An Ordinance for Prohibiting the Firing of Guns, COLUMBIA, ORDINANCES OF THE TOWN (Passed 1817) (D. & J. M. Faust, 1823).

WHEREAS the practice of firing small arms within the town of Columbia, is extremely dangerous to the lives, as well as to the property of the inhabitants thereof, and ought to be strictly prohibited:
    Be it ordained by the Intendant and Municipal Wardens of the town aforesaid, in council assembled, and it is hereby ordained by the authority of the same, That hereafter it shall not be lawful for any person to fire or discharge any gun, pistol or other small arms within the limits bounded by Henderson, Blossom, Lincoln and Upper streets; and if any person shall wantonly, knowingly, and willfully[1] fire or discharge any gun, pistol, or other small arms within the said limits, such person shall forfeit and pay to the use of the town aforesaid, a sum not exceeding five dollars, for each and every such offence, to be sued for and recovered according to law.
    And whereas, offences of this kind may be committed by minors or other disorderly persons, who have no ostensible property whereof the said penalty can be levied:
    Be it therefore ordained by the authority aforesaid, That any gun, pistol or other small arms, fired or discharged by any such person in breach of this ordinance, shall be liable for the payment of the penalty or penalties aforesaid; and it shall be lawful for the Intendant, either of the Wardens or constables, who shall see such person offending against this ordinance, to seize and take into possession the gun or pistol, or other small arms so fired or discharged, and deposit[2] the same with the Intendant or either of the Wardens; and if the person charged with the said offence, and convicted thereof, shall not within ten days after conviction pay the penalty incurred and the costs of prosecution, the same shall be sold to discharge the said penalty and costs: Provided nevertheless, That nothing in this ordinance contained shall extend to prohibit or restrain the usual exercises or duties of the military on muster or parade days, or in performance of patrol or any other duties enjoined by law, or to prohibit or restrain any of the inhabitants of said town from shooting any mad dog, or any other dangerous animal found within the same, or from firing guns on the fourth of July, Christmas and New-Years days, or on any other day of general rejoicing in said town.

Ratified in Council assembled, this 23d day of April, 1817.

DANL. MORGAN, Intendant.”

[1] Spelled “wilfully” in the original source document.

[2] Spelled “deposite” in the original source document.