vS^ Boxiana; Or, Sketches of Ancient and Modern Pugilism From Pierce Egan nigitized by Google brO.ShmrpU: Jii^m fhyM^iu^S HE ID PAII^TEH BOXI ANA OB, SKETCHES OF MODERN FltOM THE (Oii2AsoiPir(]!>ST9iiiirip (&» (OimnBiB TO THE PRESENT TIME. &afffii fttiH ft 3El3i0'0'eo.«-IIOMER. Homo sum, hiunani nil k me alienum pato. — T£RENCB. DEDICATED TO THE EIGBHT HONOURABLE TBB EARL OP YARMOUTH. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. II. PRINTED FOR SHERWOOD, JONES, AND CO. PATERNOSTER-ROW. HiUtY/UlD COLUQE LfBBARY FROM THE BEQUEST OF EVERT JANSEN WENDELL MABCBANT, PHnter, Ingnm-Coort, TtDcharclioStnct, Londoo. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL OF YARMOUTH. My Lord, It is with mingled sentrments of deference and confidence, that I venture to solicit your Lordship^s attention to the present Work with confidence, as far as an accurate acquaintance with the subject entitles me to that feeling and, at the same time, with deference, not merely for your Lordship's elevated rank in society, but for your acknowledged judgement in the science of Pugilism. In being unknown to your Lordship, I feel the sincere satisfaction, that I shall escape the charge so often levelled, with too much propriety, against Dedicators in general — of ha« ving been guilty of base adulation and servile flattery. IV DEDICATION. Tbe subject here descanted on, my Lord, is truly NAxiONAii; Aod tbe Legislator, in keeping up and feeding this British Spirit, feels its advantages in a political point of view, namely, that it is not only acquired, but strengthened by use and familiarity with danger, jnore^^finoly than from anjF argmnents, howerer strong, I might have to offer in suppori 4^ its public practice and general utility. £»alation and the love of glory are its true and powerful breeders. To what a pitch of daring do we not see these carry men ? At TaUpoera^ Vimiera, and at that memorable epoch of military intrepidity and greatness, the battle of JVaterloo^ (which might truly be said to tiave decided the fate of Europe,) the undaunted aad persevering traits of a Shaw,* a Thobne, &c. with other innumerable characr leristic proofs of the valour of Englishmen, in all our battles, demonstrate the truth of this position. It is well known. to your Lordship, that B^Aix» once the powerful and unrivalled Oh, ihade of tbeCheeaemooger I you, who, alas ! Dimbled-^p ty the dozen, these Mounseiers io brass, Ott tlml treat day of mUHng, whienUbod lay in lakes. When KufOt hfU tht Mtk and Europe the $iake$:' DEDICATION. Miatr$8s of tbe Worid^ d^eoerated, from the introduction of too much refinement snd' effeminacy of character^ to the aniversai coDtempt and derisioQ of surrounding countries and it wa^, in consequence, emphatically urged by a late much lamented and enlightened Senator/ '^WiU it midLe no difference in the mass of the people, whether their amusements are all of a pacific, pleasurable, and effeminate nature, or whether they are of a sort that calls forth a ontin«ed admiration of prowess and hardihood ? He that the worid subdued had been But the best wrestler on the greeo. True courage does not arise from mere boxing, from the mere beating or being beaten but from the sentiments excited by the contemplation and cultivation of such practices/' The good effects of this manly spirit have long been witnessed in England, and I trust, my Lord, it will never be extinguished as it tends to inure the common people to bravery, and to encourage that truly British spirit, which was the pride and glory of our ancestors. Right Hon. W. Windham. VI DEDICATION. It is an honourable prejudice, which I trust your Lordship will permit me to promulgate, that, at the present moment, the English Nation stands on an eminence, if not decidedly superior, it must be admitted, equal to any other country in the world. Its comer-stones are — ^humanity of heart — generosity of disposition— firmness of mind — and courage of soul. To support these native characteristics of Britons has been the only aim of the Author, in the following portraiture of English scientific Pugilists, in order to prevent their heing groaned down by puritanical cant and theoretical sophistry, so as to induce us to discountenance what has always been our pride and distinction, independently of. its political necessity and interest — the BREED OF TALI A NT MEN: and, also, never to lose sight of those stimulating words of our im* mortal Bard, that England never did and never shall Lie at the proud foot of a conqueror." I am, My Lord, Your obedient humble Servant^ P. EGAN* CONTENTS. DedkatioD to the Rt. Hon. theEarlof Yannoutb.... iii Bemarks od the antiquity of PugQisiD, with the mode of using the cocstus in the combats of the ancients, contrasted with the periods of Figg and Broughton, — the scientific time of Mendoca, and the improved system of tacticsy illustrated at the present day, (1818,) by Jackson, &c. and the advantages of the gloves, considered, as practised with at the Fives Court 1 Origin of the Pug^istic Club 24 Tom Belcher 28 Harry Harroer 45 BaiNosworthy 57 DutchSam 86 Jack Power 90 Tom Oliver 95 Ned Painter 108 Bill Richmond 186 NedTumer 134 Ptac* JemShelton 184 Tom Owen 192 Puicell ail Jack Scroggins 216 Jack Randall 260 Bristow, Young Massa. 287 Dolly Smith 298 Tom Spring 300 Jack Carter 311 Jack Johnson 334 TomMolmeaux 338 Griffiths and Baylis 346 Alexander 348 Jack Martin 361 Harry Holt 354 George Cooper 357 Henry Sutton 366 Fisher 377 John Shaw, Life-Guards*. 382 Dan Donnelly 388 Jack Curtis 394 Jack Ford 403 Ned Brown 407" Bela8co,jun ib. Bill Bales 408 John Crockey 410 Jack Lancaster 415 VIU CONTENTS. Page. YouDg Burke 481 Tom Cribb 426 Tom Reynolds 435 Dan McCarthy.... 448 Abraham Belasoo 454 Wert-Country Dick 459 Joe Parish 469 Harry Lancaster 471 TomHall 473 Davis, the Navigator 475 — — the Milkman ib. Faller 476 Palmer 477 Tom Duggan 478 Payne, the Butcher ib. Lazarus »«.v 481 Page. Hudson, sen. and jun 482 JoeAstley.. 484 O^haugDetsy ib. Gadcee 485 Cabbage 487 Clayton 488 Batts ib. Bums 490 George Ballard ib. George Head 491 Anecdotes 494 Benefits at Fives Court, &c. 90S Songs 560 Index 572 DirecHomfor placing the Plata. Painter to fiu;e the Vignette Harmer p* 45 Scroggins P» 216 RandaU P- 260 BOXIANA. "A coward — a man incapable either of defending or of rfvenging himself, eyideatly wants one of the most essential parts of the character of a man. He is as much mutilated and deformed in his mind as another in his body, who is either deprived of some of {{& most essential members, or has lost the use of them. Eren though the martial spirit of the people were of no use towards the defence of society yet, to prevent that sort of mental mutilation, deformity, and wretchedness, which cowardice necessarily involves in it, from spreading themselves through the great body of the people, would still deserve the most serious attention of Government.** Adam Smith on /Ae Wealth of Natiotit. Remarks on the antiquity of Pugilism, with the mode of using the ciestus in the combats of the ancients contrasted with the periods of FiGG AND BrOUGHTON, THE SCIENTIFIC TIME OF MeNDOZA, and THE IMPROVED SYSTEM OF TACTICS illustrated at the present day (1818,) by Jackson, Tom Belcher, Cribb, Carter, Richmond, &C. and the advantages of the GLOVES considered, as PRACTISED WITH AT THE FlVES Court: concluding with an account of the ORIGIN and national UTILITY OF THE PuGILISTIC Club, That the English nation has distinguished itself among the moderns^ as bestowing applause and substantial reward on every brave and noble exertion, I am proud to allow, and I will also concede that the present age surpasses those of former times, and the last hundred years as the great milling era of the world but as a true admirer of the nations of antiquity, I should feel that I did not do justice to their character, did I not remark that the Greeks and Romans were equally assiduous in cultivating the powers of the human system, and ho less famous for their admiration of feats of valour in the arena of the amphitheatre. To ascertain who was the first boxer is a question of more than ordinary difiiculty, in deciding with accuracy. Shakspeare makes the grave-digger in Hamlet tell us Adam was the first that bore arms; but that is not sufficiently to the purpose. PolltuCy the twin-brother of Castor, is the first, it appears, who made such proficiency in the science as to hand down his name to future ages ihis was he whom Jupiter, in the form of a swan, is said to have begotten on the body of the fair Leda, the mother of the beauteous Helen. Such was the admiration in which he was held, that future ages ascribed to him immortality, as, for the same reason, they had done to Hercules, and assigned to him a seat on Olympus, in -the assembly of the gods. He is the father, aod in pagan times he was deemed the god^ of all the boxers. Hac Arte Pollux et vagus Hercules Innixus arces attigit igueas. — Horace. Pollux and wandering Hercules by sparring gained in heaven a place. Erix, the Sicilian^ a son of Venus^ had used the ccestus with such success^ that he vanquished every opponent; at length, having challenged Hercules^ he was killed by the latter in a desperate combat: nor could Amycus find an equals till Polltix, in a trial of skill with him^ obtained the superiority over his prowess. But the best account of a battle with the ancient ccestus is given in Virgil, where, although the rounds are not described with the peculiar minuti» of a prize contest at Movlsey-Hurst, (the arena of modem exploits,) yet enough is mentioned to give an adequate idea of the gluttony and bottom of Dares and Entelltcs. The latter of whom, in particular, after a tremendous floorings when his friends and the spec tators thought Entellus was decidedly finished^ he, by a determined rally, gave his opponent so severe a milling that he was eventually declared the victor; while Daresy on the contrary, was carried from the scene of action with scarcely any life in him, and totally incapable of making use of his legs. There appears no regular data to determine the fact, whether, in the exercise of the Circus of Rome, the pugilists ever fought with naked hands and arms but as this nation, it seems, borrowed most of her urts from Greece, it is probable that the boxers never eng^aged without the chirothecce^ or gloves, stuffed with lead more especially as the ancieuts were remarkably fond of show in their public exhibitions of vigour and strength. Originally, little doubt can exist, when every man stood on the alert to provoke or resist an insult, he fought without system, and with naked fist but soon rules were laid down, and these natural means of attack or defence submitted to peculiar regulations, the collection of which became a discipline, a science, and an art. A discipline^ because it was taught for the benefit of the respective individuals — a science^ on account of the necessary trainings, before the acquisition of expertness — and an art with respect to the different studies it presupposed. Consequently, in order to give a better opportunity to the boxers to show their skill, by protracting the temporal length, or duration of their exertions, strong armour for the head and hand was invented. This circumstance gave rise to two sorts of boxing. The first, when the champions had no other arms than their natural strength and agility the other, when they made use of the ampAotides and ccestus. The amphotides, as the word implies, were a sort of gnard to secure the temporal bones and arteries, and encompassing the ears, in their thongs and ligaments, which used to buckle either under the chin or behind the head. They were not unlike caps made of hides of bulls, studded with nobs of iron, or strongly quilted, in order to blunt the impefvs of the blows but this mode of fighting seems rather to belong to the second aje of the pugilistic era. The ccestus was an offensive weapon, the head-piece a defensive dress. Several sorts of ceestuSy or gauntlets, were known to the ancients, and were composed in general of strong interwoven leather straps, which, embracing the fist and part of the carpus^ or wrist, and. winding up round the fore-arm, were fixed at the elbow. They appear to have often been armed with knobs of brass, blunt points of iron, plummets of lead, &c. The fpUowing lines from Drydbn's Virgil, b. v. p. 533, beautifully describes the ccestiis used by Erix — He (EnteUtis) threw Two pond*ro»is gauntlets down, ui open view Gauntlets, which Erix wont in fight to wield, And sheath his hands within the listed field. With fear and wonder seiz'd, the crowd beholds The gloves of death, — with sev'n distinguished folds Of tough bull's hides the space within is spread With iron or with loads of heavy lead. Dares himself was daunted at the sight, Renounc'd his challenge, and refused to fight. Astonished at their weight, the hero stands, And pois*d the ponderous engines in his hands." The performers in the athletic arty it appears were divided into three classes: — The boxers, wrestlers, and RUNNERS. If we attend to the manner in which a. man attacks his antagonist, we shall find that boxing comes in the first place closing or wrestling in the second; and runningy if fear makes its unwelcome appearance, in the third. Thus Homer considers it, and generally follows this order in his descriptions of gjrmnic games. Plutarch asserts, that the Pugilate was the most ancient of those games, and took, generally, the lead in all public spectacles, as the most manly and scientific of the gymnic arts. It also appears, that Pugilism, or pugilate, is derived from the Latin pugilcUus, the art of fighting with the fist, pugnus These words were evidently borrowed from the Greek ttu^, abverb, pugno vel pugnis wvvfiaxtiv, pugnis pugnare it is not unworthy of observation, that this theina seems originally Xo have signified any thing in the shape of a round box, and, consequently, the human fist, which, when clenched, takes that form, as we may easily see by its derivative, xu^tc, a box, hence our expression of boxings box being often used for a blow of the fist. A proof of this etymon, in the compound words pug-nose, pug-dog, employed to indicate a knobby, fist-like, shape in the most prominent part of the face; and the tree, used for making bomes, claims the same origin for its name, trvloQy buJTUS, box. The Greeks, it seems, were the first people who cultivated the puligate as a science, confined it to strict rules, and selected experienced masters and professors who, by public lessons, delivered gratis in PalaestrsB and Gymnasia, erected for the purpose, instructed the youth in the theory and practice of the art. The kings and princes of this nation did not disdain to lay aside their dignity for a few hours, and exchanging willingly the sceptre for the ccestus, seemed to be more proud of the vigour of their fists and muscular length of their limbs than of the strength of their armies and the extent of their dominions. In Greece, the science of boxing, like all the other liberal arts, was cultivated with much ardour. SKETCHES OF Fr(5ILISM. Once in three years the whole nation, consisting of so many various states, assembled at the isthmus of Corinth, to celebrate the games in honour of Neptune. To this place resorted all that was enterprising in youth, great in manhood, or glorious in old age. The generous admiration of an applauding nation placed the crown upon the head of the successful pugilist, and, at his return home, he was received in triumph as the supporter of his country's fame. The pen of the poet sought renown in handing down to posterity, in musical numbers, the feats of heroic enterprise. Even the genius of Pindar found the way to reputation by celebrating the horses victorious in the chariot-race. The first of poets appeared in the train of heroism, and sought immortality under the shade of the name of men, whose hardihood had conducted them to glory. The inferior lot of the poet is described by the first of all the Latin lyric writers. Qucm tu, Melpomene, semel, Nascentem placido luminc vidcris, I Ham non labor isthmius Clarabit Puqilem. Lib. iv. Od. 3. Which may be thus rendered He, at whose birth the Muses did preside, Shall i^e'er iu victory's car as CHAMPION ride. The poets, however, may take comfort in the reflection, that, next to the performing of great deeds ourselves, the most honourable part is to celebrate them in others. It is a glorious thing," says Cicero, to do well to the republic, and also to speak well is not conteraptilde." In returning to the period of English history, when scientific boxing became a prominent national feature, it appears, that nearly a century has elapsed since FiGG first publicly exhibited himself as a pugilist, by promulgating the art of self-defence. It was about the year 1720. The science of boxing might then be considered in its very dawn. The superior knowledge that he possessed of the sword and stick drew crowds after him when he professed to teach pugilism. Figg was a native of Thame, in Oxfordshire, dwelt in Mary-le-bonne, and taught numbers of gentlemen scientifically, at his amphitheatre, in Oxford-road,* when his feme was so great.f that we find him praised in the Tatler, Guardian^ and Craftsman, by the several writers in those miscellanies. With the sword he was unrivalled. He was not so scientific as a pugilist and, contrasted with more modern times, he would rank with the Old Ruffia7f, Symonds. Sutton, the pipe-maker, of Gravesend, was his rival, and dared the mighty Figg to the combat. Twice they fought with alternate advantage, but, at the third trial, a considerable time elapsed before victory decided for either party.? To Figg and Broughton he commits his breast, To steel it to the fashionable test." f So in Bramstone's Man of Taste In Figg, the prize-fighter, by day delight, And sup with CoUey Gibber every night.'* J Sec, in Dodsley's Collection of Poems," vol. vi. p. 312, Extempore Verses upon a Trial of Skill between the Two Great Masters of Defence, Messrs. Ficg and Sutton," by Dr. Byrom. Digitized by VjOOQIC In fine, neither Ned Sutton, Tim Buck, nor Bob Stokes, could resist his skill and valour. He had never been defeated but once, and then by Sutton, in one of their previous combats, though it was generally allowed to have been owing to his illnes at the time. Figg died in 1734. He had often exhibited before. George the Second, with great applause. Bill Flanders, a noted scholar of Figg's fought, at the amphitheatre, in 1723, with Chris. Clarkson, denominated the Old Soldier. It was highly spoken of at that period. It was looked upon as a very great proof of self-denial in an amateur, if he failed a meetings on those occasions From Figg's theatre lie will miss a night Though cocks, and hulls, and Irish women fight." But it is due to Broughton to observe, that, owing to his exertions, he gave a RtiFiNgMENT to the practice of boxing it did not possess before his period of teaching the art of se!f-defence, which not only rendered it familiar, but interesting to all ranks of the British nation. The ccestus, so much deprecated by the enlightened part of mankind, as forming a part of the gladiatorial system of the Romans, from its death-like qualities in the combat, which rendered their public displays so repulsive to the feelings of humanity, was, by the above gymnastic hero, completely avoided in his exhibitions, by the introduction of the harmless mufflers, as may be seen from the following advertisement in the. Daily Advertiser of N. B. Mr. Broughton proposes, with proper as- VOL. II. B* sistance, to open an academy, at his house, in the Haymarket, for the instruction of those who are willing to be initiated in the mystery of boxing, where the whole theory and practice of that truly British art, with all the various stops, blows, crossbuttocks, &c. incident to combatants, will be fully taught and explained; and that persons of quality and distinction may not be debarred from entering into a COURSE of those lectures, they will be given with the utmost tenderness and reirard to the delicacy of the frame and constitution of the pupil, for which reason mufflers are provided that will effectually secure them from the inconveniency of black eyes, broken jaws, and bloody noses." The above invitation had the desired effect, and Broughton's school was crowded with scholars of the first rank and character in the nation. Originally Broughton was a waterman, but he afterwards became one of the yeomen of the guard. He accompanied to the continent the Duke of Cumberland, his patron and great admirer of pugilism, and, upon his being shown the fine regiment of grenadiers at Berlin, belonging to Frederick the Great, so distinguished for their martial appearance, rigid discipline, and great valour, was asked by the Duke what he thought of any of them for a set-to, when Broughton, with a smile, instantly replied, Why, your Royal Highness, I should have no objection to fight the whole regiment, only be kind enough to allow me a breakfast between each battle.'^ This pugilistic veteran lived, to the good old age of eighty-five years, and died on January 8th, 1719, at Walcot Place, Lambeth, and was interred in the church-yard of that parish. It does not appear that either Tom Johnson or Big Bbn, those warlike champions of the fist, were ever anxious to obtain an eminence as sparrers, but their exploits in the ring have given to those boxers CHARACTERS SO distinguished for manhood, that, while the annals of pugilism are preserved from the ravages of time, the names of Johnson and Brain will never sink into oblivion. As a teacher of the science it was Mbndoza that immediately trod in the steps of Bronghton. He made the art of self-defence, when quite a boy, his peculiar study, — his success, as a professor, was unrivalled,— and there was scarcely a town of note in the kingdom in which Mendoza did not exhibit his finished talents as a pugilist with admiration. It seems, he derived his primitive knowledge of boxing from the tuition of his elegant rival Humphreys; but he so rapidly improved upon the system of his master, as to remain several years without a rival. No man united the theory of sparring with the practice of boxing to greater advantage than Dan Mbndoza and, though upwards of fifty years of age, he exhibits, at the present day, with attention and respect. The next in succession, among the highest circles of the patrons of the art of self-defence, stands Mr. Jackson. It is upwards of twenty years since he appeared in the ring with Mendoza. As a teacher of the science, in every point of view, Mr. Jackson is entitled to pre-eminence, and no man more deser- Vedly. Independent of the conciliatory, prepossessing manners of a gentleman, and the advantages of fortune and superior company, his fine athletic frame, added to his indefatigable study and extensive practice, he has been enabled to acquire those requisites toward perfection that few, if any, pugilists, in other situations of life, could be expected to attain. His guard is altogether so firm and compact, his arms so powerful and irresistible, and his mode of instruction so explanatory and decisive, that, it appears, it is almost impossible to plant a blow upon any part of his person with any thing like severity of efiect. At his elegant rooms, 13, Bond-street, Mr. Jackson's lessons on the pugilistic art were long honoured by the numerous attendance of nobility and gentry; among whom the names of many of the first characters in the nation might be seen in the subscription list. The rooms, during the season, are open three times a week, where every thing respecting the prize-ring, and connected with pugilism, are determined, under the immediate auspices of Mr. Jackson. It is only at the above rooms that Mr. J. exhibits. He is pronounced by the scientific amateurs, to have no superior in his knowledge and display of the art — scarcely an equal in setting-to — and few, if any, disposed to dispute this superiority with him. It may not, in this place, be improper to remark, that, among the numerous species of amusements prepared to attract the attention of the royal heroes and their generals, who visited the prince Regent, in England, in 1814, in honour of the peace of Europe, it should seem none interested those great war- riors more than the art of Self -Defence, portrayed in an exhibition of sparring. Lord Lowther invited the Emperor of Russia, Generals Platoff and Blucher, to an elegant dejuene^ when the national sport of Boxing, as a peculiar trait of the brave natives* of England^ was introduced for their approbation, at his lordship's house, in Pall-Mall, on Wednesday, June 15, 1814. Those distinguished visitors were so much gratified with this generous mode of settling quarrels, and the scientific mode of attack and defence exhibited, that they earnestly requested of Lord Lowther that another trial of skill might take place on the Friday following; when, in addition to the above visitors, the King of Prussia, the Prince Royal of Prussia, Princes Frederick and William of Prussia, the Prince of Mecklenburgh, General D'York, &c. &c. honoured the meeting with their presence. Some elegant specimens of the pugilistic art were displayed between Messrs. Jackson, Belcher, Cribb, Richmond, Painter, Oliver, &c. The set-tos, in general, were excellent; but the sparring of Jackson was particularly admired. The eleo^ance of his positions, the celerity of his attack^ the fortitude of his manner, and the superior mode he developed of guarding his frame from the attacks of his adversaries, created a lively interest among the royal warriors. His symmetry of figure and fine muscular powers, also, did not pass unnoticed. The Champion of England (Cribb) occasioned a general slare among the spectators, and the veteran Blucher eyed him with more than common attention. The royal guests expressed their satisfaction at the treat they had experienced and upon taking their departure, complimented his lordship as the patron of so manly and characteristic a trait of his country. Since the popular fighting days of Mbndoza, no pugilist, it is certain, has appeared in the prize-ring in possession of science to realize an equality of mill' ing fame with the above distinguished Israelitey as — Tom Belcher. The debiU of the latter, with Jack fVarr, in 1804, exhibited such superior knowledge of boxing as to astonish the most competent amateur present of his decisive talents and, from that period, down to the present moment, he stands confessedly, as the first public exhibitor of sparring on the list of scientific pugilists. It appears, since the Fives Court, in St. Martinis Street, Leicester-Fields, has held its rank, as a national and manly place of amusement, among the numerous public exhibitions of the present enlightened era, in the first metropolis in the world — scientific Pugilism has made rapid strides towards perfection, and the art of boxing has not only been more extended, but its requisites, in consequence, become better known. The Fives Court holds out two particular advantages, namely, those pugilists who, from their good conduct, are entitled to the patronage of the amateurs, are permitted to take their benefits and those persons, whether from want of inclination or inconvenience, who do not witness the combats of the ring, may, at the above place, see the science illustrated in every point of view with the gloves, by the various boxers> with all the minuticB of a regular match, and without offending the most fastidious advocates of humanity. Besides, it not only affords new candidates an opportunity of exhibiting their pretensions^ but it also operates as a mode of public practice, and keeps the abilities of the professors continually before the eyes of their pairons. Improvement may be discovered, and condition is not overlooked. From such frequent opportunities as above stated, the wary better is enabled to form a tolerably correct judgment respecting new matches, and he does not attend a prize-battle with a mind totally uninformed upon the subject. Viewed as an object of national amusement, it operates in another sort of way that if the merits of the milling stage cannot boast so often of the advantages of criticism as the boards of more classic theatres, nor the qualities of the performers become so generally the theme of discussion as the extraordinary flights of genius elicited by a Kemblb or a Kban, — yet, nevertheless, the elegant attitudes and scientific traits of a Belcher, — the manliness of a Cribb, — the unceasing activity of a Carter, — and the gettingaway system of a Richmond, are, in their peculiar circles, perhaps, as much the objects of attraction, and their various acquirements descanted upon with equally as much warmth and attention, by the amateurs of this Old English sport, towards promoting the true spirit of the country, as to raise its importance from subjects of a more refined source. The Fives Court is well attended during the season, and the exhibitors rather numerous; but the principal heroes who take the lead, in point of excellence, are Belcher, Eales, Richmond, Cribb, Carter, Ran- dall. Head, &c. The admission^ by tickets, is three shillings each peason. It will hold upwards of 1000 spectators; and, upon several patriotic occasions, such as in aid of the suffering Portuguese from the burning" of their towns by the French, for the British prisoners in France, and for the widows and orphans of the brave fellows who fell at the Battle of Waterloo, some hundreds of pounds have been collected towards their relief. The audience, generally, are of the most respectable description, and many persons of the first rank are often witnessed among them. Respecting the utility of the above exhibitions it has been observed, by a distinguished and experienced boxer, that to advance rules in a magisterial manner, and lay them down as infallible, would be truly absurd. Since the principles of almost every science have been found liable to change, it were presumptuous to pronounce ours free from the same imperfections. Sparring is absolutely necessary to form a complete pugilist. It is, certainly, a mock encounter; but, at the same time, a representation, and, in most cases, an exact one, of real fighting. It is the only proper introduction to boxing, and a just mode of realizing whatever prinpiples the scholar may have imbibed, or trying the success of any new plan he may have invented. By this method, he can also judge of the propriety of his master's lessons, and exercise his reasoning faculties, an advantage of which he is often deprived in battle. Some are of opinion that sparring is of no great use, and that it takes from the natural powers of manhood, while it only teaches finesse, that cannot prove hurtful to a courageous adversary. This, however, is merely reviving an opinion maintained by the pupils of the Old School, in which strength generally prevailed over skill. Is it not evident that preparation is necessary for every exercise, but more particularly for that in which hostilities take place; and what is SPARRING but a preparation, and of the nearest aflBnity, to boxing? The advocates for this opinion might, with equal propriety, assert that shboting at a mark was of no service in forming an expert gunner. It should be generally understood that the practice of SPARRING is recommended, as if in real action. No manceuvres, no attitudes ought to be adopted, unless experimentally, but what would be introduced in actual fight. For instance, let any one suppose a SPARRING- ROOM the sccue of battle, and exert himself upon that principle, he will easily habituate himself to the exercise of all his powers, and act by the same rules in the hour of danger. I'here may be a great difference between sparring and fighting one may be very courageous in play, whose heart would be intimidated in real action. But this want of valour is by no means an argument against the doctrine that is laid down here, since cowardice is not produced by sparring; for, he must have been in the same degree dastardly, if he had never seen it, and, perhaps, more so. What is mentioned here only goes to prove that, where two persons possess equal courage, strength, and activity, the man who makes sparring his practice must be superior to him who does not; as one who considers a thing be- VOL. II. c fore its performance must, unless chance interferes, have an advantage over him who thinks consideration unnecessary. Strength, science^ courage y activity the power of bearing blows, a quick eye, and good wind, are the constituents of a complete boxer. In describing" the above requisites, to form a complete boxer, it is not insinuated that no person can be a good pugilist without them all one man possesses more requisites than many others, and will be, therefore, superior; but he who unites all that is necessary in himself will be victorious, until his equal appears, when a single requisite, possessed on either side in a greater degree, will give the advantage. Activity, or milling on the retreat, is, at the present period, a greater requisite -toward victory than it was formerly considered. Some have censured shifting as an unmanly custom, but without reason. If, indeed, mere brutal force were to decide a combat, it might be deemed improper; but, where the mind has considerable share in the decision, as the case at present, getting away cannot be thought unmanly. The same censure might be passed on fencing, or an accidental rencontre in the field of battle; but would it not be absurd to say to a nran, whose only care is the preservation of his life, — "You must not avoid your enemy's sword by changing your ground you must not make use of that activity of which you are capable, because it is unmanly." Richmond has, in all bis battles, practically decided the advantages of milling on the retreat towards victory. The power of bearing blows, or what is generally called bottom, quickness of eye^ and wind, are requisites of great importance, and may be all improved by constant practice. There are men who seemed peculiarly formed for bottom. The severest blows make little impression on the ribs of some, and the heads of others. The Old School furnishes a surprising instance of bottom. The noted Buckhorse, it is said, made a practice of standing without a guard, and permitting himself to be knocked down by the hardest hitter, for a trifling sum of money. The modern school also furnishes numerous instances of bottom, exhibited by Cribb, Painter, Oliver, the unfortunate Curtis, &c. The advantage of a good eye is evident it is necessary to discern the approach of a stroke, as well as to perceive the vulnerable parts of an opponent. A resolute look is useAil in awing an opponent, and often disconcerts the boldest. The eye should never be closed in the time of action. Wind, though naturally good, may be improved by the exercise of sparring. The pupil's first object of knowledge should be to acquire a proper mode of striking. A decisive blow may be made by a person unacquainted with the other parts of pugilism and, though a man be well versed in the guards, he hazards much in parrying his adversary, if he himself is ignorant of the principles of striking because he knows not the common direction of the arms against which he is to defend himself, llius, whether we consider striking in an offensive or defensive view, either to assault an adversary or receive his attack, it is the most elementary part of boxing, and should be the first studied. The large knuckles of the hand should be only used they are rarely disabled but the knuckles in the middle of the fingers frequently give way. Straight blows are preferable to all others they arc stronger, because they come directly from the centre of the power, and quicker, because they describe less space in the attainment of the object, it therefore follows, that it is more diflScult to parry them than any others. Round hitting is now universally exploded it is condemned by the same reasons which recommend straight blows, for it is directly contrary to them. In the zenith of Mendoza, it was the custom to extol c/iopping, as the best mode of hitting. It is a blow struck on the face with the back of the hand. Menooza claims the honour of its invention, but unjustly he certainly revived and considerably improved it. It was practised long before our time Broughton occasionally used it and Slack, it also appears, struck the chopper in giving the return in many of its battles. The advocates for chopping at the present period, are very few, if any. Experience proves that it can be of no great service, since, of all the pitched battles which have been lately fought, it has not contributed to gain one. In the contest between Tyne and Crabb, chopping suffered a shameful disgrace Crabb was thought next to Mendoza, the most successful in the use of it, yet he never hit Tynk. Indeed, reason convinces us, that it can be of no great utility it partakes of the nature of a round blow, for it is given downwards or sideways, and must, therefore, deviate from the centre. It also exposes the arm to danger every chopper should take its force from the play of the arm, between the elbow and wrist but if, in the eagerness of action, the elbow should be thrown too forward, the small of the arm may be broken. Some pugilists are not for entirely laying it aside, and think it may be happily used in giving the return, considering, if a boxer engages with a person ignorant of the science^ it will certainly prove successful. But, when two skilful boxers meet, no reliance is to be placed upon it and such is the opinion of the *most experienced professors of the present day. A knowledge of the parts of the body most dangerous to be struck is necessary to every boxer but first it should be observed, that any blow planted on the waistband or below it, is unfair, and causes the loss of the battle. Whatever rules are laid down in sparring should b^ followed in fighting. They are both considered in the same view, and what is mentioned concerning the one is applicable to the other. Every student should endeavour to unite grace with power, and this mny be easily accomplished, since nature delights in the graceful. To point out any attitude as the best in all cases would be ridiculous a physician might as well prescribe one medicine for all constitutions. Every one should adopt his mode of defence to his own powers of which, after some practice he must be the best judge. 'ITiis only is necessary to remark, when a person, after mature deliberation and some experience, has adopted a particular guard, he should not easily relinquish it. His only plan should be its improvement for, if he continually seek for new positions, he cannot act by rule, and must often leave the decision of a combat to fortune. The triumph of Hum- PHREYS over Mendoza, at Odiham, is a strong proof of the propriety of this advice. Though the latter changed his manner of fighting as often as Proteus did shapes, yet he was as often vanquished. A systematic conduct will prevail over irregularity, which chaiice can only render victorious. Perhaps it may be necessary to notice, lest it should be adopted by others who might think it proper merely from seeing it often used. The arms are crossed to form the guard. Two disadvantages result to any person who practises this. In the first instance, one of his adversary's hands placed upon the upper arm will force them both down, and expose the superior part of the body. Secondly, a blow given by one in this position cannot be in a direct line, and must, therefore, lose mubh of its force. Though we cannot be always guarded, particularly in attacking au enemy, yet we should, as much as possible, preserve our guard. Upon this principle, the arm should be drawn but very little back to strike, for the guard is lost in proportion to the retrograde motion. An adversary also gets notice of his danger, and is, of course prepared to receive the assault. A blow should be struck, without any previous alteration of attitude, for, even should it fail, the attempt is productive of little mischief, and leaves no opening, jf the guard be immediately recovered but this cannot be done when the weight and strength of the body are thrown in with the blow, a measure which never ou^ht to take place, unless it is absolutely certain SKETCHES OK PUGILISM. that an opponent cannot defend it. A skilful boxer will never hazard a blow, without the prospect of putting in a second to more advantage. Feints, though extremely useful and the effects of science, are not so much attended to as they merit. If, in fencing, they prove so decisive, why should they not be adopted, with equal success, in pugilism. It is urged, by some, that a boxer should always keep his arms in motion to and fro. The reason given in its defence, that the action of the lists prevents the approach of a blow from being perceived, is, perhaps, not strictly just; for, is not the violent increase of motion as easily discerned as its beginning ? If this be true, it will follow, that it is better to keep the arms steady, because motion will cause an antagonist to be more carefully on his guard, since he must, every moment expect an assault whereas, their firmness may betray him into fancied security. Closing has been for some time exploded and this alone may serve as an argument to show that boxing is greatly improved, since what was formerly of much utility is now esteemed unnecessary or of little value. Yet pugilists should familiarise themselves to closivg^ that, whenever it occurs, they ought to be prepared for the worst. In concluding this subject, it is thus Sir John Sinclair, in his Code of Health and Longevity, observes, with respect to Fencing; and which applies with equal force towards the improvement the constitution has derived from the exercise of sparring, many instances of which the author of this work has been well assured of, from the teachers of Pugilism, that induced him to make the following extract: — There is no exercise/* says Sir John, "with a view to health, hetter entitled to the attention of those who are placed among the higher classes of society than that of fencing. The positions of the body, in fencing, have, for their objects, erectness, firmness, and balance and, in practising that art, the chest, the neck, and the shoulders, are placed in positions the most beneficial to health. The various motions of the arms and limbs, whilst the body maintains its erect position, enables the muscles, in general, to acquire vigorous strength and, in younc^ people, the bones of the chest and thorax, necessarily become more enlarged, by means of which a consumptive tendency may be prevented. Various instances may be adduced where fencing has prevented consumption and other disorders. It has been remarked, also, that those who practise this art are, in general, remarkable for long life, and the good health they have enjoyed. These considerations, combined with the graceful movements which it establishes, and the elegant means of self-defence which it furnishes, certainly render the art an object of considerable importance." Sparring equally produces the above beneficial effects, in every point of view. ORIGIN OF THE PUGILISTIC CLUB. The present age is in nothing more distinguished than for the creation of numerous societies, for the carrying on of purposes^ which one man might be unable to effect. Infinite advantage is found from union. Many streams uniting from a great river. A small contribution from each individual of a large society makes up a large sum. In addition to this, united efforts direct the accumulated strength to the best effect^ one man posesses time, another property, a third talents for conducting business, and they all aid one another. Accordingly, we now have societies of almost every description. Charitable societies are formed in almost every street. For the cultivation of science we have the Royal Society, the Antiquarian Society, the Geological Society, the Mathematical Society, the Dilettanti Society, and many others. We have the Society of Arts, for the encouragement of invention and improvement. Artists associate for mutual benefit, as the Society of Painters. For the propagation of religion we have a splendid Bible Society in every county and every great town, with a subordinate branch in every neighbourhood. There are Missionary Societies, both in the Church and among the Dissenters. It is well known that the agriculture of Britain has been brought to its present unrivalled state of perfection, by the Agricultural Societies which have been formed in every part of the country. His present Majesty, the late Francis Duke of Bedford, Lord Somerville, and other men of the first rank, by the encouragement given to these have been of infinite service to their country. Agriculturists associating together imbibe the true spirit of their profession, they communicate improvements and discoveries buti, most of VOL. II. c* all, they excite emulation, by the competition they produce, by the rewards for excellence which they bestow from the funds of the societies. It was upon a similar principle, and for purposes of the truest patriotism and national benefit, that the Pugilistic Society was formed, which I now introduce to the notice of the reader. The great object of it is to keep alive the principles of courage and hardihood which have distinguished the British character, and to check the progress of that effeminacy which wealth is too apt to produce. I cannot sufficiently praise a society which, by preventing the degeneracy of the nation, preserves its liberties and its high rank among the nations, and, as late years have shown, thereby secures the happiness and the liberties of Europe. Men of rank associating t(^ether learn to prize the native and acquired powers of human nature. They thus learn to value other distinctions, besides those of fortune and rank and, by duly estimating them in persons of far inferior stations in life, they imbibe the principles of humanity and fellow feeling for our common nature. The lesson taught th^m in early life, by Terence, while at Oxford or Cambridge Westminster and Eton, is here brought into actual practice, Homo sum, humani nil a me alieniim puto/' I am a man, and consider nothing belonging to man as foreign to me. The incitement which they produce to noble deeds of hardihood and bravery, and the high respectability which they confer by the patronage of their rank and fortune^ is of inestimable benefit. The society as such is also of infinite benefit^ by the substantial rewards to valour which their united fiinds enable them to bestow. Much difficulty had often been experienced in raising a purse to be contended for in battle. Many displays of heroism were thus prevented. But, as every member of the Club contributes bis subscription, there are always funds ready, which the voice of the society may devote to the proper purpose. The Pugilistic Society held its first public dinner, at the Thatched-House- Tavern, on Saturday, May 22, 1814, Sir Henry Smith, Bart, in the chair. Nearly fifty of the members sat down to a most sumptuous dinner, served up on this occasion, among whom were seen Mr. Jackson, Gully, the Champion of England, Tom Belcher, Oliver, and several of the most distinguished pugilists. Lord Yarmouth, in a speech replete with energy and point, expatiated on the advantages of pugilism in a national point of yiew, by observing, that it enlarged the mind with a proper notion of true courage, and also taught it to despise and abhor every thing connected with clandestine modes of revenge. The members whom he had the honour of addressing, felt the propriety of these remarks, and the people of England^ he also felt assured, owed their present GREATNESS to their generosity and manliness in battle. His lordship concluded by paying a handsome compliment to Oliver upon his humanity, at a particular period during his contest with Painter. Though milling was the prevailing topic, yet the 28 BOXIANxV; OR, most prominent feature throughout the company was HARMONY. The above Club has a regular secretary and treasurer attached to it, and consists of about 120 subscribers, at a certain sum annually from which fond the purses are given according to the various degrees of the boxers. The highest subscription-purse is 50, and the lowest, 10 guineas. But the mbst important and emphatic article of the Club is, the expressed determination of the members to expose all crosses (i. e. boxers selling their battles) and to prevent those persons engaged in any transactions of this kind, so contrary to the character of real sportsmen and honest men, from ever again entering the prize-ring. The stakes on which are painted P. C. and the ropes belonging to the ring, are the property of the Club. The members have also a uniform dress, consisting of blue coats and yellow kerseymere waistcoats, with P. C. engraved on their buttons. TOM BELCHER. The mildness of deportment and gentlemanly behaviour of this scientific pugilist entitles him to the peculiar consideration and attention of the Fancy in general. The English spirit of boxing will never be lost sight of, while the lovers of their country encourage that characteristic open bravery, from which the first principles of an exalted nation spring and the professors of pugilism will never be wanting in respect, SKETCHES OK PUGILISM. 29 while they conduct themselves with propriety and de- corum, always bearing in mind, that — In peace there's nothing so becomes a man As modest stilhiess and humility. In commencing this volume, the heroic deeds of a Belcher again present themselves worthy of record, in addition to those mentioned in the first volume, (see page 334). The superior science possessed by this most excellent boxer is generally acknowledged, and although his frame does not partake of that athletic mould which so many pugilists have the advantage of, yet Tom has evinced in his numerous prize-battles, game of the finest quality. An opinion has been entertained, that if science alone could win every battle^ this brave descendant of the mighty Slack would^ long before the present period, have milled his way to the Championship. His passport, in this respect, is truly genuine. His fame had gone so far before him, that, in the various provincial towns where he exhibited the ^^art of selfdefence," great encouragement and respectful attention were the rewards he most liberally experienced. In Liverpool, Belcher was particularly attractive, and numerous pupils attended his school; and who, firom their rapid progress in the science, soon gave convincing proofs of the excellence of the master under whom they studied. His engagements being all completed at this sea-port, and being so near to the tight boys of the sod," he was determined, jffevious to his return to the metropolis, to take a peep at Old Ireland, the land that gave birth to some prime milling heroes. When the names of Peter 30 boxiana; or^ Corcoran and Mich. Ryan are mentioned^ the character given of it will be acknowledged to be just. Tom's arrival in Ireland^ while it gave pleasure to the patrons of the science, in beholding one of the first-rate professors of the art among them, unfortunately created a sort of jealousy, if not disgust, in another promulgator of boxing, who had been there some time previous teaching the natives the advantages and complete use of their fists. Dog/ierty, never alarmed for his person, heeded not the appearance of Belcher, but the fame of the latter operated most seriously upon the interest of Dogherty, and his school was, in consequence, nearly deserted, and his patrons fast left him, to view and learn the novelties of a superior master. Nothing could remove this rivalship, but a ^ght between the parties, which was decided on Friday, the 23rd of April, 1813, on the Curragh of Kildare, for a subscription-purse of one hundred guineas, made up by gentlemen of the turf, and to be presented to the conqueror. The place in which the battle took place was peculiarly convenient for the spectators, who were all enabled to sit down to view the combat it was in a valley, or glen, on the Curragh, surrounded by sloping hills, forming a sort of amphitheatre. Belcher appeared first in the enclosure, dressed in a large rug great coat, but, whilst it was completing, retired to a barouche, in which he had arrived, to prepare for the ensuing mill, Dogherty now showed himself to the spectators, wrapped up in a box coat of no trifling dimensions, and instantly gave his castor a toss in the air, loudly vociferating. "Ireland for ever." This sentence, which came so directly home to the natives of Paddy's Land, occasioned an electric expression of approbation from the surrounding multitude^ accompanied by repeated shouts and huzzas. It might spontaneously have escaped the lips of Dogherty, from a warmth of feeling to his native soil, but it certainly was not calculated to place the cause of Belcher in a favourable point of view, and rather likely to produce a contrary effect, by creating a prejudice against his efforts. Tom again entered the enclosure, while this circumstance transpired, and seemed to feel (whatever the intention of it might be towards him) that, if it was suflfered to pass over without notice, it might operate seriously to his injury, he, therefore, after respectfully bowing to the spectators, solicited a gentleman who had been chosen the umpire, to address the public, that no improper impression might go forth respecting his character. This the gentleman did, nearly to the following effect: — "Gentlemen, Mr. Belcher wishes it to be understood, that, whatever insinuations may have been levelled at him, in stating, that he had spoken disrespectfully of the Irish nation, he begs leave to assure you, it is an absolute falsehood and, as a proof of the truth of his statement, he is ready, at any time, to fight those who may dare assert to the contrary.'* This explanation was liberally received, and the anxious moment had now arrived the combatants immediately stripped, and, the ceremony of shaking hands having taken place, the seconds took their situations. Isle-of- Wight Hall seconded Belcher, and Paddy Gamble attended upon Dogherty, The battle commenced at one o'clock. Belcher, from his well-known excellence, was the favourite two to one, yet, notwithstanding this great odds, there were scarcely any takers, shyness being the order of the day. Both the combatants appeared to possess good confidence in themselves. Belcher had beaten Dogherty severely in England, and felt that sort of superiority which belongs to experience and practical knowledge. Dogherty was considerably improved, he knew well the game that was in him, and for the honour of Ireland, and surrounded by his countrymen, he felt an additional stimulus to win, if possible, and was determined that he would not easily give up the chance. With these feelings they both set-to. First round. — ^The excellent attitude and neatness of style exhibited by Belcher very much attracted the attention of the Irish amateurs. Good science displayed on both sides, for some time, when they both hit together, Dogherty received a sharp facer and, the blood issuing from his lip, Belcher exclaimed, first blood," in consequence of several bets depending upon that circumstance. Belcher received Dogherty*s blow upon the ear. Some severe hits were exchanged and, in closing, both down, but Belcher undermost. Second. — Both the combatants went sharply to work, and much good fighting was witnessed. In closing. Belcher was thrown, but Tom received no injury from his fall. Loud shouting occurred, and Dogherty was so much elated with his dexterity, that, in the pride of the moment, he offered 100 to 10, but it claimed no attention. Third. — Both displayed their knowledge of the art, by some excellent sparring, Several severe blows were exchanged. Dogherty's mug was rather pinked^ his temper seemed a little changed, and the round was concluded, by the latter's being thrown. Pourth. — MiUing vi'xihoui ceremony took place; but the advantage was manifestly on the side of Belcher, from his SKBTCHfiS OF PUGILISM. 33 superior display of the science. He punished the face of his opponent roost terribly, and, from a tremei^dous hit, t>ogherty went down. Fifth. — Caution, on the part of Dogherty, became rather necessary. Belcher was thrown, but not before some severe hits bad been exchanged. Sixth.— Belcher punbhed the nob of his antagonist terribly in this round. They closed, and both down. Seventh. — ^l^he combatants made play, when an opening appeared, Belcher put in so severe a hit on Dogherty's body, that he was instantly levelled, Eighth.r-The ditference between the pugilists at this early period of the battle was manifest to all the spectators. Dogherty had been most terribly ffwushed. His face was materially altered, from one of his eyes being closed. His mouth and lips were so lacerated, that an opening was made nearly up to bis no6e> and the gash was so large, that it resembled^ what is termed, a hare's lip V' Three of his teeth were completely knocked out from a tremendous blow of Belcher's. His appearance was truly piteous. The claret ran down in torrents; and the rouiul was terminated, by Dogherty's receiving so severe a hit upon the throat, that he instantly went down. — It was now, Belcher, a guinea to a shilling 1" Ninth.— The game of Dogherty claimed peculiar notice from the sharp milHjig he received in this round. Belcher was dexterous in the extreme, by serving it out so hard and fast to bis opponent, as to knock him down. Belcher disengaged himself from Dogherty in a neat style. Tenth. — ^Belcher full of gaiety showed himself in fine style by planting several hits yet, notwithstanding, in closing, Dogherty threw him, but not to do Tom any injury. Eleventh. — ^The combatants were determined to convince the lookers-on there was no trifling between them; both milling away in every direction* The left eye of Belcher received an ugly blow, and Dogherty threw him under the ropes* Twelfth. — Fighting without intermission, and bravery truly conspicuous on both sides when the round was terminated by Belcher putting in a tremendous teaser on Dogherty's throat, which not only levelled him, but rendered him unable to move for a few seconds. He was covered with blood Thirteenth.— Belcher keeping the advantage with continued VOL. II. D 94 BOXIANA OR, severity, by punishing the face of Dogherty dreadfully; who was also knocked down, and appeared for a short space rather insensible. Fourteenth. — ^o alteration, Belcher taking the lead in milling. Closing the round, by throwing Dogherty, and falling upon hioD. Fifteenth. — ^The game of the latter was the thekne of every one present. He proved himself a perfect trump by rallying with good spirit, but receiving a terrible blow under his eye from Belcher, he went down. Sixteenth. — On setting-to Dogherty made play, but the judgement of Belcher proved triumphant by putting in successively several blows— ^6erf him terribly in closing, and concluded as before by levelling Dogherty. Seventeenth.— Dogherty planted some severe body blows; but notwithstanding^ Belcher closed, and threw him. £ighteenth.-~Both rallied, and, Belcher m endeavouring to throw his antagonist, both went down. Nineteenth.— 'Dogherty, to gain time, sparred with considerable judgement, and put in a sharp blow upon the body of Belcher, who also went down from a trip. Twentieth. — Belcher now seemed perfectly at home, and felt convinced how things were going. The length of his arm, added to the advantage of superior science, enabled him to 4erve out Dogherty about the head with such severity of manner, as to occasion the latter to fall at his- feet.-— A bet could not be obtained, from the offer of any odds. Tweuty-first.-^Dogherty> still at his post, contended with the utmost bravery to prolong the fight, but it appeared only to receive additional fmnishnient. His head and face exhibited a rueful aspect— he was covered with blood, and in the event was milled to the earth. Twenty-second. — ^To the astonishment of every one present, still the spirit of Dogherty was not broken. He attempted to put in some good hits upon the body of Belcher, but the wary guard of Tom stopped them with the utmost ease, and in throwing Dogherty, he went down with him. Twenty-third. — Punishment was the lot of Dogherty, and his face and neck were terribly mauled but in closing, he threw Tom on his hip. Twenty-fourth.