Thomas Daft of HMS Burford 1759 Will

The National Archives PROB 11/849/390

In the Name of God Amen I Thomas Daft belonging to his Majesties Ship Burford James Gambier Esquire Commander being of sound and disposing mind and Memory and considering the Dangers of the seas and the uncertainties of this Transitory Life do for avoiding controversies after my decease make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner following (that is to say)

First I recommend my soul to God that gave it and my Body to the Earth or Sea as it shall please God to order and as for all my Worldly Estate I Give bequeath and dispose thereof as followeth that is to say

All and Singular Such my Wages Sum and Sums of Money Lands Tenements Goods Chattels and Estate whatsoever as shall be any ways due owing or belonging unto me at the time of my decease I give devise and bequeath the same to my beloved Friend William Daniel of the town of Goodinstone [Goodnestone?] in the county of Kent and I hereby Nominate and appoint the aforesaid William Daniel to be the Sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby Revoking all former and Other Wills and Testaments and Deeds of Gift by me at any time heretofore made and I do Ordain and Ratify these Presents to stand and be for my Only last Will and Testament

In Witness whereof to this my said Will I have set my hand and Seal the thirteenth day of November and in the thirty second Year of the Reign or our Sovereign Lord George the Second over Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith and so forth and in the year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred and fifty eight

                                                                                                                Thomas Dafft

Signed sealed and published in the presence of us

Henry Pace

Jas Mason

This Will was proved at London before the Right Worshipfull Edward Simpson Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commisary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted on the thirteenth day of October in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred and Fifty Nine by the Oath of William Daniel the Sole Executor named in the Said Will To whom Administration was granted of all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of the deceased he having been first Sworn by Commission duly to Administer the same