_Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid_, That the estates both of resident and non-resident proprietors in said Territory dying intestate, shall descend to and be distributed among the children, and the descendants of a deceased child in equal parts—the descendants of a deceased child, or grandchild, to take the share of the deceased parent in equal parts among them; and where there shall be no children or descendants, then in equal parts to the next of kin in equal degree; and among collaterals, the children of a deceased brother or sister of the intestate shall have, in equal parts among them, the deceased parent’s share, and there shall in no case be a distinction between kindred of the whole and half blood, saving in all cases to the widow of the intestate her third part of the real estate for life, and [_where there shall be no children of the intestate_] one third part of the personal estate; and this law relative to descents and dower shall remain in full force until altered by the legislature of the district. And until the governor and judges shall adopt laws, as hereinafter mentioned, estates in the said Territory may be divided or bequeathed by wills, in writing, signed and sealed by him or her, in whom the estate may be [being of full age] and attested by three witnesses; and real estate may be conveyed by lease or release, or bargain and sale, signed, sealed and delivered by the person, being of full age, in whom the estate may be, and attested by two witnesses, provided such wills lie duly proved, and such conveyance be acknowledged, or the execution thereof duly proved, and be recorded within one year after proper magistrates, court and registers shall be appointed for that purpose; and personal property may be transferred by delivery, saving, however, to the French and Canadian inhabitants and other settlers of the Kaskaskies, St. Vincent’s and the neighboring villages, who have heretofore professed themselves citizens of Virginia, their laws and customs now in force among them, relative to the descent and conveyance of property.