Will of Francis Culpeper of
His Majesty's Ship Bedford (1716)

Transcribed by Charles Andrew Grigsby

In the Name of God Amen

I Frances Culpepper belonging to his Majesty's Ship Bedford being fit and so save so far avoiding catastrophe is after my death make publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say. First I  commend my soul to God that gave it and my body commit to the Earth or Sea as it shall please God to order as for and….,ing  all my worldly state I give and bequeath and dispose thereof as followeth that his to say. item I give unto my be loved friends Thomas Coltman and James George both belonging to the aforesaid ship all such sum and sums of Money and Tenements Goods Chattels and Estate whatsoever as shall be any money due to me or on going at a time of my decease I do give devise and bequeath the same unto my be loved friends Thomas Coltman and James George aforesaid. I do hereby nominate and appoint the said Thomas Coltman and James George as my executors of this my last will and Testament hereby revoking all former and other Wills Testaments and deeds of gifts by me heretofore made and I do ordain and satisfy those present to stand and be for my last will and testament in witness whereof to this my said last will I have set my hand and seal the Twenty first day of June One Thousand Seven Hundred at and Sixteen in the third year of the rain of our Sovereign Lord King George over England.

/s/ Frances Colpepper /Signed sealed and published in the presence of us /Michael Seaton  Robert Reid and Burnham Clerk