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Manumission of Slaves by Will * September 25, 1787

To all Christian People to whom these presents shall come, Greeting Know Ye that I George Corbin . . . for divers good Causes and Considerations me hereunto moving but more Especially from Motives of Humanity, Justice, and Policy, and as it is Repugnant to Christianity and even common Honesty to live in Ease and affluence by the Labour of those whom fraud and Violence have Reduced to Slavery; (altho' sanctifyed by General consent, and supported by the law of the Land) Have, and by these presents do manumit and set free the following Persons. James, Betty Senior, Jenny Senior, Joshua, son, Betty Junior Bob, Jarry, Spencer, Levin [Sevin?], Abel, Peter, Parker, Lithco, Alicia, Hannah, Amey, Esther, Jenny Junior, Sue, Bob, Liddia, and Will; and that the Identity of the aforesaid persons may in future be better known, and thereby their Right to freedom firmly secured, I do hereby affix to Each and every one of them the Sirname of Godfree Have and I do hereby for myself my heirs, Executors, and Administrators relinquish all my right or Title of in and unto the Persons aforesaid and their increase forever . . . ; Reserving only to myself . . . the power of holding the Young ones who are under lawful age in such manner only as negroes born free.

*excerpt