sheriff_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o creditor_n to_o who_o the_o sheriff_n shall_v give_v notice_n that_o he_o may_v take_v they_o into_o his_o own_o possession_n and_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o averment_n against_o a_o record_n it_o be_v further_a enact_v that_o the_o sheriff_n make_v return_v of_o the_o execution_n to_o that_o clerk_n of_o the_o county_n that_o grant_v it_o by_o he_o to_o be_v enter_v upon_o record_n under_o the_o order_n it_o be_v issue_v upon_o that_o so_o the_o satisfaction_n aswell_o as_o the_o judgement_n may_v be_v authentique_o prove_v if_o occasion_n require_v whereas_o the_o act_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o poor_a prisoner_n have_v contrary_a to_o the_o intent_n thereof_o be_v extend_v to_o man_n of_o all_o capacity_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v a_o inconsiderable_a part_n of_o their_o estate_n or_o at_o least_o unprofitable_a to_o he_o who_o dependence_n be_v tobacco_n according_a to_o his_o agreement_n force_v for_o satisfaction_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o henceforth_o every_o debtor_n under_o execution_n for_o debt_n shall_v be_v detain_v in_o prison_n until_o he_o have_v pay_v the_o debt_n in_o kind_n but_o that_o real_a poor_a man_n lay_v under_o execution_n for_o a_o debt_n under_o one_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n shall_v still_o have_v liberty_n by_o part_n of_o their_o estate_n by_o some_o justice_n of_o the_o county_n indifferent_o assign_v and_o by_o apprizer_n summon_v by_o the_o sheriff_n and_o swear_v equal_o to_o apprise_v the_o say_a estate_n shall_v make_v payment_n thereof_o to_o their_o creditor_n and_o redeem_v their_o person_n xlix_o no_o commissioner_n clerk_n or_o sheriff_n to_o be_v attorney_n in_o the_o court_n where_o they_o officiate_v be_v it_o enact_v that_o neither_o sheriff_n commissioner_n under-sheriff_n or_o clerk_n of_o any_o court_n within_o this_o colony_n shall_v be_v permit_v to_o plead_v as_o a_o attorney_n in_o any_o person_n behalf_n in_o the_o court_n wherein_o he_o officiate_n and_o the_o say_a commissioner_n sheriff_n under-sheriff_n or_o clerk_n offend_v herein_o shall_v for_o every_o default_n be_v fine_v one_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o county_n provide_v always_o that_o if_o any_o poor_a person_n not_o able_a to_o plead_v his_o own_o cause_n shall_v request_v the_o court_n to_o assign_v he_o one_o of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o plead_v for_o he_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o the_o court_n to_o grant_v it_o and_o for_o the_o commissioner_n to_o plead_v according_o but_o the_o counsellor_n commissioner_n etc._n etc._n so_o plead_v the_o poor_a man_n cause_n not_o to_o give_v judgement_n therein_o provide_v also_o that_o any_o commissioner-sheriff_n under-sheriff_n or_o clerk_n act_v as_o general_n attorney_n for_o any_o person_n absent_a out_o of_o the_o country_n or_o county_n and_o negotiate_v their_o affair_n and_o so_o liable_a to_o be_v sue_v for_o their_o employer_n such_o person_n notwithstanding_o this_o act_n shall_v have_v liberty_n also_o to_o plead_v and_o prosecute_v in_o any_o cause_n that_o shall_v any_o way_n concern_v their_o say_a employer_n l._n publication_n of_o writ_n for_o election_n of_o burgess_n whereas_o frequent_a complaint_n be_v make_v by_o the_o people_n that_o they_o have_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o the_o election_n of_o burgess_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n be_v deprive_v of_o give_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o their_o own_o representative_n be_v it_o enact_v henceforward_o that_o the_o sheriff_n of_o the_o respective_a county_n shall_v upon_o the_o receipt_n of_o the_o writ_n cause_n copy_n thereof_o with_o the_o day_n appoint_v for_o the_o election_n endorse_v to_o be_v send_v to_o the_o minister_n or_o reader_n of_o every_o parish_n in_o their_o county_n who_o be_v to_o read_v the_o same_o to_o the_o people_n two_o sunday_n successive_o both_o in_o the_o church_n and_o chapel_n of_o ease_n to_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o end_n that_o no_o person_n may_v pretend_v ignorance_n and_o return_v the_o same_o to_o the_o sheriff_n with_o his_o attestation_n subscribe_v that_o he_o have_v publish_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o this_o act_n which_o attestation_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discharge_v the_o sheriff_n from_o blame_n but_o if_o the_o sheriff_n neglect_v to_o send_v copy_n as_o aforesaid_a