— Science was again resorted to. Dogherty 8KBTCH98,OI .P.WI|«ItlC. fi^ for. &eIfherV;body; T^m returfied jte faVpuTi^ moM liberally upoo the mttsg of D^ghcrty. In closing, the latter experienced so severe a fall, as to' remaih a short ^riod hteostiik; Twenty-fifth.— The pluck of Docherty was not yet taken tfdVof.hif^; iind-,#&mt^heeik^S)4y)i3d the smallM hdttim of b ciiapce. rptliaining^ J)e wa^ ^^termided to stand ap» alihougk %fi dreadfully worsted every round. A desperate hit from Belcher, under tAe jaW,' again made him measure bis length oathiBigtaAid;' 'Twenty-sixth and lasti— ^Dogh'erty, Witt the most deter- irticidltitSDih, eAAnViotf^ to' tite^!sdp4»Ht)>i't^ ^3tbi«irM^d qature, by.^Qwiagr tp tb^ sj^fptators, that while a. spark o( gtime was left in him, he would not cry out enough ! He uiadie a despeiiite rally to eflfebt 'some'cHarige m his favour,' and evinced that no common caterer could '.'sattisfyJiisiiiiopdiw DjUe glKt^oay, Belcher hit Dogberty Jn every direction, thvew him, and fi^ upon him. Dogherty could nob come any more. He was dekudedry jim^A^; zM sbhe Uith^ Massed 'befb^ he" cf geatlemen.. If thia dListinguishe^ English box^r claimed the ad- Qiiration of the spectators from the scientific manner in which' he won the battle, fiu4 ^b^' snperior adroitnesabe displayed. in protecting himself from scarcely, receiving .imy injiiry-^it is but justice to observe, the tighjL Ir\A bpy/' Dim fDogbertyi,: i^oade them feel piroud, t)iat:theMr ipouat^ypan proved himself a milimg hero of the first stamp and the true courage he dis- d2 fiOXIANA; OR, played for the f honour of Ireland^^ ought never to be forgotten. As a proof that his efforts made considerable unpressioUj a subscription, amounting to upwards of c£70| was immediately made by the sport* ing gentlemen for Dogherty; among whom, the Marquis of Sligo put down five guineas. Belch bb generously subscribed one guinea. Tom continued several months after this battle in Ireland, exhibiting specimens of his skill, in company with Ha//, with increased reputation and success* At Cork and Dublin his well-earned fame produced him numerous respectable scholars, among whom several persons of rank were conspicuous. The advantages of superior icience were never more clearly shown, than in the above combat. The dejslerity, the ease, and perfect sang froid, with which Belcher defeated Dogherty surprised even those persons who were somewhat acquainted with the art, and no strangers to what Tom was able to perform but, generally speaking, among the mere lookers-on at the mt//, it excited universal astonishment — to view one man (and a scientific professor too) nearly tmathed all to pieces— his head so transmogrified that no former traces of it remained^-completely doubled up, and per* iectly insensible to his fate while, on the contrary, the other combatant was seen, retiring from the contest with only a slight scratch upon the tip of his hose, and driving away from theCurragh, with all the gaiety of a spectator. It was impossible that such a vast superiority could be. passed over with indifference ! Dogherty for upwards of a week after the mil, by 8KBTCHK8 OF' PUOILISM. '87 the adnce of a surgeon^ had two needles contiaaally in his lip, in order, if possible, that it might assume -its original lAopf/ An opinion was entertained/ by the best informed amateurs upon the spot, that had it been the -wish of Belcher, it was completely it) his power to have brought the contest to a decision in Jijfieen minutes less time than it actually took although it stppears, that Dogherty was much better in person than when he fought Belch bb at Epsom, his knowledge of Mt/lfn^ generally improved, and his g/t/^/ony increased ! Belch EB laboured under a severe cold, his rest was interrupted by a violent cough, and he was ftur from being in good condition. From the decided success of Bblcher over I>(^rty, the lower orders of the people, at Cariowraces, it seems, not only annoyed him, but in some instances, he was placed in rather a perilous state. From the respectable part of the Irish community no man evet received more liberal attl^ntion and respect and several persons of the highest rank were forward in rendering him service. On Belcher's return: to England, he took a benefit at the Fives-Court, (May £0, 18U,) which was numerously patronized, preparatory to his commencing Tavem-Keeper, at the Coitle, in Hblborn, formerly in the possession of Gregsoft, thus uniting the interests of Bristol aiifd Lancashire. In THIRTEEN prizc battles has this pugilistic hero dobly contended for fame; but in consequence of the violent contusion one of his little fingers received, by coming in contact with the nujuticators of Dogherty, as aoxUK A .OB, frbea tkr^jotijlbem Ihwi oi|V tbe ,knowltfdge ^e display^, and tbe short time he tpok in. abtaiiiingithe; vactary^ yi«, twenty. pupules. At the first ^gh^ Tom was at ki I^oodpa^ (^WPg his ^prenti^iesbipj ^i|4 Rearing of tb^ipd of Littk,Pm» he, withpm heftit^onii ga>v^ a public cballepg^ to. tbaft .bf^rq, ali^mgb .be: bad .neyeir 4^1^ bim. On Tpm'^ imWai. m th^ M^UppqUbj ^tbe, fwip .of ibis brother. Je!9i natonally caodiered 'bim.aa. object .of .f^tMra4;tion to. th^ spprting, cirp) s,:.aBd:he^ wiw #oon ispitcbed. with ^J^chJVAirp; but, previouf to/^ir -mating in the riQg,.0Q, the: capability of TpM h^ng dp^hted, he. iasiautly; (i^ffwrpdr, tp ftght W^arria a garret for a cnownt bpw^ of paf^h,:,withqqt,t^ lo- lorference of 8eQoadfl,.ithe door to^ be iQpked,.^Qd no person suffered to enter, till one of tbe.ppmbaAaots ,4d^ii;ied tbatbe.was^defewedw Ifi>coD9idpiog BiSiLCAE^ M.^ntirolyiQitf.Qf tAe>t^ and only viewing bim »BJMparrcr.at.«be JFi^es-Cortrt, hc^ most unqiMatioBably ;i«i the jhero of ,tbat e4dbibi- SKBTCHBS OF PUOILISM. SO tidti; niid' BO boxjer bas more decisively established the SiDperioritj bf a fir over Urtngfh than the above pugittsU The fo)lowit)g instances, if they do not clearly convince, niay tend, in some degree, to illustrate the. above opinion. i Hie BIG Ikey Pig, who possessed a smattering of the leasee, was, in hiss«^-^o with Belcher, not only k^iddicd about like a child, but ultimately hit clean off the Uikge.-^Shaw; the life-guardsman, a Hercules in appearance, inftb arms like two May-poles, assisted With proportionate strength, was iolso dead beat with the £hpe$ by ToM; although this ton of Mars, but a day 0r two before, in a bout with Capt. Barclay, had pot tiife eaptein*^ tfjpeMvorfts in much confosion, and made aHWs teeth chatter again. — And Oulley, whose knov^ledge/of boxing is far above mediocrity, in Sjpiuting with Tom, di^overed cotisiderable inferiority.— Molmeaux, too, when in his prune, was miilei tit iallition'of spomiig at the above place, he levelled the CliMpkM, to the no small surprise of the spectatoitJ^-^Tfae memorable disposal of Shock Jem, (a lad of molt d^tettoined Hpirit, and who had made the art «Kf Belf-d«fence his study, und^r the tuition of the BtisMi&c George Head J was so complete and satisfacttxy upon the point in question by fiBLCHER, as to lieed no farther comment. Shock was literally hit to l»ie«e8.— In com^ition with Crib, or any of the ^ftllig ones/' Tom*b excellence as a ^rrer has never in the slightest degree been diminished. The super- ladve knowledge of pugUism also possessed by B^l^ CHER, in another point of view^ naxnely* when opposed against strength and science united, is clearly ascertained from the comparisons which occurred on Crib*i benefit, on May 31, 1814. The towering appearance of the Champion standing over the slight elegant form of Bblcher, reminded the spectator not inaptly of the difference between a small frigate contending with a first rate man of war, that howeyec the former might, from its compact size and high state of discipline, perform its movements with mncb greater celerity, and even create considerable annoyance from its superiority of tactics, yet ultimately in a decisive engagement, where there was no room /or manoeuvring, it might strike to heavier m.etal,r-!S0 with these combatants* .The ponderosity of Cribp when in close quarters with his opponTwo, on his boring-in, and had the best of the iwnd: when Scroggim bowed, and took ofi^ the 'gloves; and, although loudly and repeatedly solicited, from the spectators, to have another round, and particularly from Bblcheu, he immediately quitted the stage. A slight iiM of the clarei appeared upon both their mug$, but fifift' visible from the mouth of Scrc^^m. Bblchbr's manner of tettu^^to is truly 'pteasing and enrinent, it is not only showy but efiective> and there is nothing coarse or aflected about it. In this particular he almost stands alone. 48 BOXIAMA; Oft, To My 10 compMy with Mr. JoAii Sbdfon, about a week after be hiul defeated Dogherfy, in laOB, npoD qombgdovD Higbgate-hili, ki aobaiie^ Werer challenged to have; a trotliiig-Qiatcb, by a cotiple of fdlowa io a gig. Belchbe endeavoured lo ^ve tbem the go*lnf, but tbej icept .pODtiDoalij croMiDg him apd^ at leug^b^ one of those big helroe«y ditenuined updo kidnng up a yop^, jjoaiped out of bis :Ohaise^ aod, witjiout farther oeretnoDy^ seised Tom by the legj in order to puU him odt tO;.fighc» threatening, atvihe same time, to mill both Baix:«iE& and Shdiom .''-Let go;'* sfud ToM» andy.aa soon as I get upon- the gfpund/ we will kf^ve a fair trial, depend upi)ti it/' — Pne of ^Ei^HJUt's^gerdj at thisperidd, was in a poulpce, and his hand so sore that be could.se^rcely .touch any thing with it; howeVery thia did not pretext jdi^ turfHi^ from tatcing place. The 'Co;^!s mb iwas piatamorphosed in ft twhkiimg, and, by way of a ./ifpiiArr, be received a^blow that sen tJilhalrbUing down the hiU, to the no small diversion of Shdicrn'miTou. The blier now mounted fail gig with all the M^mg-frM possible^. go<^->]fttur^dly advising this womU^be fighting man never to threateo> in ftiture, bating two persons at onqe. Upon the> above ^deV Hopping 4( the neajcest inn to clean hift fkce from the -torrents of 'Chrtt that it waif ddnged With, he letfrnt^ td his great Surprise, be had been engalged with, the celebrated ToM BblchAr. On Sii'i^ABTi.B'V Coo^fia'a seeing ithe very brnised stale of To'm*^ finger, after ibis fXHContre, he smilidgly observed, be would not receive jthe fuH fbrce df it for one huiidred guineas. Bblchsr^ whose talents hi fmtfAing his oppd- SKBTCSS8 OF F9|G»LI8M. lU aiwajFB ceMed on quilting the priae*ring, was attacked one evening, in June, 1S17i upG^Q hiseibtering a genteel parlour in the vicinity of Holbom, in a fl^oat nnbaBdsQtiie manner, by Jack Fuirbjf (a 15stone m^ui, and 6 feet high, but better known by the ^ppeUatibn of the Ymmg Ruffian and,~^80/frOfli l^is having been defeated by Jem Belchirjl In spite of ail hiartf^oimm and knowledge 'of boxing, Us imob iraa: IbstanUy placed: in cbmcerjf—:hiB'peepenifere taben oeaaujre of for stdt cf mcmmmg^ and hib img axhibiked all the high MrmtYtoned touches of coJIoiarmgl ^tl\QQt:the Afed ;of a jwinter. In a few mioiites heawlis sa completely iati^fid^ from the cderify t>f .his Mpeit ({pppoeot, as. acafic^y tO be abl6 lo, retire, C9xere4 with sb«nie andieonfosi^n^for his insoknce Mdileqp^rity ;— vhile Tom politely expieaiaed Idnbelf ^i7y; for -i^ei trifling iqterrupMpti the.co|Bpfioyibul expf»ri^flQedi.withp«t nceiviag. slightest- scc^Mh fisom jtbAi otergrowu piece, of stuff;, orpin more: emphatic wo^rds^ 'f AU are not men that bear the kaman form I" 'Xh Cajtls Tavbrn, as a sporting hoose, is confUvct^ion! those principles of honbor and 'rpetitade that JSMftt etosaie i(s shccess. Propriety is the oider f' the:^y,;!and nb mkn appears more anxions or ea^r Ui accomiiiodaie. his visitors, and $t the saoae tioKf ^one .BUirc; aorupulousiy exact in: asserting ^his rights as a landlord, to preveht >ihe introduction of anprof^ cbmpany, add^ to do the tbingtfaat is right, than ToaiBxLCBXB In this respect.the^niaiiajgantfiiir Afthei^bfose is entilkd to nniveisal praise ^md 4he iaqtariog 'stianger, whom curiosity mif^t tempt 44 BOXIAHA; OR, to take a.peqp at the scientific pogilistSi feels. nol the least restraint in visiting the Castle Tavbbn.*- Tbe long-room is neatly fitted up^ .and lighted with gas» and the nmnerons sporting subjects, .elegantlj framed and glazed, have rather an imposing effect, upon the entrance of ihe visitor, among whom may 1>e witnessed animated likenesses of the renowned Jbm Belcher and his daring competitor, that in* ordinate glutton, Burkb. The Champion, Crib, and his tremendous opponent, Molineaux. The father of the present race of boxers. Old Job Ward. Bob Gbegson, in water-colours, by Mr. Embrt, of Covent-Garden Theatre. Tom Bkl* CHER, and his rival, the Jew phenomenon, Dutch Sam. The scientific contest between Humphrbts and Mbndoza. Portraits of Gullet, the Gofne Chicken, fcc. With a variety of other subjects, including one of the dog, Trustt," the champion of the canine race, in fifty battles, and the favourite animal of the late Jem Belcher, the gift of Lord Camelford. The whole forming a characUridic trait of the sporting world. Previous to any graiid osatch taking place, and for niglits after i^ termination, the house is crowded to an overflow, and the n^riu of the cases in question argued and determined in the most scientific style of argument. The sporting din* ners given here, are also excellent; ultimately prov^ ing that the landlord is a good caterer^ in every point of view. The chair is frequently filled, upon these occasions, by a first-rate theatrical singer. Belcheb is a native of Bristol, born, in April; 1783^ near St. James's Church-yard. In height about five HAIilRX MAHMEm SKftTCHBS OF ^tJOlLlSM. 46 feet nine iaches, aod his fighting weight wag ten stone foar poaads. HARRY HARMER. The fomily, to which this pugilist belongs, renders him an interesting object to \\\e Fancy. It is trae, that he has not done much in the milling way but yet what little he has performed has shown something like the^itiiAmg touches of the master. The peculiar style of fighting of the late Jem Belcher, his cousin, seems to be revived in his person. Like that once brave Champion of England, he is an uncommonly quick and hard hitter and, with a good deal of dexterity, bobs his head aside to avoid the pointed blow. His trade of a Coppersmith gives his arms the advantages of action and vigour, and in fighting he makes use of them with great celerity, and in a manner not very dissimilar to hammeriag! It does not appear that Harmeb, although reared in the hot-bed for Pugilists, exhibited in any public scientific contest, previous to his arrival in the metropolis. Harrt was born at a place called the Horse Fair, Bristol, and is eighteen months younger than Tarn Belcher. The superior style he displayed in his first battle with MaUby, from the latter*s having vanquished George Crib and Cope, soon brought Habmbe into notice with the admirers of pugilism. With Jack Ford, in his second contest, he also rose a step higher; and, in hb third and last battle, with Shelton, be 46 BOXIAKA; oa» egtablisbed bit repotatipa as a gAine Md fijr8|rr»te'' boxer. Harm er bas caution abpotj biiPf ,bvt no fear^ and does not want for judgement. He did not wish to be imcuhed in bis outset, nor enter indiscriminately into CTerr mill tbat migbt be offered to bim. Weigbt and size are important objects to tbe scientific pugilist undy it is sai«l» tbat, not wanting of djscretipn, be endeavour^ to l^eep' tbe old prov(3i;b in' view — to look before you lei^p.** Harmer entered tbe lists with Maltby^ op Tbui^day, June 1£, 1812, at Wilsdqn-green^ for a purse of twenty rtiye guineas. Maltby wa^ tbe favourite 6 to 4» and neiM^Iy a stone heavier than Harmer, who was a. stranger to tbe ring. Tom Jana and Ocp^ second^* Maltby i and Belcher aad Richmond txunded upon Harmer. At one o'clocl^ the; men set»U>.' I'irst ronndl. — iBoth tbe conbatAnts seemed mtent on ^gfa^' iogy and, without cerempny, commenced milkg; tbey, bow-, ever, soon disengaged from a close, and Harmer, with great dexterity, plant^ a severe right-banded hit 6n on6 of Manby's peepers that made bim tomk ajg^ii, witbodt. receiving nay i^' turn. Maltby, with much determination, at leng|h, fought bis way into a close, and, in a trialof strength to obtain tbe. throw, thj^y both fdl, but Hairmer uppermost.^^The odds rather lowered, and Harmer became veiy attractiv*. Second. — Hsftmer commenced in graiirf style; and,, mim cir^mmitf planted a left-handed blow upon Maltb/s nose,, tbat rather spoiled the shape of- it, which, added to his already damaged eye, had completely changed the appear* ance of his face. A desperate rally occurred, and hit for hit took place, when Maltby ^asjhoredf from a severe blow on bis forehead.' The partisans of Harmer began loody to applaud, and offered to 4 upon his winning. Thirdf^-T-Tke meo were botb on their mettle,' and considefa^. ble execution was done on both sides. Maltby stood up Ijlra. a hero, and satisfied the spectators' be had not a particle of JHnchuigln ha composition. A rally ensued t^at was terrific, SKBTCIIPS OF .PU6||LI8M. 47 aad much leciprooal hitting occurred; the right bind of Miiihy pumthid H^rmer's body so severely, thai, from oae tremendous hit, he went staggering away )ike .a drunken man, but the latter, to the astonishment of the ring, returned hastily upon his opponent, and, in a finishing style of execu^ tion, Maltby went down, covered with blood. It was now seen the length of Harmer gave him the superiorityi and his friends sported the odds without fea^ or h^itation. Fourth,— tp Fifteenth and last.— At thii e«rly stage of the fight, Maltby was somewhttt reduced^ bat vrim jg0ne like a cock. Harmer made play in ev^ry rounds and kept, the lead in gallant style. From the quid^oess of Harry, he literallj beat his man stupid. Maltby. contended, in the most deter** mined manner^ for thirtv^seven minutes, when nature was jm^ completely, exhausted^ that he was carried out of the ring by his seconds. From the above manly specimen, HABMBB'became the object of considerable coaversation iq^ the pugilistic circles his lengthy quickoess^ and jntniMttg hitting, rather deterred a few of the fighting men from entering the l^ta with him, till the game^ ford was matched with Habmbb, for a porse of twenty-five guineas. This battle took place, on the 23d of August, 1813, a mile to the eastward of St. Nicholas, in Kent, upon the land of Mr. Neale, a Kentish yeoman, a short distance from Margate. The veteran Joe Ward and Haltf seconded Habmbb and Paddington JonA and Clark attended upon Ford. First round. — Harry commenced fighting with great confidence by making play right and left, but without much effect. Ford having stopped and returned. In closing, they both went down. The betting which had been previously rather high upon Harmer, was now rather reduced, it appearing that Ford would not let his noh receive that severe paidskment which Harmer had dealt out so liberally upon Maltby. Five to four upon Harmer. Second.— -A good rally, and both the combatants upon their mettle. Ford the most conspicuous; but did not like the 48 boxiana; ofi. ri^t band of Harmer. Strength on both sides was resorted io hi falling but the advantages in tliis round appeared on the side of Fdrd, Third. — The right hand of Harmer got into wark^ and the forehead of Ford received a severe t he is able to do considerable execation but the length of Harmer was too much for him. With Oliver^ the gardener, Ford contended for two hours and ten minutes and, notwithstanding it was thought that he had generally improved, yet with Harmer he was disposed of in thirty-five minutes ! Ford's body exhibited some severe marks of punishment, and he was bled before he kft the ground. Harmrr, after a year and a half had elapsed, wa& matched with Tom Shelton, a determined navigator. It may not be improper to premise the occasion of this battle. Shelton was introduced at the Fives Court, and ascended the stage with HarmeR) at Cribb'sbenefit^ on May 31, 1814, as a complete novice. Shelton appeared determined for a downright mill, and attacked Harmer most furiously, endeavouring to show his abilities toward serving out. Harry, with skill and dexterity parried off his strength, and put in some touches upon the mug of Shelton, that drew forth tlie claret. To denominate it sparritig would be erroneous, it was complete milling and ruffianism in the highest style of perfection. The impetuosity of Shelton was astonishing, and it was also curious to observe the decided mode which Harmer drove the former away from him. During the contest, Shelton was so sharply met by his antagonist, that he turned completely round twice, and recommenced his attack. The science of Harmer, however pre-eminent, was not enough to convince Shelton of his superiority, that it at length became necessary for Harrt to add II L ^rmgth to bis efforts to allay the ruffiam^m exhibi-* ted by his opponent. Harmbr^ at arms* length, gloved him severely, ]>\xt, upon SheltonU rushing in to mi/l, Harry got his uob under bis left arm, nnd, with his right hand, fibbed htm so tightly, that, to prevent its proceeding to an actual fight, It was deemed prudent, that no more such sparring should take place between them in the Court. This waa Sbelion's first appearance and, from the spirit he dis* played, he was much fancied by severial of the anmr tenrs. An opinion was entertained that he only wanted a better knowledge of boxing, in addition to his other requisites, to make him a daogeroRS cmUmer for any of his weight. In the course of a twelvemonth he acquired considerable science; and notwithstanding the character Harmer ipaintained as a first-rate boxer, the capabilities of Shelton were not viewed with indifference by many of Harry's friends. The match at length being made for one hundred guineas, it created considerable interest io the sporting circles, and, on Tuesday, April 18, 1815, they met, in a twenty-four feet roped ring, on Hounslow-Heath, near the rivulet which divides the heath from Twickenham* common. Shelton was the heaviest man by some pounds. Seven to four on Harmer, and eagerly taken by the friends of Shelton. The spectators were exceedingly numerous. Richmond and Oliver were for Shelton, and Tom Belcher and Gibbons with Harmbr. At one o'clock the men shook bands and set-to. First round. — The determined quality of Shelton was well known to the amateurs, and great anxiety was manifested upon the combatants setting-to. The navigator, eager to 62 ttOXIANA; OK, commence fightiog, endeavoured to plant two left-handed blows, buty his distance proving incorrect, Harmer/2oore{^ him. in a twinkling, and the claret was visible upon his face. — Loud shouting, and 2 to I freely offered against Shelton. Second. — The navigator, from his eagerness to do some* thing, again hit short, as did Harmer in returning. The men now got into a sharp rally, when Harmer, from a slip, fell dovirn upon his knees, and received an accidental blow from the suddenness of bis situation. Foul — fair l" was *vociferated, but the umpires knowing the real state of the case, the battle did not suffer the slightest interruption. Third. — ^I'his round was resolutely contested upon both tides, and the combatants, in a tremendous rally, exchanged hit for hit, with a firmness that claimed applause from all parts of the ring. Harmer, in point of quickness, put in the most blows, and finished the round by sending hib man down. — It was current betting five to two upon Harmer. Fourth. — Good reciprocal boxing, when, in closing, Harmer was thrown. Fifth. — Shelton, full of gaiety, made play, and Harmer, from a slight hit, was again on the ground. — Betting shifted a little. Sixth. — The science of Harmer was seen to much advantage in this round. From the navigator's hitting short, he received tremendously left and right from Harmer, and was ultimately ,^bore£{. — ^This changed the betting again, and sevei^ to four was sported upon Harry. Seventh. — ^The blows upon both sides were so hard and fast, as not to be described. — It was a long round, and Harmer went down rather distressed. — It was a complete sporting fight, and the betting got down a little. Eighth. — ^The time appeared to be called rather too quick for both men, as both showed symptoms i»f distress. Some sparring occurred, when Shelton was missing in an instant. He received a blow under his left ear, that he appeared, stunned, lying on the ground. Ninth. — It was astonishing to see with what pluck Shelton again .met his man. Another desperate rally took place, at the end of which Shelton went down. Tenth, — Some good blows exchanged, ^nd both down. Eleventh. — ^The navigator was on the grass from a slight hit. — Seven to f^urupon Harmer. SKETCHES OF.PUOItlSM. 5^ Twelfth.— A abort round, and Sbelton thrown cleanly by bis adversary. Thirteenth. — Both the combatants were no strangers to the miUmg they had received. However, they at length got into work, and desperation seemed the order of the roond. Harmer manfully strove to takeout the fight of his opponent, while the latter with equal game seemed to have the precise object in view. It was truly terrific on both sides; but the round closed to the advantage of Sbelton, who sent Harmer down. The head of the latter, unfortunately, in felling, came in contact with the stakes, and received a most dreadful cut, from which it bled profusely. Fourteeotb. — ^The appearance of Harmer was against him on coming to the scratch and none but an extraordinary bottomed man could have returned so quickly to have commenced the round. His right band appeared also to have given way, and some alarms were felt from this circumstance. Harmer went down from a slight bit. — ^Tbe backers of Harry were rather puzzled, and the partizans of Shelton, now boldly offered six to four upon him. Fifteenth. — Affairs were materially changed, and Sbelton was now decidedly the favourite, who again sent Harmer Sixteenth. — Harmer was still in the back ground, notwithstanding he exerted himself to change this unfortunate aspect. Sbelton again had it his own way, and Harry went down from a slight blow. — ^The friends of Sbelton looked upon victory as a matter of course, and betted sevea to four without hesitation and many still greater odds. Seventeenth. — ^Tbis round, to all appearance, seemed to have decided the fight. A rally took place, but Shehon was <|uit6 a hero in it he planted blows in all directions, and, from a dreadful one that Harmer received on his nob, be was floored in a twinkling. — Five to one upon Sbelton. Eighteenth. — Harmer came up to the scratch almost in a state of stupor. He merely placed himself in a fighting position, but was soon sent down. Nineteenth to Twenty-first. — The gome exhibited by Harmer, under the above disparaging circumstances, astonished every one present. In all these rounds he seemed bewildered, and the advice of bis seconds was lost upon htm. It was all against him, and in this last round Sbelton was so much the 54 BOf^lAVk; on. 8tiperidr Mftn, thbt Httrttvetr Wad nbl only hit «ut oftbe riMg» but the ptmishnMnt about him was piteous to behold. The odds were now so greats and the termiiMUiun of the battle considered so certain in favour of Shelton, that no takers n^ere to be found. Twenty-second. — Harmer capie aknost reeling from weakness to me^t his man. It fairly might be termed neck or nothing, it was desperation in the extreme, or, in the bold language of the hero of Bosworth-field, I fasTe set my life opdn cast. And I will stand the liaaaid of tbe dye." It was next to an impossibility that Harmer could last one minute longer bat soch is the uncertainty of battle that he made a tolerable round of it, and also had tbe good fortune to hit his opponent down. The surprise this circumstance occasioned cannot be described, and even betting wae the fact. Twenty-third. — Harmer appeared first upon his legs, and, strange to remark, so sudden and great was th^ falling off of the navigator, that, in being brought to face his man, he seemed totally insensible to every object around him. Harmer, at length, hit him down« Twenty-fourth. — Considering the exhausted state of both the combatants, this might be considered a good round. The navigator seemed to recollect hihoself and ultimately sent down Harmer. — SheHon was again the favourite, and seven to four against his opponent was viewed as safe betting. Twenty-fifth. — Harmer still persevered, in spite of all obstacles, and from the advantage of giving She) con a dreadful cross*buttock, victory turned in his favour. The fall was so heavy, that the breath seemed to be all shook out «f the body of the navigator, and one of hit skouklers received a violent contusion. Twenty-sixth. — Sbelton was completely stupified, from the effects of the last round, and Harry merely pushed him down. — The odds now rapidly changed again, and Harmer for any thing. I'wenty-seventh, twejity-eighth, and last — ^The navigator was all but done and a blow from Harmer, on the side of his head, put a period to the contest, and he was decidedly finished in thirty-^ve minutes. It was impossible for oiore superior courage to Imve SKBTCH£S OF POOItlSM. 5& beeQ shown in anj battle wbateyer, tbao in tbe above between Harmer and S&^/foit, and a more truly sporting figbt was neter witnessed. It is true, tbe amateurs felt some degree of surprise fix)m tbe very iudden falling off oi tbe navigator, but Harmer, notwitbstandingy raised bis fame from his manly conduct^ and only won tbe battle from bis unbounded game and perseverance* Harmer, sbortly after tbe above combat, in company with Fuller^ crossed ibe water, in order to give tbe natives of France some practical ideas on the national sport of £nglisb boxing and, notwithstanding the excessive delicacy of this lively people, both tbe above boxers were liberally received. Their efforts are thus announced in tbe French papers — "Two English boxers have already given several representations in tbe Rue Neuve-des-Petits-Cbamps. Persons of tbe most delicate sensibility may be present, for these boxers do not strike so hard as to do each other any injury. In England, after every battle, one or two of the assailants must bie declared horz de combat^ and when they are obliged to carry him off the field, in a wheelbarrow, or on a shutter, tbe pleasure is complete. At Paris, we are not so .greedy, we content ourselves with a few blows, and tbe demonstration of them is enough.'' Harmer set-to with Fuller upon a stage, erected on tbe race couse, near Mont-martre, between the heats. The Duke of Wellington, was one of the spectators upon this occasion, and ordered five Hapoleons to be put into the hat. This was sbortly after tbe capture of Paris by the Allied Sovereigns, and a aumber of distiDgoislied' cbaracten belongiog^ to the varioas natioos also attended. At some of the minor theatres in Paris, the sparring of the above boxers^ not only contributed to 611 up the ballet of action, but were loudly applauded. The liberality of the French, however^ was far behind the contributions of the amateurs at Moulsey, &c. one lively instance presents itself :->an English officer^ a captain of the guards, went round to the spectators, on the raceground^ with the hat, to collect subscriptions for Hab- MBR and Fuller, and^ upon coming up to a fashionably dressed Frenchman^ he generously threw in a single sous. The officer, by way of a set-off for the liberal donation, immediately held it up in his hand, inA^ walking round the stage, exclaimed :—" Behold this very handsome present given by a French gentlepian !*' This nouvelle mode of ridicule had the desired effect, and the Frenchman, not possessing nerve enough to encounter such an expose, instantly took the hint and galloped off the ground, amidst the shouts and laughter of the populace, which was a complete mixture of English, French, Prussians, Russians, 8cc. From the near point of termination, respecting the battle between Harmeb and Shelton, the friends of the latter were induced to give him another chance, and he was accordingly backed to fight Habmer, on the 26ih of June, 18i6, but Shelton during his training, fell off altogether in constitution, and paid forfeit. In concluding this sketch of Harmbr, we are sorry to observe, that, within these last few months, (December, 1817,) he has experienced a severe dim- SKBTC1IB8 or PVOIU8M. W7 Best in one of hU eyes, ariatig^ it appears^ from a ooldt and which, at preseat,. aeems to .baffle all the superior advice he has bad opon the subject. It isr likely, if Hasmkr does oot recover from the eflEiecu of this circumstance, that he ^aunot enter the Prize-^ ring any more with any degree of certainty. He is #n inoffensive well-behaved man, and much respected by the amateurs in general. BILL NOSWORTHY, The Baker; (CONQUEROB OF THE RENOWNED DUTCH SAM.) The abdication of Bonapartb» in its proper sphere, was not more electric than the defeat of l)titch Sam, in the boxing world. The sudden devation ot NoswoRTHY, from this event, was equally as unex^ pected.as the rapid downfall of his opponent. Nos- WORTHT was scarcely known to the Prize-ring, excep« ting his battle with Martin, the Jew. It is true, he had obtained a few conquests in the Metropolis, but they were not considered in any other point of view than as private matches, and not witnessed by any of the distibguished patrons of the art. In tfce country he had been hammering a few of the clod' polet with success but, in the pugilistic circles, gene-^' rally speaking, he merely ranked as a second-rate boxer, possessing game of the first quality. However, the notoriety he acquired, from defeating Dutch Sam, render his exploits an interesting feature, wor* thy of record in the pages of Boxiana. dB BOXIAHA; OWLf Id fads boyiib days^ Nosworthy, it appemft, wasnot altogether unkBowD in Devoosbire^ both at s wrestler and pugilist* He was born at a place, called Keoa, a parish within the hundred of Exaunsteo of respectable connexiODs, on the Ist of May, 1766.^ He was raicber of an athletic prepossessing appear^ aoce, and extremely well made. In height 5 feet & inches^ and weighing about 1 1 stone. In diipositioni he was cheerful^ good natured, and inoflfensive but in the ring Nosworthy was a glutton of the first mould and fae aaust be no common caterer lliat could attempt to satisfy his inordinate appetite. Several sporting characters denominated him the ''Youno CmcXBii/* from some analogy he bore to the late H^* Pettrtc of miiUng memory. It was with the mate of a vessel, at Exeter, that the mUHnf qualities of Nosworthy conspicuously burst forth, when he had scarcely attained his sixteenth year. Some difierenoe of opinion oocurring between them, a regular $ t^ was the conseqoeoce. The mate flattered himself that he n^ould soon be able to chastise the lad fbr his presumption in thus daring to contend with a man« and immediately poured in a broadside, to induce the enemy to cry for quarter. The action was kept up with great spirit on both sides for a considerable time, and notwithstanding the brisk and heavy firing of the man of war to enforce obedience, the superior skill and tactics of the firigate prevailed, and ultimately compelled the mate to strike, by lowering his flag. It was a dearly purchased victory to Nosworthy, who had one of his arms broken. SKBTCBBS OF PITGILISM. A lidiiier, of the natnig of Pirimu^ MhoU taleats ektenii^ fturtker thftQ hUr i^mh, next eotered die Iwu wteh tbe te*er. Perijwi bad Ultratitcd aamt aotioe at £xttBr> from his nmliing qualims^ and fougbi a spiHced batUe wkh Noswobtht^ fbr twesty«five mioatei; at the end of wbioh period^ he wi^ sa dreedfiilly pmrnhed aa to be carried off the field. Jaik Tapkjf^ a fighting cobbler, who bad acquired some degree of reputation from hit knowledge of the fifty jeakmsly viewed the rinng fame of No^woethy in this part of the couolry> challenged the latter for a tfifling mm* The cnbiler turned out a good oru^ and fi&dght like a ber6 for half an hour, till not tbe slight^ est ofaaooe remained; bat ultimately found ihat be had gdtte beyond hie la^ I NoswoRTHT, soon after the above oonqueBtSi left EJteter» for* Weltingtou, in Somecsetshtre. A /rott*ifesome <:ttscomer of th^ nane oi Culver, who bad milUd aU the boxers at Wellington, soon o£^ed him-t self to tbe notice of NoswoRxirT. A match was made without delay, and it proved a ti tle^ and betting brisk. First round.-^n setting^to considerabie expectation was formed upon the talents of the Jew, who commeoced with much gaiety; but Nosworthyt on the alert, planted a tremendous hit on Martin's mouth, which not only drawed forth a profusion of chret^ but he went down.-rr-Loud shouting from the dead men ! S^ond. — ^The Jew, nior^ c^iutious than heretofore, sparred for advantage, but ultiniately he was again Jlgored. The two to one had now all ranished, and even betting was the truth of the matter* Third. — Nosworthy began to serve the Je«r in style, i|Bd bis bits told trem^douslvp Martin m^de a good round ol it, but fell rather distressed. The dead wen now opened their mouths wide, and loudly offered six to four on the Master of the Rolls. Fourth.— Martin, with much activity, planted good hice$i but NoswQr^by again flnisbed tb? rpund in high s(yl^. Fifth.*--^The braelile's 1196 ^ras p^pered^ and his bedy also m^ch punished, and Nosworthy, with great severitv, hjt him right through the ropes. Seven to four on Nosworthy. Sixth. — It would be superfluous to detail the remaining rounds. Nosworthy had it all bis own way; notwitbotandiiig, Mwiin resprted to his old method of falling, to tire out bis opponent. In thirty-six minutes the Jew was completely milled; and Nosworthy increased his fame as a boxer. One Bin Reynard, a good bit of stuffy and not altogether destitute of pugilistic acquirements^ flattered himself he could beat Nosworthy, but could not muster enough blunt to make the stakes of any importance to the baker. Nosworthy, above taking advantage of this circumstance^ agreed to accommodate Reynard, and a gallon of ale was to be spent by the losing man. This battle took place in Harestreet-fields, Whitechapel. Reynard fought he- SKBTCHBS OF FI70ILISM. 03 roicallji put id many severe blows, and felt as much interested to win tbe battle as if he bad been contending for thousands. He was altogether a goodman^ and not to be disposed of as a matter of courae» N0SWORTHT9 at lengthy proved the conqueror; but, in obtaining this title, one of bis ribs got fractured. It is necessary to observe, that neither of the oom*^ batants was in a state of convalescence to enjoy the gaUon (^ ale at the end of the battle. At Hyde^Park-Fair, in August, 1814, Noswior* THY, in common with the rest of his Majesty's loyal subjects^ repaired thither to enjoy the merriment and fun exhibited upon that meoiorable occasion. Our hero was not an idle spectator at this jolly, uproarious, never->to-be«forgotten, fSte! It appears he GOntribu<» ted considerably toward, tbe amusements of the day, and performed his part with the talents of a first*rate actor. In sis. different skirmisbes which presented themselves, be vifus strikingly conspicuous in them all* NoswoBTHY gave tboee playful commoners such ae^ vere remembrancers of their folly in attempting to mill a pugilist, by way of a lark, that they found it con*' venient. to brush cff in quick time and, when the sttenik soi-oiBANT hero was inquired for by Bill, to have another taste of his -quality,'' tbe Uade was missing, and Nos worthy left in quiet possession of the groRod, once more to smoke his pipe at ease, and drink the healths of Old Blucher and Plat<^, those renowned heroes of fighting memory. But the whole of his feats, put together, are nothing, in comparison with the notoriety Nosworthv acquired from the following oonflict.**-Sinoe the re- nowned period of Broughton and Slack no pugilistic combat, it appears, has occasioned so much contrariety of opinion, as the issue of the contest be- 'tween the celebrated Dutch Sam and Bill Nos- WORTHY, at Monlsey-Hurst, on Tuesday, December 8, 18)4. The unexpected termination of the above battle has so entirely overwhelmed the Sporting World with disputes, that nothing like decision seems to be obtained. The astonishment it occasioned at the moment, by the favourite having been so completely and unexpectedly dUtanced in fact, beaten out of the ring! The vexation since produced and the various sums ultimately drawn from the heavy betting Fanciert upon the Jew, in reproof of their better judgement and experience, have had such an effect, that not only the payment of bets was suspended, but stake-holders were also arrested. Tales, on the one side, as numerous as the Arabian Nights, have been told, respecting collusion** existing somewhere while, by the other party, it is as strongly con- tended, that Defeat was seen as clear as the sun at noon day J* If the following plain narrative of facts, with conclusiona drawn from them, balanced with care and discretion, and guided by nothing to extenuate, or set down aught in malice/' should tend, in any way, to remove those existing doubts,'^ the aim of the writer will be most perfectly accomplished. The pugilistic hemisphere experienced a most electric sensation from the defeat of the hitherto invincible hero, Dutch Sam. So confident were the Knowing Ones — so satisfied vf ere the Swells— and so. bang-up were the whole of the Fancy, upon this Digitized by(ioogIe mUl, that ^'Sam must win and nothing else!'' that 70UB to one was to be had from Duke's Place to Hyde-park-corner^ previous to the fight. Nor was this confidence in the least diminished upon Sam's entering the ring, but rather increased, with loud and repeated offers to any amount upon this once distinguished phenomenon in the fighting world. And SaM| it is said, felt himself so much at ease respecting this conquest, that he had deemed it unnecessary to adhere to the rigid rules of training. Five years had nearly elapsed since Sam had exhibited in the prize-ring. The curiosity to see him once more display his great pugilistic acquirements drew together an unusual number of spectators. Neither bad roads nor torrents of rain could check the interest excited by this battle. Vehidles of all descriptions for weeks before were put in requisition to reach the destined spot and pedestrians out of number were not dismayed in tramping through thick and thin, for sixteen miles, merely to get a peep at these boxing heroes. The vast collection of carriages on the Hurst excited the astonishment of every one present, and some hundreds were on the spot who did not even see the battle. Several marquees were erected for accommodation. The sum to be contended for, in a twenty-feet ring, was £50 a-side, and a purse given by the Pugilistic Club of 25 guineas. At a few minutes before one, Nos worthy entered the ring, attended by his seconds. Bill Cropley and Siherthome, and was loudly cheered for his confidence, in daring to face so acknowledged a boxer as the Jew. Sam soon followed, and received every mark of gratifying yot. II. F BOXIANA; 0», atteDtioQ from the surroundiDg multitade. Medley and Puu were his attendaots. A heavy shower of rain coald not delay their thirst for fame^ and the tig* nal for milling commenced. First round. — On the combatants approaching each other, and shaking hands in the usual way, the difference of person was so manifest, that an ordinary unbiassed spectator most have given the preference to the Bakery from the roundness of his frame, the firmness of his step, and the cheerfulness of his countenance. He must have been a novice indeed, not to have discovered the wietched condition of Sam upon his throwing off his clothes. His ribs were ipare in the extreme; his face^ which hitherto had assumed such a formidable aspect, and his fierce eyes that feemed upon all similar occasions to have penetrated into the very souls of his opponents^ darting looks of terror and confusion to their most pointed efforts, now appeared clouded with doubt and anxiety. It was aUogether a diffisrent frontispiece. Dejection, arising from debility, marked strongly its most prominent feature. As for his legs, (the general criterion of strength,) as if Sam had anticipated that the^ might be viewed against him, he, for the first time in his life, preferred fighting in gaiters and breeches. The tout ensemble portrayed in every point of view more that sort of character which required the careful assiduities of a nurse — than what Sam was atK>ut to assume — namely, the hero entering the prize-ring^ fully prepared to vanquish youth, health, and strength. But all these objections were as ^feather in the scale against the Jew. Weather oould not affect him. No one could pwmh him* He as hard as Cribb. He was no numnerist. He sel'to a hundred different ways. He altered his mode of fighting as circumstances required. Many seemed really to think; and plenty ware forward enough to urge, that Sam was as well, if not better, without training than undergoing that systematic pre* caution of invigorating the stamina. In short, he was the pkenomenon of the fighting world every thing but a losing man. The numeraui and bravie conquests Wkicb he Bad AchieyfedJIashed strong across their memory. The recollection that he had beaten all the best men for a series of years that had been pi^ed agahiit him, gave a double eonidence to their sanguine opinions. And wlMit wa^^ $i4|i now Called upon to perform at the top of his olort ? Why, SKETtllBS 6t l^UdlLISM. W merebf to enter the lii^s with a Boxer, who, to speak the best of him, was but of considerable obscurity. Who, for a nkyment, would listen to a comparison made between Noswortky and the hardy and brave Champion of Westminster^ that bM fallen beneath the conquering arm of Sam ? Or with that truly elegant scientific pugilist, Tom Belcher^ who had twice Surrendered up his laurels to this distinguished Jew. Cropfey, too, who ought never to be mentioned without praise, ranking as a superior scientific boxer, was tremendously beaten by him. And his last antagonist, Ben Medley^ possessing those sound fighting pretensions of true game and science, was reluctantly compelled to acknowledge the vast superiority of the hero in questton. The renowned Dutch Sam was once more before his friends. His mighty prowess was (Eigain to be exerted, in quickl^f removing any obstacle from his presence. And his fanciers were so confident of his adding another laurel to his brow, that bets to a most extravagant amount were loudly offered. To have named the Baker as having any thing like a chance^ was out of the qtieslioft but, at this t)eriod, to have proposed an even bet that Nosworthy won would have operated like a touch of th^ riditvkm^ and been laughed at, as betraying a total ignorance in roalteirs of sport. Such was the true state of things, upon tb^ combatants facing each other, and the great superiority of the Jew ^as now most anxiously expected to have been Witn^^Bed every inistant. The decision was near at hand, and the Blikc^r, eagei* to botnmence the attack, displayed tnore bf a valdrous spirit than scientific precision. In making play, his dktMdes proved incori^t, and ttvo blows fell short. Sam g^tited nothing by this opening. Nosworthy^ full of retolntioh, followed up the Jew, Appearing rather too rapid in bts m^tikiisr to taklg any partictilkr aiih, ahd seemed to pt^fbr WlUUkg away, thah trusting to those advantages that are sdmefhHei^t^oed in sparring to put iii k favouritls bibw. Sdih tetfd a slight hit opdn the Bak^t'b nclb^bnt, Miixkistk^f, U #Mt down. 3edohd. — ^tlie eagerness of the liaker to go in, appeared ib supersede every other consideration. He again hit^hort. Btit Sani did hot itiiss this opportunity, and returned righb iiid teft, drawing the cork of ttie Master of the UoBs. Jt^Tosworthy, it seemed, had made up his mind to mask the Jew, mi, in m hM^A t6 l^t ttl 9m, slipped &m fefl. Third. — The "baker, determined in his mode the confusion beggared all deacriptioa. The whips and sticks were laid on heavily, in ail directions and many a rude and uncultivated commoner smarting ua- der the unmerited lash, gave a hasty return, regardless of the fame ^nd science of bis ppponen^ In. ibfs course of about 12 minutes, the desired object wa^ attained, when the coml^at^nts pace more con^nenced ofTenaive operations.] It would, be superfluous, to detnl^ l^e i^emjaMsdj^r, of the rounds which, took;, pl^ce>, in. numher 9)>g.m 38. A complete sameness- pervaded, t^^ whole of ^pm and Sam, who, had hitherito port^y^d the herp*. ^QW scarcely exhibited th^ traji.t^ pf, b^. sepond-rat^ pugilis^. That former ferocity had, prpved. ap terrifying to his opponents was t^y no n^eana visible.; and ^eajt weakness and distress were ea^ly ipanif |^te4 by hio;! in the fight. It is curious to, rem^r^ th^t, hC; nexer once knocked down Noswoi^tht, bult, Qn.t hereon tr^^iry^ Sam was either lepelled, or went down every iQund^ with the exoeptioB of aboot three* Yet «till the friends of Sam, and particularly those denominated the Flath Side^ relying on his experience and judg^ menty flatlared tbemsekes it was ail rrght/' that he was aiming to bring down Nosworthy to his own piUk^ in order to obtain an easy conqaest, and gittr a good oppoftQiiity for betting. But, alas! they woefaily deceived themselves ! the m^ed^for change never arnved, and they ultinrntdy found oat their ecror in c«lc«laUn of Tom Belcher, his undaunted resolation and* courag6| from the commencement to the termtnattbtl^ of the fight, reminded many of the speolatot^ of that peculiar fbirte possessed so abuikdantly by th'^ foite j^iU Hiiopeir. The Baker is a two-handed hitter, and seemed perfectly aweihe to the business before him*, hygoiiigrin to Mii'i' away with the most perfect Mn^* froid. It was from this mode of attack that the J^e stood no chance whatever The strength of Sam, once so much tbe theme of his backers, was now Bussing, and he appeared only the outKne of his former tremendous character. The stamina were exba4isted« He ooold not knock down Noswobtht, or even hit blip away. I'his defeat of a great favourite may operate as a nsefol lesson in foture to the Knowing Qnes^ notwithstanding their great losses, if properly iippiied upon any similar occasion, namely, by teaching tb^i» to consult niscRBTioN, instead of being led away by infatuation I It should seem, that an opioioa bad been entertained that Sam never could be conquered. Youth and strength, if not generally, must, at certain times, be served; and never was the position more clearlj and decisively shown, than in the above instance. Sam was turned of 41 years of age, and his irregularities of life must have dilapidated as fine and strong a constitution as was ever possessed by man. His opponent, a young man of 28, was in good health, of great strength, and weighed a stone and a half more than the Jew besides, we are to take into the scale, that Nosworthy was not destitute of skill, and possessed an unimpeachable bottom, which had shown itself in all the battles he had fought. But calculation was out of the question. The game of chance, even, was completely lost sight of. To a certainty — to a certainty,** was the cry of nearly the whole of the Fancy and any opinion expressed in favour of the Baker was instantly silenced by 4 to 1, and treated as a want of judgement, and laughed at with derision and contempt Upon Sam's resigning the contest, a general consternation took place among the backers of the hero. If the Jews were weighed down with grief — the Christians were equally miserable and chap-iBllen at this unexpected defeat! So complete a cleaning out, it is supposed, had not taken place in the boxing world, since the conquest obtained by Slack. It is computed that> in different parts of the kingdom, one hundred thousand pounds, at least, were lost upon this battle. In the dismay of the moment, the exclamations of the losers were loud and vehement. 'Tis impossible !" said many. It must be a cross 1*^ 81LBi:CHS8 OF POQILISM. 78 said others* It was no more like S/im's usaal maa- Her of fighting than a mere Commoner!'' was expressed, till the ground was cleared. These and many more snch mntterings formed the principal theme of the conversation, till the numerous vehicles arrived in London, where the denominated Flats, who took the odds, were smiling at the sorrow, rage, and disappointment, exhibited by these soi-cZtsan^ Knowing-Ones! The combatants did not appear to be so much pw nuhed as might have been expected, when that mode of painting is recollected, in which Sam had hitherto so peculiarly excelled in his former contests, by ornamenting the mugs of his adversaries, and rendering it more truly terrific in their receiving such rapid tremendous hits, scarcely knowing or seeing from whence they came — as was expressed by one of his opponents, who had felt the Jew's mighty fist upoii his nob who thus described the racking sensation, That it wai like unto a thousand bugi crawling up and down the earofamanT But the case was altered; instead of giving^ as heretofore, he now received severe punishment* Sam must have suffered terribly from the repeated knock-down blows he experienced. But his frame was of so close a texture, that he did not exhibit those marks of punishment like most other men, which, in all his combats, was an incalculable advantage he singularly possessed over pugilists in general. It was an important point tending to proK duce victory on his side, by disheartening his antagonists, that however much they might mill him, their efforts were not seen to themselves nor the spectators, from SamU appearing fresh and unhurt. M boxiana; em. That the frieods of Sam hod veasoo to feel themwlTet deceived in the above coiitest^ there can be no dpubt, but Boeb a» c^piiiioo is strictly corrects He has i^BGBivBiv them kt thia partiookar point o vieww Instead of endeaTouving to repair the debility hiv oonstitotioD bad expcriewced from ndempesfome^ bjn a scrupnloua acttierencp to the systevi of TRAtv»N«y which thej httd natiirally a right to expeet from aj man, whom they had* bwked with sach lai^ sinnB> of money, and off whom they bad betted socfa graat odds; his eondoet was highly repvehevsible ia devia* dng ftom sBch aa approved ^tem*. Drivhii^ drams he preferred- toexeroise, and spending ika$ timB with hi» companions iw the smoky regions of the metropolis^ which ought to have been better employ** ed in imbibing the invigorating air of the country^ Whatever notions Sam might have entertained of hia own superiority over that of his^ opponent, from hia former successes, it stiH was hra bounden duty to have prepared himself in the best manner he was able, to have made the contest doubly sure, by eaUering the ring in good condition, than to have attempted frightening his adversary, by vain' and empty boasting* He should not have forgotten the good old adage: Be always prepared for thine enemy/'' k was thus his friends were deceiybd. Had Sam prdperiy attended to his tbainimo; had he viewed the consequences of this* battle in the light of an experienced veteran, bearing in mind> that hb had every thing to loie, and but little to gaij waa ty^ceamMyt, when it: was alsa knon&n to Mei^ bia antagcMiaat wm ahavie a iiovm that Hoswovwuy W%9 dn energetiie ho^es^ aapirisg to reach the /cfK of A^ (rce, and, if poatibley to wreat those bard earned lawels firoBi Sam which had sa often and desevv^tdiy djicked his ^ictonoas hrow* ihit the eoftqoeata of itie lattes had made hiaa forget himselE Fame and flatteiry bad cbealed him. His name was a termm Hk fnocity) was not to he Desisted:. The ipor$i99g pugilistic world thought, if not pronounced. Urn mi! LNERABLS. Thft whole race of pugilists viewed him as a pbeoomenoa amongst them^ Impressed with this character, it shcMild seem, latterly, that pooc Sam, in the enthusiasm of the moment^ '^had csept 90 much into favour with himaelf/' from what he bad ^herto dooe> that, he vainly imagined, he had nan pnly to appear in the ring, aud his towering £Etme alooe was sufficient to vanquish any pugilist who nugbt have the temerity to oppose him. Fo;UK to QUE was laid thick upon htin in all directions. This elevated him beyond his equilibrium. He staggered aider ita weight; and he at lesgth fell a vie** tim to too much self^mportanoe^^ aad ill«tuned fettery* Upon a revi)ew of the merits of the above battle, and to place the subjeot ia a dean and fttte paint' of *98 boxiana; oK» view for inquiry, the coustderatioQ muBt Datarally torn upon, Not what Sam WAS tit his farmer con- Uitt,*' but ^'whai Ae ISf viewing hit condition and mode of Jilting with Noswortut." TAa^, aod that only, can now be the question. That the Flash Side have been ceossed in their views of gam upon this fight no one can or will .contradict. That it was cross, and nothing else, or in more intelligible terms, that, for a certain consideration, Sam sold the battle, no person has yet come forward to prove beyond all doubt, either directly or indirectly, that such a circumstance had existence. If assertions could make out a CROSS to be the fact, they are numerous in the extreme. But no two are alike. In fact, it would be ridiculous to mention them, they are so vague and contradictory. The principal supposition** that it was a CROSS, seems to have arisen from the peculiar mode in which Sam fought. Notwithstanding it is admitted on all hands, that he was in bad eohdiiion ! And so much were his digestive powers out of order^ that his stomach could not contain the contents of his breakfiast, on the morning of the battle. The effects of good training are so obvious in renovating the constitution, and infusing a light and vigorous spirit toward victory, that a volume expressly written on the subject could not prove its vast utility half so much, as a practical reference witnessed in the efforts of the Champion of England and Tom Oliver. In all his other contents Sam was better prepared. The question is not fairly discussed. No merit is allowed to the Baker. All Sam's other competitors shrunk from his severe puntiAmeit^* but Nos worth y soon con* SKBTCSfiS OF PUGILISM. 