Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1876-05-08
AOme Curious Wills.

nome Curious Wills.
Mr.. William Tegg has just published 10 Lon
don an entertaining volume called "Wils Of
Their Own" 10 which he presents many re-
markabe wills of eccentric persons. Among
the most curious of these is that of Edward
Wortley Montagu, son oil MIR. Montagu, Am
bassador to ConstantiuopIe n l7l6, by Lady
Mary Wortley Moutagu. his wife, the supposed
Sappho Of Pope:
After some bequests to my noble and worthy
relation, the Earl Of - the will adds: L
do not give his ordship any further part of my
property, because the best part Of that be has
coptrved to take already. Item, to Sir Francis
- give one word of mine, because he has
never had the good fortuae to keep his own.
Item, to Lord NJ give nothing, because
| know he'll bestow it on the poor. Item, to
-, the author, for putting me in his travels,
| give FIVE shings for his Wit, undeterred by
the charge of extravaganza, since friends who
have read his book consider five shillings too
much. Item, to Sir Robert W. leave my
political opinions never doubling he can we'll
turn them into cash, who has always found
such an excellent market in which to change
his owu. Item, my cast-off habit OF swearing
oaths give to Sir Leopold D., n conside-
ration that no oaths have ever been able to
find him yet"
Perhaps even more eccentric than this is the
last will and testament of Mr. Daniel Martinett,
of Calcutta. The following clauses are full Of
grim humor:
1.-The uudertaker's fees come to nothing. as
won them from him at game of billiards. 10
the presence of Mr.. Thomas Morrice aud VIM.
Perkes at the said VIM. Perkes' house, in
February last. furthermore request, not only
as it ,s customary, but as | sincerely believe
the prayers Of the good availeth, and are truly
consistent With decency, that the Rev. MIR.
Butler read the prayers which are customary
at burials, and also preach funeral sermon on
Sunday next after my decease, taking his text
from Solomon All is vanity Iu consideration
of which, over and above his fees, | bestow
upon him all my hypocrisy, which he wants as
q modern good map; but as my finances are low;
and cannot conveniently discharge his fees, l
hope be will please accept the will for the deed.
As it lies not in my power to bequeath anything
to my relations at home, l shall say nothing
concerning them, as they have not for these
six years past concerned themselves about me;
excepting that [ heartily wish them all well,
and that my brothers and sisters may make
more prosperous voyage through this life than
| have done.
The great Lord Chesterfield seems to have
had an equal sense Of bumor, for by one of the
clauses Of his will. proved shortly after bis
death 10 l773, he provides that
10 case my said godson. Philip Stanhope,
shall, at any time hereafter keep, or be concern
cd 10 keeping OF, any race horses, or pack OF
hounds, or reside one night at Newmarket. that
Infamous seminary of iniquity aud Al.nanners.
during the course of races there or shall resort
81 chal laso Hou OF
any game orEbet whalso the sum of ESQ
then, in any OF the cases aforesaid, il is my ex-
press will that be, my said godson, shall forfeit
and pay out OF my estate the sum of f5. 900 for
the use of the Dean and Chapter of Westmin-
ster."
Similarly Mr.. Davis, of Clapham, left
''rhe sum of IS. to Mary Davis, daughter of
Peter Delaport, which is sufficient to enable
her to get drunk for the last time st my ex-
pense
Aud London bookseller, Mr.. Parker,
Left, 10 1855, legacy of 950to Elizabeth,
whom, through my foolish iondness, made
my wife, without regard to family, fame or for
tune and who. 10 return, has not spared, most
unjustly, to accuse me of every crime regarding
huuao nature, save highway robbery.
10 these Instances may, perhaps, be added
the testament Of Mr.. James Robbins, who 10
1869.
"Set his face and his will in favor of his widow
wearing dow's weeds He ordered, 10 the
event OF my dear wife DOT complying with my
request to wear q widows cap after my de-
cease, and in the event of her marrying again.
then, and in both such cases, the annuity which
shall be payable to her out of my estate shal!
be s2O per anoum, and not ESQ. ;"
How IT heels TO SWALLOW A MOUSE =
The Cohe, IN. Y. Eagle tells of curious &C
cident happening to a son of James O'Helau,
residing on Saratoga street. 1t seems that
Willie. the youngest child, a bright boy of
twelve or thirteen years Of age, laid down in
the corner oil the kitchen. Monday night, and
being tire out from play, wa soon last asleep.
The father Was reading at table placed at the
center OF the room, the rest Of the family we're
all 10 bed aud consequently the house was per-
tecty still. Suddenly startling cry came
from the child, which aroused the father, who
made rush for the boy and asked him what
was the matter. The boy clasped his father i1
his arms, and with startling eyes exclaimed
Father, | have swallowed mouse, and l
feel him biting me inside |" In au Instant the
father had the house aroused and messenger
was sent for a Doctor VINO soon arrived, and
administered an emeic which had the desired
effect, and the boy, after some terrible retch-
Jog, threw up the mouse, and, strange to re-.
late, the creature was alive and active, making
has escape to a hole 10 the floor. Itappears
that while the child slept be bad his mouth
open, sod the mouse, which was q very small
one, getting frightened by muscular motion
OF the child, jumped into his mouth and down
his throat, but how ne remained alive 10 the
boys stomach is a mystery.