Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

LOCATION:

Colonial lot #353 lies on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street opposite to Bruton Parish Churchyard. (See Tyler's Map, an adaptation of the College Map, Illustration #1, Appendix)

HISTORY:

The first indication as to ownership of lot #353 appears in 1714. In the land granted by the trustees of Williamsburg "for building and erecting the City" three lots, #353, #354 and #355 were allotted to John Custis. (Copy of original deed in Library of William and Mary College)

From 1714, to October 26, 1744, there is a gap in the chain to title. At the latter date James Spiers, "joyner and cabinetmaker" leased from John Custis for the term of three years "one lot of ground, with the houses and garden thereunto belonging, it being the house next to Thomas Craze's,¹ and lately in the occupation of John Page, for which lot and houses…Spiers doth oblige himself…to pay unto the said John Custis…the full sum of ten pounds current money of Virginia annually during the whole term and time of three years…and doth oblige himself…to leave all the houses, floors, walls, windows, and all other appurtenances whatever, belonging or any ways appurtaining to the said Tenement, whole and in good repair…doth oblige himself…to keep the Chimneys clean swept at all times to prevent the danger of fire, and other accidents."(Photostat, Research Department, Ms. in possession of Mrs. Hunter de Butts.)

Payments on the three year lease taken by Spiers from Custis began on 1a January 1744/5 and extended through April 1747 according to records kept on sheet of the contract. Payments for rent were 2:10 for 1 quarter. (Ibid.)

In 1745 the Virginia Gazette was advertising that "All Manner of Cabinet and Chair Work [was] done by James Spiers in Williamsburg." (Virginia Gazette, Parks, ed., Sept. 26, 1745)

Another notice in the Virginia Gazette of November 7, 1751, indicates that Spiers had continued his cabinet shop work in Williamsburg:

"November 7, 1751.

THE Disappointments I have met with this Court in collecting my Debts, long due, oblige me to give this public Notice, That I shall henceforward deliver no Work out of my Shop, 'til I have either received the Money, or a Promise from some Gentlemen in Williamsburg to pay me at the appointed Time.
JAMES SPIERS."

(Virginia Gazette, Hunter, ed., Nov. 7, 1751.)

A few months earlier (June 1751) Spiers had run notice in the Virginia Gazette concerning theft of upholstery materials:

"Williamsburg, June 20, 1751.

Whereas some Person bath enticed a young Negroe Girl of mine, to steal curled Hair, and other Materials for Chairs from me, and sell it then; and as her Evidence against them is of no Use, I do hereby offer a Reward of Twenty Pistoles, for the Discovery of the said Person, to be paid, immediately, on their Conviction.
James Speirs. "

(Virginia Gazette, Hunter, ed., June 20, 1751)

Spiers association with lot 353 seems to end with 1751 as no further data has been discovered placing him on this lot. However, he had bought lot 26 on the north side of the main road leading to Yorktown in May 1750. (York County Records, Deeds V, p. 363) Spiers held this lot only one year selling it to Robert Nicolson for the same consideration: 10 pounds. (Ibid., p. 426)

About this period another cabinetmaker appears in this area. Peter Scott advertised his lots and some furniture thus:

"September 12, 1755.

…2 lots on the Back Street, near Col Custis's on which there is a good Dwelling House, containg Six Rooms and Closets…likewise will be sold, at the Subscriber's shop near the Church, sundry Pieces of Cabinet Work, of Mahogony, and Walnut, consisting of Desks, BookCases, Tables of various Sorts, 1b Tools, and some Materials. Six Months Credit will be given to those that purchase above the Value of Fifty Shillings…
Peter Scott."

(Virginia Gazette, Hunter, ed., Sept. 12, 1755)

As Scott describes the location of his shop as "near the Church," and as records which follow will show that Scott rented from the Custis estate in 1757-1771 paying £10 as rent (the same consideration paid by Spiers in 1744-47), it seems altogether reasonable to believe that Scott may have rented the shop previously rented by Spiers. Only archaeological excavations can make a final statement as to what buildings were on lots 353 and 354. Such excavations may clear up the location of Peter Scott's house and shop.

In the Custis Papers from 1757 through 1771 Peter Scott is credited with rent paid on some property held by Custis:

"1757 The Estate of Daniel Parke Custis Esqr deceased	Cr
Rent of Peter Scott	£ 12.

