In the Name of God Amen
I James Williams Private Marine onboard His Majesty's Ship Sirius, NO. on the Marine List 12, being in bodily health and of sound and disposing mind and memory, and considering the danger and perils of the seas and other uncertainties of this transitory life, do for avoiding controvercies after my decease, make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner following (that is to say). First I recommend my Soul to God that gave it, and my body I commit to the earth or sea, as it shall please God to order, and as for and concerning all my worldly estate, I give bequeath and dispose thereof as followeth, that is to say, all such wages, sum or sums of money whatsoever, as shall be any ways due owing or belonging to me at the time of my decease, for my service onboard His Majesty's Ship Sirius I do give devise and bequeath the same unto my beloved friend William Standley, Private Marine onboard His Majesty's said Ship. And I do hereby nominate and appoint the said William Standley the sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former and other wills, testaments and deeds of gifts by me at any time heretofore made. And I do ordain and ratify these prescents to stand and be for, and as my only last will and testament. Revokable from and in my name, in witness whereof to this my said will, I have set my hand and seal the thirtieth day of August in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and eighty eight, and in the twenty eighth year of the Reign of his Majesty King George the third over Great Britain etc.
Signed, sealed, published and declared in the presence of

JNO. HUNTER 2nd Captain
JNO. PALMER, Purser.	JAMES WILLIAMS (signature)