other_o strong_a drink_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o by_o any_o measure_n but_o english_a seal_v measure_n of_o pint_n quart_n pottle_n or_o gallon_n and_o that_o every_o one_o that_o now_o do_v measure_n ordinary_a keeper_n shall_v sell_v by_o english_a measure_n or_o hereafter_o shall_v keep_v any_o ordinary_a shall_v by_o the_o say_v first_o of_o march_n 1663._o provide_v such_o measure_n to_o sell_v by_o in_o his_o house_n and_o in_o case_n he_o fail_v shall_v be_v put_v down_o from_o keep_v any_o ordinary_a and_o fine_v five_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o public_a provide_v always_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o sell_v english_a strong_a water_n come_v over_o in_o case_n by_o the_o bottle_n in_o the_o same_o bottle_n they_o buy_v they_o and_o for_o prevent_v many_o disorder_n and_o riot_n in_o ordinary_n and_o other_o place_n where_o drink_n be_v retail_v be_v it_o enact_v licence_n none_o to_o retail_n drink_v but_o such_o as_o have_v licence_n that_o no_o person_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v in_o their_o house_n retail_v any_o drink_n but_o such_o as_o shall_v obtain_v a_o licence_n from_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o county_n where_o he_o live_v sign_v by_o the_o first_o in_o commission_n of_o that_o court_n by_o give_v bond_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o england_n and_o further_o oblige_v himself_o to_o sell_v at_o the_o rate_v set_v by_o the_o commissioner_n and_o to_o pay_v annual_o to_o the_o governor_n three_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n and_o cask_n for_o his_o licence_n xcviii_o servants_z how_o long_o to_o serve_v whereas_o the_o thirteen_o act_n 1659._o do_v enact_v
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
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
several_a county_n not_o build_v such_o prison_n liable_a to_o the_o sheriff_n for_o the_o escape_n of_o any_o person_n commit_v to_o his_o custody_n which_o act_n have_v for_o want_n of_o a_o penalty_n never_o be_v put_v into_o execution_n for_o want_v whereof_o felon_n may_v escape_v and_o debtor_n for_o want_n of_o due_a restraint_n delay_v always_o and_o defraud_v oftentimes_o the_o creditor_n of_o his_o just_a due_n and_o by_o mean_n thereof_o the_o law_n itself_o make_v whole_o void_a which_o intend_v principal_o that_o all_o man_n shall_v by_o that_o restraint_n have_v be_v force_v to_o make_v a_o speedy_a satisfaction_n for_o remedy_n whereof_o be_v it_o hereby_o enact_v county_n a_o prison_n to_o be_v build_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o county_n that_o according_a to_o the_o say_a act_n a_o good_a strong_a prison_n after_o the_o form_n of_o virginia_n house_n be_v build_v within_o eight_o month_n after_o the_o date_n of_o this_o act_n by_o the_o court_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o county_n upon_o penalty_n of_o be_v fine_v five_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n and_o be_v answerable_a for_o escape_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o the_o person_n break_v prison_n felony_n break_v of_o prison_n shall_v be_v adjudge_v felony_n shall_v according_a to_o the_o say_v act._n of_o the_o three_o of_o november_n 1647_o be_v adjudge_v a_o felon_n and_o that_o no_o person_n under_o execution_n for_o debt_n or_o imprison_v for_o felony_n shall_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o rule_n rule_n who_o shall_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o all_o other_o person_n have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o rule_n shall_v be_v secure_v and_o lie_v in_o prison_n every_o night_n at_o the_o peril_n of_o the_o sherriff_n xliii_o dweller_n within_o the_o rule_n of_o any_o prison_n not_o to_o have_v any_o benefit_n thereof_o and_o be_v it_o enact_v that_o if_o the_o sheriff_n shall_v permit_v any_o person_n dwell_v within_o the_o rule_n of_o any_o prison_n that_o be_v by_o warrant_n or_o order_n of_o law_n commit_v to_o prison_n to_o walk_v abroad_o out_o of_o prison_n they_o such_o as_o dwell_v within_o the_o rule_n shall_v not_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o though_o with_o a_o keeper_n and_o to_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o rule_n or_o to_o lodge_v in_o his_o own_o house_n the_o say_a sheriff_n upon_o proof_n thereof_o make_v at_o the_o county_n court_n by_o the_o plaintiff_n shall_v be_v order_v to_o pay_v the_o debt_n as_o in_o case_n of_o escapes_n xliv_o sheriff_z to_o be_v choose_v in_o the_o commission_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o county_n court_v be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o country_n answerable_a for_o the_o levy_n and_o estreatment_n of_o each_o county_n of_o which_o the_o sheriff_n be_v usual_o the_o collector_n there_o one_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o each_o county_n shall_v be_v choose_v sheriff_n there_o be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o none_o but_o one_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o each_o county_n shall_v be_v sheriff_n for_o that_o county_n and_o further_o that_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v exercise_v the_o office_n of_o sheriff_n successive_o as_o they_o hold_v their_o place_n in_o commission_n long_o sheriff_n shall_v hold_v their_o office_n a_o whole_a year_n and_o no_o long_o every_o one_o a_o whole_a year_n and_o no_o long_o provide_v that_o every_o such_o commissioner_n before_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o take_v his_o oath_n give_v in_o good_a security_n for_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o