Know all men by these presents That I John Handy of Sussex County on Delaware do think it wrong and oppressive to hold Negroes in Bondage, do therefore Mannumitt and set absolutely free the Negroes hereafter mentioned that are in bondage to me in the following manner (Viz, One Negro Man Gorge and Ame and Sarah (tow negrow women) to be free and at their Liberty the first day of January which shall be in the Year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and eighty and six, and Diner to be free and her Liberty in the first day of January Seventeen hundred and eighty nine, and Mill to be free, and at her Liberty the first day of January Seventeen hundred and Ninety, and Sarah to be free and at her Liberty the first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety and eight, and James to be free, and at his Liberty the first day of January in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and three, and Nancy to be free and at her Liberty the first day of January Eighteen hundred, and fore, and Charles to be free, and ^at his Liberty the First day of January Eighteen hundred, and six, and Thomas to be free and at his Liberty the first day of January Eighteen hundred, and six. And I do hereby warrant and defend the freedom the said Negroes against me my Heirs executors and administrators or either of them or any of them or any other person or persons Claiming or to Claim any right to them or either of them by from or under me my Heirs executors and administrators or assigns, And I do hereby bind my self my Heirs executors, and Administrators every of us in the penal Sum of One hundred Ponds Speca to each and every of the said Negroes to be recovered by them or either of them from such of us as may attempt to deprive them or either of them of their Liberty as before granted In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my Seal this Eight day of February One thousand seven hundred and Eight five. John Handy {seal}

Sined sealed and delivered in the presence of Hope Hull, James Brown Jun.

A True Copy Attest Simon W. Wilson recorder.

Delaware, U.S., Land Records, 1677-1947, Kent County, Roll: 788, Image 79, Book F, Vol 2, Page 149. Ancestry: https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/2437968:61025?ssrc=pt&tid=194514904&pid=302599786539

Transcribed 15 Sep 2024 by Nancy Maliwesky