-------- Original Message -------- Subject: {not a subscriber} 1800s Poetic Will Date: Sat, 2 Jun 2001 09:42:56 -0700 From: jleehunt1@aol.com To: va-southside-l@rootsweb.com Hello Everyone, Maybe to take our minds off of our "late unpleasantness" on the list I am sending to you a British will that I received as I have a PML search for all posts with GAY in them (one of my surnames, originally Isle of Wight). Hope you all enjoy it. Janet (Baugh) Hunter Here 'tis.. ======== Source: GENBRIT-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Poetic Will of John Hedges Readers of this newsgroup/digest may enjoy the will of an eighteenth century poet:- John Hedges Esq. This 5th day of May Being Airy and Gay To Hipp not enclined But of Vigorous mind And my Body in Health Ile dispose of my Wealth, And of all I'm to leave On this side of the Grave to someone or other I think to my Brother But because I foresaw That my Brethren in Law If I did not take Care Woud come in for a Share Which I noe ways intended Till their Manners were mended (And of that God knows there's no sign) I do therefore Enjoyn And do strictly command Witness my hand That nought I have got Be brought in Hotch Pott But I give and devize As much as in me lyes To the Son of my Mother Myn own Dear Brother To have and to hold All my Silver and Gold As the Affectionate Pledges Of his Brother John Hedges. Proved at Finchley, Middlesex 13 July, 1737.