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
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
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
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
aforesaid_a the_o person_n concern_v shall_v pay_v for_o his_o composition_n as_o aforesaid_a but_o all_o land_n which_o shall_v hereafter_o lapse_v or_o which_o have_v lapse_v within_o the_o two_o year_n last_o pass_v the_o composition_n to_o be_v make_v for_o with_o those_o by_o his_o majesty_n treasurer_n appoint_v and_o authorize_v thereunto_o and_o that_o the_o widow_n be_v admit_v in_o the_o first_o place_n she_o make_v her_o claim_n within_o eight_o month_n according_a to_o the_o proposition_n abovesaid_a xix_o court_n court_n court_n former_o call_v quarter_n court_n to_o be_v henceforth_o style_v general_n court_n whereas_o the_o name_n of_o quarter_n court_n be_v altogether_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o court_n hold_v by_o the_o governor_n and_o council_n both_o in_o respect_n there_o be_v but_o three_o of_o these_o court_n in_o the_o year_n as_o also_o because_o they_o be_v not_o equal_o distribute_v in_o the_o quarter_n of_o the_o year_n september_n and_o november_n be_v too_o near_o and_o march_v too_o long_o from_o they_o to_o admit_v of_o that_o title_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o the_o say_a court_n be_v no_o long_o style_v quarter_n court_n but_o that_o they_o be_v henceforth_o call_v general_n court_n a_o name_n more_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o as_o be_v place_n where_o all_o person_n and_o cause_n have_v general_o audience_n and_o receive_v determination_n whereas_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n already_o make_v be_v very_o defective_a in_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o proceed_n both_o in_o those_o general_n and_o the_o particular_a county_n court_v for_o want_v whereof_o many_o error_n be_v commit_v the_o respect_n due_a to_o the_o court_n so_o near_o represent_v his_o majesty_n sacred_a person_n by_o the_o clamorous_a unmannerliness_n of_o the_o people_n lose_v and_o the_o order_n gravity_n and_o decorum_n which_o shall_v manifest_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o court_n in_o the_o court_n itself_o neglect_v and_o in_o regard_n the_o long_a omission_n of_o those_o huge_o material_a though_o in_o themselves_o little_a thing_n of_o form_n have_v cause_v all_o thing_n still_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o first_o disorder_n it_o have_v appear_v necessary_a to_o this_o present_a grand_a assembly_n to_o set_v down_o the_o rule_n and_o form_n themselves_o for_o the_o beginning_n continuance_n and_o proceed_n in_o the_o say_a court_n as_o follow_v and_o it_o be_v therefore_o enact_v that_o the_o general_n court_v begin_v and_o continue_v as_o follow_v general_n court_v to_o begin_v and_o continue_v court_n rule_n for_o the_o beginning_n continuance_n and_o proceed_n in_o court_n that_o march_n court_n begin_v the_o twenty_o of_o march_n if_o it_o be_v not_o saturday_n or_o sunday_n and_o then_o the_o monday_n follow_v and_o hold_v eighteen_o day_n not_o account_v sunday_n in_o the_o number_n that_o september_n court_n begin_v the_o twenty_o of_o september_n if_o it_o be_v not_o saturday_n or_o sunday_n and_o then_o to_o begin_v the_o monday_n follow_v and_o hold_v twelve_o day_n not_o account_v sunday_n in_o the_o number_n that_o november_n court_n begin_v the_o twenty_o of_o november_n if_o it_o be_v not_o saturday_n or_o sunday_n and_o then_o to_o begin_v the_o monday_n after_o and_o hold_v twelve_o day_n not_o account_v sunday_n in_o the_o number_n that_o adjournment_n of_o the_o say_a court_n be_v always_o avoid_v and_o that_o they_o begin_v precise_o upon_o the_o day_n that_o all_o person_n know_v the_o day_n of_o the_o return_n of_o the_o writ_n may_v according_o give_v their_o attendance_n style_v how_o enter_v enter_v how_o the_o style_n of_o the_o court_n shall_v be_v enter_v that_o the_o style_n of_o the_o court_n be_v enter_v thus_o at_o a_o general_n court_n hold_v at_o james_n city_n the_o twenty_o of_o ______o by_o his_o majesty_n governor_n and_o council_n in_o the_o ______o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n charles_n the_o second_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n of_o great_a britain_n france_n and_o ireland_n king_n defendor_n of_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n god_n ______o present_n insert_v the_o name_n of_o the_o governor_n and_o council_n court_n manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o court_n silence_n command_v then_o let_v the_o crier_n or_o under-sheriff_n make_v proclamation_n and_o say_v o_o yes_o o_o yes_o o_o yes_o silence_n be_v command_v in_o the_o court_n while_o his_o majesty_n governor_n and_o council_n be_v sit_v upon_o pain_n of_o imprisonment_n suitor_n to_o appear_v after_o silence_n command_v let_v the_o crier_n make_v proclamation_n say_v all_o manner_n of_o person_n that_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v at_o this_o court_n draw_v near_o and_o give_v your_o attendance_n and_o if_o any_o one_o have_v any_o plaint_n to_o enter_v or_o suit_n to_o prosecute_v let_v they_o come_v forth_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v hear_v when_o silence_n be_v thus_o command_v and_o proclamation_n make_v upon_o call_v the_o docket_n the_o crier_n shall_v call_v for_o the_o plaintiff_n call_v the_o plaintiff_n a._n b._n come_v forth_o and_o prosecute_v thy_o action_n against_o c._n d._n or_o else_o thou_o will_v be_v nonsuit_n and_o the_o plaintiff_n put_v in_o his_o declaration_n the_o crier_n shall_v call_v for_o the_o defendant_n call_v for_o the_o defendant_n c._n d._n come_v forth_o and_o save_v thou_o and_o thy_o bail_n or_o else_o thou_o will_v forfeit_v thy_o recognizance_n clerk_n warrant_n for_o proceed_n to_o be_v issue_v by_o the_o clerk_n for_o proceed_n in_o the_o say_a court_n warrant_v to_o be_v issue_v by_o the_o clerk_n xx._n action_n to_o be_v proportion_v be_v it_o enact_v day_n action_n shall_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o number_n of_o twenty_o for_o each_o day_n that_o warrant_n be_v issue_v by_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o general_n court_v and_o the_o say_a clerk_n so_o proportion_v the_o number_n of_o his_o action_n that_o there_o be_v for_o each_o day_n twenty_o and_o that_o until_o there_o be_v twenty_o action_n enter_v for_o the_o first_o day_n no_o warrant_n issue_n for_o the_o second_o and_o then_o twenty_o for_o the_o second_o before_o any_o issue_n for_o the_o three_o and_o so_o proportionable_o twenty_o per_n day_n for_o so_o many_o day_n as_o there_o be_v action_n to_o fill_v with_o that_o number_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a that_o the_o governor_n and_o council_n shall_v wait_v a_o week_n for_o a_o straggle_a business_n enter_v at_o a_o particular_a man_n pleasure_n and_o in_o case_n any_o special_a warrant_n issue_n that_o for_o the_o extraordinariness_n of_o the_o business_n may_v require_v the_o governor_n own_o sign_v it_o be_v enact_v that_o the_o person_n first_o go_v to_o the_o clerk_n and_o there_o enter_v his_o action_n and_o the_o day_n of_o the_o return_n before_o his_o warrant_n shall_v be_v sign_v and_o whereas_o some_o scruple_n have_v arisen_a about_o the_o time_n warrant_n may_v be_v serve_v viz._n whether_o ten_o day_n before_o the_o return_n that_o be_v the_o day_n mention_v in_o the_o writ_n to_o appear_v serve_v at_o what_o time_n warrant_v may_v be_v serve_v it_o be_v hereby_o declare_v that_o warrant_n may_v be_v serve_v at_o any_o time_n if_o there_o be_v ten_o day_n between_o the_o serve_a and_o the_o return_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o further_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v in_o court_n time_n for_o the_o same_o court_n if_o there_o be_v ten_o day_n between_o the_o serving._n xxi_o court_v to_o sit_v from_o eight_o to_o eleven_o of_o the_o clock_n in_o the_o forenoon_n and_o from_o one_o to_o three_o afternoon_n sit._n how_o long_a court_n shall_v sit._n be_v it_o also_o further_o enact_v that_o the_o court_n shall_v each_o day_n sit_v from_o eight_o of_o the_o clock_n to_o eleven_o in_o the_o forenoon_n and_o from_o one_o to_o three_o in_o the_o afternoon_n and_o for_o avoid_v all_o error_n that_o may_v happen_v in_o the_o draught_n for_o the_o order_n by_o the_o clerk_n either_o through_o his_o misapprehend_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o court_n or_o the_o partial_a information_n of_o any_o person_n concern_v which_o he_o be_v distract_v with_o the_o multitude_n of_o business_n may_v unwitting_o assent_v to_o that_o all_o order_n of_o the_o day_n be_v by_o the_o clerk_n draw_v up_o against_o next_o morning_n and_o then_o read_v in_o open_a court_n in_o presence_n of_o the_o plaintiff_n and_o defendant_n if_o they_o will_v be_v present_a when_o rule_n will_v be_v give_v by_o the_o court_n for_o amendment_n of_o error_n error_n amendment_n of_o error_n if_o any_o be_v before_o they_o be_v enter_v upon_o record_n and_o the_o plaintiff_n or_o defendant_n if_o they_o have_v any_o new_a matter_n of_o plea_n shall_v then_o have_v liberty_n to_o plead_v it_o in_o arrest_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o order_n thus_o public_o read_v and_o confirm_v shall_v be_v