On Saturday night the 18th inst. as John Smith (who was a few years since a farmer and grazier at Somersham, Hunts but now through the depression of the agricultural interest is obliged to keep a small day school, which scantily supports him in his declining days) was returning from Cambridge to Somersham via St Ives, on foot, when he was met by a strong young fellow, within a mile and a half from home who accosted him in the following manner:- "Stand and deliver!" "Deliver what?" said Smith; "All you have" said the man and he instantly wrenched the stick with which Smith was walking from his hand and gave him a sever blow on the fore part of the head, when Smith staggered and fell. Upon the robber's throwing himself across Smith, the latter asked if he meant to murder him; he said, he meant to have all that he had: Smith then seized fast hold of the hair of his head when a scuffle ensued for two or three minutes and both rose from the ground together. Smith still retaining his hold, told him he should go back with him, which he refused, then said Smith, you shall go forward with me and immediately changing his hold from his hair to his collar he forced him about half a mile on the road when they reached the cottage and called up a man by the name of Savage who assisted Smith in conducting the man to Somersham and delivering him into the hands of the constable who took him to the bench of magistrates at St Ives on the following Monday, when he was fully committed to the county gaol to take his trial at the next assizes.- The above case is thought not unworthy of public notice. Here is a poor man between 60 and 70 years of age who has displayed all the resolution and firmness of mind which few persons would have done in the zenith of their days. A subscription is begun at Somersham for the above John Smith.

23 October 1823