Know all Men by these presents that Joshua Laws of the County of Kent and State of Delaware for divers Good Causes and Considerations me hereunto moveing Do hereby Manumit enfranchise and absolutely free and set free a Certain Negro woman named Esther, wife To Negro Richd. Williams and her Six children namely Caleb about ten years of age last July Amelia Eight year of age last October, Maria Six years last Septemr, Jenny three years old last Feby, Nancy two years last June, and Curtis three days old, and the afsd. Esther is about twenty eight years of age, all which Seven Negroes I the afsd. Joshua Laws do hereby declare to be free and at their own Liberty from and after the Day of the date of these presents for and during their Natural Life, and I do hereby warrant and forever defend the Liberty and freedom the afsd. Seven negroes From the Lawfull Claim of me my heirs executors administrators and all and every person or persons Claiming or to Claim by from or under me, my Heirs Executors admins or assigns, In testimony, Whereof I do hereby Set my hand and Affix my seal this the 18th day of Novemr. 1801. Joshua Laws {seal}

Witness Present John Murphy. John Ralston

State of Delaware Kent County } Ss. Before me John Ralston one of the Justices of the peace for the afsd County of Kent in the State of Delaware afsd. Joshua Laws of the County & State afsd. and did declare and acknowledge the above Instrument of writing or Manumission of Seven negroes to be his voluntary Act and deed according to the true intent and meaning thereof. Given under my hand & seal this 18th day of Novemr. 1801 John Ralston

A True Copy Attest Abraham Ridgely Recr. K.C.

Delaware, U.S., Land Records, 1677-1947, Kent County, Roll: 788, Image 347, Book G, Vol 2, Page 107, Ancestry: https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/61025/images/31303_221875-00346?pId=2438836

Transcribed 10 Sep 2024 by Nancy Maliwesky