In the name of God Amen, I Michael Shortle of Saint John’s, Newfoundland being very sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hand of Almighty God that gave it and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my executors nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God And as touching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life I give demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form,

First, My just and lawful debts to be discharged thirty shillings yearly to be raised out of my property in houses during the lease and given to the Rt Revd Doctor Fleming or his successor for the benefit of my soul to be disposed of at his pleasure or discretion
Next I give and bequeath to my well beloved wife Jane the dwelling house and furniture we now occupy during the lease she paying the yearly rent thereof or any other expences attending it also the one third of the profit rents arising from my landed or household property held or leased from Mr. Rennie, Mr. Hutchings and Mr. Stoke all of St. John’s the remaining two third of aforesaid property to be divided equally between my three sisters say Judith Joyce, Mary and Margaret Shortle their heirs &c I also bequeath to my niece Mary Joyce Field (which I purchased from Mary Undry for ever, now in the possession of John Boggin for ever her heirs &c. situate and lying to the rear of John Deally’s house and premises on Lazy Bank adjoining the road leading from thence to Monday pond also to my sisters Judith Joyce Mary and Margret Shortle the remainder of my rented ground or farms held by me to be disposed of at their good will and pleasure

I also constitute, make, will and appoint Patrick Howley, Publican, James Kearns, Fisherman, both of St. John’s as my executors of this my last will and testament and I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and disannul all and every other former testaments, wills, legacies, bequests and executors, by me in any wise before named, willed and bequeathed, ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty-third day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five. Michael his X mark Shortle (LS) Signed, sealed, published, pronounced and declared by the said Michael Shortle as his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other, have hereto subscribed our names Laurence Macassey (LS) Patrick Ceasey (LS) Patrick his X mark Howlet (LS)
Certified correct,
D. M. Browning
Registrar