Retailers, sellers, and concealers of such were to
forfeit the goods and 200 pounds. Search warrants could be issued.
In 1765, importers, sellers, and manufacturing users of most
foreign wrought silks or velvets were to forfeit the goods and 100
pounds. The goods were sold for export with the proceeds going 1/2
to the king, and 1/2 to the seizing officer. The wearer was not
liable. The burden of proof of the place of manufacture was on the
person prosecuted rather than on the prosecutor. Persons breaking
into houses or shops to destroy any wool or silk being made or
tools or racks used shall suffer death as felons, to prevent
combinations of workmen. In 1768, bounties were made available to
American exporters of raw silk to Great Britain, whose climate was
not conducive to the growing of mulberry trees on which silk worms
feed. In 1774, cotton printed, stained, or dyed that has been
manufactured in Great Britain may be worn and used, but must have
a mark woven in the warp that it was manufactured in Great
Britain. Persons importing other such cloth shall forfeit it and
ten pounds per piece. Persons selling such with a counterfeit
stamp with an intent to defraud shall suffer death without benefit
of clergy. The protective measures for English silk manufacture
did not work well.
Any ship not more than 50 tons hovering on the coast with
customable or prohibited goods may be boarded by a customs
officer, who may demand bond for treble the value of the goods.
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