(Ms. Custis Papers, Va. Historical Society, photostat copy in Research Dept.)

"1769 Mr Jno Parke Custis — in acct with Mr Joseph Valentine	Cr
Decr 11 Recd of Mr Peter Scott for ye yr 1769	£10.
An Exact Copy from Mr Valentines Book taken in M[torn] 8th 1770

Geo Washington(Ibid., typescript in Research Department)

"1771 A Memorandum of the tennants in the Estate of Colo Custis and the amounts of the Rents in WilliamsBurgh
Peter Scott	£10.0.-"

(Ibid.)

A notice in the Virginia Gazette of December 1, 1775, indicates that Peter Scott died "in the 81st year of his age; upwards of 40 years a common councl man of this corporation."(Virginia Gazette, Purdie, ed.)

Evidence that Scott was renting from the Custis family at the time of his death appears in a letter of Edmund Randolph to George Washington dated January 26, 1776:

"Wmsburg, Jany 26, 1776.

…
About 5 Days since, Mr. Custis's Tenement, Where Scot lived, opposite to the Church, was burnt to the ground, by the Negligence of some of the Soldiers, who had been quartered there. The Wind, being due South, the out-House escaped Flames. The Difficulty of saving the Church became thereby very great. The Country are surely answerable for this Damage, as it accrued in their Service.
Edmund Randolph "

(Emmet Collection #1135, New York Public Library, copy in Research Dept.

1c

Another reference to the fire appeared in the Virginia Gazette:

"Mr. Peter Scott's old house in this City, which he had rented and lived in for 43 years, was burnt down last Sunday Night, by accident."(Virginia Gazette, Purdie, ed., January 26, 1776)

From the above quoted sources one sees that Scott lived in a Custis tenement, that it was located "opposite to the Church" and that the house was an "old house" occupied by Scott for 43 years. This would place Scott in the tenement "opposite to the Church" as early as 1733. As James Spiers leased the lot and houses "next to Thomas Craze's" (lot 353) in 1744, it may be that Scott's house referred to above, was on lot 354. If such reasoning is correct, Scott rented in 1755 the shop located on lot 353 formerly used by Spiers; and lived on the adjoining lot 354 until his death in 1775. Only excavations can decide what buildings were on each lot their sizes and uses.

The Frenchman's Map of Williamsburg (1782) shows houses located on what appears to be lot #353. (See: Drawing from Frenchman's Map, Illustration #1, Appendix) As yet no archaeological work has been done on this lot.

Both the College Map (also noted as "the Unknown Draftman's Map"), and the Annie Galt Map (1780?), indicate the name "Perry" on lot #353. To the east, is a lot marked "Greenhow," and to the west, a lot marked "Taliaferro."¹ (See: Illustration #1, Tyler's adaptation of the College Map)

From subsequent records, it is obvious that Hartwell Perry² was the owner and 2 occupant of lot #353 from ca. 1782 until his death in 1800.

In 1782 Hartwell Perry is listed as head of a family of five in Williamsburg. (Census taken in the city in 1782, copy in Research Department) In 1783 Perry is listed as a "free male above 21 years of age with 2 horses and no slaves".(Personal property list for Williamsburg, microfilm in Research Department)

On December 22, 1786, Perry is charged by Humphrey Harwood, carpenter and brick mason in Williamsburg, with repairs, apparently, to his property:

1786
Decemr 22	To 4 bushels of lime 4/, & mending plastering 4/	£ .8.
	To Hair…/4 …	0.-.4"

(Ledger of Humphrey Harwood, B, 102, copy in Research Department)

A survey of the land tax records for Williamsburg shows that Hartwell Perry was the owner of lots in the city from 1791 to 1801:

"1791	Hartwell Perry	2 lots	value
1797	Hartwell Perry	2 lots	value	£8
1801	Hartwell Perry	?	value	$26.67"

(Land Tax records, microfilm, copy from Virginia State Archives in Research Department)

During this period the personal property tax for Williamsburg indicates that Hartwell Perry paid tax on "1 horse and 1 ordinary license".(Ibid)

In 1796, Perry is identified as owner of a lot designated later as lot "#353". Perry's lot is noted adjoining the lot of Charles Taliaferro, whose property is described as being on the Main Street between William Bryan and Hartwell Perry in the county of James City. (Mutual Assurance Policy #115, copy in Research Department)

By 1803 Francis Timberlake had come into "2 lots via Perry".^l(Land tax transfers for Williamsburg). Timberlake's association with the Perry family by marriage to Perry's widow, is given in a suit in chancery copied later into this report.

