31
The following page contains transcriptions of recordes pertaining to Elizabeth (Betsy) Gilker (who married Samuel William Watson). In the Church Registers of Carleton 1811-1812 there is a record of her birth and there are two letters resting between the pages next to it.32
Elizabeth Gilker baptised 21 July 1812 born 12 July 1812, daughter of John Gilker and Margaret Purcell of Cascapedia. Godparents George Duthie and Anne Legouffe Duthie.(The priest then goes on to say that he cannot
attest to the legitimacy of this infant. The couple
contracted marriage before a minister of a strange religion and the banns weren't published, so according to the Catholic religion they were not married.)
There were two letters next to the birth certificate in the same register:
To Mr. John Gilker:
Sir: I am entangled in the act of baptism of your daughter Elizabeth whom I have lately christened at Cascapedia, lawfully, or not; pray, make me know truth in that respect; for the princes Law prohibits me to rank a lawful child amongst illegitimate or bastard; as well as to rank an illegitimate or bastard amongst lawful children. I expect the honour of your answer, in order to do according to the law, pray be so good to send it as soon as possible. I have the honour to be
Your obd't servant
Charles Painchaud
Carleton 1812
Mr Painchaud
Reverd Sir
I received yours of the 22nd respecting to know from me if I was lawfully married, I am sorryt hat you did not mention that circumstance to me when you was at Cascapebiac that I might have satisfied your doubts in that case, – I was lawfully Married by Mr Young at the house of Thomas Sherar Esq. in Carlisle on 16th day of June 1810 in presents of the said Thomas Sherar Esq. and his family.
I remain you obd't servant
with respect
John Gilker
New Richmond 27 July 1812
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