town_n within_o this_o province_n two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o chief_a military_a or_o civil_a officer_n of_o the_o same_o town_n shall_v or_o may_v and_o hereby_o be_v empower_v to_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o pull_n down_o or_o blow_v up_o any_o such_o house_n or_o house_n that_o shall_v be_v by_o they_o adjudge_v meet_a to_o be_v pull_v down_o or_o blow_v up_o for_o the_o stop_n and_o prevent_v the_o further_o spread_v of_o the_o same_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o the_o pull_v down_o or_o blow_v up_o any_o such_o house_n or_o house_n by_o the_o direction_n aforesaid_a shall_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o stop_v the_o say_a fire_n or_o that_o the_o fire_n stop_v before_o it_o come_v to_o the_o same_o that_o then_o all_o and_o every_o owner_n of_o such_o house_n or_o house_n shall_v receive_v reasonable_a satisfaction_n and_o be_v pay_v for_o the_o same_o by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n pay_v where_o the_o fire_n be_v stop_v by_o pull_v down_o or_o blow_v up_o any_o house_n the_o owner_n to_o be_v pay_v who_o house_n shall_v not_o be_v burn_v who_o be_v hereby_o empower_v to_o make_v such_o rate_n or_o rate_n for_o the_o raise_v and_o levy_v of_o such_o sum_n and_o sum_n of_o money_n as_o shall_v be_v think_v convenient_a by_o the_o select-man_n and_o justice_n of_o say_a town_n for_o that_o end_n provide_v always_o that_o if_o the_o house_n where_o the_o fire_n shall_v first_o begin_v and_o break_v out_o shall_v be_v adjudge_v fit_a to_o be_v pull_v down_o or_o blow_v up_o to_o hinder_v the_o further_o spread_v and_o increase_n of_o the_o same_o that_o then_o the_o owner_n of_o such_o house_n shall_v receive_v no_o manner_n of_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o same_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o act_n contain_v notwithstanding_o a_o act_n for_o the_o settle_v and_o distribution_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o intestates_fw-la whereas_o estate_n in_o these_o plantation_n do_v consist_v chief_o of_o land_n which_o have_v be_v subdue_v and_o bring_v to_o improvement_n by_o the_o industry_n and_o labour_n of_o the_o proprietor_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o their_o child_n the_o young_a child_n general_o have_v be_v long_v and_o most_o serviceable_a unto_o their_o parent_n in_o that_o behalf_n who_o have_v not_o personal_a estate_n to_o gâ—…_n out_o unto_o they_o in_o portion_n or_o otherwise_o to_o recompense_n their_o labour_n be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o governor_n council_n and_o representative_n convene_v in_o general_a court_n or_o assembly_n and_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o that_o every_o person_n lawful_o seize_v of_o any_o land_n tenement_n or_o hereditament_n within_o this_o province_n etc._n person_n seize_v of_o land_n in_o fee_n simple_a may_v dispose_v of_o the_o same_o by_o will_n etc._n etc._n in_o his_o own_o proper_a right_n in_o fee_n simple_n shall_v have_v power_n to_o give_v and_o dispose_v and_o devise_v as_o well_o by_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n in_o write_v as_o otherwise_o by_o any_o act_n execute_v in_o his_o life_n all_o such_o land_n tenement_n and_o hereditament_n to_o and_o among_o his_o child_n or_o other_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o if_o no_o such_o disposition_n gift_n or_o devise_v be_v make_v by_o the_o owner_n of_o my_o such_o land_n tenement_n and_o hereditament_n the_o same_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o a_o division_n with_o his_o personal_a estate_n and_o be_v a_o like_a distribute_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n herein_o after_o express_v for_o intestate_a estate_n and_o when_o and_o so_o often_o as_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o any_o person_n die_v intestate_a grant_v administrator_n to_o the_o estate_n of_o intestates_fw-la how_o to_o be_v grant_v administration_n of_o such_o intestates_fw-la good_n and_o estate_n shall_v be_v grant_v unto_o the_o widow_n or_o next_o of_o kin_n to_o the_o intestate_a or_o both_o as_o the_o judge_n for_o probate_n of_o will_n and_o grant_v of_o administration_n shall_v think_v sit_v who_o shall_v thereupon_o take_v bond_n with_o surety_n in_o manner_n as_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o 22th_o and_o 23th_o of_o charles_n the_o second_o and_o shall_v and_o may_v proceed_v to_o call_v such_o administrator_n to_o account_v for_o and_o touch_v the_o good_n of_o the_o intestate_a and_o upon_o due_a hearing_n and_o consideration_n thereof_o debt_n funeral_n and_o just_a expense_n of_o all_o fort_n be_v first_o allow_v the_o say_a judge_n shall_v and_o hereby_o be_v full_o empower_v to_o order_n and_o make_v a_o just_a distribution_n of_o the_o surplusage_n or_o remain_v good_n and_o estate_n as_o well_o real_a as_o personal_a in_o manner_n follow_v that_o be_v to_o say_v one_o third_z part_n of_o the_o personal_a estate_n to_o the_o wife_n of_o the_o intestate_a for_o ever_o estate_n distribution_n of_o intestate_a estate_n beside_o her_o dower_n or_o three_o in_o the_o house_n and_o land_n during_o life_n where_o such_o wife_n shall_v not_o be_v otherwise_o endow_v before_o marriage_n and_o all_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o real_a and_o personal_a estate_n by_o equal_a portion_n to_o and_o among_o his_o child_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v legal_o represent_v they_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v dead_a other_o than_o such_o child_n who_o shall_v have_v any_o estate_n by_o settlement_n of_o the_o intestate_a in_o his_o life-time_n equal_a to_o the_o other_o share_n child_n advance_v by_o settlement_n or_o portion_n not_o equal_a to_o the_o other_o share_n to_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o surplusage_n as_o shall_v make_v the_o estate_n of_o all_o to_o be_v equal_a except_o the_o elder_a son_n than_o surviving_n where_o there_o be_v no_o issue_n of_o the_o first-born_a or_o of_o any_o other_o elder_a son_n who_o shall_v have_v two_o share_n or_o a_o double_a portion_n of_o the_o whole_a &_o where_o there_o be_v no_o son_n the_o daughter_n shall_v inherit_v as_o coparcener_n the_o division_n of_o the_o house_n and_o land_n to_o be_v make_v by_o five_o sufficient_a freeholder_n upon_o oath_n or_o any_o three_o of_o they_o to_o be_v appoint_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o judge_n for_o that_o end_n unless_o where_o all_o the_o party_n interest_v in_o any_o estate_n be_v legal_o capable_a to_o act_n shall_v mutual_o agree_v of_o a_o division_n among_o themselves_o and_o present_v the_o same_o in_o write_v under_o their_o hand_n and_o seal_n in_o which_o case_n such_o agreement_n shall_v be_v accept_v and_o allow_v for_o a_o settlement_n of_o such_o estate_n and_o be_v account_v valid_a in_o law_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o party_n subscribe_v before_o the_o judge_n and_o put_v upon_o record_n provide_v nevertheless_o that_o where_o any_o estate_n in_o house_n and_o land_n can_v be_v divide_v among_o all_o the_o child_n without_o great_a prejudice_n to_o or_o spoil_v of_o the_o whole_a be_v so_o represent_v and_o make_v to_o appear_v unto_o the_o say_a judge_n the_o judge_n may_v order_v the_o whole_a unto_o the_o elder_a son_n if_o he_o accept_v it_o or_o to_o any_o other_o of_o the_o son_n successive_o upon_o his_o refusal_n he_o pay_v unto_o the_o other_o child_n of_o the_o decease_a their_o equal_a and_o proportionable_a part_n or_o share_v of_o the_o true_a value_n of_o such_o house_n and_o land_n upon_o a_o just_a apprizement_n thereof_o to_o be_v make_v by_o three_o sufficient_a freeholder_n upon_o oath_n to_o be_v appoint_v and_o swear_v as_o aforesaid_a or_o give_v good_a security_n to_o pay_v the_o same_o in_o some_o convenient_a time_n as_o the_o say_a judge_n shall_v limit_v make_v reasonable_a allowance_n in_o the_o interim_n not_o exceed_v six_o per_fw-la cent._n per_fw-la annum_fw-la and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o child_n happen_v to_o die_v before_o he_o or_o she_o come_v of_o age_n or_o be_v marry_v the_o portion_n of_o such_o child_n decease_a shall_v be_v equal_o divide_v among_o the_o survivor_n and_o in_o case_n there_o be_v no_o child_n nor_o any_o legal_a representative_n of_o they_o than_o one_o moiety_n of_o the_o personal_a estate_n shall_v be_v allot_v to_o the_o wife_n of_o the_o intestate_a for_o ever_o and_o one_o three_o of_o the_o real_a estate_n for_o term_n of_o life_n the_o residue_n both_o of_o the_o real_a and_o personal_a estate_n equal_o to_o every_o of_o the_o next_o of_o kin_n of_o the_o intestate_a in_o equal_a degree_n and_o those_o who_o legal_o represent_v they_o no_o representative_n to_o be_v admit_v among_o collateral_n after_o brother_n and_o sister_n child_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o wife_n all_o shall_v be_v distribute_v among_o the_o child_n and_o if_o no_o child_n to_o the_o next_o of_o kin_n to_o the_o intestate_a in_o equal_a degree_n and_o their_o legal_a representative_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o in_o no_o other_o manner_n whatsoever_o and_o every_o