then_o to_o be_v fine_v two_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o county_n and_o every_o freeman_n after_o such_o publication_n make_v neglect_v to_o come_v and_o give_v his_o vote_n at_o the_o day_n appoint_v for_o election_n shall_v be_v amerce_v two_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o county_n and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o if_o the_o sheriff_n shall_v not_o before_o the_o day_n of_o the_o return_n make_v his_o due_a return_n of_o the_o writ_n with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o burgess_n endorse_v into_o the_o secretary_n office_n at_o james-city_n the_o say_a sheriff_n so_o neglect_v shall_v be_v fine_v two_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o the_o public_a li._n public_a levy_n to_o be_v first_o pay_v be_v it_o also_o enact_v that_o no_o sheriff_n shall_v where_o he_o receive_v tobacco_n of_o any_o person_n indebt_v for_o his_o levye_n and_o also_o for_o fee_n and_o other_o debt_n due_a to_o himself_o or_o any_o other_o officer_n and_o not_o pay_v the_o whole_a in_o kind_n by_o which_o mean_n for_o part_v thereof_o distress_n must_v be_v make_v shall_v presume_v to_o convert_v the_o tobacco_n in_o kind_n to_o his_o own_o or_o any_o other_o use_n and_o force_v the_o countrey-creditour_n to_o accept_v of_o the_o distress_n or_o stay_v for_o his_o debt_n but_o that_o all_o debt_n due_a to_o the_o public_a be_v first_o pay_v and_o the_o tobacco_n in_o kind_n pay_v to_o the_o creditor_n of_o the_o public_a who_o reputation_n be_v by_o these_o evasion_n often_o vilify_v and_o that_o the_o sheriff_n make_v default_n herein_o shall_v be_v fine_v ten_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o public_a upon_o proof_n thereof_o make_v in_o any_o court_n of_o record_n in_o this_o country_n lii_o the_o sheriff_n upon_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o treasurer_n or_o his_o deputy_n to_o collect_v the_o quitrent_n and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o the_o sheriff_n be_v his_o majesty_n immediate_a officer_n shall_v upon_o the_o instance_n of_o his_o majesty_n treasurer_n or_o his_o deputy_n here_o be_v compel_v to_o receive_v all_o such_o quitrent_n as_o the_o say_a treasurer_n or_o his_o deputy_n shall_v give_v he_o order_n to_o receive_v in_o his_o county_n and_o that_o the_o say_v quitrent_n be_v pay_v as_o the_o levy_n in_o the_o direct_a specie_fw-la of_o tobacco_n or_o money_n and_o that_o no_o particular_a fee_n or_o debt_n be_v prefer_v before_o they_o under_o like_a penalty_n as_o for_o the_o payment_n of_o other_o debt_n before_o the_o levy_n liii_o listen_v of_o tithable_n how_o to_o be_v take_v whereas_o the_o fraud_n of_o sheriff_n in_o bring_v in_o the_o list_n of_o the_o tithable_n have_v very_o much_o augment_v the_o tax_n of_o the_o country_n be_v it_o enact_v that_o for_o the_o better_a discovery_n of_o the_o number_n of_o tithable_n each_o county_n shall_v be_v divide_v into_o several_a precinct_n in_o each_o of_o which_o a_o commissioner_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o court_n appoint_v to_o take_v a_o list_n of_o the_o tithable_n to_o be_v bring_v or_o send_v in_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o master_n of_o every_o family_n of_o the_o name_n and_o number_n of_o tithable_n he_o have_v in_o his_o family_n and_o if_o he_o bring_v in_o a_o false_a list_n the_o say_a master_n shall_v pay_v treble_a duty_n for_o every_o person_n so_o by_o he_o conceal_v and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o the_o say_a commissioner_n give_v public_a notice_n in_o write_v to_o be_v read_v and_o set_v up_o at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n or_o chapel_n of_o ease_n of_o the_o precinct_n he_o be_v to_o take_v account_n of_o and_o of_o the_o day_n he_o will_v receive_v they_o provide_v the_o day_n be_v before_o the_o ten_o of_o june_n at_o far_a at_o which_o time_n every_o person_n neglect_v to_o bring_v in_o his_o list_n as_o aforesaid_a shall_v be_v adjudge_v a_o concealer_n and_o pay_v according_o and_o every_o commissioner_n fail_v in_o give_v notice_n neglect_v to_o take_v the_o list_n connive_v at_o other_o concealment_n or_o not_o give_v a_o true_a list_n of_o his_o own_o tithable_n shall_v also_o pay_v treble_a duty_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o every_o commissioner_n in_o august-court_n follow_v shall_v deliver_v the_o account_n so_o take_v by_o he_o and_o the_o subscription_n of_o the_o several_a master_n of_o family_n to_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o county-court_n who_o shall_v return_v a_o exact_a list_n of_o
