Trade with Africa Act 1697

XIV. Subjects of England trading to Africa, &c. to have the same Protection, &c. as the Company, and may settle Factories there, &c.

without Molestation of Company.

Provided always and be it enacted by the Authority aforesaid That all Persons being the natural born Subjects of England trading to the Coast of Africa as aforesaid and paying the Duties by this Act imposed shall have the same Protection Security and Defence for their Persons Ships and Goods by from and in all the said Forts and Castles and the like Freedom and Security for their Negotiations and Trade to all Intents and Purposes whatsoever as the said Company their Agents Factors and Assigns and their Ships and Goods have may or shall have and that all and every Person and Persons trading to Africa and paying the Duties as aforesaid may and are hereby impowred at their own Charge to settle Factories on any part of Africa within the Limits aforesaid according as they shall judge necessary and convenient for the carrying on their Trade without any Lett Hindrance or Molestation from the said Company their Agents Factors or Assigns and that all Persons not Members of the said Company so trading and paying the said Duties as aforesaid shall together with their Shipps and Goods be free from all Molestation Hindrances Restraints Arrests Seizures Penalties or other Impositions whatsoever from the said Company their Agents Factors or Assigns for or by reason of their so trading Any Charter Usage or Custom to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding.