In the Name of God Amen, I James Cleveley, Carpenter on board his Majesty’s Ship Ramiles, being in bodily health and of sound and disposing mind and memory, and considering the perils and dangers of the Seas and other 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 I commit to the earth or sea as it shall please God to order, and as for and concerning all my worldly estate, I give, bequeath, and dispose thereof as followeth, that is to say -
all wages, sum and sums of money, lands tenements, goods, chattels and estate whatsoever as shall be anyways due, owing, or belonging unto me at the time of my decease, I do give, devise, and bequeath the same unto my beloved wife Amy Cleveley, her heirs and assigns for ever,
and I do hereby appoint my said wife Amy, sole executrix of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former and other wills, testaments and Deeds of Gifts by me at any time heretofore made, and I do ordain and ratify these presents to stand and be, for and as, my only last Will and Testament.
In Witness whereof to this my said Will I have set my hand and seal the first day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety six, and in the thirty sixth year of the Reign of his Majesty King George the third over Great Britain etc. Jas. Cleveley
Signed, sealed, published and declared in the presence of Pascho Hoskins, Thos. Bevan Law Stationer, Portsea, Hants.
Proved at London 4th June 1821, before the worshipful Charles Coote Dr. of Laws and Surrogate, by the oath of Amy Cleveley, Widow the Relict, the sole executrix, to whom administration was granted, having been first sworn duly to administer.
Public Record Office reference no. PROB 11 / 1644
Transcribed by Cliff Thornton, July 2005.