Northampton Mercury, July 1803

Caution

Whereas some malicious Persons have been very assiduous in their Attempts to injure the Character of James Killey, Dissenting Minister, of Rushden, in the County of Northampton, by propagating some scandalous Reports, and laying Things of a criminal Nature to his Charge, of which he announces to the Public (in the Fear of God) he is innocent:

Notice is hereby given

That such Persons will do well to take heed what they say, and whereof they affirm, as he considers his Character of more Value that all the Treasures of the Earth, and is determined, for the Future, to punish such Offenders according to the wholesome Laws of this Realm.
James Killey
Rushden, July 19, 1803.

Confession

Whereas I, George Sayer, jun. living at Higham Ferrers, in the County of Northampton, having wickedly and without any Foundation whatever propagated a scandalous Report of Mr. James Killey, Dissenting Minister, of Rushden, in the aforesaid County, in asserting that he the said James Killey is guilty of criminal Conduct, do, before Witness, take this Opportunity of clearing his Character, heartily confessing my Fault, and humbly asking his Pardon; hoping that myself and others will be careful not to assert any Thing without a Foundation, to the Injury of his or any other Man’s Character.

Witness my Hand this 17^th Day of July 1803. The Mark of X George Sayer.