Records of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia Relating to Slaves, 1851-1863.

National Archives Microfilm Publication M433, Roll 3
“Manumission Papers, 1857-1863.”

James Charlton to Mary Ann Charlton & Children
Deed of Manumission filed 25th August 1857

To all whom it may concern. Be it known that I James Charlton, of the city of Washington for divers good causes and considerations, me thereto moving, have released from slavery, liberated, manumitted, and set free Mary Ann Charlton who was purchased by me from John C. Weeden, and also Lavinia, Virginia, Mary Frances, James and Frank, the children of the said Mary Ann; and I do hereby declare the said Mary Ann and her said children above named to be henceforth free from slavery, and from all manner of servitude or obligation of service to me, my executors or administrators, as slaves forever.

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed my seal this twenty fifth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven.

James (X) Charlton

District of Columbia
County of Washington, to wit:

Be it remembered that on the 25th day of August 1857 before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, personally appeared James Charlton, and acknowledged the foregoing writing to be his free act and will.

Thomas C. Donn