action_n to_o fill_v with_o that_o number_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a that_o the_o governor_n and_o council_n shall_v wait_v a_o week_n for_o a_o straggle_a business_n enter_v at_o a_o particular_a man_n pleasure_n and_o in_o case_n any_o special_a warrant_n issue_n that_o for_o the_o extraordinariness_n of_o the_o business_n may_v require_v the_o governor_n own_o sign_v it_o be_v enact_v that_o the_o person_n first_o go_v to_o the_o clerk_n and_o there_o enter_v his_o action_n and_o the_o day_n of_o the_o return_n before_o his_o warrant_n shall_v be_v sign_v and_o whereas_o some_o scruple_n have_v arisen_a about_o the_o time_n warrant_n may_v be_v serve_v viz._n whether_o ten_o day_n before_o the_o return_n return_v warrant_n may_v be_v serve_v to_o the_o general-court_n at_o any_o time_n if_o there_o be_v ten_o day_n between_o the_o arrest_n and_o return_v that_o be_v the_o day_n mention_v in_o the_o writ_n to_o appear_v it_o be_v hereby_o declare_v that_o warrant_n may_v be_v serve_v at_o any_o time_n if_o there_o be_v ten_o day_n between_o the_o serve_a and_o the_o return_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o further_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v in_o court-time_n for_o the_o same_o court_n if_o there_o beten_v day_n between_o the_o serving._n xxi_o court_v to_o sit_v from_o eight_o to_o eleven_o of_o the_o clock_n in_o the_o forenoon_n from_o one_o to_o three_o after_o noon_n be_v it_o also_o further_o enact_v that_o the_o court_n shall_v each_o day_n sit_v from_o eight_o of_o the_o clock_n till_o eleven_o in_o the_o forenoon_n and_o from_o one_o to_o three_o in_o the_o afternoon_n and_o for_o avoid_v all_o error_n that_o may_v happen_v in_o the_o draught_n for_o the_o order_n by_o the_o clerk_n either_o through_o his_o mis-apprehending_a the_o sense_n of_o the_o court_n or_o the_o partial_a information_n of_o any_o person_n concern_v which_o he_o be_v distract_v with_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o business_n may_v unwitting_o assent_v to_o that_o all_o order_n of_o the_o day_n be_v by_o the_o clerk_n draw_v up_o against_o next_o morning_n and_o then_o read_v in_o open_a court_n in_o presence_n of_o the_o plaintiff_n and_o defendant_n if_o they_o will_v be_v present_a when_o rule_n will_v be_v give_v by_o the_o court_n for_o amendment_n of_o error_n if_o any_o be_v before_o they_o be_v enter_v upon_o record_n and_o the_o plaintiff_n or_o defendant_n if_o they_o have_v any_o new_a matter_n of_o plea_n shall_v then_o have_v liberty_n to_o plead_v it_o in_o arrest_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o order_n thus_o public_o read_v and_o confirm_v shall_v be_v sign_v by_o the_o secretary_n which_o shall_v remain_v upon_o file_n in_o the_o office_n for_o the_o full_a justification_n of_o the_o clerk_n who_o be_v to_o enter_v they_o in_o the_o book_n of_o record_n xxii_o the_o plaintiff_n to_o file_v his_o declaration_n three_o day_n before_o the_o day_n of_o hear_v and_o whereas_o the_o clerk_n be_v enjoin_v to_o enter_v twenty_o action_n for_o each_o day_n and_o the_o court_n to_o sit_v at_o certain_a hour_n so_o also_o it_o be_v hereby_o enact_v that_o the_o plaintiff_n file_v his_o declaration_n in_o the_o office_n at_o least_o three_o day_n before_o the_o day_n of_o hear_v in_o which_o time_n the_o defendant_n may_v take_v a_o copy_n there_o of_o the_o original_a still_o remain_v in_o the_o office_n and_o provide_v his_o answer_n in_o writing_n ready_a to_o present_v to_o the_o governor_n and_o council_n at_o the_o day_n of_o hear_v and_o further_o that_o if_o the_o plaintiff_n fail_v either_o in_o not_o appear_v to_o prosecute_v or_o in_o neglect_v to_o file_v his_o declaration_n as_o be_v hereby_o enjoin_v he_o shall_v pay_v to_o the_o defendant_n if_o he_o live_v within_o fifty_o mile_n of_o james-city_n one_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n for_o a_o nonsuit_n and_o if_o he_o dwell_v further_o off_o then_o three_o hundred_o &_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n beside_o his_o amercement_n to_o the_o public_a and_o if_o the_o defendant_n make_v default_n the_o judgement_n to_o pass_v against_o the_o bail_n for_o the_o thing_n sue_v for_o or_o if_o no_o bail_n be_v return_v then_o against_o the_o sheriff_n beside_o his_o amerciament_n of_o one_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n lay_v upon_o he_o by_o act_n for_o not_o make_v return_v provide_v that_o the_o bail_n and_o sheriff_n have_v respite_n of_o execution_n until_o the_o next_o court_n when_o if_o they_o bring_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o party_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o first_o court_n grant_v to_o be_v reverse_v but_o the_o amerciament_n award_v against_o the_o sheriff_n to_o continue_v and_o not_o to_o be_v remit_v xxiii_o adjournment_n to_o the_o two_o last_o day_n for_o determination_n of_o reference_n by_o avisare_fw-la volumus_fw-la or_o action_n erect_v in_o court-time_n and_o whereas_o this_o act_n enjoin_v the_o proportion_v so_o many_o action_n to_o a_o day_n but_o give_v liberty_n to_o arrest_v in_o court-time_n to_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o court._n and_o whereas_o some_o case_n of_o difficulty_n may_v be_v present_v upon_o which_o the_o court_n