masters; and we do hereby, by virtue of the Act of the General
Assembly in such cases made and provided, intimate and declare that
if the said LOTT and BOB do not return home and surrender
themselves, immediately after the publication of these presents, that
ANY PERSON MAY KILL AND DESTROY THE SAID SLAVES, by such means as he
or they may think fit, without accusation or impeachment of any crime
or offence for so doing, and without incurring any penalty or
forfeiture thereby.
Given under our hands and seals, this 28th day of February, 1853.
W.N. PEDEN, J.P., [Seal]
W.C. BETTENCOURT, J.P., [Seal.]