DEL. CODE, ch. 176, §§ 1–2 (S. Kimmey 1841) (Law Passed 1832).
"CHAPTER CLXXVI.
AN ACT to prevent the use of fire arms by free negroes and free
mulattoes, and for other purposes.
Sec 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Delaware in General Assembly met, That from and after the first day of June next, it shall not be lawful for free negroes and free mulattoes to have, own, keep or possess any gun, pistol, sword or any warlike instruments whatsoever: Provided however, that if upon application of any such free negro or free mulatto to one of the justices of the peace of the county in which such free negro or free mulatto resides, it shall satisfactorily appear upon the written certificate of five or more respectable and judicious citizens of the neighborhood, that such free negro or free mulatto is a person of fair character, and that the circumstances of his case justify his keep and using a gun, then and in every such case it shall and may be lawful for such justice to issue a license or permit under his hand and authorizing such free negro or free mulatto to have use and keep in his possession a gun or fowling piece.
Sec 2. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That from and after the said first day of June next, it shall be the duty of any justice of the peace, whenever information shall be given him, or it shall otherwise come to his knowledge, that any free negro or free mulatto is in possession of any gun, without a license or permit as aforesaid, or any pistol, sword, or other warlike instrument, to issue his warrant or precept to any constable of the county, commanding him forthwith to bring before such justice, such free negro or free mulatto, to answer the charge of offending against the provisions of the first section of this act; and if, upon a full hearing, it shall appear by the testimony of one or more competent witnesses, that such free negro or free mulatto is an offender against the provisions of the first section of this act, according to the true intent and meaning thereof, he shall be adjudged to pay a fine of five dollars to the State..."
Laws of the State of Delaware, from the Sixteenth Day of January, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty, to the Thirteenth Day of February, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-Five: To Which Is Prefixed the Amended Constitution of Said State (Dover, DE: S. Kimmey, 1841), 208–10. Chapter 176—An Act to Prevent the Use of Fire Arms by Free Negroes and Free Mulattoes, and for Other Purposes, §§ 1–2. Passed February 10, 1832.