3

In 1809 "Timberlake's lot" is noted in an insurance policy of Charles Taliaferro (#115) as "east of Taliaferro's property and adjoining 10 feet distant from the house of Taliaferro".(Microfilm copy, Research Department)

From 1806 to 1813, the Williamsburg land tax records list Timberlake's property thus:

1806	Francis Timberlake	2 lots	value $50
1810	Francis Timberlake	2 lots	value $80
1812	Francis Timberlake	2 lots	value $100

(Microfilm copy from Virginia State Archives, Research Department) Personal Property tax lists for the city indicate that Francis Timberlake paid tax as operator of an ordinary from 1804-1828. Having married the widow of Hartwell Perry, he doubtless kept the same ordinary which Perry had until his death, and Perry's wife operated until her marriage to Timberlake. A suit brought against Timberlake's estate, after his death, confirms this supposition.

Insurance policies on the Taliaferro-Cole property to the west, dated 1815, and 1823 (#1516 and #5018), indicate that the property was "bounded on the east by Francis Timberlake's".

There seems to have been a change in the system of valuations of Williamsburg lots in 1820. Timberlake is shown as the possessor of "1 lot with houses valued at $1200; houses and lot $1400". It is thought that the recorder listed as one lot, two or more contiguous lots. This valuation of the Timberlake property remained unchanged until 1835 when the lot was recorded as "Francis Timberlake's Es[tate"] (Williamsburg tax records, Illustration #2, Appendix)

Following Timberlake's death in 1833, Ann Sharp, one of the three daughters of Hartwell Perry, brought suit against Jesse Cole, one of Timberlake's executors, for the rent due her deceased sister, who had never sold her share of Perry's house to Timberlake. The lawyer stated:

"That Hartwell Perry died in 1800 seised of a House and lot in Williamsburg, leaving a widow & three children, viz. The Complt Ann, her sister Anna, who died last year without child or heir Except the Complt & her sister Sally, who afterward married Wm Crew; the said Sally is dead leaving no heir except the Complt, her sister. That the widow of Hartwell Perry kept possession of the House until she intermarried with F. Timberlake, & he held it 4 until his death in 1833. That Timberlake never accounted for the rent of Sarah Crews' portion of Sd House &c to said Timberlake, but Sarah never did & Complt is Entitled as only heir of Said Sarah to her portion of House & Rents."(Southall Papers, Legal Cases and Estates, Folder 182, William and Mary College)

The house and land were sold for $487. (Ibid)

In 1836 Williamsburg Land Tax Transfers show that Robert G. Richardson had come into "1 lot via Francis Timberlake Est."(copy, Research Department) Richardson's ownership is also noted in 1835 from insurance policies of Jesse Cole (#8319 revaluation of #7582) and A. G. Southall (#8321, revaluation of buildings formerly declared by Cole #7582) as: "Richardson's lot on the East, Jesse Cole's lot on the South and West, and the main street North in the county of James City." (Photostats in Research Department) Also in 1835, Jesse Cole insured his property under policy #8319: "situated between street on the north, west and south and bounded by Richardson's formerly Timberlake's lot, and Southall's lot on the East".

Subsequent records indicate that John T. James became the owner of lot #353 ca. 1838. James had been a tenant of Jesse Cole. In April 1826, Cole gave a deed of trust on his house and lot where he resided, and "the house and lotts next above at present occupied by Mr James as the Tenant of the said Cole". (Ms Faculty Minutes of William and Mary College July 12, 1817 January 12, 1830) In 1835, Policy #11,000 of Jesse Cole's, bears out the above statement: Cole's lot lay between "the lots of John T. James and Albert G. Southall on the east…"

In 1840 John T. James paid tax on "house valued at $1200; lot and houses $1400 As this is the same valuation placed on the Timberlake property as late as 1835, it seems reasonable to believe that the Timberlake property and the James property were the same lot.¹ James' personal property included "3 whites, 2 slaves and a gig" in 1841.

