Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-12-26

vessel in importing or bringing into the u
nited States, or the territories thereof a.
ny negro, mulatto, or person of color, the
importation or bringing OF whom is by
this act prohibited, every such person shall
forfeit and pay dollars and
such ship or vessel together with her CAR
go, tackle, apparel and furniture be forfeit
ed.
SEC. s. Ind belt further enacted, That
if any ship or vessel laden in whole or in
part with persons, the importation or BRING
ing of whom is by this act prohibited, shall
after the thirty first day Of December "a
foresaid, be found in any river, port, bay, or
harbor, within the United States, or the
territories thereof, or any where on the
high seas within the iurisdictional limits
OF the government of the United States,
such ship or vessel, together with her-car-
so, tackle, apparel and furniture, shall be
forfeited, and the owner and master there
OF shall moreover each forfeit and pay
dollars. And the President of the
United States is hereby authorised to en-
pioy such OF thc armed vessels as he may
judge proper, In giving to this act full and
complete effect.
SEC. 4. Ind be IL. further enacted, That
if any negro. mulatto, or person OF color,
the Importation or bringing of whom is by
this act prohibited, shall, after the thirty
first day of December aforesaid, be found
within the United States or the territories
thereof, every such negro, muiatto, or per-
son of color shall be forfeited. And if any
person or persons shall be concerned in
huying or selling such negro, mulatto, or
person of color, every person so concerned
shall forfeit ard pay dollars for
each negro, mulatto, or person of color so
bought or sold.
SEC. ). ind bei further enacted, That
whenever it shall appear to the court be-
fore which any suit or prosecution shall be
brought, or any claim shall be tried, under
the provisions of this act, that there is rea-
sonable ground for presumption against the
party sued or prosecuted or making the
claim, it shall be the duty ofthc said court
to throw the burthen Of proof upon such
party. And that when any seizure Shall
be made, or suit or prosecution commenced
as foresaid, and judgment shall be given
III favor OF the claimant, or party sued or
prosecuted, If it shall appear to the court
that there was reasonable cause for such
seizure or such suit or prosecution, the said
court shall cause a proper certificate or
entry to be made thereof, and in such case
the party claiming, sued or prosecuted,
shall not be entitled TO costs, nor Shall the
person making the seizure, or instituting
the suit or prosecution, be liable to any ac-
ton or Judgment on account thereof.
SEC. s. IND be IL further enacted, That
all penalties and forfeitures arising under
this act, may be sued for and recovered, and
shall be distributed and accounted for in
the manner prescribed by the act, entitled
An act to regulate the collection OF duties
ON imports and tonnage:" And such penal
.fr.x.., In,
tigated, OF RENTED mike manner and un-
der the like conditions, regulations and re-
strictions as are prescribed, authorized and
directed by the act, entitled GO An act to
provide for mitigating or renting the for
FIXTURES, penalties and disabilities accruing
in certain cases therein mentioned"
The first blank was filled with 5OO0-the
second with 10,000-and the third with
500.
Mr.. Sloan moved to amend the 4th sec
tion, by inserting after the word "forfeit-
ed" the following wprds--eS and such
person or slave shall be entitled to his free
DOM
This amendment was supported by
Messrs Sloan, Barker, Bidwell and Snli-
lie; and opposed By Messrs. Aston, FL
mer, Early, Macon, ]. Clay, Quincy and
Cook, and disagreed to-Ayes 10.
Inc debate, which was highly interest
ing, shall be given in our next; together
with a statement of the other amendments
offered.
twas agreed that the bill required con-
siderable amendment, for which purpose
the committee rose, and obtained leave 20
sit again.
"A message was received from the Sc
nate, stating they had appointed on their
i N ~ Nf go
making further appropriation for the
support of the library.
THURSDAY, Dee. Is.
Mr.. Clinton presented a memorial from
sundry inhabitants of Eew-York, PRAYING
that measures may be taken more eficctu-
allv tn fnI.iify TINT fnnrt which ,uas .efn,.-