The Lower House. 645

no white person being a freeman may be present at such meet-
ing of negroes and the Constable might be in Danger of
being Abused by them in the Execution of his Office. Wee
also propose that a Clause be added Injoyning under a penalty
this Act to be publickly read by the Overseers of the high-
ways Constable or Some other Officer at such times and
places where negroes are met to repair the publick Roads with
which amendements the Bill will pass.
Sign'd p Order Sam Skippon Cl Up Ho.

On reading whereof as to the first Amendment this House
agrees thereto.
And as to the second Amendment this House is of Opinion
that the same will be needless.
Benjamin Tasker Esq^r from the Upper House delivers
M^r Speaker the Bill to punish Blasphemers Swearers drunk-
ards and Sabath breakers thus Endorst viz :

By the Upper House of Assembly Octob^r the 12^th 1723.

On reading and Considering the within Bill wee think it
necessary that a Clause be Added for Saveing all Prosecu-
tions allready Commenced by Vertue of the former Laws
and Asscertaining at what rate the fines for Cursing and
Swearing shall be paid in Tobacco when Certifyed by the
magistrate or other Officers to the County Courts w^th which
Amendments the Bill will pass.
Signd p Order Sam Skippon Cl Up ho.

With which this House Concurrs and thereupon the bill is
Committed for Amendment and ordered that the Committee
of Laws Amend the Same.
Col^o Young from the Upper House delivers M^r Speaker
the Bill for relief of such persons as have or may Suffer by the
Tobacco Laws thus Endorst viz :

By the Upper House of Assembly
October the 12^th 1723.
Upon further and due Consideration we cannot Consent
to pass the within Bill [with] a Retrospect.
Sign'd p Order Sam Skippon Cl Up ho.

The House Adjourn till to morrow morning nine of the
Clock.

L. H. J.