one_o to_o who_o any_o share_n shall_v be_v allot_v shall_v give_v bond_n with_o surety_n before_o the_o say_a judge_n of_o probate_n if_o debt_n afterward_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v to_o refund_v and_o pay_v back_o to_o the_o administrator_n his_o or_o her_o ratable_a part_n thereof_o and_o of_o the_o administrator_n charge_n the_o widow_n three_o or_o dower_n in_o the_o real_a estate_n at_o the_o expiration_n of_o her_o term_n to_o be_v alike_o divide_v as_o aforesaid_a save_v right_o of_o appeal_n save_v save_v to_o any_o person_n aggrieve_v at_o any_o order_n sentence_n or_o decree_n make_v for_o the_o settlement_n and_o distribution_n of_o any_o intestate_a estate_n their_o right_n of_o appeal_n unto_o the_o governor_n and_o council_n every_o person_n so_o appeal_n give_v security_n to_o prosecute_v the_o appeal_n with_o effect_n be_v it_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o if_o any_o executor_n or_o executor_n of_o the_o will_n of_o any_o person_n decease_v death_n executor_n to_o cause_n probate_a of_o will_n to_o be_v make_v in_o thirty_o day_n next_o after_o the_o testator_n death_n know_v of_o their_o be_v so_o name_v and_o appoint_v shall_v not_o within_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o day_n next_o after_o the_o decase_n of_o the_o testator_n cause_n such_o will_n to_o be_v prove_v and_o record_v in_o the_o register_n office_n of_o the_o same_o county_n where_o the_o decease_a person_n last_o dwell_v or_o present_v the_o say_a will_n and_o declare_v he_o or_o their_o refusal_n of_o the_o executorship_n every_o executor_n so_o neglect_v of_o his_o or_o her_o trust_n and_o duty_n in_o that_o behalf_n without_o just_a excuse_n make_v and_o accept_v for_o such_o delay_n shall_v forfeit_v the_o sum_n of_o five_o pound_n per_n month_n from_o and_o after_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o say_v thirty_o day_n until_o he_o or_o they_o shall_v cause_v probate_a of_o such_o will_n to_o be_v make_v neglect_v penalty_n for_o neglect_v or_o present_v the_o same_o as_o aforesaid_a every_o such_o forfeiture_n to_o be_v have_v and_o recover_v by_o action_n or_o information_n in_o the_o inferior_a court_n of_o plea_n in_o the_o same_o county_n and_o to_o be_v dispose_v of_o one_o moiety_n thereof_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o town_n where_o the_o decease_a person_n last_o dwell_v and_o the_o other_o moiety_n to_o he_o or_o they_o that_o shall_v inform_v and_o sue_v for_o the_o same_o and_o upon_o any_o such_o refusal_n of_o the_o executor_n or_o executor_n the_o judge_n shall_v commit_v administration_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o decease_a cum_fw-la testamento_fw-la annexo_fw-la unto_o the_o widow_n or_o next_o of_o kin_n to_o the_o decease_a wrong_n upon_o refusal_n administration_n to_o be_v commit_v cum_fw-la testamen_fw-la to_o annexo_fw-la executor_n by_o wrong_n and_o upon_o their_o refusal_n to_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o principal_a creditor_n as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a and_o if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n shall_v alienate_v or_o imbezel_n any_o of_o the_o good_n or_o chattel_n of_o any_o person_n decease_a before_o he_o or_o they_o have_v take_v out_o letter_n of_o administration_n and_o exhibit_v a_o true_a inventory_n of_o all_o the_o know_a estate_n of_o the_o party_n decease_a every_o person_n or_o person_n so_o act_v shall_v stand_v chargeable_a and_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o action_n of_o the_o creditor_n and_o other_o person_n grieve_v as_o be_v executor_n in_o their_o own_o wrong_n and_o the_o judge_n shall_v cause_v a_o citation_n to_o be_v make_v out_o unto_o the_o widow_n or_o next_o of_o kin_n and_o upon_o their_o neglect_n of_o appearance_n or_o refusal_n may_v commit_v adminastration_n of_o any_o such_o estate_n to_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o chief_a creditor_n if_o accept_v by_o they_o or_o other_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a upon_o their_o refusal_n and_o whereas_o judge_n bond_n for_o administration_n to_o the_o county_n treasurer_n to_o be_v put_v in_o suit_n by_o the_o judge_n according_a to_o the_o former_a practice_n of_o the_o court_n bond_n for_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o intestates_fw-la be_v take_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o county_n treasurer_n and_o the_o obligation_n make_v to_o he_o his_o successor_n in_o say_a office_n or_o assign_v many_o of_o which_o be_v still_o depend_v it_o be_v further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o the_o judge_n for_o probate_n of_o will_n and_o grant_v of_o administration_n in_o the_o county_n respective_o be_v and_o hereby_o be_v full_o empower_v and_o authorize_v to_o call_v all_o such_o administrator_n to_o account_n and_o if_o need_v be_v to_o put_v the_o say_a bond_n or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o suit_n who_o shall_v be_v and_o hereby_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o esteem_v the_o assignee_n of_o the_o county_n treasurer_n in_o that_o behalf_n to_o all_o intent_n construction_n and_o purpose_n in_o the_o law_n whatsoever_o a_o act_n for_o prevention_n of_o fraud_n and_o perjury_n for_o prevention_n of_o many_o fraudulent_a practice_n which_o be_v common_o endeavour_v to_o be_v uphold_v by_o perjury_n and_o subornation_n of_o perjury_n be_v it_o enact_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o governor_n council_n and_o representative_n convene_v in_o general_a court_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o that_o from_o and_o after_o the_o last_o day_n of_o december_n in_o this_o present_a year_n one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o ninety_o and_o two_n all_o lease_n estate_n interest_n of_o freehold_n only_o parole_fw-fr lease_n and_o interest_n of_o freehold_n shall_v have_v the_o force_n of_o estate_n at_o will_n only_o or_o term_n of_o year_n or_o any_o uncertain_a interest_n of_o in_o or_o out_o of_o any_o message_n land_n tenement_n or_o hereditament_n make_v or_o create_v by_o livery_n and_o seisin_n only_o or_o by_o parole_n and_o not_o put_v in_o writing_n and_o sign_v by_o the_o party_n so_o make_v or_o create_v of_o the_o same_o or_o their_o agent_n thereunto_o lawful_o authorize_v by_o writing_n shall_v have_v the_o force_n &_o effect_v of_o lease_n or_o estate_n at_o will_n only_o &_o shall_v not_o either_o in_o law_n or_o equity_n be_v deem_v or_o take_v to_o have_v any_o other_o or_o great_a force_n or_o effect_v any_o consideration_n for_o make_v any_o such_o parole_fw-fr lease_n or_o estate_n or_o any_o former_a law_n or_o usage_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o except_o nevertheless_o etc._n except_o lease_n not_o exceed_v three_o year_n etc._n etc._n all_o lease_n not_o exceed_v the_o term_n of_o three_o year_n from_o the_o make_n thereof_o whereupon_o the_o rent_n reserve_v to_o the_o landlord_n during_o such_o term_n shall_v amount_v unto_o two_o three_o part_n at_o the_o least_o of_o the_o full_a improve_a value_n of_o the_o thing_n demise_v and_o moreover_o that_o no_o lease_n estate_n or_o interest_n either_o of_o freehold_n word_n no_o lease_n or_o state_n of_o freehold_a to_o be_v grant_v or_o surrender_v by_o word_n or_o term_n of_o year_n or_o any_o uncertain_a interest_n of_o in_o to_z or_o out_o of_o any_o message_n land_n tenement_n or_o hereditament_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n after_o the_o say_v last_o day_n of_o december_n be_v assign_v grant_v or_o surrender_v unless_o it_o be_v by_o deed_n or_o note_n in_o write_v sign_v by_o the_o party_n so_o assign_v grant_v or_o surrender_v the_o same_o or_o their_o agent_n thereunto_o lawful_o authorize_v by_o write_v or_o by_o act_n and_o operation_n of_o law_n and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o from_o and_o after_o the_o say_v last_o day_n of_o december_n parole_n promise_n and_o agreement_n by_o parole_n no_o action_n shall_v be_v bring_v whereby_o to_o charge_v any_o executor_n or_o administrator_n upon_o any_o special_a promise_n to_o answer_v damage_n out_o of_o his_o own_o estate_n 2_o or_o whereby_o to_o charge_v the_o defendant_n upon_o any_o special_a promise_n to_o answer_v for_o the_o debt_n default_n or_o miscarriage_n of_o another_o person_n 3_o or_o to_o charge_v any_o person_n upon_o any_o agreement_n make_v upon_o consideration_n of_o marriage_n 4_o or_o upon_o any_o conâ—â—â—…_n or_o sale_n of_o land_n tenement_n or_o hereditament_n or_o any_o interest_n in_o or_o concern_v they_o 5_o or_o upon_o any_o agreement_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v perform_v within_o the_o space_n of_o one_o year_n from_o the_o make_n thereof_o 6_o unless_o the_o agreement_n upon_o which_o such_o action_n shall_v be_v bring_v or_o some_o memorandum_n or_o note_n thereof_o shall_v be_v in_o write_v and_o sign_v by_o the_o party_n to_o be_v charge_v therewith_o or_o some_o other_o person_n thereunto_o by_o he_o lawful_o authorize_v and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o from_o and_o after_o the_o say_v last_o day_n of_o december_n witness_n devise_n
act_n and_o law_n pass_v by_o the_o great_a and_o general_a court_n or_o assembly_n of_o their_o majesty_n province_n of_o the_o massachusets-bay_n in_o new-england_n begin_v at_o boston_n the_o eight_o day_n of_o june_n 1692._o and_o continue_v by_o adjournment_n unto_o wednesday_n the_o twelve_o day_n of_o october_n follow_v be_v the_o second_o session_n anno_fw-la regni_fw-la gulielmi_n et_fw-la mariae_fw-la regis_fw-la et_fw-la reginae_fw-la angliae_fw-la scotiae_fw-la francioe_v et_fw-la hibernioe_n quarto_fw-la boston_n print_v by_o benjamin_n harris_n printer_n to_o his_o excellency_n the_o governor_n and_o council_n 1692._o by_o his_o excellency_n i_o order_v benjamin_n harris_n to_o print_v the_o act_n and_o law_n make_v by_o the_o great_a and_o general_a court_n or_o assembly_n of_o this_o their_o majesty_n province_n of_o the_o massachusetts-bay_n in_o new-england_n that_o so_o the_o people_n may_v be_v inform_v thereof_o boston_n december_n 16_o 1692._o william_n phips_n the_o content_n a_o act_n set_v forth_o general_a privilege_n '_o page_n 1_o a_o act_n for_o the_o quiet_v of_o possession_n and_o settle_v of_o title_n pag._n 2_o a_o act_n for_o building_n with_o stone_n or_o brick_n in_o the_o town_n of_o boston_n and_o prevent_a fire_n pag._n 4_o a_o act_n for_o the_o settle_v and_o distribution_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o intestates_fw-la pag._n 6_o a_o act_n for_o prevention_n of_o fraud_n and_o perjury_n pag._n 9_o a_o act_n for_o the_o equal_a distribution_n of_o insolvent_a estate_n pag._n 12_o a_o act_n for_o regulate_v the_o assize_n of_o cask_n and_o prevent_a deceit_n in_o pack_v of_o fish_n beef_n and_o pork_n for_o sale_n pag._n 13._o a_o act_n for_o punish_v of_o criminal_a offender_n pag._n 16_o a_o act_n for_o the_o punish_n of_o capital_a offender_n pag._n 21._o a_o act_n for_o the_o suppress_v of_o unlicensed_a house_n and_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v license_v pag._n 26_o a_o act_n for_o impost_n and_o excise_n pag._n 28_o a_o act_n for_o the_o better_a observation_n and_o keep_v the_o lord_n day_n ibid._n a_o act_n for_o prevention_n of_o common_a nuisance_n arise_v by_o slaughter-house_n still-house_n etc._n etc._n tallow_n chandler_n and_o currier_n pag._n 30_o a_o act_n for_o affirm_v