may_v desire_v to_o advise_v be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o assoon_o as_o the_o court_n have_v sit_v so_o many_o day_n as_o be_v fill_v with_o action_n it_o shall_v be_v adjourn_v to_o the_o two_o last_o day_n of_o that_o court_n and_o whatever_o the_o court_n have_v refer_v by_o their_o avisare_fw-la volumus_fw-la and_o all_o action_n enter_v in_o court-time_n as_o aforesaid_a shall_v be_v then_o try_v and_o determine_v xxiv_o criminal_a cause_n to_o be_v try_v at_o the_o general_n court_v whereas_o man_n of_o the_o great_a ability_n both_o for_o judgement_n and_o integrity_n do_v usual_o meet_v at_o the_o general-court_n whither_o their_o occasion_n do_v frequent_o call_v they_o and_o because_o any_o thing_n that_o concern_v life_n or_o limb_n require_v the_o able_a jury_n to_o inquire_v of_o it_o be_v it_o enact_v that_o all_o criminal_a cause_n that_o concern_v either_o life_n or_o member_n shall_v be_v try_v at_o the_o general_n court_v only_o the_o four_o day_n of_o the_o say_a court_n and_o because_o the_o law_n of_o england_n do_v enjoin_v jury_n to_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o neighbourhood_n where_o the_o fact_n be_v commit_v according_a to_o which_o the_o remoteness_n of_o our_o habitation_n do_v not_o admit_v we_o so_o full_o to_o practice_v as_o we_o desire_v yet_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o they_o as_o near_o as_o possible_o we_o may_v and_o because_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o part_n of_o the_o jury_n at_o least_o shall_v come_v from_o thence_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o near_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o business_n may_v give_v information_n of_o divers_a circumstance_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jury_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o immediate_o after_o the_o commitment_n of_o any_o person_n find_v criminal_a by_o the_o grand_a inquest_n the_o sheriff_n of_o the_o county_n to_o who_o custody_n he_o be_v commit_v shall_v give_v notice_n thereof_o to_o the_o secretary_n office_n at_o james-city_n and_o the_o clerk_n of_o that_o office_n shall_v present_o send_v a_o venire_fw-la facias_fw-la to_o the_o say_a sheriff_n to_o impannel_v six_o man_n of_o the_o able_a and_o near_a of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o his_o county_n to_o that_o place_n where_o the_o fact_n be_v commit_v to_o be_v of_o the_o jury_n for_o trial_n of_o that_o cause_n returnable_a the_o say_v four_o day_n of_o the_o next_o general-court_n where_o the_o say_v juryman_n be_v bind_v to_o appear_v and_o for_o their_o charge_n the_o country_n shall_v allow_v to_o each_o man_n twenty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n per_fw-la day_n for_o each_o day_n they_o may_v be_v reasonable_o come_v to_o and_o return_v from_o james-city_n and_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n per_fw-la day_n during_o their_o attendance_n there_o about_o it_o viz._n from_o the_o day_n they_o be_v by_o the_o writ_n to_o appear_v until_o they_o be_v discharge_v and_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jury_n be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o bystander_n xxv_o the_o governor_n and_o two_o of_o the_o council_n to_o go_v the_o circuit_n whereas_o the_o honourable_a governor_n out_o of_o his_o singular_a care_n of_o his_o due_a administration_n of_o justice_n in_o all_o court_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o render_v his_o majesty_n a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o government_n have_v be_v please_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o council_n the_o pain_n of_o visit_v all_o the_o county-court_n of_o the_o country_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o the_o honourable_a governor_n and_o one_o of_o the_o council_n or_o upon_o the_o urgent_a affair_n of_o the_o country_n hinder_v the_o governor_n that_o the_o governor_n commissionate_a two_o of_o the_o council_n for_o every_o river_n yearly_o in_o august_n to_o
it_o hereby_o enact_v 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-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 that_o the_o person_n break_v prison_n shall_v according_a to_o the_o say_a act_n of_o the_o 3_o of_o novemb_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 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 sheriff_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 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-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_n to_o be_v choose_v in_o the_o commission_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o commissioner_n of_o county-court_n be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o country_n answerable_a for_o the_o levy_n and_o estrearment_n of_o each_o county_n of_o which_o the_o sheriff_n be_v usual_o the_o collector_n 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 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 unto_o he_o and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o no_o under-sheriff_n shall_v execute_v the_o office_n of_o under-sheriff_n in_o the_o same_o county_n above_o one_o year_n provide_v always_o that_o the_o sheriff_n of_o james-city_n who_o be_v more_o immediate_a officer_n than_o any_o