Providence [August 21] 1775
An Act to punish persons, who shall pilot any armed vessels in or out of any of the Harbors, rivers, or bays, in this colony, excepting vessels belonging to some one of the British colonies in America, or the inhabitants thereof,
Be it enacted by this General Assembly, and by the authority thereof, it is enacted, that any person, being an inhabitant of any of the British colonies in America, who shall act as a pilot on board any armed ship or vessel, and pilot them in or out of any of the harbors, rivers or bays, in this colony, excepting vessels in the service of some one of the said colonies, or of the inhabitants thereof, shall, upon conviction thereof, by bill, plaint, or information, before the superior court of judicature, court of assize and general jail delivery of this colony, be punished at the discretion of the said court, by fine and imprisonment not exceeding a fine of £500, lawful money, nor more than twelve months imprisonment.
It is voted and resolved, that this colony will purchase all the gunpowder that shall be imported here from parts beyond the sea, before the 1st day of April next, at the rate of three shillings, lawful money, a pound.