, 1855-03-03
A few of the Old Blue Laws.

The following, which we here insert,
were some of the Blue Laws of Connec-
ticut; they may be quite a curiosity to
some of our readers:
The Governor and Magistrates convened
in General Assembly, and in supreme pow
er, under God, of this dominion. From
the determination of the Assembly, no ap-
peal shall be made.
Whoever says there is power and juris.
diction over this dominion, shall suffer
death and loss Of property.
No one shall be q freeman, or give q
vote, unless he be member in full commu-
Mon with one Of the churches allowed in
this dominion.
No one shall hold any Office who is not
sound in faith, and faithful to his denomi-
nation and whoever gives a vote for such
person shall pay fine of 20s for the first
offence, and for the second shall be disfran-
chised.
Each freeman shall swear by the blessed
God to bear true alliance to this dominion,
and that Jesus is the only King.
No. lodging or food shall be offered to
If any person turns Quaker, he shall be
banished, and suffer death on his return.
No priest shall abidejn this dominion
he shall be banished, and suffer death on
his return.
Priests may be seized by any person
without warrant.
No one shall cross the ferry, but with an
authorized ferryman.
No one shall run on the sabbath day, or
walk in the garden or elsewhere, except
reverently to and from meeting.
No person shall travel, cook victuals,
shave or cut hair on the Sabbath day.
No woman shall kiss her children on the
Sabbath or Fasting day.
The Sabbath shall begin at sunset on
Saturday.
None, shall buy or sell land without per-
mission Of the SeIectmen.
A drunkard shall have o master appoint
ed by the Selectmen, who are to debar
him from the liberty Of buying and selling.
Whoever publishes lie to the prejudice
of bis neighbor, shall sit in the stocks, or
be whipped fifteen stripes.
No minister shall keep school,
Whoever brings cards or dice into this
dominion shall pay 6ne Of R5.
Whoever wears clothes trimmed with
with gold, silver or blond lace over two
shillings yard, shall be presented BY the
Grand Jurors, and the Selectmen shall tax
the offender three hundred pounds.
A debtor in prison swearing that he has
no estate shall be let out and sold to make
satisfaction.
No man shall court maid in person or
by letter, without FIRST obtaining consent Of
her parents Eve pounds for the first Of
fence, ten pounds for the second, and for
the third an Imprisonment during the
pleasure Of the court.
Whoever sets fire to wood and burns
house, shall suffer death; aud any person
suspected Of this crime shall be imprisoned
without the benefit Of bail
No one shall read common prayer, keep
Christmas, Saints day, make minced pies,
play cards, dance, or play upon any instru-
ments Of music, except drum trumpet and
jewsharp.
No minister shall join people in marriage;
the Magistrate shall join people in mar
riage, as they may do it with less scandal
to Christ's Church. r .r
When parents refuse their children Q
convenient marriage, the Magistrate is to
determine the point.
The Selectmen, on finding children igno-
rant, may take them away from their pa
rents and put them into better hands at
the expense Of their parents.
Fornication shall be punished by COM
pelling marriage, or as the court shall
think proper.
Adultery shall be punished With death.
A man that strikes his wife shall pay o
fine Of ten pounds. a.1
A woman that strikes her husband shall
be punished as the court directs
A wife shall be demed good evidence
against her husband.
Married persons must live together or be
imprisoned.
Every male shall have his hair cut
round according to.a cap,