The document is undated, but it is with the Brotherton folder of the Foster Collection.  By 1797, the Brothertons were actively engaged in attempting to move as a community to New Stockbridge, New York (although a significant number of Brotherton residents were opposed to the move). 

 

It was during this time that Charles Mullis (Moonis) died, leaving a controversial will which gave the Weekping parcel to none-other than Josiah Foster.

 

This document was not referred to by Foster during the subsequent litigation and legal arguments surrounding his claim to the Coaxen land.

 

Indian Rules for De[s]cent of Lands

The Rules and Customs that were observed by Our Antiant Proprietors are as follows -

That Every Proprietor owned a Certain Tract of Land which ran the same as your Townships do-

And the way they Commonly heirsed their Lands is this, Supposing for an Instance a Proprietor has Brothers Sisters and Children and he the said Proprietor fall away, he cant heir his Lands to his Children nor yet to his Brothers Children, but must heir it to his Sisters Children, for they are the proper heirs according to our Antiant Proprietors Rules But, Yet Not withstanding, if he (the said Proprietor) has an obedient Son, he may if he pleases heir part of his Land but Yet Not Equal to his Sistors Children to his sd Son. These are our Ansestors Laws

Sined Derick Quaquius his mark

Jacob Skekitt

Mary Calvin her mark