There are many associations connected with our Parish Churches of which the subjoined Codicil to a Will affords a touching proof. Indeed, Mr. Chaplin, the senior candidate for this Division, when speaking the other night at Bassingham, very feelingly and effectively introduced this topic by reading the said Codicil in illustration of his remarks on the Disestablishment question. It is right to say that our copy of the Codicil is taken from the Illustrated London News; but we feel sure our readers will think it of sufficient local interest to be transferred to the pages of this Magazine. If we consider the peculiar circumstances under which it was written, when the testator was about to undergo a painful and dangerous surgical operation; his thoughtful consideration in behalf of the three private soldiers, his faithful followers and retainers; and lastly the wish, in case the operation proved fatal, of a tablet being put in Norton Disney Church with a short inscription commemorative of his military services, - these are incidents which to our thinking give to this touching story a two-fold interest. We may add that the Codicil is in pencil in the form of a letter, written on one of the pages of his pocket Army Book, following some notes as to camels, sketches, and other military memoranda, but not witnessed. Being however, written by the deceased himself, he being at the time engaged in actual service in the sight of the enemy, and intended by him to operate should he die, it has full and binding effect in law. It is as follows: -

"Dear MAMA, - In the event of my dying under the operation about to be performed. I should like Pts. Teaffey, Hosmar, and Knight to have an annuity of £15 each. I should like a tablet put in Norton Disney Church, with a short description from the Army List, or elsewhere, of my military life. - Your affte. Son, St. Vincent. - To Lady St. Vincent."

Happily we are in a position to state that the Testator's wish, as above expressed, will be carried out to the letter. Moreover, that the officers of the Regiment - the 16th Lancers -to which he was attached at the time he succumbed to his wound, are about to insert a new East-end Window of stained glass in Norton Disney Church, in memory of their late comrade; and that the present successor to the title intends expending a considerable sum on that part of the sacred edifice, which belongs to him as Patron and Lay Rector.

The Deanery of Graffoe Magazine. Lincoln: James Williamson, December  1885.

Contributed by: Roger PAUL - BA (Hons); PGCertEd (FE); MSc.