of_o former_a judgement_n and_o provide_v for_o execution_n pag._n 31_o a_o act_n for_o the_o orderly_o consumate_v of_o marriage_n pag._n 33_o a_o act_n for_o the_o settlement_n and_o support_v of_o minister_n and_o schoolmaster_n pag._n 34_o a_o act_n for_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o bound_n and_o defray_v of_o the_o public_a and_o necessary_a charge_n arise_v within_o each_o respective_a county_n in_o this_o province_n pag._n 36_o a_o act_n for_o regulate_v of_o township_n choice_n of_o town_n officer_n and_o set_v forth_o their_o power_n pag._n 37_o a_o act_n for_o make_v of_o land_n and_o tenement_n liable_a to_o the_o payment_n of_o debt_n pag._n 43_o a_o act_n for_o due_a regulation_n of_o weight_n and_o measure_n pag._n 45_o a_o act_n against_o the_o counterfeit_n clip_v round_v file_v or_o impair_n of_o coin_n pag._n 47._o a_o act_n for_o the_o regulate_a and_o encouragement_n of_o fishery_n pag._n 48_o a_o act_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o judicatory_n and_o court_n of_o justice_n within_o this_o province_n pag._n 49_o a_o act_n require_v the_o take_v the_o oath_n appoint_v to_o be_v take_v instead_o of_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n pag._n 56_o a_o act_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o form_n of_o oath_n pag._n 58_o a_o act_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o precedent_n and_o form_n of_o writt_n and_o process_n pag._n 61_o a_o act_n for_o regulate_v fe_n pag._n 69_o a_o act_n for_o ascertain_v the_o number_n and_o regulate_v the_o house_n of_o representative_n pag._n 75._o a_o act_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o danger_n by_o the_o french_a reside_v within_o this_o province_n pag._n 78_o a_o act_n against_o conjuration_n witchcraft_n and_o deal_v with_o evil_n and_o wicked_a spirit_n pag._n 79_o a_o act_n for_o regulate_v the_o former_a assessment_n and_o for_o grant_v a_o additional_a supply_n of_o money_n pag._n 80_o a_o act_n for_o the_o better_a secure_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o for_o prevention_n of_o illegal_a imprisonment_n pag._n 85_o a_o act_n for_o the_o revive_n of_o a_o act_n for_o continue_v of_o the_o local_a law_n and_o one_o other_o act_n for_o send_v of_o soldier_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o neighbour_a province_n and_o colony_n pag._n 90_o act_n and_o law_n pass_v by_o the_o great_a and_o general_a court_n or_o assembly_n of_o their_o majesty_n province_n of_o the_o massachusets-bay_n in_o new-england_n etc._n etc._n a_o act_n set_v forth_o general_a privilege_n be_v it_o declare_v and_o enact_v by_o the_o governor_n council_n and_o representative_n of_o their_o majesty_n province_n of_o the_o massachuset_n bay_fw-mi in_o new_a england_n in_o general_a court_n assemble_v and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o that_o all_o and_o every_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o this_o present_a act_n mention_v shall_v be_v firm_o and_o strict_o hold_v and_o observe_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o no_o freeman_n shall_v be_v take_v and_o imprison_v or_o be_v disseize_v of_o his_o freehold_n or_o libertys_n or_o his_o free_a custom_n or_o be_v outlaw_v or_o exile_v or_o in_o any_o manner_n destroy_v nor_o shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o adjudge_v or_o condemn_v but_o by_o the_o lawful_a judgement_n of_o his_o peer_n or_o the_o law_n of_o this_o province_n justice_z nor_o right_o shall_v be_v neither_o sell_v deny_v or_o defer_v to_o any_o man_n within_o this_o province_n no_o man_n shall_v be_v twice_o sentence_v for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o crime_n offence_n or_o trespass_n no_o aid_n tax_n tallage_n assessment_n custom_n loan_n benevolence_n or_o imposition_n whatsoever_o shall_v be_v lay_v assess_v impose_v or_o levy_v on_o any_o of_o their_o majesty_n subject_n or_o their_o estate_n on_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n whatsoever_o but_o by_o the_o act_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o governor_n council_n and_o representatives_n of_o the_o people_n assemble_v in_o general_n court_n no_o man_n of_o what_o state_n or_o condition_n soever_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o his_o land_n or_o tenement_n nor_o be_v take_v nor_o imprison_v nor_o disherit_v nor_o banish_v nor_o any_o way_n destroy_v without_o be_v bring_v to_o answer_v by_o due_a process_n of_o law_n all_o trial_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o verdict_n of_o twelve_o man_n peer_n or_o equal_n and_o of_o the_o neighbourhood_n and_o in_o the_o county_n or_o shire_n where_o the_o fact_n shall_v arise_v or_o grow_v whither_o the_o same_o be_v by_o indictment_n information_n or_o otherwise_o against_o the_o person_n offend_a except_o in_o case_n where_o the_o law_n of_o the_o province_n shall_v otherwise_o provide_v in_o all_o capital_a case_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o grand_a inquest_n who_o shall_v first_o present_v the_o offence_n and_o then_o twelve_o man_n of_o the_o neighbourhood_n to_o try_v the_o offender_n who_o after_o his_o plea_n to_o the_o indictment_n shall_v be_v allow_v his_o reasonable_a challenge_n in_o all_o case_n whatsoever_o bail_n by_o sufficient_a surety_n shall_v be_v allow_v and_o take_v unless_o for_o treason_n or_o felony_n plain_o and_o especial_o express_v and_o mention_v in_o the_o warrant_n of_o commitment_n provide_v always_o that_o nothing_o herein_o contain_v shall_v be_v understand_v to_o extend_v to_o discharge_v out_o of_o prison_n upon_o bail_n any_o person_n take_v in_o execution_n for_o debt_n or_o otherwise_o legal_o sentence_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o of_o the_o court_n of_o record_n within_o this_o province_n all_o land_n and_o heritage_n within_o this_o province_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o year_n day_n and_o waste_v escheat_n and_o forfeiture_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o parent_n or_o ancestor_n natural_a casual_a or_o judicial_a and_o that_o for_o ever_o except_o in_o case_n of_o high_a treason_n a_o act_n for_o the_o quiet_v of_o possession_n and_o settle_v of_o title_n whereas_o for_o the_o prevent_v of_o contest_v and_o law-suit_n refer_v to_o house_n and_o land_n there_o have_v be_v a_o neglect_v in_o many_o person_n in_o the_o infancy_n of_o these_o plantation_n to_o observe_v a_o legal_a course_n and_o method_n for_o the_o pass_o and_o confirmation_n of_o sales_n and_o alienation_n it_o be_v order_v and_o enact_v by_o the_o late_a governor_n and_o company_n of_o the_o massachusets-bay_n in_o the_o year_n 1657._o that_o any_o person_n or_o person_n title_n ten_o year_n quiet_a possession_n to_o give_v a_o title_n who_o either_o by_o themselves_o or_o by_o their_o grantee_n or_o assign_v before_o the_o law_n make_v for_o direction_n about_o inheritance_n bear_v date_n october_n the_o nineteenth_o one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o fifty_o two_o
of_o land_n to_o be_v in_o write_v &_o attest_v by_o three_o or_o four_o witness_n all_o devise_n and_o bequest_n of_o any_o land_n or_o tenement_n shall_v be_v in_o write_v and_o sign_v by_o the_o party_n so_o devise_v the_o same_o or_o by_o some_o other_o person_n in_o his_o presence_n and_o by_o his_o express_a direction_n and_o shall_v be_v attest_v and_o subscribe_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o say_a devisor_n by_o three_o or_o four_o credible_a witness_n or_o else_o shall_v be_v utter_o void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n and_o moreover_o revocable_a how_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v revocable_a no_o devise_n in_o write_v of_o land_n tenement_n or_o hereditament_n or_o any_o clause_n thereof_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n after_o the_o say_v last_o day_n of_o december_n be_v revocable_a otherwise_o than_o by_o some_o other_o will_v or_o codicil_n in_o write_v or_o other_o write_v declare_v the_o same_o or_o by_o burn_v cancel_v tear_v or_o obliterate_v the_o same_o by_o the_o testator_n himself_o or_o in_o his_o presence_n and_o by_o his_o direction_n and_o consent_n 2_o but_o all_o devise_n and_o bequest_n of_o land_n and_o tenement_n shall_v remain_v and_o continue_v in_o full_a force_n until_o the_o same_o be_v burn_v cancel_v tear_v or_o obliterated_a by_o the_o testator_n or_o his_o direction_n in_o manner_n aforesaid_a or_o unless_o the_o same_o be_v alter_v by_o some_o other_o will_v or_o codicil_n in_o write_v or_o other_o write_v of_o the_o devisor_n sign_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o three_o or_o four_o witness_n declare_v the_o same_o any_o former_a law_n or_o usage_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o and_o be_v it_o further_o enaet_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o from_o and_o after_o the_o say_v last_o day_n of_o december_n write_v all_o declaration_n or_o creation_n of_o trust_n to_o be_v in_o write_v all_o declaration_n or_o creation_n of_o trust_n or_o confidence_n of_o any_o land_n tenement_n or_o hereditament_n shall_v be_v manifest_v and_o prove_v by_o some_o write_v sign_v by_o the_o party_n who_o be_v by_o law_n enable_v to_o declare_v such_o trust_n or_o by_o his_o last_o will_n in_o write_v or_o else_o they_o shall_v be_v utter_o void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n provide_v always_o except_v trust_v arise_v transfer_v or_o extinguish_v by_o implication_n of_o law_n except_v that_o where_o any_o conveyance_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o any_o land_n or_o tenement_n by_o which_o a_o trust_n or_o confidence_n shall_v or_o may_v arise_v or_o result_v by_o the_o implication_n or_o construction_n of_o law_n or_o be_v transferred_n or_o extinguish_v by_o a_o act_n or_o operation_n of_o law_n then_o and_o in_o every_o such_o case_n such_o trust_n or_o confidence_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o like_a force_n and_o effect_v as_o the_o same_o will_v have_v be_v if_o this_o act_n have_v not_o be_v make_v any_o thing_n herein_o before_o contain_v to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v writing_n assignment_n of_o trust_n shall_v be_v in_o writing_n that_o all_o grant_n and_o assignment_n of_o any_o trust_n or_o confidence_n shall_v likewise_o be_v in_o write_v sign_v by_o