5

A new house was erected on the lot by James in l844. Tax records for that year indicate that John T. James held only "1 lot in Williamsburg with buildings valued at $2800; lot and buildings $3000 new building lately erected and assessed according to law".

In 1845 Goodrich Durfey had come into the James property. Tax records show that Durfey held "1 lot with lot and houses valued at $3300 via John T. James." (Illustration #2)

Durfey sold the property in 1846 to William Hodgers. Tax records indicate that William Hodgers held this property "by deed from Goodrich Durfey in 1816".(Ibid) Hodgers continued to hold the property until 1852 when his name no longer appears on the land tax.

In June 1856, the owner of lot #354 refers to his property as "situated in front of the Episcopal Church, and between the lots of Mrs. Maupin and the Rev. Mr. Wilmer."¹ (Williamsburg Virginia Gazette, Ewing, ed., June 8, 1856) And, in August 1856, the same newspaper carried this notice which may apply to the property under discussion:

"John Ro: Saunders, agt. offers for sale 2 dwelling houses owned by John T. James are for sale, one is new, both are large & with all the appurtenances necessary for the comfort of a large family. They are situated upon the Main Street in a most agreeable part of the town. Proprietor intends to change his location."(Ibid., August 14, 1856)

If the above property advertised for sale represents the houses on lot #353, the statement of Mr. John S. Charles concerning the property as he remembered it in 1865, is correct. Mr. Charles notes that "This house was built and owned by John James, who has already been noted as owner and builder of the 'Wolfe' house. There were no outhouses in the yard of these premises, according to the writer's recollection". ("Recollections of Williamsburg" by John S. Charles, page 30, copy in Research Department)

6

Mrs. Victoria M. Lee in her recollections of Williamsburg, called "Williamsburg in 1861", page 28, says:

"The Episcopal rectory, which, at that time, was a comparatively new building, where Mr. Ambler,¹ the Episcopal minister, lived, has changed very little. Both the Cole paper shop and the Cole residence are unchanged; and both of these buildings were owned then, as they are now, by the Coles."(copy in Research Department)

In August 1876, the house and lot to the east were described in a deed as "bounded on the west by the parsonage belonging to the Episcopal Church, on the north by Duke of Gloucester Street; east by Mrs. Maupin's lot, and south by Crawley's lot."(James City County and the City of Williamsburg, Deeds, I, p. 441)

The Episcopal Church had come into this lot before 1859 according to the tax records: "Robert Saunders trustee for Episcopal Church — 1 lot — buildings $2100 lot and buildings $2500 Exempted from city tax by the Common Hall" (Illustration #2, Appendix) In 1860, the tax records note that "Robert Sounders [acted] as trustee for Episcopal church — 1 lot — buildings $2100; lot and buildings $2500 — Parsonage"(Ibid) This identifies beyond any doubt that the Episcopal Church owned the lot and it was designated "Parsonage".

Following Mr. Ambler as Rector of Bruton Parish Church, came Reverend George T. Wilmer who was the minister from 1872-1876. His successors were: Rev. Jaquelin Meredith 1876-1877; Rev. Henry Wall, 1877-1880; Rev. Alexander Overby, 1880-1885; Rev. F. G. Burch, 1885-1887; Rev. L. B. Wharton, 1888; Rev. T. C. Page 1889-1893; Rev. William T. Roberts, 1894-1902; Rev. W. A. R. Goodwin, 1902-1909; Rev. E. Ruffin Jones, 1909-1926; and Rev. W. A. R. Goodwin, 1926-1938. Dr. Goodwin had as his assistant, Rev. John Bentley who lived in the Rectory, and Dr. Goodwin lived elsewhere in Williamsburg.

7

In 1928 trustees for Bruton Parish Episcopal Church filed their petition in the Circuit Court of Williamsburg and County of James City in which they petitioned the Court for authority to sell the property on the southside of Duke of Gloucester Street, now used as the Rectory, to W. A. R. Goodwin for the sum of $30,000 "upon the condition, limitation and restriction that the said Church should have the option and right to occupy and rent that part of said property now used as a Rectory at a reasonable rental to be subsequently determined."(Recorded Common Law Order Book #8, pp. 534-535)

In July 1929 Dr. Goodwin and wife conveyed the property to Williamsburg Holding Corporation under the condition that the said Church should have "the option and right to occupy and rent that part of said property now used as a Rectory at a reasonable rental to be subsequently determined, in no event to exceed $50 per month." The property was so described:

"All that certain lot of land, together with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street, in the City of Williamsburg, Virginia, and bounded and described as follows: Bounded on the west by the property of H. D. Cole; on the south by Francis Street; on the east by the lots of Annie Galt and H. D. Cole; and on the north by Duke of Gloucester Street, being the property now used and occupied by said church as a rectory."(James City County and the City of Williamsburg, Deed Book 13, page 569)

According to Architects of Colonial Williamsburg, "The Rectory" is the domestic neo-Greek style of architecture. It has been used by the Restoration some years as a rooming place or residence.