77 Yinoed the Jew, that he coald not on\ j take but^oivE and might not this criterion, in a great degree, put' Sam so much off bis guard, and show bim so evidently deficient in his usual effective long works Twopoints out of three were also against the Jew, respecting tbe bad state of the weatber and the superior strength of the Baker. In point of science, Sammight be tbe best pugilist; but no one can disputetbat NoswoRTHY did not fight well. He stopped with considerable skill, put in his onb, two, with a punish* ing celerity, and for readiness to meet his man could not be excelled. It appears that Mr. Ephraim Jacobs, on the part of Sam, put down the stake of £M, and so confident was he of the Jew*s proving the conqueror, that upon receiving a letter from Mr. Jackson, promising tbe* purse of twenty-five guineas if the combatants complied with the rules of the club, be immediately advanced that sum, making tbe whole c£76: 5s. Mr. Franklin also backed Nosworthy for <£dO, and the whole of this money was placed in the hands of Mr. Pilch, who positively refused to become the stakeholder, but, upon much persuasion, consented to bold tbe above sum, till the day of battle, when he was to resign it into the hands of Mr. Jackson, in the ring, or some other person appointed to receive the same. Mr. PHch did not arrive on the ground till the battle was near commencing, and, in the bustle of the moment, Mr. Jackson did not take it. Mr. Pilch then saw Mr. Franklin, who informed him, that it had been previously agreed between the parties, that be should be the stakeholder, and he most consider him- MnttkNIk M, self hi tlmt DhnrACter^ when he saw tio m^m bf bim till lifter the fight. Upon the lermiiMtibn of the bat'' tte> Mr. Pilch gave the t^« C. purine to NioswoarHYi i^ th^ Toy^ t]ttiti|>toti-(;oart^ and where Franklin bI^ reoeited the £\00. Mr* Jacobs celled npoci Mr. Pilch the next mornings in London, and e^cpressed his satisfacliM at what he had done> considering the money put down by bitn as lost. Mr. Jacobs, accompanied by a friend, it then appears, called upon Mr. Jachson, to receive the purse of twenty-five guineas he had advanced, and which sum was immediately paid to him. But on some conversation taking place between Mr. Jacobs and his friend, he almost instantly requested Mr. Jackson to take back the money, which request being complied with, they both quitted the house. It is important to remark what follows -^A meeting took place soon afterwards, at a well known sporting house, in Tottenham-court-road, where a partial agreement was entered into that the bds Aould not be paid^'' and a message was sent down to Mr. Pileh's to that effeet. In consequence of xhh meeting, it te supposed, added to the clamoui^ with Whieh Mir. J^ct>bs had be^a assailed by his ^wn people (the Jews,) he was induced to send a letter, at ekren o'clock w&illy answered, By Cot! Bill, you did, against my will! I wbuld.have knocked your head off if I could^ but in that small ring you never gave me a chame^ to win. I{i one of forty feet it might have been in my favour/' The effects of each other's punishment was then compared. The blow, that Sam received on bis breast^ ia the fourth roQud, was so severe that be never recovered from the injury during the fight^ and it ultim^ely turned the scale against hiou NoswoHthy acknow* ledged Sam was the hardest hitter he ever contended against. He received three blows upon his nob that materially damaged his becollection for a short period and one also upon his breast of so penetra* ting a nature^ that its mark a^d effects, were npt.en- Ij forgotten at tl^e expiration of a weekr I^o^woe^ THTy on part\pg with th^ J^w, generously, gave bim. a bank-note. NoswoBTHY was nearly epterit>g the ring without a second, had not Crqp^, and Silvertborne undertook to see him through the piece, the person proqdising to fulfil that essential character in a prize-^ring having disappointed bim. Silvert/tome deserves much credit for his candour to the Baker, whom be informedi when asked to come forward upon this occajsion, that be bad betted six pounds against him, but nevertheless observed that Noswortht must not l>e lost, and if be entered the ring with him, be would act like a man. Silverthorne did sq. Having now laid facu^and '^documents'' before the public, little more remfMUs, tp offer than asbort recapiiulatioa of the case, by way of condition. It bas been asserted, that '^tbe. Jew never lost bis wind !" Is i| possible that any man, even in good conditi<>» SKETCHES OF PUGILISM. B5 fied any proof being broaght of bis having lent himself to the views of any party to bring about an improper termination of the late contest* Like many others, he had to lament^ that having filled the pockets of bis own people and numerous persons in the Sporting Worldi while victory crowned his efforts, and their praises flattered him to the very echo, Dutch Sam was thm invulnerable; but no sooner bad the cAancf turned against him — the once great con que*- BOB being conquered — and not only suffering under a severe beating, and distressed from the total desertion of his friends, but he was denied even the small consolation to a defeated man^ of having done hik duty/' and stigmatised with reproach and disdain, to make his pugilistic exit still more cruel and afflicting to him, whose great fame had once out-topped every other boxer in the annals of pugilism. The fame Noswobthy acquired by the above battle, soon produced challenges from all quarters, and, on June 16^ 1815, he entered the lists with one Scn^^m^ a little hardy tar, just returned from sea. In this contest Noswobthy proved himself a game boxer, but in every other respect as a pugilist he had not the slightest chance whatever. His friends, however, attributed this defeat to bad condition but the Fancy, in general, insisted upon Noswobthy*s want of scientific knowledge, and, in conquering Duich Sam, that he had merely gained it from overwhelming strength. Noswobthy was matched to fight Curtii, but the declining health of the former boxer induced him to pay forfeit. M BOXIAMA^ OR, It appears, NoawoETHV moBt grievously felt the loss of his short-lived popularity as a great conqueror^ and he never recovered bis^ wonted spirits. Dissipation and exciess of drinking, to drown reflection, hastened him into a oonsumptic^, and in the last stage of this frightful disorder, within a few days of his decease, by the assistance of some friends, he was enabled to quit the metropolis for Lympston, in Devonshire; but, on the ^th of October, 181 6» at Exeter, he received his final knock-down blow ! Noswortht's connexions were extranely respectable in Devonshire. He soarcdy outlived the Jew three months. DUTCH SAM. Now, ye Pugilists, listen to what Wit may say, And while the sun shines, boys, take care to make hay, For the hoar will come when your vigour must fade, And Fortune, ye know, is a slippery jade. The partition's but flimsy' 'twixt Glory and Shame, And braTO Sam, Ifte Napolxon, is now lost ta Fame ! The above pugilistic Champion of the Jews was not only a very prominent feature among his own people^ but of equal notoriety and Fakcy throughout the Sporting World; and his death havipg occurred since the conclusion of the first volume of this work, the following additional anecdotes accpmpaoy the notice of that event. Dutch Sam» so denominated in the boxing circles. SKETCHES OF PU«1LISM. 87 was bom of Dutch parenu^ in tlie a^igfabofirhood of Peiticoat-laoe, Whitechapeli on the 4th of Aprily 1775; but hk proper name was Eli as Samuel. It waa one Bill Shipley, the hero of the Broadway (or touing-up ground), Whitechapel, a man weighing nearly i4 8tone> that Sam first encountered. Shipley bad beat every one opposed to him, and was a .scientific fighter. He laughed heartily at the presumption of Sam in offering to box with him-^and treated the Jew in the most contemptuous manner, by making Sam a present of five shillings to stand before him for only ten minutes. The Jew pocketed the cash with the utmost sang /roicf, and, after a contest of fifteen minutes, Shipley experienced such severe punishment, that he was compelled to acknowledge the vast superiority of the arm of this iron-like pugilist. Warren, a boxer of some note, was also beat, with great ease, by Dutch Sam. It is curious to remark, that the first four rounds of the fight between Sam and Britton were well contested but Sam recovering from rather an inebriated state, and understanding that Britton was a plant upon him, dealt out his death^like punishment so rapidly upon his opponent, that he was ultimately Jinished in style. Sam's conduct throughout this fight was truly singular: — in milling Britton dovrn, Sam, in a manner peculiar to himself, frequently went off his legs, in order to get alongside his opponent on the ground, then, patting Britton on the back, exclaim- 11^, with a smile, vhat, you are a plant, are you? 0 help my Cot L I'll soon plAkt youf And once ^riog the battle> when Britton was rushing in to mill Sam> the latter treated him with the atmbst cootempc/ by holding up both his bands^ calling out to the spectators— Sec, see, thU plant wanh to kin meT and then, with the most perfect indifference, hit Briitom cleanly down. Five years had nearly passed away in complete dissipation and intemperance upon the part of Sam, since his battle with the game Medley, when he, for the last time, entered the ring with Notworihy, at Moulsey, December 8, 1814. — The good advice of the POET had been totally unheeded by him — Though I look old, yet I am strong and lusty; For, in my youth, I never did apply Hot and rebellious liquors in my blood: Nor did I, with unbashful forehead, woe The means of weakness and debility Therefore, my age is as a lusty winter. Frosty but kindly. Four to one had been betted on Sam previous to this fight, and it is certain that he was backed when fighting till near the end of the battle, by the best judges in the pugilistic circles, that he must ultimately win. But the above defeat ruined him, and he sunk into dejection, misery, and want. It has been too much discussed to resume it here Nay, then, farewell ! I've touched the highest point of all my greatness. And from that full meridian of my gloiy, I haste now to my setting. Sam, in point of frame, upwards, appeared more like a man weighing 14 stone than what he actually did when fighting, of only g stone 4 lbs. never exceed- SKBTCUBS OF PUGILISM. hig eight. Hid shoulders were extremely athletic; h*is arms exhibited fine muscolar quality; and his tremendoiia looking fists seemed as if composed of adamant, foretelling, as it were, to his. antagonists, the heavy mUling they were likely to encounter, in fighting with a hero gifted with such extraordinary boxing requisites. His skirmishes would fill a volume, and the following humorous anecdote may be depended on Sam, in passing through Wapping, one evening, when it was almost dark, observed a poor Jew and a sailor fighting, and, upon inquiring the cause, he was soon recognized .by the unfortunate Mordecai, who had been levelled yerj often by the rough son of Neptune. Sam stooped down to pick up the Jew, when he whispered in his ear, So help my Cot, Sam, I can't fight any more !" Hold your tongue, you fool," replied Sam, at the same time falling down by his »de; yoo get up» and pretend to pick me up, and I will let fly at him." This imposition was practised with success, and Sam went bang in with his one^itto to the Jack Tar, so that he was floored in a twinkling. The sailor, upon getting upon his pins, roughly exclaimed, d — n my this is not the same man I was fighting with, it is another. By the elements, his blows are like the kicks of a horse. 111 have no more of it," and insuntly bolted, when Sam went off laughing at the trick. It is impossible correctly to ascertain the number of battles in which Sam had been engaged but it is most certainly within compass to assert, that he fought above one hundred. 90 boxiama; or, Sam^s coQstitvboQ cirigiDalljr was of the fiDest qvaliiy, aDdhk strength anbotrnded. The 6bj he fbught with Croplof, he asserted, that he was able to attack an ox. The Game Chicken once affronted Sam/ when the latter in formed that foraridable boxery that he could not beat him in a quarter of an hodn In private life, Sam possessed a good deal of comic humour; and^ from the feats of agility he often performed^ there is no doubt but he would have made an excellent down* He passed much of his time, latterly, in the service of Saunders, the celebrated eques* tvian, of Bartholomew-fair notoriety. He suffered considerably in his illness, and died in tbc'LondoD Hospital, on Wednesday, iuly 3, 1816,' inrthe forty-^second year of his age, and was buried on the 4th/ in the Jews' buryiog-groond. Whitechapel, ^wiihoui the boardi ! As a boxer, perhaps, it isnot incorrect to observe, that take him for all in all/' while he lived, he had no equal; and viooe his demise, there is none like- him^'oh :ibe list. 'By. his acts 6f intemperance, biastamiaa was completely ^exhausted. JACK POWER. The skirmishes and battles of this scientific Pugilist are recorded in Boxiana; but his demise* having taken, place since the cIosq of the first volume, we cannot pass it over without offering some tribute to his memory. But, before' we proceed any fiurther. -^RBTCHBS Ot PUGILISM. 01 we bave ta observe, that, in either bestoirtBig praise <^r ^xpressiiig oeDsoire,«we are guided only by astrict impartiality aod rigid adherence to truth.' Jack Powlbr was no common -boxer, and at one period of bis life bid fair to' ha^e proved him* self Ae first Pugilist on the roll of iktne, had not the hand of death arrested his progress. As a l^stone man, he was confessedly the best boxer of his day. Intemperance whs the rock on which he split. His tonsfituiion, originally good, was completely undermined, from the pernicious effects of dram-drinking. Poor Jack was a most distinguished favourite of the Fancy, and much care^ed by the higher patrons of the Science. It was this circumstance that caused his ruin. Their praises elated him beyond measure tiut it was their excess of friendship in too copiously treating, or, in more plain terms, ginning him, that ultimately proved his destruction. The greatimpor-* tance to a Pugilist in possessing a strong stamina, it should seem, never occapted his attention fbr*a single moment, and, like too many young men enjoyibg a good state of health, he entertained the erroneous opmion that nothing cOuld hurt him. With spirits of t^ first order, and peculWly attached to company, he was fond of Jceeping it up— always a prime lad for mpree-^hui for a laki^ — To him a frolick was a high delight, A frolic he would hunt for day and night, Careless how prudence on the sport might frown If e'er a pleasant mischief sprang' to view, Ac 0OC0 o*eir hedge and ditdi away he flew, Kt>r left the game till h<^-had ran it down. Of boxiana; or, He saflfered moch from these irregalarities aDd ^tttA lining. His constitation, at length, became touehei, and, from the rupiare of a blood-vessel, he became seriously iDdisposed. In fact, his recovery was for soQie time doobtfal bat, by the aid of country air and good medical advice, he returned to the metropolis in excellent spirits, and his health appeared materially improved. Power's physician, however, warned him of the serious danger that must ensue to him, should he ever be induced again to enter the ring; but Jack, whose penchant for milling has never been exceeded by any of the professors, only laughed at these admonitions, and was not to be deterred from fighting by any systematic prudential maxims. Dreading that the charge of a white feather'' should be levelled at his character, not all the advice of his most intimate friends could prevent him from accepting the challenge given by Carter. The backers of the latter boxer were induced to lay it on thick against Powbe, from their knowledge of bis weakened constitution and more especially in being supported by the opinion of a celebrated anatomist, that Jack could not fight half an hour, from hit con- 9umptiot state His manhood in this fight was above all praise. His superior display and knowledge of the science astonished the oldest and best professors of the art and the spectators were lost in amazement at beholding a man continuing a desperate conflict in direct opposition to his nature. His mind outlived his strength, and Jack was determined that he would either conquer, or be annihilated in the attempt. His dariing fame was now completely established, by the SKBTCHB8 OF PtTOILISM. U9 most experieoced of the Fancy, who had hitherto expressed some doubts about his capabilities, geueroasly retracting their errors^ and all united in viewing Jack Powbr as most unquestionably entitled to tlie appellation of a first-rate bottom and scientific pugilist. It is true that he proved the conqueror; but it is equally true» that he lost his life in consequence of this battle. From being stripped in the open air for nearly an hour and a half^ the severity of the weather afflicted him so seriously, that, for several hours, his frame did not experience the least warmth whatever, notwithstanding the best medical treatment was resorted to in endeavouring to remove this frigid oppression from his person, his blood was so chilled tha( animation appeared nearly suspended. His sufferings were so dreadful, that he observed, all the miUing that he had received in the whole course of his pugi« listic career was trifling, in comparison with the pain he sustained on his return to a state of convalescence.'' He, however, was not long in returning to the metropolis, to receive those congratulations which his noble courage had so justly entitled him to. The supporters of pugilism gave him a most flattering reception, so that Power's time was principally occupied with the pleasures of society, and the enlivening charms of the bottle. Power was no churl, full of good humour in company, and his song was always ready when called for to support the cause of harmony, though invariably chaunted in the praises of ndUing P* At a sparring exhibition, which took place at the Fives-Court, soon after the above fight, when Jack merely looked in as a visitor, and Carter was present. 8e?«ml «f Ifhe amatevrs expresaed a wish to witDeas. a HtrtQ between tt^m. It proved a sharp cootest but the superiority wftfl< decidedly in point of science^ as in the fi^it, in faroiur of Powea, A pubiia dinner^ in honour of Powi&r's victory took, place at Mr. Davenport's, the: Three Pigeons^ Hoiiad«di,ich^ when Jack presided^ supported lfy> Tom Cri^b* Conviviality was -the order of the day aad, upon the introduction of Cart^^ ibe behaviour of PowBH to his fallen adversary was attenttye, gen^. rous, and .manly and^ ou his departure, strongly reoommend^d hi«i to the i attention of the JPof^y in general. Sow after this i period vb^ rapidly, declinjed^ and endeavoured to recrCiit :hii when .his spirits ;were rather good^ he would id>8erve^ ,'Met me but get a little better, and I'll show the lads how to fi^ht.; many' of those\ that pre^eiuf to teach it> scarcely know aoyf thing about th^ sound- principles of fmUtfi|g;-rthey/'are only fpar^eri V In tl^e pugilistic circle, Jacip was. a distinguished SKETCHES or PVOILISM. 05 feature; and some time> perheps, mliy elapse, before ao exact Uloeoess is omet with. He comniQnoed boxer ajnere stripling; and in his 'opeoiDg fight with Dog^ keriy portrayed i such superior sdeoce in puniiUng that tfoly goiTie pQgilisty as to astonish every person who witnessed the miU. It would have proved a superior trial of skill between Tom< Bdcher and Power; and it is thought the latter would have stood, at least, upon equal terms with that elegant pugilist. PowBEhad no personal wish to enter the lisu with Belcher J and expressed the warmest friendship for Tom^ but had the match been made, his reputation would have been at stake, and Jack declared, he should have entered the ring with cheeN fulness and alacrity/* This celebrated hero of the fist died at the premature age of twenty-three years, on June S, 1813, and was respectably interred, on the* 7th following, in the hurying-ground of 9t, Giles's-in^the-Fields. He has left a widow and one child. TOM OLIVER, the Gardeoen If we were enabled to trace with accuracy the various CAUSES, which have induced numerous individuals to aim at eminence, in every sphere of life, it would not only form a work of much singularity, but of considerable interest and entertainment. Denton, the celebrated mechanic, for a considerable period after he attained the age of manhopd, had not the smallest idea that he possessed any talents for mechanism, till 96 boxiana; oh» chance directed him to view the speaking figure^ theo exhibittDg ID London^ by foreigners his great geoins in this respect immediately unfolded itsdf^ and he thought he coald make a better one. He accord* ingly attempted it, and the difficoities, however im-; mense, by perseverance, he overcame. He was an entire stranger in the metropolis, having no workshop^ and without any tools when he commeqced his labours, but ultimately he succeeded, and brought to perfection one of the completest pieces of mechanism ever exhibited. The celebrated Mrs. Cowley, also, upon seeing a new play performed, commenced authoress, and obtained a long and distinguished reputation. And Oliver, the gardener, who had been digging and planting all his days, upon accidentally witnessing the ndll between Dogherty and Silverthorne, observed, if you call this prize-fightit^, VU be hanged jf I don't think that I can fight a little bit r The name of Oliver has long been familiar in the pugilistic hemisphere for game and science. The noted boxer, denominated Death,^ whose numerous battles and superlative mtftng qualities operated as a terror to most of his opponents, bore the name of Oliver; and, since his fighting period, Oeorge Oliver, the sawyer, has also gained some brave conquests. Tom Oliver (erroneously called the Baitersea gardener) was born at Breadlow, in Buckinghamshire, in June, 1789* He left Breadlow, a mere boy, in 1804, and came to live with Mr. Baker, a gardener, at Milbank. It was during his being in this gentl^taian's service, that he made his debut as a boxer with SKBTOHBS OF POOILISM. 97 Kimber, when his master, rather apprehensive if Tom entered more extensively into pugilism that bis business might be neglected, had it intimated to Oliver that, if he fought any more, he must quit hjs servitude. From his success in this battle, bis penchant iot milling was not to be deterred by this threat, and he left Mr. Baker ultimately, to pursue bis own inclinations. Oliver's first attempt at milling, it appears, was in the prolific dominions of the renowned Westminster chief, Caleb Baldwin, more explicitly known by the name of Tothill-Jields, with a man of the name of Kimber, a stone-mason, from Walham-green. His seconds upon this occasion were SUverthome and Byrne. The sum contended for was two guineas aside. Kimber was the least man of the two, but it proved a truly severe conflict, and continued with unabated hitting for one hour and forty minutes up and down, through thick and thin, till they were so completely covered with blood, mud, and filth, owing to the previous wet state of the weather, that it was' impossible to recognise them* If Oliver did not make a scientific display of the principles of boxing, he conspicuously exhibited one of the great requisites of the art, namely, true game. He was pronounced the conqueror and the poor stone-mason returned to Walham-green, never to recover from the severe effects which he had received in the above fight. But the inhabitants of that place were so pleased with his courageous conduct, that they purchased him a doiiket/, which he continued to ride upon as long as he lived, which was not more than a year and a half. VOL. II. H 96 BOXIANAS OR, Oliver's second engagement also took place in Tothill-fiekts; with a fighting cove, denominated Hdpping Ned (Brown), The sum fought for was four guineas a-side. Oliter, rather diffident of his own abilities^ when pitted against a scientific pretender, proposed that the loser should receive two guineas hf way of consolation fordefeat but Ned, confident in his own opinion, and flattering himself that the battle must terminate in his fitvour, completely scouted the idea of it, and declared the original sum should go to the conqueror, which was ultimately agreed to. fiut suth i^ the uncertain fate of wai^, that Hopping Ned, who had congratulated himself with what ease Md dexterity he would serve out the gardener, was, in the short space of a quarter of an hour, so completely MiLtBb out of all coticeit of his fighting, thai he was reltictantly compelled to cry out, enough! and if we might judge from appearances, Ned was rather sorry he had been so confident. He was now cbn«vinced of his error, by retiring severely jmntsfi^cf, with^ out enjoying the benefit of the two quid. OliV^R wad so much in ob«;urity at this period, th&t the fighting men present seemed rathef shy in secondir^ him upon this occasion, and a novice must have peS formed thiat office, if Siheftkome and old Dick HetU had not appeared, and stepped forward to bring their friend tfatt>ugh the piece ! Ota the 2d of June, 1812,Olivkr fought with Harry Lancaster, at Newman's Meadow, near the turnpike, ^t Hayes, Middhe^x, for a subscription^pufse of twenty guineas. Cateb Baldwin seconded Oliver, and Paddington Jones attended upon Lancaster, The DigitizecLby SKBTCHBS OF PWILISM. t 99 latter boxer, iD tompetitioa with Olivbb, a(>peared insignificant in the extreme. In fabt> on the part of Lancaster it was a most contempUble fight. Oliybk was every thing, and, in the short space of eighteen minutes, he was proclaimed the conqueror. So easy a thing did it appear to the spectators, that il wtas the general opinion Oliver could have won this babtle without taking off his clothes ! Oliver, somewhat more experienced, now entered the prize-ring with Ford, for a subscriptfon-pur^ of tifenty guineas to the winner, and five guinefit to the loser, on the .6th of October, 1812^ at Greenfordcommon, Middlesex. Caleb Baldwin and Siher^ thome were his seconds; and Tom J he received from Oliver, who had got his head under bis left arm. Cooper was much distressed by it. Fourth. —The scene was now materially changed, and Cooper played his part with so much judgement, that it became even betting. In a desperate rally. Cooper planted a terrible hit, and, as Oliver was going in to return the favour, Cooper measured his distance so accurately, that he again hit Oliver between his jaw and ear, with such tremendous force, -that he went down as if he were finished. Cooper took the lead most decidedly in this round. Fifth. — The admirers of game and manhood were most anxiously interested by the bravery of the combatants. 6oth claimed equal attention. If the one was brave, the other proved himself equally courageous. But Cooper appeared to have the advantage also in this round from the great facility with which he used both his hands. He hit Oliver to the ropes, where be was thrown.^-Betting stationary. Sixth. — ^This round was bravely contested. A severe rally took place between the combatants, but terminated in favour of Cooper, who got his roan down. Notwithstanding the manhood displayed by Oliver, it was evident he bad not got the better of the severe blow he received in the fourth round. Seventh. — Cooper put in a tremendous blow upon Oliver's eye, just as he commenced a rally. This round was also bravely fought. Several heavy hits were exchanged, when Oliver was thrown. Eighth. — A small change took place. Cooper seemed rather distressed, and Oliver appeared getting fresh. A long and kammermg rally occurred, but Oliver had the best of it, and Cooper went down exhausted. Ninth. — Cooper now showed he was no stranger to the science, and adopted bis master^s (Richmond) phm of hitting and getting away. He, with modi ddroitnes^, put in a body blow and got away, but the Gardenerwas not to be had upon this tfoUmg mmt; by watching; the manoeuvres of the enemy, with vigour and caution, and by bis prudence, he gained the best of the round, and threw, his man. Tenth. — Cooper now appeared much exhausted, yet his game was good. Oliver, perceiving the chance was in his favour, lost no time in going-in to put an end to the battle, when Cooper VIM levelled. — Oliver^ the winning man, five to one. Eleventh. — Oliver showed himself a tery cool and steady fighter, possessing good judgement, and most determined resolution. He was now winning fast, and again sent his roan doWn. The exertions of Cooper were manly and firm, but his strength %vas so reduced, that he could not check the successful career of his antagonist. Twelfth, — Cooper now only stood up to receive punhkment. He was so much exhausted, that his blows produced no efiect upon Oliver. Thirteenth and last. — It was pitiable to view the gomeoeM of Cooper which induced him to make another effort, as he was now so milied that be could not stand up, whereupon Oliver was declared the conqueror, in seventeen minutes. Two such boxers do not often meet, and it might be observed, it was the best and most evenly contested baule that had been witnessed for a long time. Bravery and scienee crowned both their 'efforts. The game of Oliver was most clearly manifested with Ford, but his visible improvement toward scientific excellence claimed peculiar attention. He is a cool, steady, and confident, boxer, possessing, therefore, the great requisites toward victory; and be used both his hands in this fight with much greater facility than heretofore. The:severe checks he received from Cooper in the fourth, fifth, and sixth, rounds, were enpugh to terrify most men, but did not deter Oliver from proceeding to become the conqueror. X^ooper^ although defeated, must be viewed as a pngislist of no commoii pretensions. He is a diffident young man, and this operated as a sort of drawback to him during the mttf.— This was his second attempt, he having but a short time previous defeated Harry Lancaster. Cooper is a first-rate pugilist, a hard and quick hitter, and possesses courage of the finest quality, and unence that gives him a good place among the list of PRIME boxers. Olivbb, in conquering Cooper^ had acquired considerable fame, and was deemed an equal match for Patitter, a pugilist who had distinguished himself by two recent conquests, and was looking forward to higher honours. When this match was first made known. Painter, being the heaviest man, was rather the favourite, but on the night previous to the battle the odds had changed 1 1 to 8. On Tuesday, May 17, 1814, they met at Sheppertonrange, for a purse of £50, given by the Pugilistic Club, to be contended for in a 24 feet ring. Oliver was seconded by the Champion and Clarke and Bob Gregwn officiated for his firiend and countryman. Painter. At one o'clock they set-to. First round.^^Upoa stripping^ the clear appearance of diver satisfied every one that he hiul been trained to the highest pitcJi of condition, ^nd his arms, from their handsome mu^ular form, were a perfect study for any anatomist, atid he attracted considerable attention. Painter was equally conspicuous; atid two finer young men never entered a ring. The anxious moment bad now arrived, and the spectators were watching with eagerness to perceive on which sidtt the first advantage.would be obtained. Oliver commenced the attack by making play with his left hand, which was returned by Painter, but too short to do any execution. Both now rallied with high spirits and determination, during which the idare^ was first seen trickling down Painter's face. In endeavoaring to put in a right banded blow, Painter, not being correct in bis distance, missed bis man, wbicb brougbt them to a close, wben Oliver immediately got bis opponent's nob under bis left eLTm^ ^fibbed bim considerably, and ultimately threw Painter. More anxiety displayed than betting. Second. — The most determined resolution appeared on both sides, and the spectators were well aware, from the characters of the pugilists, that victory would not be obtained by either of them at an easy rate. Oliver with much dexterity put in a severe hit upon Painter's mug^ who returned sharply with bis right A most desperate rally now commenced, when it was perceived that Painter left his head too much unprotected. Oliver, awake to every chance that presented itself, pimished bis opponent's nob terribly indeed with his left band but Painter, with considerable adroitness and execution, planted a blow on the head of Oliver that instantly seat bim down, its force was not unlike the kick qf a horse, from its sharpness and severity. Impartial betting. Third. — From such a tremendous kit it was truly astonishing to see Oliver so ready to bis time, when Pointer, somewhat flattered from his last effort, made play, but bis distance proving incorrect, Oliver returned by planting a heavy blow in bis face. A rally now followed, in which so much determination was exhibited, as to excite the greatest surprise in the most experienced pugilists. It lasted more than two MINUTES, without any advantage to either of the combatants. If bottom was at any time portrayed to its greatest extent, no boxers in the world ever put in a higher claim to it than Paint£11 and Oliver, who undauntedly stood up to each other, giving blow for blow, till their beads were terrific and their bodies covered with blood. The science of Oliver at length obtained the advantage, and be now adopted the Cribb system of mtUijig on the retreat^ and punished bis opponent's NOB heavily, till Paidter fought his way in to another rally, wbicb, if possible, was more determined and severe than the first. This second rally seemed rather in flavour of Painter, who hit most tremendously, but be was checked in the midst of his career, by a severe body blow that nearly lent him down, but be collected himself up a little, and continued fighting till he fell from weakness.-^Sucb a complete determined mUUng round is not to be met with in the Annals of Pugilism, and there was mure execution done in it than in many fights of an hour's length. It was enough to Jtnisk any two men. By a correct stop-watch it continued FOUR MINUTES AND FORTY-TWO SECONDS ! Fourth.-^On this round it might be said that the hie of the battle hung. Science was now wanting to recover from the, severe uinding that each of them bad experienced in those last two desperate rallies. Oliver was convinced that systematic precaution vas necessary, and ndliing on the retreat was again by him successfully adopted. He now nobbed his opponent dreadfully with his left hand, and Painter incautiously followed Oliver, literally throwing away most of his blows, which, had they reached their destination, must have done terrible execution. Painter was evidently much distressed by this retreating system, but, at length, put in a tremendous right-handed hie upon Oliver's eye, and appeared getting rather more fresh in his wind. A spirited rally took place, when some heavy blows were exchanged, but Painter at length fell exhausted. Two to one was loudly vociferated upon Oliver. Fifth. — Oliver kept the advantage from his system of fighting, by reducing the strength of his opponent in almost every rouyd. He Mt Painter repeatedly without receiving any return, and his left hand was continually at work. Painter still kept pursuing Oliver, although so terribly mUkd (ff at every step^ and he at length fell upon bis face. Sixth. — This round was rather more evenly contested, and, in rallying. Painter put in several good hxts both right and left, when he fell from weakness. Seventh.— It was now demonstrable which way the battle would terminate, and Oliver appeared so much at home, that he punished his opponent in any direction he thought proper. Painter did every thing that a gcmte man could, but he was so severely milled and exhausted, that in making a fait he fell down on one knee. Three to one but no takers; the battle was brought to such a state of certainty. Eighth. — Painter was quite done up, and Oliver finished the contest in prime style, by mUUng his antagonist in every way that he presented himseli, and then with a right-handed blow finally knocked him down. Painter could not be brought again in time. They were both pttnished in the extreme, and Painter was quite blind, and bis nose beat fiat upon his face. Oliver's body was terribly beaten, his head much disfigured, and one of his eyes nearly closed. IU6 boxiana; on, Ufpon Oliver's being declared tb^coDqueroryCrt66 took him up in his arms and carried htm round the ring in triumph^ when he received universal applause. Oliver deserved it. In conquering Painter he defeated a hero of the first mouldy whose fine gaine aajd true courage was never excelled. But game alone seldom wins in opposition to superior science it may prolong the battle. Painter sqfiered. severely from his distances proving incorrect. During the battle he missed nineteen hits; and, in one round, Oliver put in five severe blows on the head, without receiving a single hit in return. Oliver i^ a fine looking young man, and weighed, in the above fight, 12 stone 7lb. and is in height 5 feet 9 inches and three quarters. In every battle he has successively risen in fame and shown more science, but with Painter, however desperately contested, it appears, that he felt within himself less danger of being beaten than in any of his other five. In the early part of his training, (for which he was indebted to the peculiar skill, care, and attention of Captain Barclay,) the severity of fatigue he experienced rendered him unwell, but when his fitch was correctly ascertained, bis constitution wi^ so finely and vigorously tempered, so much spirit, lightness, and sound stamina were infused into bis frame, that it was thought he eould have fought an hour without much difficatty. It is astooisbing what cotifidence men are taught to feel, from thesuperior system of training pursued by Captain Barclay. Id fightingJElmicr^OLiv.ERappeaced a mere novice but in his battle mih Hopping Ned, a promising SKKTCHBSl OF PUGILISM. t07 tyto. With Harry Lmdaiter, he rose above the AiHmfihg ^omnoner. When TbiL £oogbt Fordf, he completely sfadwed-ihfttfae 'bad good ttuf^ in hiat^ and proved himself a stauack bMom i^an.. In his severe conflict with Cooper^ an improving and steady jiyoxer. Against Painter^, he proved his claim to the appellation of' a first-rate pagilist; and it was from this pro^eMsive state 'tif pugilistic acquirement^ and Oli- TfiR*8 superiority over Painter that he w^ considered equal to any thing open the list; not even the Cham* pian was excepted* In iapt, so high were his capa* bilitoes rated^ that before Carter offered himself as a cuUeVner, OiiirfiB had^ displayed great anxiety to enter the lists with^Jom Cfji6;^and it appears^ that some conversation had passed between those mighiy heroes of the fist^ as to the propriety of a meeting to decide the subject. But success^ at length, deserted Oliver^ and he was compelled to surrender his hard-earned laurels to the Lancashire Hero, at Carlisle, on the 4th of October, 1816, after three to one had been betted iipbn him' with the utmost confidence; yet, notwithstanding the forilier viotorions triamtdw of Oliver, hie spirited conduct in the above deficit, ought not to lessen that high estimation^he once held. iu the sporting world. It was equal to the bravest of the brave! In concluding this sfcetcliy it Is but cbmuKm justice to observe, that Oliver^ in point of civility and godd behaviour, yields to fio pu^Ust whatever; atid^ in dispoMtldii, be is also truly inoffensive^ Tom must be viewed altogether as a' sportitig man; and a more prolific catenpr for the amateurs, it seems, is not to 108 boxiana; or. be found amoog tbe pugilistic circles. The yariety he affords is nnbouuded^ from his continual production of walking matches, — foot races, — trotting matches, —scientific dog-fighu, &c. and the admirers of buU^ baiting haye also deriyed great diyersion from the frequent exhibitions of his game^buU. This cunning animal was baited before the Grand Duke of Russia, for a silver collar, at Coombe-wood, given by Lord Lowtherf.BnA afforded bis Imperial Highness great amusement. Oliver, too, has brought forward several candidates for the prize-ring. In short, since the fighting period of the renowned Caleb Baldwin, Oliver has been looked up to, as the Hero and Champion of Westminster. His house, the Duke^i Head, in Peter-street, is a place of much resort by the TANCT in general. NED PAINTER. Ned is a boxer of the old English stamp— a stand-up fighter, and boldly meeu his man — a very glutton in appetite but hh forte is more conspicuous at in-fighting with his opponents than attending to the advantages of hitting and breaking away, although Pain- "^TER, it appears, derived considerable improvement uqder the* tuition of the scientific George Head. However, at all events, Ned is a customer not easily to he served out and he that attempts to perform this achievement must possess milling pretensions of no mean quality. His person altogether is prepossessing, and not tbe slightest particle of ferocity overclouds SKBTCHB8 OF PUOILISM. 109 bis coantenance; but, on the cootrary, good nature beams tbroagh every lineament of bis face. In bis general deportment Painter is mild, obliging, and communicative; and only to be dreaded ia actual combat. He is in beigbt five feet nine incbes tbree quarters, weighing about thirteen stone, and, when divested of bis clothes, his fine athletic frame exhibits (it was supposed) much anatomical beauty. His arms possess great 'muscular strength and few men, it is said, can throw half a hundred weight any thing near the same distance, with such comparative ease, as Painter performs this feat. This interesting hero of the fist is a native of Lancashire^ and was born at Stratford, within four miles of Manchester, in March^ 17B7, and brought up in the capacity of a brewer. His connexions are said to be extremely respectable. Ned, it seems, from a casual turn-up, in the yard of the Swan Inn, at Manchester, when quite a stripling, with a big one," of the name of IVilkins, first put him on the alert to become a boxer. This Wilkins was a fellow of prodigious strength, of a quarrelsome disposition, and, added to his possessing a trifling knowledge of pugilism, that he not only insulted at various times several persons, but willed many of them afterwards, who had dared to dispute his powers. Painter, not dismayed from the well-known character of his adversary, struck him so hard and fast, that in a very short time fVilkiftt had all his impertinenct taken out of him, and felt glad to give up the contest. Ned's master, who witnessed the fight, complimented him upon hia true courage, and the spectators, in genera], ad- 110 BoxiAVA; on, mitted he had displayed good boxing raqnisites. la a dispute, that occurred a few years afterwards with some of the heavy dragooos, quartered at the above house, Nbd fought two t>f the best men among them, and gamed both conquests, with such ease and style^ that he was considered able to meet some of the scientific class of pugilists* Upon Car/er'<. exhibiting at Manchester, PAiNTSRy at the solicitation of several of his friends, wps induced to have a sei^to with that distiaguished boxer; and, from the. rough spect* men he then gave with the ghve$f several amateurs entertained an opinion that he possessed good stuff, and only wanted a tittle inore wdence and experience to enter the price-ring, with' a tolerable degree of i^atiix. Painteb, iC sieems, in consequence of this good opinion held: of him, visited bis /rieqd Bob Gngton, m London, (during the letter's occupation of the'Cdstle Tavern, Holborn,) at whicii period Bob might be viewed as an independent caterer for the PAKCY. Gregton, always anxious to promote the interest of his countrymen, did not suffer any great l^igth of time to elapse before he procured an opportunity for Painteb to make his debtU^ which took I^ace on the 23d of August, 1813, at Sit. Nichola$, near Margate, in Kent, (in the same riog that Hornier and Ford bad fought in,) with one Calfen, au Irishnnm, mone than sir feet in height, from Kilkenny, for forty guineas^ Paintjkr was( seconded by his friend Qreg9on and Clarke and Cohen, was waited upon by Joe Ward mnd Hall. Upon setting-to, like most neiw onei, his confidence was evidently more conspicuous than bis dispd^jiy of the science. From his efi^erneas SKKtCBBS OV PUGILISM. Ill also to ghe, and continaally fighting with bk opponent| stopping his adversary's blows seemed Dot a consideration and, owing to deficiency of this advan*tageous scientific trait, a great portion of severe punishment which he received, might otherwise have been avoided. The appearance of Paddy Cohem ex* cited macb risibility, his slimness of form, and long yisage, ghastly smiling through his battered nob, wap not altogether unlike the renowned chivalrous knight of the woeful countenance, in search of heroic adventures. The Irishman displayed more science than was expected and had not his frame been so lathy, be mighty perhaps, have given a better account of tbe ending of the fight. But the heavy nulling of Painteb was more than he could resist, — it took the lead, at length, over his knowledge of boxing, and thus was the cAanra against Cohen. Paddy is far from an inferior boxer, and received a good share of applause during the conflict. Painter, notwithstanding the very great attention of his second, bled so copiously that it was impossible to keep him clean. At the expiration of 40 minutes Ned was declared the conqueror. Painter, from the above success, claimed some attention among the amateurs, and was at length matched with Alexander, the gamekeeper, for sixty j;uineas, at Moulsey-hurst, on Saturday, the 20th of November, 1813. Alexander had defeated the game Ford in such good style that the odds were 5 to 2 upoti him. Greg9on and Tom Owen were seconds to Painter and Joe Ward and Tom Jones waited upon Alexander. At one o'clock the men sei^to. First round.*— Painter gave evident signs of improvement^ and immediately went to work with both his hands. The Gamekeeper, equally on the alert, hit Painter on his head. Some blows were exchanged, when Alexander went down, from a slip, on his knee. Second. — Some caution observed before any blows were exchanged. Alexander did not show himself off in that su- perior style which had been anticipated, and Painter proved himself an equal, if not a superior, tighter than his opponent. They fought their way into a close, and, in going down, the Gamekeeper was undermost; 5 to 2 had now vanished, and level betting was the truth of the affair. Third. — Both of the combatants on their mettle — reciprocal heavy exchanges occurred in a sharp rally, 'and Painter was Fourth. — Milling, without ceremony, and hit for hit took place. It was the evenest and best-contested round in the fight. The Gamekeeper planted a desperate blow upon Painter's ear, that staggered him from his position. Both their nobi^ from the heavy pumskntent they had received, were rather metamorphosed, and the claret was first seen on Alexander's face Painter went down, from a son of slip. Great f Fifth. — Both terribly distressed at the scratch. The effects of the last round had completely winded them. Alexander was soon down. Betting had now taken a turn, and Painter was the favourite 2 to 1. Sixth. — The superiority was now decidedly on the part of Painter. Alexander endeavoured to keep pace with his opponent, but had the worst of it at every move. In closing, the Gamekeeper was thrown. Seventh. — Alexander took the lead in this round. He nobbed Painter twice under the ear, without any return. Both Eighth. — Both of the combatants appeared to have outfought themselves, and sparred for wind. In closing, both down, but Painter uppermost. Ninth.— It was now a blinking concern between them, their peepers being materially damaged. The gamekeeper's right hand appeared to have given way, and he made his blows at random. Painter took the lead in fine style, and finished the round hj JIuorwg his adversary. This was the first knock-dowQ blow. Tenth.^Painter still kept the advantage but^ in closing, Eleventh. — Alexander 'contested his ground ably, but Painter had the best of the hitting. In struggling to obtain the throw, the latter experienced a most severe cross-buttock. Twelfth. — It was altogether a sporting fight; another change had taken place, and the Gamekeeper appeared the freshest roan. Alexander commenced play with increased spirit. A ^desperate rally took place, in which Painter received a severe blow again under his ear, and he was ultimately thrown. Thirteenth. — The Gamekeeper kept the advantage, and also brought into play his left hand, which had hitherto been neglected. Painter exhibited great weakness, and Alexander improved this opportunity with considerable skill, by putting in some good blows, and ultimately obtained the throw. Alexander was again the favourite, in point of betting. Fourteenth. — One of Painter's eyes was completely closed, and the Gamekeeper did every thing in his power to put the other into a state of darkness, but, in thi^ attempt, he was Jhored so severely by Painter, that he went down not fore- Fifteenth. — In favour of Painter; but both down, and Alexander undermost. Sixteenth to Twentieth. — These rounds were all in favour of Alexander, who fought with his lefl hand at Painter*s halfdosed eye. The latter stood up manfully to his opponent, but he seemed incapable of administering any effective punuh" mmt t9 bring the chance in his favour. Alexander was the best in wind and strength and was booked as the winning man, and 3 to 1 was boldly offered in his favour. Twehty-^rst afid last^-Such is the uncertainty of war, that although victory seemed within the, grasp of Alexander, yet, from a slight well-directed hit at the mark^ Painter was announced the conqueror in a twinkling ! It positively electrified the Knowing Ones (who had so recently sported the odds agsunst Painter) to witness Alexander staggering away firom his opponent, who fell down, and could not be brought VOL. lU I to time. The heads of both the combatants were terriUy j Oliver. The following l^h^Ueogf w^ i? ng-^rmed man qf cohur, aged d7 years, who made his deb^ in the ring, firom the oasutd offer of a puf ie, al Coombe Warren, on May dd, 18l6> wHh aa old black Bia»of rather a kdiorob ssatun^ From bis H^*U/if s^On afterwards, with CSpopdr aald Oliver^ at the Fivcs-Coiirt, il was 'thought h^ displayed som6 capabilities; aad his fig^ With JSoMfuan, at ]>onDaster, not only confirmed this opiniony hot produced him numerous patrdns. He also fought a man of the name of Dtmn, for an hour and seyeis minntesy in the streets of Deptford, with soooess^.' SuU(m was* well known to be a desp^cate puniAer^ without fisar, possessing great stKngtb, a penetvating eye to diseet his effortiv tolerably well thought of by the miliing fiate^nity^ The above heroes' Bset on Wednesday, the d3d of July, l<817, at Monlsey-buTSt; nor do tikt seosivo annau iaooid ft gveateit exhibitioo of pugilistie heroism tbata the above batde. The Vario«i6 raml^iomii^a of the Fancy were never more tnteresHed than wpon Hhe tetomioation of tkie above achieyement. h was altogether te exhibition of the truest courage^ Each hefo proved a host ia btmself^— a fine display of Kienee, and g^me of the richest quality, emphaljically marked the result. The amateurs of LctncaAire were most highly excited. SKBTCABS or t>UOII.ISM. It9 and the recent exploits of one of her favour^ ite heroes over articles of colour y had emboldened them confidently to look forward, in the present instance^ for an increase of fame. The blaek fanciers were also apon the alert to witness the tremendou$ capabilities of a second Molineaux developed. The immediate attraction, however, was Ned Paik- TEB^wholiad conqueFed in two battles^ but, in the terrible conflicts with Oliver and Shaw,he had been defeated. He was» however, known to have generally improved, and^ for some time after the match was made, for twenty-five gubeas a-sidcj in a twenty-four feet ring, and a purse from the Pngilistio Clnb, of the same sum, bad been decided, Ned was the favourite, 6 to 4. Painter showed himself near the ring,sittiDg an a basket* a considerable time before the Black appeared in sight* In fdot, be was sent for by the Commander m Cfhief. Sutton^ at length, came forward with hia second, and threw up bis hat in the riog^ and he was soon followed by hts opponent, performing the same act of defiance. During the time Painter was employed in taking off his clothes, SuitoH never took his eyes off his person, surveying Ned from head to foot. Cnb6andfian72fr secondedPAiNTSR) anATomOUver and Faddington Jones waited apon Sutton. The anxioQs moment had now arrived (ten minutes after one), the combatants and seconds shook hands toge« ther, and the battle immediately commenced.^-Both men appeared in good condition but. Painter look^ ed somewhat thin.'^S to 4 offered upon Sutton. First round. — Some trifiiDg sparring occurred, and Siittoa't long arm stood out like a may-pole, and, upon iiM whole, hit frame looked tremendous. Painter hit first, but not efliective when they both got to hammering each other «im« ctremonie an<] arrived at the ropes. Here Ned fibbed his opponent severely, until the strength of Sutton enabled him to break away. The Black now rturneed to the attack impetuously, but without judgement, and got nobbed preciously for his fury, till Painter went down from a slight nit or a slip. Second. — ^The men were now both upon their mettle, and the tremors of a first round had subsided. Notwithstanding the Black's long arm, the science of Painter prevailed to that extent upon Sutton's upper xoorksy that he seemed to possess a body without a head. It was almost a question whether he knew that he was in or out of the ring. A desperate rally also occurred, and, in closing. Painter endevoured again to fib his opponent. The Black caught hold of his hand to avoid pmtiikmeni, and ultimately Painter went down. Third. — It is impossible to describe the execution which took place on both sides during this round. If one was bold, the other was fearless^— it was hit for hit, in the most finishing style of boxing in fact, it was truly tremendous, and the amateurs were now convinced that the man of colour possessed dtvir enough for any thing. At length. Painter planted a body blow wim so much severity, that the Black was missing in a twinkling, and seen gasping for breath on the ground. The uproarious applause £at took place was like a fire of artillery,^ the confusion of tongues immense,—*' That's the way to win, by boy!'' and 20 to 10 all round the ring upon Fourth. — It is true the Black was brought to the scratch, but his breath escaped with that rapidity from bb lips, like a pair of bellows with the greatest haste. This was a trying round for both parties, and Painter seemed to have out- fought his strength. They almost tumbled against each oUier, so much were they exhausted, till they again got into determined milling. Here Painter gave Sutton such a tremendous f»f7^/fr^ that his head seemed to leave his shoulders for nearly a quarter of a yard, and it also exhibited the rapid twirl of a Bologna. In closing. Painter exerted himself in fibbing his opponent; but Sutton resolutely disengaged himself and throw his adversary. Fifth. — Painter now appeared bleeding, and half-minute time was too short for the men to appear any thing like them^ selves, so furiously had the battle raged in this early part of SKETCHES OV PUGILISM. ISl the fight. This round, however, was decidedly in favour of Painter, and he stopped the temerity of his opponent in a sciendfic manner. He gave Sutton three such heavy facers, Ihat the nob of the Black did not seem to belong to him, «Bd he gallantly finished this round J by sending his opponent down. The applause here was beyond every thing— -it was a tumult of joy — and in the ecstasy of the moment, 7 to 1 was offered. It was now the espreased opinion thtit Ntd would win the battle in a canter. Sixth. — The fight must have been finished in this round, or^ at least, he would have rendered it certain, had Painter possessed sufficient strength. The Black could scarcely leave his second's knee, and had it not been for the skill of 0\»en, he would not have been in time to meet his opponent at the scratch. They both stared at each other, and appeared fit for any thing but miUing. However, they went at it peU meUf and Painter received so sharp a blow on his left eye that the claret run down in torrents. The black also got such a nobbcr that he was quite abroad, and moved his hands after the manner of a puppet pulled with strings. It was all chance work, and Painter went down. Seventh. — Painter tigaiin faced the Black, and had the best of the round, but he went down. Eighth. — ^The Black endeavoured to bore in, but he was stopped in fine style. Painter rniUed him in every direction, planted three facers with ease, and finished the round by levels Ung Sutton. Great shouting. Ninth. — Both extremely distressed, and notwithstanding the many fto^^tf the Black had heretofore received, all Painter^s work in point of appearance went for nothing. Sutton's/ron/ seemed to defy all hitting. Painter was bored to the ropes, where, in struggling, both fell. Tenth. — Snitonjloored his opponent from a tremendous hit in the chest. The partisans of Sutton here manifested their approbation in turn. Elleventh. — Painter's exertions in this round were astonishing. He had it all his own way. He nobbed the Black so repeatedly, that his arms were of no use to him, as he could not place himself in a position, and Sutton fell from his exhausted state. Twelfth.— Some blows were exchanged, but materially to the advantage of Painter. His exertions were more than his strength could support, and he ultimately went down. Hd BQxumAi on. Tbirt0enth,^^$uttan IimI been so much bealen abocil the heady thai he seemed Id a state of 8tuf»or and tiimb" might have been vociferated in vaiD, had not his attendant rmised him into action. He was liierally pushed forwaed^ to mtel his opponent, when Painter kept paying a«pay at his n^b^ tiU he actually weat down from weakness. Painter planted eight ^fiaeers in soccession, wichout ejiperiencinf any reHirn. FofnrteeMh t& tiKa SeveHfemAu — In the finf three rounds Painter went down, but, in the last> nbt^ilbstan^ng brs bad state ef vision^ he rnHkd the Black so sucoessfuUyy.that Sutton measufed his length on the grass* Load sho«»tiBg, atid Painter will yet wio» waa frequently asserted. Eighleeiif h.-^In tbts distressed state, a tMy ocetrrfed, and Faifiter mm^fltmed. Kineteeuth.— This was a most (lingular round. It was any body's baitrle. Both (be men were dead beat. The Black rofned away from Painter on his making a bit and soon afterwards Painter turned from him in turn, and went down. 2 to 1 upon Sutton. Twentieth. — Painter not only made some good hits, but, in closing, he Jibbed Sutton sharply, and dropped him. Twenty-first to Twenty-third. — Painter was down in all these rounds, although he had the best of the hitting. But he w«s distressed beyond descriptiorr. Twenty-fourth.— Painter seemed to have revived a little, and made a desperate hit upon the nose of Sutton, xhziXjloored him so dreadfully upon his back, that his legs rebounded from Che etfrth. It appenred like a firdtihety and he w^s got upon th« bn^d of hts second with eonsklerable difficttlfy. The odds ftow chaaged i^in in fmrouF of Paints, ttnd approbation loudly testified. Twenty-fifth to Thirty-first.— It was astonishing to witness the desperation whh which many of these rounds were contested. Painter showed the most science, but the Black's strength was more than could be reduced, and' the former was down almost every time from esdiaualion. Thirty-second to Fortieth and last. — Piintier was almost blind^-^estitute of strength, and althoogh scarcely any recoHeetion left in him, during the him the imu\ 9 of %tct<»rjp/ U wa4 streogtk «Joiie that won it. Aad it is due to Sutton to promulgate^ that a fairer tighter never entered the ring but H is inote pletotire to iMMfti thM tm ^aMgcfiieiif #hflte»cir oocwrmd vtspMkt^ bit ca20iir« lojpvtUlit^ was the order of the day. Painter was led out of the ring; while Sutton Wked fi^om the se^ne of ftdioti Without bid clothes, 'the tmt% hated 49 tektates and m half* A lilyeMd tubseriptiot^ WftH gathered, by Mr. Jack* ipoo, foi^ hitf on fbe gi^iiAd. He rettn^ei} tdr Bekket^i la tfei«r fVetaitig» Wb^re tbe tifogt considerate atteiliioA liras paid tof hhn. He e^rpcrteiirced no body hlcfira of eomseqtreince httt Ms head arid armaf Were terribly beaten. Paii«t£%9 ahhongh defeated, has xidt faHen in tbe eMiMation of his Meads. His courage watf equal to the task be had td accompftsh — in point of science, he was far sorperior to bts opponerit-^btit in quantwn of strength he was materially deficient. It was a complete sporting fight, and the odds were eontimially chaAgTDg. Two better men never bad a meeting; and a more determined battle could not be witnessed. Sutiom has raised himself in the opinfioti of the amateurs from tlie above victory and he is considered to have evinced as mnch phtck, if not more, fhan any man of colour that has ever exhibited. Though his exterior did not show ibuch punishmtnff yet his cheeks, from the contindai miUing they experiencedf, bad a sort of rainbow appearance. He is not likely to itoiain long in a state of inactivity, and wiU now confidentfy prove a desperate aatomer to any one who dares contend with him. His prodigious length of arm is of great advantage toward winding and be is pronoanced, by tbe be^ infbrmed upon this subject, to be the hardest hitter on the present list of boxers. Sutton owed his success greatly to the management and prompt determiaation of his secondi Tom Oliver. Painteb never fought any thing like so well before. He stopped fifty blows at least with his right hand and also punished Sutton severely about the body. Upon the whole, it was one of the evenest contended battles that had been witnessed for a long time, until the last seven rounds, when, during some of those. Painter strained every effort to turn the chance in his favour. What the human frame could perform towards obtaining conquest, this determined boxer attempted. He actually fought till nature refused to move. So much regret was never expressed upon the defeat of any pugilist, as upon the present occa^ sion, owing, it is thought, to his inoffensive disposition and respectful behaviour in society at all times. Painter possesses good speed in addition to his milling requisites, and has proved successful in some foot races. Scrogginst it seems, entertained an opinion that he could beat the above big one'' the distance of one hundred yards, for a handsome wager. The race took place near the Archbishop of Canterbury's Palace, Lambeth, when a good muster of the Fancy attended to witness the exertions of this little confident hero; however, Painter not only distanced him in good style, but turned round, smiling, beckoning the little boxer to follow him. Painter also beat another competitor opposed to him with equal success. In a TRIAL op STENGTH, in a field belonging to the White Hart, in the Commercial-road, near Stepney, on March 21, 1817, for ten guineas, half a dozen SKETCHES OV PUGILISM. 