Transcription of: Patrick McCann Discharge Papers (W.O. Form 83)

W.O. Form 83
HER MAJESTY’S Royal Canadian REG. OF Rifles
Whereof Lieut. General Sir W. F. Williams Bart R.C.B. is Colonel.

[Place and Date] London C.W. 30th March 1863.

PROCEEDINGS OF A REGIMENTAL BOARD, held this day, in conformity to the
Articles of War, for the purpose of verifying and recording the Services, Conduct, Character, and
cause of Discharge of No. 1862, Private Patrick McCann
of the Regiment above-mentioned.

President.
Captain R. M. Armstrong Rt C Rifles
Members
A E Whyte Rt C Rifles
Lt T.H. Bond Rt C Rifles

THE BOARD having examined and compared the Regimental Records, the
Soldier’s Book, and such other Documents as appeared to them to be necessary, report that
Private Patrick McCann by Trade a Servant
was BORN in the Parish of Ardee in or near, the Town
of Ardee in the County of Louth and was ATTESTED
for the 38th Regiment of Foot at Dublin
in the County of Dublin on the 27th September 1837 at the Age
of 20 years that after making every Deduction required by Her Majesty’s
Regulations, the SERVICE up to this day, which he is entitled to reckon, amounts to 25
years, 52 days, as shown by the detailed Statement on the 2nd page; during which
period, he served Abroad 22 3/12 years, viz. –
at Mediterranean 5 2/12 years,
in West Indies 2 2/12 years,;
” North America 14 4/12 years
and further, that this DISCHARGE is proposed in consequence of his having claimed it on
the termination of his limited engagement and having completed
Twenty five years service he is entitled to permanent pension.

With regard to the CHARACTER AND CONDUCT of Private Patrick
McCann the Board have to report, that upon reference to the Defaulter’s
Book, and by the Parole testimony that has been given, it appears that his conduct has been
Good and he is not in possession of any
Good Conduct Badges

He has been tried three times by Courts Martial and
his name has been entered Thirty nine times in the
Regimental Defaulters Book.

Private Patrick McCann being asked to what date he has
been paid, answered, that his Account is balanced up to the latest period required by the Regulations; and being further asked whether he has any claim on the Regiment for Arrears of
PAY, ALLOWANCES, or CLOTHING, answered, that he has received all just demands ,
from his entry into the Service up to the 30th March 1863 and in
confirmation therefore, affixes his signature hereto.

I acknowledge this to be true.
P.Mc.Cann
Witness
(hard to read) Captain
Commanding the Company to which he belongs.

The Board have ascertained that Private Patrick McCann
Soldier’s Book is correctly balanced, and signed by the Officer Commanding his Company, and
they declare, that they have impartially inquired into, and faithfully reported upon, all the
matters brought before them, in accordance with Regulations and Instructions issued by Her
Majesty’s Orders.
{signatures of President and Members}

Detailed Statement of the Services of No. 1862 Patrick McCann

38th Foot —- Private —– 27 Sept 1837 — 3 Nov 1838 — 1 year 38 days
Tried & Imprisoned ——– 4 Nov 1838 —-31 Dec 1838 —
—————- Private —— 1 Jan 1839 —- 30 June 1851 — 12 years 181 days

Total 13 years 219 days

Roy. Can. Rifles — Transferred — Private –1 July 1851 — 3 August 1854 — 3 years 34 days
Tried and Imprisoned —4 August 1854 — 16 Sept 1854 —
—————- Private —— 17 Sept 1854 — 9 May 1856 — 1 year 236 days
Tried and Imprisoned — 10 May 1856 —11 June 1856
—————- Private —12 June 1856 — 31 March 1863 — 6 years 293 days

Total of the foregoing Statement ……..25 years 52 days
Further Service from the 1st April 1863 to the 13th May 1863 when finally discharged….. 42 days
Total Service allowed to reckon to the day of final discharge….. 25 years 94 days

The foregoing Report is hereby confirmed by me R A Moffatt, Captain
Commanding R.C. Regt. of Rifles

Horse Guards 12th May 1863.

THE DISCHARGE of the Man above mentioned is approved by the
General Commanding-in-Chief. (signed – signature difficult to make out)

W.O. Form 83.

FINAL DESCRIPTION
Of Private Patrick McCann
of the R.C. Regt. of Rifles
when discharged the Service at
this day of
186 .

Age 45 6/12 years
Height 5 Feet 7 Inches
Complexion dark
Eyes hazel
Hair Grey
Trade Servant
Marks or Scars, whether on the Face or other
parts of the Body none
Intended Place of Residence
St. Catharine’s C. West