other_o to_o the_o general-court_n and_o the_o public_a shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o governor_n be_v 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 especial_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 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-court_n and_o two_o day_n before_o the_o county-court_n 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 that_o all_o sheriff_n shall_v take_v sufficient_a bail_n of_o all_o person_n arrest_v and_o perform_v the_o award_n of_o the_o court_n and_z 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 not_o 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 usal_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 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-return_n but_o if_o the_o return_n 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 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 apprisement_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 any_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_n such_o good_n indifferent_o and_o his_o umpirage_n to_o be_v final_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 apprizer_n 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 that_o before_o such_o apprizement_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
law_n appoint_v provide_v always_o that_o it_o shall_v and_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o the_o dispatch_n of_o merchant_n and_o other_o sea-affair_n which_o can_v without_o much_o prejudice_n and_o detriment_n to_o the_o say_a merchant_n or_o master_n be_v defer_v till_o the_o court_n in_o course_n shall_v come_v it_o be_v enact_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o any_o justice_n of_o the_o quorum_fw-la by_o his_o warrant_n direct_v to_o the_o sheriff_n to_o call_v a_o particular_a court_n and_o to_o summon_v any_o person_n or_o person_n before_o they_o xxxvii_o trial_n by_o jurye_n whereas_o the_o seventieth_n act_n make_v in_o 1642._o and_o continue_v by_o the_o ninety-first_a act_n 1657._o seem_v to_o restrain_v both_o plaintiff_n and_o defendant_n from_o trial_n by_o jurye_n unless_o the_o plaintiff_n in_o his_o declaration_n or_o the_o defendant_n upon_o entry_n of_o his_o appearance_n do_v desire_v the_o same_o which_o restriction_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o england_n by_o which_o the_o trial_n of_o all_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v as_o appropriate_v and_o inherent_a in_o the_o jury_n as_o matter_n of_o law_n be_v in_o the_o judge_n for_o which_o cause_n and_o that_o we_o may_v in_o all_o our_o trial_n come_v as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o law_n of_o england_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v as_o our_o present_a capacity_n will_v admit_v be_v it_o enact_v that_o every_o morning_n the_o court_n sit_v whether_o the_o general_n or_o county-court_n the_o sheriff_n of_o the_o county_n in_o which_o it_o sit_v shall_v impannel_v a_o jury_n to_o attend_v the_o court_n that_o day_n to_o try_v such_o cause_n as_o the_o court_n shall_v find_v proper_a to_o be_v refer_v to_o they_o and_o that_o whenever_o a_o jury_n be_v send_v our_o a_o officer_n swear_v to_o that_o purpose_n shall_v keep_v they_o from_o meat_n and_o drink_n until_o they_o have_v agree_v on_o their_o verdict_n xxxviii_o grand-juryes_a to_o present_a offender_n whereas_o the_o several_a law_n constitute_v and_o make_v for_o the_o redress_n of_o several_a misdemeanour_n and_o offence_n either_o through_o the_o remissness_n of_o the_o county-court_n or_o the_o justice_n that_o keep_v the_o same_o or_o else_o through_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o law_n in_o not_o appoint_v some_o peculiar_a officer_n to_o look_v narrow_o after_o the_o offender_n and_o to_o make_v presentment_n thereof_o to_o the_o say_a justice_n at_o their_o county-court_n by_o which_o mean_n the_o law_n themselves_o be_v slight_v and_o contemn_v and_o become_v whole_o useless_a and_o ineffectual_a be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v and_o confirm_v that_o jurye_n of_o inquest_n be_v impanel_v and_o swear_v in_o every_o county_n to_o inquire_v of_o the_o breach_n of_o all_o penal_a law_n in_o their_o several_a county_n and_o that_o they_o make_v presentment_n thereof_o to_o the_o several_a county-court_n twice_o yearly_o viz._n in_o april-court_n and_o december-court_n when_o the_o justice_n be_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o find_v they_o according_a to_o law_n and_o to_o take_v for_o evidence_n the_o presentment_n of_o the_o jury_n if_o make_v upon_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o any_o of_o they_o or_o otherwise_o the_o party_n that_o inform_v the_o jury_n to_o give_v their_o evidence_n to_o the_o next_o justice_n in_o presence_n of_o the_o party_n present_v which_o deposition_n be_v produce_v by_o the_o jury_n with_o their_o presentment_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o court_n to_o pass_v judgement_n against_o the_o offender_n xxxxix_n pillory_n to_o be_v erect_v at_o each_o court_n whereas_o many_o offence_n be_v punishable_a by_o the_o law_n of_o england_n and_o of_o this_o country_n with_o corporal_a punishment_n for_o execute_v whereof_o no_o such_o provision_n have_v be_v make_v as_o