A comparative stranger would thus be a larger legatee than any one of his own kindred. The Executor called Mr. Appleton's attention to this fact. His reply was: "I am much obliged for the suggestion: it was a proper one for you to make. I will consider, and let you know my decision to-morrow." The next day he said: "I have been thinking of what you mentioned to me; and if, in the other world, there is any knowledge of what is done in this, I should not like to have my nephew, whom I so loved and trusted, find that my first act, on learning his death, is the revocation or curtailment of a bequest made in his favor, and which, if he had survived me, would have eventually benefited her who was nearest and dearest to him. The will must stand as it is." This confirmation of a private bequest is no less honorable to the memory of Mr. Appleton, than are those other two provisions of his will by which he so bountifully remembers the servants of his household, and appropriates to public uses so large a part of his princely fortune.

N.I.B.

FOOTNOTES:

WILL OF SAMUEL APPLETON.

THE

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

OF

SAMUEL APPLETON.

Be it remembered, That I, Samuel Appleton, of Boston, in the County of Suffolk and State of Massachusetts, merchant, being of sound disposing mind and memory, and in good health, but aware of the uncertainty of life, and desirous of making a disposition of such property as I may leave at the time of my decease, do make, publish, and declare this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following, to wit:—

I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Mary Appleton, one hundred and thirty thousand dollars, in the manner following, to wit:—

1st. The sum of one hundred thousand dollars in cash, to be paid to her by my executors.

2d. My land and house in Beacon-street, Boston, numbered fifty-three, now occupied by Mrs. Goodwin, and valued by me at fourteen thousand dollars, to hold to her and her heirs.

3d. The sum of six thousand dollars in cash to be paid to her by my executors for the purpose of putting said house in good order and condition.

If, however, my wife do elect to accept the sum of twenty thousand dollars in cash, instead of said land and house in Beacon-street, and said six thousand dollars, then and in that case it is my will that the sum of twenty thousand dollars in cash be paid to her by my executors.

[4th.