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
peace_n of_o this_o his_o majesty_n be_v country_n have_v enact_v ordain_v and_o confirm_v and_o do_v by_o these_o present_n enact_v ordain_v and_o confirm_v that_o for_o the_o future_a no_o indian_a king_n or_o other_o shall_v upon_o any_o pretence_n alien_a or_o sell_v nor_o no_o english_a for_o any_o cause_n or_o consideration_n whatsoever_o purchase_n or_o buy_v any_o trace_v or_o parcel_v of_o land_n now_o just_o claim_v or_o actual_o possess_v by_o any_o indian_a or_o indian_n whatsoever_o all_o such_o bargain_n and_o sale_n hereafter_o make_v or_o pretend_v to_o be_v make_v be_v hereby_o declare_v to_o be_v invalid_a void_a and_o null_n any_o acknowledgement_n surrender_n law_n or_o custom_n former_o use_v to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o and_o further_o that_o the_o indian_n property_n in_o their_o good_n be_v hereby_o assure_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o and_o their_o person_n so_o secure_v that_o whoever_o shall_v defraud_v or_o take_v from_o they_o their_o good_n or_o do_v hurt_v or_o injury_n to_o their_o person_n shall_v make_v such_o satisfaction_n and_o suffer_v such_o punishment_n as_o the_o law_n of_o england_n or_o this_o country_n do_v inflict_v if_o the_o same_o have_v be_v do_v to_o a_o english_a man_n and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o what_o englishman_n have_v already_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n former_o in_o force_n for_o surrender_v and_o acknowledge_v indian_n land_n make_v encroachment_n or_o seat_v upon_o they_o shall_v if_o they_o make_v not_o good_a proof_n of_o their_o title_n upon_o complaint_n make_v be_v by_o order_n direct_v to_o the_o sheriff_n to_o execute_v remove_v from_o their_o seat_n of_o land_n thus_o wrongful_o encroach_v and_o all_o house_n by_o they_o build_v upon_o the_o say_a land_n be_v demolish_v and_o burn_v and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o all_o english_a man_n have_v by_o surrender_n make_v at_o quarter-court_n or_o assembly_n procure_v a_o colourable_a right_n to_o any_o land_n by_o the_o say_v english_a now_o seat_v within_o three_o mile_n of_o any_o indian_n for_o prevention_n of_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o the_o indian_n by_o the_o say_a englishman_n hog_n and_o cattle_n shall_v send_v such_o number_n of_o hand_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o commissioner_n to_o be_v authorize_v by_o the_o governor_n to_o help_v the_o indian_n to_o fence_v in_o a_o cornfield_n proportionable_a to_o the_o number_n of_o person_n the_o say_v indian_a town_n do_v consist_v of_o and_o that_o after_o such_o fence_n once_o make_v sufficient_o according_a to_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n if_o the_o indian_n keep_v it_o not_o in_o repair_n what_o damage_n soever_o they_o shall_v afterward_o sustain_v shall_v be_v at_o the_o hazard_n and_o sole_a loss_n of_o they_o the_o say_v indian_n and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o for_o the_o better_a relief_n of_o the_o poor_a indian_n who_o the_o seat_v of_o the_o english_a have_v force_v from_o their_o wont_a conveniency_n of_o oyster_v fish_v and_o gather_v tuchahoe_n cortenions_a and_o other_o wild-fruit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wont_v for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o year_n to_o subsist_v be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v grant_v and_o confirm_v that_o the_o say_v indian_n upon_o address_n make_v to_o two_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o that_o county_n they_o desire_v to_o oyster_n or_o gather_v wild-fruit_n in_o as_o aforesaid_a they_o the_o say_v justice_n shall_v grant_v a_o licence_n to_o the_o say_a indian_n to_o oyster_n or_o gather_v wild-fruit_n as_o aforesaid_a provide_v the_o say_a justice_n limit_v the_o time_n the_o indian_n be_v to_o stay_v and_o the_o indian_n bring_v not_o with_o they_o any_o gun_n or_o ammunition_n or_o other_o offensive_a weapon_n but_o only_o such_o tool_n or_o implement_n as_o serve_v for_o the_o end_n of_o their_o come_n and_o if_o any_o englishman_n shall_v presume_v to_o take_v from_o the_o indian_n so_o come_v in_o any_o of_o their_o good_n or_o shall_v kill_v wound_n or_o main_a any_o indian_a he_o shall_v suffer_v as_o if_o he_o have_v do_v the_o same_o to_o a_o englishman_n and_o be_v fine_v for_o his_o contempt_n and_o because_o many_o underhand_o and_o unlicensed_a trader_n do_v truck_v and_o trade_n with_o the_o indian_n contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n