the_o say_a law_n require_v be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o in_o every_o county_n the_o court_n cause_n to_o be_v set_v up_o a_o pillory_n a_o pair_n of_o stock_n a_o whipping-post_n near_o the_o courthouse_n and_o a_o ducking-stool_n in_o such_o place_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v convenient_a that_o such_o offender_n as_o by_o the_o law_n be_v to_o suffer_v by_o any_o of_o they_o may_v be_v punish_v according_a to_o their_o demerit_n and_o the_o court_n not_o cause_v the_o say_a pillory_n whipping-post_n stock_n and_o ducking-stool_n to_o be_v erect_v within_o six_o month_n after_o the_o date_n of_o this_o act_n shall_v be_v fine_v five_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o public_a xl._n fines_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o the_o assembly_n whereas_o divers_a trespass_n against_o the_o public_a be_v punishable_a by_o fine_n which_o be_v by_o the_o present_a law_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o county_n in_o which_o the_o trespass_n be_v commit_v and_o yet_o nothing_o do_v for_o the_o good_a of_o any_o county_n as_o be_v intend_v whereby_o it_o may_v be_v presume_v that_o the_o say_v fine_n be_v either_o not_o gather_v whereby_o the_o trespasser_n by_o this_o lenity_n and_o impunity_n be_v encourage_v to_o persist_v in_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o law_n or_o else_o the_o say_a fine_n be_v by_o some_o evil_a commonwealthsman_n pervert_v to_o their_o private_a use_n for_o prevention_n whereof_o for_o the_o future_a be_v it_o enact_v that_o the_o court_n shall_v only_o lay_v and_o collect_v the_o fine_n and_o that_o they_o cause_v the_o clerk_n of_o their_o respective_a court_n to_o keep_v a_o account_n thereof_o and_o to_o return_v the_o estreatment_n to_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o james-city_n by_o the_o three_o of_o the_o general_n court_n hold_v there_o in_o march_n yearly_a and_o it_o be_v further_o enact_v that_o the_o say_a clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n do_v annual_o attend_v according_o during_o the_o time_n at_o the_o place_n aforesaid_a to_o receive_v they_o and_o at_o the_o next_o assembly_n to_o present_v they_o to_o the_o burgess_n who_o be_v to_o order_v the_o disposal_n of_o the_o say_a fine_n as_o to_o they_o shall_v seem_v most_o necessary_a for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o several_a respective_a county_n wherein_o they_o accrue_v due_a always_o proportion_v to_o every_o county_n the_o use_n of_o all_o the_o fine_n which_o be_v levy_v therein_o xli_o supersedeas_fw-la by_o who_o and_o how_o grantable_a whereas_o the_o writ_n of_o supersedeas_fw-la have_v of_o late_o be_v too_o frequent_o grant_v upon_o slight_a pretence_n of_o error_n in_o the_o court_n thereby_o not_o only_o injurious_o delay_v justice_n and_o keep_v man_n from_o their_o just_a due_n but_o also_o bring_v calumny_n and_o aspersion_n upon_o the_o court_n themselves_o be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o not_o supersedeas_fw-la whatsoever_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v grant_v but_o by_o the_o governor_n and_o two_o of_o the_o council_n nor_o by_o they_o unless_o the_o party_n desire_v it_o make_v it_o probable_o appear_v to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v error_n in_o the_o judgement_n and_o shall_v then_o also_o give_v good_a security_n to_o make_v good_a his_o plea_n and_o if_o he_o be_v cast_v at_o the_o next_o general_n court_n to_o pay_v the_o principal_a with_o five_o and_o twenty_o per_fw-la cent._n damage_n beside_o cost_v xlii_o prison_n to_o be_v build_v in_o each_o county_n whereas_o the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o james-city_n the_o three_o of_o november_n 1647._o and_o continue_v by_o the_o assembly_n hold_v there_o the_o third_z of_o march_n 1657._o for_o prevention_n of_o escape_n for_o prisoner_n have_v enact_v that_o sufficient_a prison_n shall_v be_v build_v in_o each_o county_n and_o that_o a_o house_n build_v after_o the_o form_n of_o a_o virginia-house_n our_o ability_n not_o extend_v to_o build_v strong_a shall_v be_v account_v a_o sufficient_a prison_n and_o that_o any_o person_n be_v a_o prisoner_n for_o debt_n or_o crime_n and_o break_v one_o of_o those_o prison_n shall_v be_v proceed_v against_o as_o a_o felon_n and_o that_o neither_o court_n commissioner_n nor_o sheriff_n shall_v be_v answerable_a for_o such_o escape_n and_o whereas_o the_o sixty_o first_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o james-city_n the_o say_v thirteen_o of_o march_n 1657._o make_v the_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_v of_o a_o penalty_n never_o be_v put_v in_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_v whereof_o be_v
