As these documents show, Connecticut citizens began freeing their slaves soon after the 1784 General Emancipation Act. Some, as in the case of a "negro boy named Jack," included a provision in bills of sale for a slave's eventual freedom at 25 as granted by the law.

Image left, Bill of Sale for "negro boy named Jack," 1796. Image right, Emancipation of a "negro Girl Peg," 1800. The Historical Society of the Town of Greenwich.