Description:This is how news of an assassination spread across Staffordshire on 29 June 1800 - together with the offer of a generous £20 reward for information.
Notices like this one would have appeared in public places after such a horrific incident - this one was delivered to the premises of Burslem pottery manufacturer Enoch Wood:
"Whereas Theophilus Smith, of Smith-field, near Tunstall, in the County of Stafford; did maliciously cut with a Knife and Shoot through the Body of Mr. Wainright, of Liverpool, Merchant, this Morning at about three o'Clock, at Smith-field, aforesaid, and since has made his escape.
"Whoever will apprehend him, or give Information where he is concealed, shall receive twenty Pounds over and above the County Allowance, by applying to JOSEPH MORETON, Constable, at Burslem, in the County of Stafford.
"The above mentioned Theophilus Smith, is about 40 Years of Age, stands full six Feet high, and is a stout well made Man (except rather a short Neck, with a little appearance of stooping in the Shoulders), brown Hair, large full Eyes, round Face, rather ruddy Complection [sic], and affects a Gentleman-like address."
About this document
Burslem pottery manufacturer Enoch Wood collected this document, and it is now among the collections at Stoke-on-Trent Museums.