This document details the administration of the estate of Abdullah bin Abdul Kadir, commonly known as Munshi Abdullah. He was a Malay educator and served as one of the Malay scribes for Sir Stamford Raffles. His autobiography, Hikayat Abdullah (The Story of Abdullah), provides an important account of the founding of Singapore and the early colonial settlement. He died on or about 27 October 1854 during his pilgrimage (“Hajj”) to Mecca. This document is part of the John Koh collection which comprises of various legal documents in Arabic, Jawi, and English, and serves as a record of the 19th and early 20th century colonial legal systems in Singapore and the interactions of various ordinary individuals with the law. Abdullah left property and effects not in an excess of 400 Spanish dollars under the jurisdiction of the Court of Judicature of Prince of Wales’ Island, Singapore, and Malacca. The sole executor of Abdullah’s estate, Hussain bin Abdulla of Singapore, assumed responsibility for his legacies and debts, and probate was granted to him by the court on 26 March 1855. He was mandated by the court to submit an inventory of Abdullah’s estate and an account of his executorship by 1 May of the following year.This document also lists the cost incurred for such a petition to the Court of Judicature by line item. These line items included drawing petition, drawing oath, making copies, and the probate.
