Know all men by these presents that Rebecca Knitt administratrix and and James Johnson administrator of John McKnitt Late of Mispillion hundred in the County of Kent and state of Delaware decd. for divers causes, reasons, and considerations them hereunto moving have Emancipated, liberated, set free and discharged the four slave Negroes late the property of John McKnitt aforesaid decd. in the following manner and form and no other way whatsoever viz- Negro or mulatto man William supposed to be aged about twenty seven to be free and at his own liberty at ye End or termination of four years and six months from the Eighth day of February last past, Negro boy Jesse to be free and at his liberty in twelve years or at the end there of from the thirteenth day of February aforesaid last past he being aged about ten years) Negro boy Nehimiah to be free and at his liberty on or at the End or Expiration of nineteen years from the said first day of January last past, and lastly Negro boy Samuel to be free and at his own liberty at the End or Expiration of twenty one years from the aforesaid first day of January last past, said Nehemiah being aged about six years, and Samuel about four years, and by these presents they the said Rebecca McKnitt and James Johnson do Emancipate, liberate discharge and set free the before mentioned four Negroes at the terms aforesaid, and further the said Rebecca McKnitt and James Johnson do hereby Warrent and forever defend the liberty and freedom of the aforesaid – Negroes from and after the several terms or times aforesaid, and no sooner, from the Lawful Claim or Claims of all and every person or persons Whosoever Claiming Or hereafter to Clame the same by, from or under them their Heirs Executors or administrators or any other person Claiming by, from or under them or either of them, In Witness Where of the said Rebecca McKnitt and James Johnson have hereunto set their hands and seals the thirty first day of March in the year of our  Lord One thousand Eight hundred and thirteen.

Rebeca McKnitt her mark {seal} James Johnson {seal}

Sealed and Delivered in the presence of us} Zachariah Pritchett Benaiah Fleming

Kent County State of Delaware}  on the thirty first day of March in the year of Our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirteen then personally appeared Rebecca McKnitt Administratrix and James Johnson administrator of John McKnitt late of Mispilion hundredth County and state aforesaid before me William Saulsbury one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County and Acknowledged the above Manumition or Instrument of Writing to be their voluntary act and deed according to the true Intent and meaning thereof. In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed my seal the day and year first written William Saulsbury

A true copy recorded and compared with the original this third day ofJanuary Anno Domini Eighteen fourteen –  –  –  1814 Attest Archibald McCall Recr.

Delaware, U.S., Land Records, 1677-1947, Kent County, Roll 791, Image 532, Book O, Vol 2, page 133

Transcribed 20 Apr 2024 by Nancy Maliwesky