Gradual Emancipation Act, 1784

And whereas sound policy requires that the abolition of slavery should be effected as soon as may be, consistent with the Rights of Individuals, and the Public Safety and welfare, 

Therefore,

Be it enacted, that no Negro or Mulatto child, that shall, after the first day of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-four, be born within this State, shall be held in Servitude, longer than until they arrive to the Age of twenty-five Years, notwithstanding the Mother or Parent of such child was held in Servitude at the time of its birth; but such Child, at the Age aforesaid, shall be free; any Law, Usage, or Custom to the contrary notwithstanding.