Know all men by these presents that I Rachel Hays widow and Admiinistratrix of Nathaniel Hays late of the County of Sussex and State of Delaware deceased for divers good causes and consideration me hereunto moveing do hereby emancipate liberate discharge and set free Immediately at and after the date of these presents Negroe Hannah the wife of Abraham Bounds Negroe aged about Thirty nine year who was late the property of Natl. Hays afsd. dec’d and also her two youngest children the Eldest is named Rachel aged about three years and the youngest named Ann aged about one year which said three negroes above named I hereby acknowledge to be free and at their own liberties at the sealing and delivery of these presents and  further I the said Rachel Hays do hereby warrant and forever defend the liberty and freedom of the afsd. Negroes Hannah Rachel and Ann from the Lawful claim of me my heirs Executors administrators and all other persons claiming or hereafter to claim the same under me my heirs executors or administrators afsd. In witness whereof I the said Rachel Hays do hereunto set my hand and seal the Twentieth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight Hundred and Ten 1810 Rachel Hays {seal}

Sealed and Delivered In the presence of us James Johnson Samuel Johnson

Sussex County State of Delaware. Came before me William Carlisle one of the Justices of the Peace for said County on the 4th day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight Hundred and Ten personally appeared Rachel Hays widow and administratrix of Nathaniel Hays late of said County decd. in her proper person and did acknowledge and deliver the within and foregoing Manumation or instrument of writing to be her voluntary act and Deed according to the True intent and meaning of the same In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed my seal the 4th day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight Hundred Ten 1810

Recorded Oct 25th 1826 William Carlisle

“Sussex, Delaware, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C37X-M91N-F?view=explore : Sep 7, 2025), image 212 of 513; .

Image Group Number: 008577952

Transcribed 7 Sep 2025 by Nancy Maliwesky