the_o party_n grant_v or_o assign_v the_o same_o by_o such_o last_o will_n or_o devise_v or_o else_o shall_v be_v utter_o void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a more_o contract_n for_o sale_n of_o good_n for_o ten_o pound_n or_o more_o that_o from_o and_o after_o the_o say_v last_o day_n of_o december_n no_o contract_n for_o the_o sale_n of_o any_o good_n ware_n and_o merchandize_n for_o the_o price_n of_o ten_o pound_n or_o upward_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v good_a except_o the_o buyer_n shall_v accept_v part_n of_o the_o good_n so_o sell_v and_o actual_o receive_v the_o same_o or_o give_v something_o in_o earnest_a to_o bind_v the_o bargain_n or_o in_o part_n of_o payment_n or_o that_o some_o note_n or_o memorandum_n in_o write_v of_o the_o say_a bargain_n be_v make_v and_o sign_v by_o the_o party_n to_o be_v charge_v by_o such_o contract_n or_o their_o agent_n thereunto_o lawful_o authorize_v and_o for_o prevention_n of_o fraudulent_a practice_n wi_n nuncupative_a wi_n in_o set_v up_o nuncupative_a will_n which_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o much_o perjury_n be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o from_o and_o after_o the_o aforesaid_a last_o day_n of_o december_n no_o nuncupative_a will_n shall_v be_v good_a whereby_o the_o estate_n thereby_o bequeath_v shall_v exceed_v the_o value_n of_o thirty_o pound_n that_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o three_o witness_n at_o the_o least_o that_o be_v present_a at_o the_o make_v thereof_o nor_o unless_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o testator_n at_o the_o time_n of_o pronounce_v the_o same_o do_v bid_v the_o person_n present_a or_o some_o of_o they_o bear_v witness_n that_o such_o be_v his_o will_n or_o to_o that_o effect_n nor_o unless_o such_o nuncupative_a will_n be_v make_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o sickness_n of_o the_o decease_a and_o in_o the_o house_n of_o he_o or_o their_o habitation_n or_o dwelling_n or_o where_o he_o or_o she_o have_v be_v resident_n for_o the_o space_n of_o ten_o day_n or_o more_o next_o before_o the_o make_n of_o such_o will_n except_o where_o such_o person_n be_v surprise_v or_o take_v sick_a be_v from_o his_o own_o home_n and_o die_v before_o he_o return_v to_o the_o place_n of_o he_o or_o her_o dwelling_n and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o after_o six_o month_n pass_v after_o the_o speak_n of_o the_o pretend_a testamentary_a word_n no_o testimony_n shall_v be_v receive_v to_o prove_v any_o will_n nuncupative_a except_o the_o say_a testimony_n or_o the_o substance_n thereof_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v within_o six_o day_n after_o the_o make_n of_o the_o say_v will._n and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o no_o letter_n testamentary_a or_o probate_a of_o any_o nuncupative_a will_n wi_n probate_n of_o nuncupative_a wi_n shall_v pass_v the_o seal_n of_o any_o court_n till_o fourteen_o day_n at_o the_o least_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o testator_n be_v full_o expire_v nor_o shall_v any_o nuncupative_a will_v be_v at_o any_o time_n receive_v to_o be_v prove_v unless_o process_n have_v first_o issue_v to_o call_v in_o the_o widow_n or_o next_o of_o kindred_n to_o the_o decease_a to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v contest_v the_o same_o if_o they_o please_v and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o no_o will_n in_o writing_n concern_v any_o good_n or_o chattel_n or_o personal_a estate_n shall_v be_v repeal_v nor_o shall_v any_o clause_n devise_v or_o bequest_n therein_o be_v alter_v or_o change_v by_o any_o word_n or_o will_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n only_o except_o the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o testator_n commit_v to_o write_v and_o read_v to_o the_o testator_n and_o allow_v by_o he_o and_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o do_v by_o three_o witness_n at_o the_o least_o provide_v always_o except_v soldier_n &_o mariner_n will_v except_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o act_n any_o soldier_n be_v in_o actual_a military_a service_n or_o any_o mariner_n or_o seaman_n be_v at_o sea_n may_v dispose_v of_o his_o movable_n wage_n and_o personal_a estate_n as_o he_o or_o they_o may_v have_v do_v before_o the_o make_n of_o this_o act._n a_o act_n for_o the_o equal_a distribution_n of_o insolvent_a estate_n be_v it_o enact_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o governor_n council_n and_o representative_n convene_v in_o general_a court_n or_o assembly_n and_o it_o be_v enact_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o report_n insolvent_a estate_n to_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o creditor_n the_o judge_n of_o probate_a to_o appoint_v commissioner_n public_a notice_n to_o be_v give_v in_o the_o county_n where_o the_o decease_a last_n dwell_v in_o the_o two_o next_o county_n six_o or_o twelve_o month_n to_o be_v allow_v for_o bring_v in_o of_o claim_v the_o commissioner_n to_o make_v report_n that_o where_o the_o estate_n of_o any_o person_n decease_a shall_v be_v insolvent_a or_o insufficient_a to_o pay_v all_o just_a debt_n which_o the_o decease_a owe_v the_o same_o shall_v be_v set_v forth_o and_o distribute_v to_o and_o among_o all_o the_o creditor_n in_o proportion_n unto_o the_o sum_n to_o they_o respective_o owe_v so_o far_o as_o the_o say_a estate_n will_v extend_v for_o which_o end_n the_o executor_n or_o administrator_n appoint_v to_o any_o such_o insolvent_a estate_n before_o payment_n to_o any_o be_v make_v shall_v represent_v the_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o unto_o the_o judge_n for_o probate_n of_o will_n and_o grant_v administration_n within_o the_o same_o county_n in_o which_o such_o decease_a person_n last_o dwell_v and_o the_o say_a judge_n
the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o whosoever_o shall_v steal_v or_o purloin_v any_o money_n good_n or_o chattel_n these_o these_o be_v thereof_o convict_v by_o confession_n or_o sufficient_a witness_n upon_o oath_n every_o such_o offender_n shall_v forfeit_v treble_a the_o value_n of_o the_o money_n good_n or_o chattel_n so_o steal_v or_o purloin_v unto_o the_o owner_n or_o owner_n thereof_o and_o be_v further_o punish_v by_o fine_a or_o whip_n at_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o court_n or_o justice_n that_o have_v cognizance_n of_o such_o offence_n not_o exceed_v the_o sum_n of_o five_o pound_n or_o twenty_o stripe_n and_o if_o any_o such_o offender_n be_v unable_a to_o make_v restitution_n or_o pay_v such_o threefold_a damage_n such_o offender_n shall_v be_v enjoin_v to_o make_v satisfaction_n by_o service_n and_o the_o prosecutor_n shall_v be_v and_o hereby_o be_v empower_v to_o dispose_v of_o say_a offender_n in_o service_n to_o any_o of_o their_o majesty_n subject_n for_o such_o term_n as_o shall_v be_v assign_v by_o the_o court_n or_o justice_n before_o who_o the_o prosecution_n be_v and_o every_o justice_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o county_n where_o such_o offence_n be_v commit_v or_o where_o the_o thief_n shall_v be_v apprehend_v be_v hereby_o authorize_v to_o hear_v and_o determine_v all_o offence_n against_o this_o law_n provide_v that_o the_o damage_n exceed_v not_o the_o sum_n of_o forty_o shilling_n and_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v commit_v burglary_n burglary_n burglary_n by_o break_v up_o any_o dwellinghouse_n warehouse_n shop_n mill_n malt-house_n barn_n outhouse_n or_o any_o ship_n or_o other_o vessel_n lie_v within_o the_o body_n of_o the_o county_n or_o shall_v rob_v any_o person_n in_o the_o field_n or_o highway_n every_o person_n so_o offend_a shall_v upon_o conviction_n be_v brand_v on_o the_o forehead_n with_o the_o letter_n b._n and_o upon_o a_o second_o conviction_n shall_v be_v set_v upon_o the_o gallow_n for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o hour_n with_o a_o rope_n about_o his_o neck_n and_o one_o end_n thereof_o cast_v over_o the_o gallow_n and_o be_v severe_o whip_v not_o exceed_v thirty_o nine_o stripe_n and_o upon_o a_o three_o conviction_n of_o the_o like_a offence_n shall_v suffer_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n as_o be_v incorrigible_a and_o shall_v likewise_o upon_o the_o first_o and_o second_o conviction_n pay_v treble_a damage_n to_o the_o party_n injure_v as_o be_v provide_v in_o case_n of_o theft_n and_o it_o be_v further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a fornication_n fornication_n that_o if_o any_o man_n commit_v fornication_n with_o any_o single_a woman_n upon_o due_a conviction_n thereof_o they_o shall_v be_v fine_v unto_o their_o majesty_n not_o exceed_v the_o sum_n of_o five_o pound_n or_o be_v corporal_o punish_v by_o whip_v not_o exceed_v ten_o stripe_n a_o piece_n at_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o session_n of_o the_o peace_n who_o shall_v have_v cognizance_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o he_o that_o be_v accuse_v by_o any_o woman_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o a_o bastard_n child_n beget_v of_o her_o body_n she_o continue_v constant_a in_o such_o accusation_n be_v examine_v upon_o oath_n and_o put_v upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o time_n of_o her_o travail_n shall_v be_v adjudge_v the_o repute_a father_n of_o such_o child_n notwithstanding_o his_o denial_n and_o stand_v charge_v with_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o mother_n as_o the_o justice_n in_o the_o quarter_n session_n shall_v order_n and_o give_v security_n to_o perform_v the_o say_a order_n and_o to_o save_v the_o town_n or_o place_n where_o such_o child_n be_v bear_v free_a from_o charge_n for_o its_o maintenance_n and_o may_v be_v commit_v to_o prison_n until_o he_o find_v surety_n for_o the_o same_o unless_o the_o plea_n and_o proof_n make_v and_o produce_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o man_n accuse_v and_o other_o circumstance_n be_v such_o as_o the_o justice_n shall_v see_v reason_n to_o judge_n he_o innocent_a and_o acquit_v he_o thereof_o and_o otherwise_o dispose_v of_o the_o child_n and_o every_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n upon_o his_o discretion_n may_v bound_v to_o the_o next_o quarter_n session_n he_o that_o