his_o office_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o he_o and_o then_o his_o oath_n be_v administer_v to_o he_o and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o no_o under_o sheriff_n shall_v execute_v the_o office_n of_o under_o sheriff_n in_o the_o same_o county_n above_o one_o year_n sheriff_n the_o under_o sheriff_n provide_v always_o that_o the_o sheriff_n of_o james_n city_n who_o be_v more_o immediate_a officer_n than_o any_o other_o to_o the_o general_a court_n and_o the_o public_a shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o governor_n free_a choice_n and_o further_o that_o if_o the_o governor_n see_v cause_n for_o the_o better_a promote_a any_o of_o his_o majesty_n special_a service_n it_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o his_o discretion_n to_o pass_v by_o any_o person_n in_o any_o other_o commission_n and_o to_o give_v the_o place_n to_o those_o in_o the_o commission_n he_o shall_v think_v most_o meet_a to_o supply_v the_o exigent_n of_o the_o present_a occasion_n but_o because_o the_o law_n as_o well_o of_o england_n as_o of_o this_o country_n prohibit_v the_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o sheriff_n by_o any_o person_n two_o year_n together_o the_o governor_n be_v earnest_o desire_v by_o the_o assembly_n in_o any_o of_o his_o election_n not_o to_o infringe_v those_o law_n xlv_o sheriff_n not_o make_v return_n whereas_o the_o sheriff_n often_o through_o neglect_n often_o for_o favour_n to_o the_o debtor_n omit_v the_o serve_v the_o process_n to_o they_o direct_v and_o make_v return_v thereof_o according_a to_o law_n by_o mean_n whereof_o the_o court_n be_v prolong_v justice_n be_v delay_v and_o the_o party_n by_o their_o attendance_n and_o expense_n very_o much_o endamage_v be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v tobacco_n sheriff_n not_o make_v timely_a return_v fine_v 1000_o l._n of_o tobacco_n that_o every_o sheriff_n fail_v to_o make_v sufficient_a return_n that_o be_v that_o the_o writ_n be_v execute_v and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bail_n take_v of_o any_o warrant_n to_o he_o direct_v three_o day_n at_o least_o before_o the_o day_n of_o the_o return_n of_o the_o writ_n in_o the_o general_n court_n and_o two_o day_n before_o the_o county_n court_v shall_v be_v amerce_v one_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n one_o half_a to_o the_o plaintiff_n if_o he_o sue_v for_o it_o and_o the_o other_o half_a to_o the_o county_n provide_v that_o the_o say_a plaintiff_n prove_v the_o delivery_n of_o the_o warrant_n to_o the_o sheriff_n xlvi_o sheriff_n to_o take_v bail_n be_v it_o also_o enact_v arrest_n sheriff_n shall_v take_v sufficient_a bail_n in_o arrest_n that_o all_o sheriff_n shall_v take_v sufficient_a bail_n of_o person_n arrest_v and_o perform_v the_o award_n of_o the_o court_n and_o if_o the_o sheriff_n shall_v neglect_v to_o take_v sufficient_a bail_n of_o the_o party_n arrest_v or_o otherwise_o consent_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o escape_n than_o the_o say_a sheriff_n shall_v be_v liable_a to_o pay_v the_o award_n of_o the_o court_n himself_o and_o shall_v also_o pay_v in_o case_n the_o consent_n to_o the_o escape_n be_v prove_v one_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n one_o half_a to_o the_o public_a the_o other_o half_o to_o the_o party_n grieve_v for_o his_o delay_n in_o recover_v the_o debt_n but_o if_o bail_n be_v take_v and_o the_o party_n appear_v not_o to_o answer_v the_o suit_n than_o judgement_n shall_v be_v award_v against_o the_o bail_n always_o provide_v that_o the_o sheriff_n or_o bail_n shall_v if_o they_o desire_v it_o have_v a_o attachment_n against_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o party_n arrest_v and_o not_o appear_v and_o further_o that_o if_o the_o sheriff_n or_o bail_n shall_v the_o next_o court_n after_o that_o to_o which_o the_o arrest_n be_v make_v bring_v forth_o the_o body_n of_o the_o party_n so_o arrest_v to_o answer_v the_o suit_n than_o the_o sheriff_n or_o bail_n shall_v be_v acquit_v for_o the_o judgement_n pass_v against_o they_o xlvii_o non_fw-fr est_fw-fr inventus_fw-la be_v it_o also_o enact_v that_o if_o any_o sheriff_n shall_v return_v a_o non_fw-fr est_fw-la inventus_fw-la upon_o which_o a_o attachment_n by_o a_o former_a act_n have_v be_v usual_o grant_v when_o perhaps_o neither_o the_o sheriff_n nor_o his_o officer_n have_v be_v at_o the_o house_n of_o the_o defendant_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n and_o disparagement_n of_o the_o say_a defendant_n by_o have_v his_o good_n attach_v be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v inventus_fw-la the_o method_n of_o proceed_n relate_v to_o a_o non_fw-la est_fw-la inventus_fw-la that_o henceforth_o the_o sheriff_n or_o his_o officer_n shall_v declare_v upon_o one_o of_o their_o oath_n that_o he_o have_v be_v at_o the_o house_n of_o the_o defendant_n and_o have_v there_o leave_v a_o copy_n of_o his_o writ_n before_o his_o return_n of_o non_fw-la est_fw-la inventus_fw-la be_v admit_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v refuse_v to_o make_v such_o oath_n than_o order_n to_o pass_v against_o he_o according_a to_o the_o act_n for_o non-returns_a but_o if_o the_o return_v be_v prove_v and_o allow_v in_o court_n then_o after_o thrice_o summon_v the_o defendant_n by_o proclamation_n in_o court_n a_o attachment_n shall_v issue_v against_o his_o estate_n returnable_a the_o court_n follow_v where_o if_o the_o defendant_n appear_v not_o to_o replevin_v the_o attachment_n judgement_n shall_v be_v grant_v to_o the_o plaintiff_n for_o his_o debt_n be_v make_v