An Act for preventing and repelling the hostile incursions of the Indians, at enmity with the inhabitants of this colony.

August 1755-29th George II.

I. WHEREAS divers cruel and barbarous murders have been lately committed in the upper parts of this colony, by Indians, supposed to be in the interest of the French, without, any provocation from us, and contrary to the laws of nature and nations, and they still continue in sculking parties, to perpetrate their barbarous and savage cruelties, in the most base and treacherous manner, surprising, torturing, killing and scalping, not only our men, who live dispersedly in the frontiers, but also their helpless wives and children. sparing neither age nor sex: for prevention of which shocking inhumanities, and for repelling such malicious and detestable enemies.

II. BE it enacted by the Lieutenant Governor, Council, and Burgesses, of this present General Assembly, it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That the sum of ten pounds shall he paid by the treasurer of this colony, out of the public money in his hands, to any person or persons, party or parties, either in the pay of this colony, or other the inhabitants thereof; for every male Indian enemy, above the age of twelve years, by him or them taken prisoner, killed or destroyed, within the limits of this colony, at any time within the space of two years, after the end of this session of Assembly.

III. Provided always, That in case the present hostilities shall cease, within the said two years, and the governor, or commander in chief of this colony, with the advice of the council; shall by proclamation signify the same, and direct the said reward to he discontinued, then the said reward, shall immediately after publishing the said proclamation, cease and be discontinued accordingly: And to entitle persons to the said reward;

IV. Be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That every Indian enemy, so to be taken prisoner, shall be delivered to the keeper of the public goal in the city of Williamsburg, to be by him safely kept, until discharged by the governor, or commander in chief of this colony; and the scalp of every Indian, so to be killed or destroyed, as aforesaid, shall be produced to the governor, or commander in chief, and the person or persons taking prisoner, killing or destroying such Indian enemy, shall prove by affidavits, or his or their oath, the time and place of his or their performing the same before the governor, or commander in chief, who is thereupon desired to issue his warrant to the treasurer, for paying the reward aforesaid. And for preserving the lives and friendship of such Indians, as are under the protection of, or in alliance with his majesty,

V. Be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That if any person or persons, shall within the said two years, knowingly and wilfully kill or destroy any Indian in alliance, peace and friendship with his majesty and his subjects in this colony, the person or persons so offending, shall be adjudged a felon; and shall suffer as in cases of felony: And the governor is hereby desired to notify this act to the neighbouring Indians, under the protection of, or in alliance with his majesty, as soon as conveniently may be.