125 of wine, and a good dinner, against a gentleman of the name of Donovan, upwards of six feet and one inch in height, in quantity equally proportionate, and possessing prodigious strength. Painter, with the utmost ease, and without taking off his great coat, threw half a hundred weight to such a distance, that Donovan, after making every preparation, lost his throw by 18 inches and a half. Painter, as yet, has beat all his opponents at throwing the heavy weight, in England, Ireland, and Scotland. Springs a fine athletic young man, was matched by Scroggins to run the distance of five miles against Painter, for ten guineas. It was a hasty bet on the part of the latter, and was undertaken without training. The race was decided, on the 7th of November, ldl7i from the four mile stone on the Essex road. Painter merely jogged on before Spring at starting, when the latter took the lead and kept it for nearly two miles and a half, the distance of running out, Painter keeping close at his elbow, compelling Spri$tg, as it were, to use his best speed. Painter now shot by him like an arroWy touched the handkerchief first, and returned, running the two miles and a half in. Spring was so dead beat, and out of wind, at the corner of White- Post-lane, three miles and a half, that he could proceed no farther. Painter continued to run in gallant style, at the rate of ten miles an hour, and arrived at the place of starting, at the expiration of thirty-five minutes and a half. The above feat, for a big one" like Painter, was loudly cheered on his iouching the winning-post. IM sokiasa; m, BILL RICHMOND. A merrier man, Within the limits of becoming mirth, I never spent an hour's talk withal. FiYft yieaiB bad aearljr /elapeed sioce this Hes^o of THE Black Work Jb»d exhihiled Iq the pru^ringi; 9Dd bis cMfideapeared in en^eWeut loooditioa, and laobfld im>re IMce a 9xa«i of thirty than what be actually waa^ fifUhtpo y^ars of age! He weighed 1« stone 2 lb. a«4 JDas^ii, 12 stone iO]b. but the latter was ih/^ fancM aru^9 la^d batting, {^refioas to the fight, wa« 11 tp 8 and 5 t^ 4 nppo k^m- f}avifi,f^6i^, (tall, |H>werfi^I, young, athlet^;^ «avig4- AOTi it 8feni3, bad ikmmpad bis w^y iaco ppthcm?^ by 4am»g levisn eii^ht ofisiwvexs wUb i^lemUe eaai?.; bat be was 9H>9t #gre^ipas)y miat^ea ip entafyig Usts wi^ RKB QV<>f SecQp4^i;at« pagiljf^, :ff jititang apl'FiAN ^^pi^inoimn, i^ipst Apt atlenBj^ ,to bpic iwii^ EiCAMovp a^ awaWer^cwrse* b»a^b9Pi iirstp^9t$ atoady tTnT&r jtb^^ c |f be aeiNuppjUhes tbis tpsk. in half ap i^mfj it m^ P9it ba 4loubtad ibftt be bia» m^ %k^ XB^t^ of bis |hdik. When the age and activity of {U^PMOiK^fl^Kf^lfi^ into consideration, if he cannot be pronounced the SKBTCnBg 4MP TOOILISM. 12V very vt^tsT boxer of the d&y, it mnst^be obserTed, he stands not a great way down the list. At all events be i$ wi extraordinary ipugiliit, and a proper danger^ ous ctistatner for any of the millers, "however distinguished iy practice and science. The above heroes ccmteiided for the £r9t £50 parse given by the Pugilistic Cl-Ub, at Coombe-'fVood, on Tuesday, May 3, 1814. Evsery iWng was cooj^ acted with appropriate attention congenial to the pa«r«noge bestowed upon t^ occasion, which was much more conspicuous than heretofore. The members of the £Uab wj&ee dressed in ibeir ttoiform (blue and huff)-; and those persons who were appointed to clear the outer ring, wore dark blue ribbons in their hats to design^ate their appoiBtmePty tending to preivent any jiort of ,qonfusion, beoBUse, at other trmes, men so acting iia^e been challenged with officiousness. The stakes and ropes were entirely new and upon the former the initials of the CJlub (P. C.) were painted. Three ropes went ronnd the ring, whicli was 21 feet. Davis entered first; he tluew up his hat, bowed to the spectators, and was ^ell received. Richmond soon followed, paid the like attention, and was equaUy applauded. Their sejconds now bogan ,to petvibrm ,their office, Joe fVat^d and Dick Whale for Da^s; and Tom Belcher and BUI Gibbons for Richmond. It was a sun-shiny day and the toss fior the shady side 'was won for R»chmomd. A few minutes after one the set-to commenced. First round. — From the well-kuowa science .pqiMsiod iby EichiBODd, and his peculiar forte of iiiii$^ and fettingaway, coQsideiable interest was excited upon tb» setting-to of the combatants, Davis beii^ under tbe guuknce of the veteran JoK Ward» it was presumed by the Ftmcn^ that the Ntnigaior would be made moake to the dangerous mode of attack pursued by his antagonist, and to be on the alert by endeavouring not to be CUT UP and $poiU before his own powers could fairly be brought into action. Davit did not want for confidence, and made a good hit with his left hand, which was stopped by Richmond, who also returned right and left, but without sny material effect. Davis, anxious to make a beginning and full of vigour, followed up his man, and with considerable adroitness planted a smart hit on Richmond's temple with his right hand, which knocked him down instantly. Betting took a lift, and 7 to 4 was loudly vociferated upon Davis. Second. — Both combatants rallied with great spirit, and some heavy blows passed between them. Richmond drew the cork of his antagonist, and the claret profusely followed, but, notwithstanding, the man of colour was again levelled. — Two to one was sported upon Davis in the exultation of the moment by the inexperienced but, the more cool better was too well aware that such proceeding was rather premature. Third. — Richmond began to show off a little the mastery of the art, by miUing the kob of his antagonist severely and getting away but Davis with much resolution^ bored-in, when, after closing, both went down, and Richmond the undermost. Fourth. — Richmond rallied in fine style, and with his left hand put in a most tremendous blow, which irritated Davis so much, that he suffered his passion to be uppermost and returned furiously, but, his distance being toe short, Richmond went down from a slight touch of the mouth. — Davis bled profusely. Fifth. — ^The science of Richmond in this round burst forth so conspicuously, that the doubtful were now satisfied of his superiority. Confident in himself, and with his science and courage united, he nobly opposed a rally, and go^ axconf with uncommon dexterity, by pusmhing most terribly, at every retreating step, the head of Davis. The Navigator in pursuing him threw nearly all his blows away, when Richmond, quite unexpectedly to his antagonist, stopped short, and planted so. severe a teazer on the mouth of Davis that sent him quickly on the grass. Even betting. Sixth. — Davis, from the severity of the last round, was unable to gain any advantage over Richmond, who again took the lead in high style, by fmUing and dropping his antagonist. Sevcnlb. — ^The roanner of Davis was now rather uiipropitious towards winning, and he appeared evidently distressed. His temper also forsook him, and he still incautiously kept following Richmond, who milkd him in every direction, and, at length, put in so tremendous a blow upon his jaw, that his senses seemed bewildeied and his confusion was so great, that he made blows without any sort of direction, till he hit himself down under the TOpes, Eighth.*-* Davis, in rallying, hit Richmond slightly on his mouthy when the latter kept punishing his adversary severely and getting away; but, in closing, Richmond went down. Ninth. — The inferiority of Davis was manifestly apparent. In science he was by no means equal, and his strength was much reduced by the art of his opponent. Richmond continued bis retreating system with great success, and put in so weighty a blow under the ear of Davis, that he was instantly levdled* Tenth.— This round was of little importance both closed and fell, but Richmond undermost. Eleventh. — Richmond, in this round, completely spoilt his antagonist. Davis was going in to smash the Black in haste, but he met with such a stopper right in the wind, that completely changed his course he reeled again. Davis now closed, by endeavouring to throw Richmond, which be accomplished, fell down upon his rump, his head lolling towards the ground, completely rolled up, and distressed beyond raea- Bure. Twelfth. — Had Davis possessed the strength of a giant, it must have been exhausted by the mode in which ho fought. Notwithstanding the severe remembrancers which he had received in the preceding rounds, and bleeding in all directions, he had gained no experience from it, but still kept following Richmond all over the ring, hitting wide and losing himself. The Black kept punishing, but received no punishment, and who kept retreating, retreating, and retreating again, and at almost every step made woful havoc on the nob of his adversary, completely showing to the spectators what might be accomplished by sdentific movements. Richmond, at leagth, suddenly made a stand, and, by his distance proving correct, with his right hand he hit tbe mouth bf Davis with each uncommon severity^ as not only to separate his upper lip £rom his nose, but be went down like a log of wood.— Nume* reus betters, but no takers. VOL. II. K Thirteenth. — It was plain that Davis was ns&rly^nUhed^ he appisared stupid, and his efforts were feeble. Richmond put an end to the combat, by knocking hina down with such severity, that his legs rebounded, and he was partly under the ropes. Davis could not come again. Upon Richmond's beiug declared the conqueror, he^ with all the agility of a tumbler, leaped over the ropes, which were nearly five feet in height. He received little if any hurt except a blow on the temple and a slight touch on the mouth while, on the contrary, Davii was so dreadfully pumtked that he could not standi and was supported off the ground. The battle continued twenty minutes. Richmond remained on the ground, during the sports of the day, without suffering the slightest inconvenience from this conflict It was scarcely imagined from the advanced age of Richmond, that he would ever fight any more prizebattles and, upon a battle being announced between the man of colour and the navigator, SkeUom, great surprise was manifested by the amateurs, at the vast disparagement between them. The latter pugilist being little more than half the age of Richmond, and possessing all the advantages of youth, strength, and science. It, however, created so great an interest in the sporting circles, that, on Tuesday, the Ist of August, 1815, upwards of ten thousand persons assembled on Mouisey-hurst, to witness the abovementioned trial of skill. OUver and Painter seconded the veteran man of colour and Cribb and Clark waited upon Shclton. It appears, this battle originated in a quarrel between the combatants and so strongly did SKBTCHBS OF P^IUSM. 181 it operate on the feelings of Shelton, that he posit;ively refased to comply with tbe ndtiat custom of shaking hands with his opponent/ previous to their setting-to. But uppn the ChamphnU declaring he would instantly quit the ring if h^>dtd not, Skelton laid hold of Richmond's hand^ and the fight commenced, the odds being 6 and 7 to 4 on the man of colour. First roand.->-Shelton, from his eagerness to be at work, missed bis adversary in making a blow, and Richmond also bit short but the man of colour soon planted a severe hody blow with his left hand, when Shelton with great readiness not only danuiged one of Richmond's peepers so sharply, that the claret was seen trickling down his face. Shelton, full of resolution, fought his way into a rally, which was well contested, and the navigator was thought to have the best of it. Richmond went down from a hit. The betting immediately changed, and evenviBM the order of the day. Second. — Richmond, anxious to return the favour he had received, planted a hit so clean and dexterously upon Shelton's mouth, that the blood followed like drawing the cork of a bottle of wine^ Shelton positively appeared like a person electrified, all his masticators seemed to have left him, and he went down like a log.— Great shouting, and 2 to 1 offered upon the man of a)hur. Third. — The right eye of Richmond was terribly puffed up, and almost in a state of darkness. Shelton had the best of tbe Tally, and his opponent went down. Fourth. — The man of colour was all alive, and he cut more ctqfert than a cook preparing sauce for a leg of mutton* Shelton showed good science, but he seeqied determined that nothing less than downright milling would satisfy him, and made a good rigbl-handed blow. Richmond missed a deflperately aimed hit at his adversary's ear, which was attribute to the bad state of his eye, and, in closibg, he got ddwh m an ea^ style. Fifth. — ^The navigator got into work in the most successful style, and he felt for Richmond's head and body not very delicately; but the man of colour again touched hm on the sore place of his mouth. Tbe advantage of this round w^ k2 evidently with Shelton, and he sent hts opponent down with much ease. The odds now rapidly changed, and 2 to 1 wa». loudly offered upon the navigator. Si ith.~ Richmond found that no time was to be lost, and to win in any thing like his usual style the fight must soon be taken out of his adversary. He, with much judgement, plant* ed a tremendous blow with his r^ht hand upon Shelton's not>» who instantly went down from its severity. Seventh. — Both of the combatants on their mettle, and reciprocal punishment occurred between them. The man of Colour went down. It was altogether a good round, and a sharp rally took place* Eighth.— The passion of the navigatorj at length, prevailed more than bis judgement, and he went in furiously to wiW, regardless of the consequences. This sort of conduct rendered victory almost certain to Richmond, who planted so desperate a blow on his opponent's throat, that he went down almost ia a senseless stale. Ninth. — Richmond set-to with increased confidence from the success of the last round, but, after a short rally, in closiag, Tenth. — Shelton, full of pluck, attacked his opponent with much gaiety, when Richmond got down from a slight blow. Eleventh. — Richmond appeared the most fresh of the two combatants but little execution was done on either side. The odds, however, were upon Richmond. Twelfth.— Shelton slipped on setting-to and went down. Thirteenth. — ^The man of colour seemed well assured of bis own superiority. He hit Shelton right and left so tremendously, that he went down in a twinkling. The partisans of Richmond thought it was quite safe, and oflfered without hesitation 2 to 1 upon him. Fourteenth.— The discretion of Shelton was now at an end; and he was furious in the extreme. He completely bored Richmond off his legs. Fifteenth. — Richmond, in making a hit, over-reached himself and went down. Sixteenth. — Richmond was again on the grass. Seventeenth. — ^This round was decidedly in favour of Richmond, who not only milled^ but threw his adversary. SKETCUBS OF PUGILISM. 133 Eighteenth.^-It was piteous to see the punishment Shclton brought upoD himself, from thej-usbing system he pursued. The right hand of the man of colour was at work like a sledgehammer. Nineteenth. — ^Tbe combatants soon fought their way into a sharp rally, when Richmond made some good hits and got Twentieth. — Richmond went down rather unsatisfactorily, and some marks of disapprobation were expressed but, the qmpires did not deem it worthy of their attention. Twenty-first. — ^The man of colour now completely satisfied the spectators of the advantages of hitting and gettin? away and this destructive system, to an adversary who will suffer himself to be decoyed by it, was completely exemplified from the dreadful pitnishmeni Shelton received. Some murmuringt occurred about a foul blow but the umpires did not stop the battie. Any odds upon Richmond. Twenty-second. — It was plain that Shelton could not last miich longer, and went down from a heavy blow he deceived upon one of his eyes. Twenty-third and last — Richmond now had it all his own way, and, with the utmost sang froid, planted so tremendous a hit upon Shelton's temple, that the claret instantly followed, and he went down. The effects of which were so severe that he appeared quite stunned, and when time'' was announced, he could not quit the knees of his second. The battle continued 29| minutes. Richmond, elated with the success of victory, jumped out of the ring. From the above victory, the man of colour added another laurel to his wreath and, although he did not escape without some punishment, yet be, nevertheless, won the battle in good style. Impetuous men must not fight Richmond, as in his- hands they become victims to their own temerity. The right hand of the man of colour is truly dreadful and two hits from it, well applied, have produced sufficient severity, in some instances, to decide a contest. Shelton's head was much beaten. The capabilities of Richmond have been so fully treated of io the first volume, that any farther remarks ia this place are wholly unnecessary. It is, however, singular to state, that it has been observed^ by the best judges in the Fancy, when speaking of Richmond, that ''the older he grows, the better pugilist he proves himself."^ He is an extraordinary man» NED TURNER, THB CONQUEROR OP (THE HARDY AND ALMOST CONSIDERED INrUL^^RABLE) SOROGGIN^. Let us Act with cold pradence, and with manly temper. As well at manly firmnees. Tk godlike oiRgnanimity to keep. When most proyok'd, oar reason calm and clear. And execute her will, from a strong sense Of what is riglity without the vulgar aid Of heat and passion, which, though honest, bean us Often too fwr. i In recording the achievements of the above fortunate pugilistic hero, upon whose numerpus battles the smiley of victory have been the constant attendant, one peculiar trait of disposition is so highly creditable to his character as a man^ and a scientific boxer, that it cannot be passed over without some observation and marks of respect* Turner, it appears, haa been in the habit of milling from his school-boy J>namr»i*'jr SAdMrpia* St^rmr^ J ITE TTU]RI?"EJR _igitizedbyCOOgle SKETCHES OF PUOIUSM. 135 days down to the present period of his pugilistic notoriety» aod never, in any instance whatever, (and the following circumstance is well authenticated,) did a CHALLENGE FIRStT emanate from his, feelings to fight! The skirmishes among his school-fellows, although tolerably frequent, will be summed up in a few words — Ned was the little hero of the tale, and looked up to as the best bit of stuff amongst them. Turner is decended from that warlike race of people, denominated Ancient Britons; and beseems to have imbibed those true notions of valour, which so eminently distinguish that loyal and brave description of .men^ His relatives are of the most respectable kind, residing at New Town, in Montgomeryshire and his father and mother are also natives of the abovementioned place in Wales but whatever the original intention of his parents might have been, respecting his claims as s, Welshman, Ned, it appears, was born in Crucifix-lane^ in the borough of Southwark, on the 8th of November, 1791. Turner is by trade a skinman, and was apprenticed to the proprietors of a lar^e yard in Bermondsey, where 150 men were generally employed. It was during his apprenticeship, about the age of 19, that he fought a battle with John Balch, a Bristol man, the foreman of the above-mentioned premises, and the Champion of the yard. In point of the requisites for boj^iog, he possessed them in a superior point of view over Turner, and was altogether a much taller apd heavier man. It was a determined battle for one hour, when Batch resigned the contest, and was led out of the ring totally blind. A publicao^ of the name of Keating, landlord of the Black Horse, in the vicinity of St. Giles's, brought forward a big Irishman, whom he had patronized^ to fight Turner^ in the Cockpit^ at the Huntsman and Hounds, in Lock's Fields, for five guineas a-side. For the first three ronnds Paddy bored in upon Ned with the utmost fury, and the latter, ingoing down^ fell with his back upon the short stakes, which formed the pit. The contusion was so severe and painful, that Turner did not recover from its effects for the course of several rounds. At length, Ned got into work, and, before twenty-five minutes bad elapsed, Paddy was so bothered, beaten, and blind, that he conld not tell whether he was living at that moment either in England or Ireland. Turner, soon after the above circumstance, in company with three of his fellow-workmen, left London to fulfil an engagement he had made at a skin* yard in Glasgow. A man of the name of M^Neal, a spirit dealer, ^nd a pupil of Carter^s, had threatened, previous to the arrival of Turner, to mill all the Englishmen in Glasgow. In fact, M'Neal was the Champion of that place, and was in height 5 feet 1 1 inches, and weighing 13 stone. Turner was soon singled oot, after his arrival in Glasgow, by M'Neil, for a trial of skill. A match was accordingly made % for five guineas a-side, and the contest was decided in a room. In the course of half an hour, McNeil was completely defeated. Some time afterwards he wished to have another trial allowed him, and five pounds a<^fde were deposited to make it for a larger SKBTCilES Ot PUGILISM. 187 sum bat McNeil preferred forfeiting the said deposit, than entering the ring again with Turnbr. Ned, upon quitting Glasgow, went to Newcastle. At this place Turner was challenged by one Blackei, a slater, well-known for the pugilistic feats he had performed in this part of the country. A finer proportioned young man was not to be seen than Blacket. He was sjmmetry itself, of prodigious strength, and not deficient in bottom. He was in height 6 feet a^d I inch, weighing rather more than 14 stone. The battle was fought on the race-course, in the presence of thousands of spectators. In the course of fortyfive minutes, Blacket received so much severe ptimsAmentj without being able to return any milling upon Turner, that he swore, in the utmost rage. **he would not fight any more, as Turner was not a fair fighter, and that he did nothing but make hits, and then Jump away r Turner was much applauded for the skill he displayed in conquering a man so much above his weight, and a liberal subscription was entered into by the amateurs, as a reward for his bravery. Soon after Turner returned to the metropolis, he had a iurn-up with Youler, (Davenporfs Jew,) a ruf^ fianing sort of fighter, in St. George's Fields in the course of thirty-five minutes, he so completely satisfied this boring Israelite, that he retired from the conflict wi th terri ble body punishment. At the Cottage of Content, in St. George's Field*^ Turner was one evening set upon by five watermen, who, it seems, had made up their minds to give our hero a complete milling. The manly conduct of these sculler gentry, however, was soon placed to its pro- 138 boxiana; oh. per accoimt, Turnbb disposed of the Jint fodb with as much wm^haknee mb if they JiadNboeQiOierelj $acki in his pceseoce and/ the fifth,,, who, it.appearsi had some pretensioos to boxiog, aod who endeavoured U> mak^ soopethiog Uke a regular stand against Nbd, paid most dearly foe bis. temerity, 'by leamg off under nnmerous. marks:, of seivere ohas* tisement The ahpve cppquesu^ ahhough they .diaplay every trait of courage and science,, ye^ in the opinioi^ of the amateurs they amount to very little in the. scale of excellence^ until a boxer make^ If js deffiU ip the Lqndon ring. In fact, a pqgil^t i^s, not recpgpised till he has made this appearance when, if8vqce{\sfpl, lie. becomes a sort of leading ^tar of tj^e ^jRmcyrfriends flow fast in upon him, Siud backer^ are never .wanting to support his pretensions ,toward ,obtaining .Tictories of higher importance. Notwithstanding this kind, of disparagement to nqvicef^the^Jamc pf Turnbb had ma^e some progrcj^s ip the moling f Bermondsey, where the capabilities 9^ Turner were Jbetter known and more .duly appreciated*, .(^urtii^9L boxer also well known in the same quarter, it seems^ felt something like envy at the grooving rj^putatipn of NbD; and repeatedly challenged the latter, befqre be agreed to meet him in combat.,, Cur/M>, though, qot possessing the notoriety of a Belcher or a ScroggJMs, was nevertheless of importance to the admirers of pugilism from the laurels he had acquired in the ring. Tom Roe, Wat Country Dick, and Lazarus, the Jew, had all been defeated by him. As a game boxer, bis 8KSTCHBS OF PVGlLISltf. 139 chkracter "was firmly established; in short, of the light weights/' a belter bit of stuff wbs not thought to exist upon the list. A match was^ at lengthy made between Tuhnbb and Curiii, for 100 guineas; but the betting was current 7 to 4, ieibd, in tiiany instances^ 2 to 1 upon the ktter. Indeed^ so sanguine were the partisans of Curtis, that they roundly asserted Tub- NEB' could not stand half 4n hour before him. In a 20 feet ring, at Moulsey-hurst, on Tuesday, October 22) 1816^ these two heroes met. The morning proving wet, the spectators were not so numerous as usual. At half past one 6'clock, Curtis entered the ring attended by Oliver, who came on purpose from Carlisle to second bis friend, assisted by Clark. Curtis threw up his hat. Turneb soon followed, attended by Tom Qnpen and Jacobs. First round.— The combatants, upon setting-to, exhibited great caution, and both appeared anxious to obtain the first advantage. Turner, at length, got an opening, and, with much dexterity, planted a severe hit in Curtis's face, without receiving any return. The former made another successful hit, when they fought their way up to the ropes, and Curtis was sent down. The 3 and 2 to 1 betters seemed rather astonished at the novice (as Turner had been termed) comroendng in such a miUutg style. It argued much tmdikfy and the«^yofthe thing^was not now looked upon quite so cer- tain, as it was said to be, pveviously to the men entering the ling. Second. — ^The lead was again on the side of Turner. He nobbed Curtis with evident superiority, when the latter slipped and fell down. — ^The odds began to shake, even at this early period of the battle. Third.— Some good blows were exchanged, but materially to the advantage of Turner. The daret was seen trickling down the face of Curtis, who was ultimately thrown. Fourth.— Turner commenced ofTensivc operations with a severe blow from his right hand. He now appeared a trait' blesome customer for Curtis to get at, and some long sparring occurred. A good round, but Curtis was thrown. Fifth.— Curtis could not make any impression upon hb adversary, when he retreated to the ropes where he received severe Jibhmg punishment but he succeeded in throwing Turner. Sixth. — ^Turner put in so dreadful 9k facer that the chttt flowed in torrents, and, with the rapidity of lightning, he put in another successful blow, which sent Curtb out of the ring. — E%'en betting. Seventh. — By this time, Turner had done sufficient work to convince the spectators that he was the leading boxer. He was compelled to follow his opponent to get a hit, which he never failed to do when the ropes stopped Curtis from retreating farther back. In struggling to obtain the throw, the latter got Turner down. Eighth. —It seemed to be the aim of Curtis to plant some body blows, but he frequently hit short. Curtis was thrown. Ninth. — Curtis, in point of science, did not appear any thing equal to his opponent, except in throwing, when be now sent Turner under the ropes. Tenth. — On the part of Turner much coolness and judgement prevailed. He threw Curtis in great style, and did not go down himself. Eleventh. — ^The left hand of Turner, upon setting-to, reached over the guard of Curtis with such severity, that the latter was ^/2oorfhe was. soon stopped and thrown. ,i>. t Sixtieth. — Garth was all desperatiOny but sent down almo&t upon setting-to. 144 BQXIANA; OR, Sixty-first. — ^The left hand of Tucner was again punishmg his opponent's face; but, in closing, Turner dropped him with such ease and humanity as to obtain applause from all parts of the ring. Sixty-second. — ^It was evident, from the strange manner in which Curtis attacked his adversary, that be was nearly in a state of darkness. In running at Turner he passed by him —turned round, confusedly, and was^^oored Many of Curtis's friends were sanguine enough to think that he might be enabled to tire out his adversary by his determined resolution. Sixty-third. — It was astonishing to view what a bottom man could effect. Notwithstanding the dreadful state Curtis was reduced to, and distressed beyond imagination, he struggled with Turner, and ultimately threw him. But scill no change appeared. Sixty-fourth. — ^This desperate mode of gmng in was acted upon too late. The strength of Curtis was fast leaving hinof, and he could now scarcely make a push at his opponent with any degree of certainty; while Turner was so much at his ease, that he administered scarcely any additional pumhment^ and behaved to his brave adversary with much consideration and humanity. Sixty-fifth. — Curtis, with great desperation, again tried to hold Turner's hands but he was bit down. Sixty-sixth. — In this round a trifling demur was nearly taking place. In closing, a struggle occurred, when Turner, to disengage himself, caught Curtis bv the thighs, and threw him. A cry of foul — fair," was loudly vociferated but the umpire did not pay any attention to it. Curtis was literally in a state of smpor. Sixty-seventh.— Curtis, on setting-to, was instantly sent Sixty-eighth and last. — It was piteous to view this little game cock of the true English breed endeavour to fight another round. He immediately went down. On being placed upon his second's knee, his bead lolled on one side, and he was in a state of darkness, and totally insensible when the thne^ was called while, on the contrary, his brave opponent, excepting two dreadful hits on the ear, by comparison, was not materially injured. The fight continued one kowr and twetUy^Jive minutes^ and finished five minutes befori^ three o'clock. 6KKTCHB8 OF PUGILISM. |4ft Id this conflict. Turner provecj himself a steady scientific boxer— there was nothing hurried in his manner, and he used his left hand with all the cele* rity and decision of Jack Carter. Instead of appear* ing a novice in the fight, he showed himself an up-hill boxer for Curtis to contend against. He took the lead and kept it — supported not only by length and strength, but he was by far the best fighter. His position was so formidable^ and his mode of setting-to so difierent from pugilists in general, that Curtit could not approach him, with any thing like safety, to make a hit. The flash side (i. e. the presumed Snowing Ones, or, more properly speaking, the good judges) were completely dished upon the unexpected termination of the battle, which ought to operate as a useful lesson in future, by inducing them to prefer the calculation of capabilitiei between the combatants, than to be led astray by the mere greatness of names. Three to one is dangerous betting at all times. Notwithstanding the greatest exertion and humane care were taken in speedily removing Curtii from the ring, after the battle terminated, to the nearest house of accommodation in fact^ but a few minutes scarcely bad elapsed before be was put to bed at the -Red lion Inn, Hampton, and medical assistance procured^ — ^yet the brave, but unfortunate Curtis, in the course of a few hours, breathed his last. The subject of bis death having very properly come under the cognizance of the laws of the country^ AN INQUISITION VOL. II* h was taken on the body at the above iqd, on Friday, Oct. 25 f 1816, before Thomas Stirling, Esq. Coroner for Middlesex. In taking a view of the body of Cartis, who was designated as a grooin^ there appeared many contu* sions upon the head, but none upon the body. John Griffinhoqf, surgeon, of Hampton, deposed^ being sent for, on Tuesday evening, to attend upon the deceased, who was» when he arrived, in a state of perfect insensibility. There were no blows upon the body which could have caused, in bis opinion, a man'9 death. There was a general discolouration from the waist upwards. He bled him in the arm, and applied leeches to his temples, and also endeavoured to admi* nister to him a draught, but be could not get it down his throat. His head was beat in a dreadful manner, and he was of opinion that the blows which he received on the head were the cause of his death. The deceased lived from th^ time when he first saw him (about eight o'clock) until twelve o'clock at night. Mr. MorriiJone$, of Hampton, surgeon and apothecary, sworn. He attended the deceased bis head was a complete mass of blood and not a single feature was distinguishable. He had not the leaat doubt but the blows which Curti$ received upon bis bead were the cause of bis death. He believed thdt e blood vessel had broken in bis bead, and the only hopes he had of his recovery were by his bleeding profusely. Richard Coombs, fisbmongert at Hamptani swprn# He was present. at the fight between the deceased andTuBMBB. It was a p(tofae^ battle. He never SKST^ttBiB 6f ^trdlLISM. 14t hesxA of tbere being aby quftrfel between Curtis tind TtJtHttB; ^w ChtHft enter the ring at about half* p^t one o'clock T^RNfift entelred directly aften They stripfyedy shook handd^ and then commenced fighting. When they had fought more than an hofir» Irimess went up to Curth knd advised him to give in; bbt be dbserred, that he conid see^ at)d should beat hta Opponent yet. Cfurtii was at that time in a bitua^^ tidn the most dreadlfbl; blood poured from every pore ih his head; his eyes^ hose^ add mdothy were ronning with blood in streams; he iknd his seconds advi^d him not to fight any longer, and forced him to this ^dpes, but he brdke from them and faced Tobnbe again. The third round after he forced himself from his seconds^ Tt^RN Eft gave him a very heavy blow, which threw him, and Turner fell upoti him he was raised tip by his seconds, and the Wtle ended TtaiiRR was dedared the Coriquei'or. CuHis was tarried by hi^ friends to thid Red Liob, at Hatupton, in a stat^ df tb^n^ibility leet^hes were applied to his tetnpleli, and five of them drew a gk'eat deal of blobd. Mr. GUtkria, a surgeob, at Twickenham, was preseut, Md advised a little brandy and water to be put in his ilionth, which made him sick i CuHU afterwards appeared a litUe better, and he iraided his head upon th^ pilldw^ whidh appeared to relieve hini t Curtis grew lick again between eleven and twelve, and as he held \Aiti \t his artns his utidet jaw fell, and he appeared X6 he dying. Cutth ea^ired in a few minutes a^-^, Watd^ without any Oonvulsiob br groab. He was fnibrtned that CuftU had been, previduit to the fight, d)Oat a mdnth very unwell, with a certaib disease, lii an hospital he had also been under the care of two physicians of St. Thomas's Hospital. His friends^ thinking him not in a sound state, advised him not to fight but Curtis was determined. He never saw a fairer fight. Turnbr^covU have struck him several times between the fiftieth and sixtieth (last) rounds, when he would noty on account of his having such an advantage over his opponent at one time he stood over Curtis as he leaned against the ropes, and might have given him a violent blow, having him wholly in his power instead of doing so, HE LIFTED UF HIS HANDS AND WALKED AWAY. Another witness, sworn, also observed, that, for about twelve rounds before the termination of the contest, he told Curtis he had no chance to win, and that it was a pity he should suffer himself to be beaten to pieces. The reply of the deceased was, that he could not lose the battle and he maintained this assertion against every remonstrance, until he fell in the last round, and never recovered from a state of stupor* Oliver, his second, advised him also in vain to resign long before the battle was decided, and the umpire refused to hold the watch any longer, but the deceased entertained a notion that he could win until the moment he fell. The evidence of this witness went to explain on the subject of the fall. He stated, that, in the struggle for superiority, both men were down, and that Turner had an opportunity of doing mischief to his adversary, by falling upon him, but he broke from him, and behaved in a manly manner, as he had dooe in other instances during the fight. After this fall, CurtU never recovered from the stupor; and wit^ ftKBTCUB» OF PIH3IL18M. 149 ness beKeved faim to be id a djing state before he reached the ion at Hampton. After being put to bed, Mr. J(nusj the surgeon, pronounced him to be in a very dangerous state, and witness, together with the people at the inn, used ever; exertion in procuring medical aid. The deceased at this time was cold at the extremities, and appeared to be dying. It was farther confirmed, that Turner had forborne to take advantage of his adversary when he had him upon the ropes, and that he showed much fair play daring the combat. The Coroner now addressed the Inquest to the foU lowing purport — Gentlemen of the Jury, I have read over the whole of the evidence which has been adduced, and it is now my duty to point out to you, what is the chief point for you to consider with regard to your verdict. It is proved there was no previous quarrel between Turn br and the unfortunate deceased, before their contest at Moulsey-hurst but, notwithstanding, it is my duty to tell you that the meeting was unlawful, for Turner had no right to beat CurtU, because he had his consent, until he died although they they did not agree to fight till one had killed the other: yet such was the fact in evidence, that the extremities of Curtii were dead before he left the ring. There are certainly several features in favour of Tur. nbr. It appears, that he could several times, when he did not, have not only disabled the deceased, but that he had him at one time so much in his power that he could have put an end to the contest, and that he (tvoided taking the opportunity of an advantage — still the deceased died in consequence of the wounds he received 140 qwiaha; ok. £roiii TuBNE9« I bftve iMtfd wbi%t appei^rs in favour of TuitNEH; aiKlf on ih^ oilier ^i^e» that be (^M QDlawftill; a&d you capq^t disi^harge jrpur dutjjt my ofMioa, unlets you find him guilty in ^pie de-i gree-*-to what degrm it is for you to d^termios* The Coroner havieg left the room, tbei Jury w^ft in ^oor suItatioD for twenty minutes^ rben they returned i^ iwrdiot of 9umiiaught0r* Iflinediately after the Coronas warrant w^ ^k^ taioed^ the body of the deceased waa couveyed f^way in a hearse to London. The coffin-f^te stated Curth to he fi8 years of age» He waa five feet in height, and weighed 10 stone 2 lb. Upon the issuiDg of the warrant Tuenk|i wa;^ soon fooad ready to pay obedience to the laws of hi^ country. THE TRIAL. Qn Friday^ Noyemher I. 1810, at the Old Bailey Seeskuis^ Bi>wi,ai> TuaNBE waa indicted for the wilful murder of John Curtis, by inflicting with both hia hands diveifs Wowr npftu hia heftd, face* hody, sides^ and he^lyi om tb^ i2^d of Oqtqber^ wherepf he died. The witnesses qriled on ^e part of the proaecuti my miud the smallest particle of malice towards him* I trust, therefore, that my character for humanity and forbearance will have its due weight on this occasion/' Daring the time the clerk of the Arraigns was reading the defence, the feeling^ of Turner were so oppressed, that he was observed to shed tears^ His counsel, Mr. Jndrews, (who had scarcely time to look over his brief, in consequence of Mr. Adolphw not being in court, although retained some days previous to the trial, for Turner,) then proceeded to call a multitude of witnesses, all of whom gave him an excellent character for humanity and mildness of disposition some of them stated that he had never fought a pitched battle before, and that he was urged to the contest by the frequent importunities of the deceased, who was not easy until he obtained his promise to fight him. Baron Graham, in charging the Jury, said, this was not a case accompanied by any circumstances that indicated previous malice on the part of the prisoner. It appeared from the evidence, that the prisoner was not one of those men who devoted themselves to the dangerous profession of prize-figbting. He was, it seemed, supposed to be a young man of prowess, a victory over whom would increase the fame of his opponent, and, therefore, he was urged, nay goaded, to fight the battle which ended so lamentably. There was certainly premeditation enough, on his part, to make the crime murder, provided the parties had fought with those dangerous weapons, which were likely to produce death. The law was quite certain «nd decided on this point. For, if people SK£tX:HB6 OF PVOILISM. 13$ met (a smaHer period even than, a day having expired between their quarrel and their meeting) to fight with deadly weapons, and that death ensued, it was murder— because what the law called malice was apparent -^the act was done in cold blood. ThepreKnt appear-ed to have been a display of manhood anil courage; and whilst they disapproved of such a rencontre between two young men, they could not peel that HORBOR (thb being a trial of natural courage and manhood) which, under other circumstances, they might entertain. Under the circumstances stated, the prisoner and the deceased met to fight on the 22d of October— but they met to fight with those natural arms, which, certainly, when strong men were opposed to each other, might produce fatal effects, yet were not, in general, likely to occasion dreadful consequences, and the contemplation of which could not excite thorn feelings which deadly and dangerous weapons were calculated to produce. It seemed evident that nothing like malice existed in the mind of the prisoner. It was, as he had before observed, a trial of prowess*no malice appeared, at least t>n the part of the prisoner. He did not wish to cast any reflection on the memory of a dead man— 'but, looking strictly to the circumstances, perhaps an imputation of an angry feeling might rest on the deceased. It was in evidence, that, during the contest of nearly an hour and a half^ the prisoner had cautiously and humanely avoided using, to the extent he might have done, the decided advantage and superiority which he had over the deceased. There was nothing in his conduct like deliberate cruelty, or a desire to injure his adversary, farther than' 154 BOtXIAKA; the result ooiationed by his efforts to sbow hknsdf the better mail. Water, it appeared, had fpeqvcntty beeo thrown opoa the deoeased, in- the ooorse of the fight, he having previously taken laiigpe quantities of a very powerful medicine (nercury)* But a medical genileBiaa had stated, that such abltitkMis oodd net have materially affected him at diat time-r^and, peshapst, considering tbe exertions be waa maldog, they might have refreshed hion. The prisooejr evidently showed that humanity which did him credit and honour. It appeared that he greatly regretted being obliged to continue the fight, in oonseqnence of th|e determiuation of the deceaseci The principal pkh of tbe charge, therefore, that of murder, was qnite out of the questioo-^but there conkl be no dottbt of (be killing and slaying, which the law considered a very high offetice. The consequence had indeed been fatal to that unhappy young man; but it would be extremely unjust to say Turnbb was responsible for those oonsequences, as being tbe cause cf them. It was a fact, unquestionably true, that Tubnbr had 90 hostility whatever* to tbe deceased, for^ on the contrary, he had shown himself actuated by the purest motives of humanity during the whole contest and likewise, from the numerous previous insults be had offered to Turnbb, were long and painfully endured without any retaliation. This wa& honouFabie to bis patience* The taking away tbe life of the young man, by tbe prisoner, was clearly proved; — for the surgeon had stated, that death bad ensued^ as he had expected, in consequence of the injuries he had re* ceived. 8KBTQBE8 OP BV0iU8M. lb$ The Jqry after a short eoomU»i;alioD» retavnad a verdict of Manslaughter against the prisoner^ hot emrn^tly recomqieaded him tp the mereifal conside-^ raiion of th^ cQurt;, oa aooowit of his huipaaity aod forbeamnce. Mr» 0aroo Gbajpam obaerved, tb«it the court par*ticipatod in the fillings of the Jury. At the eod of the Sessions^ Tubkek waa seoteocied to two months ippriaonmeot in Newgale. Daring the confinement of Turnbb in the abo^e priflon^ it appears, that he conducted himsdf viih so much propriety and decorum^ aa to merit the attenr lion of the head keep^r^ who gmnted him every i«idulgence consistent with the rulea of this plaoei (^ safety, in order to render his privatioa of liberty leia irkaome and oppresuve to his feelings. He was alsp visited by many of the highest patrons of pugilism. Shortly after bis liberation from Newgate^ Tubnrb, by the advice of his friends, took a benefit at the Mmerva^aomSf LedenhallHtreet, as a means of oooftributing towards the heavy expenses he had sustained from hia trial and imprisonment^ The amateura rallied round him, upon this occasion, in the most respeetai* ble and numerous manner. The sporting circles, at this period, were extremely aoxious, it seems, to bring about a match between the ALL^coNQUBBiNG ScToggim and Tubnbb; but, the friends of the latter insisting that Seroggim, on coming into the ring, should not exceed 10 stene 7 lb. after considerable conversation upon the subject, the match was completely off. But the following accidin^ tal circumstance produced a battle, after all the pre^ IM »0>CIAltA; OB, ▼ioas regular propositioos of brioging them together had failed. At a sporting dinner, which took place at the Castle-Tavern, Holborn, on Wednesdajr^ Feb. 26, 18 r7, Mr. Embkt, of Coyent-Garden Theatre, acting in thecapacity of president, both TuBKERand Seroggim were among the visitors. In consequence of the deputy-chairman being absent, Scroggins was requested to fill up the vacancy. The above little hero, having returned from the Fives Court, after setting^o with Tom Belcher, in which display with the gloves he had been much applauded, was quite upon the qui vive; and, not standing upon the punctilio of waiting for either toast or sentiment, rallied his bottle in such quick succession, that in a few minutes it was com- 'pletely./bore^/ In a short period afterwards the potent effects of glass upon glass operated so iomniferously upon the upper tgforki of Scroggy, that he laid down iris head and went to sleep. The company were rather pleased than offended from this inactive state of their deputy^t jafforded, what they had for some time wanted, harmony without interruption— and he was permitted to enjoy the benefit of his' slumbers. Upon wakingy he quitted the chair, iam ciremonie, and introduced himself to the company below stairs in the coffee-room. Turner soon afterwards took his leave of the dinner party, and on his way home through the house, he merely took a peep, en passant, at the room below stairs. Here Scroggins had got his coat off, and was offering to fight Joe Norton, who had offended him, with one hand tied behind his back; in fact, threatening to mill him. It is fair to observe, that Scroggim was id a complete state of inebriation. The company remonstrated upon the inequality of die thing, and Turnbb slightly and civilly remarke4 that Norton was an old man, his time was gone by^ and quite out of the question, as to fighting with Scroggins. The latter, with much asperity, abused Turner for his observation — called him every thing hut a good one— and sneeringly told Nbd that he had never defeated any body, and only licked a man tdio wa$ dead before he entered the ring.'* This produced a sharp retort from Turner, when Scroggins, without hesitation, gave the former a slap in the face as he was sitting down. A turnrup was the immediate consequence, but scarcely a blow passed from the confined state of the room, when they were both down, and Turner undermost. Sutton instantly got between them, the company also interfered, and peace was once more restored. The account of this fracas flew up stairs like lightning, and the amateurs immediately entered upon the subject, with all the decision of a council of war. Scroggins^ with much derision and contempt, offered to fight Turner<£100 to £50 but the latter felt all this sort of empty boasting, in the true spirit of indignation so finely applied by the poet— To whom ? to thee ? What art thou ? Have not I An aim as big as thine ? a heart as big ? Thy words I grant are bigger for I wear not My dagger in my moudu It was the general opinion of those persons present, ihat Turner had been unhandsomely treated jby 150 hOtlAVXt Ott^ 8itoggm$; Bnd^ io cOQteqa aoe> Mn SMfet^ on tbe pirt of TuBif BR, immediaiely made a deposii of fi^ guineas, towfeirdB making the match in a nlonth from that time, (ahhongh Mn S. bad, in «very previoni ikittanee> tupported Serogj/im)^ On Wednesday, the l^b of Marohi the partisans of both the heroes met at Bclchtr'$i and the stakes were aco6rdingly tnade good. Bat Stroggint was the ^'idol" of tlie sporting vorld and it was almost like a camaturt apon any ode's judgement to nan^e To UN Baas having anything like a dhiftce; indeed, infatnaium wns carried to snch pitch of extravagance, respecting the oettreludmifig capabilities of Scrog^m, that the Jbw phbnombnon never stood apon higher ground in the best of his days than did the above little hardy hero,^ at this precise period. It is impossible to describe the sensation this fight occasioned in the sporting circles the fame of Sdrog^ yMii from his having conquered \Soo/s, Dolly Smithy Noiwarthff, Eala, ffhittAker, and Churchy in succes-aion, had made such a strong impression on the minds of the Fancy in general, thai; be tvas thought to be nU most inoutmtabh; and «ven 8troyym$ falm^lf felt impressed with the same idea, and fought <£f06 against Tubnbb's £50. It is true, th6 Cibote match was made when Scroygins was not exactly in a compo$ mefUii state but, in his soberest moments, he boldly asserted he would win it with the most apparent ease. The capabilities of Tubneb be positively ridiculed — treated him as a mere upitart pugilistic pretender^' Mi flattered himself, in the litig, that the prowess of TtJ^KBR Wottid asi^tlickly vanish in cojhp^tition with SKETCHES OF PUGILISM. IW bis pwdiUng arm, like snow before tbe aun. For three nights previous to the batde taking place^ the sporting hoases were crowded to excessi and so very high did this modem Dutch Sam stand in the esti't ipuUion of the kntmng onet^ that to prooi^e a bet^ nothing less than THasE to one would be accepted^ and that only from an idea a chance hit or an accident itajght operate against his usual success. On Wednesday morning, March 26, 1817j as soon as it was Kght, groups of pedestrians were seen on the Uxbridge-road, tramping along to witness the above grand fight and, by eight o'clock, carriages of all descriptions were rattling along, from the splendid barouche and four, down to the donkey and hampers. By eleven, twenty thousand persons had collected on the ground, in a field near Hayes, between the bridge atid the turnpike, about ten miles on the Uxbridgeroad, from Tyburn-turnpike. At eighteen minutes to one Turner appeared in the ring, dressed in a fiMhionable great coat^ and threw up his hat, atid Scroggins immediately followed. Cribb tied the yellow handkerchief belonging to Turner on the posts of Ae ring, and OSnoer immediately placed the blue oti6 belonging to Scroggins alongside it. The combatatits shook hands together before they stripped. The time having arrived for the commencement of the fight, Olhet and Clark appeared as seconds to Setog^ gm^ and the Champion of England and Harry tiarmcr attcoded «pod TuEjf be« Three to one was the cor*rent betting against the latter, and many thoutondft were depending on the event. Tuhnbr was an abject of great curiosity, from his late unfortunate battle. with Curtis; but viewed as any tbiog like a competitor with Scroggins, the idea was sneered at, as betraying a want of judgement. The ring measured twenty-four feet, and the numerous carriages round it formed an elegant amphitheatre. Lord Yarmouth and Colonel Barton acted as the time-keepers. First round. — It was expected, on the combatants settwg-tOf that Scroggins would adopt his usual method of boring-in to his adversary, or to use his own words, take the fight out of him but he was more cautious than usual, and a good deal of sparring occurred between them. He made a feint at Turner, and instantly got away again. At length, Scroggins put in a hit — some trifling blows passed between them, and ultimately Turner went down slightly, when Scroggins held up his hands, by way of showing how little he thought of him. Second. — Scroggins now appeared a litde more on the alert to fdlow up his success, and gave Turner a sharp nobber^ but be failed in doing his usual ptmuhmg execution. The customer before him was not of that easy description he had flattered himself, and though Turner went down, it was not from efiective hitting. Many persons exclaimed, now whereas your three to one?'' Third. — Turner, on setting-to, fought with his opponent man* fully, and planted a severe facer under his left eve, and though, at the close of the round, he was again down, his capabilities as a boxer v/ere manifest, and he appeared no ways inferior to Scroggins. He also met with great encouragement from the surrounding spectators. Fourth. — ^This was a sharp contested round, and both at work in right earnest, and in a close Turner gave his opponent a severe cross*buttock. The concourse of persons was so great, and their eager curiosity not keeping pace with the etiquette usual upon these occasions, pressed forward to the ropes — the outer rin^ was broken, and all traces of the fight lost sight of, excepting to a few, who, at the haard of dieir Dves, were in front. The men continued to fight for several rounds under this disadvantage — when the small ring was broken into, the posts knocked down, and the ropes trod under foot. It was now like a street fight, and the combatants had scarcely a yard of space to exhibit in. Scroggins, notwithstanding being so close to TrRNBR, had by no means the best of him, and it was the general expressed opinion, that, had no intjsrruption occurred. Turner would have won. To attempt to describe any of the above rounds with any thing like accuracy would be a deviation from the truth; and Mr. Jackson has since declared, it was totally out of his po^er to give an opinion upon them. Carter, Painter, Dolly Smith, Richmond, &c. exerted themselves with their horsewhips to beat out the ring, but all in vain and nothing less than a troop of horse or a company of soldiers with charged bayonets could have attempted it with success, and both the men were taken from the ring. Mr. Jackson immediately went round the ring, declaring all the bets to be null and void. At this period not less than thirty thousand persons were present> and the carriages estimated on the spot and along the road at ight thousand. The oldest pugilist does not remember any thing to equal such a numerous collection of the Fancy as at the above fight. A suspense of two hours occurred, and thousands of inquiries took place to ascertain how the day was to hefinkhedf During this interregnum of milling, the coster-mongers wished to clear their carts, but not being able to persuade their customers, who had paid 3s. a-piece to see all the sports of the day» to retire from their situations, actually took out their horses, and lifted up their vehicles, after the manner of shooting rubbish. VOL. II. M tm BOXtANA; out. This mode of ousting people oceasiODeti much laogb^ Ht, «D(i a litde extra boxing. At length, Mr. Jaebon aippearedi when it was anderstood the contest between Scroggim and TuRNsm mnet be decided at some future period; but thousands followed the above gentleman to Hiilingdon, near Uxbrtdge, to see Randall and Dick fight. The men^ however> could not be £0>t together^ and some hints were given that the mi^istrates wo«ild not permit any fight to take place. In this anxiety and dileanma it was at length agreed od^ that Arlington-coraer^ near Hounslow-heatb, shoald be the plece^ and Holt and 0*Doanei to be the pugilists who were to exhibit. Thither thoosanda repaired, acrosBthe country, notwithstanding the heavy rain, and, at half^past five, in the pitiless pelting shower," the above boxers entered the ring, to finish the sports of the day. TtJRNKR, in the above conflict, proved himself a much more competent boxer towards obtaining victtury than was expected — and S^roggim was also equally de-r cetved. Tubnbr is a very game man, and convinced ScrQgffin$ on his coming furiously in, thai be is to be stopped. He hit him once so tvemeadously on the jaw, that the latter held op his bead afterwards, and did not go boriug4n so furiously as heretofore. They were both fresh on leaving the ring, but neither of ^hem were considered in good condition. Scrogghm bad a black eye, and one of Turner's peirpen was a little out of repair. It is but fair to state, that mock difierence of opinion existed on the subject, many pereoDs contending that Scroggins was not in the SK&tCHEt or PUGILISM. 16S slightest degree punithedf and that Tubkbk showed evident symptoms of weakoess oo leaving tbe ring. Several noblemen were present^ and most of the first^raie theatricals. To describe the imtueroufl ludicrous cireumstances that occnrred among this vast assenblage of people woold require a volume. It proved a rare day for the inn-keepers and turnpikeawn, and it was impossible to move a step, where the pocket was concerned, without dearly paying for anxious curiosity. Upon the Monday evening after the fight, every room to the top of Bilcher'B house was crowded to excess by the Fancy, so anxious were the amateurs to learn the determination come to as regarded the ensuing battle, when the following articles were agreed to:— Castle Tavern, Hofborn, Mardi 31, 1817. John Scroggins engages to fight Edward Turner, 120 gQinees to 80, on tbe 27th of May, tea pounds on each side are deposited, to fight in a 24 feet ring, half-minute time; onehalf of the remainder of the money to be deposited at Scroggim's, oB the 15th of April. The whale to be made go^ oa tbe 2001 of May, at Tom Belcher's. The fight to take place not within twenty-five miles firom London. To be a lahr stand-up fight Mr. Jackson to name the place of fightkng, aad to reeeWe tho money, till all is n^de good. Tbe money, upon the first failure of deposit, to be forfeited, and the other half if not made good. To meet in the ring between tweh'e and one. J. ScBooeiNS, his x mark. E.Turner." Witness, J. W." la Qoaseqnence of Ascot races occurring near the appointed time of combat, it was judged expedient by both Scroggin$ and Turner, in order to accom- modate the sporting world, to put off the battle till the 10th of June. But so confident, it appears, were the partisans of Scroggins that victory would again crown his exertions, that no disparagement whatever was felt by the amateurs from his unexpected battle in a room with FiAtr^ when in a state of complete inebriation; in point of fact, it operated materially in his favour. The manliness he displayed in this sort of casual turn-up, though formed into a regular battle with Usher^ quite a fresh 12-stone young man, before Mr. Jackson, induced a great portion of the 8{K>rdng world to bet to 1 without the least hesitation. SECOND GRAND PUGILISTIC MATCH BE- TWEEN SCROGGINS AND TURNER. Notwithstanding the great secrecy that was observed, in keeping the place unknown, the magistrates of Essex got hint enough not to permit Matching-Green to be the spot, as fixed upon, for this grand trial of skill to be decided. The attraction in the sporting circles was so great, that vehicles of all descriptions were on the road the whole of Monday night, — and as soon as day-light began to peep on Tuesday morning, the 10th of June, the amateurs were all in motion. Upon their arrival at Harlowe, the interruption was found out — and, after a short deliberation, it was decided, that the battle should take place in the adjoining county, Hertfordshire, in a paddock, contiguous to Saw bridge worth. Thither the cavalcade posted, without delay, and the inhabitants of the above village were not a little alarmed at this SKETCHES OF PCOlLlSM. 