Kent County in the State of Delaware: Whereas I James Fisher of the County afsd do think it oppressive and Contrary to the Principles of Christianity to hold Negroes in Slavery for life, do therefore emancipate and set at freedom and liberty (in the manner and at the time and times herein after mentioned) Seven negroes that is now in Bondage to me Viz Manuel and his wife Comfort and the five Children of the said Comfort, namely Joshua who was aged ten years the 23d day of January last, Brussett aged eight years the fifth day of this inst December Rachel aged five years the twelfth day of April last, James aged three years the second day of May last, Nancy aged one year some time in the month of august last. My intention is and it is Confirmed by these presents that my Negro man Manuel shall be free and at his Liberty at the expiration of Six years from the date of these presents forever: And that my negroe woman Comfort be free and at her Liberty at the Expiration of Seven Years from the date of these Presents forever. That my afsd. Negro boy Joshua be free and at his Liberty when he arrives at the age of Twenty five years, that my said negroe boy Brussett be free and at his  Liberty when he arrives at the age of twenty five years, That my said Negroe Girl Rachel be free and at her liberty when she arrives at the age of Twenty five Years, That my Negroe Boy James, be free and at ^his liberty when he arives at the age of twenty five years. that my negroe Girl Nancy be free and at her Liberty when she arrives at the age of Twenty five years. That all of them be free Citizens of the Delaware State, each at the time & times herein before appointed, according to the true intent and meaning hereof.

And the said James Fisher, 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 James Fisher his Heirs Executors 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 warrant and forever Defend by these presents, In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Affixed my Seal this twenty fourth Day of December anon domini Seventeen Hundred and ninety four 1794. James Fisher {seal}

Signed Sealed and delivered in presence of Revel Bozman. Holaday Smith

A True Copy test Simon Wilmer Wilson Recorder

Delaware, U.S., Land Records, 1677-1947, Kent County, Roll 787, Image 376, Book E, Vol 2, Page 92. Ancestry: https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/61025/images/31303_221874-00375?pId=2436927

Transcribed 19 Sep 2024 by Nancy Maliwesky