Whereas I Joshua Fisher of Philad’a Merchant did some years ago sell and dispose of a certain negro Man named James as a slave, but have since (upon Consideration that in so doing I exercised a Power, which, however it may be warranted by the Laws of the Land, one human Creature cannot & ought not to have over another) purchased him from  John Harmanson his last Master with a view of setting him free. Now Therefore know all Men that I the said Joshua Fisher, from these presents do for myself my Heirs & Executors fully and absolutely manumit and set free the said James whom I would hereafter call by the Name of James Freeman hereby fully acquitting and discharging the said James Freeman of and from all Manner of Claim & Demand of Me or any Person whatsoever claiming by from or under Me. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand & Seal the nineteenth Day of April one thousand seven hundred & seventy six. Joshua Fisher {seal}

Sealed & Delivered In the presence of us Hugh King. Samuel R Fisher

Record Examined Warner Mifflin

U.S., Quaker Meeting Records, 1681-1935, Delaware, Kent County, Duck Creek Monthly Meeting, Manumissions 1774-1792

https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/2189/images/31906_275426-00496?pId=2350839

Transcribed 15 Apr 2026 by Nancy Maliwesky