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In 1995 I published my first book 'Chains Unbound: Slave Emancipations in Greenwich, Connecticut.' My original intention was for it to be used as an educational resource. This is an online companion site that I've created, especially for those of you utilizing online resources and smartphones. I've also included additional items and news articles not found in the 1995 edition. Jeffrey Bingham Mead, Historian and Author. October 13, 2014.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Emancipation of Prince by William Knapp (1799)

by William Knapp
Volume 14, Page 394
Signed: February 20, 1799
Recorded: March 4, 1799     

State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss In Greenwich
Whereas application has been made to us the subscribers Justices of peace 
in said Fairfield County by William Knapp of said Greenwich expressing his wish to 
emancipate and make free his negro man Prince. And agreeably to the Statute Law of this 
State entitled "an Act in addition to and alteration of an Act concerning Indian Mullato and 
negro servants and slaves." We have enquired, examined and find
the said Prince to be a healthy person and between twenty five and forty
fve years of age, also have personally examined said Prince who
appears desirous to be made free as aforesaid. We therefore hereby ver-
tiff the said Prince is a proper person to be made free according 
to said Statute Law. Given under our hands and test of Office the 28th 
day of February AD 1799.                                    Jabez Fitch           Justices of peace
                                                                              Ebenezer Mead    Justices of peace




Know all men by these presents that on viewing the above certificate 
I the subscriber William Knapp of said Greenwich Do hereby give, grant, 
bargain, emancipate, make free and set at liberty my negro man Slave called 
Prince free and clear from me and my heirs, executors and administrators 
and from every other person claiming from by or under me or them and that he 
be a slave to no person. And from the date hereof said Prince is permitted 
to go for himself and transact his own business according to the Statute Law 
above mentioned.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand 
and seal the 20th day of February AD 1799.
Signed, sealed & delivered In presence of                           William Knapp  L.S.

Jabez Fitch

Andrew Mead

                                                                         Rec'd to record March ye 4th AD 1799
                                                                         And recorded by me Jabez Fitch  Register

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