An act to Establish a Ferry across the Illinois River

Sec[Section] 1 Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illinois represented in the General Assembly, That W^m. L. May, his heirs and assigns, be and they are hereby authorized, to Establish a ferry, at the outlet of Lake Peoria, and to run the same from both sides of said outlet, either from any public highway, or from any lands, or lots of Ground, which are or may be owned by them.

Sec 2 The said William L May, his heirs and assigns, shall at all times keep a sufficient number of boats, hands, oars[,] and poles, to afford at all times, a safe and speedy transportation of all travellers and other persons, who may desire to cross said river, with their Horses, Waggons, Carraiages[,] and other property, and the said ferry, shall at all times be subject to all the rules and regulations, which now are, or may hereafter be provided by law to regulate ferries in this State.

Sec 3 In Consideration of the obligations hereinafter imposed, the said William. L. May, his heirs and assigns, shall have the sole right of Ferrying and receiving tolls therefor, at the said outlet, for and during the terms of fifteen years from and after the first day of May A D one thousand Eight hundred and Forty, one.

Sec 4 The said William L May his heirs and assigns, shall be authorised to receive, for and during the said term of fifteen years, the following tolls, viz, Man six and one fourth cents, Man & horse twelve and a half cents, Gig, Buggy, Sulkey or one horse Waggon, Twenty five Cents.

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^6^ Carriage with Springs, with two horses, thirty seven and a half Cents. ^7^ Waggon with two horses or oxen, Thirty seven and a half Cents, and for each additional horse or ox to Waggon six and a fourth Cents; Four horse Coach, Sixty two and a half Cents; Each Horse[,] Jack[,] Jennet[,] or mule, loose, not in harness Six and a fourth Cents, Cattle per head, when the number dues not exceed ten, four Cents, when the number Exceeds ten head, Three Cents, Sheep and Goats per head, one cent and a half, one hundred [...?] Goods ware and Merchandise Six and a fourth cents, which rates of toll shall be kept up at the landing Fat Hogs for Slaughter, per head, Two Cents, stock Hogs per head, one cent and a half; one hundred lbs. Goods, Wares[,] and merchandise, Six and a fourth Cents, which rates of Toll, shall be kept up at the landing, on each side of the River, in large letters and figures, for the information and inspection of all persons, (add

Sec 5 The licence and privilege hereby granted, shall be liable to be revoked by information in the nature of a quo warranto to be filed in the Circuit Courts, either of Tazewell or Peoria Counties, if the said William L May his heirs and assigns, shall knowingly and wilfully fail to comply with the provisions of this act.

Sec 6 For the privileges herein granted the said William L May his heirs and assigns, shall annually on the first day of November in each and every year, pay into the county treasury, of “Peoria County, the sum of three hundred dollars, the first year, and each year thereafter the sum of Two hundred dollars, which money shall be appended from time to time without delay

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by the County Commissioners Court, of “Peoria County to the best advantage in improving and Constructing a good road, from the south side of said river out to the high lands, making in all, for the fifteen years, thirty one hundred dollars, and if the said May his heirs or assigns, shall fail to pay the above amount for the space of one month after the same shall become due, the licence hereby granted, may be revoked as aforesaid.

Sec 7 The County Commissioners Courts, of the Counties of Peoria and Tazewell, are hereby inhibited from granting any licence, to keep a Ferry at the said outlet of Lake Peoria, during the Existence of this grant, but nothing in this act shall be so construed as to prejudice any rights already obtained.

Sec 8 This act to take Effect, from and after its passage. Provided this act, may be repealed, amended[,] or modified, by any subsequent Legislature, whenever the public good, may require it.