IN SUMMARY:

The only record of colonial lot #353 before the latter part of the eighteenth century, is found in a grant of three lots(#353, 354 and 355) by the trustees of Williamsburg to John Custis. The date of the grant was August 9, 1714. (Copy in Research Department; original deed at College of William and Mary)

In 1744, James Spiers, joyner and cabinet-maker, leased from John Custis for the term of three years "one lot of ground, with the houses and garden 8 thereunto belonging, it being the house next to Thomas Craze's, and lately in the occupation of John Page…" Spiers continued in Williamsburg advertising himself in the Virginia Gazette as late as 1751 as a cabinet-maker with a shop. Spiers association with lot 353 seems to have ended in 1751. Another cabinet-maker, Peter Scott, appears in 1755 on what appears to be lot 353. Scott describes his shop as "near the Church." Until archaeological work has been done on lot 353 and 354 it will be impossible to make a final statement as to the buildings on these lots. Records show that Scott rented from the Custis family from 1757 until his death in 1775.

The Frenchman's Map (1782) indicates what appears to be houses on the lot. The College Map (1791?) and the Annie Galt Map (1780?) show the name "Perry" and "353" on the lot. Hartwell Perry, apparently, was the owner and occupant of lot #353 from 1782 to his death in 1800. Following his death, his widow married Francis Timberlake who held the property until his death in 1833. By 1836 Robert G. Richardson was the owner "via Timberlake." In 1839 John T. James had acquired the property "via Robert G. Richardson houses valued at $1200; lot & houses $1400." James held the property until 1845. A new house had been erected on the lot by James ca. 1844, and was assessed at $3000. James sold to Goodrich Durfey in 1845. Durfey held only one year, selling to William Hodgers. About 1856 the property was bought by the trustees of Bruton Parish Church and used as a Rectory for many years. In 1860 the property held by the Church was designated thus in the tax records: "1 lot with buildings valued at $2100; lot and buildings $2500 — Parsonage." In 1928 the trustees of the Church conveyed the property with certain restrictions to the Restoration through their agent, Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin. Further history of the lot can be found in the Chain to Title, Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg.

Appendix #1
Lot #353
Block 13

Millington's view of Williamsburg street (shows house on present Rectory site) 1834

Photostat copy of the Williamsburg Plat in "Williamsburg the Old Colonial Capitol" by Lyon G. Tyler

Illustration #2
Lot #353 Block 13

Williamsburg Land Tax Records:

1791	Hartwell Perry	2 lots	value [blank
1797	Hartwell Perry	2 lots	value £8
1801	Hartwell Perry	?	value $26.67
1803	Francis Timberlake	2 lots "via Perry"	(Tax transfers for Williamsburg)
1806	Francis Timberlake	2 lots	value $50
1810	Francis Timberlake	2 lots	value $80
1812	Francis Timberlake	2 lots	value $100
1818	Francis Timberlake	2 lots	value $100
1820	Francis Timberlake	1 lot	houses valued at $1200; lot & houses $1400
1820-1835	value remained the same
1836	Robert G. Richardson	1 lot	houses valued at $1200;
	Williamsburg		lot & houses $1400
			"via Francis Timberlake's Exers"
1838	Robert G. Richardson	1 lot	valued as 1837
1839	John T. James	1 lot	houses valued at $1200; lot and houses $1400
1844	John T. James	1 lot	houses valued at $2800; lot and houses $3000
			"new building lately erected and assessed according to law"
1845	Goodrich Durfey	1 lot	houses valued at $300[0]; lot and houses $3300
1848	William HOdgers	1 lot	buildings $300[0]; lot & buildings $3300
			"deed from Goodrich Durfey in 1846"
1851	William Hodgers	1 lot	buildings $3000; lot & buildings $3300
1852	[Hodgers not listed.]
1859	Robert Saunders trustee for Episcopal Church	1 lot	buildings $2100; lot & buildings $2500
			"Exempted from city tax by Common Hal[cut off]
1860	Robert Saunders trustee for Episcopal Church	1 lot	buildings $2100; lot & buildings $2500 — Parsonage

