Deed of Manumission of James by Jesse Ward - 4 June 1798 - Transcribed by Gail M. Walczyk
Spelling remains the same
Accomack Ss To All whom this present writing shall come, Know ye that I Jesse Ward of Somerset County and State of Maryland for and in Consideration of the sum of Sixty Pounds lawful money of Virginia to me in hand paid by a Certain Negro man James the receipt whereof I the sd. Jesse Ward do hereby acknowledge, do by these presents for myself my heirs Executors &c do grant bargain and Sell to the said Negro man James all my right title Interest and demand of and belonging to the said Negro man James as my Slave, and I the said Jesse Ward do by these presents emancipate and forever set free from Slavery and Bondage my said Negro man James to have and to enjoy his the said Jameses freedom to himself in the same Manner as if the said James had been born free, and I do hereby acquit the said James of all demands against him as my Slave as Witness my hand and Seal this 4th day of June 1798. Jesse Ward
Witness T. Cropper Thomas Custis Jno. Bruff
At a Court held for Accomack County September 25th 1798 This deed of manumission from Jesse Ward to Negro James was partly proved by the oath of Thomas Cropper a Witness thereto Teste Litt Savage Clk
At a Court held for Accomack County October 29th 1798 This deed was further proved by the Oath of Jno. Bruff a witness thereto and ordered to be recorded Teste Litt Savage Clk Examd
Sources:
_____. Accomack County Virginia Deeds 1797-1800, pp. 238, 239.