| Date | 1723 |
|---|---|
| Law/Legislation | Law |
| Jurisdiction | VA |
| Title | Chapter IV |
| Description/Full Text | Whereas the laws now in force for the better governing of slaves are found insufficient to restrain their unlawful and tumultuous meetings, it is enacted that if any number of Negroes exceeding five conspire to rebel, they shall suffer death, and be utterly excluded the benefit of clergy. Children of female mulattoes or Indians, obliged to serve to the age of thirty or thirty-one years, shall serve the master of such mulatto or Indian until they attain the same age the mother was obliged to serve. No Negro or Indian slave shall be set free upon any pretence whatsoever, except for some meritorious services, to be adjusted by the governor and council, and a license thereupon obtained. If a slave is set free otherwise than as directed, the church wardens are required to take up and sell the individual as a slave by public outcry and the monies shall be applied to the use of the parish. It is re-enacted that if slaves are found notoiously guilty of going abroad at night or running awawy and lying out and cannot be reclaimed from such disorderly courses, it shall be lawful to direct everty such slave to be punished by dismembering, or any other way not touching life. |
| Additional Information | – |
| Source | Black Laws of Virginia, By: June Purcell Guild |
| Transcriber Notes | – |
If you are citing this record, please use the following format:
[Author (if known)], Laws and Legislation Related to Slavery and Free Blacks in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia (1642-1860), [Date (if known)], Enduring Connections: Exploring Delmarva’s Black History, Nabb Research Center, Salisbury University.
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