be_v charge_v or_o suspect_v to_o have_v beget_v a_o bastard_n child_n and_o if_o the_o woman_n be_v not_o then_o deliver_v the_o session_n may_v order_n the_o continuance_n or_o renewal_n of_o his_o bond_n that_o he_o may_v be_v forthcoming_a when_o the_o child_n be_v born_n further_o it_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o every_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n in_o the_o county_n where_o the_o offence_n be_v commit_v peace_n power_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o peace_n may_v cause_v to_o be_v stay_v and_o arrest_v all_o affrayer_n rioter_n disturber_n or_o breaker_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v ride_v or_o go_v arm_v offensive_o before_o any_o of_o their_o majesty_n justice_n or_o other_o their_o officer_n or_o minister_n do_v their_o office_n or_o elsewhere_o by_o night_n or_o by_o day_n in_o fear_n or_o affray_v of_o their_o majesty_n liege_n people_n and_o such_o other_o as_o shall_v utter_v any_o menace_n or_o threaten_v speech_n and_o upon_o view_n of_o such_o justice_n or_o justice_n confession_n of_o the_o party_n or_o other_o legal_a conviction_n of_o any_o such_o offence_n shall_v commit_v the_o offender_n to_o prison_n until_o he_o find_v surety_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a behaviour_n and_o seize_v and_o take_v away_o his_o armour_n or_o weapon_n and_o shall_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v apprize_v and_o answer_v to_o the_o king_n as_o forfeit_v detainer_n breach_n of_o the_o peace_n forcible_n entry_n &_o detainer_n and_o may_v further_o punish_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o peace_n in_o any_o person_n that_o shall_v smite_v or_o strike_v another_o by_o fine_a to_o the_o king_n not_o exceed_v twenty_o shilling_n and_o require_v bond_n with_o surety_n for_o the_o peace_n or_o bound_v the_o offender_n over_o to_o answer_v it_o at_o the_o next_o session_n of_o the_o peace_n as_o the_o nature_n or_o circumstance_n of_o the_o offence_n may_v be_v and_o may_v make_v enquiry_n of_o forcible_a entry_n and_o detainer_n and_o cause_v the_o same_o to_o be_v remove_v and_o make_v out_o hue_n and_o cry_v after_o runaway_n servant_n have_v and_o other_o criminal_n and_o it_o be_v further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n of_o the_o age_n of_o discretion_n which_o be_v account_v fourteen_o year_n libess_v lie_v and_o libess_v or_o upward_o shall_v witting_o and_o willing_o make_v or_o publish_v any_o lie_n or_o libel_n tend_v to_o the_o defamation_n or_o damage_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n make_v or_o spread_v any_o false_a news_n or_o report_v with_o intent_n to_o abuse_v and_o deceive_v other_o every_o such_o person_n or_o person_n offend_v in_o any_o of_o the_o particular_n beforementioned_a and_o be_v due_o convict_v thereof_o before_o one_o or_o more_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n shall_v be_v fine_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o such_o offence_n not_o exceed_v the_o sum_n of_o twenty_o shilling_n for_o the_o first_o conviction_n and_o find_v surety_n for_o the_o good_a behaviour_n and_o if_o the_o party_n be_v unable_a to_o pay_v the_o say_v fine_a then_o to_o be_v set_a in_o the_o stock_n not_o exceed_v three_o hour_n or_o be_v corporal_o punish_v by_o whip_v at_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o justice_n or_o justice_n before_o who_o the_o conviction_n shall_v be_v according_a as_o the_o circumstance_n or_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n shall_v be_v and_o the_o say_a justice_n or_o justice_n may_v restrain_v and_o commit_v the_o offender_n until_o he_o pay_v the_o say_v fine_a and_o find_v surety_n for_o the_o good_a behaviour_n or_o may_v cause_v the_o fine_a to_o be_v levy_v by_o distress_n and_o sale_n of_o the_o offender_n good_n and_o the_o party_n or_o party_n grieve_v or_o injure_v by_o reason_n of_o any_o of_o the_o offence_n aforesaid_a shall_v or_o may_v take_v he_o or_o their_o suit_n against_o any_o such_o offender_n or_o offender_n in_o any_o court_n of_o record_n it_o be_v further_a enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n upon_o his_o or_o their_o own_o head_n or_o imagination_n or_o by_o false_a conspiracy_n and_o fraud_n with_o other_o shall_v witting_o forgery_n forgery_n subtle_o and_o false_o forge_n or_o make_v or_o subtle_o cause_n or_o witting_o assent_v to_o be_v forge_v or_o make_v any_o false_a deed_n conveyance_n or_o write_v seal_v or_o the_o will_n of_o any_o person_n or_o person_n in_o write_v to_o the_o intent_n that_o the_o state_n of_o freehold_n or_o inheritance_n right_o title_n or_o interest_n of_o any_o person_n or_o person_n of_o in_o or_o to_o any_o land_n tenement_n or_o hereditament_n shall_v
order_n in_o each_o respective_a town_n within_o this_o province_n shall_v warn_v a_o meeting_n of_o such_o town_n have_v order_n for_o the_o same_o in_o write_v on_o pain_n that_o every_o constable_n neglect_v his_o duty_n in_o that_o respect_n and_o be_v thereof_o convict_v before_o one_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n shall_v forfeit_v the_o sum_n of_o twenty_o shilling_n neglect_v penalty_n for_o neglect_v to_o the_o use_v of_o the_o poor_a of_o such_o town_n and_o to_o be_v levy_v by_o distress_n and_o sale_n of_o such_o offender_n good_a by_o warrant_n from_o such_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n upon_o neglect_n or_o refusal_n of_o payment_n and_o in_o case_n the_o select_a man_n in_o any_o town_n shall_v unreasonable_o deny_v to_o call_v a_o meeting_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o such_o town_n case_n justice_z to_o give_v warrant_n for_o town-meeting_a in_o case_n upon_o any_o public_a occasion_n thereof_o the_o same_o be_v complain_v of_o and_o make_v to_o appear_v to_o one_o of_o the_o next_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n within_o the_o same_o county_n such_o justice_n by_o his_o warrant_n direct_v to_o the_o constable_n or_o constable_n may_v order_v a_o meeting_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o such_o town_n therein_o signify_v the_o occasion_n thereof_o a_o act_n for_o make_v of_o land_n and_o tenement_n liable_a to_o the_o payment_n of_o debt_n whereas_o the_o estate_n of_o person_n within_o this_o province_n do_v chief_o consist_v of_o house_n and_o land_n which_o give_v they_o credit_n some_o be_v remiss_a in_o pay_v of_o their_o just_a debt_n other_o happen_v to_o die_v before_o they_o have_v discharge_v the_o same_o it_o be_v therefore_o ordain_v and_o enact_v by_o the_o governor_n council_n and_o representative_n convene_v in_o general_a court_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o that_o all_o land_n or_o tenement_n belong_v to_o any_o person_n in_o his_o own_o proper_a right_n in_o fee_n simple_n shall_v stand_v charge_v with_o the_o payment_n of_o all_o just_a debt_n owe_v by_o such_o person_n as_o well_o as_o his_o personal_a estate_n and_o shall_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v take_v in_o execution_n for_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o same_o where_o the_o debtor_n or_o his_o attorney_n shall_v not_o expose_v to_o view_v and_o tender_a to_o the_o officer_n personal_n estate_n sufficient_a to_o answer_v the_o sum_n mention_v in_o the_o execution_n with_o the_o charge_n and_o all_o execution_n due_o serve_v upon_o any_o such_o house_n and_o land_n be_v return_v into_o the_o clerk_n office_n of_o the_o court_n out_o of_o which_o the_o same_o issue_v and_o there_o record_v shall_v make_v a_o good_a title_n to_o the_o party_n for_o who_o they_o be_v so_o take_v his_o heir_n and_o assign_v for_o ever_o debt_n superior_a court_n may_v empower_v executor_n administrator_n to_o sell_v land_n for_o payment_n of_o debt_n also_o where_o the_o good_n and_o movable_n of_o any_o person_n decease_a shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v the_o just_a debt_n which_o the_o decease_a owe_v upon_o representation_n thereof_o and_o make_v the_o same_o to_o appear_v unto_o the_o superior_a court_n within_o the_o county_n where_o such_o decease_a person_n last_o dwell_v the_o say_a court_n be_v hereby_o empower_v to_o licence_n and_o authorize_v the_o executor_n or_o administrator_n of_o such_o person_n decease_a to_o make_v sale_n of_o all_o or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o house_n and_o land_n of_o the_o decease_a so_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o satisfy_v the_o just_a debt_n which_o the_o decease_a owe_v at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n and_o every_o executor_n or_o administrator_n be_v so_o license_v and_o authorize_v shall_v and_o may_v by_o virtue_n of_o such_o authority_n make_v and_o execute_v deed_n or_o conveyance_n in_o due_a form_n for_o such_o house_n and_o land_n as_o they_o shall_v so_o sell_v which_o instrument_n shall_v be_v a_o good_a title_n to_o the_o purchaser_n and_o further_o it_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o where_o any_o person_n shall_v make_v sale_n or_o other_o alienation_n of_o any_o land_n or_o tenement_n to_o he_o of_o right_n belong_v with_o intent_n to_o defeat_v and_o defraud_v his_o creditor_n of_o their_o just_a debs_n not_o bona_fw-la fide_fw-la for_o good_a and_o valuable_a consideration_n pay_v all_o such_o sales_n and_o alienation_n be_v to_o be_v deem_v covenous_a and_o fraudulent_a and_o shall_v be_v of_o none_o effect_v to_o bar_n any_o creditor_n from_o such_o debt_n as_o be_v to_o he_o owe_v a_o act_n for_o due_a regulation_n of_o weight_n and_o measure_n to_o the_o end_n that_o weight_n and_o measure_n may_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o throughout_o this_o their_o majesty_n province_n be_v it_o enact_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o governor_n council_n and_o representative_n in_o general_a court_n assemble_v and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o that_o the_o brass_n and_o copper_n weight_n and_o measure_n former_o send_v out_o of_o england_n with_o certificate_n out_o of_o their_o majesty_n exchequer_n to_o be_v approve_v winchester_n measure_n according_a to_o the_o standard_n in_o the_o exchequer_n be_v the_o public_a allow_v standard_n throughout_o this_o their_o majesty_n province_n for_o the_o prove_v and_o seal_v all_o weight_n and_o measure_n thereby_o and_o the_o constable_n