aised within the same, having tendered
such slaves to the officers appointed to recruit forces
within the state, as substitutes for free persons, whose lot
or duty it was to serve in such regiments or corps, at the
same time representing to such recruiting officers that the
slaves so enlisted by their direction and concurrence were
freemen; and it appearing further to this assembly, that on
the expiration of the term of enlistment of such slaves that
the former owners have attempted again to force them to
return to a state of servitude, contrary to the principles
of justice, and to then own solemn promise.

"II. And whereas it appears just and reasonable that all
persons enlisted as aforesaid, who have faithfully served
agreeable to the terms of their enlistment, and have thereby
of course contributed towards the establishment of American
liberty and independence, should enjoy the blessings of
freedom as a reward for their toils and labours; _Be it
therefore enacted_, That each and every slave who by the
appointment and direction of his owner, hath enlisted in any
regiment or corps raised within this state, either on
continental or state establishment, and hath been received
as a substitute for any free person whose duty or lot it was
to serve in such regiment or corps, and hath served
faithfully during the term of such enlistment, or hath been
discharged from such service by some officer duly authorized
to grant such discharge, shall from and after the passing of
this act, be fully and compleatly emancipated, and shall be
held and deemed free in as full and ample a manner as if
each and every of them were specially named in this act; and
the attorney-general for the commonwealth, is hereby
required to commence an action, _in forma pauperis_, in
behalf of any of the persons above described who shall after
the passing of this act be detained in servitude by any
person whatsoever; and if upon such prosecution it shall
appeal that the pauper is entitled to his freedom in
consequence of this act, a jury shall be empanelled to
assess the damages for his detention."[626]

New York enlisted her Negro soldiers under a statutory promise of
freedom. They were required to serve three years, or until regularly
discharged. Several other States emancipa