Chapter XIX: Act V: Sheriffs

=Whereas= divers complaints have been made throughout the country of the abuses ... of divers offices ... _Bee it enacted by the governour, councell, and burgesses of this grand assembly, and by the authority of the same_, that noe person whatsoever within this country shall exercise, hold, and enjoy the office of sherriffe or under-sherriffe more than one year successively. [Penalty, 20,000 pounds of tobacco] ... _And bee it further enacted_ ... that noe person or persons whatsoever shall hold or enjoy two of these offices hereafter named at one and the same time ... viz. ... sherriffs, clerke of courte, surveyor, and escheator. ... [Three years residence necessary for eligibility to any office. ... Provision, in much detail, against sheriffs or other officers exacting more than the legal fees.]