tract of land was given to me, as aforesaid, during my life,
and in case I should leave no issue of my body, to give it to
such of his posterity as I should see cause to bestow it
upon; Know ye, therefore, that I, the said Benjamin Scarlett,
for divers considerations me thereunto moving, have given,
granted, and by these presents do give and grant, assign,
sett over, and bestow the aforesaid tract of land, with all
the improvements I have made thereon, both by building,
fencing, or otherwise, unto Samuel Endicott, second son to
Zerubabel Endicott deceased, and unto Hannah his wife, to
have and to hold the said ten acres of land, more or less,
with all the privileges and appurtenances thereunto
belonging, unto the said Samuel Endicott and Hannah his
wife, to his and her own proper use and behoof forever; and
after their decease I give the said tract of land to their
son Samuel Endicott. In case he should depart this life
without issue, then to be given to the next heir of the said
Samuel and Hannah.--In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal.--Dated the ninth of January one thousand six
hundred and ninety one.--BENJAMIN SCARLETT, his mark."

It is to be observed, that Governor Endicott had died twenty-six
years, and his son Zerubabel seven years, before the date of the
foregoing deed. No writings had passed between them in reference to
the final disposition Scarlett was conditionally to make of the
estate. There were no living witnesses of the original understanding.
But the old man was true to the sentiments of honor and gratitude. The
master to whom he had been apprenticed in his boyhood had been kind
and generous to him, and he was faithful to the letter and spirit of
his engagement. He evidently made a point to have the language of the