I. For prevention of such inconveniences and disadvantages as reasonably may be expected in a short time to fall upon the inhabitants of this colony and dominion, in the sale or shipping of their tobacco, in case like provision be not now made, as hath been heretofore, against importing or bringing tobacco hither from parts without the Capes.

II. Be it enacted, by the Governor, Council and Burgesses of this present General Assembly, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That such importation from henceforth be, and by virtue of this act remain, prohibited and forbidden; and that if any tobacco hereafter, in any-wise whatsoever shall be imported or brought from Carolina, or other parts without the Capes, into this colony and dominion, in order to be here laid on shore, sold, or shipped, the same shall be thereby forfeited and lost; one moiety to our sovereign lady the Queen, her heirs and successors, for and towards the better support of this government, and the contingent charges thereof; and the other moiety to him, her, or them, that shall inform or sue for the same in any court of record within this her majesty's colony and dominion, by action of debt, bill, complaint or information wherein no essoin protection or wager of law shall be allowed