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Essays and addresses" The affidavit being certified by Mr McCormick was registered in "Marriage Register A" by Charles Askin, clerk of the peace for the Western District, on October 24, 1832; and Catherine Girtys status as lawful wife was conclusively established. Thus an act intended to validate irregular marriages became the means of proving one which was regular. Unfortunately her claim for dower failed on other grounds, for William Mickle had a perfect defence. I have said nothing of the doubt entertained by some lawyers and others of the right of Church of England Clergymen to celebrate matrimony at that time and in that country. This would involve the dis- cussion of legal principles, quite foreign to my subject. prev next |