165 sudden visit from horsemen galloping, the rattling of post-chaises^ barouches, tilburys^ carts, 8cc. 8cc. till the important cause was learned. It was a profound secret here, notwithstanding Turner slept at Mr. Parsons, the White Lion inn, Sawbridgeworth, the preceding evening. He arrived from New Town, in Wales, where he had been in training under the care of his uncle, Mr. Turner, and reached Barnet, on Friday evening, incog. He scarcely saw five persons before he entered the ring; being under the immediate care of his brother, Mr. Baxter. He was in much better condition than when he stripped at Hayes; but it is certain he still might have been brought to a finer pitch. He weighed 10 stone 5lb. On meeting with his opponent, Scroggins, he shook hands with him in the most friendly manner. The stakes were «£l20 on the the part of Scroggins, against Turner's £dO. At half-past twelve Turner appeared in the 24 feet roped ring, and threw up his hat. Scroggins soon followed his example. Tom Owen and Jacobs were the seconds of Turner and Harmer and Clark attended upon Scroggins. Owen tied the yellow colour of his man upon the post, and Harmer covered it. with the true blue belonging to Scroggins. It is curious to remark, that the above blue handkerchief belonged to the former, and he had won all his seven battles in it; but now he sported a new one round him. The ring was unusually respectable and select— not being above one deep, few, if any, pedestrians being able to go the distance of thirty miles in time. One o'clock being arrived, the parties shook hands, and the battle commenced.— Two to 1 on Scroggins. First rovnd. — ^Two minutes elapsed m sparring and dodg^ ing each other round the ring, both anxious to obtain the first advantage. The firm and erect attitude of Turner, who appeared armed at all points, seemed to puszle Scruggins so much, that he was at a loss how to commence the attack with any degree of certainty; and that formidable conspicuous resolution of going in furiously, whidi gave him the lead in the commencement of all his other fights, in the present instance had visibly abated* Scroggins, at length, neck or nothingi made a sort of rush in, and after a short scuffling close. Turner went down from a slight hit on the side of his head. — Loud shouUng, and 3 to 1 on Scroggins. Secotul. — ^The little hero seemed pleased with his success, and was going in with much gaiety to reduce the confidence of Turner, when the lattet put in a sharp teazer on Scroggitis's mug, with his right hand, that rather stopped his career, and, in the course of the round, also planted another desperate facer, and added a severe hit on the ribs. In closing, the strength of Scroggy prevailed, and Turner was undermost. Bravo, Turner. Hiird. — Scroggins seemed, in this early stage of the fight, to anticipate that he had got a very ugly customer before him, and, though not absolutely frightened, he appeared unusually cautious. Several good hits passed between then, but, in doMOg, Turner was again undermost. Fourth. — ^Turner was not long before he planted a desperate hit on the throat of his opponent, that gave him a sort of hiccup. Scroggins endeavoured to make some rushing hits, fant he loflt his distance, and no execution was done. In closing both went down, but Turner was undermost, who experienced a cross buttock. Fifth. — ^This round was well contested, and Scroggins, quite determined, endeavoured to get cbe bt$i of it; but Turner milled his nob sharply, and the claret was seen trickling down his face. In closing Turner was again undermost. At this instant, a troop of Yeomanry Cavalry made thdr-af^pcarance, galloping down the lane towards the scene of actioiv creating some alarm that the fight would again be interrupted but, on being interrogated as to that point, it appeared they were admirers of true native coufage, and oidy tuixiotts to witness the snill bet\ipeen the above distinguished combatants. Sixth,— This was a short round.— Scroggins missed a des- SRETCUBS OF PUOltlSM. 167 perately aine^ blow at Turner's body; but be, nevertheless, rusbed iii, and bit Turner down. The friends of Scro^ins, rather plucked up a bit — t,hought thii turn look Turner \\a» under** mosl. — Great shouting on both sides. EigJith. — The little tar, without ceremony, rushed headlong in, and scuffled with his antagonist, till both went down; but Turner was thrown out of the ropes. Well done, Scroggins he'll tire out Turner, was the cry ! Ninth. — On !»etling-to. Turner put in a tiemendous facer with his right hand, and got away with nuich dexterity. Scroggins endeavoured to return, but lost his distance, and Turner again nobbed him. The former appeared confused, and dropped his hands, but at iuugth ru«>hed in, and^in clodog^ Turner was undermost. Tenth. — ^This was a sharp round altogether, but the coolxvess of Turner was manifest, and he hjt with much judgement. tie was perfectly aware of hii> t)i^)ponent's mode of ^hting, and was prepared always to give him a warm reception. lu closing, Turner was undermost. Eleventh. — Scroggins commenced this round with consider- Able qaation^ and a minute nearly occurred before a blow was struck. Turner's left hand claimed an acquaiiitance with Scroggy's cheek but Scroggins in return endeavoured to plant a hit at Turner's middle pieces that had it proved successful, ought have materially changed the face of the battle. He, nevertheless, in closing, again sent Turner over the ropes. Twelfth. — ^This was a most tremendous round; and the combatants rallied in grand style. In closing. Turner fibbed his man terribly, and, for the first time, the little hero was undermost. The ap4>lause was great indeed— Turner will bett himt wfis the general observation; the odds had now changed^ and the backers of Scroggins looked rather blue. Thirteenth. — From the severe fibbing Scroggins had received ^pon «etting-to, he hastily retreated, and loud hissing occurred from all parts of the ring. But he toon recovered from this sort of panic, and it was as sharp a round as any in .the figb^. Turner gave bis opponent a hit that sent him quite round; but Scroggins again opposed Turner with the most determined spirit, and followed him, till, in closings both went down* Loud applause, and Turner was now evidently the favourite. Fourteenth. -Turner immediately planted a facer on setting-to. Applause. Scroggins also made a hit, and Turner went down from it, as if he had slipped. Fifteenth — Smashing hits on both sides, but many of them itere out of distance. Scroggins was aeain fibbed, but he stopped this sort of punishment, by holding the hands of Turner, and he also obtained the throw, and Turner was undermost. Sixteenth. — On sctting-to Scroggins got back, and Turner put down his hands, convincing his opponent he had leisure enough to wait for him. Turner, at length, planted a desperate ribber and Scroggins furiously bored-in, and, in closing, the latter again obtained his usual advantage. Seventeenth. — ^This was a curious round. Scroggins, on receiving a hit, turned round, but again furiously renewed the combat. Turner, in closing, had the advantage materially in fibbing hb opponent, yet Scroggins brought him down under- Eighteenth. — ^Turner, with much coolness, nobbed Scroggins and got away. The latter seemed quite at fault — he was at sea without a rudder— no sight of land appeared in view— and desperation seemed his only resource, Scroggy rushed in again on the bull-dog system, and ultimately succeeded in getting Turner undermost. During this round, Clark^ who was bottle-holder to Scroggins, fell down in a fit but it did not interrupt the fight he was instantly taken away, and proper means used for his recovery, when Painter instantly supplied his place. Nineteenth. — Scroggins made a good body hit, and smashed away with much spirit. He was manfully opposed by Turner, but Ke went down, and almost a second had elapsed when Scroggy fell with all his weight upon him. Some marks of disapprobation but it might have been the effects of accident. Betting now was rapidly on the turn. Twentieth. -^Turner, with considerable ease, planted tL right-handed hit on the already chancerkd nob of Scroggins, and got away but the latter, wishing to revenge this attack, rushed in with uncommon ardour to noake a change, if possi- SKSTCHB8 OF PUGILISM. ble, and from his endeavours to pot in some tremendous blows, he received a slight bit that caused htm to fall, and slip out of the ring. Great applause. Twenty-first — Some heavy hits were dealt out on both sides, and Turner, in particular, received one so severely on the right side of his nob, that, for a second, it was almost upon his shoulder. In closing, both down. Twenty-second. — This was positively the best round in the fight; and the blows were heard all round the ring. A desperate rally occurred, and the men broke away; but Scroggins, not satisfied that he had dune enough, endeavoured to go in head-foremost, to take the fight out of his opponent* Turner, prepared for his impetuosity, hit upwards, as he was coming in, upon his throat, that not only stopped his fury, but almost choaked him. In closing, both down, Tomer ondermost Scroggins, on his second's knee, hemmed for wind, and he also d&harged a considerable quantity of the cniiii9» Jluid from his mouth. Twenty-third. — Scroggins roshed in, and both down. Twenty-fourth. — ^Things had now materially changed, and 5 and 6 to 1 was freely offered on Turner. On Scroggins reaching the scratch, his knees trembled under him, and he appear^ like a man intoxicated. He endeavoured to plant a hil^ and fell. Loud disapprobation. Twenty-fifth. — ^Turner gave him a left-handed facer, and also a severe ribber with his right. Scroggins was quite abroad, he could make no hit with any degree of certainty, and once more resorted to boring in, till both went down* The combatants were close together while sitting on the knees of their seconds, when Turner laid hold of his opponent's hand, and gave it a friendly shake. — ^Well done, Turner, was loudly vociferated and the long facet to be witnessed all round the ring were of the most mournful aspect. All betters and no takers. Twenty-sixth. — On setting-to. Turner planted a dreadful iacer^ and soon after hit Scroggins clean down. Seven to 1 was offered. Brandy was now called for to renovate the little hero, but it was of no avail. The applause was loud indeed. Twenty-seventh, — The spectators were now completely astonished, and the backers of Scroggins more than alarmed. On coming to the scratch, after a slight hit from Turner, Scroggins turned round and retreated till he got to a corner of tbt ting. Turner stood still pointing hit dinger at him, and beckoning him to corae up and fight but it would net do. Turner was compelled to follow Scroggins, when they closed severe fibbing was again dealt out to him, till both went Twenty ^eighth. — ^Turner left the knee of his second in the roost lively manner but Scroggins seemed to come very re* luctantly to the point of war. — Scroggins threw away his blows, and he received some dreadful up-hits in his throat and mug, that electrified him. — Blight to 1 but this once great favourite had lost all his attraction, and defeat was last coming upon him. Twenty-ninth. — Scroggins was bron^t to the mark, and be had scarcely lifted up his hand&, when he was hit down.--^ Loud applause, and 10 to 1 offisred freely. Thirtieth. — The nob of Scroggins now appeared much damaged, and his ribs exhibited a token of severe punishment. But, though the little hero was prevented from doing any mischief* he, nevertheless, conieiided for the throw; and ob- Uuned it. Thirty-first. — Tiie superiority of Turner astonished all pre* sent. He made a successful hit, with his right hand, on the doe of Scroggins, and instantly made aaothier good one opoa his ribs. The little hero turned round in a state of confusion^ and was sent down. Great applause, and 5 to 3 ofiSered that be did not fig^t three more rounds. Thirtyoseoond. — Scroggins had been literally sttipid for tbe last half heur from the heavy blows he had received on his bead, aad in aot being able to Uop the up4)its of Turner. At out*£ghtijag, in this round, be was much puttisbed and ulao severely fibbed, till Turner dropped him. Weil done. Turner. Thirty*third and last. — It was all up with this mUhig ctne^ who had made so much noise in the fighting circles fot the last three years. He was proiK>unced to be almost mmUiera* kle^ and he had flattered himself into the same sort of belief. In the last ten rounds, in point of fighting, he had no chance whatever; but nevertheless he fought with much bravery. Scroggins endeavoured to do something in this round, put in some hits, but turned away from his opponent from the severity of punishment, and fell down. On being placed upon his second's knee, he gave it in. Upon Harry Harmer hoist- iog ap the kaodkerohief a« a token of defeat, it i» impoaeible to describe the appearance of the ring — it operated on the feelings of his backers like a clap of thunder. They seemed \nu in reveries, till giving vent to tbetr surprise^ excUiimed-^ Whaty Scroggins given in Impossible V The battle lasted one hour and twelve minutes. He was carried out of the ring, and put into a postrchaise. It might he deemed almost a bloodless fight, scarcely any being spilled, except on thfi part of Scroggins. Thua was this little Napoleon of tbe ring^'^ at length, defeated, bat not disgraced and, like other mighty figbtiog heroes, has also been taught v?bftt it is to drink of the bitter cup of disappointment. He is now blamed for bis confidence and temerity by tbose very admirers who supported him on the above ^nalificatioos; bot it may be asked, what is a hero wiibout feeling confident of victory? Scroggim entered the ring under these feelings, and he endea* voured to come out a conqueror, iie did all that a inao could do — «md the hero, who defeated in sucoesflion, Bootf, Dally Smiib, Nosworthy, EaUi, Whiitaktr, Church, and FiAer, ought not to be forgotten, in an boaottrable defeat with a superior man. Scroggim vaa never considered any thing of a boxer, in a sci- Mti&e point of view; and this daj he completely pfoved tbe truth of the assertion. Tbe judgement and ^eienoe were most completely on the side of Tui^ne^ <**rJhe never struggled to lose his strength in t^rowing^ fait w Scrog^»$, he mode the ferocity of the latter sabservient to his skill. The desperation of Scroggias, which had so terrified his opponeDts hitherto, was now reduced to confusion and the ease with which he was conquered, astonished the most knowing amateursi and many of them have paid dearly for their confidence. At best, he was only a resolutely smashing fighter and all his opponents, except ToRNEE, could not get away from his severe punishment. He lost by ouZ-figbting with Turner, and was worse off from going tit. Scrog" gins is, nevertheless, an astonishing man and, it is presumed, there are but very few men of his weight that would stand any sort of chance with him. In the fight at Hayes, Turner has since acknowledged, he received so violent a blow from Scroggins that he could not for a month afterwards open his mouth without considerable pain. Turner was so fresh, that he was able to fight another battle, and walked round the ring during the second fight. He drove himself to London, and appeared so little hurt from his conflict, that he returned to town with all the gaiety of a spectator. The house kept by Scroggins, in Westminster, was surrounded by hundreds of people, waiting for the intelligence; and so much confidence were the crowd insoired with, in behalf of the little hero, that his deieat was not believed till he arrived at home, about one in the morning. Mr. Jackson, with great difficulty, we understand, collected only seven pounds on the ground for Scroggim ! The backers of Turner met on the Friday evening following, at Belcher's, the Castle Tavern, Holborn, SKETCHES OF PUGIUSM. 17a and presented him with the whole of the stakes, amornitiDg to £l£0> as a reward for his courage. Turner also paid his fallen opponent a friendly visit the preceding evening, when Scroggiu wished to retrieve his lost laurels in a new contest, for<£tOO a-side* Turner^ who had no wish to fight again, but merely as a matter of accommodation, said, he could not meet him for less than £200 a-side. Scroggim attributed his defeat to a chance blow on the throat, accompanied with getting one of his feet into a small hole in the ground, which thre^ him off his balance, and it was at this precise instant, that he received the above tremendous hit, which deprived him of his wind throughout the conflict. Pugilistic honours conferred on Turner IN Wales. — Ned, it seems, upon his return to New Town, a short time after the above conquest^ where he had recently been in training, and which is the birth-place of his parents and the whole of his relatives, was hailed with all the respect due to a hero in a more important cause. The companions of his youth, and the admirers of pugilism among the Ancient Britons, caused a congratulatory peal to be rung upon the bells, in honour of his victory. A feast was held at the first inn in the place, and two roasted fat sheep, with ^Ided horns, were served tip with other et ccteras, including great plenty of game. The evening was conducted with the utmost conviviality, and the Welsh bards who were mustered upon this occasion composed and sung some extempore verses in praise of the brave and the exploits of the ring. MitHng was al^o toasted b; the lad$ the Fmeg, till all was blue! Upon the rettirn cf TuftNEft to Lomivn, the statket wer^ made good, and Seroggim^ it seems, to mucb fancied this third trial of skill, for 500 gvioeas^ that, iu order to tram correctly, be rdiaquisbed his charac* ter as a publican, and disposed of bis hoase; b«t tbe <:rpftikm of the sporting world had completely changed^ and 7 to 4 was the current betting opon Tuknbk. tte speW of Sctoggini mvindbUky*' was now broketly and the great interest this Hltle hero onee sustained ifi the milling circles was materially injured from his recent defeat with Turn eh. THIRD PUGILISTIC CONTEST BETWEEN TURNER AND 8CROGGINS, AT SHEPPER- TON RANGE, OCTOBER 1S17, FOR £50 A-SIDE. From the apparent careless conduct of Scrogginz^ since the stakes wer^ made good, much doubt and mystery, it seems, pretailed through tbe Fancy> respecting the above battle, and a strong opinion was maintained thai no fight would take place.'' Even 3 to 1 was betted on this particular point. This cir* cumstance operated as a great drawback upo» tbe interest of the contest, and until the evening preceding the battle, very few sums were risked upon the event. Both the combatants, however, had pnblickly declared it should not be their fault, if any disappointment occurred, as they were very anxious to come to a decision upon the subject. Notwithstanding this mg^ery, which existed among the betting amateurs, still Scrog- SKBTCHEd OF Pt^ILISM. I9& ^m hhi not ]dst bk ItiferesC with tke sporting worM genetaHy; and early on the morning appointed for the battle the vafiotu roads leading to the scene of iM^ion g«te proof of It. The ring was made at ait early hour> at Sheppett&n and^ whether owing to no Mem or naentiMf we have yet to learn^ bst upOn «1m arriva) of nutnerous spectators at the above eipat, it was given out the fight Woald take place at Maul*' aiy." Thither the mt^tky cavalcade repaired, and the eonfasion that now occurred beggars description-^be flight (VbO) Skeppefion throagh Waltm was like the retreat of an army to reach a desired potnt^^tbosa persons, too, who were galloping from Hampiom to Sheppetion now turned suddenly round npon hearing the oews»^he road in eonseqaence was blocked wf ''-the scent f^nt a time was lost^ and all seened doabt and glorious confusion. A strong groupe was^ at length, seen forming across the water at Monl$ey, and the boats were now actively employed in conveying over the anxious spectators to be in time. Ii was now booked by many that no fight would take place and, if it did, that hundreds would not be able to see it. The hoax, however, was dispelled — and SlUpperim*^ was again the signal. Till this period, no idea was foruled of the number of the people interested in the event. The barouches — post-chaises^— gigs-i«>mitlers — heavy drags^-^^tLggons-^-rotinafdei, ko. uow all in rapid motion in one line — numerous pedestriaMs out of breath to keep pace with the vehicles, one o'clock being nearly arrived— the whole enveloped in clouds of dust --the people all out of their doors and windows throughout the villages as they passed, the Uarinff of the Johnny rawt, &c. Sec. formed a pictare not easily to be described. The keeper of the Waltoabridge toll, anxious, it seems, to come in for a sUu of the arcana of making the ring, put up a board at the end of a lane, thU is the road to the fight^'* and from this stratagem came in for a tolerable good share of copper. It was considerably out of the way. At length, *'all was considered right/' the ring was formed, and the spectators took their stations. But then another dilemma arose, the principal actor had not arrived*— and the audience waiting in the most anxious suspense. Turner had been in the ring, and thrown up his hat without being answered. Two to 1 was offered it was no fight. To prevent total disappointment, the after-piece was about to be performed first, and two boys appeared stripped. But the cry of Scroggim — Scroggms^— was now beard, the boys instantly made their exit, and the little hero was greeted welcome. Upon being asked by a friend if he meant to fight — he answered, yes, and win it."* The combatants soon prepared for action, and 7 to 4 against Scroggim^ although he appeared in the best condition. Tom Owen and Painter were for Turner; and Paddington Jones and Spring waited upon Scroggins. The colours of the combatants were tied to the stakes of the ring, and at two o'clock the men set-to. — (The articles mentioned to meet between twelve and one; but Turner did not wish to avail himself of this advantage.) First round. — ^This first round was very similar to the two last battles at Hayes and Saw bridge worth, but with an increase of caution on both sides. Scroggins, it seemed did not like the idea of going in to itnash his opponent at the onset, atter 8KBTCHBS OP PUGILISM. 177 bis osaal decided manner^ when victory crowned his efforts in seveu successive contests, but exhibited a total change in bis tactics — a complete new feature — and this once iremendoas miUkig boxer now preferred the system of getting awa^ adopted by scientific pugilists. Turner, equally on the alert, and wishing to do every thing but receive^ lengthened out this round to ive minutes and a half, during which time, they dodged each other about the ring to obtain the first advantage. Turner, at last, hit shorty and Scroggias abo made a feint without effect. Turner was tired of his position and put down his hands. They, however, finished the round by both hitting together, closed, went down, but Turner undermost. Only four blows were exchanged. Second. — Turner planted two' clean hits without experi* encing any return. A good rally followed, during which the mug of Scroggins was clareted. In closing, both down, but Turner again undermost. Third.' — ^The little hero, anxious to punish his adversary, rushed in and planted a severe hit under the jaws of Turner and got away. In rallying, however, Scroggins slipped down, and received a slight hit in falling. Fourth. Nearly a minute had elapsed before a hit was made. Turner gave two sharp blows, and Scroggins put in '.a desperate iio66er just passing the ear of Turner. It was a food round altogether. In closing, the strength of Scroggins prevailed, and Turner was thrown. Fiflb. — ^It was evident to every one the great advantages Turner derived from his height and length over his adversary. The latter, with much saifg froidf planted two nobbers and got away. Some sharp blows were exchanged when they eeparated from each other. In finishing the round, a smart rally occurred, and, in going down, Scroggins wa« undermost. Five to 2 on Turner, but little betting occurred. Sixth. — Scroggins appeared earnestly to wish for in-fitting, but the difficulty and danger of the attempt operated as a drawback upon his exertions. He, however, made two punishing hits, but, in closing, Turner caught bold of hi^ nob, and coloured it with all the quickness of a painter with his brush. In struggling for the throw Turner was undermost, but he gave his opponent rather an ugly hobt. Seventh. — In this round Scroggy appeared to advantage. He fought after his usual method, regardless of the consequences. He stopped Turner as he was coming in with a tremen* VOL. II. N IW boxiana; o^ dous bit in his face, that made his head bob again. Scroggins also planted two more severe blows that seemed rather to confuse the tactics of Turoer. The latter returned heavily, and made an up-hit at his opponent's throat, but he wia^ it. In closing, both down, bt^t Tun^r undermost. Eighth.— The little hero, full of gaiety, rushed in, planted two successful hits, and bored Turner down. Bravo, Scroggy I and applause. Ninth. — After an exchange. Turner went down froin a blow on the side of the head. Tenth. — The length of Turner again prevailed to a great extent. Scroggins was desperate in action, but not efft^ptiire in execution while, on the contrary, Turner planted three hits in succession on the face of his opponent, and the claret followed at every touch cc^piously. In closing, Turner yras undermost. Eleventh. — ^This round was contested in a most manly st^le. Scroggins, with uncommon severity, hit Turner away from him in three successive attempts, when considerable sparring occurred. Turner then took the lead, a,nd the execution he performed on the head of Scroggins was tremendous. He also finished the round in high style, and Scroggins u,ndermost. Twelfth. — Turner was much applauded in tbb roi^d for his manly conduct. In a short close, he let Scroggins down without a blow, throwing up his hands and walking away. Thirteenth.— This was a grand round, and Scroggins never displayed any thing like such a knowledge of the pugilistic art in any of his previous contests. Scroggins stopped with considerable skill, and reciprocal fighting occurred. Scroggins got rather impetuous, and threw his blows away and Turner was also incorrect in some of his distances, llie latter again hit up at his head, but without efiect. Scroggins went down. Fourteenth. — Considerable execution occurred between the combatants. Scroggins planted two good hits upon his opponent's nob; but Turner returned upon him so hard and fast that Scroggins turned round rather confusedly. He however rallied widi great spirit till he slipped down. The odds were now all upon Turner, and scarcely any takers to be met with from handsome ofiers. Fifteenth.— *Well contested and both 4^Yfxif ^\it Scrcggi^ undermost. SKETCHES OF PVOILISM. 17t Sixteenth. — ^Turner curomenosd by planting successful blow on the head of Scruggim; but the latter returned in a spirited manner, and hit, hit, and hit again, till Turner went wn. Great applause. Seven teenlb. ^— Some sharp blows occurred between the coiRbataDts io this round. Scroggins made a hit over the left ^ye of Turner, and he also touched hb body but Turner sent his adversary down. Eighteenth. — After some sparring. Turner put down his bands and nibbed them against his body. Some blows were exchanged. In struggKngto obtain the throw, Turner neatly tripped up his antagotibt. Nineteenth. — The hands of Turner were covered with the blood of his opponent. In closing, Scroggins was under* Twentieth. — Some good hits were exchanged, but materially in favour of Turner, who planted ibur blows in succession, without having any return, but Turner went down rather weak. Twenty-first. — Scroggins planted a sharp blow on the side of Ttimer's bead, when be dropped down on one knee, but instantly rose again and went on his second's knee. Great Twenty-second.— Good exchanges. In closing Turner was down, and Scroggins fell upon him. Turner also recdved a sharp hit on his throat. Twenty-third. — On setting- to Turner sighed loudly, as if in want of wind, and, after some little sparring, he droppf4 bis hands, as did also his opponent: Scroggins let several opportunities slip of going in and when he did it was more of the forlorn-hope^' sort of attack, than from the l^ool JtKlgemeat of the tactician* Twenty-fourth. — ^The little hero went in with much resolution, and ultimately sent down Turner upon his rump. Great applause. Twenty-fifth. — On coming to the scratch Turner displayed considerable weakness, his knees trembled violently. In the course of this round, Turner turned from his antagonist, but Scroggins ultimately went down. Both of the combatants N S 180 boziana; or. put down their hands, when Tomer eudeaToured, from hin activity, to take advantage of this circumstance some marks of disapprobation were expressed. Twenty-sixth. — Some sparring occurred, and Turner put down his hands, when the men fought their way into a close. They broke away, and closed again, and dealt out to each other some heavy blows, and Turner received so severely on his kidneys, that he appeared to go down from weakness. Scroggtus bled profusely. Twenty-seventh. — One hour and three minutes had now elapsed, and Scroggins appeared to stand the firmest on his legs. But the betting did not change in his favour. l*he position of Turner tendered him so formidable that it was dangerous to attack him. Scroggins displayed some of bis old antics, and, in going in, slipped down from a slight fait. Twenty-eighth. — Some blows were exchanged, and Turner went vdown. Twenty-ninth. — Scroggins even now appeared well upon bis legs, and he followed Turner all round the ring, and, in closing, Turner was undermost. Thirtieth. — Scroggins felt determined to win if possible. Turner was bit away from his intention of going in. It was a good f'ound, and both dowb. Thirty-first. — Notwithstanding Scroggins showed himself off in good style, the chance was completely against him. He went down -from a slight hit. Turner, in general, fiiusbed most of the rounds decidedly in his favour. Thirty-second. — Scroggins went down from a severe hit in the body. Thirty-third. — ^This was a good round. Scroggins followed bis opponent in a desperate manner all over the ring, and Turner went down from a slip ur a slight hit. Thirty-fourth. — The chancery suit was ^t coming on Scroggins, and his nob was completely at the service of his opponent. The little hardy hero nevertheless contended for victory, till he fell in an exhausted state. Thirty-fifth. — If Scroggins was not satisfied of the superiority of his opponent, the spectators had long previous to this period been convinced that he bad no chance of winning. He went down from a slight hit almost upon setdng-to. SKETCHES OF l>U01LI8lf. 181 Thirty-sixth. — ^Turner tent down Scroggins in a twinkling, aid his legs curled up. Thirty-seventh.— The head of Scroggins was in a terrible state but, notwithstanding he stood at the scratch in a more firm state than might have been expected. 'He was shortly hit down and the general cry was take him away." Thirty-eighth. — ^The desperation of Scroggins was not quite exhausted, and he endeavoured to contend up to the last moment. He was so weak, that he went down from a mere touch. Thirty-ninth and last#— His friends were now perfectly' satisfied that Scroggins had done every thing that a brave man could attempt. The idea of losing seemed terrible to his feelings, and he again endeavoured to meet his opponent. On setting-to the pwrnhment of his adversary was so severe to him, that he turned, as it were, in a confused state from it, and fell forward upon the ropes. Turner instantly patted him on the back, implying, ''you are a brave fellow!" The battle was now at an end.~-Scroggin8 could not come again, and Turner immediately went up to him and shook him by the band, before he quitted the ring. It continued one hour thirty-one minutes and a half. Scroggins, from the brave coDduct he displayed in the above battle^ has completely removed all those msmiatums which were levelled at him respecting his defeat at Sawbridge worthy and established his character as a determimed game boxer. Though defeated, be has not been disgraced but compelled, at lengthy to yield to superior skill, height, and length. It might not, perhaps, be too much to observe, that he is yet equal, if not able to beat any man of his exact height that dares to enter the lists with him. Turneb, from his distinguished conquests over a hero like Scroggins, (who had gained such an ascendancy and attraction throughout the circles of the Fancy,) has placed himself at the top of the tree! And it sho\ild also be recollected, ibat he has fougbt four prize batdes, and experienced eight weeks close confinement, added to the agitation of his mind dnring his trial, within the last twelve months. He is a truly singular boxer, possessing reqmsiiesrare and valuable; and his position, though not thorny, is formidable in the extreme. Cool and collected in the heat of battle, with game of the first quality. Turner retired from the ring with only a slight scratch upon bis^ ear« He was well seconded by Owem and Rainier. Whoever fancies Turner for a customer must be armed at all points, and have all their recoUectum aboat them on entering die ring. His backers presented him, as the fruits of his victory, with the whole of the battle money. He returned to London on the same evening, and ap-^ peared among the company at Belcher*Sp as if nothing had happened. Scn^guu showed himsdf in town the next morning, but his head exhibited terrible marks of pumiehmeiii. Turner, in having accompltsbe^ this iwoml victory, has obtained a high pugilistic eminence i* tbesp^itiiif World; but it might be fau'ly urgedy that Ned was literally ''^agg di'' into his present mtZKng popalarity^ from the repeated meefmgi^ his* efiWts received hom the late onfoituaateCiff^; aodiako the sovereign com^ tempt his capabiJiiies were treaftedby Serogg^ bow ever, Turner weass hie bluahkig honours^' with be^* coming modevatioa^ In dsspositionv he i» modest, generous, unassuming,, civiK ftod commiMiiQativr. Hia couDtenaoce, it i» thought, bears m great simi*' larity to the features the la«e Dutch Samt, but widi** out that degree of ferocity which characterised the expi'^ssive face of the Jew phenotnenon. Hir flesh i^ of so close d teztikre, that, in all his iighW, it appears. Done of his opponents have ev^r' beeii able to draw atky blbod fVotH hin^'. TdsNfiR h in height about 5 feet 7 inches^ weighitig' 10 stoti^ 4' lb; Heismori^ of an efecHi^ than' a ^hoWy fighteH, atid peduliarlycautious and vigilant in the fight; scarcely e^er makirtg' a' WbW'fiVst, but improving ei^ty opportunity \^ith niddi quickness, frbm a ^arp penetrattng eye. Tvi^ KER is coilsfidbiied'ode of the most difficult box^r^ to be goi af 6ti the whole li^of Pugitist^: The distlabce be stands from his opponent is truly singular, atid- he* avoids the coming blow with much dexterity. He also gets away with adroitness^ and he uses his left hand with celerity and effect. His appearance does not indicate n^uch strength; but{ nevertheless, his length of arm is capable of every exertion, and it is said of TuRNBH that he' ckii e:jdercise with dumbbells^ weighing 18 pounds,, 300 times, before he feels tired. His attitude is firm and' erect, and his mode of standings with his right leg foremost,, puzzles all his adversaries, and it is viewed as a great means towards producing victory. No boxer, it is said^ recovers himself aftef strikiti'g a blow" with' more quickness, renderinfg his position ready^ either' to commence offensive operations, or to protect his frame from the attacks of his opponent^ than Turner. This is a trait of excellence that few pugilists possess, in an eminent degree and hoxers, in general, do not seem to calculate upon its advantageous results towards conquest. Tom Belcher, in this respect, is a most excellent model. It is also urged by the friends 184 toxiANA ok, of Turner that bis boxing requisites bave been seen to greater advantage in bis accidental skimmhe$ tban in tbose prize fights wbicb bave so inucb enhanced his milling reputation, owing to labouring under tbose peculiar feelings which he cannot get the better of for some time after bis entering the ring with an oppo* nent, merely to obtain a purse. His integrity is unquestionable, and, in Wales, be can be backed to any amount and also in the metropolis he has equally numerous supporters. As a workman, it seems he can earn from £l50 to «£2(X) per annum. TOM SHELTON, THE NAVIGATOR. The truth you speak do lack some gentleness, And time to speak it in you mb the sore When you should find the plaister. 1 pray you, in your letters, When you shall these unlucky deeds relate. Speak of roe as I am nothing extenuate. Nor set down ought in malice. Ik obedience to the dictates of truth, and towards fdlfilling the character of an impartial Biographer, the Author feels reluctantly compelled to record one of the most singular and awful transactions which the above determined hero of the fist was engaged in, thai evei* occurred in the history of buman nature ! SKETCH^ OF PUGILISM. 18S It appears that Shblton was indicted at the Quarter SessioDs for the city of London, on the 14th Sept. 1812, in consequence of having assaulted Croker, one of the police officers, on the Hampstead-road, a short time previous to the above date, when the defendant was prevented fbom hancino himsblp on a lamppost! through the interference of this spirited officer. Shelton, in company with a staunch pal, (according to the acceptation of the term,) had determined on a day's ^ree in the country, and the place fixed on, where^ the cara of life were to be relaxed over a cistid of the best Virginia,'' was at the delightful village of Hampstead. To fill up the time, whicb^ it seems, dragged somewhat heavily upon the bands of these mon-descripts,'' notwithstanding much fun and larking had occurred between them during their excursion, assisted with most copious libations of heavy wet, to prevent their arguments from becoming too dry, and also numerous invigorating Jkuhes of blue ndn^ to give, point to their oratory, still the amvMemerUi they had experienced were not considered altogether complete, and, therefore, by way of putting SL^tdsh to the day, the old pot-house recreation of gaffing was the expedient hit upon. That slippery jade. Fortune, had tantalized Shblton with alternate successes for some hours, when, at length, his luck turned, and he lost every thing that he possessed about bis person«-«the blunt having first vanished, the togi followed in succession, and the last desperate stake produced (having nothing else left) was — HIS LIFE, upon the cast of a die !!! 1^ tfoXiAM^A; oA, C«i tath thing* b«, aikd of erdoitae cril 1A4 a sanuiidr's cloudy mchdut ouv special* ifiviider ? Tbcf de^faetWe effects of piy>ftigtttie! glttnaing wcfi« mevel* seett iff A more horrid poiiit of tiew tbati itf thte tMHifsiictiOQ betweett^ Sirst;ToM' add hitr assboia^. To ^hdt dreadfill' e^ttremiti^ ar6 dot mien of sti^erioy education and mind oft^n hurried from its' pernicfoiid effects, even when their imaginations have not beett* heHiti Vfkb the Jtrice of the grd^ but the des^emte conduct of these two> eharactertf/ (though evidently labouring undier a state of inebriatioff,) exceed^ every thing upon record. It i^ sCai'cdy posrible to* admit the reulity of the circMnstartce in' question', nanwhf'*^^ witness one n^an ''^taking hit life'* \titli the moM pei^ctf i apparently, as he would' a^ piede of iuadt^ niiit^ mcjrnli bta claimidg the peifotrntttkie of the cOdtmoty.with allthe barbaktausrfgoui^of aSetLOcr 6y hiwif^ the defeftdant hanjsfdd at PkB ftm Ikmp, oM" thirir getting to tht r strange to rem»rh> vi^ifb the- UtMost alacrity and cheerfulness, anxious, ils-)i^ th0Ught,>/2^ ifo the thing that tM$ right; or, hi' other v^ords^ fulfil the chiftracter of an honoutnbU OAM'BirBR, witb« a composune and fortitude that would have deide Hbnour to a better cause, ascended the ladip^po'st, tied af Beldur handkerchief itmnd his deck, which he affix*" ed, by the command of the winner (his- intidiati^ friend) f firmly to the post.- Pending the su^ipension; however, the handkerchief gave Way by- the kiiot 8KSTCM«ft QW POOHJ8M. Wl' gsfluog loofe, not beiag. tied Uj a more deilfol Jack Ketch, Md the iniemkd viciim dr^pped^-^noi into ETERNITY, but to the surface of the barth ! And that should teach as. There's a divinity that shapes our ends. Rough-hew them how we will. ''Up agaid, quickly cries his JHend, insisting upon the full perFormance of the condition of the wager, to which Shblton attented without thedightett murmur, and again mounted to fix the knot more secwrety f White in this act, Croker accidentally passed the spot, and, upon being called, he immediatelj interposed, joiu cMmonie, with the cudgel he held^ in hh band, and gave SuBXTOfC several hard blows that brought him to the ground before he could accomplisfar the secono suspbvsiont ! For this humane interposition — this stepping-in between a man and ETBRNiTT, with all his imperfections upon his head; Croker was requited with a pair of black eyes, and his nose broken! Id a false quarrel there's no true valour. It was for this breach of the peace, that SHBX'roifi was now placed at the bar and, after the case was fully proved against him, he pleaded son assault de mime, and called witnesses to prove that Croker had first struck htm three times before he retaliated, adding tliat the officer had not shown his staff of author rity before he had struck him, andt INSISTING* that be had A RIGHT TO HANG HIMSELF, as he loU 1B8 BOXIANA; Ok, the wager, and it would have been eonndered UNFAIR if he had not fatty performed the bet! !! By beav'ns I methioksy it were au eaiy leap To plack bright honoar from the pale-fac*d moon ! Or dive into the bottom of the deep, Where fethom-Une could never touch the ground. And pluck up drotrned honour bj the locks, So he that doth redeem her thence, might wear Without co-rivals all her dignities. jBuI out upon thit half-faced fellowthip ! After the learned chairmaa bad most hamaDely observed upon tbe folly and obstinacy of Shbl- TON in accusing tbe officer of assault for performing an act of imperative dntj^by preventing tbe impious act of intended iuicide, tbe Jury returned a verdict of guilty. Upon tbe sentence being promulgated, tbe wife of Shblton^ in person, addressed tbe bench, stating, that in consequence of this prosecution she was ruined in her little shop and business, and her four young children deprived of tbe means of subsistence, which had cost her no less than <£l8, and left her unable to defray farther expenses, in case the sentence should require it but added, with considerable feeling, that, exceptingsomesuch irregular fits and frolics, be was agood husband, and laborious and attentive to bis duties^ They say, best men are moulds out of faults. And, for the most* become much more the better For being a little bad so may my husband. The bench, in consequence of the good character given of her lord and master** by the female pleader* were induced to grant Shblton bis immediate liberation. The gameness displayed by men in the ring, in comparison with the daringness" or hardihood'' evinced by Shelton in the above unparalleled transaction,'' is as snow before the-san and the asaal mode of expressing courageous acts, by using the phrases of fortitude, resignation, Sec. in this fnstance are quite out of the question in fact, a term is wantingy not to be found even in any of our copious modem dictionaries, emphatically to designate this species of action,*' that, upon the toss up of a halfpenny, the finest feelings of nature were in an instant obliterated — the important ties of husband and father forgotten —no compunction for the past transactions of life manifested — and the important consequences of the FVTUR.E not even thought of ! It is a subject so fiotfOtf& in its kind, that sets all theoretical researches into the human character at defiance and only reminds us, that, with all our experience, still the proper study of mankind is man !" This determined hero is a native of Wrotham, in Kent, and was born on the Ist of May, 1787, within a mile of the place where the Championship of Enghnd was contended for between Big Ben and Tom Johnson* Shelton is in weight about 12 stone 7 lb. and in height 5 feet 10 inches. He is a scientific boxer — a truly brave man in the ring— a good infighter, but a left-handed hitter. His first battle took place in Tothil-fields, for ten guineas a-side, with one Fitzgerald^ an Irishman. SiiBLTON fought under the auspices of Caleb Baldwin. Paddy was a big one," weighing upwards of IS stone. The above mentioned battle was contested on both Ito umxiimA; tm, Mde$, for the spaoe of M miiHMes, wkii moch manbood aad scieoce, wbeo S«ELTOif was dedered tbe oonqoeror. Tbe amateurs^ who witnessed tbe efforts of the QaY%;ator upon this oeeasioa, were astomsbed at the boxhig fequisifees he displayed. He next entered the lists with Harry Harmer^ for an account of that distinguished battle, see page 50 upon that occasion Suelton was defeated. A SuQbik farmer, of tbe name of Studd, of superior weight and strength, anxious to obtain the honours of the ring, was matched with Shelton, for a subscription purse of twenty-five guineas, which took place, on Tuesday, the 27 th of June, 1815, at Moulsey*hiirst. Harmer and Oliver seconded Shbltom; «iid Stmdd was waited upon by Sichmond and Painter. S&fiLTON WAS the favourite, 2 to 1 First round. — ^The superiority of science was soon discovered to be on tbe side of Shelton. The farmer endeavoured (o ikrask bis opponent straight forward, and succeeded in plaac^ ij)g two hits, but he was awkwardness itself. A rally took place, in which Studd got the worst of it, and went jdowu ifrom a severe blow upon one of his peepers. The odds were all upon SheltOB. Seo99d. — ^Tbe farmer had no preteosioiis la ^mntific h a match was made between Shelton and Richmond, the man of colour, which took place at Moulsey-hurst, on Tuesday, the 1st of August, 1815, in which the former was defeated. Shelton, it seems, had received some instructions from Richmond. See page 131. From the above period to the publication of ibis Volume, Shelton did not exhibit in the ring; and although not materially declined in person, he suflered much from indisposition, which tended to produce considerable weakness in his style as a boxer. It appears, he derived much instruction from the experience of iiiiie, and is, at the moment of IM BOXIANA OK, jmbHeatum, a cml well-behaved member of societyy and iDdustriously following bis occapation as a navigator. TOM OWEN, (DBNOMINATBDy IN THE OLD ScHOOL, THE FIOHT* iNO Oilman, and) the conqueror of BuLLT Hooper. For knowledge of Ufe, and rigs of the town, Tom Owen's the lad that always is down! He's awake in the Famct, alive in the ring— And merriest of ckauntt he's ready to sing As a oooD SECOND, Tom*$ entitled to fame. Hell win if he can, fmd stands ap for the game! This pugilistic hero, it appears, derived considerable notoriety, in the sporting circles, from his conquesu over the renowned Hooper, the tinman, whose name was a terror to the boxing ring ! Ton is a native of Hampshire, and was born at Portsea* on the ft 1st of December, 1768. The first trial of skill, in which Owen exhibited some knowledge of the pugilistic art, was with one Bill Savage, in a field, near Portsea. It was a severe battle on both sides, and contested with manly spirit for upwards of an hour, when victory crowned the efforts of Qwen. JfoneM, belonging to the dock-yard, was bis second upon this occasion. Owen, soon after the above iei'-to, arrived in the metropolis to follow the occupation of an oilman. la passing through the Haymarket, with a jar of oil upon his shoulders, he was rudely assailed by a huge T in Rosemary* lane^ to be present at a sparring exhibition, at which place several of the Jews displayed considerable talent* One Jbraham RobeSf the leader of the party, and a first-rate 9etier^o, offered to accommodate any gen-^ tleman in company, by a trial with the gloves. Tom's friends now introduced the pretended countryman to have, a bout, which occasioned no small degree of smiling among the tribe of Israel, ^hen Owen put on the mufflers, particularly ^by, who flattered himself how the poor countrymati^ nob would be puqished for his stupidity, and the diversion ii would afford to the spectators in general. But the scene was soon chan-^ ged, and the countrymen at length discovered, from the Jew's receiving such a tremendous ,/2borer in the wind, that he laid for some time on the ground insen* o sible, from the effect of its seTerity, and could not get upon his legs, and was ultimately obliged to be carried home. Few boxers, it is said, have fought more battles than Owen and in most of the sea-port towns Tom has exhibited. But Owen, at length, met with an opponent that proved too strong for him, and, notwithstanding all the icience he displayed, in getting away from the LAW for upwards of a twelvemonth, Tom was compelled at last to strike his colours. At the Surrey Sessions, in January, 1805, our hero was indicted for a riot and conspiracy, on Putney-common, in aiding and abetting Bourke and Pearce to fight a pitched battle. The Counsel for the prosecution, Mr. Morris, observed the object of this indictment was to convince the public of their misconception, in believing that boxing contests were legal. The parties, who fought, from a false notion of honour, might have an excuse what defence the seconds could make on such occasions, he was at a loss to determine. Richard Lovett and Jackson^ two police officers, proved that Owen was second to Bourke and the fight had begun when witnesses broke into the ring, and desired the defendant and others to disperse, or they would be prosecuted but their remonstrances were of no avail the battle continued for an hour, and Bourke was carried off the ground dreadfully beaten. Upon the part of Owen, it was contended by his Counsel, Mr. Lawes, that he was entitled to an acquittal, and no more guilty of a conspiracy than the SKBTCHBS OP PUGILISM. 197 noblemen and others who remained after the police officers had warned them to depart. If that great orator Demosthenes, or a herald with a trumpet, had endeavoured, at the commencement of the fight, to persuade the spectators to retire, their efforts would have proved useless the battle had begun, and the confusion so great, that his client could not bear what the officers imparted. He trusted the Jury, upon an impartial view of the defendant's conduct, would not entertain a belief of his guilt; and, from the circumstance of his having served the King, in the impress service, for a number of years, with the greatest respectability, they would, by their verdict, once more restore him to the enjoyment of his liberty. The Jury, who were some time in deliberation upoa the subject, found Owen guilty, and he was sentenced to THREE MONTHS imprisonment, in Horsemongerlane. Owen is of prepossessing appearance, and in height about five feet ten inches, weighing 12 stone. He is full of fun and anecdote a good knowledge of life of a cheerful disposition sings a flash song with much characteristic point and humour and the company ToH spends an evening with will not have to complain, that the time has proved tedious or dull upon their hands. He is also well acquainted with the old school of Boxers; and has given a public imitation of their various attitudes and modes of fighting with effect and success. In the character of a second, Owen yields to no boxer upon the list. He attends to the interest of the men placed under his care, with much judgement and alacrity^ frequently regulating their conduct throughout framing; and^ in the ring, his cheerful mode of encouraging them towards victory h^ not only hacl the effect of removing doubt from their minds, but generally provedsuc cessful. The mode Owbn adopted with Tutmer against Scroggim^ and in the memorable instance of winning the battle for Sutton against Painter, are such strong instances in his favour, and proofs of his sound judgement, that any further etdogiqm upon his merits in this capacity is totally unnecessary. Blaeft dam, (otherwise SAM ROBINSON.) MoLiNBAux and Richmond having distinguished themselves with so much success in the pugilistic circles, it should seem, induced other Men of Colour to come forward, and endeavour to make a similar impression upon the minds of the Fancy in general, without even considering how far they ^ere in possession of those boxing requisites which have placed these heroes so high upon the fighting list. Nothing can be so different as iparring^ and FIGHTING and the ring gives so clear and practical an explanation of these terms, that the best dictionaries must fall short in even attempting to describe them in theory. It also informs a man whether he has any game in him or not, — and if, after having been severely milled, he has any relish for more trials, it 8EBTCHB8 OF PUGILISM. IW^ then proves the faet beyond all doubt. Cribb and Dogherty 9iie lively iastances io thU ]partioular point of view. Robinson^ although not realizing the pugilistic emiaeoce of MoUneaux and Bichmond, has aeveflhelessy it appears, from his frequent exploits in the ring, acquired considerable notoriety as a boxer. Sam is a. native of New York^ in America, and was employed as a labourer, in the service of Mr, Johnsod, a paviof^ in Westminster, when he first offered himself to Oliver as a promising candidate for milling honours. The general appearance of Robinson indicates bodily strength, and, when stripped in tl)e ring, his bust is considered to possess cnucb: athletic beauty in height about five feet mine inches, anfd weighing 14 stone. His nob, at all time^, is far removed from the attractive qualities of an Jddni^ but, in battle, it assumes an aspect truly terrific. Sam's first attempt at pugilism is said to have been with a man denomiua* ted Billy the broker^'* for a guinea a-side, near St. George's Row, Westminster. It was a hard fought battle, and, for 35 minutes, the time it continued, Sam displayed good courage, and came off conqueror, in better style than was expected. Under the care and tuition of Oliver^ Sam, it seems, acquired a tolerable knowledge of the art of boxing and he was^ at length, matched for a trifling sum, with the rough and hardy Crockey. This mff/match was decided in a field, a few miles from town, on the Edgware-road. The Black rose in the estim*' tion of the spectators, from the spirited manner in which he gained this contest. It w^^ a long bdttte. 200 BOXIANA; OU, and much heavy milling passed between the cam<» batants, and it has been urged, that Crockey never fought so courageously as he did this day with Robinson. The friends of Sam thought him capable of achieve ing something higher, and he was accordingly matched with Butcher, a navigator, for a subscription parse of ten guineas, at Coombe^warren, in a twentyfour feet ring, on March 14, 1816. Butcher's character, as a game man and a natural fighter, was well understood and, from the repeated conquests he had obtained, among his own hardy race of men, it was^ considered that Robinson would have his work to do to win the battle. The usual ceremony being per^ formed, of shaking hands, the men set-to r-^ First round. — ^Tbe Man of Colour immediately let fly at the Navigator; but the latter returned with the utmost gaiety. Milling seemed the intent of both the combatants, who bad fought their way into a desperate rally, when Batcher wa» sent down. Second. — ^The Black took the lead decidedly in this round, although his adversary drew the claret from his mouth. A rally occurred, in which some tremendous blows were exchanged. In closing, it was plain the strength was on the side' of Robinson, who threw his man with the roost apparent ease. 2 to 1 on Robinson. Third. — Robinson had no hesitation about his efforts, and went to work in the most finishing style of execution. In a rally the punishment was terrific but Robinson bored down Butcher out of the ring. Fourth. — ^The phick of Butcher was excellent, and he returned upon the Black in a sharp and dexterous style. In closing, Robinson had the superiority, from his prodigious strength. Fifth. — The Man of Colour went down from a hit but itwas not viewed as a complete fioorer^ Great applause; Well done, Butcher !" SKBTCHSS OF PUGILISM. 20t Slxth.-^Robinson was the hero of this round, he out-fought his opponent with much superiority but the Navigator exchanged hits with him till he went down rather exhausted. In falling. Butcher received a severe blow. 2 to 1 on the Bhick. Seventh. — Butcher commenced tmUing with great severity, and kept the lead. The Black returned furiously, and both seemed to have had enough of it^ when the Man of Colour received a throitkr ihviX floored him like a shot. Uproarious applause; and the odds dropped something. Eighth. The men immediately fought their way into a desperate rally, in which the Navigator was conspicuous, from the nobbing hits he planted upon the Man of Colour; but the latter, with the fury of a bull, bored down the Man of Clay. Ninth.— 'The fighting was again contested with equal vigour, as in the above roundj till the Navigator went Tenth.«->Good tnilUng on both sides, till they got down. Eleventh. — It b impossible to convey an accurate description of this round. In point of real courage, it was equal to any thing of the kind ever witnessed. At times, they hit each other away so desperately, that a short pause occurred, before they could return in an offensive manner. At length, the attack was renewed with more obstinacy than the former, and they ndUed each other on the ropes almost suspended, till nature compelled them to drop, equally exhausted. The applause was immense. Twelfth.— This was a short round. The Man of Colour floon got the Navigator down. Thirteenth.