4. It is by these
Confederates agreed that the charge of all just wars, whether
offensive or defensive, upon what part or member of this Confederation
soever they fall, shall both in men, provisions and all other
disbursements be borne by all the parts of this Confederation in
different proportions according to their different ability in manner
following, namely, that the Commissioners for each Jurisdiction from
time to time, as there shall be occasion, bring a true account and
number of all their males in every Plantation, or any way belonging to
or under their several Jurisdictions, of what quality or condition
soever they be, from sixteen years old to threescore, being
inhabitants there. And that according to the different numbers which
from time to time shall be found in each Jurisdiction upon a true and
just account, the service of men and all charges of the war be borne
by the poll: each Jurisdiction or Plantation being left to their own
just course and custom of rating themselves and people according to
their different estates with due respects to their qualities and
exemptions amongst themselves though the Confederation take no notice
of any such privilege: and that according to their different charge of
each Jurisdiction and Plantation the whole advantage of the war (if it
please God so to bless their endeavors) whether it be in lands, goods,
or persons, shall be proportionately divided among the said
Confederates.