of_o execution_n shall_v issue_v forth_o lxii_o person_n remove_v into_o the_o bay_n for_o avoid_v of_o creditor_n charge_n and_o trouble_n in_o recover_v their_o debt_n by_o reason_n of_o divers_a person_n remove_v themselves_o from_o the_o place_n where_o they_o contract_v their_o debt_n into_o remote_a county_n be_v it_o enact_v that_o no_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o county_n where_o he_o dwell_v unless_o he_o first_o set_v up_o his_o name_n at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o parish-church_n or_o chapel_n where_o he_o dwell_v three_o sunday_n together_o and_o in_o the_o same_o express_v his_o intent_n of_o leave_v the_o county_n and_o certify_v the_o place_n he_o be_v about_o to_o remove_v to_o and_o take_v certificate_n thereof_o from_o the_o minister_n or_o reader_n of_o the_o say_a church_n or_o chappel_n and_o the_o churchwarden_n of_o the_o parish_n to_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o county-court_n who_o shall_v grant_v he_o thereupon_o a_o licence_n to_o depart_v provide_v always_o that_o if_o the_o say_a person_n so_o remove_v pay_v not_o his_o debt_n contract_v before_o his_o remove_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o specialty_n by_o which_o they_o be_v due_a it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o any_o of_o his_o creditor_n by_o a_o warrant_n from_o the_o secretary_n office_n to_o bring_v the_o debtor_n personal_o before_o the_o governor_n or_o any_o of_o the_o council_n for_o what_o value_n soever_o the_o debt_n be_v of_o and_o there_o put_v in_o sufficient_a security_n for_o performance_n of_o his_o obligation_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n thereof_o in_o case_n the_o day_n of_o payment_n be_v not_o past_a any_o restriction_n in_o any_o other_o act_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o and_o then_o to_o take_v out_o execution_n against_o his_o body_n or_o estate_n for_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o say_a debt_n and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n shall_v before_o or_o after_o certificate_n obtain_v as_o aforesaid_a remove_v of_o transport_v any_o cattle_n out_o of_o the_o county_n he_o dwell_v in_o without_o notice_n give_v to_o four_o of_o the_o near_a inhabitant_n who_o be_v hereby_o require_v to_o take_v especial_a notice_n of_o the_o ear-mark_a and_o colour_n of_o the_o cattle_n to_o be_v remove_v and_o make_v a_o list_n of_o they_o and_o their_o mark_n and_o carry_v the_o same_o subscribe_v by_o the_o say_a viewer_n to_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o county-court_n to_o be_v record_v he_o shall_v upon_o lawful_a conviction_n forfeit_v for_o every_o beast_n transport_v contrary_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o this_o act_n one_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 he_o that_o shall_v make_v the_o complaint_n against_o the_o party_n so_o offend_v and_o if_o any_o merchant_n mariner_z or_o any_o other_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v transport_v any_o person_n or_o person_n out_o of_o his_o county_n without_o certificate_n as_o aforesaid_a the_o say_a merchant_n mariner_z or_o other_o person_n so_o offend_v shall_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o payment_n of_o all_o the_o debt_n and_o engagement_n of_o the_o party_n transport_v be_v due_a at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o removal_n lxiii_o english_a weight_n and_o measure_n whereas_o daily_a experience_n show_v that_o much_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n be_v practise_v in_o this_o colony_n by_o false_a weight_n and_o measure_n for_o prevention_n thereof_o be_v it_o enact_v that_o no_o inhabitant_n or_o trader_n hither_o shall_v buy_v or_o sell_v or_o otherwise_o make_v use_n of_o in_o trading_n any_o other_o weight_n or_o measure_n then_o be_v use_v and_o make_v according_a to_o the_o statute_n of_o ______o in_o that_o case_n provide_v and_o for_o discovery_n of_o abuse_n be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o the_o commissioner_n of_o every_o county_n do_v provide_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o county_n seal_v weight_n of_o half-hundreds_a quartern_n half-quarterns_a seven_o pound_n four_o pound_n two_o pound_n one_o pound_n measure_v of_o ell_n and_o yard_n of_o bushel_n half-bushel_n peck_n and_o gallon_n of_o winchester-measure_n gallon_n pottle_n quartfield_n pint_n of_o wine-measure_n out_o of_o england_n and_o that_o the_o say_v weight_n and_o measure_n be_v keep_v by_o the_o first_o of_o every_o commission_n at_o his_o house_n and_o with_o they_o a_o burn_a mark_n of_o ______o and_o a_o stamp_n for_o leaden_a weight_n and_o pewter-pot_n whither_o all_o person_n not_o use_v weight_n or_o measure_n bring_v out_o of_o england_n and_o seal_v there_o shall_v bring_v all_o their_o barrel_n which_o be_v to_o contain_v five_o bushel_n and_o other_o measure_n to_o be_v seal_v and_o their_o stilhar_n to_o be_v try_v and_o all_o person_n sell_v by_o other_o weight_n or_o measure_n not_o fâ—â—led_v and_o try_v as_o aforesaid_a shall_v forfeit_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 that_o shall_v make_v his_o complaint_n and_o if_o the_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v make_v default_n of_o produce_v such_o weight_n measure_n scale_n and_o staâ—â—â—_n as_o by_o this_o act_n they_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o first_o of_o december_n 1663._o the_o say_v commissioner_n shall_v be_v fine_v five_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o public_a lxiv_o county-court_n to_o grant_v probates_n and_o administration_n be_v it_o enact_v that_o the_o county-court_n shall_v be_v empower_v to_o grant_v probates_n of_o will_n and_o administration_n upon_o the_o estate_n of_o person_n die_v intestate_a to_o take_v security_n and_o receive_v the_o inventory_n of_o the_o say_a estate_n provide_v that_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o county-court_n when_o he_o send_v or_o carry_v the_o say_a probates_n or_o commission_n of_o administration_n to_o be_v sign_v do_v then_o also_o certify_v into_o the_o secretaries-office_n the_o name_n of_o the_o testator_n or_o the_o party_n decease_v the_o executor_n or_o administrator_n and_o their_o security_n the_o county_n and_o parish_n where_o they_o dwell_v and_o the_o court_n wherein_o the_o administration_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o end_n that_o stranger_n and_o other_o creditor_n invest_v in_o the_o estate_n may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o find_v out_o the_o record_n in_o which_o the_o account_n of_o the_o estate_n be_v enter_v and_o be_v inform_v how_o they_o may_v come_v to_o their_o just_a due_n lxv_o administration_n to_o who_o to_o be_v grant_v whereas_o commissioner_n of_o administration_n be_v sudden_o obtain_v and_o the_o estate_n as_o sudden_o dispose_v of_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o great_a creditor_n or_o next_o of_o kin_n whereby_o oftentimes_o they_o that_o real_o be_v so_o be_v the_o one_o defraud_v of_o his_o just_a debt_n and_o the_o other_o debar_v of_o his_o right_n and_o interest_n before_o either_o can_v have_v notice_n of_o the_o party_n decease_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o no_o administratition_n be_v grant_v until_o nine_o month_n after_o the_o party_n decease_n except_o to_o the_o widow_n or_o child_n and_o then_o to_o be_v immediate_o grant_v the_o say_a widow_n or_o child_n bring_v in_o sufficient_a security_n for_o perform_v all_o thing_n the_o law_n require_v and_o save_v the_o court_n harmless_a and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o in_o ease_n the_o say_a widow_n or_o child_n do_v administer_v the_o estate_n shall_v be_v inventory_v and_o apprizement_n make_v by_o four_o man_n appoint_v by_o the_o court_n and_o swear_v by_o a_o justice_n of_o that_o court_n as_o formerly_z which_o inventory_n and_o apprizement_n shall_v by_o the_o say_a widow_n or_o child_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o next_o court_n hold_v in_o that_o county_n unless_o the_o court_n for_o reason_n show_v they_o may_v think_v fit_a to_o grant_v liberty_n to_o bring_v it_o in_o the_o court_n follow_v but_o in_o case_n the_o decedent_fw-la die_v without_o widow_n or_o child_n than_o it_o be_v enact_v that_o the_o estate_n for_o the_o better_a improvement_n thereof_o be_v sell_v by_o the_o court_n at_o a_o outcry_n and_o the_o purchaser_n all_o put_n in_o security_n and_o acknowledge_v judgement_n for_o their_o debt_n which_o by_o the_o court_n shall_v be_v assign_v to_o the_o several_a creditor_n of_o the_o decedent_fw-la and_o pay_v according_a to_o the_o priority_n in_o law_n and_o the_o surplusage_n remain_v if_o any_o to_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o next_o kinsman_n of_o the_o decedent_fw-la if_o he_o appear_v or_o if_o none_o prove_v himself_o such_o within_o three_o year_n than_o the_o court_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o say_a surplusage_n to_o the_o assembly_n who_o be_v to_o dispose_v of_o the_o same_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o county_n allow_v to_o the_o court_n or_o who_o they_o intrust_v for_o the_o manage_n of_o it_o for_o his_o reasonable_a cost_n and_o pain_n and_o when_o the_o widow_n or_o
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 ear_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_n 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_n 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 specialty_n or_o account_n it_o be_v therefore_o enact_v that_o no_o bill_n or_o account_n 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-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 at_o ordinary-keeper_n account_n but_o the_o say_v ordinary-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_n 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 account_n due_a to_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o person_n decease_a be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v 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-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-keeper_n how_o to_o sell_v whereas_o continual_a complaint_n be_v make_v of_o the_o exaction_n of_o ordinary-keeper_n and_o other_o in_o the_o rate_n and_o measure_n of_o strong-drink_a 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-drink_a 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 ouart_n pottle_n or_o gallon_n and_o that_o every_o one_o that_o now_o do_v 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_z 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-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 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_n 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 servant_n how_o long_o to_o serve_v whereas_o the_o thirteen_o act_n 1659._o do_v enact_v that_o all_o person_n bring_v as_o servant_n into_o this_o country_n of_o what_o christian_a nation_n soever_o they_o be_v shall_v serve_v no_o long_o than_o our_o own_o nation_n which_o be_v five_o year_n