An act for laying an additional duty upon slaves, imported into this colony

An act for laying an additional duty upon slaves, imported into this colony

I. WHEREAS it is found expedient by this present general assembly, that an additional duty should be laid upon all slaves imported or brought into this colony, to be paid by the buyers: Be it therefore enacted, by the Governor, Council, and Burgesses, of this present General Assembly, and it is hereby enacted, by the authority of the same, That from and after the passing of this act, there shall be levied and paid to our sovereign lord the king, his heirs and successors, for all slaves imported or brought into this colony for sale, either by land or water, from any port or place whatsoever, by the buyer or purchaser, ten per centum on the amount of each respective purchase, over and above the several duties already laid upon slaves imported or brought into this colony, as aforesaid, by any act or acts of Assembly now subsisting in this colony; which said additional duty shall be paid, collected, and accounted for, in such manner and form, and according to such rules, and under such penalties and forfeitures, as are mentioned, prescribed, and appointed for paying, collecting, and accounting, for the duties already imposed upon slaves imported or brought into the said colony, by the several acts of assembly now in force.

II. And be it further enacted, that the said duty be, and the same is hereby appropriated for and towards defraying the contingent charges of this government, and to and for such other use and uses as the general assembly, from time to time, shall direct and appoint.

III. And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That the execution of this act shall be suspended until his majesty's approbation thereof shall be obtained; and that from and after obtaining the same, this act shall continue and be in force for and during the term of seven years, and no longer.