The Wills of Captain Cook's Crew - Thomas Fatchett

In the Name of God Amen, I Thomas Fatchett, Private, Marine in the 45^th Company of the Plymouth Division, being of a sound and disposing mind and memory, and considering 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 Wages, Sum and Sums of Monet, Lands, Tenements, Goods, Chattels and Estate whatsoever as shall be any due, owing, or belonging unto me at the time of my decease I give, devise and bequeath the same unto my trusty and well beloved friend Dennis Delany, Serjeant of the 54^th Company of the above Division of Marines.
And I do hereby, nominate and appoint the above said Dennis Delany, Serjeant, my Executor of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former and other Wills, 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 Seventh day of July and in the fifteenth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third 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 Seventy Six.
Thomas Fatchett    X    his mark.

Signed, sealed and published in the presence of us    Wm. Burton    James Duncan    Patrick Grace.

This Will was proved at London the third day of March in the Year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and eighty one, before the Right Worshipful Peter Calvert, Doctor of Laws, Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the oath of Dennis Delany 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, having been first Sworn by Commission duly to administer.

Cliff Thornton, August 2003