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Sec. 1. " ... on all negro slaves imported from Africa directly, or any
other place whatsoever, Spanish negroes excepted, if above ten years of
age, ten pounds; on all negroes under ten years of age, (sucking
children excepted) five pounds," etc.
Sec. 3. "And whereas, it has proved to the detriment of some of the
inhabitants of this Province, who have purchased negroes imported here
from the Colonies of America, that they were either transported thence
by the Courts of justice, or sent off by private persons for their ill
behaviour and misdemeanours, to prevent which for the future,
"_Be it enacted_ by the authority aforesaid, That all negroes imported
in this Province from any part of America, after the ratification of
this Act, above ten years of age, shall pay unto the Publick Receiver as
a duty, the sum of fifty pounds, and all such negroes under the age of
ten years, (sucking children excepted) the sum of five pounds of like
current money, unless the owner or agent shall produce a testimonial
under the hand and seal of any Notary Publick of the Colonies or
plantations from whence such negroes came last, before whom it was
proved upon oath, that the same are new negroes, and have not been six
months on shoar in any part of America," etc.
Sec. 4. "And whereas, the importation of Spanish Indians, mustees, negroes,
and mulattoes, may be of dangerous consequence by inticing the slaves
belonging to the inhabitants of this Province to desert with them to the
Spanish settlements near us,
"_Be it therefore enacted_ That all such Spanish negroes, Indians,
mustees, or mulattoes, so imported into this Province, shall pay unto
the Publick Receiver, for the use of this Province, a duty of one
hundred and fifty pounds, current money of this Province.
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