 Any purchase to the contrary would be “ null and void ” and subject to a fine of 5 shillings per acre . The prohibition was included in the colony 's instructions to Lord Cornbury . In 1703 , the prohibition was made more specific , to include “ Gift of Purchase in Fee , take a <unk> or Lease for Life or number of Years ” ; the authorization method was changed to “ Certificate , under the hand of the Proprietors Recorder ” ; the fine was raised to 40 shillings per acre ; and the forfeiture provision was applied to “ Purchasers , their Heirs and <unk> shall forever hereafter be incapable to hold Plea for the said Land in any Court of Common Law or Equity . ” 
