1823 Manuscript Legal Documents Relating to Well-Known Nova Scotia Historical Figures James Stewart and Gen. James Kempt

On offer is a fascinating Canadiana manuscript document which includes the signatures of two prominent historical Canadian figures being James Stewart (1765-1830) and General Sir James Kempt [c1765-1854]. 

Front page is the sworn statement of James Stewart regarding Gillam Pailer witnessing a document. It is signed and dated in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Aug 12, 1823. It reads: 

"Personally appeared this Twelth day of August in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty Three before me the Honourable James Stewart One of the Judges of His Majesty's Supreme Court for the Province of Nova Scotia Gillam Pailer whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument and being by me duly sworn on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God made Oath and said that he was personally present and Witnessed the execution of the foregoing instrument by James Stewart whose name is subscribed as "Attorney in fact for the said Colonel Stewart". Given under my hand at Halifax in the Province of Nova Scotia the day and year first above written. (signed) Gillam Pailer, J. Stewart"

Page two is the confirmation of James Stewart, being subscribed to a certificate as is one of the judges in Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. Confirmation by James Kempt with seal and signed by him at the top Signed at the bottom by William Hill, Provincial Secretary's Office to the Magistrates of Halifax.

This is an important piece the administrative history of the province of Nova Scotia. 

BIO NOTES:

James Stewart was an American-born lawyer, judge and political figure in Nova Scotia. He represented Halifax County in the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia from 1798 to 1799. His name also appears as James Stuart. He was a member of the North British Society. Stewart came to Halifax with his father around 1780. He was educated in Halifax and at University of Edinburgh. In 1790, he married Elizabeth, the daughter of John Halliburton, a member of the Nova Scotia Council. Stewart was elected to the assembly in a 1798 by-election held following the death of Jonathan Sterns. In May 1798, he was named solicitor general. He became a justice in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in 1815.

Sir James Kempt was the Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia, 1820-1828 and worked as the Administrator of the Government of Canada from 1828-1830. 

2pp. Manuscript, size each page, 7-7/8 x 12-3/4 inches. Stitched and with faded seal. Large crease lines at folds and some minor tearing at the creases that do not interfere with readability. Overall G.