New Jersey Council and General Assembly; William Livingston, John Beatty, Maskell Ewing, and B. Reed DS to Cato, November 24, 1789 - November 25, 1789

State of New Jersey

An Act for setting free Negro Cato

Whereas it appears upon proof to the
Legislature that David FitzRandolph of Woodbridge
in the county of Middlesex joined the Enemies of
the United States by going into their lines, whereby
the whole of his property became forfeited to this
State and that the above named a negro Man
Cato was part thereof and as it appears by sundry
vouchers that the said Cato has rendered essencial
services both to this State and the United States
in the time of the late War. Therefore

Sect:1: Be it enacted by the Council and General Assembly
of this state, and it is hereby enacted by the authority
of the same, That the Negro Man named Cato who
was late the property of the above named David Fitz-
Randolph and now the property of this State shall and
the said Cato hereby is declared to be manumitted and
set free from Slavery and servitude as fully to all
intents and purposes as though he had been free
Born and continued in such State of freedom any
Law usage or custom to the Contrary notwithstanding