Sec[Section] 1 Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illinois represented in the General Assembly, That Hezekiah H Gear of the County of Jo Davis, is hereby authorised and licensed to keep a Ferry across the Mississippi River at and from a point in said River in the County of Jo Davis and opposite the mouth of “Tete De Mort” in the Territory of Iowa, and the said Gear his heirs and assigns shall have the right of having[,] maintaining[,] and useing a ferry across the said River at the place before mentioned and to have and receive all advantages and emoluments arising from the use of said Ferry for and during the term of Ten years; Provided however that the County Commissioners Court of the County of Jo Davis shall have the right to assess an annual Tax upon the said Ferry equal to that levied upon other Ferries severally situated in said County