if_o above_o sixteen_o year_n of_o age_n if_o under_o until_o one_o and_o twenty_o as_o by_o the_o thirty_o act_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n appear_v and_o in_o regard_n the_o say_v thirteen_o act_n do_v contrary_a to_o law_n look_v backward_o and_o set_v free_a several_a servant_n alien_n purchase_v upon_o a_o former_a act_n of_o assembly_n make_v the_o four_o of_o ______o 1654._o be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o all_o alien_n and_o other_o come_v in_o while_o that_o act_n and_o the_o other_o be_v in_o force_n shall_v serve_v according_a to_o those_o act_n and_o that_o for_o the_o future_a all_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n shall_v be_v repeal_v and_o all_o servant_n hereafter_o come_v in_o without_o indenture_n shall_v serve_v five_o year_n if_o above_o sixteen_o year_n of_o age_n and_o all_o under_o that_o age_n shall_v serve_v until_o they_o be_v four_o and_o twenty_o year_n old_a that_o be_v the_o time_n limit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o england_n and_o that_o the_o several_a court_n at_o the_o request_n of_o the_o master_n
shall_v immediate_o subscribe_v they_o seal_v they_o and_o the_o writ_n up_o and_o return_v they_o with_o the_o writ_n so_o seal_v up_o to_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o general-court_n if_o the_o writ_n issue_n from_o the_o governor_n or_o else_o to_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o county-court_n whence_o the_o warrant_n issue_v by_o either_o of_o the_o say_a clerk_n to_o be_v read_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o cause_n in_o either_o of_o the_o say_a court_n xxx_o penalty_n for_o non-appearance_n of_o evidence_n be_v it_o also_o enact_v that_o the_o penalty_n to_o be_v insert_v in_o subpaena_n to_o the_o general-court_n for_o non-appearance_n of_o the_o evidence_n summon_v be_v one_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n and_o for_o like_a default_n of_o the_o county-court_n three_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n and_o that_o all_o witness_n summon_v to_o give_v in_o their_o evidence_n at_o either_o of_o the_o say_a court_n shall_v be_v allow_v for_o their_o necessary_a time_n spend_v in_o come_v and_o go_v to_o and_o from_o the_o say_a court_n twenty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n per_fw-la day_n and_o for_o the_o time_n they_o attend_v there_o until_o they_o have_v give_v in_o their_o evidence_n forty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n per_fw-la day_n and_o because_o many_o malicious_o to_o aggravate_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o suit_n summon_v many_o more_o witness_n than_o be_v needful_a be_v it_o therefore_o further_o enact_v that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v allow_v in_o any_o bill_n of_o cost_v the_o charge_n of_o above_o three_o witness_n to_o any_o one_o action_n unless_o for_o proof_n of_o several_a matter_n incident_a thereunto_o which_o several_o may_v require_v the_o attestation_n of_o two_o witness_n xxxi_o county-court_n appoint_v be_v it_o also_o enact_v for_o the_o more_o due_a administration_n of_o justice_n in_o the_o several_a county_n and_o the_o great_a ease_n of_o the_o people_n in_o obtain_v the_o same_o the_o court_n be_v continue_v in_o each_o county_n as_o of_o long_a time_n have_v be_v accustom_v and_o that_o the_o say_v court_n do_v consist_v of_o eight_o of_o the_o most_o able_a honest_a and_o judicious_a person_n in_o the_o county_n which_o eight_o or_o any_o four_o of_o they_o whereof_z one_o to_o be_v always_o of_o the_o quorum_fw-la be_v to_o be_v empower_v by_o commission_n from_o the_o governor_n for_o the_o time_n be_v to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o england_n and_o of_o this_o country_n and_o to_o empower_v they_o several_o and_o out_o of_o court_n to_o act_v and_o do_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o england_n be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o justice_n of_o peace_n there_o and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o these_o person_n thus_o commissionated_a take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n and_o the_o oath_n of_o a_o justice_n of_o peace_n that_o they_o be_v call_v justice_n of_o peace_n that_o the_o court_n be_v style_v county-court_n and_o further_o that_o the_o justice_n do_v keep_v the_o say_a court_n precise_o upon_o the_o day_n appoint_v by_o this_o and_o former_a act_n of_o assembly_n viz._n henrico_n the_o 1_o day_n charles-city_n the_o 3_o day_n james-city_n the_o 6_o day_n isle_n of_o wight_n the_o 9_o day_n nanzemond_fw-fr the_o 12_o day_n lower-norfolk_n the_o 15_o day_n elizabeth-city_n the_o 18_o day_n warwick-county_n the_o 21_o day_n yorke-county_n the_o 24_o day_n northampton_n the_o 28_o day_n new-kent_n the_o 28_o day_n gloucester_z the_o 16_o day_n lancaster_n the_o rappahanocke_v the_o surry_n the_o northumberland_n the_o westmoreland_n the_o and_o all_o adjournment_n by_o all_o mean_v possible_a be_v avoid_v and_o that_o all_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o say_a court_n respective_o shall_v due_o attend_v the_o same_o and_o shall_v not_o depart_v or_o absent_v themselves_o from_o thence_o without_o the_o licence_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o