Sample Documents

Summary

[fl. 1] In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Holy and Indivisible Trinity in whose faith I was born, have lived, and by the grace of God expect to die, this is my Will and statement of last wishes to be followed after my death, which I make being ill but getting about and in perfectly sound mind, fearing death which is certain, especially at an advanced age such as mine. I am Roman Apostolic Catholic, following in every respect the religion of our Lord Jesus Christ in whose holy belief I will die with the divine protection of this same Lord and his Very Holy Mother, my intercessor.

I am the legitimate daughter of Sargeant Major Ignacio de Souza Wernek and Dona Francisca das Chagas, both deceased. I was born in and baptized at the Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro. I was always single and never had any children and, therefore, having no forced heirs, may dispose of my goods as I wish. I hereby name as my executor in the first place my compadre Baron of Paty do Alferes and, in his absence, my nephew Doctor Francisco d'Assis e Almeida, and, should he also be absent, my compadre Joaquim Pinheiro de Souza each of whom I have [fl. 1v] fully authorized to administer my goods and estate and who should be [accepted] by their oaths without deposit or security. I set the period of one year for the [presentation] of accounts in court.