Illustration #3

HOUSE AND LOT FOR SALE:

I offer for sale, my house and lot now occupied by Mrs. Coleman, and located on the main street in williamsburg. The house is capacious enough to accomodate a large family… It contains two fine rooms in the basement: a large parlour and dining room on the first floor, with a passage: two large, and one small chamber, on the second floor with a half passage; two excellent chambers in the attic. The lot contains two acres of land, and has a stable, carriage house, smoke house, a well enclosed garden &c. There is a roomy kitchen adjoining the house in good order, and a pump of fine water in the yard…
Goodrich Durfy.

Virginia Gazette, Thomas Martin, ed., Williamsburg, August 24, 1853 p 3, c 4)

HOUSE AND LOT FOR SALE:

I offer for sale, my house and lot now occupied by Mrs. Coleman, and located on main street in williamsburg. The house is capacious enough to accommodate a large family… It contains two fine rooms in the basement: a large parlour and dining room on the first floor, with a passage: two large, and one small chamber, on the second floor with a half passage; two excellent chambers in the attic. The lot contains two acres of land, and has a stable, carriage house, smoke house, a well enclosed garden &c. There is a roomy kitchen adjoiningt the house in good order, and a pump of fine water in the yard…
Goodrich Durfy.

(Virginia Gazette, Thomas Martin, ed. Williamsburg August 24, 1853. p 3 c 4)

Virginia Historical Society

[[illegible]]

Lease of James Speirs from "John Custis of Williamsburgh and County of James City" to lease, let and farm let unto James Speirs Joyner and cabinet maker, for the full term and time of three years… one lot of ground, with the houses and garden thereunto belonging, it being the house next to Thomas Craze's, and lately in the occupation of John Page, for which lot and houses… Speirs doth oblige himself to pay unto the said John Custis… the full sum of ten pounds current money of Virginia annually during the whole term and time of three years and doth oblige himself to leave all the houses, floors, walls, windows, and all other appurtenances whatever, belonging or any ways appertaining to the said Tenement, whole and in good repair… doth oblige himself… to keep the Chimneys clean swept at all times to prevent the danger of fire, and other accidents…
Signed, seald and delevd in the presence of
Jms Grahame
Ben Harrison.

January 26th 1744 Recd of James Speirs two pounds ten shill: for 1. Qr. Rent
April 26th Recd £2 10/ for 1 quarters Rent
July 26th 1745 Recd £2.10/ for qrs Rent
Oct. 26th 1745 Recd £2 10/ for 1 qr Rent
Jan 26, 1745 Recd£2 10/ for 1 Qrs Rent
April 26 1746 Recd£2 10/ for 1 Qrs Rent
July 26, 1746 Recd £2 10/ for 1 Qrs Rent
Oct 26, 1746 Read £2 10/ for 1 qrs Rent
Jan 24, 1746 Recd £2 10/ for 1 qr Rent
April 26, 1747 Recd £2 10/ for 1 Qrs Rent
[Co]lonial Lot #353, Block 13

1084-1
[illegible]e Family Papers, VHS

"Alexr Speirs Bond for Performance of Covenant"
[lease by James Speirs of Custis lot] "Whereas James Speir has Leasd A lot of ground and houses thereunto belonging to ye [ho]able John Custis Esq wch Leas bears date October 26: 1744, and under certain contacts articles specifying in Ye said Lease relation to ye said lease being had, now if Ye said [Ja]mes Speirs should not perform comply with ye Articles, clause and clauses of ye said Lease, I do oblige myself my heirs Executors and Administrators, to stand in the stead of [the]said James, and to comply with, fullfill and perform every article of Ye said Lease that [th]e said James Speirs is oblige to perform as witness my hand this 26: day of October 1744
Alexr Speirs

Signd seald & deliverd in Ye
Presence of
BenJa Hubbard
Tho Wharton"

[Hand-written sheet. Largely illegible. Image not available.]