of_o every_o town_n throughout_o this_o province_n not_o already_o supply_v shall_v within_o three_o month_n next_o come_n provide_v upon_o the_o town_n charge_v one_o bushel_n one_o half_a bushel_n one_o peck_n one_o half_a peck_n one_o ale_n quart_n one_o wine-pint_n and_o half-pint_n one_o ell_n one_o yard_n one_o sett_n of_o brass_n weight_n to_o four_o pound_n after_o sixteen_o ounce_n to_o the_o pound_n with_o fit_a scale_n and_o steel_n beam_n try_v and_o prove_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a standard_n and_o seal_v by_o the_o treasurer_n or_o his_o deputy_n in_o his_o presence_n which_o shall_v be_v keep_v and_o use_v only_o for_o standard_n in_o the_o several_a town_n who_o be_v hereby_o authorize_v to_o do_v the_o same_o for_o which_o he_o shall_v receive_v from_o the_o constable_n of_o each_o town_n twopence_n for_o every_o weight_n and_o measure_n so_o try_v and_o prove_v and_o seal_v and_o the_o constable_n of_o every_o town_n shall_v commit_v those_o weight_n and_o measure_n unto_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o select-man_n of_o their_o town_n for_o the_o time_n be_v who_o with_o the_o constable_n be_v hereby_o enjoin_v to_o choose_v one_o able_a man_n for_o sealer_n of_o all_o weight_n and_o measure_n for_o their_o town_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o till_o another_o be_v choose_v who_o shall_v be_v present_v unto_o the_o next_o court_n of_o session_n and_o there_o swear_v to_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o send_v forth_o his_o warrant_n by_o the_o constable_n to_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o such_o town_n to_o bring_v in_o all_o such_o weight_n and_o measure_n as_o they_o make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o month_n of_o april_n from_o year_n to_o year_n at_o such_o time_n and_o place_n as_o he_o shall_v appoint_v and_o make_v return_n to_o the_o sealer_n in_o write_v of_o all_o person_n so_o summon_v that_o then_o and_o there_o all_o such_o weight_n and_o measure_n may_v be_v prove_v and_o seal_v with_o the_o town_n seal_n which_o be_v likewise_o to_o be_v provide_v by_o the_o constable_n at_o each_o town_n charge_v who_o shall_v have_v for_o every_o weight_n and_o measure_n so_o seal_v one_o penny_n from_o the_o owner_n thereof_o at_o the_o first_o seal_v and_o all_o such_o weight_n and_o measure_n as_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o their_o just_a standard_n he_o shall_v deface_v and_o destroy_v and_o after_o the_o first_o seal_v shall_v have_v nothing_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v just_a with_o the_o standard_n and_o it_o be_v further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o if_o any_o constable_n select_a man_n or_o sealer_n do_v not_o due_o execute_v this_o law_n so_o far_o as_o to_o each_o &_o every_o of_o they_o appertain_v they_o &_o each_o of_o they_o shall_v forfeit_v to_o their_o majesty_n for_o every_o such_o neglect_n by_o the_o space_n of_o one_o month_n the_o sum_n of_o forty_o shilling_n towards_o the_o support_n of_o their_o government_n here_o and_o every_o person_n neglect_v to_o bring_v in_o their_o weight_n &_o measure_n at_o the_o time_n and_o place_n appoint_v be_v due_o warn_v thereto_o shall_v likewise_o forfeit_v three_o shilling_n and_o fourpence_n the_o one_o half_n whereof_o to_o be_v to_o their_o majesty_n as_o aforesaid_a the_o other_o half_o to_o the_o sealer_n aforesaid_a and_o the_o penalty_n herein_o mention_v to_o be_v levy_v by_o distress_n by_o warrant_n from_o any_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o it_o be_v further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o
shall_v nominate_v and_o appoint_v two_o or_o more_o fit_a person_n to_o be_v commissioner_n with_o full_a power_n to_o receive_v and_o examine_v all_o claim_n of_o the_o several_a creditor_n and_o how_o they_o be_v make_v out_o and_o such_o commissioner_n shall_v cause_v the_o time_n and_o place_n for_o their_o meeting_n to_o attend_v the_o creditor_n to_o be_v publish_v and_o make_v know_v by_o post_v up_o the_o same_o in_o some_o public_a place_n in_o the_o shire_n town_n of_o that_o county_n where_o such_o decease_a person_n last_o dwell_v and_o of_o the_o two_o next_o adjoin_v countys_n and_o six_o or_o twelve_o month_n time_n as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o any_o estate_n may_v require_v shall_v be_v allow_v by_o the_o judge_n unto_o the_o creditor_n for_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o their_o claim_n and_o prove_v their_o debt_n at_o the_o end_n of_o which_o limit_a time_n such_o commissioner_n shall_v make_v their_o report_n and_o present_v a_o list_n of_o all_o the_o claim_n unto_o the_o say_a judge_n who_o shall_v order_n they_o meet_v recompense_n out_o of_o the_o estate_n for_o their_o care_n and_o labour_n in_o that_o affair_n as_o also_o shall_v order_n the_o sickness_n and_o necessary_a funeral_n expense_n of_o the_o decease_a to_o be_v first_o pay_v and_o the_o residue_n and_o remainder_n of_o the_o estate_n to_o be_v pay_v and_o distribute_v to_o and_o among_o the_o creditor_n save_v the_o widow_n dower_n save_v that_o shall_v have_v make_v out_o their_o claim_n in_o due_a proportion_n to_o the_o sum_n to_o they_o respective_o owe_v according_a as_o the_o estate_n will_v bear_v save_v unto_o the_o widow_n if_o any_o be_v her_o right_a of_o dower_n according_a to_o law_n in_o house_n and_o land_n of_o the_o decease_a the_o widow_n dower_n at_o the_o expiration_n of_o her_o term_n to_o be_v distribute_v among_o the_o creditor_n in_o a_o like_a proportion_n and_o no_o process_n in_o law_n shall_v be_v allow_v against_o the_o executor_n or_o administrator_n of_o any_o such_o insolvent_a estate_n so_o long_o as_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v depend_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o whatsoever_o creditor_n shall_v not_o enter_v and_o make_v out_o his_o or_o her_o claim_n with_o such_o commissioner_n before_o the_o full_a expiration_n of_o the_o limit_a time_n such_o person_n shall_v for_o ever_o after_o be_v debar_v of_o his_o or_o her_o debt_n unless_o he_o or_o she_o can_v find_v some_o further_a estate_n of_o the_o decease_a not_o before_o discover_v and_o put_v into_o the_o inventory_n further_o it_o be_v enact_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o every_o judge_n for_o probate_n of_o will_n and_o grant_v administration_n concealment_n the_o judge_n of_o probate_n empower_v to_o administer_v a_o oath_n to_o person_n suspect_v of_o concealment_n within_o the_o respective_a countys_n be_v and_o hereby_o be_v full_o authorize_v and_o empower_v to_o require_v and_o administer_v a_o oath_n to_o any_o person_n or_o person_n suspect_v to_o have_v conceal_v imbezelled_a or_o convey_v away_o any_o of_o the_o money_n good_n or_o chattel_n leave_v by_o any_o person_n or_o person_n decease_v for_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o same_o a_o act_n for_o regulate_v the_o assize_n of_o cask_n and_o prevent_a deceit_n in_o pack_v of_o fish_n beef_n and_o pork_n for_o sale_n be_v it_o ordain_v and_o enact_v by_o the_o governor_n council_n and_o representatives_n in_o general_a court_n assemble_v and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o that_o from_o and_o after_o the_o first_o day_n of_o december_n next_o all_o sort_n and_o kind_n cask_n assize_n of_o cask_n of_o sight_n cask_n use_v for_o any_o liquor_n fish_n beef_n pork_n or_o any_o other_o commodity_n within_o this_o their_o majesty_n province_n shall_v be_v of_o london_n assize_n that_o be_v to_o say_v butts_z to_o contain_v one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o six_o gallon_n mark_n gager_n to_o be_v appoint_v cask_n to_o be_v mark_v by_o the_o gager_n &_o his_o fee_n every_o coeper_n to_o have_v a_o distinct_a brand_n mark_n puncheon_n eighty_o four_o gallon_n hogshead_n sixty_o three_o gallon_n tearse_n forty_o two_o gallon_n barrel_n thirty_o one_o gallon_n and_o a_o half_a and_o make_v of_o sound_n well_o season_v timber_n and_o free_a of_o sap._n and_o that_o fit_a person_n be_v appoint_v from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o all_o place_n needful_a to_o view_n and_o gauge_v all_o such_o cask_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v find_v of_o due_a assize_n shall_v be_v mark_v with_o the_o gager_n mark_v who_o shall_v have_v for_o his_o pain_n four_o penny_n per_fw-la tunn_n and_o every_o cooper_n shall_v set_v his_o distinct_a brand-mark_a on_o his_o own_o cask_n on_o penalty_n of_o forty_o shilling_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v put_v to_o sale_n any_o new_a cask_n forfeit_v defective_a cask_n to_o be_v forfeit_v be_v defective_a either_o in_o workmanship_n timber_n or_o assize_n as_o aforesaid_a upon_o proof_n thereof_o make_v before_o one_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n he_o shall_v forfeit_v such_o cask_n and_o be_v fine_v the_o sum_n of_o ten_o shilling_n and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a refusal_n quarter_n session_n to_o appoint_v gager_n and_o packer_n and_o swear_v they_o penalty_n of_o refusal_n that_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n at_o their_o first_o general_n quarter_n session_n to_o be_v hold_v in_o each_o respective_a county_n within_o this_o province_n shall_v yearly_o in_o every_o town_n needful_a thereof_o choose_v and_o appoint_v a_o fit_a person_n or_o person_n to_o be_v gager_n and_o packer_n and_o they_o to_o swear_v to_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o their_o office_n which_o if_o any_o person_n so_o appoint_v shall_v refuse_v he_o shall_v pay_v the_o sum_n of_o forty_o shilling_n and_o another_o shall_v be_v choose_v and_o appoint_v in_o his_o stead_n and_o every_o gager_n and_o packer_n shall_v take_v care_n that_o all_o cask_n in_o which_o he_o pack_v beef_n pork_n mackarel_n assize_n ten_o shilling_n penalty_n for_o pack_v in_o any_o cask_n under_o assize_n fish_n or_o other_o good_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n be_v of_o true_a and_o full_a assize_n and_o that_o he_o pack_v the_o same_o in_o no_o other_o cask_n whatsoever_o on_o penalty_n of_o ten_o shilling_n for_o every_o cask_n by_o he_o pack_v that_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v defective_a in_o that_o respect_n and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o