Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illinois represented in the General assembly, That Granville H. Mathews of the County of Carroll is hereby authorised and licensed to keep a ferry across and at the mouth of the Meredosia creek where the Galena and Rock-Island Stage Road now crosses said stream and the said Granville H. Mathews his heirs and assings shall have the exclusive right and privilege of maintaining and using a ferry across the said stream at the place aforesaid and to have and receive all advantage and emoluments arising from the use of said Ferry for such during the term of Ten Years, Provided however that the County Commissioners Court of the County of Whiteside shall have the power to levy an annual Tax on said ferry equal in amount to what is usually levied on such ferries similarly situated. One half of said Tax shall be paid into the Treasury of the County of Whiteside and the other half into the Treasury of the County of Rock Island. Provided also, that whenever the Counties2 either of Whiteside or Rock

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Island shall build and establish a public free Bridge across the said Meredosia at or near the mouth of said stream, the building of said Bridge shall operate [...?] as ^a^ repeal ^of^ all privileges herein before created or granted and provided also that the said Granville H. Mathews, previous to the acquisition of any rights or privileges created by this act, shall procure and file with the cler in the office of the Clerk of the County Commissioners Court of Whiteside County a relinquishment of all claim and privilege to keep a ferry at the place above designated from all persons holding such claim derived from the County Commissioners Courts either of the Counties of Rock Island or Whiteside