justice_n there_o present_a and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o have_v a_o lawful_a cause_n of_o absence_n it_o be_v think_v fit_a that_o in_o such_o case_n they_o shall_v upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o court_n signify_v the_o same_o to_o the_o court_n by_o writing_n and_o that_o they_o make_v good_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o at_o the_o next_o ensue_a court_n or_o else_o be_v delinquent_n in_o the_o premise_n every_o justice_n so_o offend_v shall_v forfeit_v for_o every_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n three_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o the_o court_n and_o dispose_v of_o to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o county_n xxxii_o no_o arrest_n without_o entry_n of_o action_n be_v it_o also_o enact_v that_o all_o action_n to_o the_o county-court_n and_o subpaena_n for_o witness_n or_o in_o chancery_n be_v first_o enter_v with_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o county_n or_o his_o know_a deputy_n before_o any_o arrest_v make_v or_o summon_v serve_v under_o penalty_n of_o five_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o be_v levy_v upon_o the_o sheriff_n that_o shall_v presume_v to_o serve_v any_o process_n contrary_a to_o the_o tenor_n hereof_o and_o be_v it_o enact_v that_o the_o plaintiff_n in_o any_o action_n shall_v at_o least_o the_o day_n before_o the_o court_n enter_v his_o bill_n of_o complaint_n and_o leave_v it_o in_o the_o clerk_n hand_n that_o the_o defendant_n if_o he_o will_v may_v have_v a_o copy_n thereof_o and_o according_o provide_v his_o answer_n but_o the_o original_a declaration_n or_o bill_n to_o be_v always_o file_v in_o the_o office_n xxxiii_o the_o defendant_n to_o put_v in_o his_o answer_n and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o for_o the_o better_a regulate_v and_o keep_v the_o record_n and_o transfer_v the_o precedent_n to_o posterity_n as_o also_o for_o prevention_n of_o new_a suit_n upon_o mistake_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o order_n that_o as_o the_o plaintiff_n both_o in_o general-court_n and_o county-court_n file_n his_o declaration_n so_o the_o defendant_n in_o both_o those_o court_n shall_v also_o put_v in_o his_o answer_n in_o writing_n and_o that_o the_o judgement_n if_o for_o the_o plaintiff_n be_v endorse_v on_o the_o declaration_n if_o for_o the_o defendant_n on_o the_o answer_n and_o further_o that_o all_o evidence_n concern_v that_o cause_n be_v file_v together_o with_o they_o and_o by_o the_o clerk_n careful_o preserve_v xxxiv_o form_n of_o enter_v the_o court._n be_v it_o also_o enact_v that_o the_o form_n for_o enter_v the_o style_n of_o the_o court_n proclamation_n for_o silence_n the_o crier_n call_v the_o plaintiff_n and_o the_o defendant_n to_o answer_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o county-court_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o general-court_n vary_v only_o in_o the_o title_n of_o the_o court_n and_o the_o assessor_n xxxv_o court_v not_o to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o any_o thing_n under_o two_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n and_o be_v it_o also_o enact_v that_o the_o court_n shall_v not_o take_v cognizance_n of_o any_o cause_n under_o the_o value_n of_o two_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n or_o twenty_o shilling_n sterling_a which_o a_o private_a justice_n may_v and_o be_v hereby_o authorize_v and_o empower_v to_o hear_v and_o determine_v and_o whereas_o many_o vexatious_a person_n do_v very_o much_o trouble_v the_o court_n and_o their_o neighbour_n for_o brabble_a word_n sometime_o passionate_o but_o not_o malicious_o speak_v â—e_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o no_o action_n be_v admit_v for_o defamation_n in_o any_o court_n defamation_n action_n of_o defamation_n where_o the_o word_n be_v not_o actionable_a and_o further_o that_o there_o be_v no_o word_n actionable_a but_o such_o as_o if_o true_a may_v have_v bring_v the_o person_n to_o suffer_v punishment_n by_o law_n any_o other_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o court_n and_o the_o plaintiff_n to_o be_v nonsuit_v not_o that_o liberty_n be_v hereby_o give_v or_o intend_v to_o any_o scurrilous_a person_n to_o abuse_v other_o at_o his_o pleasure_n but_o that_o his_o majesty_n court_n be_v not_o for_o such_o brawl_n force_v to_o wave_n matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o because_o offence_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v determine_v by_o a_o particular_a justice_n who_o be_v hereby_o empower_v to_o bind_v the_o person_n so_o offend_v to_o the_o good_a behaviour_n or_o if_o they_o find_v not_o good_a security_n for_o the_o same_o to_o commit_v they_o to_o prison_n till_o they_o find_v it_o xxxvi_o private_a court_n prohibit_v whereas_o many_o thing_n be_v act_v and_o administration_n grant_v at_o private_a court_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o apparent_a damage_n of_o divers_a of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o no_o private-court_n be_v keep_v but_o that_o all_o business_n tryable_a or_o grantable_a by_o or_o at_o the_o county-court_n be_v try_v and_o grant_v in_o open_a court_n at_o the_o time_n and_o place_n by_o