beforementioned_a provision_n shall_v be_v pack_v into_o half_a barrel_n or_o firkins_n the_o same_o shall_v be_v make_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o assize_n aforesaid_a and_o be_v mark_v by_o the_o packer_n and_o for_o the_o prevent_n of_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n in_o the_o pack_v of_o pickle_a fish_n beef_n and_o pork_n to_o be_v put_v to_o sale_n be_v it_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a kind_n the_o whole_a half_a &_o quarter_n of_o meat_n to_o be_v put_v up_o and_o not_o the_o best_a leave_v out_o fish_n to_o be_v all_o of_o one_o kind_n that_o in_o every_o town_n where_o such_o good_n be_v pack_v up_o for_o sale_n the_o gager_n or_o packer_n of_o such_o town_n or_o of_o the_o town_n wherein_o they_o be_v put_v to_o sale_n or_o ship_v shall_v see_v that_o it_o be_v well_o and_o orderly_o perform_v that_o be_v to_o say_v beef_n and_o pork_n the_o whole_a half_n and_o quarter_n and_o so_o proportionable_o that_o the_o best_a be_v not_o leave_v out_o and_o so_o fish_n and_o mackarel_n that_o they_o be_v pack_v all_o of_o one_o kind_n &_o that_o all_o cask_n so_o pack_v be_v full_a and_o the_o fish_n find_v and_o well_o season_v set_v his_o seal_n on_o all_o cask_n so_o pack_v seal_v four_o shilper_n tun_n for_o pack_v and_o seal_v and_o he_o shall_v receive_v of_o the_o owner_n for_o so_o pack_v and_o seal_v four_o shilling_n per_fw-la ton._n and_o if_o any_o such_o provision_n be_v put_v to_o sale_n or_o ship_v offwithout_n the_o packer_n mark_v they_o shall_v be_v forfeit_v and_o it_o be_v further_o enact_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o green_a or_o pickle_a fish_n unseal_v fish_n and_o flesh_n for_o transportation_n to_o be_v search_v and_o repacked_a by_o the_o packer_n penalty_n on_o master_n and_o matiner_n take_v any_o provision_n a_o board_n unseal_v sturgeon_n or_o flesh_n that_o shall_v be_v put_v up_o for_o transportation_n to_o a_o foreign_a market_n shall_v be_v search_v survey_v and_o approve_v by_o a_o swear_a packer_n who_o shall_v take_v strict_a care_n that_o the_o same_o be_v put_v up_o in_o tie_v cask_n of_o full_a gage_n salt_v with_o suitable_a salt_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v so_o save_v and_o for_o its_o condition_n find_v merchantable_a and_o full_a the_o packer_n shall_v seal_v with_o such_o brand-mark_a as_o shall_v be_v assign_v to_o the_o town_n and_o such_o other_o cut-mark_a add_v as_o may_v denote_v the_o sort_n of_o provision_n and_o
shall_v be_v appoint_v and_o empower_v to_o grant_v the_o same_o write_v for_o call_v a_o assembly_n william_n and_o mary_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n of_o england_n scotland_n france_n and_o ireland_n king_n and_o queen_n defender_n of_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n to_o our_o sheriff_n or_o marshal_n of_o our_o county_n of_o greeting_n we_o command_v that_o upon_o receipt_n hereof_o you_o forthwith_o make_v out_o your_o precept_n direct_v unto_o the_o select-man_n of_o each_o respective_a town_n within_o your_o precinct_n require_v they_o to_o cause_v the_o freeholders_n and_o other_o inhabitant_n of_o their_o several_a town_n due_o qualify_v as_o in_o and_o by_o our_o royal_a charter_n be_v direct_v to_o assemble_v at_o such_o time_n and_o place_n as_o they_o shall_v appoint_v to_o elect_a and_o depute_v one_o or_o more_o person_n be_v freeholder_n within_o our_o say_a province_n according_a to_o the_o number_n set_v and_o limit_v by_o a_o act_n of_o our_o general_n assembly_n within_o the_o same_o to_o serve_v for_o and_o represent_v they_o respective_o in_o a_o great_a and_o general_a court_n or_o assembly_n by_o we_o appoint_v to_o be_v convene_v hold_v and_o keep_v for_o our_o service_n at_o the_o town-house_n in_o boston_n upon_o ______o the_fw-fr ______o day_n of_o ______o next_o ensue_a the_o date_n of_o these_o present_n and_o to_o cause_v the_o person_n or_o person_n so_o elect_v and_o depute_a by_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o elector_n present_v at_o such_o election_n to_o be_v timely_o notify_v and_o summon_v by_o the_o constable_n or_o constable_n of_o such_o town_n to_o attend_v our_o service_n in_o the_o say_v great_a and_o general_a court_n or_o assembly_n on_o the_o day_n above_o prefix_a by_o nine_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o so_o the_o die_n in_o diem_fw-la during_o their_o session_n and_o session_n and_o to_o return_v the_o say_a precept_n with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n so_o elect_v and_o depute_a unto_o yourself_o whereof_o you_o be_v to_o make_v return_n together_o with_o this_o writ_n and_o of_o your_o do_n therein_o under_o your_o hand_n into_o our_o secretary_n office_n at_o boston_n one_o day_n at_o the_o least_o before_o the_o say_a court_n sit_v hereof_o you_o may_v not_o fail_v at_o your_o peril_n witness_v sir_n w.p._n knight_n our_o captain_n general_n and_o governor_n in_o chief_a in_o and_o over_o our_o province_n of_o the_o massachusetts-bay_n in_o new-england_n give_v at_o boston_n under_o the_o public_a seal_n of_o our_o province_n aforesaid_a the_o ______o day_n of_o ______o 169_o in_o the_o ______o year_n of_o our_o reign_n by_o his_o excellency_n command_n ______o suffolk_n ss_z in_o observance_n of_o their_o majesty_n write_v to_o i_o direct_v these_o be_v in_o their_o majesty_n name_n to_o will_n and_o require_v you_o forthwith_o to_o cause_v the_o freeholder_n and_o other_o inhabitant_n of_o your_o town_n that_o have_v a_o estate_n of_o freehold_n in_o land_n within_o this_o province_n or_o territory_n of_o forty_o shilling_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la at_o the_o least_o or_o other_o estate_n to_o the_o value_n of_o forty_o pound_n sterling_a to_o assemble_v and_o meet_v at_o such_o time_n and_o place_n as_o you_o shall_v appoint_v then_o and_o there_o to_o elect_a and_o depute_v one_o or_o more_o person_n be_v freeholder_n within_o the_o province_n according_a to_o the_o number_n set_v and_o limit_v by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o serve_v for_o and_o represent_v they_o in_o a_o great_a and_o general_a court_n or_o assembly_n appoint_v to_o be_v convene_v hold_v and_o keep_v for_o their_o majesty_n service_n at_o the_o town_n house_n in_o boston_n upon_o ______o the_fw-fr ______o ______o day_n of_o ______o next_o ______o ensue_a the_o date_n hereof_o and_o to_o cause_v the_o person_n or_o person_n so_o elect_v and_o depute_a by_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o elector_n present_v at_o such_o election_n to_o be_v timely_o notify_v and_o summon_v by_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o constable_n of_o the_o town_n to_o attend_v their_o majesty_n service_n in_o the_o say_v great_a and_o general_a court_n or_o assembly_n on_o the_o day_n above_o prefix_a by_o nine_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o so_o de_fw-fr die_fw-fr in_o diem_fw-la during_o their_o session_n and_o session_n hereof_o fail_v not_o and_o make_v return_n of_o this_o precept_n with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n or_o person_n so_o elect_v and_o depute_a with_o their_o be_v summon_v unto_o myself_o on_o or_o before_o the_o ______o ______o day_n of_o ______o abovesaid_a give_v under_o my_o hand_n and_o seal_n at_o ______o the_fw-fr ______o day_n of_o ______o 169_o in_o the_o ______o year_n of_o their_o majesty_n reign_n to_o the_o select-man_n of_o the_o town_n of_o ______o greeting_n a._n b_o of_o the_o county_n of_o ______o return_n pursuant_n to_o the_o precept_n within_o write_a the_o freeholder_n and_o other_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o town_n qualify_v as_o be_v therein_o direct_v upon_o due_a warn_v give_v assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o the_o ______o day_n of_o ______o ______o and_o then_o do_v elect_a and_o depute_v a._n b._n and_o c._n d._n to_o serve_v for_o and_o represent_v they_o in_o the_o session_n and_o session_n of_o the_o great_a and_o general_a court_n or_o assembly_n appoint_v to_o be_v begin_v and_o hold_v at_o boston_n on_o ______o the_fw-fr ______o day_n of_o ______o the_o say_a person_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o elector_n present_v at_o say_a meeting_n date_v in_o ______o the_fw-fr ______o day_n of_o ______o select-man_n ______o ______o ______o ______o ______o the_o person_n choose_v be_v select-man_n notify_v thereof_o and_o select-man_n summon_v to_o attend_v according_o by_o i_o a._n b._n constable_n of_o c._n select-man_n summon_v for_o appearance_n before_o a_o justice_n essex_z ss_z to_o the_o sheriff_n or_o marshal_n of_o the_o say_a county_n or_o either_o of_o their_o deputy_n or_o constable_n of_o the_o town_n of_o s._n or_o to_o any_o or_o either_o of_o they_o in_o their_o majesty_n name_n you_o be_v require_v to_o summon_v and_o give_v notice_n unto_o t._n p._n of_o ______o if_o he_o may_v be_v find_v in_o your_o precinct_n that_o he_o appear_v before_o i_o j._n h._n esq_n one_o of_o their_o majesty_n justice_n of_o the_o peace_n for_o the_o county_n aforesaid_a at_o my_o dwelling_n house_n in_o s_n on_o ______o being_z the_o ______o day_n of_o ______o at_o ______o of_o the_o clock_n in_o the_o forenoon_n then_o and_o there_o to_o answer_v e._n l._n ______o in_o a_o plea_n of_o ______o to_o the_o value_n of_o ______o as_o shall_v then_o and_o there_o appear_v with_o all_o due_a damage_n make_v true_a return_n as_o the_o law_n direct_v you_o be_v also_o hereby_o further_o require_v to_o signify_v unto_o the_o say_v t._n p._n that_o he_o may_v not_o fail_v in_o the_o premise_n as_o he_o will_v answer_v the_o contempt_n at_o the_o peril_n of_o the_o law_n in_o this_o case_n make_v and_o provide_v date_v in_o ______o the_fw-fr ______o day_n of_o ______o in_o the_o ______o year_n of_o their_o majesty_n reign_n warrant_v for_o contempt_n essex_z ss_z to_o the_o sheriff_n or_o marshal_n of_o the_o say_a county_n or_o constable_n of_o the_o town_n of_o s._n or_o to_o any_o or_o either_o of_o they_o greeting_n whereas_o t._n p._n of_o ______o cooper_n be_v serve_v with_o summons_n grant_v by_o i_o j._n h._n esq_n one_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o say_a county_n for_o his_o appearance_n before_o i_o on_o ______o the_fw-fr ______o day_n of_o ______o past_n to_o answer_v e._n l._n of_o ______o merchant_n in_o a_o plea_n of_o ______o to_o the_o value_n of_o ______o with_o due_a damage_n the_o say_v t._n p._n make_v default_n in_o appearance_n these_o be_v in_o their_o majesty_n name_n to_o will_n and_o require_v you_o therefore_o to_o take_v the_o body_n of_o the_o say_v t._n p._n if_o he_o may_v be_v find_v in_o your_o procinct_n and_o he_o safe_o keep_v so_o that_o he_o may_v be_v have_v before_o i_o on_o ______o being_z the_o ______o day_n of_o ______o at_o ______o of_o the_o clock_n in_o the_o forenoon_n as_o well_o to_o answer_v the_o say_v e._n l._n of_o his_o plea_n aforesaid_a as_o for_o his_o contempt_n make_v true_a return_n of_o this_o writ_n as_o the_o law_n direct_v date_v at_o ______o the_fw-fr ______o day_n of_o ______o in_o the_o ______o year_n of_o their_o majesty_n reign_n attachment_n before_o a_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n suffolk_z ss_z to_o the_o sheriff_n or_o marshal_n of_o the_o say_a county_n or_o either_o of_o their_o deputy_n or_o constable_n of_o the_o town_n of_o b._n or_o to_o any_o or_o either_o of_o they_o in_o their_o majesty_n name_n you_o be_v require_v to_o attach_v the_o good_n or_o estate_n of_o j._n n._n of_o
