FORASMUCH as the late Impositions upon liquors and upon servants and slaves imported into this colony and dominion have proved very usefull and advantageous, and that no better expedient can be found to lessen the levy by the poll or to defray the charge of any publick design than impositions of that nature,
Be it therefore enacted by the Governour, Councill and Burgesses of this present generall assembly, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same . . . . That the sum of twenty shillings shall be paid for every negro or other slave which after the said five and twentieth day of May shall be imported or brought into this colony and dominion from any port or place whatsoever by the importer or importers of the same . . . .
And be it further enacted, That this act shall continue in force for two years from the said five and twentieth day of May and no longer.