and_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o all_o such_o as_o legal_o procure_v commission_n from_o the_o governor_n under_o pretence_n that_o the_o thing_n truck_v for_o be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o indian_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o what_o person_n soever_o shall_v upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o buy_v take_v or_o receive_v any_o thing_n or_o commodity_n from_o a_o indian_a shall_v upon_o proof_n thereof_o at_o any_o court_n be_v order_v to_o pay_v treble_a the_o value_n of_o the_o thing_n receive_v to_o the_o person_n injure_v thereby_o and_o because_o sometime_o difference_n may_v arise_v between_o the_o indian_n and_o those_o they_o trade_n with_o which_o if_o we_o shall_v proceed_v by_o way_n of_o arrest_n may_v tend_v much_o to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o country_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o any_o commissionated_a trader_n have_v a_o difference_n with_o any_o indian_a king_n or_o other_o shall_v repair_v to_o to_o the_o governor_n for_o he_o or_o such_o other_o as_o he_o shall_v appoint_v to_o determine_v the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o because_o the_o imprisonment_n of_o a_o indian_a may_v bring_v a_o war_n upon_o the_o country_n and_o consequent_o the_o make_n of_o peace_n and_o war_n be_v wrest_v out_o of_o those_o hand_n it_o be_v by_o his_o majesty_n be_v commission_n entrust_v into_o the_o power_n of_o every_o individual_a in_o the_o country_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o no_o person_n of_o what_o quality_n soever_o presume_v to_o imprison_v any_o indian_a king_n without_o a_o special_a warrant_n from_o the_o governor_n and_o two_o of_o the_o council_n as_o they_o will_v answer_v the_o contrary_a at_o their_o utmost_a peril_n and_o because_o this_o act_n can_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n without_o commissioner_n to_o view_v the_o present_a bound_n of_o the_o english_a and_o indian_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v that_o the_o honourable_a governor_n be_v desire_v and_o authorize_v to_o appoint_v unintere_v person_n commissioner_n to_o go_v with_o party_n of_o horse_n to_o the_o several_a indian-town_n and_o there_o to_o proclaim_v these_o and_o the_o follow_a article_n of_o peace_n between_o we_o and_o the_o indian_n to_o settle_v the_o bound_n between_o we_o and_o to_o appoint_v other_o of_o the_o most_o integrity_n to_o fix_v the_o time_n and_o assess_v the_o work_n to_o help_v the_o indian_n fence_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n by_o this_o act_n enjoin_v and_o for_o prevention_n of_o future_a intrenchment_n beyond_o the_o bound_n once_o fix_v be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o the_o governor_n be_v desire_v and_o authorize_v to_o commissionate_a certain_a person_n annual_o to_o visit_v the_o same_o and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o no_o entrenchment_n be_v henceforth_o make_v upon_o the_o indian_n and_o because_o a_o interval_n between_o the_o indian_n can_v in_o the_o present_a nearness_n of_o seat_v be_v so_o lay_v out_o as_o may_v whole_o secure_v the_o english_a from_o the_o indian_n come_v in_o and_o pilfer_a thing_n from_o they_o if_o a_o free_a intercourse_n be_v admtty_v be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v for_o prevention_n thereof_o and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o nation_n may_v be_v distinguish_v and_o so_o if_o they_o be_v take_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v any_o injury_n the_o sufferer_n know_v to_o what_o king_n to_o address_v themselves_o for_o remedy_n that_o badge_n viz._n silver-plate_n and_o copper-plate_n with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o town_n grave_v upon_o they_o be_v give_v to_o all_o adjacent_a king_n within_o our_o protection_n and_o that_o all_o the_o say_a king_n give_v it_o in_o charge_n to_o their_o people_n that_o none_o of_o they_o presume_v upon_o what_o occasion_n soever_o to_o come_v within_o the_o english_a bound_n without_o those_o badge_n upon_o they_o or_o one_o with_o a_o badge_n in_o their_o company_n and_o if_o any_o damage_n or_o injury_n be_v do_v to_o any_o englishman_n by_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o that_o then_o the_o king_n or_o great-man_n of_o the_o place_n the_o badge_n denote_v shall_v be_v answerable_a for_o it_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v notwithstanding_o this_o injunction_n be_v find_v in_o our_o bound_n without_o a_o such_o badge_n or_o not_o accompany_v with_o one_o that_o shall_v have_v they_o that_o then_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o any_o englishman_n to_o carry_v he_o or_o they_o before_o any_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n who_o shall_v keep_v he_o or_o they_o in_o safe_a custody_n until_o their_o king_n or_o great-man_n ransom_v they_o by_o pay_v one_o hundred_o arm_n length_n
