Sec[Section] 1 Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois represented in the General Assembly, That Charles G Thomas, his heirs and assigns are hereby authorised to keep a ferry across the Mississippi River, at and from Hampton in the County of Rock Island, and the said Thomas, his heirs and assigns shall have the right of having[,] maintaining[,] and using a ferry across the river at the place aforesaid and to have and receive all advantages and Emoluments arising from the use of said ferry for and during the period of ten years. Provided however, That the County Commissioners court of the county of Rock Island, shall have the right to assess an annual tax upon said ferry Equal to that levied upon other ferries in said County similarly situated, and provided also that the said ferry shall be used and kept according to the Laws of the State regulating Ferries.2