Sunday, April 8, 2012

The Quartering Act – 1765



“Whereas in and by an Act made in the present session of Parliament entitled, as Act for punishing mutiny and desertion, and for the better payment of the army and their quarters; several regulations are made and enacted...but the same may not be sufficient for the forces that may be employed in his Majesty's dominions in America; and whereas, during the continuance of the said Act there may be occasion for marching and quartering of regiments and companies of his Majesty's forces in several parts of his Majesty's dominions in America; and whereas the public houses and barracks, in his Majesty's dominions in America may not be sufficient to supply the quarters for such forces...constables, tithingmen, magistrates, and other civil officers...are hereby required to quarter and billet the officers and soldiers in his Majesty's service, in the barracks provided by the colonies...it is hereby further enacted, that all such officers and soldiers so put and placed in such barracks, or in hired uninhabited houses, outhouses, barns, or other buildings, shall, from time to time be furnished and supplied of each respective province...And that the several persons who shall so take, hire, and fit up as aforesaid, such uninhabited houses, outhouses, barns, other buildings, shall, from time to time be furnished and supplied there by the persons to be authorized or appointed for that purpose by the governor and council of each respective province...And that the several persons who shall so take, hire, and fit up as aforesaid, such uninhabited houses, outhouses, barns or other builrings...and also the said barracks with fire, candles, vinegar, and salt, bedding, utensils, for dressing of victuals, and small beer and cider, or rum... may be reimbursed and paid all such charges and expenses they shall be put to therein, be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the respective provinces shall pay...and such sum or sums are hereby required to be raised in such manner as the public charges for the provinces respective shall pay...and such sum or sums are hereby required to be raised in such manner as the public charges for the provinces respectively are raised.” 

George III, May 15, 1765



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