The law dealing with fugitives was somewhat harsh.

When apprehended, fugitives had to serve two days extra for each day they lost from their master's service.

The harboring of a runaway slave was punishable by a fine of one day for each the slave might be concealed.

Consistently too with the provision of the laws in most slave States, slaves could retain all goods or money lawfully acquired during their servitude provided their master gave his consent.

Upon the demonstration of proof to the county court that they had served their term they could obtain from that tribunal certificates of freedom.