An Act for Putting the Militia of the Province into a Readiness, 1697 Mass. Acts 199, 199–200 (Bartholomew Green & John Allen).

“An Act,
For putting the Militia of this Province into a readiness for defence of the same...

...And for the better preventing of false Alarms by disorderly Shooting off Guns in the Night.

    Be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
    That no Person or Persons whatsoever in any Town or Garrison, shall presume to discharge or shoot off any Gun or Guns after the shutting in of the day light, in the evening, or before day light in the Morning: unless in case of Alarm, approach of the Enemy, or other necessary defence: On pain that every Person so offending, and being thereof convicted before one or more of His Majesties Justices of the Peace, shall forfeit and pay the Sum of Ten Shillings: One Moiety thereof to and for the use of the Poor of the Town, where the Offence is committed, and the other Moiety to him or them that shall Inform or Prosecute for the same. And in case such offender shall not have wherewith to answer the said Fine, or shall refuse or neglect to pay the same, then to be set in the Stocks, not exceeding two hour’s time.
    Provided, That this Act shall remain and continue in force during the present War, and no longer.”