Kent County in the State of Delaware Whereas I Thomas Saulsbury of the County afsd. do think it oppressive and contrary to the principals of Christianity to hold Negroes in Slavery for life do therefore Mancipate and set at Freedom and liberty (in the manner and at the time and times herein after mentioned) Too Negroes that is now in Bondage to me Vizt. David and John, John is aged five years the 22d day of May next, My intention is, and it is Confirmed by these presents that my negroman David shall be are and at ^his Liberty at the expiration of Five Years from the first of this present Year forever, and that my Negro Boy John be Free and at his Liberty when he arrives at the age of Twenty five Years, and that boath of them be free Citizens of the Delaware State each at the time and times herein before appointed according to the True intent and meaning hereof and the said Thomas Saulsbury the absolute freedom and Liberty of the said Negroes, as above mentioned unto them the said Negroes and their Heirs forever and against him the said Thos. Saulsbury his heirs Exers Administrators or Assigns and against all manner of Persons or person lawfully claiming or to claim any right or claim thereto by or under him will warrent and forever Defend by these presents In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand Affixed my Seal this 21st day of April Seventeen Hundred, and Ninety five 1795. Thos. Saulsbury {seal}

Signd. Seald and Delivered in presents of Test Jas. Harriss, John Thomas

A True Copy Test Simon Wilmer Wilson Recorder.

Delaware, U.S., Land Records, 1677-1947, Kent County, Roll 787, Image 441, Book E, Vol 2, Page 156. Ancestry: https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/61025/images/31303_221874-00440?pId=2436927

Transcribed 18 Sep 2024 by Nancy Maliwesky