In this law, "Cruelty of masters prohibited," passed in its March
1662 (New Style) session, the General
Assembly addressed the problem of indentured servants not being treated properly
by their masters.
WHEREAS the barbarous usuage of some servants by cruell masters bring soe much
scandall and infamy to the country in generall, that people who would willingly
adventure themselves hither, are through feare thereof diverted, and by that meanes
the supplies of particuler men and the well seating his majesties country very much
obstructed, Be it therefore enacted
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that every master shall
provide for his servants compotent dyett, clothing and lodging, and that he shall not
exceed the bounds of moderation in correcting them beyond the meritt of their
offences; and that it shalbe lawfull for any servant giving notice to their masters
(haveing just cause of complaint against them) for harsh and bad usage, or else for
want of dyett or convenient necessaries to repaire to the next commissioner to make
his or their complaint, and if the said commissioner shall find by just proofes that
the said servants cause of complaint is just the said commissioner is hereby required
to give order for the warning of such master to the next county court where the
matter in difference shalbe determined, and the servant have remedy for his
grievances.