sit_v judge_n in_o all_o the_o county-court_n 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-court_n to_o general-court_n and_o from_o general-court_n 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-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 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-court_n in_o march_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o governor_n or_o itinerary-councellour_n in_o their_o circuit_n from_o who_o sentence_n it_o 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-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-court_n 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-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 it_o be_v enact_v that_o all_o appeal_v make_v from_o october_n december_n and_o other_o intervening_a county-court_n be_v make_v to_o the_o next_o succeed_a general-court_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o assembly_n and_o because_o there_o may_v be_v as_o great_a error_n of_o judgement_n or_o will_n in_o matter_n of_o small_a value_n as_o in_o the_o great_a it_o be_v further_a enact_v that_o appeal_n shall_v lie_v open_a as_o aforesaid_a for_o any_o thing_n of_o what_o value_n soever_o always_o provide_v that_o the_o appellant_n put_v in_o good_a security_n for_o prosecute_a the_o appeal_n and_o payment_n of_o fifty_o per_fw-la cent_n damage_n to_o the_o defendant_n if_o the_o appellant_n be_v cast_v in_o the_o suit_n for_o his_o unjust_a molestation_n provide_v also_o that_o no_o appeal_n be_v make_v from_o northampton-county_n who_o remoteness_n and_o dangerousness_n of_o passage_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o for_o inconsiderable_a cause_n to_o be_v attempt_v under_o the_o value_n limit_v by_o former_a act_n of_o assembly_n be_v three_o thousand_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n or_o thirty_o pound_n sterling_a any_o thing_n in_o this_o act_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o all_o cause_n of_o what_o value_n or_o nature_n soever_o not_o touch_v life_n or_o member_n may_v be_v try_v at_o the_o county-court_n and_o that_o no_o arrest_n be_v make_v to_o the_o general-court_n in_o any_o action_n under_o the_o value_n of_o sixteen_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n or_o sixteen_o pound_n sterling_a upon_o penalty_n of_o five_o hundred_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n to_o be_v pay_v by_o the_o plaintiff_n to_o the_o defendant_n for_o his_o charge_n xxvii_o amerciament_n in_o the_o general-court_n fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n per_fw-la cause_n in_o county-court_n thirty_o per_fw-la cause_n whereas_o many_o suit_n be_v raise_v upon_o frivolous_a occasion_n by_o litigious_a person_n for_o prevention_n thereof_o for_o the_o future_a be_v it_o enact_v and_o confirm_v that_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v cast_v in_o any_o cause_n be_v they_o plaintiff_n or_o defendant_n shall_v be_v amerce_v beside_o the_o damage_n and_o cost_v to_o the_o recoverer_n fifty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n in_o the_o general-court_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o public_a and_o in_o the_o county-court_n thirty_o pound_n of_o tobacco_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o due_a collect_v whereof_o be_v it_o enact_v that_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o general-court_n and_o the_o several_a county-court_n keep_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o amerciament_n and_o deliver_v or_o send_v the_o same_o to_o the_o several_a sheriff_n of_o the_o particular_a county_n who_o be_v hereby_o require_v to_o collect_v the_o same_o with_o the_o levy_n and_o be_v according_o empower_v for_o default_n of_o payment_n to_o make_v distress_n and_o command_v not_o to_o return_v any_o arrear_n executor_n and_o administrator_n who_o can_v pay_v without_o order_n always_o except_v xxviii_o subpaena_n to_z be_v issue_v by_o the_o clerk_n be_v it_o also_o enact_v that_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o general-court_n shall_v issue_v subpaena_n from_o the_o secretary_n office_n for_o all_o evidence_n require_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o