Nov.25,1789, Acts 14th G.A. 1st sitting, ch. CCLXIX, p.538
WHEREAS it appears upon proof to the Legislature, that David Fitz Randolph 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 Negro Man Cato, was part thereof; and as it appears by sundry Vouchers, that the said Cato has rendered essential 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 through he had been free-born, and continued in such State of Freedom, any Law, Usage or Custom to the contrary notwithstanding.
A. Passed at Perth-Amboy, November 25, 1789.