ll and Codicil, of which a few copies are
printed for the use of his executors and legatees.

These documents were opened and read in the presence of the widow and
some of the relatives, on Saturday, July 16; and the following
anecdote was then related by one of the Executors:--

The late Isaac Appleton Jewett was a favorite nephew of the deceased,
and, as such, had a bequest of $30,000, and was eventually to receive
besides one-tenth part of the residuary property. He died in January
last, leaving as his heir-at-law a half-sister, who, by the terms of
the will, became entitled to these bequests. There was no
blood-relationship between her and the Testator. _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:

[1] "History of the Massachusetts Hospital," 1851.

[2] "History of the Massachusetts Hospital," 1851.

* * * * *

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 Testamen