Kentish Gazette, 1 March 1803.

Firming v. Childs.

This was also an action for an assault. The plaintiff was a publican at Shooter’s-hill, and the defendant was in the same line of business at Northfleet. They both let out horses, which occasionally put up at each other’s stables. The defendant conceived, that the plaintiff had not taken much care of those belonging to him, he therefore went to his house, with a determination to insult and quarrel with him. He aggravated the plaintiff to that degree, that he gave him the lie, upon which he struck him so violent a blow, that be knocked him against the chimney-piece. It was clearly proved, the defendant was the wilful aggressor; therefore the Jury gave a verdict for the plaintiff, damages £50.