any_o cause_n there_o depend_v if_o the_o witness_n require_v do_v not_o dwell_v beyond_o the_o bay_n or_o the_o north-side_n of_o james-river_n and_o if_o they_o do_v that_o then_o a_o dedimus_fw-la potestatem_fw-la shall_v issue_v for_o take_v the_o deposition_n in_o the_o county_n or_o county_n where_o the_o witness_n do_v dwell_v provide_v always_o that_o in_o criminal-cause_n all_o witness_n be_v bind_v over_o to_o give_v in_o their_o evidence_n viuâ_fw-la voce_fw-la at_o the_o trial_n in_o the_o general-court_n xxix_o dedimus_fw-la potestatem_fw-la how_o to_o issue_v whereas_o many_o cause_n between_o party_n and_o party_n be_v lose_v for_o want_n of_o evidence_n who_o live_v so_o far_o remote_a can_v but_o at_o a_o charge_n and_o expense_n far_o exceed_v the_o value_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v bring_v to_o give_v it_o viuâ_fw-la voce_fw-la at_o the_o general-court_n or_o at_o the_o county-court_n if_o the_o party_n dwell_v out_o of_o the_o county_n or_o else_o a_o great_a mischief_n be_v introduce_v by_o the_o partial_a and_o illegal_a examination_n of_o witness_n in_o presence_n of_o but_o one_o party_n before_o some_o one_o commissioner_n perhaps_o too_o favourable_o incline_v to_o the_o party_n in_o who_o behalf_n the_o deposition_n be_v take_v beside_o the_o trouble_n expense_n and_o hindrance_n of_o the_o witness_n themselves_o who_o many_o time_n be_v force_v one_o hundred_o mile_n from_o the_o place_n of_o their_o residence_n for_o a_o small_a allowance_n to_o give_v evidence_n in_o trial_n of_o petty_a and_o inconsiderable_a value_n for_o remedy_n whereof_o and_o that_o all_o party_n may_v with_o more_o convenience_n less_o trouble_n and_o cost_n have_v their_o evidence_n impartial_o and_o legal_o take_v be_v it_o enact_v and_o confirm_v that_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o be_v try_v at_o the_o general-court_n the_o governor_n if_o in_o any_o county-court_n any_o one_o of_o the_o council_n or_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o court_n shall_v grant_v and_o sign_n a_o writ_n of_o dedimus_fw-la potestatem_fw-la for_o examination_n of_o witness_n in_o the_o county_n where_o they_o dwell_v direct_v to_o three_o such_o person_n as_o the_o plaintiff_n and_o defendant_n if_o they_o both_o desire_n the_o writ_n shall_v by_o consent_n make_v choice_n of_o and_o nominate_v but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o single_a request_n of_o either_o plaintiff_n or_o defendant_n than_o the_o governor_n counsellor_n or_o judge_n of_o the_o county-court_n out_o of_o court-time_n shall_v nominate_v and_o appoint_v three_o or_o more_o such_o indifferent_a person_n to_o examine_v all_o such_o witness_n as_o by_o the_o party_n desire_v the_o writ_n they_o shall_v be_v move_v to_o summon_v before_o they_o and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o commissioner_n thus_o make_v choice_n of_o or_o appoint_v to_o execute_v the_o writ_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o shall_v by_o the_o say_v write_v be_v empower_v and_o require_v to_o appoint_v a_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o they_o will_v receive_v the_o evidence_n and_o to_o issue_v out_o subpaena_n for_o their_o appearance_n according_o and_o if_o upon_o such_o summon_v any_o of_o the_o witness_n refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o come_v and_o give_v in_o their_o evidence_n than_o the_o commissioner_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o be_v further_o empower_v by_o this_o act_n to_o lay_v such_o a_o fine_a upon_o they_o as_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n give_v in_o such_o case_n for_o non-appearance_n of_o witness_n at_o the_o general_n or_o county-court_n provide_v always_o that_o the_o party_n procure_v the_o writ_n shall_v give_v the_o party_n concern_v against_o he_o notice_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o the_o commissioner_n intend_v to_o sit_v at_o least_o ten_o day_n before_o the_o day_n appoint_v by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n for_o put_v it_o into_o execution_n and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o the_o say_a commissioner_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o which_o take_v the_o say_a examination_n
shall_v immediate_o subscribe_v they_o seal_v they_o and_o the_o writ_n up_o and_o return_v they_o with_o the_o writ_n so_o seal_v up_o to_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o general-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
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