Young men in military service allowed to make their wills at sixteen years of age

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Saturday, October 26, 1776.

Convention met. All Members present as on yesterday, except Mr˙ Marbury, Mr˙ Carroll, Mr˙ Schriver, and Mr˙ T˙ Smyth.

The Proceedings of yesterday were read.

Mr˙ J˙ Smith and Mr˙ Ridgely have leave of absence on account of particular private business.

Whereas many young men under twenty-one years of age, seized of lands and tenements within this State, have entered, and others so seized may enter, into the service of this State or the United States in arms, and by the laws now in being they cannot devise their lands or tenements, it is therefore

Resolved, That any last will of any young man in the service aforesaid, made after he hath, or shall have, accomplished the age of sixteen years, shall, in case he hath died or shall die whilst in service as aforesaid, be of the same force and effect, to all intents and purposes, as if he was of the full age of twenty-one years at the time of his making the same will.

Mr˙ Bishop has leave of absence, on account of the indisposition of his brother.