Edward

Transcription: Know all Men by these Presents that I Charles Lovegrove, of the City of New York, in consideration of the yearly sum of Fourteen Pounds, five shillings & nine pence current money of the State of New York to be paid to me by Nicholas Cruger Esq. of the City of New York Merchant have hired and let, and and by these presents do hire & let to the said Nicholas Cruger, my Negroman Slave named Edward, about twenty seven years old to serve the said Nicholas Cruger, as his servant for & during the term of seven years, at the expiration of which period the said Negroman Slave is to be free, for which purpose I do hereby, for myself, my executors and administrators, authorize the said Nicholas Cruger, in my name, or otherwise to manumit & set free the said Negroman Edward, either before, or at the expiration of the said Period.

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this twenty second day of February in the year of our Lord, One thousand seven hundred & ninety six.  

Sealed and Delivered in presence of

(The words “Nicholas Cruger” in eleventh line being first erased). Editor’s Note: The above transcription reflects this change.

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