— Fighting without intermission occurred, but the Black had the best of it. The Navigator was floored. Three to 1 on Robinson. Fourteenth. — ^The Man of Clay stood up like a hero, and fought with the most determined resolution, till he was sent Fifteenth, Sixteenth, and Seventeenth. — The Man of Colour took the lead decidedly, in these rounds, and completely out-fought his opponent, who went down every time. Eighteenth. — The Navigator, not dismayed, planted several good Uows upon Robinson's nob; but the latler fought his way to the ropes, when Butcher went down very exhausted. Nineteenth. — ^The Black received a heavy faUL Twentieth. — ^The Man of Colour again struggled with hb opponent, but, nevertheless, he went down. Twenty-first. — In this round Butcher surprised the spectators, from the superiority he displayed. He hit the Man of Colour in every direction, and not only threw him, but fell with all his weight upon Robinson. Twenty-second. — From the severe ndtting that had occurred between the combatants, it was astonishing to see with what firmness they both came up to the scratch. Some desperate blows were exchanged, but the Black had the best of it, and the Navigator was knocked down. Twen^-third. — ^This round was terrible in the extreme. The combatants both seemed insensible to the heavy blows they received; and, notwithstanding being hit away from each other, they returned to the attack with the most perfect indifference. Butcher, at \etigi\i^ Jhored the Man of Colour like a shot. Twenty-fourth. — ^Robinson commenced with great spirit, and closed the round, by levelling his opponent. Twenty-fifth. — ^The gkUtony of the combatants astonished every one present; but it was clearly seen, that Robinson ultimately must prove the conqueror, from the possession of boxing requisites superior to his brave opponent. Twenty-sixth to Thirty-eighth. — During these twelve rounds the conduct of Butcher was a fine specimen of native courage; but he never obtained a decided change in his favour, so as to alter the opinion of the amateurs, respecting the termination of the event. Thirty-ninth. — ^The generosity of Robinson in this round, and also in a previous instance, cannot be too highly promulgated. He had Butcher twice in a suspended state upon the ropes, when a hit must have produced him victory, but his HUM A NIT V rose superior to the advantage that offe^ itself, and he walked away with uplifted hftnds, gtatified with a higher feeling. It should not be forgotten, this noble trait was evinced by a Man of Colour f Fortieth to Forty^fourth and last. — ^The Navigator contended witb the most determined spirit; till not the lightest ckance lemained j but he coold not be prevailed upon to pronounce^ the reluctant NO ! to a brave mind. It was, however, deemed dangerous by tl^e umpires for Butcher' to proceed^ and, under their direction, be was taken out of the rkig; The battle contiaued 47 minntes. The above maoly contest brought Robinson into considerable notice; and his generous conduct throug|iout the 6ght gained him many patrons. Butcher also proved himself a hero worthy triumphing over, — bis courage was of the first order^-^and any thing like stopping between the combatants was out oJF the ques* tjon. Robinson eager, it seems, to obtain a higher situation on the pugilistic roll of fame, felt no hesitation in being matched with Carter, for a purse of 25 guineas, given by the P. C. in addition to the stakies of 25 guineas a-side. But in this contest, which was decided at Moulsey-hurst, on Wednesday, April 24, 1816, he was defeated in the short space of ttventeen minuter and a half! The superior tactics of Carter so bothered Robinson, that he had not a single c&itic^ during the battle. The amateurs, however, still thought Robinson an object of attraction; and, to give the Fancy, in general, a nouvelU sort of entertainment, it was determined to put the i$ti5e ^im in S&ouxnim And a match, in consequence, for <£20a-side, was made between the above sombre hero and Stephenson, the black, both having been recently defeated by Carter. This dart contest took place at Coombewood, on the £8th of May, 1816, bot the amateara of rank were by no means so numerous as on former occasions, anticipating, it is said, that it would be a mere burlesque on fighting it being well known the above men were so easily disposed of in the hands of a first-rate boxer^ and that they possessed none of the talents of Richmond and MoUneaux, or any thing like them. Robinson first showed and threw up his hat, and was soon followed by Stepheruon. The latter was seconded by Richmond and Harmer; and Robinson by Oliver and a stranger. The battle lasted one hour and twelve minutes, and sixty-eight rounds took place as follow: — First round. — On setting-to Robinson put in a facer, when Stephenson retreated, and Robinson run after him, but hit short a few blows were exchanged, and in closing they both fell, but Robinson undermost. Second.— Stephenson set-to in good style, and followed Robinson so sharply, that he almost went out of the ring and went down from a slight hit, a sort of slip. Third. — Several good blows were exchanged, when they closed, and Stephenson fibbed his opponent severely but in throwing Robinson had the advantage. Fourth. — Robinson hit his man, when Stephenson returned sharply, and acted upon the getting-away system. Id closing, Stephenson went down. Fifth.— This was a good round. Some heavy blows passed between them, and Stephenson went to work in earnest, and threw down Robinson most severely. Sixth. — Robinson rather panic-struck, after receivtng some blows, went down of his own accord. Disapprobation expressed. Seventh.-»Robinson went in and punished away in style, and had the best of the round. Stephenson down. Eighth .-^Stephenson, from his strength, seemed now ca- pable of performing more than was expected, and put in some severe facers. Robinson fought well, but was ultimately Ninth. — A few lunging hits, and Robinson was again Tenth. — Stephenson punished bis opponent's nob terribly, and got away but in a close, his strength enabled him to send down Robinson. Eleventh. — Robinson made a body hit, and Stephenson retreated and went on his knees. Disapprobation. Twelfth. — Stephenson having Richmond so near him, began to follow the advice of his master, put in some good blows and got away. Robinson followed in good style, but in closing went down. Thirteenih. — Stephenson put in a facer, but Robinson returned on the body, and had the best of the round. Stephenson's strength enabled him again to throw his opponent. Both appeared rather weak. Fourteenth. — Robinson went to work with spirit, and several good blows were exchanged between them. Stephenson's long arm felt for his opponent's nob terribly, and in closing sent him down. Fifteenth. — Stephenson put in two clean hits and got away but Robinson followed him and gave him a severe facer, but tias at length thrown. Sixteenth. — Robinson gave his opponent a heavy body blow, and in closing Stephenson went down. Seventeenth. — A few blows exchanged, and Robinson again thrown. Eighteenth. — It now appeared to the amateurs, that it was not to be an apology for a fight, and it was something more serious than larking. Betting had changed a little, but Robinson was still the favourite. Stephenson set-to with spirit, and there was a smile upon his countenance, and displayed considerable gaiety, but was at length hit down. Nineteenth.— Stephenson made three good hits, but Robinson went in furiously, and felt for bis opponent's wind, and bored him down. Twentieth. — This was a curious round altogether, and Stephenson finbhed it by lifling his opponent completely off his legs, and threw hin^ sharply down. Twenty-first.— Some good hits, but Stephenson fell. Betting 20 to 5 against Stephenson. Twenty second to Twenty-ninth.. — A great deal of thumping took place in these rounds, and they were generally closed by Robinson being thrown but in the 29th, Robinson crossbuttocked his opponent Thirtieth. — Stephenson by dint of strength hit Robinson away, but fell on his knees. Disapprobation expressed. Thirty-first. — In closing this rounds Stephenson fibbed his opponent severely and sent him down. Thirty-second to thirty^ighth.— ^Though so many rounds had been fought, yet it might be termed a bhodlen figbt« Their blows though heavy and often told, yet from their com* plexion and close skin, there was no appearance of effective punishment having passed between theni. In this last round, Stephenson turned round from a hit, and grappled his opponent's thigh, and threw him. Stephenson began to show great distress, and Robinson generally came freshest to the scratch. — 5 to 1 on Robinson. Thirty^ninth to Fifty-first. — Stephenson, during these rounds, seemed to profit from some advice that Harmergave him, and put in several noifbing hits, and generally, from strength in closing, got his man down. In this last round Robinson showed considerable superiority, several hi^ \vere exchanged, a sort of hug took place, when they broke away, and Stephenson went down from a severe hit. (Great applause.) Fifty-second.^ Robinson put in a body blow, and Stephenson retreated, and laid down, as it were, to avoid the coming blow. Fifty-third to Fifty-ninth. — Nothing particular transpired, but, in the 59tb, Stephenson again got himself down. Sixtieth. — Robinson clearly hit bis opponent down, and laughed. Any odds upon Robinson. Sixty-first to Sixty-eighth and last. — Robinson now evidently bad the superiority in every round, and Stephenson was only prolonging the battle to obtain a chance. He cer<« tainly tried to win, by going down several times. At length he became so distressed, that it was useless to. proceed, and he was so tired of it, that in the last round he turned and looked about to find an opening to be off, but was at length hit down; and thus finished this black mill. If first-rate sciebce was not displayed between these Men of Colour, they certainly made a good battle of it — and the fighting amateurs were most agreeably disappointed. Robinson seemed the most determined man, and showed considerable bottom, as the falls he received might, in a great measure, have defeated him. Stephenson is the strongest man but his blows did not appear so effective towards victory as Robinson's. However, it was considered, that both the combatants had retrieved their characters, and need not be ashamed again to enter the ring. The friends of Robinson were anxious to give him an opportunity of retrieving his laurels with Carter, and a hasty and nouvelle bet was entered into, for twenty pounds a-side, that the Lancashire Hero did not beat Robinson in half an hour. This match against time was a new feature in the prize-ring, excited considerable attention in the sporting circles, and, on Wednesday, the £6th of June, 1816, it took place^ on Coombe-warren. Twenty-eight minutes and a half had elapsed, and Robinson was both good in strength and wind; but, owing to his falling without a blow, (which circumstance occasioned great disputes between the different partisans,) it was decided against him. It is, however, fair to state, this decision was by no means satisfactory to the sporting circles generally although the bets were paid. Our hero, who preferred enjoying all the good things of this life, more than adhering to the rigid principles of training, was induced to enter the lists with Sutton, a man of Colour, and a new adventurer in the field of glory. The above dark ones met at Doncaster-RaceSy on Wednesday, September 25, J8l6, for a subscription purse, when Robinson was beat nearly off hand, in 36 minutes. The latter, it is true, entered the ring a few hours after he arrived, and had been overturned in the coach on his journey to Doncaster. But had not this circumstance occurred, SuUan could beat him at any time. The honour of Robinson, it seems, was at stake at Ferrybridge, in Yorkshire, in December 1816, with one of his pupils, of the name of Taylor, a promising chicky but rather of an irritable disposition. In ietting^ to, Robinson was compelled tog/ove-mill this young disciple of the fist severely, in order to prevent the laugh from going against him from the surrounding spectators, Taylor having endeavoured to out-spar his master. A fight was the result, and Taylor, ^'who had previously crept into favour with himself," was, in the short space of nineteen minutes, completely convinced of his error, and taught to feel the sorry difference between theory and practice. It was a prime adventure for Blackee, who pocketed a subscription purse of ten pounds. Thefrowns of fortune still followed Robinson, and he was again defeated by George Cooper, at Costerton Honyhead, near Edinburgh, for a purse of 50 guineas, on February 24, 1817. In the hands of this superior fighter, the Man of Colour was disposed of in the same finishing style that Cooper conquered Jay at Shepperton. But Robinson at length got a small turn in his favour. In strolling through various parts of the SKETCHES OF PtClLISM. 200 coantry, it appears, he met with a doubtful customer^ of the name of FangUl, near Shellock> in Ayrshire, Scotland, on Wednesday, June 25, 1817. The cause, it appears, originated in a whiskey-shop on the preceding evening, when the Man of Colour was recounting his deeds of arms,'* and the valorous feats he bad achieved in the field of glory — this latter Sentence roused the attention of FangUl, a young, brawny, athletic Highlander who had braved the hottest fires of the late campaign, and, on the plains of Waterloo, felt the glowing expression, in asserting, **l was THBBs!" Fangill instantly checked the heroict** of Robinson — and as fighting, professionally, be^ longed to both of them, the Highlander challenged the Black to a trial of skill, which the sombre Hero of the ring immediately accepted. The stakes were trifling, aud the liberality of a subscription was to compensate their efforts. On setting-to, the High^ lander made a' furious charge, as if attacking the French cuirassiers, and though Robinson retreated a little from the impetuous shock, yet he was not able sufficiently to get away to prevent his being, ultimately floored. The art of milling, it seems, was decidedly in favour of the Black; but the strength and courage of his opponent were of the first order, and the Highlander was not completely subdued till upwards of 40 minutes had elapsed, and near 20 rounds had been gallantly contested. Fangill experienced severe punishment, and he was nearly deprived of vision before he was taken from the ring. Robinson did not escape shot free*-aod in addition to several isty castors upon his dark canvas, he also received a VOL. II. P tremendous hit under one of his Hstenen, that bothered his upper works for four rounds, equal to. a knotty point in chancery, before he was again able to resume his regular practice. It was the superiority of leience that brought to the Man of Colour the cheeriiiig ^ound of victory. Robinson^ it appears, is not of an idle disposition, and, to keep his hands in practice, does not refuse any offer that presents itself which may be turned to account. The ring is his work-shop, and he again entered it with a Northumberland man of the name of Dent, on the 5ih of December, 1817, near Gretna-greeu, Scotland. The battle, in question, originated from a slight tum-vp, on the day previous, with the above sombre hero, in which Dent ratlier took the lead of tbe Man of Colour. In consequence of the success the former met with, his confidence prompted him to fight a regular battle for five guineas a-side. After 23 minutes of downright milling, the NorthumberJand man received an accidental hit upon his kidneys,.tbat compelled him to resign the contest previous to wb)ch blow, it seems, it was 6 to 4 in his favour. Robinson, although in the hands of scientific boxers, has experienced defeats, yet his capabilities Are:nottobe viewed contemptuously by rough untutored commonersJ In concluding this sketch, little more is necessary to be observed, than that Robinson is nearly thirty years of age. In disposition, he appears to be goodnatured, rather humourous, and tolerably communicative. He possesses considerable vivacity is fond of dress — and extremely attentive to the fair sex. The Man of Cobur has nothing like ferocity attached to his Digitked by VjOOQIC SKBTCHBS OF ?U6|LI8M. 211 cpmpositioQ and, in societj% he is not inatteative to the rules of decorum. As a pugilist, his qualifica- Cioqs never soared to a high pitch of scientific excellence and, in all his battles, his head was too open to the attack of his opponent. Robinson, in all probability, might have attained a more prominent situation in the sporting circles, had he experienced the improving advantages of sl Corinthian patron but, under all. the circumstances of his pugilistic career, he is certainly entitled to rank above mediocrity. PURCELL, the Farrier. This hammering son of Vxjlcan, although he has left the heat of the forge for the toarmer service of the ring, does not appear to have accomplished any great exploit in the pugilistic field of glory. Purcell, if not a direct pupil of Tom Oliver, it seems, has derived considerable instruction from the frequent practice he has had with that game 'boxer. Purcbll is considered a showy fighter, and can use both hands with tolerable ease and dexterity. He made his debdt in the prize-ring with Jack Johnson, the Paddington carrier, by whom he was defeated, in August, 1815, after a good display of milling talent. Two years having elapsed during which Purcell, from the part he has taken in various sparring exhibitions. was considered to have materially improved his knowledge of the pugilistic art, was, at length, matched with Harry Lancaster, who had also been conquered by Johnson. The above heroes met on the plains of Moulsey, on Tuesday, the 9th of Sept. 1817. The amateurs again assembled on the above romantic spot, so delightfully abounding with picturesque scenery and effect (now termed by some of the Fancy, the Pugilistic Waterloo'*), to witness some good specimens of science, supported by true British valour. The heroes were not so attractive as those who usually exhibit^ and added to Harlowe-bush-fair, Enfieldraces, 8cc. occurring at that period, in some manner accounts for the scarcity of spectators on this occasion. Neither did Mr. Jackson honour the combatants with his presence. The absence of this gentleman is not only felt by all the patrons of the art respecting the etiquette of the proceedings; but, to the losing men, it is a positive loss. In the cause of the unfortunate, a more successful gold-beater is not to be found. However, upon the whole, the day's sport was tolerably well managed, and, to increase the comfort of the Corinthians, three large well-built stands, erected for the Hampton-races, were left in the same state, and the ring of 24 feet was formed within a few feet of the above superior accommodation. Lcmcafster had been trained by Owen, and every thing done to render him confident. The battle-money was for twenty guineas a-side. At a quarter past one the fight commenced. Owen and Cribb for Lancaster; and Harmtr and Jones for Purcell. Five and 6 to 4 on the latter. First round. — Some little sparring took place, when Purcell made a slight hit on Lancaster's nob. An exchange of blows occurred sharply between them, and Purcell went down. Second. — Purcell hit over Lancaster's shoulder, when the latter planted two good facers. Both the combatants got into work, and Purcell was hit down. Third. — Lancaster showed the best science, and milled his opponent so severely that he turned round, when Harry again sent him down. Purcell's mug was clarcted. Fourth.— Lancaster stood on the defensive, and received three facers without giving any return. Marry, at length, put in a severe blow on Purcell's neck, when he went down. The claret began to peep now upon Lancaster's face. Fifth. — Lancaster had the best of this round decidedly; and hit Pnrcell as he was going down. Some cries of foulfair!" Sixth. — The men got inio a close, and broke away. Lancaster planted a hit on Purcell's forehead, and he again went down. The odds began to shift, and Lancaster appeared by far the best man. Seventh. — Purcell put in three slight facers without receiving any return. But, whenever Lancaster went in to milly the superiority was evident, and Purcell was always, at the end of the round, on the grass. Eighth. — Purcell commenced this round with gaiety, when, after some few blows were exchanged, he appeared to fall without a blow, and Lancaster, in consequence, hit right over him. Considerable hissing. Ninth. — In closing, both down. Tenth. — Lancaster stopped with great skill, and planted some good blows. He also behaved very manly to Purcell, in falling with his hands over him, instead of squeezing his stomach with his knees, which he might have done. He was deservedly applauded, and well done, Harry !" Eleventh. — Purcell was again down. Twelfth.— This was a sharp contested round. Purcell was punished in all directions, and again down. Thirteenth. — Purcell came bleeding to the scratch, and was soon doMn on the grass. Fourteenth and fifteenth — In favour of Lancaster, and Purcell down in both rounds. Sixteenth.— This was a singular round. Purcell turned round from the hitting he received. They got into a close, when Lancaster fibbed him. Porcell got away and exchanged some blows. Both distressed but Purcell down. Oliver, notwithstanding the appearance of things, loudly ofl^red 5 to 4 on Purcell. Seventeenth. — ^Purcell had the best of the round, but, nevertheless be contrived to get down. Eighteenth.^Laucaster hit Purcell right away from him, and upon his attempting to follow him up, Purcell got down. Many now began to hedge their money. Nineteenth. — Lancaster commenced sharply, and Purcell soon got upon the grass. Lancaster pointed at him in derision. Twentieth. — Both distressed, but Purcell down. Twenty-first. — It would be superfluous to repeat the following rounds they were all decidedly in favour of Lancaster, who showed himself a good fighter. Purcell again Twenty-second. — Purcell do;vn. Twenty-third. — Ditto, Twenty-fourth. — Ditto. Twenty-fifth. — Ditto. Twentysixth. — Ditto. Twenty-seventh. — Ditto. Twenty-eighth. — Lancaster, from weakness and a slight hit, went down for the first time. The partisans of Purcell shouted loudly upon this event. Some even threw up their hats for joy. Twenty-ninth. — Purcell down. Thirtieth. — Lancaster turned round from a blow, and fell down. Hats again up, and loudly huazaing. It was astonishing to see the partiality for Purcell. Thirty-first. — Purcell down. Thirty-second. — Lancaster, at the ropes, behaved generously to Purcell, and let him go down without extra punishment. Bravo, Harry !" Thirty-third.— Purcell down. — Thirty-fourth. — Ditto. — Thirty-fifth.— Ditto. Thirty-sixth. — Lancaster, from a blow in Ibe rooutbi turned away from his antagonist, and fell down. Hats were again thrown thrown up, and Purcell applauded to the echo. Thirty-seventh. — Purcell down. Thirty-eighth. — Some good blows were exchanged, but Purcell positively laid himself down. Murmurs and hissing. SKETCHES OF PUOItlSM. 215 Thirty-ninth. — Lancaster was completely tired out, and he fell down near the corner of (he ring. Fortieth to forty-fourth and last. — It was all up wiih Harry. The spectators were astonished at this sudden falling off. He never reached the scratch any more, but was instantly down in the above five rounds on quitting his second's knee. The battle continued 55j^ minutes. RespectiDg Lancaster, it was the exact counterpart of the fight with Ford, at Ilford. However, in the above battle^ it was positively ti guinea to a thilling in h\sfaiX>ur, without the appearance of any thing like hazard^ till within the last six rounds, when the falling off was so iudden, that it was <£lOO to a farthing against hior with equal propriety. And so strongly did it operate upon the minds of many persons present, that they turned away from the ring with asto^ nishment^ expressing loudly^ — it must be sold'^-^- PtTRCBLL was dead beat once during the fight but Lancaster did not improve upon this circumstance. Had he gone in a little oftener with his left hand, he must have won it. He bad also the advanuges of having Tom Owen at his elbow, and the Champion at his back. Cowardice cannot be imputed to him but, as the ring has proved so unlucky to Lancaster, if he never enter it again, it might be better for his friends. If Purcell also wishes to obtain an eminence on the pugilistic list, the dotrn, dbtni, and down again system will never be the way to rtar into favour, or to add manliness to his character as s^boxer. He does not appear to want for game; but it is rather a curious method of showing it. His patron,' Tom Oliver, is. a good example, in this respect, to follow. In height, Purcbll is about five feet ten inches and a half, weighing 12 stone. JACK SCROGGINS, THE SAILOR, (but whose real name is — John Palmer.) There is a boxing blade, of hie feats now I'll sing, He jumpM, and thumped his way, till he got into the ring— With his capering jigs, and funny rig^, laughing at all icienee. Says he» I'm die boy I here's my coitor bids defiance T With a thump and jump, whack, row de dow I In poiQi of attraction, what Kean has been to the boards of Drury-Iane theatre, Scrogoins has proved to the Prize-ring. Without the advantages of a patron*— destitute of common introduction — and merely relying upon his natural strength and courage, be, earn ciremonie, entered himself as a competitor among the formidable list of London scientific boxers, and this too at a period, singular to remark, after be had been discharged from his Majesty's service as an INVALID ! Upwards of nine years, Scroggins buffetted the ocean, five of which bad been occupied in different .merchantmen, and the remainder actively employed in fighting the enemies of his country, on board the Argo, a 44-gun ship. During the above mentioned time, his constitution, it seems, while thus contending with the rude elementi, had acquired so fine a stamina, and a disposition so insensible to fear, that nothing could appal bis feelings, or affect his dreadnought frame to acknowledge superiority of prowess in any man. X>nmmm hy SMmrpUr JSn^mred hyS«pwoo when ScROGGiNS was proclaimed the victor. Jem ,Bf/cA«r witnessed the miV/, and praised Scroggt for the courage he displayed. SKBTCHB8 OF PUOIL18M. 219 It was not long after the above circumstance, that ScROGGiNS dined at a club-feast^ at the sign of the Swaoy Sunbury-common. The harmony of the company experienced great interruption from the improper conduct of a fellow called Sam Beak, but better known as the btdfy of Harrow. His name was a sort df terror to all present, and the company would have been compelled to endure his insolence fbr the riemainder of the evening, had it not beeb for the plutk of little Scroogt, who insisted upon his quitting the room. This threat produced a regular fight out of doors, and, after a severe battle for nearly an hour. Beak was glad to give tn. ScROGOiNs also fought with a brick-maker, weighing 13 stone, near the sign of the Fox and Goose, at Ap|ileton, near Harrow-on-the-Hill. It was thought, by the spectators, from the great disproportion between the combatants, that little Scroggt must ultimately be annihilated but the smaAing activity of Jack soon reduced the brick-maker to his own pitch, when he finished him off in quick time. A navigator, known by the appellation of Long Willj fought with Scroogins, near Harrow. It was a desperate battle, and contested with alternate success for a long time, till victory, at length, crowded the exertions of our little hero. At Cowley, near Uxbridge, Scroggins entered the lists with Burke Smithy denominated the second Robin Hood, from his attachment to deer; a man of great activity, and distinguished for his great juiAps over the canal. In the hands of Scroggins, he was soon glad to acknowledge he was defeated. Bill LUf the gipsy^ had a desperate seMo wiih ScROGGiNSy before the do6r of a public-house at Kilburn. The bruising qualities of the Gipsy were well known in the neighbourhood of Paddington; but ScRooGiNS not only nobbed him severely, but also punished his body in such a hammering style^ that he hastily relinquished the contest, acknowledging the superiority and goodness of our hero. By moonlight^ at Kilburn, between twelve and one o'clock, on a Friday nighty a chap of the name of BSnko, otherwise designated as JVo Note/'* had a turn-up with Scroggins^ but the severity No Nose*' met with, in the course of a few rounds, induced him to give in. Upon being shown Scroogins the next day, he swore he was not the same man he had fought with, but would fight him for the whole of his week's wages on the next Sunday morning; but, when the time arrived, No Nose!" was not to be found. A strong athletic farmer's man, of the name of Bill King, was also beaten by Scroggii^s, atSandfordgreen, near Harrow. At Appleton, after a very severe battle, Jack Mat' ney surrendered to the conquering arm of Scrog- GINS. It was owing to the following circumstance, that our Hero was compelled to leave nailing on land, to fight the battles of his country at sea, by entering into the Navy. In a row, with one ElUs, a constable, at Sandford-green, the above representative of the law, it appears, felt rather heavily the indignation of ScROGGiNs. In consequence of which turn-up* an application was made to the magistrate, (Dr. GlasseJ when our hero was depicted in such terrible colours, that a press-gang of seventeen were considered necessary to convey him in safety out of the neighbourhood. On the Point-beach, at Portsmouth, Happy Jack the terror of the above sea-port, so termed from the numerous conquests he had obtained over various Jack Tars, was, in the presence of some thousands, literally cut to pieces, from the severe punishment he received in combat with Scroggins. Happy Jack was thus, for once in his life, made miserable by the above defeat. In Goree, an herculean black soldier, who was doing duty over some casks of water, not only got milled by ScROGGY, but his musket taken from him, for a short time, owing to his ill-naturedly refusing our hero a draught of water, when he was suffering under a most feverish state of thirst. During the time Scroggins was on board' the Argo, the ship was one* continued scene of milling adventures and, it should seem, when off duty, all his leasure time was filled up in boxing. In the hold of the above ship, James Neale struck his colours to the victorious Scroggins. Before our hero was suffered to realize the title of the Champion of the Jrgo, the best men in the ship were pitted against him. Briggins, an able seaman, (and one of those dread-nought characters that never submit till nature is completely exhausted, and who would sooner lose their lives than pronounce the reluctant NO!) was reduced to a state of insensibility 223 boxiana; oe» by the puniihinff artn of Scroooins, and io tliat state carried to his haminock. Maplet Wright, as good a man as ever stood between Uem and ttem, was also disposed of on board the same vessel^ with the utmost ease by Scrogoins. Joe fVittickif toOy as great a glutton as ever nature formed, bad several bouts with Scrogoins^ on board the Aroo, but never could rise superior to defeat. Our hardy tar had a tum'^p, in December 1817> with JackJohnson the Paddington carrier. The rough and daring Crockey also received a most severe fnt/Ztng, in a room, from Scroggins. Toogood, a Man of Colour, of first-rate weight, and possessing prodigious strength, had a regular battle with our hero, one Christmas-day, on board the Argo. Toogood had also killed at one blow on shore, a man of the name of Lyons; but, notwithstanding his athletic powers, Scroggins compelled him to strike his colours. A cattiker, a tall, strong, bony man, who came on board the Argo to make some necessary repairs, it seems, presuming on his strength, took oflT the boiler and placed bis frying-pan on the fire, in defiance of the whole mess. Scroggins, at length, appeared, and took the frying-pan from off the fire* A fight was the immediate consequence but the caulker was so often floored, met with such severe pumthment for his temerity, and laughed at by the whole ship's crew, that, out of revenge, he complained to the captain of the conduct of Scroggins, when our hero was compelled to stand and take two dozen lashes, or, in the sea phrase, what is called a dry holy stoning ! SKSTCHBS OF PUOILISM. 223 ScBOGGiNS bad scarcely set his foot on terrajirma^ when he had a turn-up with two dragoons^ before the door of the Prince of Wales, at Woolwich and, notwithstanding the heavy force and discipline Scrog- GINS had to contend against, our little hero bustled through it with so much true courage, that, in the course of a few minutes, he came o£f triumphant, having ^ored both the soldiers with the most apparent ease. ScROGGiNs's first battle in the ring, after his return from sea, was with Jack Boats, at Wilsdon-green for one guinea a-side. It was a fight without training, and took place entirely from accident. Boots, it seems, had previously talked about fighting our hero, and both of them now meeting, at the above place, to partake of the diversion afforded by Caleb's game bull, they instantly agreed to decide the dispute in question, upon Scbogoins observing to Boots, tt^at he thought they were as capable of amusing jthe amateurs as the bull had done !" In consequence of which agreement, the sports of the day closed, unexpectedly^ with a regular mill. Upon the bulFs quilting the ground, a ring was immediately formed, and ScBoor GINS and Boots, without further preface, set-to. The Jatter was well-known from having fought several battles; but ScRooGiNs was a complete stranger to xhe fighting circles. It was a punishing mill for an hour, during which period the pantomimic tricks exhibited by ScROGOiNS, occasioned roars of laughter ^he, however, displayed all the fortitude of a sailor bent on obtaining victory* Any thing like a regular system of tactics he appeared to despise, and scrambled his way ID to mill his adversary but^ notwithstanding this sort of non-descript boxing, his hits were so tremendously sent home, that Boots could not resist their desperate effects. The friends of Boots, perceiving that he most eventually lose, were about resorting to some manoeuvres to prevent Scroggt from proving the conqueror. This conduct was observed by old Joe Ward, who was standing in a cart viewing the battle and, although he was severely afflicted with the rheumatism in both knees, he hastily jumped out, and made for the ring, where he insisted upon fair play being observed between the combatants. Sgroggins was,, ultimately, declared the victor. The spirited conduct of the latter so much pleased the amateurs, that four pounds were collected, without any trouble, for him as a reward for his exertions. The friends of Scroggins, it should seem, thought, from the above specimen, that he possessed good stuff, and only wanted more practice to distinguish himself among the first-rale milling coves of the day and, accordingly, DoUy Smith was selected as a game active boxer, iand as a good trial-man, for our hero to contend with. At Coombe-warren, on Wednesday, the nth of January, 1815, they met* in a twenty-feet roped ring, for twenty guineas a-side. Smith was seconded by Bill Cropley and Sc r qo g i n s was attended by Richmond and OKter. Smith was well-known as a boxer, and considered a good little man, from his distinguished game battle with Harts; but Scroggins was scarcely known to any person connected with the ring. He was viewed by the amateurs as an ambitious adventurer, a rough SKBTCHBS OP PUGILISM. 225 and daring commoner^ opposed to science and experience and the betting was, in consequence^ 5 to 4 upon Smith. The combatants in point of weight were nearly equal. The first round proved a good specimen of the whole fight but the impetuosity of the kar^ tar** was so overwhelming, that the idence of Smith, however well applied, could not prevent its conquering effects. Scroggins's singular mode of attack astonished the spectators; immediately on his receiving a hit from his opponent, he went resolutely in to mill, protecting his head with his left hand over it, like a ship running in to attack a fort under a battery of guns, dealing out terrible punishment with his right hand. He also took the lead and kept it although he was opposed in the most manly and skilful style of action by Smith, who was not long in darkening one of the peepers of the sailor. ScROGGiNs fought at the body with great ferocity and had the advantage in an eminent degree in throw-' ing. Smith experienced some severe cross-buttocking, and desperate falls. The latter frequently was out of dittancc, and hit over instead of punishing his adversary's nob. It was a most determined battle on both sides, and Smith did not disgrace bis character from defeat. The blows of Scroggins were terrible and he was never off his pins but once during the battle* It continued three-quarters of an hour and Smith was severely beaten about his head and body. The milling fame 'Nosworthy had recently acquired among the admirers of pugilism, from his conquest over Dutch Sam, had also rendered him an object of envy among the fighting men. Scboggins, it seemsj VOL. IJ. S nS BOXIANA; QBf waa eager to make a dmh ;-^he now soared above all conmumerif and wa$ extremely aiu(iou« lo fight the bakery as a competitor worthy of bis ambitious mo* tiyes. However, some little time elapsed before he was accommodated, when th^y met oa the 6tb of Jaiie> 1815, at Moulsey-^haral, for fifty poand^ a^side* B<^ cher aad GilboHs seconded Scroooins and Cribb and Clark for NoMmorthy* The amateurs mastered v^ry stroogly upoQ this occasion and the disad mem of the metropolis felt so confident the Master of the Rolk woald gain the cause^ that, the evening previous to the figbty tbey sported their bbmt with aU th^ facility of baokersi and. Ifiid the o4d8, ,w^ qbieerfuloess and alaori^. Nowarthy bad won his late battle so apparently easy, that no doubt was entertained by the baken, ^B to the issue of the contest. At one the men set^o. First round. — ^The notoriety Nosworthy bad obtained in conquering tbe Jew phenomenon created considerable interest anH>ng tbe amateurs, and overy eye was upon tbe streicb, on tbe above combatants ^ting-to. A sbort time elapsed in sparring, when Scro^ins made a good bit, but tbe Baker, in returning, missed his aim. Some heavy miUing occurred, wban tbey closed, and both went down. Nosworthy was uadermost.- Five to 4 on Scroggios. Second. — Npsworthy appeared bleeding at the scratch. Determined fighting was the order of this round and both the men seemed l^t upon proving each other's coumge* Hit for hit was i^urned withas much indifference as if their bodies were insensible to feeling and, although both of them were frequently hh ^wky, they returned to the attack like lions. The rally> was dreadful; and Koswoithy was, at length, sent down. Third. — ^It was evident to the specutors that Nosworthy had got enough to do if he made a win of it. No flinching was to be seen en either side and they stood up to each SKnCtfiB 0V M«I1I8M. Ml otbtr lik« ft coupk f English bull dop. Scroggins took the lead in gallant style^ and punished his opponent in the most terrific manner, by planting ft hit under NosWOrth/s ^ftr, so pdNiMrftllly, ttmt bd weM down in a twinkling, and the blood flowing copiously. Nosworthy^s importance was now all at. an end and 2 to 1 was otfered on Scroggins, without the leaurtfa.*-^The game displayetl by Noswonby waa equal to aay maa, but he bad received so plentifully, that his strength was somewhat reduced. Another most terrific rally occurred, iti which the superiority of Scroggins was manifest to fill part« df th« ring, and be fiMed bis adversary completely befora him till be went down. Three to 1 on Scroggins. Fifth. — Nosworthy fought like a man, but the chance was decidedly against him. Scroggins had it all his own way in this round, and planted his hits with all the success of a nrsttme flgbier. Snith.-^Ujpon aettiiig-to> Scroggins, with nnich severity^ Jkxjred his antagonist. Great applause. Seventh. — Nosworthy, notwithstanding the pwrnkment he had sustained, came to the scratch full of pluck, and made a desperate effort to effect a change in his favour. He witk nocb dexterity put in a tremendous blow upon one of Scrog« gins's eye-lids but the latter returned upon him severely, and had the best of the round. Eighth. — The head of Nosworthy seemed an feasy mai^ for ScroggiiM^ who peppered it with the utoiOBt smig-frmd. The Baker was again^^iM>re(/. Ninth to Fifteenth and last. — ^The courags of Nosworthy was the admiration of the ring and he continued to fight tilt ddt shadow of ehane^ nemaiaed. He was so Mvercty beatan irt the fifWentb rdund, that, on time being called, be was unable to quit the knee of his second. The battle Was over in eighteen minutes. From the abote Tictory, Scbqggiks rote rapidly into tbe Ddioe of the amateunb^nd he was cooaidered to be one of the beat '^jittle meD** of the day. SoRoooiNs waa scarcely kaowo at this tine to the tfoteotific circletj and bis rumUing mode of fightiDg^ so peculiar to himself^ not much admired but still it was thought in some instances, that he exhibited the prominent uaits of the once terrific floflper— one that would not be denied from boring in upon his adversary at all events. Although Nosworthy was defeated, it was viewed as a most determined battle on both sides. The springing hits of Scroggins were truly tremendous aud covering his head with his left hand, not only prevented him from receiving much punishment Sit going-in, but gave him additional vigour towards smashing his adversary. ScROGGiNs, it was urged 9 had offended several of his patronSy in consequence of his insisting upon the whole of the battle-money of the late fight being given to him, and many of them felt determined, if possible, to select a scientific boxer, that should take the Jight out of our hero. Bales was therefore selected, and backed for this special purpose but the Jiash side, i.e. knowing ones, were much divided in their opinions, previous to the fight between them, respecting their various merits. Two of the most complete adepts in the ring took them under their care or training. The sporting knowledge of Gully renders him, at all times, no mean judge how to select bis object, or to lay his money; and Tom Beldher^s experience had equally taught him too well to know the value of blunt to give Iialfa chance away therefore, when Gully selected Scroggins as his favourite, and Belcher preferred Eales as the most competent pugilist towards obtaining the victory, it might not be inaptly observed, that Greek met Gr^ek,^ and then came the tug of war !" The backers, as well SKETCHBS OP PUGILISM. 229 as boxers, it was certaio, meant to win if possible; and no opportunity was lost sight of whereby tliis desirable object might be obtained. Scbogoins and Eaksy by comparison, were not altogether unlike Dutch Sam and Tom Belcher'-At was first-rate science against downright ferocity. Eahs was armed at all points towards conquest, from a complete knowledge of the milling art, possessing the additional advantages of height and length, — great requisites in his favour while, on the contrary, Scroqgins could only be put down as a nondescript boxer, who disdained copying the mode of any pugilist, and fought after his on>n method — if method it could be termed. On Saturday, August 26, 1815, near the George, at Kingstonbill, contiguous to Coombe-warren, this interesting match to the pugilistic amateurs was decided. At an early period in the morning, the various roads leading to the scene of action were crowded beyond description. All sorts of vehicles were so close upon each other, as to be out of any calculation and pedestrians, numerous beyond any former precedent. A great many high personages appeared on the .turf, among whom Earl Yarmouth, Lord Fife, Hon. B. Craven, &c. were conspiouous. A few minutes before one the men entered the ring, attended by their seconds. Tom Belcher and Harmer for Eales and Joe Ward and OSver for Scroggins. The spectators were struck with the great contrast between the size of the combatants. Joe Ward tied the colours of the sailor, true blue," to the stakes, as a token of defiance and Belcher tied the yellow handkerchief, as the colours of Eales. Both of the men M9 soxuma; w. looked well and conBdent: (be cerei»oDy of ihakiog Imnds beiQg complied withy the iet^to immediately commeaced. Flint rouod.-^From the scientifio imtensiont to miBmg Ealm wet knowo to poMeai* in his prime cootest with Jodc Lancaster f it was generally exited the first round would clearly point out his superiority over his hardy opponeot, added to the advantage* of Eafes being tome inches taller than Scroggins, The latter, however, with all the heroi«m of a Britisn tar, boldly attacked the enemy, regardless of fear, and confident that the qhfering sounds of victory would ultilaately crown his exertions. 'A^e display of Eales, although more scientific than effective, was nevertheless, much admired and Scroggins, equally anxious to commence the fight lavourably en his side, exhibited some degree of cantioii. The former made some hits> but all out of distance; when Scroggins put in, with much severity, a well directed blow under the left ear of his opponent, and, in closing, threw hiei* The odds looked rather queef» end Scroggins was proeoenoad the favourite. Second. — ^This round was decisively in favour of Scrognns, who exchanged blows with his opponent in the most gallant style of cooraga, till Eales was, at leBgth,.>feor0tf. Third.<^Both the combatants were now alive to the interoat of the sceoe in which they were engaged. A good rally occurred| and they returned upon each other liberally in the extreme, till Eales went down. Fourth.— This was altogether a severe round* If Scroggins planted some aovere blows upofi the frame of hif antagonist, Eales returned fmnishmeni with equal courage; but the strength was evident upon the part of Scroggins, who appeared merely getting into work) while £alea> on the contrary ahowed symptoms of a week constitutioa, and fogght till lie again went down. Fifth. — ELales, notwithstanding his superior science, could not make that sort of impression upon his opponent, so much hitherto expeeted by his friends as a leading notot towards victory* He, however, put in some heavy blows, but the hardy tar was not a degree behind hand in returning, and kept up a most spirited oaarge, tiU his opponent went down* Sixth.^-Tbe strength of Eales did net keep pace with his SKBTOttBS or FUOILI8M. t»l judgement but he^ neTertheless, evinced good bottom. This was a sort of pantomimic round altogether between the combatants, and it appeared as if harlequin and the clown were exhibiting their antics all round the ring. Eales exerted bis best skill to obtain a favourable turn, and a 'terrific rally ensued; but, in closing, the singularity of conduct portrayed by Scrogsins excited roars of laughter; in throwing Eales he went oown^ and then rolled over and over from his adversary till he rose upon his legs with all the caricature of sl merryman, Eales displayed weakness; and the odds were 5 to 1 on Scroggins. Seventh. — ^Hie combatants soon fought their way into a sharp rally, and the science of Eales prevailed to a certain extent, till Scroggins went down. Applause. Eighth. — A little discretion seemed necessary on both sides^ and some sparring occurred before a hit was made. Scroggins bobbed his head down to avoid the threatened blows of his opponent^ but retarned fighting hand over head. The punish" ment was severe in this round, but reciprocal; howevef, Scroggins went down. Ninth. — ^The combatants attacked each other with the bkmI determined resolution, and any thing like stopping waht so little of his adversary, that he went to work sans cerhnonie^ but hit short with his left hand; when the oilman, in return, planted slight nobber. The combatants now fought their way into a rally, and some sharp blows were exchanged, at the end of which the claret was seen trickling down NVhittakor's face. No variution in the belting. SKETCHES OF TV6ILISM. 2S7 Second. — The oilman seemed full of pluck and eager for battle. Scroggins* again hit short, but Whittaker improved on this opening, and made a sharp left-handed blow. Some desperate milUng occurred j and no want of spirit on either side. In closing, much struggling took place, when the oilman got away, but was ultimately sent down. Third. — ^This was altogether a well-fought round and if the oilman did not show any superlative science, he, nevertheless, evinced those qualities that convinced the spectators, he was not to be beat off-hand as a matter of course. Scrog^ gins attacked his adversary with much determination, and Whittaker showed equal resolution in a sharp rally, till he Fourth. — Science was not the^r/cof the combatants but downwright milling was the order of this round. Scroggins missed several hits, and did not appear to such advantage as was expected. The oilman fought with much steadiness and composure, and his left hand, in some instances, was successful. The men fought their way into a closes when the oilman, with great dexterity, threw bis adver&ary. — But the odds were still high upon Scroggins, Fifth. — It was now evident that Scroggins had paid no attention to training; and, at this early stage of the fight, his wind appeared rather treacherous. The oilman attacked his adversary in good style, and had the superiority of hitting. Scroggins slipped in making a hit, but soon recovered himself upon one knee, and with much force levelled his man. Sixth. — Both the combatants on their mettle, and reciprocal fighting took place. The oilman proved himself a much better man than he was thought to be previous to the battle, and the o ids vvere now i educed to 6 to 4. Seventh. — Scroggins came to the scratch much distressed and out of wind. The oilman improved upon this circumstance with much advantage, by making several of his blows tell, and ultimately finishing" the round in his favour. — Applause. Eighth. — Scroggins could not recover his wind and, in order to avoid receiving punishment, resorted to some strange manoeuvres to amuse his adversary. But the oilman was not to be deluded, and stuck to Scroggy hard and fast till he was Ninth. — ^Scroggins came up niore fresh, and attacked his opponent wkb true native courage. A rally cook p)aoe» wUdi wa* de^rately conteBted but fifiisbe4 to the advantafe o# Scroggins, who darbened the oilman's left peeper. Tenth and Eleventh. — Both of these rounds wen^ fbt^ht with much manliness ai>d resolution and it was plain Scrog* gins had got considerable work to get through, before vtctoiy would crown his ffforCs. Twelfth. — ^The qualities of the oilman seemed more conspicuous for his fine game and knowledge of wrestling than to a sound acquaintance with the principles of the ptigiHstic art, and in this round, he threw Scroggins in great style. Thirteenth and Fourteenth. Rather in favour of Scroggins. Fifteenth. — Here the oilman showed himself to much advantage and was not so easy a customer as Scroggins had flattered himself. He put in several heavy blows, not very palatable to his opponent. Sixteenth to Thirtieth. — Several trifling changes occurred during these rounds in one of which, it seems, Scroggios met with an accident in falling, which migbt have terminatnd the battle but bis fortitude as well aa policy was so greai^ that, notwithstanding the excruciating pain he suflered from one of bis testicles being severely hurt, he did not even communicate the circumstance to his second, but fought under considerable disadvantage. He, however, from the numerous antics and manoenvres that he displayed, recovered himself in some degree, so as to nearly darken his opponent's remaining eye. Thirty-first to Forty-ninth and last*— It is not necessary to detail the whole of these rounds; but suflUce to observe, the oilman contested the whole of them with fine resolution and true game. He fought till he was without visitm and, in the last three rounds, it might be truly said, he was in a complete state of darkness. He rengned the contest with constderable reluctance urging his not being reduced in bodlff strength. In fact he was humanely persuaded, by Mr. Jack* on and his friends, to retire, as he had no ckmcc whatev^^ from the d^Maged state of his eyes« In other respects, there i» DO doubt, but he might have protracted the battle to a graat lengA. ScBOGGiMs^ in the above fight, had nearly ^ven tbe cAoMoc Away^ fkom the coateAptutNia niABner he SKETCHES OF PUGU.ISM. 289 had previoasly viewed the preteDsiont of the aUmoM and, in obtaining the victory^ it was more owing to good fortune than to any thing like judgemenl* In fact> he laughed at the idea of training to beat a novice; and never left his home for a single night. Id consequence of this neglect of his person^ he took an hour and sixteen imnute^ to beat Whittaher^ which, had he been in good condition, it is presumed he might have accomplished in half an hour* ScBOGGiNS, (almost too late,) found out the fault be had committed, from the want of training, by the difficulty he experienced in getting the better of his antagonist. It was a fortunate moment for our hero when the oilman was taken from the ground. The memorable defeat and ruin of Broughton ought always to operate as a useful lesson to all pugilists-*— more especially to conquerors — respecting their /w^paraiory conduct,, when under an engageoaent to enter the prize-ring^; and Scrogoins had nearly fallen a victim to this blind confidence; his fame might be said to have tottered on a precipice. ScROGOiMs was extremely incorrect in hit distances; but neither of the combatants fought upon the defensive it was all mUHnp throughout the battk^ The oiiman was evidently the best mrestkr, from the niuiierons severe faUs Scrogoins received; and the latter also appeared more fmddud about his nob tbaa in any other baule. Had not Sorogqins succeeded in hiimiimg the remaining etr of fVhitttdcer, the ter* mination of the event would have been rather doubt** All, as the former was not hurl in his body nor die* treated in his wind and, to effect this imporunt poiat towards conquest, it was truly laughable to witness the various antics Scroggins put in practice. The eyes of the oilman v/ere lanced» but without obtaining the wished-for advantagCy this relief being attempted too late and if he retired from the ring a defeated heroy it is but common justice to state, that a, gamer man than fVhitiaker never quitted the field. A handsome subscription was collected upon the ground by Mr. Jackson, said to amount to <£30, as a reward for the bravery the oilman had displayed. Notwith* standing the latter resigned the contest, he still entertained an opinion that Sceoooins was not the best roan, and justly attributed the chance going against him to his being a stranger to the prize-ring. Scroggins, from the rapid conquests he had obtained, was at this period the envy of the boying heroes. His lushing crib was numerously attendedhe was enjoying the fruits of peace and the rewards of his victories — smoking his pipe with ease and pleasure — and laid up, as it were, in ordinary, restingfrom the fatigues of war. But peace** was not the element in which Jack was seen to advantage, and, therefore, out of the numerous challenges offered to him, he accepted one from a countryman of the name of Church, a native of Gloucester, who, it seems, had heard of battles," and, thirsting to obtain fighting glory, had, like the chivalrous Don Quixote, been prompted to lead a dull inglorious life" no longer, but to sally forth in search of heroic achievemenu. He left Gloucester for the avowed purpose of challenging our hero and Col. Berkeley, the patron of Gmreh, had so high an opinion of his requisites, that Digitized' by SKKTCUBS OF PUGILISM. 241 he^ without the least hesitatioo, backed him for 100 guinead. Church, it appears^ had milled all the best men in GloQcestersbirei was well known as a stanch bottom chap, and was in such high spirits upon the present occasion, that he felt no disparagement in consequence of the great pugilistic reputation his opponent had obtained but, on the contrary^ as far as con6dence within himself had weighty he asserted, the smiles of victory would crown his efforts. Church was a well-made man, taller than his adversary, and possessing a hardy and erect frame. Upon the mutch being made, he wecit into training neaif Enfield daring which period he gave some proof that he was capable of performing a little in the ndlUng way. Three countrymen called at the house where he resided^ and' rudely challenged him to fight. Churchy careless about the engagement he was under, or the consequences that might operate against him, accepted their offer without delay, and> in a very short time, he disposed of the whole three in the most satis»factory manner. It was generally thought he was likely to turn out rather a troublesome customer for ScROGGiNs. On Tuesday, the 20th of August, 1816, the above heroes met to decide this trial of skill, and Monlsey-hurst was once more the amphitheatre for pugilistic honours. Myriads of persons left the metropolis, In all directions, to witness the renowned ScROGGiNs once more enter a twenty feet roped ring, for 200 guineas; among whom were Lord Yarmouth, Col. Berkeley, Captain Barclay, &c. Vehicles of all descriptions, from the splendid barouche and four, in regular gradation, down to the mud-cart were in requir VOL. II. R M2 BoaciANA; oe, ^itiod at an ^arly boor, to raach the destined spot; the blood horse, in all the guilty of high br«ediiigr was seen passing all before it, aiivi the more humble ^nkey and «pare Rozinante, trotting and' snorting alokig the road to be up in time. Pedestrians of all tonalities formed ov>e moving scene, from the ffUtKUi itep to the downright limp and bobUing gai% so anxious was the curiosity of the sporting world to witness this miils that by twelre o'dock many ciio»« Mlkl persons had arrifed. Church appeared first, a»d- ^few bis hat into Uie ring^ and Scbooosns shortly followed his example. The foimier was seoowled by- Tom Bdoh6r and BUI Gibh9n$j and the latter by Oribk and Clark, At a quarter past one tbey set-to; three to one on Scroox^iicb. The battle coacimued for the space of d8 minutes, and 50 rovnds took place, as follow v^ First round.— Scroggins, on setting-to, seemed anxious to be at work, bat fait short be, honvever, soon made up Ibr this ^6cie|)cy, by givii^ his opponent tiro desperate facers, which produced the claret in a twinkling. Church seemed elect rffied with tlie severity of his hits, exchanged a few blbw^, tinned round in a sort of confusion, and was^ uldmattly, sent down. Three to 1 on Scroggins. Second. — Church appeared, bleediog copiously, at the scratch. Scroggins set-to roost determinedly, and soon convinced bis opponent the severe punishment he was likely la encounter^ by putting m two severe blows^ right and left, on his nob. Church again turned round confusedly, but drew the cork of his antagonist. Scroggins completely evinced his^perio^ty as a boxer, and finished this rauHd mostdeci* 4edly in his fevour, by sending his maa down. In this early stage of the fight, the spectators finally thought what must be the ultimate event, and 4 to 1 was offered. Third.— Church did not know \»hat to do with Iris tortago* nist^ and he was soon hat down by Scr<^im, whoMd of both his hands. J 8KBTCBKS OB'FDOILISM. fi4S FMjnb. — The posilion of Church vras good, but there was nothing of the scientific boxer conspicuous about him he, however, put in some good hits, and» in closing* both went down. Scrog^ns went uvf^r like a tumbler. Fifth. — ^This was rather a severe round, and, in closing. Church endeavoured to fib his opponent* and both went down. Sixth. — Scroggins went furiously in to mill his opponent^ which he did most effectually and sent Church down* Both their mugs began to show the effects of pupishment^ Seventh. — Scroggins seemed to wish hastily to inish hhr opponent* and twjce hit short but his fetocity nraa t|ot to be resisted, and he took great liberties with his opponent's nabj by endeavouring to render it senseless. Church again went Eighth. — Church appeared to have no notion of protecting his head from the attack of his opponent. He not only re^ ceived two desperate facersy punished severely at the ropes, but milled down. Ninth.