Full Transcript
I. WHEREAS the evil and pernicious Practice of freeing Slaves in this State, ought at this alarming and critical Time to be guarded against by every Friend and Wellwisher to his Country:
II. BE it therefore enacted by the General Assembly of the State of North-Carolina and by the Authority of the same, That no Negro or Mulatto Slave shall hereafter be set free, except for meritorious Services, to be adjudged of and allowed by the County Court, and License [?] had and obtained thereupon. And when any Slave is or shall be set free by his or her Master or Owner otherwise than is herein before directed, it shall and may be lawful for any Freeholder in this State, to apprehend and take up such Slave, and deliver him or her to the Sheriff of the County, who, on receiving such Slave, shall give such Freeholder a Receipt for the same; and the Sheriff shall commit all such Slaves to the Gaol of the County; and the Court of the County shall order all such confined slaves to be sold during the Term to the highest Bidder.
V. AND be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That if any Slave or Slaves shall hereafter be allowed by his or her Master, Mistress, or Overseer, or other Person having the Care of such Slave or Slaves, to hire out him or herself, such Slave may be taken up by any Magistrate or Freeholder, and kept to hard Labour, for the Use of the Poor of the County, for Time not exceeding twenty Days; any Law, Usage, or Custom to the contrary notwithstanding.