James Prescott, Judge of the Probate of Wills entrusted Edward Gardner into Daniel Reed's care. "Trusting in your care and fidelity, I do by these presents pursuant to the power and authority to me granted, in and by an act of the General Court of the said Commonwealth, nominate and appoint you to be Guardian unto Edward Gardner of Charlestown in the County of Middlesex a minor above (?) the age of fourteen years and son of Edward Gardner late of Charlestown yeoman Deceased intestate who has here in Probate Court made [illegible] of you for that purpose.."