— In this round Scroggins bad it all his own way he hit Church quite out of the ring. Great applause. Tenth. — Some good blows were exchanged. In closing, both down, but Church undermost. Eleventh. — Church broke away from a close, and got into a raHy, but he was, at length, sent to the ground. Twelfth. — In favour of Church, he put in two good blows but, in closing* both went down. Thirteenth. — Scroggins hit him quite round against the ropes, and Church was sent down. Fourteenth. — Scroggins put in a facer, and Cburdi went FiAeenth/i-^^Chiirch made a hit and fell down. Nineteen minutef* Sixtcendk^-^Scroggins put in two facers, turned suddenly hraod withi all' the agility of a dandag-master* and floored Church. Stventeeoth.f^Scroggios broke from a close, and exchanged aone blows; but Chvirch ultimately threw hhn. Eighteenth. — Church made one or two good stops, but he was tent down. Nineteenth. — Scroggins miUed his opponent in all direc* tionsy without receiving nny return, till Church went off hit legs. Twentieth. — Scroggins was the principal receiver in this round. In a close both went down. Twenty-fint. — Scroggins with the utmost sang froid^ on setting- to,^/2borc(i his man, and stood over him with the utmost contempt. Twenty-second. — Scrog!;ins measured his distance again well, and put in a tremendous facer, and ultimately threw his opponent. Twenty-third. — Church felt for Scroggins' nob twice, and threw him. Twenty-fourth. — Scroggins received a hit at going in, but* in closing, both went down. Twenty-fifth.— -Church put in a facer, but Scroggins soon floored him. Twenty-sixth. — Church, with much severity, hit his opponent quite away from him, and had the best of the round but, in closing, both went down. Twenty-seventh. — Church seemed in this round totally off his guard. Scroggins put in seven severe facers in rapid succession, till he nent Church down. Twenty to one. Twenty-eighth. — Scroggins determined to lose no time, pursued his advantage with the utmost spirit, dealing oat death-like punishment at every step* His ferocity was not to be resisted, and Church again went down. Twenty-ninth. — Church gave his opponent rather a cheeky upon his nob, as he was going in, but it did not ultimately prevent Scroggins from boring him to the ropes, and going down. Any odds. Thirtieths — Church was completely on the taking system, and the knowledge of giving he seemed totally ignorant of. A greater glutton was never seen, and no common caterer coald serve his inordinate appetite. Scroggins hit his adversary off his legs. Thirty-first.— Church only appeared as a mark to hit at. Stopping his adversary was out of the question; and he agaip measured his length on the grass. Thirty-second. — Scroggins was truly conspicuous in thb round. lie did as he liked with his antagonist, till he sent him down. SKBTCfiBS OP PDOILI8M. 245 Thirty-third.-— ^It was, astonishing to see Church, considering the severe ffnUmg he bad already received, continue to face his man with such a degree of confidence. He had no chance whatever, excepting being knocked down. Thirty-fourth. — Church exchanged some blows in this round rather to his advantage, but he almost laid himself down from exhaustion at the conclusion of it. Thirty-fifth. — Scroggins, in making a hit, literally pushed down his opponent. Thirty-sixth.— Church was hit down almost upon setting* to, bleeding copiously. Thirty-seventh. — Scroggins, eager to put a finishing stroke to this game article, rushed in furiously ancf sent him down. Thirty-eighth.^^hurch's face looked piteous in the extreme when he received three tremendous blows upon his nose and cheeks, the claret pouring down in torrents. Scroggins put in also a severe body blow with his left hand, when Churchy as usual, went down. Thirty-ninth. — ^The battle might be said to be at an end, but the game was not yet exhausted and Scroggins again sent his man down. Fortieth. — Scroggins ran in to his adversary, like a bulJ| head foremost, at his body, and caught hold of the waistband of his breeches, but instantly recollecting himself, as it were, that he had committed an error, he slid his hands upwards. It might have been accidental; but the seconds of Church considering snch an attack contrary to the established rules of fighting, that to fulfil their duty they ought to take their man out of the ring. The umpires, however, passed it over, and thus, fortunately for Scroggins, saved him from the disagreeable circumstance of a wranolb; or, perhaps, making a drawn battle of it. Forty-first.— Though Church could not win, yet he now and then felt for his antagonist's nob sharply, and in this round he put in a severe facer, but, ultimately, Scroggins sent him Forty-second. — Nothing. Church went down iipon setting-to. FortyTthird.— 'Scroggins agam nc4>bed his opponent, and, to add to the severity of the punishment. Church received a se* vere body blow, before he found his way to the grass. 9i4d boxuna; tMt, Fortyofourtb.-TrScroggins hh hk ^dvtnaty dcailly doWn, apd it was apprehended that he would nOt be able to tome again, and his backer wwbed bioi to deiiRfrom>lhe contests The seconds of Scroggias took the hint and Ihraw up their hats ill the air, as the token of victory. The outer ring innnediately g^ve way, but Church insbted upon fighting longer, and the Forty-fifth — Commenced during this confusiod. The mkid of Church was good, but his strength could not keep pace with his wishes. Scroggins was awake that victory was certain; and sent his adversary down in quick time. Forty-sixth.— Church was going now very fast, an4 waa sent down upon settiog-to. Forty-seventh.-^ The afflicting idea of surrendering to a brave mind, it seems, urged Church to continue the battle whHe he was able to stand upon his legs. But it was all up, and he was only receiving unnecessary jmnishinertt, by being sent down every round. Forty-eighth. — Church went down completely exhausted* Forty-ninth. — Notwithstanding the redoced state of Chutch he made a couple of hits, but it was only to be hit down* Fiftieth and last.'— On coming to the scratch, he mtajhoredf satu cSrimomef and not able to meet bis man any more. He was led out of the ring dreadfully beaten. Agatner man never entered a ring than Church ;jbe proved himself a complete taker, btrt as to the wkming consequences of giving, be had to learn. Sc&oooiifs^ in the ring, is completely at home; he is cautions of himself; and hisjndgetBent ils most excelletit, in perceiving when his antagonist is nearly exhaustecU bj going in promptly io^finish him off band* He will not give half a chance away, and ih one of the founds he ran in, head foremost, at his opponent's body, which rather seemed to displease the apectatofi. ScHOGGiNS, however, did not win this battle withovt considerable pyniAment about tfae nob, one of his eyes hieing nearly closed, and his face much beaten and SKBTCMBS OV PIK»LISM. 247 awelkd. He never exhibited aay thing Jtke soeh wmrhi before. Church sprained his anole most aitrerely in the tbiid round and^ it is supf osed> had not this accident oocnrred> he would have contiimied vbe fight, at least, twenty minvtes longer. His confidence never deserted hrra througboot tl^ battle aad be talked to his second betweeu every round of his capabilities to continue the contest. After the great suocess ScfioooiNs met with in the ta^o first minds^ yrben be, in fact, redooed winniog almost to a cer« taioty, many of the JFuney expressed some little asto^ nisbment, that 55 minutes should elapse before ScBoo-t OIN8 was able to send bis man opt of the ring !«^The exertions of Mr. Jackson h> reward Ae bravery of Chureh, we hear, ooliecaed fior btm £20. The iriends of Isle of Wight HmU were extremely anxious to match him with Scbogoins for £0Q guineas a-eide but, after ybtir meetings upon the subjecty the last of which was held at the Mamion-Honse Ck^ee-Hou8e» in February, 1817^ the partisans of fiiott offered to pay half the deposit between Scroo* «iMs and Turmr, in order to induce the former to zeltoqaish that matob. Han also proposed to add the ten pounds which had been Jbrfeited to him in a previons lastance^ to the battle^money but the ofiers were dedmed. Scsoooiks bad no objection to fight Sail, provided he weighed no more than 11 stone. However, it was the general opinion among the best judges of pugilism, that Hall was too heavy for our liero. Alter enjoying six months ease, Scro^oin s was once more called upon to epter ihe prize-ring with Ned Turner, in a field near Hayes Turnpike, Middletex, on Wednesday, March 26, 1817i Scroogins fighting Turner, £lOO against £50. This contest ended in a drawn battle. (See page 160.) A second match, however, was made, to take place on the 10th of Jane, 1817, Scroggins fighting Tiirn6r£lW against «£80. Upon a review of the merits of the drawn battle between the above heroes, some doubts now appeared to exist in the minds of the backers of Scroggins, respecting the certainty of the ensuing battle terminating in favour of the latter, when the following contest, which took place ad interim, not only tended to remove the douUs in question, but operated so strongly towards increasing their former confidence on this favonrite hero, as to bet three to one that he proved successful. It appears, a meeting was held, at OUver^t bouse, in Peter-street, Westminster, on Friday, May 2, 18I7> to complete the stakes respecting the match between the above pugilist and Painter. Several of the boxers were present upon this occasion, among whom were Scroggins, Carter, West-Country Dick, BaUard, PurceU, &c. Our hero having drank very freely daring the evening with the amateurs above staiis, now descended, in a non compos mentis state, into the parlour, and ridiculed Dick upon his defeat by RandaU. He also offered to bet 2 to one upon himself against Tur^r, which was immediately accepted by JJscA* mond; and, upon the latter^s taking up the money, to deposit in some person's hands, Scroggins seized hold of the Man of Colour^ and, in the scuffle, both 8KBTC1I1S OP rUOILISM. S40 fc}!] upon the groftDd. Scroooins noiir gave some ludicrous jmitations of Bichnumd's mode of mU ling— called him every thing but a good oite« and offered to fight the Man of Colour in the room^ for any sum. The latter was much pressed^ by all the amateurs present, to give Scroggins a severe thrath' ing for his improper conduct, but Richmond kept his temper^ although he was called a cur for suffering such a little fellow thus to insult and triumph over him; yet the Man of Cobur was not to be moved from his resolution, and he very properly observed, ''that as ScROjGGiNs was under an engagement to fight Turner, the sporting world should not experience any disappointment from his disabling the former to fulfil his agreement/' This conduct, on the part of Richmond, was admitted to be handsome and manly by all present. Scroggins, however, would not be denied — fight he would with somebody, and, therefore, to accommodate his daring spirit, a match was proposed between him and young Fisher, for twenty guineas a-side, to be decided instantly upon the spot: the latter having gallantly beat the rough and hardy Crockey, before the Grand Dukb of Russia, at Coombewarren. Previous to which, the opinion of Mr. Jackson was taken, respecting the propriety of ScBoooiNs fighting, considering his engagement with Turner. Mr. J. thought he ought notP But ScRoooiNs over-ruled this objection, by declaring that nothing should hinder him from having a mitt, provided Mr. Farmer would make the match. Mr. SheUon, in conjunction with some other amateurs, put down the money for Fisher. The large room, at SM boxuma; OB, die baok of the pvemnea, vas inHHiUy liglMi «p^ tke sontoh made**-^tdei, lemons, &e. predooed^^ Ae spoctaUM retired to each end of the fdmst^ and tbe door looked. Mr. J ack60m acted as the onpiie* Career and britk8 and mortar, and contended gamefy till he found hlmsoK iiaidOT* mo9t in she throw.— "This change on the part of Scrbggif bfought.ofifeia totmrntd of 4 to 1 in liis favour. Eighth. — Fisher went to work manfully, and Scroggin^ slipped down from a hit, but, instaody recovering l^imself, instead of finishing the round, he rushed at Fisher, when some sharp blolMs, were exchanged^ tiU both went down. Ninth. — Fiiher with the utmost ease sent Scrtiggy dbwti. — Bravo, Fishcfr— stick to him, my lad ! Tenth. — One of Scroggins's|)-Fisher put in a good lacer; but, in closing, both Tkkteenth.-— As yet, nothing was the mattetr with Fislber, and considering Scroggins was three parts grog^ tipon cote* mencing the fight, he convinced those ground him what a fine constitution he possessed. He is an extraordinary little man— r a perfect Nbjjson in, idea and nothing less than viCTQar reig^is |>aramont in h^s composition. Fisher was iJso viewed wiu much admiration — and making some allowance for hia noviciate^ in contending with a pugilist at the qf the treep he proved himseU ai| ug^ putomer for this modern Dutch Sam ! In this round Fisher had the best of it, decidedly. Fourteenth. — Scrogg^ went down, in closing, but the advantage was on his side. When on his second's knee, be sneeringly observed to Fisher, that he could not hit hard enough be had better ^ve it in, as a few more of Us hit^ must finish him." ttS boxiana; or. Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth* — Nothing mateiial on either side. Eighteenth. — In this round Scroggy was^^rrd. — Great applause to Fisher. Nineteenth to Twenty-third. — Though Scroggint was tiie iarourite, yet many present considered the event at this stage of the fight as doubtful. Upon several ofiers being made, Scroggy observed, Aye, bet away, gentlemen, I can win it h'ke fun. — ^I lay 2 to 1 on myself." Twenty-fourth to Twenty-ninth. — Fisher appeared still fresh, and, notwithstanding the desperate rushing forward of Scroggins to take the fight out of him, he pever^/iiiicAed from his man, but fought with Scroggins like a game cock. At the conclusion of this round, which was in fiivour of the cofve of Stangate, he exclaimed with the utmost confidence Who can beat me, alive t I can mill any of Vm ! Thirtieth, Thirty-first, Thirty-second. — Scroggins had the v/orst of these rounds. He appeared rather distressed, and from the effects of the grog reeled about. Fisher exchanged many blows to his advantage. Thirty-third. — ^This round was confplete kammermg. Scroggins wanted to put an end to the fight, and fought his' way in with all the determination of a lion. His blows were terrific — and although he went down from a sharp hit, he instantly jumped up again and miUed Fisher furiously till he got him down. Carter now ofiered a guinea to half-a-crown. — Bravoj, Scroggy — ^he is an astonishing fellow 1 was the general cry. Thirty-fourth, Thirty-fifth, Thirty-sixth.— Well contested on both sides but in tne latter round Fisher missed putting in a blow, that might have materially turned the fight in his favour. He had hit Scroggins away from him twice, near the comer of the room, that laid him open, and instead of following up the chance, he retreated, and got sent down. Scroggins again loudly hemmed f upon his second's knee for wind; Thirty-serenth. — Scroggins send down Fuher in a twinkling. This blow was on the face, and, from its tremendous severity, his countenance instantly changed like the various colours of the rainbow. The former shouted with glee, and ofiered to bet any thing. 8KBTCHSS OF PUGILISM. »Z Tiiirty-«ighth. — Fisber again went down from a slight hit.— Scrogginsy with much contempt and confidence What do you think of that— I'll bet 100 to 1, Fll win it." Thirty-ninth, Fortieth, Forty-first, Forty-second.— Fisher fought manfally, but a change had taken place, and he showed evident signs of weakness, and went down in all these rounds. — £250 to £100 on Scroggy, and his partisans roared with delight. Forty-third. — Scroggins now began to finish in high style, and dealt out some tremendous punishment.— Guinea to a shiV* ling was offered, but not taken. Forty-fourth and last. — Fisher came to the scratch much distressed, and Scroggins again tmOed him down. On the time being called, Fisher could not rise from his second's knee, being very faint and rather sick, upon which Scroggins was declared the conqueror. The battle lasted 41 minutes. Rsker must be proDounced a good man, and bad he fought more at the head^ he might have been able to have given a better account of the battle. His mug was a little battered but in other respects he did not exhibit severe marks of punishment. He attributed his loss to the heavy falls he experienced more than to the blows he encountered, and walked from the scene of action without any help. With a little more experience and good training, it might not be an easy task to conquer him. Sceoggins fought under every disadvantage but the confidence he possesses in himself was truly astonishing he urged, that he could beat all the light weights, and entertained au idea that six men in the whole kingdom did not exist who could conquer him. He was much inebriated, and the danger he was likely to experience in preventing a favourable chance in his ensuing fight with Turner, seemed not in the least to operate on his mind. Though the above conquest was not an easy fight, he ^Hl^ BmnANA y OE» was B$ anxious ta bet upon himself as the most interested looker-on, and offering terms almost on every round. He was more beat about the face than his antagonist. It bas been observed by S^fapcorf-^' Q that a man will put an enemy in his mouth, to steal away bis brains T but it is widely different with this extraordinary tnHling personage for, whether drank or aobcr^in- ihe rin«^ or a tUffifrH»p^ fee; ftt;. be wiit not let any person have the beU of him. He must be viewed as a phenomenon. It was now decidedly two to oney and in many ia-r stances the odds were still higher throughout the sporting circles, that Scroogins would add another laurel to bis wreath, in his second combat with Turner upon the lOth of June, 1817, at Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, (see page l64,) but unfortunately, the smiles of victory abandoned our hero, and, for the Jint time in his life, he found himself in defeat ! The Jlooring of this great favourite operated like aa electric shock upon the Fanoy.; and the anxiety manifested by hundreds of persons, assembled at an early hour both within and outside the Waterman*$ Jmu, to learn the event, beggared description. The defeat of Scbogojns was not generally believed for some hours after the report had reached the metropolis and, indeed, such an event was thought almost impossible to occur, so high an opinion was entertaiiied by the Patrons of Pugilism of his milling capabilities. In fact, his house was not deserted till he arrived at home, about one o'clock in the morning, where th^ scene was so much changed, that bis feelings mujst have suffered far more from the agpny of 8KBT0BES OV VVOtUSM. tM hk i^iofd tbfiQ aJI the pmuhofo^ \a%Am^e bjid eveft QDflerjpHie io bis inalMplicity of en^gageiQfsinU^ AIq smiles naw ! No loud hazzas, as heretofore, tq gi^^e^ the conguering hero» with welcome ! No over^j^ backers tp oTerwhelm witli their fulsome praises,! Bat^ oo the contrary, a gloomy silence prevailedrr his pfurtisans, too, had\fled from him lil^e a pestilence, and he retired to hiif pillow a/onf^ d^f^ssefjf.vnbafpy, and restless^ and, even without the cpmo^pn merit allowed to him of having lost his laurels io any tl^iqg like a well-fought battle! Butit has bee;^,obse;i;ve4» hg a gieat Poet, that la ad^rnty The jniad fffom% tongfi bf bufeting tko tenpest; BtK la saccets dissoLvtpg, sinksita ^ase, And lotos all her fiiniweas. The only consolation, it seems, Sckoooinb eiqperi^ enced, after his mind bad overcome the shock of defeat, was in attributrng fars loss to an accidental blow he received upon his throat, in the third round, and .which swelled up so rapidly, as almost to deprive him of the power of breathing during the remainder of the battle and notfarng codd satisfy his wounded feelings, fata another opportunity to retrieve his lost laurels with his more fortunate opponent. Turner, without tresitation, agreed to aceontmodate \&m, and ScBOGOiNs was so confident victory wouM crown his efforts, that he put down the prracipal part of the money bimseff, to mrake the stakes good of £ 150 aside to meet on Tuesday, October 7, 1817. But the diarm was broken — the inxmdbiHty olf ScBodaiKS, in the sporting world, was at an end — no longer a (rtii* 860 boxiana; oa» ning maD, all bis defects were now too promitient to be overlooked—a material falliDg-off was also observed at bis benefit — and he was altogetber so niacb reduced by comparison with Turner in the estimation of the boxing circles^ that the odds on the third contest were 7 to 4 against him. During the time allowed for training, Scbogoins, as in a former instance, unmindful of the necessity of paying the greatest attention to his frame to render every thing secure towards conquest, in an inebriated moment, had an accidental tum^ wi^ Bob Gregton, at Bekhet^s. In this skirmish our little hero went down, and sprained one of his legs so severely, that he did not recover from its effects for upwards of a month but^ to make amends for the above indiscretion, so much did he fancy this match, that he sold his house^ quitted the character of a publican^ and became a private individual, in order, as he observed^ to be more circumspect towards his training. His t&ifcf battle with Turner was fought at Shep^ perton, (see page 174,) and, notwithstanding his contempt for regular training, he, nevertheless, appeared in the ring in better condition than his opponent. It was, however, evident to every one present, that ScROGGiN 8 strained every point to win the contest on which his darling fame was at stake: and it is but common justice to remark, that his character as a boxer rose far higher in every point of view, on that day, than in any of his previous battles. Yet fortune again deserted him, and he was left mentally to exclaim, in the words of a great fighting hero :— Perdition catch thy arm — the chance is thiue ! But, oh ! the vast renown thou hast acquired In conquering Scroogins does afflict him more, Than even his body's parting with its soul ! ScROGGiNS HIMSELF AGAIN ! — Notwithstanding the above defeats of our hero by Turner^ deipondency, with him, was out of the questioOi and his pluck remained so good, that he determined, if possible^ to triumph over the old adage, When a man i$ down down with him!" and not to lose the whole of that great notoriety he once possessed in the pugilistic circles. It is true the stream turned against bim» but, nevertheless, Scroggins is not to be beat off hand, as a matter of course. Commoners must not at* tempt this circumstance and even scientific men will not be able to try it without experiencing something like danger in the event. The following turr^vp ipay, perhaps, tend to elucidate this point. It appears, on Tuesday, October 21, 1817, a navigator weighing up^ wards of thirteen stone, having liccidentally got into company with Scroggins, at Tom OKver% in Westminster, impertinently began to throw off upon his ca* ^abilities as a boxer, by observing, that he could Uch half a roomJvU of such impostonT* Scroggins remonstrated on the impropriety of such conduct, but in vain nothing less than a fight could satisfy this bouncing man of clay. The room in which Scroggins had conquered Fisher in such high style was immediately prepared, and the combat commenced. The science of Scroggins soon prevailed over the navigaor, and, in five rounds, the conflict had ceased and this modern Bobadil proved himself the VOL. II. 8 real impostor! The latter had not a shadow of dumce towards victory, and he paid dearly for his temerity. His mug, firom the repeated facen it had received, was completely changed and the putdshmetU he sustained was so terrible, that it may dperate as a lesson, in future, to such '^foolhardy characters'' tts the above navigator, to keep their tongues widiin their teeth. ScRooGiNS concluded the evening as ff nothing had happened and returned home wicfaont experiencing the slightest inconvenience from this unexpected combat. In taking leave of our hero, a few general remarks will suffice. No boxer on the list has afforded greater sport in the ring than Sckogoims in tlbe short space of little more than three years, he ex* hibited himself in TEN prize battles; and aflthough never rated, or praised, as a scientific fightctb, yet bis miUing talents were of that peculiar cast, and his name so attractive throughout the Fancy, as to draw together some of the most numerous meetings of the amateurs ever witnessed. The singularity of his person tended, in a great degree, to procure him notoriety as a pugilist; his height does not exceed five feet three inches, and under eleven stone in weight. His appearance, when stripped, is not unlike the stump of a large tree; and, from his loins upwards, he looks like a man of fourteen stone. He also stands firm upon his legs. His iVame is round, hardy, and capable of great exertions, either in giving or receiving the blow, accompanied With a nob; which seems laughing at all opposition. A projecting forehead too, which, in a great degree, protects bis 8KBTCHSS OF PUGILISM. 269 peeper ftoota being easily measured for a iuit of moumr imf; aftd be Arequeatly attacks his adrersary more like theanttcsiil' a«ifrfynia» than displajmg the practical ]ii4teliiof'adt0d(>lined boxer. SmaMng\^ his principal forte and -be appears to fight more from the impulse otfoeli^tkBXk acting with the coo&WMof judgement; but Jatterfy he has exhibited signs of scientific improve* meaV Those boxers that cannot keep Sckoogins OM^ are i» great: danger of experiencing defeat from his overwhelming punishment* In short* after review^ iiig all bis defects as a ^hting man, he must never* tbdesB be proaounced an bxtraordinaby lit«* TLK ,P&RSONAOB ALTOOBTHBR his achievements entitle him to this appellatbn and, At one period of his reign, after his memorable set-to with Tom Belcher^ at the Fives Coart, (see page 41,) it is an indisputable fact, that the amateurs were so infatuated with his capabilities^ he could have been backed against that elegant pugilist for £500 a-side. But, alas ! how are the mighty fallen ! and such is the versatility of opinion, that Scroogins — the ONCE GREAT TERROR OF THE RING TO ALL THE LIGHT WEIGHTS— like all other fallen heroes, is thrown oofapletely in .the hack ground, except in his own coi^idetHX*^ However,, bis pbwk is sttU undiminished, also, extremely anxious to recover his fame,, and it is not unlikely he may yet achieve more conquests^ 'NiaruRB, it should seem, has not beenvunkind to S6ft«ooiN8> and if this gift had been seconded by adtitMikm, it is probable his demeanour in society nrighl have proved rather more ^bmkal* He is weU riftdJn ihe^book of life«r^*«t0aite upon moat oooaaions, s2 260 BOXIANA; OR» and to get the best of him upOD any suit^ it mast be a second Cocker in calculation — full of fun and anecdote, while SOBRIETY keeps her empire, he is a pleasant cheerful feUnw- — alive to the interests of the ring, and particularly attached to prize-milling/ in being found always ready to afford amusement/when a purse is offered for a set-to. In allowing for a great portion of his time being passed in the Wooden Walls of Old England, his manners are not more blunt, nor his conduct less independent than what usually characterize the British Sailor. At all events, he is a striking feature in the annals of pugilism and the name of Scboggins, in the boxing hemisphere, is in no danger of being hastily forgotten. JACK RANDALL, DENOMINATED the Prime Irish Lad, otherwise the NONPAREIL. The Prize-Ring (1818) does not boast of a more accomplished boxer than Randall; nor of any pugilist who, in so short a period, has made greater progress towards arriving at the top of the tree than he has done. The prime Irish Lad" so denominated in' the sporting worlds it appears, is not a native of Ireland, but who has acquired the above appellation; in consequence of both his parents being Irish. Randall was born, on the 25th of November, 1794, in ttie neighbourhood of St. Giles, near the brewhodse 2>r«jm 4jr Shmr^Uf Stt^rmmd hjrB^-»^d, JA K iRAl^lDAJLlL Loffilon.Thbiufietl h\- Sktrwoed kC*Mty//9i8 k' aody among the gay boys'* of that lively part of the metropolis, his skirmishes have been numerous indeed. The Archery-ground, in the Long Fields, near Russell-square, was the principal sceneof action in which our hero exhibited when a mere stripling. Young Snuffs** well known in the boxing circles, was conquered three tima by Randall in the above place; and, at the age of fourteen, he also fought a man of the name of Leonard in this ground, who was a stone heavier than himself, for three quarters of an hour. Leonard was, at length, so terribly punidied, from the activity of Jack's arms^ that he was obliged to be led off the field. Size or weight, it seems, never operated as any drawback to the exertions of Randall and, possessing courage of the first order, his pltick rose superior to the obstacles he had to encounter, and, like another Nelson, he never thought of any thing but victory. Jack was unavoidably engaged, in Mary-le^bone^ lane, with a man of the name of Henshaw the latter was not only taller, but had the advantage of three stone in weight. Twenty-five minutes of hard fighting had occurred, when the friends of both parties interfered and made a drawn battle of iu Notwithstanding the great disparagement between the combatants, from the superior style of fighting displayed by Randall, it was thought he must, ultimately, have proved the conqueror. One Murphy, an Irish labourer, a most powerful athletic young man, attacked Randall in Bainbridge-street, St. Giles's but the latter, not dismayed M2 IKMUAMA; 91B, from bis giaot-like i^pe^raooiQ) miliiKD Mmp^.m> severely in tbe coarse of a few rounds^ that bad jt not been for fear of tbe coDseqaeDces likely to ensue .fitiW a general row^ our hero was cconpelled to desisl;^ and rest satisfied with ih&putMmmt he had so yeiy liber rally bestowed Q,pon bis over-grown opponent. Since the period of BUI Ryan and Jack (fDoimd, the Irish amatears have not bad a cbampton to take (he lead in the pfizewring, till the appearaacie of Jack Randall; aad» under the pationage of ibe gallant CoL Baeton, the sons of Hiberniaj it seems^ although Dmmdltff tbe hero of Ireland^ appeared somewhat shy in haxar4mg bis laurels on British ground^ are nevenitheless determined, if possible, to make as high a stand in tbe pugiliatio circlas^ aa when the Keoowned and fearles* Peter Corcoran took tbe lead. Of Ranoali^ it has beeft obaepved^ that. be istb^ architect of bis own fame<-4ie ia a.pugiUsft from n«tuxe, perfectly seif-tiiught?-^4tnd is not iodebted tot 407 professor for a single lesson uiwaida improving hip knowlfidge of the, art of seUndefence. He ia in heigbt 5 feet 6 inches^ and weighing aboaib. 10 stone 61b. His appearance when, stripped indicates^ gosat bodily str^gth his shoulders athletic, butsaibac incUned 10 be (Ottiidish and his fioame alto^ber. capable of great e«:ertk»iy very cwmpftgt, and which might be urged to partake, of muf4wn,mparvo4 ftAJir^Aia* is*a ippinpletc^ rg^a avU in. tbe rtog;. hot doea oot appear to use any finene. His position is esect, and natural fighting is his forte^ His look-out in battle is e<|ual to any admiral upon the station;, and he turns the neglect of his adversary to account with the utmost SKETCI^ES OF PUGILISM. 2fi3 proinptnQ89 asd judgemeot. He is a most exc^ll^ot judge of hb diiiifnces, SLud. floors bis opponent with tremye^doMB severity. His ovE-two are put ia with the sbarpoe^s. of ligl^jUiipg but he appears oaost partial to the use of his left baud. As a fibber, he has no ^i.ipex'ior; aud^ in struggliqg to obtain the; throtp, the ^r^uigtb he t^s. genier^lljr exhibited ov^r his advefr saries. Id thisjrespecti. has astoojsbqd every spectator,. On bis legs he is wonderful, and be gets over the groqqc) with all the aglUty of a daqicing-nias^er; but, .^twith&taqdiog these rme requisites tow^ds victory, he does not trifle with any. of them^ bqt fights with the greatest caution. He leaves nothing to chance. loathe heat of battle he is. cqqI 1q a degree but his Amwt prowinent feature ijs a fighting man is-rrin. retiring from all bis contests without scarce!;^ exhibiMog a icif atcA Th^.fir^t battle of any note in which Rahoalu wcis noticed by son^e am^ajt^nrs, was with Jaoh, He buUhenf jn the Prince JElej;eDt's. |^ark, Mary-le-bonp. It, origjir nated in a di^pqte respecting some, improper co.ndnpt in a flghty in^ which the abgiVQ heroes bad acted, in th^ capacity of seconds, and. being a point of honour it was decided instantly upon the spot. In th.e coursjs pf twea^ minutes,, fhe butcher was so completely $erved outf that Randall wa# deqlar^d the congqeror. Our hero, it seems, now aspired \o obtain higher honours among the pugilistic corps, and, in the same ring in which Scroggins and Eales had contended, at Coombe-wood, on August 26, 1815, he made bis 4ebiU with Walton^, deno^)iuated the Twickenham Youth, for a purse of five guineas. Randall astonished the amateurs with the gaiety of his style, and the decisive action he exhibited. Paddingtm Jtmm and Whak were his seconds upon this occasion and, in the short space of ten minutes, the Twickenham Youth, who in other battles had shown some talents for milling, was in the hands of Randall %o peppered, that he now left the ring without the slightest chance of winning. After Carter and Robimon had exhibited at Moulseyburst the first time, Wednesday, April £4, 1816, Randall entered the ring with George Dodd, for a purse of five guineas. It was a well contested battle, and twenty-five minutes elapsed before victory was decided in favour of our hero. West-Country Dick and Clark were his seconds. On Wednesday, May 28, 1816, at Coombe-wood, Randall entered the lists with a Jew, denominated Vghf Borrock,*^ for a subscription purse, collected on the ground., of ten guineas, towards producing a second fight. The amateurs were completely astonished at the milling capabilities displayed by Randall upon the above occasion; more especially from his condition, which, in point of look, appeared so meagre and lank, that an opinion was generally enteruined Young Paddy must, in the course of a few minutes, be compelled to quit the png, from the severe punishment he was likely to receive from the hands of this determined hraelite. But so unexpectedly and different was the result, that Borrock, ugly*' as his index hitherto had been urged to be, was now, owing to the sudden painting it had undergone from this expert changer offace»^ not only rendered more unlikebf/' bnt it was so tnatamorphosed as scarcely to be recognized, even by bis most intimate friends. The deemve qnalities of Randall were so conspidu- ons to every one present^ from his qaick disposal of Borroci, as to demand the unqualified praise of the best judges of scientific pugilism. Randall did not give the Jew a single chance throughout the fight — he one*two'd him with all the celerity of the sweeps of a windmill in full swing, and ^oored Borroci in almost every round, with the most perfect nonchalance ever witnessed. This milling performance, so scientific and effective in its conclusion, strongly brought to the recollection of the spectators, the once distinguished Jack (yDonnel; and, the superior talents of that boxer, from Paddys land, seemed about to be revived in the person of Jack Randall. The above battle only continued about twelve minutes and Randall was seconded by Tom Oliver and Clark. The abilities of Randall were often the theme of conversation among the amateurs of boxing; but, owing to a bad finger, and want of necessary time to improve generally his frame, he was not matched till Thursday, April 3, 1817f when he entered the lists with Weit'Cauntry Dick, for 25 guineas a-side. A roped ring was prepared for the occasion, about a mile and a half from Twickenham, on the Common, and numerous vehicles of all sorts were placed round it, forming a most capacious amphitheatre. Several marquees were also erected on the ground, filled with the good thingz of thi$ life, to render the sports of the M6 aoauAHA oft,. day pleaiftat aDd attiactive to those^ lads who were well breedM; bat/ ivcll is die ^nuenain' dianoe of war, that a geKllenian who rodeiato tbe ring) haTtng all ibe appcawiiice of an ainat&ar, nofortvnaleljy in propria pirmma^ tarned eat to be a coooty magietfiate. He very pplilety reqaoBted tbe q^SooJ chacacterB to remove the ring, and m dkrpeme aa* 8oon >a0 posstbte ^h good dud of gmmmon was tipped to pievaM oiLbim to let the manly spora proceed; bat be waBgbod^nktnredly iniexible, end observed, that' he* bad been upon bis horse ever since seven in the momiag oii ike kokout, abd that it was morMy impossible the batde ebeM tahe plaee in the county of M^iddtesex^ This If as enough. And, \tk less Aan batf an' hoav, this spat bf ground so'^revioasly fmportsnt for mUb^g'^notf kppeained lite the bafedtsi fabric of avimnj^ thatnot Hl drag was left behind.' BiHGibionh Richmond, Hdrmer, Scrogybui, Cribb, &c. repairedao Hayes/ followed by a great party of ho^semeQ and* oarriitges, and formed a ring, but this ultimately pi>oved a Aoa:ip, to the no small chagrin of thousanda. The better informed proceeded to Twickenhani,. where the subject was argued and deiermmed; and; on the signal being given, the carriage wheels weot: cound ItUae Kghtning-^be water was crossed ia a twibkl-iag^-and, on the plains of Moulsey, in Sarcey, about two o'clock, Randall entered tbe ring and threw up bis hat, followed by Didc. Paddington Jmui and Wiak seconded Randall; and OUter and Clark for Dick. Two to one on Randall. The battle conttaaed 33^ minutes. Both the combatants were well known to the ring, particularly Dick; but Randall was con- 8K£T«IIB8 W MTOILIBM. Ml »idered by f«r the belter figblcr. The amaleart we«e of the first respectability, bat not very nanterous. It wa^ generally spoken of as a most comfortable mill, and conducted with all the good breedinff of a draw^ ing-room ! A small delay occurred, owing, it is said, to Dick refusing to fight out of a roped ring. First Toilni.-^-Oxfsetting'to mncb caution was observed on both sides to obtain the first advantage^ when Randall, with great dexterity, put in asharp^^er. In retoming, Dick hit short — some tew bJ^ws were exchanged in iavour of Raadall, who fought his way into a close, and comnwiiced Jihbuig his adtersary till they both went dowth— S to 1 on Randall, who had drawn Diek^s cork. Second. — ftMf^ full of fire, immediattfy iGiek the lead, and nobbed Dic|c so successfully, that he turned round horn his opponent. In closing, as before^ he held Dick up, Bod^/aced hioi till he went down, liond applause. Third. — Dick set to with much gaiety, and put in a bodnr hit, but he could make no successful impressioR upon RandaU. The latter not only out-fought him, but again^;S66ed hiiadowih Fourth. — The superiority of mOling was decidedly on the side of Randall, who drove Dick from him. In closing, Dick went down rather rapidly from the numerous blows he had received in this round, and it wee thought a foul blow had been given him, and much vociferation took plac»of .^IbuV^ Fifth. — Randall's distances were well measured, and Dick V nob was again in contact with Paddy's fist. At the ropes Dick made an ineffectual struggle to escape from the severe Jibbing which Randall was so liberally bestowing upon him.*-*- to 1, but no takers* Sixth. — Randall commenced xoork after the manner of a hammer-man at a forge, and although Dick kept plunging with his favourite right-handed hits, yet, in closing, Rar^all held him up with all the lightness of a vice, beating a tai-too upon bis mug^ till he felt disposed to send him down. Lou^l shouting. Seventh.— *The left hand of Dick seemed of no use to him, and bis right hand did not perform that severe execution as on former occasions. Randall, however, did not seem to relish it much, and got away from it with much adroitness. Dick was again fibbed down. Eighth.— Randall now satisfied the ring that he must win he showed himself a complete scientific fighter— could work well with hoth his hands, and not only hit Dick away from him, but ultimately, mt^ him down.— Bravo, Paddy ! Ninth.— Dick put in sl facer, and Randall, in returning, hit short and went round, but recovered himself;, and, in closing, jMed Dick severely at the ropes, and then dropped him in style. 6 to 1 on Randall. Tenth.— The nob of Dick was fast losing its shape from the severe hammering of Randall, who applied his fist soTapidly on his opponent's mug, that it could only be compared to a footman knocking violently at a door. In closing, both down. Eleventh.— A short round, but it terminated in favour of Randall, as did also the twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth rounds. Fifteenth.- It seemed as if Dick was endeavouring to obtain a change in his favour— he hit Randall on the face, put in a hard blow on his shoulder, and had the best of this round. Sixteenth to Twentieth.— RandtJl seemed rather bhwed in these rounds, and at times got away from Dick's right hand. In fact, he had not been idle for a moment, and the face of his opponent gave a strong specimen of his capabilities, and he ynas Jibbed down upon every set-to. 5 to 1. Twenty-first. — A good deal of sparring occurred before a blow was exchanged, when Randall put in four facers without any return. Both down. Any odds. Twenty-second.— The arm of Randall appeared to have all the activity of a fiddler playing a country dance his hand was never out of his opponent's face. Twenty-third. — ^This round claimed much attention, from its singularity. Dick put in two severe l>ody hits, but, in closing, Randall fibbed him severely with his left hand, then changed it with the most apparent ease, and fnmUhed Dick down. Great applause. Twenty-fourth to Twenty-seventh. — In these n>unds the spectators were surprised to see the successful manner that Randall held up Dick with one arm, and punished him with the other. His head was now completely in chancery^ his left eye quite puffed up, and he had been down so often, as nearly to get the appellation of tumble down Dick !" Twenty-ei^th. — ^The battle was fast drawing to a close, and the excellence of Randall was now acknowledged by all. Dick endeavoured to make some desperate hits but Randall nobbed him at arm's length, with the utmost sang Jroidy and, in closing, did as he liked with him. Twenty-ninth and last. — On setting-to, Randall, with much severity, put in a blow on the bread-basket^ that not only puffed the wind out of him, but he went down and instantly rolled up like a bale of clotli. Such a blow is rarely witnessed, and seldom fails in having the desired effect. Time was called, and upon Dick's getting up to come to the scratch, he shook hands with Randall, and resigned the contest. Randall, in the above contest, proved himself one of the prettiest fighters of his weight, (10 stone 2 lb.) He is a good two-handed hitter, bat unusually snccessfal with his left hand; and his game has not yet been pat to the test in any of his battles. Dick bad not the slightest chance. Randall left the ring without a scratch upon his face. The scientific quality displayed by Holt^ in a battle of an hour and a half s duration with Parish, the waterman, and from his more recent conquest of CyDotmel, at Arlington-corner, the amateurs were much prepossessed in his favour and, notwithstanding the well-known excellence of Randall, it was generally thought that Holt would tarn out an equal competitor. In consequence of this opinion, a match for 25 guineas a-side was made between the above pugilists. Considerable interest was felt by the sporting world respecting its decision, which took place at Coombe-warren, on Tuesday, May 20, 1817, in a 24 feet roped-ring. ma BOXIAHA; Oft, The wet «tale of tlse wewdier m the early pan of the momiDg prevented great numbers of the Fancy from qaitting the metropolis, and although it was extmmeiy fine ooiaigoous to Coombe-wood, there were dot afK>ve six hundred persons present, among whom were Col. Berkblbt, Capt. BjmcuiYf Mr.J ackson, Gtt/Zry, Ctibb, CarUr, Olher^ Scroggim, Croekey, Ballard^ Oibbom, &o. The combatants were nearly alike in weight, both under 11 stone. Randall was backed by CoL Baston and H$lt by some gentlemen of Bermondsey. It was upon the whole one of the most orderly ooadacted matches ever witnessed, excepting a slight fracas which occurred between Caleb Batdwin and the kei^pers of the gate* The latter, not immediately re* cognizing the veteran of the ri^, refused his vehicle dmittaoce, without the usual Mp but C^kb finding ^rgnfyiH ike i fic would not do-niastead of paying them in the new coinage^ dealt o^t another sc^-t of cur-^ rency^ 4ind although destitute of the W» W. P» 4. had auch an instantaneous effect upon tipe Joba^jf Rame^ that the g^teflew op^iv and Qakb rode through in triumph, At ^iuk. Aftief .pnei, ,^E(oft ^ppe^irfid in jbe ring^ god ihrew op,. his hat« and BtAJIdall immediately follow^ ed. Pfiddi^UmJom^ and Kf^hote secooded tbelaj^c^ MtfA Pointer apd Clark for Bolt. The asual ceremoi^ of ^shaking band^ .being peiv £9n»ed|,^yefy eye,i|ras.o^.th^ Utretch^ looking out for die ilrst ad|rantage.-7:Seven to 4 generaUy on Rav* n ALL, bvt 2 tQ 1 in many instances. SKBItmSS OF PDOII.I8M. Tft First round.^— Tfato combatants had iscarcefy placed thamselveBin attitudes to set-to^ when RaDdall's left baud, with much severity, hit Holt on bis month. Me repeated it as quick as lightning, and was endeavouring >lQ plantaihird^ but HoU stopped hno. Randall again pat. in anoAer despmUle facer; a few blows were eiccb^ged, when yoMt^ Pad^ weat in with his usual soit of book iojib^ but Holt caught bdd of hit arm, and a sharp straggle took tplace for the throw^ Ran- (bU showed the most strength, and Holt was undenaost^ 3 to 1 upon RandaiL Second.^On coming to the scratch, in this very early stage of the fight, Holt's nrng showed the painter had been very busy. RandalFs left, band again succesafully nobbed his adversary, and he was. as active as ad rumroer beating *tke^euerale P' Considen^le science waa now displayed on both sides Holt stopped many blows in good style, and he^also planted a sharp blow on Randall's cheek. Several hits were exchanged, but materially to the advantage of Randall, who, in finishing this round of three minutes, caught hold of Holtls ribs in rather a singular manner, and- threw him. 3 And 4 to 1 4oudIyoffiired upon Randall. Third. — Randall with the utmost '«(tiig^rou/, again beat the iai'too upon Holt's nob. It was altogether a long ronnd, but the acienee exhibited by Holt was that oi^Oopping instead of giving, and the ^spectaton were afttonifthed at the. little execur tion he appeared capable of performing. Randall put in up^ wards of six/aoert« damaging the peepers of his opponent* and ciarettwg his face all over, and sent him down from a Iremandous hit on. the side of his head. Five to one. Fourth.— 'Holt came up to the scratch undismayed, but he had no sooner set-to, when the left hand of Randall dealt out tremaodous punishment* It was never out ^f his opponent's face. Holt, it was now evident, had been deceived respect-^ jng the quality of his adversa^; yat he contended in the most manly sty le^ and planted a desperate. hit under the leftaar of RandaU, that the lattar bled pradigiovsly. The science of Randall was preeminent he put in six Jwre almost suocessively and when Hplt, at le^gti^ stopped him on this tow suit, he used his jigbthand withnaarly equal auccess, till HcTt wfnt down. Fifth. — Randall was compelled to fight extremely different from the mode he had adopted with West-Coumtiy Dick. Holt was not^o hefhbed; and Randall ialso convinced the admirers of scientific pugilism, that he is a most effective out-fighter. The Irishmau's hits are tremendous, and the appearance of Holt's face was completely vermUionedy and his body also, finom the above source, was so strongly coloured, that he might have been termed a rtd man. In this round, notwithstanding the damaged eye*sight of Holt, he put in so sharp a blow on the bridge of Randal Ps nose, thatpwA:^ the index oi Paddy in an instant. The quickest eye could scarcely keep pace with the execution performed by Randall's left hand in this round, and he repeatedly hit Holt from him till he went down. Ail betters, aud no offers accepted. Sixth. — Randall appeared to suffer much inconvenience from the violent bleeding of his ear; his mouth was so ovjer* charged that he could scarcely get rid of it. Had not Holt possessed good science, he must have been mnathed all to pieces in the very outset of the battle. He stopped a great number of blows but it may be truly said, that he only stood up as a mark to be hit at. It was curious to observe, that, whenever the left hand of Paddy was denied, he used his right with great facility, and put in some terrible ribbers. Randall closed this round by a terrible blow in the middle piece^ that sent his adversary down in a twinkling. Ten to one was offered upon Randall. Seventh. — It was useless for Holt to contend; but his game and courageous nature prompted him, if possible, to rise superior to defeat. But it was all up— Randall did as he pleased in fact, it was Waterloo-bridge to a deal plank, and Holt was again down. Any odds. Eighth and last. — Holt was anxious for conquest the bhrni^ it seems, he did not value, but the darling fame of victory was most dear to him — nothing else could have induced him again to meet his opponent. Randall worked sharply with both his hands, and with his right he planted a tremeinlous hit on Holt's nob, that instantly flowed him. He was beat out of time; but he was very anxious to renew the combat; and observed, J am ready to fight but, in endeavouring to rise from his second's knee, he fell down, from his exhausted state. Holt's friends were perfectly satisfied that he could not win, and he was instantly carried out of the ring by Pamh and Painter^ put into a chaise, and proper attention paid to him. The battle lasted 25 minutes. In the above contest^ Randall &rinly established 8KBTCHBS OP PUGILISM. 27^ bis character as a first-rate scientific pugilist. H^ possesses the maaery of the art in an eminent degree '^-divests his actions of samenea with the most perfect ease — ^and promptly changes his mode of fighting as the necessity of the attack requires. In his former battles with Borrock the Jew and ffest Country Dick, wherein his snperior^fr6t9i^ traits proved so successfiil ^with Holt a different system was essential, and as an out-fighter he completely astonished the ring, bX the terrible effective capabilities he exhibited. With his left hand, Randall planted forty cleau hits on HoW$ face, and several also with his right. He throws little time away in iparrmg^-aud, like a good artist, his workmanship soon speaks for itself. In the boxing circles, as nfimsher^ there is a great analogy between Randall and the late Dutch Sam; — as a two-handed hitter, he portrays the decisive mode of Tom Belcher ;«-*and, to sum up his milling requi* sites in epitome, he is a most consummate elegant boxer. It was urged by the partisans of HoU, that he displayed no fight at all in contending against Randall. This complaint, upon a slight examination, will not only soon be removed, but such an tmmerited assertion proved to be unjust. Randall was the offensive fighter throughout the battle, and his punishment was so very rapid and severe, that he never gave JBbft any opportunity of showing himself, but merely oo the defensive. The latter, notwithstanding his knowledge of the science, did, but in very few instances, stop, with any effect, his opponent's left hand — 4md the true statement of the case is — that the fight*^ was decisively hit out of him as early as the VOL. II. T« 8T4 BOXIANA; Ol, third round. By ceaif aritoii» it was novtce finciag against an Angelo. In fact, if HoU had not been a truly game man, he could never have stood before Randall for 25 minutes, after the heavy milUng he received at tbe onset. In eonsequence of this opinie^^ entertained by tbe few i^mateurs present, ten pouads were immediately collected for his bravery. Four months had scarcely elapsed, when Ramdau. again appeared in the prize-ring, in oompetitios with Belmsco, tlie Jew; and produced one of the most interesting battles upon record. Since the boxing days of the scientific Tom Belcher and the renowned Dutth Sam, the amateurs and patrons of pugilism had not been more animatedly interested respectbg the termination of any combat than the one which took place on Tuesday, September SO, 1817, at Shepper^ ton-range, in a 9,4 feet ring, for 50 guineas a-side^ between the above heroes. The miUing reputation df both tbe combatanta was of the first order throughout the circles of the Fancy. Randall (better known as the primt Irish boy) was viewed as the bestylfitsAfr of the light weights — armed at all points, either to dbe M>d, ,did not view it with any thing like the safety of r^e^Mi^ a bAtik dividend. The men appeared in good condition — Belasco weighing a few pqunds qi^ore than his Qfipooeot, and looked uncommonly fresh. The time having arrived, five minutes before one, the combatants commenced tlie attack. Randall was seconded by Paddingtosi Jones and R. Whale; and BeU^PO ^me» waited npon by Little Puss and Aby StDarteher. Fifst round. — ^R^ndaIl,wboin allbisfornaer battles, generally bit first,, now displfiyed qpusual cautiop. Tbe saipe care was ;ec]U8Hy observed by the Jew. Tbey viewed tbe attempts ,of t2 27d BOXIANA; Oft, each other with great circumspection. Napoleov, in the height of his glory, never looked upon, the advantages of a move with greater interest — nor did the competent Wellington evec attempt to fnutratt any grand design^ with more geal, judgement, and anxiety, than the above combatants. It was a complete system of tactics. The spectators were lost in amazement; and their optics were completely tired in watching the feints — viewing the steps— contrasting the manoiuvres, stratagems, and snares, resorted to by Randall and Belasco to get the best of each other, until nine MINUTES had elapsed before the first round was terminated, during which only four blows had been exchanged in closing, Belasco went down. Second. — The same system of generakkip occurred, and this round occupied eight minutes and a half. Belasco put in a sharp hit on Randall's mouth, which brought forth the darei in a twinkling. Here the coolness of the Iriskmam was seen to great advantage, and his steadiness of frame was the same as if no blow had been struck. A rally occurred, in which some sharp hits w ^re exchanged, and Randall received rather an unwelcome touch upon his eye. l*hey separated and rallied again, when, in a close, the Jew went down. Third.— From this mode of fighting another Birmingham battle was anticipated o( Jour hours ! In this round the knowledge of the art was portrayed on both sides. Randall was rather unfortunate in his distances, for although his left hand bodied his opponent repeatedly, it did not once touch the mark. It was not the coup de grdce hit. Belasco down. Twentyfour minutes had elapsed. Fourth. — ^The conduct of the Jew was much to be admired. He fought like a hero, and followed his opponent with all the confidence of true game. He was however ^^boi'frf, with the celerity of a shot, from a desperate left handed hit of Randall. The latter put up his hand to his eye as if it was troublesome. Fifth. — It was now clearly seen that Randall was the great Captain, and ht out-generalled his opponent with all the accomplishment of the Art of War. If Randall was bored at any time to a comer of the ring, he fought his way out with such ease and safety, that description falls short in conveying its excellence. It was also curious to observe, that the Jew, at one period, had got Randall in a position to fib hxm, when the latter^ from bis genius and courages, not only extricated SKETCH B8 OF PUeil.lSM. 27T himself from this perilous situation, but be returned the compliment upon Belasco.with an adroitness unparalleled^ and fibbed the Jew till be went down. Two to one upon Randall. Sixth.*— A most excellent round in point of science, but Belasco was Bga.m Jhwed. Seventh and last. — Belasco not only appeared a better but a superior boxer in every respect, than in his late contest with Reynolds and if be could not rank equally great with Randall, he nevertheless proved himself a difficult customer to be served! After some scientific movements, Randall put in so tremendous a bit on Belasco's eye, that the latter instantly pat up his hand to feel if it was out of tbe socket— the pain appeared so excruciating, that he staggered, fell, and fainteid. Randall might have put in another hit before he went down, but his conduct was too noble to add the slightest punishment to a fallen rival. Upon Belasco's recovering from his trance, be rubbed bis body, as if suffering from severe punishment. Tbe battle thus terminated in 54| minutes. Tbe most experienced judges of boxing agree, that, ibroQghout the Annals of Pugilism, such a finished display of scientific excellence as the above battle is not CO be paralleled. It was a perfect picture of the art, and Randall justly acquired the appellation of— THE NONPAREIL. On his legs, notwithstanding the acknowledged excellence of Carter, Randall is considered equal, if not superior. His agility is surprising. Dutch Sam, in the best of his ^hys, it is also said, never fought with any thing like that degree of certainty manifested by Randall; and, in competition with the latter, the Jew phenomenon must have fallen beneath his superiority. This high sonnding praise may appear, to some persons, more like flattery and adulation, we are aware, than proceeding from the conviction of cool and solid judgement. The above contest, it is true, did not 27d voxiana; or. aftogether please^ if we are to collect frotti the crowd who are partial to dowaright nulling: but from the admirers of scientific efforts— -from those patrons who value the intent more than the eff^ect — those amateun who appreciate the advantages of hitting, and getting away, of giving instead of receiving, and of seeing a fight won without ferocity, gluttony, and copioito streami of claret, the fight between Rani>ali< and Belasco t^as pronounced one of the most perfect specimens of pugilism ever witnessed. The attitudf^s of the men were fine in every point of view, and their movements conducted on the true p^itfciples of science. The athletic beauty of the human frame was never more prominent. Randall retnred from the rihg scarcely scratched from the war — but, as a taker, he iff still to be tri^. This is the grand art of fighting, to' ffive and not to rective! Randall^ it cataot be denied, is completely master of the above trait. At a spotting dinner^ giv^n to the LaA of the Fancy, at Tmi Oliver*$, a f^ days after the above fight, by one of the highest am^^ur^ ih the acieiitific circles, no warn of game, it appearsy was discovered to render th l tdble complete and when the cloth win r^oved, the cigars Hg(ited,< the Kvely glass reple- Msh^y and the merits and capabiHtiti of various vSlUf^ heroes becsnne the animated subject of disou^ ^idti atodttgthecompctny pfeseoty ase<-lo was proposed, hj way of prwetidd ilhistratiofi, betwdeo the prime IrM Boy and young Bvrke of Woolwich. The above bei-bed inKmediately acquiesced in this request: the ^Ured were produced^ and the men soon appeared in bMtle array. Burke, who is .five feet ten inches io beigbl^ and vaaliDg neither gluttony nor science, contended for the honour of having the best of it with muoh determination but some doubts having arisen among the learoed judges upon this precise point, a regular gbve match was entered iBto» and a sum depo«- ^ited on both side^ accordingly. The first clean ^/Zoorer was to decide the event! The contest was truly spirited between theiPi aod^ after some tidy milling having occurred, Burke weiit down but it not beiog eaftfiitly the thing meant, the point was reserved till wotber round. Thirteen minqt^ had now elapsed^ ai^id notwitbatandiDg (b^ advanl^ages Burke possessed from standing oyer Ran da the latter at length Q^^asur^d his diptance so correctly, thftt Burke w^ iloQTed with as great celerity a? if he h^ beep shot 1 The point being now satisfactorily decided— (he glasses went merrily round — mirth ^d harmony prevailed throughout the evening* and the compaqy separated in the utmost good humour. It is ^aid, that the amateur before alluded to, observed, Randai,l sboiild not yf^Xf if pecessary, from 500 to 1000 guineas to complete any mfttcb, so high an opinion did he entertain of hps mi)* ling talents! Randall was presented by his bapber with the amount of the stakes. Randall had made such rapid strides towards perfection in pugilism, that sonie difficulty was expert* enced in finding a customer for hitn. However, the long talked of match between the Waterman and Rajn- DALL was at length made for 100 guineas a-side. These boxing heroes met on Thursday^ November 27, 1817^ at Hayes-common, in Kent* Parish, it seems although npt appreciated as a hoxer by the amateurs — 280 BOXIANA; OK» was well-kDown as tLsiatinch man — and also to have acquired firstrrate tciei9ce, under the toition of George Htadt (a teacher of deserved celebrity) yet nevertheless, in comparison with the NofqwreU, so much was the Waterman placed in the back gronnd, that three to one was the current betting against him. It is true, that Parith't battle with Holt was highly spoken of at the time it occurred, although it took him one hour and a half to win it; while Randall, on the contrary, beat Holt in twenty-five minutes. The Vonpartil^ too, had acquired great boxing reputation firom defeating, in succession, Jack the Butcher Walton^ the Twickenham Youths George Dodd, Borrock, Wat- Country Dick, and Bela co. Wallingham-common, in Surrey, about six miles beyond Croydon, was the spot selected for this grand trial of skill. Thither the amateurs repaired at an early hour, but the clergyman of the parish (and also a magistrate) saw the cavalcade pass by his window, and immediately, on learning the cause^ hastened to the ring, and declared that the battle must not take place in Surrey. A little persuasion (or what some of the Fancy might term gammon) was tried to divert the B^. Gent from his intention,— but he observed, it was loss of time to remonstrate, as he was as inflexible as a rock.