Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History & Culture Enduring Connections: Exploring Delmarva's Black History

Record Detail

Record #96 from Laws and Legislation Related to Slavery and Free Blacks in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia (1642-1860)

Date 1782
Law/Legislation Law
Jurisdiction VA
Title Chapter XXI
Description/Full Text It is lawful for any person by last will and testament or other instrument in writing sealed and witnessed to emancipate and set free his salve or slaves. All slaves so set free, not being of sound mind and body, or being above forty-five years of age, or male under twenty-one, and females under eighteen shall be supported by the persons liberating them. Provided, also, that a copy of the instrument of emancipation shall be delivered to the slave emancipated. Slaves travelling outside of the county without such an instrument may be confined to jail.
Additional Information
Source Black Laws of Virginia, By: June Purcell Guild
Transcriber Notes

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[Author (if known)], Laws and Legislation Related to Slavery and Free Blacks in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia (1642-1860), [Date (if known)], Enduring Connections: Exploring Delmarva’s Black History, Nabb Research Center, Salisbury University.

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