An Historic Document

While in visiting Mrs. William McKay, who is staying with her sister, Mrs. Innis, McKay Street, she showed us an old historic and important document bearing on the old settlers of the County of Pictou - a document which although 102 years old, is well preserved, and the writing is clear and bright, and in fact better writing than one will see to-day.

The paper is an "honorable discharge" paper from his regiment to Daniel McKay, late of Six Mile Brook, and a paper which his wife prizes greatly, and no money could induce her to part with it.

The document reads thus: George III. (Coat of Arms) Rex. His Majesty, Fifth Regiment of British Militia, whereby Lieut-General Lord Seaforth is Colonel.

These are to certify that the Bearer hereof, William McKay, Soldier in Captain C.C. Pelley's Company of the aforesaid regiment, born in the Parish of Dornoch, Sutherlandshire, hath served honorably and faithfully in the said regiment nine years, but by having provided an approved substitute is hereby honorably discharged.

Here follows a description of Pt. McKay: Wm. McKay, 27 years of age, 5 feet 1/2 inches high, black hair, blue eyes, swarthy complexion.

Given under my hand and Regimental seal, at Glasgow, Scotland, the eleventh day of December 1812.

J. C. Sutherland Major Company, 3rd Comp. Ross Militia

On the other side of this rare documentary parchment is an acknowledgement from William McKay "on the date of his honorable discharge," and signed by himself in clear, bold, good handwriting and by John McKay as witness.

The late William McKay mentioned above was born in the Parish of Dornoch, Sutherlandshire, on December 25th, 1785, and was married to Jane Sutherland in 1808, in Pictou, by Rev. Mr. Martin. - New Glasgow Enterprise.