In the name of God, amen. I James Merrick of Caroline County in the state of Maryland, farmer, being sick and weak in body, but of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, blessed be God for the same, do make this my last will and testament in manor and form following, that is to say, first I commit my soul into the hands of almighty God, that gave it, and my body to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my executrix hereafter named, and as to what worldly estate it hath pleased God to bless me with, I give and dispose of as follows, to wit:

Imprimus, I give and bequeath unto my son Henry Merrick all that part of a tract of land called Codhead Manor whereon my dwelling plantation is, provided he shall pay unto my other two sons William Stanford Merrick and Seath Merrick fifteen pounds each when they shall come to twenty one years of age, to him and his heirs forever.

Item. I give to my said son Henery one young gray horse.

Item. I give unto my son William Stanford one bed and furniter. Item. I give to my son Seath one bed and furniture.

Item. I give unto my loving wife Telpha my bay mair forever, over and above the third part of my personal estate. My will
and desire is that after my just debts and funeral expenses are paid, that the resedue and remainder of my estate shall be equally divided between my three sons aforesaid, and I do hereby appoint my loving wife my whole and sole executrix of this my last will and testament.

And lastly, I hereby revoke all former and other wills by me heretofore made, declaring this to be my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I set my hand and affix my seal this second day of April in the year of our Lord 1782.

                                                                                            /s/ James Merrick