Feb.28, 1844, Acts 68th G.A. 2nd sitting, p.138-139
WHEREAS, by the laws of this state, it is required, that the manumission of slaves shall be by writing, under hand and seal of the owner, executed in the presence of at least two witnesses;--and whereas, in many instances of such manumission heretofore, the laws in other respects have been complied with; but the writing under hand and seal, as aforesaid, executed in the presence one witness only, therefore--
Sec. 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 all deeds or writings under the hand and seal of the owner or owners of any slave or slaves, heretofore made and executed in the presence of one witness only, shall be of the same force and effect, and as valid and effectual in law, to all intents and purposes, as if executed in the presence of two witnesses in the manner prescribed by law; Provided, that nothing in this act contained shall extend to, or affect any case in which a decision has been made by any court having jurisdiction of the question.
Sec.2. And be it enacted, That this act shall go into effect immediately after the passage thereof.
Passed February 28, 1844.