"Death of a Crimean veteran," Inverness Courier, June 15, 1909, p. 4e.   "James Skinner, who died on Saturday morning, in his 81st year, had an interesting career as a soldier. He was a native of Inverness, and when a lad, in 1846 he enlisted in the 72nd Foot Regiment. Having ability and a good education, he was quickly promoted to the rank of sergeant. When the regiment was stationed at Frederickstown, New Brunswick, his friends had a strong desire that he should leave the army, and an uncle of his, who was a parish minister, purchased his discharge. His military spirit reasserted itself at the breaking-out of the Crimean War, and he volunteered for service. He was accepted and sent to the South of England, where he acted as a drill instructor for a time. Later on he was sent to the Crimea in charge of the 12th Battalion of the Land Transport Corps. He did faithful duty in the transport department, but took part in no actual engagement. He received the medal and two clasps, and left the army two years later with the rank of troop sergeant-major. Skinner was employed for a long time at collieries after closing his military career. In old age he found his home in Inverness Poorhouse, and, through the efforts of Mr Bewglass, governor, he obtained a special campaign pension of a shilling a-day. He was offered assistance from the Veterans' Relief Fund on condition that he quitted the Poorhouse, but, having no relatives, he preferred to end his days there. The funeral of the old Crimean veteran will take place to-morrow, leaving the Poorhouse at 3 o'clock. A military escort from the Cameron Barracks will attend the funeral."