They went all over the house and barns, and took a complete account of every thing that they found.

They made a list of all the oxen, sheep, cows, horses, and other animals, putting down opposite to each one, their estimate of its value.

They did the same with the vehicles, and farming implements, and utensils, and also with all the household furniture, and the provisions and stores.

When they had completed the appraisement they added up the amount, and found that the total was a little over four hundred dollars, Mary Erskine was very much surprised to find that there was so much.
The appraisers then told Mary Erskine that half of that property was hers, and the other half belonged to the children; and that as much of their half as was necessary for their support could be used for that purpose, and the rest must be paid over to them when they became of age.

They said also that she or some one else must be appointed their guardian, to take care of their part of the property; and that the guardian could either keep the property as it was, or sell it and keep the money as she thought would be most for the interest of the children; and that she had the same power in respect to her own share.
Mary Erskine said that she thought it would be best for her to sell the stock and farming tools, because she could not take care of them nor use them, and she might put the money out at interest.