return_v to_o fall_v great_o short_a of_o what_o be_v expect_v and_o of_o answer_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o public_a oceasion_n therefore_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o regulation_n of_o the_o say_a tax_n and_o a_o further_o supply_v make_v for_o their_o majesty_n service_n to_o the_o end_n before_o mention_v be_v it_o ordain_v and_o enact_v by_o the_o goveruour_n council_n and_o representative_n in_o general_a court_n assemble_v and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o that_o there_o be_v two_o commissioner_n appoint_v by_o this_o court_n for_o each_o county_n within_o the_o province_n to_o pass_v into_o the_o several_a town_n lie_v within_o such_o county_n at_z or_o before_o the_o twenty_o second_o day_n of_o february_n next_o come_v who_o together_o with_o the_o select-man_n and_o commissioner_n of_o each_o town_n respective_o that_o make_v the_o list_n of_o say_a assessment_n shall_v review_n the_o same_o which_o the_o say_v select-man_n and_o town_n commissioner_n shall_v then_o exhibit_v and_o expose_v in_o the_o particular_n thereof_o both_o of_o poll_n and_o estate_n within_o such_o town_n with_o a_o addition_n of_o all_o poll_n and_o estate_n which_o be_v before_o omit_v as_o well_o note_v the_o name_n of_o all_o person_n who_o through_o age_n and_o infirmity_n they_o expect_v shall_v be_v exempt_v from_o the_o poll_n tax_n as_o other_o and_o the_o say_a select-man_n town_n and_o county_n commissioner_n shall_v regulate_v correct_v and_o perfect_a such_o list_n according_a to_o the_o pate_n herein_o aftermentioned_a set_v down_o the_o sum_n both_o for_o head_n and_o estate_n in_o distinct_a column_n that_o be_v to_o say_v each_o male_a person_n of_o sixteen_o year_n old_a and_o upward_o except_o such_o as_o be_v by_o law_n except_v at_o ten_o shilling_n by_o the_o poll_n and_o all_o house_n warehouse_n tan-yards_n orchares_n pasture_n meadow_n and_o land_n mill_n crane_n and_o wharff_n to_o be_v estimate_v at_o seven_o year_n income_n as_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v let_v for_o in_o the_o respective_a place_n where_o they_o lie_v which_o seven_o year_n income_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o repute_a the_o value_n of_o such_o estate_n upon_o say_a tax_n and_o each_o hundred_o pound_n in_o value_n to_o be_v rate_v thirty_o shilling_n thereto_o cattle_n to_o be_v value_v as_o follow_v to_o wit_n each_o ox_n and_o horse_n kind_a of_o four_o year_n old_a or_o upward_o at_o forty_o shilling_n each_o cow_n of_o three_o year_n old_a or_o upward_o at_o thirty_o shilling_n all_o sheep_n and_o swine_n of_o one_o year_n old_a or_o upward_o at_o four_o pound_n per_fw-la score_n all_o ship_n good_n wates_n merchandize_n and_o trading_n stock_n and_o estate_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a estimation_n at_o the_o best_a discretion_n of_o the_o assessor_n every_o handicraft_n man_n for_o his_o income_n at_o discretion_n aforesaid_a every_o male_a slave_n of_o sixteeen_n year_n old_a or_o upward_o at_o twenty_o pound_n estate_n all_o which_o particular_n of_o estate_n aforesaid_a as_o well_o real_a as_o personal_n shall_v be_v assess_v to_o say_a tax_n thirty_o shilling_n for_o each_o hundred_o pound_n in_o value_n and_o so_o proportionable_o and_o where_o any_o fermer_n or_o occupier_n of_o house_n or_o land_n lie_v within_o any_o town_n or_o precinct_n shall_v be_v hereafter_o assess_v to_o any_o public_a tax_n of_o the_o province_n for_o such_o house_n or_o land_n in_o his_o occupation_n the_o landlord_n shall_v reimburse_v the_o say_a fermer_n or_o occupier_n such_o sum_n and_o sum_n of_o money_n as_o he_o shall_v pay_v for_o the_o same_o where_o no_o particular_a contract_n be_v make_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o further_o it_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o every_o person_n 〈◊〉_d â—…all_a 〈◊〉_d or_o neglectâ—…_n 〈…〉_o give_v in_o to_o the_o select-man_n a_o particular_a account_n of_o his_o estate_n shall_v be_v assess_v as_o aforesaid_a at_o discretion_n and_o every_o person_n who_o shall_v give_v in_o a_o partial_a account_n shall_v be_v alike_o assess_v double_o for_o so_o much_o as_o he_o leave_v out_o and_o if_o any_o person_n find_v himself_o aggrieve_v at_o any_o sum_n or_o sum_n that_o shall_v be_v let_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o assessor_n he_o may_v make_v application_n unto_o they_o for_o relief_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o thereby_o ease_v may_v further_o apply_v unto_o the_o justice_n of_o such_o county_n at_o the_o next-quarter_n session_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o they_o that_o he_o be_v over_o rate_v they_o shall_v order_v a_o abatement_n according_o and_o it_o be_v further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o the_o list_n of_o the_o respective_a town_n be_v examine_v regulate_v and_o perfect_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o sign_v by_o the_o select_a man_n and_o town_n commissioner_n shall_v be_v deliver_v unto_o the_o commissioner_n for_o such_o county_n and_o by_o they_o bring_v to_o boston_n upon_o the_o first_o wednesday_n in_o march_n next_o where_o the_o commissioner_n for_o each_o county_n or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o then_o and_o there_o meet_v shall_v be_v a_o committee_n to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o the_o sum_n total_a of_o each_o list_n and_o if_o the_o whole_a shall_v not_o amount_v to_o the_o sum_n of_o thirty_o thousand_o pound_n include_v the_o sum_n already_o return_v unto_o the_o treasurer_n for_o which_o his_o warrant_n be_v go_v forth_o then_o the_o say_a committee_n be_v hereby_o empower_v to_o make_v a_o further_a addition_n upon_o each_o town_n proportionable_o to_o what_o shall_v be_v want_v to_o make_v up_o thirty_o thousand_o pound_n in_o the_o whole_a including_z as_o aforesaid_a and_o if_o it_o appear_v unto_o the_o say_a committee_n that_o any_o town_n or_o county_n shall_v have_v be_v general_o defective_a in_o not_o attend_v the_o rule_n and_o direction_n herein_o before_o give_v for_o the_o say_a tax_n then_o they_o be_v to_o report_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o their_o next_o sit_v to_o be_v rectify_v and_o adjust_v but_o shall_v forthwith_o deliver_v the_o say_v list_n with_o the_o additional_a sum_n make_v to_o the_o same_o unto_o the_o treasurer_n who_o be_v hereby_o order_v and_o impowied_n upon_o receipt_n thereof_o to_o issue_n forth_o his_o warrant_n affix_v to_o say_a list_n and_o direct_v to_o the_o constable_n or_o collector_n for_o each_o town_n respective_o for_o the_o collect_v and_o levy_v of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v hereby_o grant_v to_o be_v pay_v in_o money_n or_o otherwise_o to_o the_o trea_n surer_n satisfaction_n unto_o the_o treasurer_n his_o deputy_n or_o deputy_n and_o for_o manner_n and_o time_n as_o follow_v tâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d to_o say_v ten_o thousand_o pound_n part_n of_o say_a sum_n beside_o what_o the_o treasurer_n warrant_n be_v already_o out_o for_o at_o or_o before_o the_o first_o day_n of_o may_n next_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o full_a remainder_n of_o say_a sum_n to_o make_v up_o the_o thirty_o thousand_o pound_n as_o aforesaid_a at_o or_o before_o the_o last_o day_n of_o february_n which_o will_v be_v in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o ninety_o three_o provide_v nevertheless_o where_o the_o treasurer_n shall_v order_n payment_n to_o particular_a person_n within_o their_o respective_a town_n or_o neighbourhood_n for_o wage_n or_o any_o other_o disbursement_n due_a in_o such_o case_n payment_n to_o be_v make_v in_o merchantable_a grain_n provision_n or_o clothing_n each_o at_o the_o currant_n money_n price_n and_o it_o be_v further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o several_a county_n for_o the_o end_n within_o mention_v be_v as_o hereafter_o name_v that_o be_v to_o say_v for_o suffelk_n captain_n pen_n townsend_n and_o mr._n timothy_n tilestone_n for_o essex_n captain_n samuel_n cardner_n and_o mr._n nehemiah_n jewet_n for_o middlesex_n major_a thomas_n henchman_n and_o mr._n matthew_n johnson_n for_o plymouth_n captain_n nathaniel_n thomas_n and_o mr._n samuel_n clap_v for_o barnstable_n captain_n thomas_n tupper_n and_o mr._n john_n otis_n for_o bristol_n captain_n john_n brown_n and_o mr._n samuel_n peek_n for_o hampshire_n captain_n samuel_n partrig_n and_o mr._n joseph_n hawley_n for_o yorkshire_n mr._n john_n wheelwright_n and_o mr._n james_n emery_n for_o martha_n vineyard_n and_o nantucket_n captain_n john_n gardner_n and_o mr._n joseph_n norton_n and_o if_o any_o select-man_n or_o assessor_n or_o town_n commissioner_n shall_v wilful_o neglect_v or_o refuse_v to_o perform_v their_o duty_n in_o the_o due_a and_o speedy_a execution_n of_o this_o present_a act_n and_o be_v thereof_o convict_v upon_o information_n and_o prosecution_n before_o the_o justice_n in_o quarter_n seffion_n within_o the_o county_n whereto_o such_o person_n belong_v the_o say_a court_n may_v impose_v upon_o such_o person_n or_o person_n so_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v any_o fine_a not_o