Page:A dissertation on slavery - with a proposal for the gradual abolition of it, in the state of Virginia. (IA dissertationonsl00tuckrich).pdf/55

 All these acts were at length repealed in 1788. So that homicide of slave stands now upon the same footing, as in the cace of any other person. In 1672 it was declared lawful for any person pursuing any runaway Negroe, mulattoe, Indian slave, or servant for life, by virtue of an hue and cry, to kill them in case of resistance, without being questioned for the same. A few years afterwards this act was extended to persons employed to apprehend runaways. In 1705, these acts underwent some small alteration; two justices being authorised by proclamation to outlaw runaways, who might thereafter be killed and destroyed by any person whatsoever, by such ways and means as he may think fit, without accusation or impeachment of any crime for so doing: And if any such slave were apprehended, he might be punished at the discretion of the county court, either by dismembering, or in any other manner not touching life.