the
following afternoon, his creditors would meet, and where Mr. Wainwright's
presence would be conducive to their coming to terms. Mr. Wainwright at
first refused to accede to this request, having important business of his
own to attend to, but Smith was so importunate that he at length
consented to accompany him, and they set out on the same afternoon in a
chaise and pair. On their way, Smith was very friendly with Mr.
Wainwright, and conversed with him as any man would with a friendly
traveller on a long journey. On arriving within a mile of his house at
Tunstall, Mr. Smith ordered the chaise to be stopped, and got out, and
requested Mr. Wainwright to do the same, saying that a mile could be
saved by walking across some fields adjacent. Mr. Smith at the time
expressed his dread of being arrested if he were seen on the road along
which the chaise would have to be driven. Mr. Wainwright, however,
declined to get out; stating it was quite unnecessary to take so much
precaution; but at length, in consequence of Smith's earnest entreaty, he
consented. They then proceeded across the fields on foot. As it was
commencing to rain, Mr. Smith pressed on Mr. Wainwright the use of his
cloak; but this Mr. Wainwright declined. Smith then led the way across
the fields, by a stile path, till they arrived at length at a small
thicket, through which they proceeded, when Smith stopped short, and said
he knew a nearer way. Smith then led Mr. Wainwright into a meadow, and
standing before him drew out a pistol. Mr. Wainwright immediately
concluded that his fellow-passenger intended to put an end to his own
life, and, after a sharp struggle, got the pistol from him, remonstrating
with him upon the wickedness of the act. Smith, however, drew another
pistol, and fired it at Mr. Wainwright, fortunately without effect. The
latter instantly sprang upon Mr. Smith and got him down, uttering loud
cries for assistance. Smith begged hard for mercy, and on promising not
to repeat his murderous attack, was allowed to get up. He was no sooner
released and on his legs than he drew a third pistol, fired, and hit Mr.
Wainwright in the body. The men again closed, when Smith drew a knife
and made several attempts upon his companion's life by attempting to cut
his throat, which was fortunately well protected by the thick rolls of
cambric it was then the custom to tie round the neck, as well as by a
thick scarf, which was cut through in several pl