**-* In this dilemma, Hayes-common, in Kent, abont seven miles distant, was suggested as an eligible place. The stakes were instantly removed, and the mx^ley groupe followed like lightning, over a crosscountry road, that had not been visited for months by any thing else but dung-carts or waggons. It was almost impassable, but the game of the Fancy was not SKBTCHSa Off FUOtLISM. Mil to be beaten by trifling obstacles^ and the scene that followed beggars description. Postcbaises yrerejhored from the high ruts in the road— the springs of curri^ cles and giga were broken— >the Rosmanta dead beat «^tbe Eatoner9 pnfiing and blowing from top to toe, anxious to arrive in time — shoes were dragged off the feet by the strength of the clay, and many of the 9ltghi'footed coves stuck fast in the mud. The magi* strate, very poKtely, saw the patrons of the science to the extremity of the county before he took his leave. At length, Hayes-common appeared in sight, and the ring, after some little time, was again formed. At ten minutes after three o'clock, Randall appeared and threw up his hat in the rmg, attended by Pad^ J&ngton Jones and Whale^ as his seconds; Pamh shortly followed and repeated the same token of defi* ance, foUowed by George Head and Spring. Several amateurs of rank were in the ring and Colonel Bab* TON, the patron of Randall, sat down close to the stakes, anxiously waiting the result of the contest. — On shaking hands the men set-to First round. — ^The positions of the combatants were extreme* ly elegant, both appeared in good condition, but, if any thing, Parish seemed the heaviest roan. Neither of the men were eager to strike; and notwithstanding the acknowledged excellence of Randall, considerable time elapsed upon the look-out before the attack commenced. At length, the ^oii* pareil got his distanee, and planted a body hit with much dexterity, and got away. He was not long in giving his adversary another, when Parish returned, but not effective. Considerable time again occurred in sparring, till a favourable opportunity offered for Randall, when he let fly at the Waterman's nob^ which produced the claret in a twinkling, and he got away with the agility of a dancing-roaster. The Nonipareil also ttof^ed in a masterly style the blows aimed at him and t8S BOXIAVA; (Ay thawed hPs superiority by finishing the round in a winmng manner, from the equal use of both his hands, the lef^ being applied to the body of his opponent, and the right hand put in trenendons a kit on the head of Parish^ that he kit fot* wards on his face as if he had been brought down by a gun. Great applause. Eight minutes and three quarters had occtirred, and 4 fo I was offisred with a» aitich MUgfroid ai tf Ihe bkmt was of no value. Second. — Randall, notwithstanding the decided advantage he had obtained, like a skilful general, seemed to think that discretion was the best part of valour, was equally as cautintts as if no bUwa had passed between Ihem^ and again waited for a good opening. The attempts of Parish were frustrated, and Randall, with the most smiling confidence, again bodied his opponent. The already damaged mug of the Waterman was again peppered^ and the crimson flowed cppiously down bis cheeks. In closing, the Nonpareil showed himself completely entiflecl to the above appellation, he got Parish's head iKider htsarro, and fibbed him with all the celerity of tbefoou aiao of a fine lady knocking at the door of a rout, till both Third. — The admirers of fine science were here completely tired before any work was attempted, so much time had elapasd; and the downright partisans of the Old $cb4V>i of fighting, when miUing was the order of the day, began to treat this sort of boxing rather contemptuously. In fact. Parish WHS so fatigued that he put down his hands. At length the combatants became more in earnest, and Randall finished the round most successfully. The latter planted a severe throttteTf when Parish returned, but not heavily. Some blows were exchanged, and the Waterman very cleanly bit one of Randall's peepers that made him ipiitA: again but the Nonpariel returned this favour with compound interest, and made the waterman bite ike dust ! Uproarious applause. In this round Randall cut the knuckles of his left hand all across, against the Waterman's teeth, and the blood ran down in torrents. He also broke the bone of the third finger of the same hand, against Parish's cheek-bone. Fourth. — ^Tbe head of Parish, from the profuse cokwring k exhibited, showed the handy works of the limner, but bit confidence was not in the least abated. On setting-to he was nobbed without ceremony, and he also received in the course uf the round, a body bit, that sent him staggering away from SKBTOHBS OF PV«ILI8M. his opponent. The returns of Pari&h were not effective andy in closing, Randall showed the amateurs the practical advan(tages o(^fibhmg; for he here portrayed a feature pecuHar to himself in this respect, When tired with one hand to cbfange it» and then worked with the* other, tiil Parish was thrown umfefmost. — ^The gluttony of ih^ waterman ^a« a^cltnowtedged by lill present, and even good sdtnce was allowed him but Bet* ting, nevertheless, was at a starid stiti, io certain did the event appear to b^/ that the Nonpatnt yfftmXd be ag^in cowned with victory. Fifth. — ^Thts was a sharp round, and Parish appeared to more advantage than heretofore. The left hand of Randall was dreadfully lacerated, but although in this painful state, il did not prevent him from doing his usual execution. In closing, Parish met with a heavy fall, and was undermost. Sixth*— *The waterman scarcely ever attempted to strike first, had he done so, in all probabilily, a greater ehtmcc might have presented itself. In one or two instances, he lost nothing by rommeneing the attack* In closings a desperate struggle lo^k place to obtain the throw, Bixi&rjSbinng bad been agiun administered, when Randall got bim down aod rolled over him. Seventh.«-«It was evident Randall was the strongest man — the best fighter — superior on bis legs— knew how to shape himself for every situation be had to encounter; in short, he appeared a complete roaster of the art of war. Some hard mUr Ung occurred in this round, and Parish made some good bits; but be could not turn the scale. Randall put iu a beliiefy and g6t away the waterman followed him in the most game manner, and never showed any thing like flinching throughout the fight. Randall put in a desperate hit in the waterman's neck and laughed, and nodded at bim, by way of approbation. la dosing, both down. The friends of Randall were under some alarm, from the great quantity of blood he had lost from his left hand and a medical man of some eminence, viewing the fight, was rather apprehensive it might produce fainting. Eighth.— Randall was not to be got at, and he distinctly took the lead in this found; but Parish gave him a sort of halfaim bit in the mouth, that appeared to fill his throat with blood. Both down. Kinth. — On setting- to Randall drew on oilc side to void the Hctref from his mouth but this was the mt>st efiisctive rtmnd in the figbu It was truly singular to view Randall, bit, hit. MllAlfA OB» and hit agun, till the W&tertnan went down upon his hack. A guinea to a thiYling was laughed at. Tenth.— In this round the Waterman appeared rather conspicuous. He got Randall in the corner of the ring, and put in a body blow that made the Nonpaml wince again for the; instant i in fact, he dropped a little on it, and had it been heavier, it is likely he must have gpne down. But the recovery of Randall was excellent, he got out of bis perilous situation in the masterly style of a consummate tactitian, and the marks of his bleeding hand were seen imprinted on the belly of his opponent. After some little traversing the ring, Randall was again in the corner, when it was curious to observe the mode he took to obtain his distance; — he leaned his body back quite through the ropes, and planted by this means, a heavy hit on the Waterman's mouth, that soon gave him an opening, when he came laughing out. Some hits were exchanged, and Parish, with much dexterity, hit Randall under the ear, that marked him. The Nonpareil now showed no quarter, and in closing, he threw the Waterman so desperately, that his shoulder was nearly dislocated. Tliis was the must attractive round in the fighti and Parish received considerable applause. Eleventh and last. — ^The Waterman was entitled to every consideration, from the manly manner in which he contested every round. Although he did not gain much by in-fighting he should have tried it at an early part of the fight he could not have been worse off. Jn out-fighting in this round, he was (airly beat to a stand-still and alchough he endeavoured to stop scientifically, his altered face was again punbhed. In closing, he received the usual severity and in going down, with his brave competitor, he was not able to meet him any more at the scratch. The shouts of victory were loud and lasting, and the Nonpareil was carried out of the ring as a token of triumph, and the reward of conquest. The battle lasted fifty-three minutes. The capabilities of Randall, iq the ring, are so well known, that any comment is scarcely necessary to urge farther proof of his excellence upon the above occasion. What the most skilful master of the sword portrays, Randall exhibits with the fist. His mode ef fighting does not appear to originate from the com* 8KBTCHKS OF PUGILISM. iS6 moQ advantages of tuition but it seems completely mtuUive: Uudy is out of the question, and it partakes more of the effects of Nature than resulting from the mmuti t of Art. Ra^tdall gains nothing from chanct blows; and rarely ever makes a hit without its proving effective. If his blows are not stopped, his distances are so well measured, they are sure of arriving at their destination. It is asserted, he has never been seen to hit past the head of his opponent; and though considerable time is lost in the caution he observes before he strikes, it is amply repaid in his coming off victorious without punishment. However unpieasing it may be to state, the positive fact is, PariA had no opportunity of turning the battle in his favour; it was all on the side of Randall from the commencement to tife end but, notwithstanding this remark, Parish must be allowed to have sustained the character of a bottom man, and a good fighter and, excepting the Nonpareil, in competition with any other boxer of his weight he is likely to show himself to great advantage. Although his face received such tremendous punishment, his peepers were never closed^ and he showed himself, on the same evening, at the White Hart, on the Bromley-road, quite chuffy, refusing to be put to bed. The absence of Mr. Jack* SON, on these occasions, is a severe loss to the com* batants particularly to the losing man, who, in this instance, had not one single farthing collected for him. In concluding this sketch of Randall, it is scarcely necessary to remark, that he has risen rapidly to the elevated point he at present stands upon and a still higher eminence, in all probability, awaits his abilities fm p^Q^AJKi; OB, OH the p^gilij^ic rpU of Sbluo/^ From ike sbofi ffimki b« Ms movied in nb^ «cu(ii^ J>oxing >vorld, ^ul« more ib«i9 Id mot^%) h(e oaay be teiwed Abe dah** I.III.Q OF ^riCTpET !" sucoess ever attend ing upon Ml hSm operati^a. Aanoaxl is the pride of the JrilA amatears — and the finger post'' to all tj^ Mfht .bfiy$ of the sod, many of whoniy in their warmth of adjgiira* lion of his mii&ng superiority, urge that he is capable of giving a stone weight to even boxers of talent; and, tiuougbou^ the JF(mc]/ in general, Jack IIak- OALL is viewed as a leading stae 1 He has derived essential service, it seems, from the patronage of Colonel Barton, and, under the auspices of this patron of the gymnastic sports, be has beep enabled to come into the ring in sppecior conditions Apd it is also due to Randall to remark^ that his 4)onduct has been worthy of that patronage— circumspect in bis mode of living-— far from a quarirelsofne 4isposition«-*and attentive to bis t^aifiing. Ampng ibe num ;rous advantages he possesses toiFards prizt^tnUliMg-^hiB confidence is not tbe least pcan[unent. Tbe following well-known fact is.aidecisLve foroof of the above ri^mark. On tbe day tha^ Scrpgj^ And Turner foaght their last battle at Shc^pperto^, /in x^onsequence of tbe delay which occurred^ .and m cipinioa being entertained that Scroggins would not iippear in the ring, Ranj>all, in order to prev^e^t any idisappointment to the amateurs, who had come 40 great a distance from JiOndon, offered to fight lur^ M/er on the ground, for ^100 a-side, although ^eighi dayt had not elapsed since be had defeated BelauQ. In a word, he is— A NONPAREIL ! SKETCHES OF MQIilSM. 89^ BRISTOW, (denominated |»Otm0 9^mfiti t) ThtE above boxing ^prig of colour eoiered thp |>rizevice,and that to a Black." — The Westminster Champion put in some of bis tellers, and, it is but justice to observe, that the young one was not a jot behind-hand in returning some good hits. It was a milling round altogether, but, in closing, Caleb was again down.— -Some interference now appeared to be made^ and the darling fame of Caleb was rescued from the tottering brink of destruction, by Blacky giving in ! to the great asto- VOL. II. U nishment and surprise of tbe spectators, as the young one had only a very slight scratch over one of his eyes. Caleb was thus enabled once more to return to his dominions, as the conquering hero. Young Blacky J upon being persuaded to relinquish the cobtest, received the sum of thirty shillings, col* lected by subscription, as a reward for tbe pluck he had manifested, in daring to enter the lists with so renowned a punisher as Caleb Ramsbottom Baldwin. Young Massa having received some instructions from Rickmondt he was hastily matched with a main called Little Tom, on Saturday, July 19, 1817. It was PUGILISM ON THE SLY, and, as early as nine o'clock, about fifty real sporting amateurs assembled together in the fields between Copenhagen-hoase and Highgate, according to an appointment made the preceding evening at Belcher's, the Castle Tavern, Holborn, to witness the match between the above aepiring heroes for twenty guineas. Tommy did not possess the height, strength, or weight of a Gregaon neither is h\s pedigree of that high iotmding description as to have afforded conversation for the sporting circles, por can his milling exploits be accurately traced, in the annals of the ring bot it seems his backer, an amateur of fortune, valued Tommy*9 good-^ men, from witnessing his efforts infrightening an over^ grown saucy Knight of the Rainbow ia a row, who bolted on receiving a clumsy thump from this brave little hero— and also in his vanquishing a rough tar who, in consequence of being half-seas-over,'* was compelled, in a short turn-up, to stril^e his colours. Young Massa's ring-fight with Old Caleb had not SKBTCOSS or PUOILISM. t^l ooljis giv»a notoriety; to. bis pugiiUtAC requisites, but added omfidence to. bis courage to attempt future aobievemeou. Uuder these pretensions tbe coiAbatausa peeled, and all the formalities of the pri^ring were adhered to, excepting the use of ropes to confine tbe combatants withia a certain space. Richfmm4 took under his protection Young Massa, and Harry Harmer seconded LUtle Tommjf. The fury of t^ battle raged for thirty-three minutes, and nineteen ronnds occurred*; a description of which may be summed up in a few words. Uule Tommy, in theory, was a perfect hero, apd be had pictured to himself the ease and umgfroid with which he would 9eroe out his opponent in battle but the actual practice of tb^ ring completely took the fight out of him, and, at the end of tbe sixteenth rounds he informed bis second he would fight no more. But tbe recollection of the bhmty it seems, gave Totnn^ new courage, when b,e instantly checked the unpleasing sound of No /'and jumped up with all the gaiety of a tumbler, and once more met bis opponent at the scratch. For thrc^ more rounds, Tommy' endeavoured to. teaa^ Yoyi^o Masiia, but his mode of attack was a cpmplete. cqficatuw upon fighting. His not^ howey^r, optwitiUslan^ing' his shyness of approach, came in QQUl^pt with Blach^t fists, and one of his lutemr$ goX 9 little touched, when, he immediately urged that his upper works were in such a state of confusi^, he had scaiic^ eeme enough left for him to make known, he had had quite enoughk Upon the whole^ it was a nouveih difplay of the artt of boiling, and tbe amateurs experienced as much fun and laughter as if tiiey bad b4^n v2 292 BOXIANA; OU, witnessing a broad farce at the theatre. It was almost a bloodkn fight^ and^ excepting a slight scratch Tammy received in closing, not the shadow of a drop o( claret would have been split. He pat on^ his wearing apparel with as much ease as if rising oat of bed and, as be appeared not to like milling in buff*, Massa, with much poliiene$t and attention, offered to accommodate him with a round or two in his clothes bat this o^er Tommy declined, and walked home rather chagrined from not winning the stakes. Baistow had no opportunity of showing himself off to advantage^ from the dancing^bout tactics of his opponent; and he left the ring as nice as if he had been taken out of a band-box. Tom Belcher, in company with severed amateurs of note, was in the ring but, in point of fact^ more laughter than betting occurred ! The above tet'to was intended as putting Bristow upon his trials but he had nothing ttrotig against him, therefore bitf former milling character remained in itatu quo. Bristow was matched with a minor hero, designa;ted Little Pug,* for ten guineas arside. This oodtest was decided on Tuesday, Sept. SO, 18 17^ at Shepperton-range. It was a long fight, occupying upwards of an hour, and forty rounds occurred. Young Massa did not increase his reputation in chis^battle for he was compelled to acknowledge defeat! Under the care and tuition of the eicperienced £jcftmond, it was expected YouNO Massa. would have been able to give a better account of the light weights/' more especially as his .first tmtutored essay with Old Caleb evinced so many fine qualities* BILL (DOLLY) SMITH. The above milling hero is a native of Hammersmith, and, it seems, had practised with much efect upon the nobs of numerous Johnny Raws in that neighbourhood previous to his entering the prize-ring. He is a lively active boxer> ready to time, and co^npletely on the alert when contending with his man. Dolly is in height 5 feet 4 inches and a half, and about 11 stone in weight. His frame is round and compact, and he does not want for either strength or courage neither is he destitute oi science: but determined mill' ing seems to be his decided forte. Smith entered the lists with Hares, for a purse of twenty-five guineas, given by the Pugilistic Club, at Coombe-wood, on Tuesday, May 3, 1814. Hares, in conquering Ballard, not only proved himself a game man, but, also, displayed some traits of scientific knowledge; and had, previous to the' present combat, fought with Smith but, after fighting about three rounds, his neck got so much twisted from a severe fall, that he was then unable to proceed, and it was postponed till another opportunity. They were both what is termed little ones,^ and set-to with great spirit and confidence. First round. — It seemed ihat a good mill was now determined upon between the combatants, and that a slight taste would not suffice this time,' so at it they went, without any ceremony; and, after a few blows were exchanged. Hares was levelled. Second. — Hares had scarcely prepared himself to set-to, when Smith attacked him with so muph impetuosity, that ail fiM BOXIANA; OK, attempts to resist it were unayailing, and with his rig^t hand he again ndlled down his opponent. Third. — Smith, full of spirit, after a few hits had passed, levelled his man. Fourth. — Hares put in a good blow and got away, but Smith, no ways deterred, kept following, till he hit him Fifth. — After a few hits, they closed, and both went down. Sixth. — Hares kept milling and retreating, but was ulti-* mately sent down. Seventh. — The activity displayed on both sides was lively m the extreme but Smith put in such a sauiar, that leveled his opponent under the ropes. Eighth.— Hares portrayed that he was possessed of science, and his blows in general were well directed, but the gaiety of Smith triumphed over all his skill, and again sent him down. Ninth. — Smith made play, and some brisk fighting took pfaure, but Hares went down. Tenth. — Hares quite fresh and unmindful of what had pussed, pelted away in good style, but, notwithstanding. Smith bored him down. Eleventh. — ^The advantage was completdy on the side of Hares in this round, who, with much dexterity and pmuMmnUf severely Jibbed Smith down. Twelfth. — MiUmg on both sides, and, in closmg. Hares was Thirteenth. — On setting-to Smith levelled his antagonist. Fourteenth. — A few blows were exchanged, rather to the disadvantage of Hares, who again went down. Fifteenth. — ^An uncommon good round, and both on. ih^ alert. Hares doing considerable execution with hi^ left hand, and ultimately gave Smith a clean knock down blow. Sixteenth.' — A most courageous rally took place and, Hi dosing, both went down, but Smith undemoftb Seventeenth. — A short round, and, in closing, both again Eighteenth. — After a sharp rally, they came to a close, and both fell. KBTCHB8 OF PU0ILI8M<. 905 Kineteenth. — Hares put in two severe hits right and left, and punished Smith considerably, who was milied down. Twentieth, — Smith went down from a cross-buttock. Twenty-first. — Both hit together, and Hares endeavoured to put in a severe left-handed blow, but Smith very neady stopped it, when they closed and both fell. Twenty-second. — Hares with his left hand levelled his op-* ponent, but who, notwithstanding, jumped up >vith great gaiety. Twenty-third.— A well contested round, and sharp fighting on both sides. In closing, they both fell, but Smith under-* Twenty-fourth.—Hares, however fond of the retreating system, stood up manfully, and dealt out very ofiten severe pumskment with his left hand. In closing both fell. Twenty-fifth. — Hares, with much science, measured his distance well, and levelled his opponent. Twenty-sixth. — In this round, also, Hafes took the lead, and his left hand was seen flourishing away in prime twig. Smith's nob showed severe traits of pimuhment^ and the claret was fast trickling down his face, but be milled away with perfect sangjroidy till he was levelled. Twenty-seventh. — Resolution and better fortitude were never exhibited by any pugilists, than by these two little OVBS.^' They often hit together, and such reciprocal boxing was scarcely ever witnessed. This lound was famously contested, till they closed, and both weiit down. Twenty-eighth. — Such gaiety was seldom seen, and notwithstanding so many hard and punishing rounds had passed, they were both upon the alert, hitting and stopping as if the battle had just commenced. They closed, and both fell. Twenty-ninth. — Hares rallied in grand style, and went in and hit bmith down. Thirtietb,^ — So much activity, displayed on both sides, reminded the spectators of two game cocks. They appeared to be always ready. No difierence was yet manifest. Hares endeavoured continually to hit and get aWay, and at times was very successful. Some blows were exchanged, when they both went down. Thirty-first. — Hares, with considerable dexterity, put in a f96 BOXIANA; OR, tremendous teazer in the wind of bis anUgonist, which kvefled him in a twinkling. Thirty-second. — ^The gaiety of Smith astonished every one. He was always tawelUng away and sticking close to Hares. The latter received so severe a blow upon one of his feepen, that sent forth the dartt in all quarters. Thirty-third. — On commencing this Mi-to^ Hares levelled bis antagonist. Thirty-fourth. — Sharp ndlUng, when both went down. Thirty-fifth. — ^The rounds were now short. In struggling to obtain the throw, they both fell. Thirty-sixth. — Hares put in a left-handed hit and got away> and Smith in pursuing him received another blow, which sent him down. Thirty-seventh. — Hares, from the success of the last round, went in with great confidence, and sam cirimome made Smith again meaturt his length on the grass. Thirty-eighth. — The itob of Smith exhibited a queer aspect, and it might be said, putting a new face upon the matter.— On setting-to weakness showed itself, and their blows appeared rather feeble. They soon closed, and both went down. Thirty -ninth. — A few blows weie exchanged, when Hares got his opponent's head under hb right arm, tLnd^bed him so terribly, that he went down exhausted. Fortieth. -Considering the length of the battle this was a most excellent round. Some hard hits passed between them, when they closed, and both fell. Forty-first. — Smith commenced with spirit, and, although he fell from a trifling hit, the round was decidedly in his favour. Forty-second. — Smith now appeared conspicuous, and the gaiety he displayed astonished all the spectators. He put in a most tremendous hit, that knocked Hares down. Forty-third. — Smith bled considerably, and seemed determined to win off hand if activity could accomplish it. He now went in with great spirit, and from the force he used in mUlmg down his opponent, be also fell. Forty-fourth.— Hares betrayed great weakness, but no want of pluck f and boldly faced his man, though be was soon levelled. SKBTOUBS OF rUOILISM. 207 Fortyfifthi — Smith was quite a hero in this Tomid. He hit and stopped with great facility. Hares stood no chance with him, and was not only terribly punishedf but ultimately levelled. Forty-sixth. — ^The game of Hares was still prominent, and, anxious to obtain a change in hisfavour, he nobly contested this round and exchanged some good hits. They closed, and both Forty-seventh. — ^This round was little more than a trial of fttrei^th in closing, when they both fell* Forty-eighth. — Hares, notwithstanding his weak state, by a well-directed blow, levelled Smith. Forty-ninth. — Hares was now much exhausted, and hb head and body exhibited great severity of pwushment, and bleeding most copiously, yet still he managed to exchange a few hits, when he fell from weakness. Fiftieth and last. — Hares, upon setting-to, was immediately knocked down. He was anxious to protract the fight, but bis friends interfered, and Smith was declared the victor. Smith and Hares, in the above combat, completely proved, that height does not make t^ie man !" Gianu could not have shown more manhood and resolution than these little heroes did in a severe con- flict, sustained with equal ardour on both sides, for the length of fifty-bight minutes. Bravery, game^ and science, were not wat.ling in either of them and it was not till opwards of forty rounds had elapsed, that any material difference was to be perceived between them, and even at that period, nothing like certainty, as to the ultimate event. No conqueror ever retired from the scene of action with a severer milling than did Smith. Both of them were most dreadfully pimished. Smith was now matched with Scroggins, and contended with that hardy boxer for an hour, with a tolerable chance of success. (See page 224). BOXtAHA; OK9 DoLLT entered the lists with an athletic bargeman/ of the name of Cannon^ in a field contiguous to Shirleycommon, near Windsor, on Tuesday, May 6, 1817i for twenty guineas a-side, in a twenty-foar feet ring. It proved a most determined battle. Smith, upon this occasion^ was patronised by the pooeU ttage-coachees, whom, it seems, sported their blunt most freely in his support, notwithstanding the great disparagement of person between Dolly and his opponent. The former being in height about 5 feet 4} inches, and weighing 1 1 stone 4 lbs. Cannon was much fancied by the gemmen of the oar, and his pugilistic pretensions were rather of a prepossessing quality. He was a fine athletic young man, 2.6 years of age, standing 5 feet 10 inches in height, and weighing 13 stone. It was his second appearance in the ring, and he was not destitute of science, having some time before conquered the biggest man in the Staffordshire militia, in a very finishing manner. As early in the morning as eleven o*clock the men stripped, and Dolly was seconded by the veteran Cakb Baldwin and Diet Whale and Cannon was attended by two stout countrymen. Halfminute time allowed. — Six to four on Smith. First round. — Both the combatants did not seem disposed to waste much of their time in sparring, and went to work' without any ceremony. Cannon, from bi9 height, length, and strength, completely stood over his opponent, bat DoUy, not in the least dismayed, planted two good body hits, and fought with his man with much gaiety, till, in closing, both went Second. — Both on their mettle, and, pelting away in good style, some sharp blows were exchanged between them, when Dolly put in a tremendous teazer on the side of Cannon*s nob, that seemed like an electrifying shock to the bargeman's upper- works* He was much confusad, but his botlom would 8KBT0H18 or PUVIUSM. not let hfin go down, and he fought fib wmy into n dose, when both again fell Third to seventeenth. — During the whole of these rounds the combatants were far from being idle, and much severitj of mllmg had occurred. The clmi had long made its appearance upon both their nobSf and their mugs had undergone some little change, from the repeated thumps they had so reciprocally and liberally bestowed upon each other. Upon the whole, Dolly as yet miffht be sifid to stand forward in the taiost mvourable point of view, and betting continued on him. Eighteenth. — In this round Dolly gained great applause, he fought his opponent in the most gallant style, miOed him in all directions — and, by way of Bnishing it, he planted such a tremendous hit in Cannon's middle piece, that he went off his pins in such quickness of style, resembling more the celerity b( a cannon shot, than in hangjioored from tlie fist of a man. Loud shouting, and 7 to 4 on Dolly. Nineteenth to sixtieth and last. — Pumshment was the order of the day in all these rounds. The gaiety of Dolly never forsook him, and he contended against an opponent every way so much superior, with the most determined courage and manhood. It was a good fight throughout, and both the men displayed true native resolution. The claret flowed profiisely — ahd t>6Ch were so equally paintedf that it was remarked by a spectator they both belonged to one flock of sheep, they were so regularly marked,' Their peepers were nearly obscured, and such a punishing mill has not been witnessed for a long time. One of DoU/s arms was so much beaten, and his wrist so terribly sprained and puffed up, that he was reluctantly compelled to relinquish the contest, at the expiration of an hour and four minutes. Cannon was so much exhausted^ that^ on being declared the winner^ he was obliged to be led out of the ring, and, on' being lifted into a coach, by three men^ he immediately fiainted. The battle had scarcely finished one minute, when a magistrate appeared to put an end to the sports; but his worship^* was politely informed^ there was no necessity for bis func-. tions theQ to be brought into actionf as it was all right 9W boxiana; Oft, respectiDg the fnUl^ and th^y shotild be upon the retreat in a twinkUng. A great number of sporting gentlemen from Windsor^ Eton> 8cc. were upon the ground, and considerable betting took place. TOM SPRING, the Butcher. From the retirement of OiJly and Gregson out of the fighting circle, very few big ones" of note entered the prixe-ring as candidates for milling honours; and upwards of six years had elapsed since Cribb^ the Champion, had been engaged in actual combat when Spring appeared. The attention of the amateurs was therefore principally directed towards pugilists under the weight of twelve stone; however, about the year 1818, a little variety was produced, some new boxers having entered the field, among whom Spring did not appear least anxious to obtain the highest place on the roll of pugilistic fame. This big one" of milling pretensions is a native of Herefordshire, and had, it appears, before his arrival in London, not only disposed of all the rough commoners opposed to him, with considerable ease, but likewise defeated the best man in that county in great style. His family name is Winter. With the gloveSf Spring had exhibited in the metropolitan circles with some degree of talent and, as a pupil, under the tuition of the skilful George Head, had derived the greatest part of his pugilistic knowledge. He made his deb4t in the prize-ring, at Moulsey-hurst- on Tuesday, September 9, 1817> with r SKETCHES OF PDQILISM. 801 one Stringer^ a YorkshiremaDy from a place called Rawcliffe^ thirty-three years old, and a mere novtcCf excepting a few lessons he bad lately receiyed from Richmond. On stripping, the appearance of Stringer was athletic and formidable, but not youthful. His countenance, from its rough cut, seemed as if it had endured some hardship; while "Spring exhibited equal strength, did not look more than 21 years of age, and, in some instances, not altogether unlike the late Jem Belcher, In fact, the men were nearly equal in weight, the difference of half a stone, it is said, not being between them. The stakes were 40 guineas, and a trifling purse given from the P. C* Both the men were about 6 feet in height. Stringer was seconded by Richmond and Shelton; and Spring was attended by Tom Owen and Parish. Two to one was asked on taking the Yorkshireman but 7 to 4 was current betting against him. First round. — Stringer, on setting-to, placed himself in a better attitude than mi^ht have been expected* He also made two feints. Some blows were exchanged, and in closing, Second. — In this round the superiority of science was evident on the part of Spring. In closing, he fibbed. his opponent severely, and, in struggling for the throv/, both went down, but Stringer uppermost. Third. — This round was most courageously fought. It was curious to observe the left hand of Stringer, pushing, as it were, against his opponent, with his right close upon it* Yorky did not appear wholly without judgement, though many of his blows were made at random. Both were down. The odds had now risen rapidly upon Spring. Fourth. — Stringer rushed in with all the impetuosity of a bull, and seized hold of his adversary improperly, and sent him down. Loud cries of ''foul — fair,'' &c. occurred. But the fight was suffered to proceed. It bdng attributed more to a want of knowledge on the |Nirt of Stringer than to absolute design. FiAh.-rThe strength, activity, and science, were now pre-eminent on the part of Spring, and, at tbi$ early stage of the fight, it was almost certain bow it must terminate. Spring kept hitting his opponent completely away from him, — but still he returned more desperately to meet him, till Yiirjcy was at length hit down, and his mug deluged with claret. Sixth. — ^Tbis was also a desperate round. The ifien stood up to each other, and hammered away like a couple of blacksmiths, as if both their frames were insensible iofedmg; bat Spring had the best of it. The latter nobly disdained taking an advantage when Stringer was on the ropes, and let him go down without extra fmniskment. Great applause from all parts of the ring. Seventh. — The determination of Stringer was truly attonishiog, and he bored in, regardless of the consequences. lo passing Spring, he got a tremendous nobber^ and was ultimately sent down. flighth. — Nothing but miiUng^ till they closed, and both Ninth.— On sctting-to Yorky received z. facer, which nearly turned him round, but he recovered himself, and planted a good hit. In closing. Stringer got his arms round hb opponent's body, but he nevertheless could not prevent Spring from administering some heavy punishment. The Yorkshireman, however, obtained the throw, and fell with all his wei^t upon Spring. Tenth. — Stringer fought with so much desperation, that he almost laid himself down, he appeared so exhausted. Eleventh.— The Yorkshireman could not protect his head from the repeated attacks of his opponent. In closing, both down, but Spring uppermost Twelfth. — Both the combatants exhibited the severe marks of each other's hantfy-work. The claret was also flowing copiously. Both down. A quarter of an hour had elapsed. Thirteenth. — A shoi!t but sharp rounds till both on die ground. SKITOaBS OF P06ILI8M. Mf Fourteenth. — Stringer was rather conspicuous in this round. He bored Spring to the ropes, where much strugglihg took place before they went down. Spring bleeding. Fifteenth. — Stringer was hit down at the ropes. Great approbation. Sixteenth. — ^This was as terrible a round as any in the fight. One minute occurred in hard tmUingf without intermission, till Spring got the best of it, when Stringer went down and fell upon his hands. Seventeenth. — ^The conduct of Spring was again truly brave. He had got Stringer in a situatiun that he might have punished him till he was tired, but he let him down amidst the loudest shouts of approbation. Bravo, Spring ! Eighteenth. — Stringer kept fighting till be fell covered with blood. Nineteenth. — The game displayed by the Yorkshireman was equal to any thing ever seen in the ring; and, notwithstanding the severe milling he received, he came laughing up to the scratch. But his head was never out of chancery in this round. Both down. Twentieth. — The men upon setiing-to went as eagerly to work as if the fight had but just commenced. Hit for hit, and facer for facer were reciprocally given, till, in closing, both bad enough of it, and went down. Twenty-first. — Equally desperate as any of the preceding rounds. Rickmond now loudly observed to Stringer to fight big own way." The Yorkshireman went down covered with daret. Twenty-second. — Spring took the lead in this round in an eminent degree. Hefbbed Stringer terribly, till be fell. Twenty-third. — ^The courage of the Yorkshireman was truly fine; and had he possessed science equal to his opponent, the termination of the battle would have been very doubtful. They fought like liont^ till they both fell out of the ropes. Loud shouting. Twenty-fourth. — Spring again behaved handsome to Stringer. Many of the spectators called out to take the Yorkshireman away.^ Three to i on Spring. Twenty-fifth. — ^A more determined round was never fought, and the battle altoj^ether was so terrible, that many of the amateurs turned aside irom viewing it. In a rally, both the aoi aoiciANA; oit» men w«re bit to a stand-still they at length got away from each other, when Stringer rushed in and got his arms round bis opponent's body, but, ultimately, he was so teverely Jikbei, that he went down quite exhausted. Twenty sijtlh, — On setting-to. Stringer merely exchanged a blow and went down. Twenty-seventh.— Stringer, in endeavouring to bore in upon his adversary, run himself down. Twenty-eighth. — Stringer now made a last and desperate effort. His seconds kept as it were pushing him forward, telling him to hold up his head.'' He continued to fight undauntedly till he was sent down. Twenty-ninth and last. — This round was, in point ofjintfAtiig execution, the severest ever seen. Stringer received in his middle piece so tremendous a hit, from the right hand of his opponent, that he was only prevented in the act of (aHing'on his face by a quick repetition of it, which caught York/s nob^ that instantly floored him on his back. He was carried out of the ring by his seconds, in a state of stupor. Il lasted thirty- nine minutes. In all of the above rounds^ a more determined or gamer man was never witnessed than Stringer proved himself. He also put in some desperate blows, and his confidence never forsook him and he laughed several times. On being asked how he felt himself within the last two rounds^ he observed, he was as hearty as a buck ! As a Receiver General, he stands almost without an equal. It was a truly desperate fight, and, by comparison, like the battle between Synumdi and George Maddox. Stringer was most ably seconded by Richmond and Shelton. His fwb was completely metamorphosed. Stringer looks like aman of forty, and, it should seem, he commenced pugilist too late in the day to attain celebrity. He might be able to beat any rough commoner; but notwith- SKBTCItBS OF PUGILISM. 805 Standing this appearance of strength, be did not hit in proportion to it. In fact, he was not the strongest man. From the eichibition of Spring in this battle, he bid fair to put all the big ones*' upon the alert. It is true, he stood in n^ed of considerable im-* provement in his mode of fighting but he, nevertheless, displayed those sound requisites that, when united with experience, must ultimately constitute him a first-' rate boxer. Histtrength unquestionable and his game by no means doubtful he also evinced a tolerable good knowledge of the science. Spring was not once distressed throughout the battle. He never bobbed his head aside to avoid the coming blow, but stood as firm as a rock. His generous behaviour also to Stringer^ in four or five instances, when he might have administered some terrible additional punishment^ was so manly and humane a trait, that it cannot be passed over, nor ought it to be forgotten. Spring has a prepossessing appearance, is well made, and weighed more than 14 stone. Both the above boxers have since stood at the Royal Academy, as studies" for the artists. The frame of Stringer is said to possess great anatomical beauty. Spring, anxious to obtain a higher situation on the mUSng list, and to lose his time no longer with rough conunoners, or to remain in obscurity, without hesitation challenged Paisster for 100 guineas a-side, which was immediately accepted. It was thought ralher a bold attempt on the part of Spring; and showed more of ambition th^n ioiukI judgement. This match occasioned much conversation in the milling circles but Painter was decidedly the favourite. Some VOL. If. X SM boxuna; OB, (UflBcuUy abo occurred in making the stakes good on the part of SpRif«G« many of bis promised backers beittg found absent at tbe appointed time. A gentleman, botf ever, stepped forward and made up the deficiency, to prevent any disappointment taking place* Bay-light had scarcely shed her beams over tbe iHetropoiisy on Wednesday morniog^ the 1st of April, ^18, when the roads leading to Micklebam^downs, near Leathejrheadi in Surrey, were thronged with vehicles of every description full of amateurs (or, in tbe sporting phrase, the Fancy) hastening to tbe destined spot to enjoy the attraction of $cuntific pugilism, it being the first big fight'' in the season. The splendid fe^-ou/ of tbe bit of blood'' in bis barouche and four nice ones^ the Swbll in his natiy gig and rum trotter; the middling coves in their numbered drags; tbe Kent-street, Bermondsey, and Tothilfields' boys pushing along in their Wght iumbkrs and spare rounantes and, notwithstanding tbe distance of twenty^three miles from London, numerous Eatoners were witnessed on the alert to get a peep at this mill, with as much sang-froid as if it was only a mere walk to meet a friend to blow a cloud at the BuUin Trouble. Tb^ Bonifaces aloag the road were rather taken by fifiT^ris^ as to the subject in question (it being j^pn< Fool day)i but as soon as tbey got hold of .the rigbt scent^ the dashing system was put into requisitioo, and the cooling article was mctst liberally added, in order to prevent the amateurs from gettibg the fever, pr over«heatlng their frames frdm the too copioos drangbu of ardent spiriis. The heroes stood baskf^ in the milling chronicles — the one from bis well*fooght defeats, and hardnearned victories; and the other SKBTCUKS OF PUGILISM. fO? iTom what he was likely to achieve in fnture pugilistic fame. The Knowing Ones were perfectly satisfied tbAt Painter must win, and 7 to 4 were the odds sported; but the admirers of youth, supported by science^ strength, and pluck, added to the chance of such great odds, became eager takers. The situation where the ring was made was truly pic.tQresqQe and delightful, commanding an uninterrupted view of diversified scenery for sixty miks. Some fir-trees contiguous to it had also a pleasing appearance, from the numerous spectators that hung upon their bougbs. At a little after one. Painter and Spring appeared in the outer ring, and, upon their meeting, shook hands in the most, cordial and true Englishmanlike manner. Spring threw his bat first in the ring, and Painter immediately followed the same line of conduct. At half-past one the men set-to: Painter was seconded by Tom Belcher and Harry Harmer; and Spring by Cribb and Bum. — 7 to 4 current, and 2 to I betting against Spring, — in fact, 10 to 4 was offered when the men were stripping, and refused. Gu% kept time. First round. — ^Tbc attitude of Spring was finn — his body he kept far back, and his length oi arm rendered him difficult to be got at. — They sparred for three mi nnte^T without a hit being exchanged Spring appeared tired, and. put down his baads. He then, in eudeavouring to plant a blow, hit short mora .long sparring occurred, when some hits were exchanged, aiid, Pinter received a blow on the side of his throat that sent l^igi staggering, and, in falling, the back of his head and part of without the least return. A close took place, when Carter fot the Black's head under his arm, and fibbed him so severely, that he fell out of the ring, and Carter upon him. 8S0 fioxiAMA; oft. Fourth.— The fighting was all on the side of Carter he planted hits with the utmost dexterity and bad he not been fighting against timey any odds must have been laid upon him» at to proving the conqueror. He again hdd Robinson up and fibbed him till he went down. Fifth. — Carter kept hitting and getting away, till, at lengthy they closed, when he got Robinson's head unaer his arm, and the man of colour, lo prerent being Jibbed^ grasped tight bold ofCarter^s band, but the round was finished by Blacky's going Sixth. — The left hand of Carter was ag^n three times in succession in the Black^s face, without any return. Robinson kept cautiously sparring and drawing himself back, and those blows he attempted to make were o|it of all distance and lost their efTect. Robinson was again sent down. Seventh. — It was astonishing to see with what ease and facility Carter made use of his lefl hand. He now put in with the utmost rapidity nine severe facers, making Robinson's head dance again, and experiencing not the least return. In closing, they both went down, but the Black undermost. Elighth. — ^The superiority of Carter over his opponent was visible in every movement, and he not only gave six more facers with the utmost dezterity-^also put in a body blow, but most severely fibbed Robinson down. The Lancashire hero was much distressed. Kinth. — Carter again felt for the Black's nob, but from the slippery state of the grass, he got off his balance and went down from a slight hit or trip. But Carter was up in an instant I'enth .-^Notwithstanding the numerous severe yaccr* Robinson had received, there was no confusion about him, and he was always ready to time. It appeared now, that if Carter won the battle, he must go m and do considerable execution, as the half hour was rapidly advancing, and the Black was not to be licked by merely nobbing him. Robinson endeavoured to make a change in his favour, by attacking Carter and following him up, but, at length, be was sent Elerentb.— This was a tolerably good round, and the Black showed himself a very different man altogether from what he appeared in his late combat with Carter. His nntg seemed a SKBTCUBS of PtTOfLISM. 821 I mtle cbsDged, anid Carter kept repeating opun (he punished places. Robinson went down from a hit. Twelfth. — ^The black set-to with much resolution, and seemed very unlike an almost ^m^^ec^ man. His face was again severety nuikd, but it was very doubtful whether Carter bald the best of this round. The Black was sent down. Thirteenth and last — Time was growing very short, and Carter to win must almost perform wonders., He again put in two nobders, and some other hits, when Robinson fell down, from a sort of slip, tumbling forwards betwcksn Carter's legs Carter immediately threw up both his arms, and declared the man of colour had dropped without a blow. The outer ring was instantly broken^, and some confusion took place. Foul, fool," and fair, fair," was loudly vociferated by both parties, and on all sides. Tweniy^eighi minutes and a ^d^had expired. It was urged that Robinson had fallen once before without a blow, which had not been noticed. Upon this termination some denntr occurred but it was decided by the umpires that Carter was entitled to the money, and it was given up to him accordingly. Iq the eighth round Carter was evidently distressed, and showed he was much out of condition. He had beeii living freely, and his milling capabiliiies must have ejcperienced a drawback, by his having a very painfuf and inflamed leg. In fact, it was rather a surprise match^ and money hastily deposited on th^ part of CAfi^TERy when he was not in the most temperate state of mind. It was a ridiculous wager ahogetAer, and such a man as Robinson appeared to b^ in tlii^ last fight with Carter — it would reqnire the tremendods fnishing hits of a Cribb to beat the man of colour with any thing like a certainty in thirty minutes. The face of Robinson, never an jliSoniSf was a little spoilt as to its former character, bdt' the figfit was far from being taken out of him and, in the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rounds, he VOL. n. Y 328 BOXIANA; OBy changed his mode, with an appearance of going to work in earnest. He is not to be vanquished by 1106bing hits alone* Could Carter use his right hand in any manner to second his left, few men, it is urged, would be able to stand any length of time before him. He appeared not the least hurt from the conflict in which he had been so recently engaged and Robinson also was in a waggon viewing the fight between Curiit and Lazarus, which followed, with all the indifference of a mere spectator. The sports of the day were concluded with a bull bait, for a handsome silver collar, to be given to the dog who went out to face the bull the greatest number of times. It afforded considerable amusement. Soaking was the order of the day, and the torrents of wet which the Lads of the Fancy** experienced 00 their ouisides, in partaking of a bit of life! were so copiously resisted within^ by Booth's^i^^ qfUghining and Deady's brilliant stark tiaked! that, by the time they went to roost, they were little else but gin and water, all in high glee, and full of qArits! The Lancashire and Carlisle friends of Carter now rallied round him, and he was, at length, matched with OHver, then considered as the best man in the kingdom, arising from the advantages of youths strength, pluck, and science; and, in addition to the above requisites, having won six battles in succession. la the metropolis, Oliver was every thing; and Carter, in opposition to him, only named with derisioii and contempt* But time, which showeth all things, thus narrates this milling event — SKBTCHBS OP PUGILISM. 3'id I PUGILISM IN SCOTLAND, OEEAT MATCH BETWEEN CaRTER AND OlIVBR. This distiDgaished contest between the above milling heroes of renown was decided on the estate of Sir James Maxwell, in an enclosed field of Mr. Johnson, the innkeeper^ (and within 150 yards of the Blacksmithes shop, so celebrated in the Lover'i Cabinet] for the despatch of business,) at Gretna-green, four miles from Longtown, and fourteen from Carlisle, on Friday, the 4th of October, 1816, for 100 guineas a-side, in a twenty-four feet roped ring, in the presence of 30,000 spectators. The sporting world were much interested, yet so confident as to the termination of the event, that three to one was considered as correct betting. Oliver had risen progressively into fam/e, and he was now viewed as almost invuburablc ! Not so with his opponent-^he was any thing but a good one. It is an ill wind that blows no one any good!" and the Bontfaces picked up a few cntmbi by the great bustle and influx of company which this mill createtl in the north. During the day on which the fight took place, the streets and houses of Carlisle and its vicinity were totally drained of the male populationsfemales only were left to conduct business— and a horse, chaise, cart, or any sort of vehicle whatever, however dirty and despicable, was not to be procured at any price. The fanciers of the metropolis, it seems, were not so numerous as usual upon those great milHng occasions, and a few of the highest flight only were rocognized upon the ground — the commomre leel very angry in being thus depi^ved of this trial of pugilistic skill, and that those big ones !" ought not 324 BOXIANA; cm. to have fought at such adistanct from LodcIoq. Mr. Jagksqm was not at Caflisle; and it is obsa-ved, diat the ktsiag man wat> not the Utter for bis abseoce. The concourse of people «as so great that it wai deemed uecessary to form an outer roped ring, io ordev to pi-event any unpleasant ooosequeuces from the pressure of so vjtst a multitude. Not a single aoddent happened^ and the greatest order prevailed. Between th^ rings the tweik were accommodated with 9ieats» for a qwid each. The fight had nearly bee» preveoted, as the officers of justice, sent by George Blamirey. £sq. the mayor of Carlisle, and the Rev. Dr» l40wry and Dr. Heysbam, two other magistrates, were on the look-out to bind the parties over to keep the peace. Oliver arrived at the Busfa-taverOy Car* lisle, accompanied by Captain Baeclay, on Wedh aesday morning, at eleven o^^elock, and he had scarcely entered the room when the officers inquired for him. Some person sospecting their errand> introduced tbem to tbe brother of Oliver, when Tom took the hint and quietly withdrew, be not being known to ibero. At nineteen ukinutes before one, the battle commenced^ Th^umpin&s were the Marqub of Que&nsbbrrt and Captain Barclay. Carter first entered the ring with biaseconds, PawUr and Harmer^ and the nsoai defiance of the castor was exhibited by him. OHfoer uistanily followed witb his assistants, Criii and Cotpet^ Qn strifping, the oouditbn of Oliver appeared eijnal to any" one that ever entered the rin^ but Carter^ it «aa tbou^t, might have been beuer. The cere*moniea ol frieodabip ^ere then performed^ and 10 m 4. was loudly vociferated upon OKvetr. SKBTCHES OV TOQILISM. ^25 First round. — ^Tlie odds being so decidedly against Carter, the greatest anxiety was manifested by the spectators, upon their setting^to, and the combatants seemed equally alive to the importance of obtaining the firs^t advantage, by their deliberate mode of attack. Oliver endeavoured to plant a tremendous blow with his right hand, v^hich Carter stopped in a scientific ^tyle, and returned a severe left-handed hit. on the .right eye of Oliver, that produced the claret in a twinkling. A good rally took place. Carter closed upon bis adversary, fibbed him terribly^ and ultimately threw hira» Oliver bkd profusely &om his temple and his nose.— It is impossible to describe the shouts of the populace, upon Carter's obtaining this superiority. It was like a salute of artillery; the odds had completely vanished, and even betting was now the true feature of the ring. Second. — This burst of applause seemed to operate much upon the Meetings of Oliver, and he determined, if possible, to get the turn in his favour, by going more furiously to work. Carter, partial to the left hand mode, aimed at his opponent's noby which Oliver prevented, and fought his way into a rally. Considerable hammering took place, and Carter got his man on the ropes. Here the truth began to be told to the sceptics, —the superiority of strength most completely manifested itself upon the side of Carter, who again threw his opponent. Great shouting, and it was all up with any more offering of three to one. Third. — Oliver gave Carter a severe blow on his head, but the latter would not be stopped, and again bored his man to the ropes, pufMed him dreadfully, and brought htm down; Oliver bleeding copiously. Fourth. — Oliver was now convinced that he had formed an erroneous opinion of the boxing powers of his antagonist-^ Carter turned out a better man in every point of view than he had expected, and was not to be disposed of in that easy man^ ner which he had flattered himself must be the case, previous to the fight, and in which his friends had so fatally confirmed the error. Several heavy blows passed between them, but to the advantage of Carter. The latter received a severe facers but, notwithstanding, he dfove his m&n to the ropes, and, in closing, both went down. The head of Oliver was now ter* rifically hideous, the blood pouring down in torrents — his body and back completely scored with the ropes, occasioned by his struggles to resist the iron grasp of Carter, and to get away 3M boziana; or. from that deiperate,;i6^«i^ pumikment which had been so Hbe* rally administered to him by the superior strength of hb opponent. Six to four upon Carter generally, and much more in many places. It was at the close of this round that Carter first showed blood. Fifth. — OliTer seemed at a loss bow to cope, with any sort of success, against his scientific antagonist, and resorted to his game qualities of going in to mmh this hitting and getting away boxer, if possible. OKver was no stranger that Carter always preferred gwing to taking punishment, and drew an inference that his opponent had some fears in this respect, and to insure victory the fight must be taken out of him, by close and determined attacks. Oliver, in consequence, felt severely in this round for Carter's body, but the latter returned desperately on his opponent's head. They were again struggling at; the ropes, and both went down. Sixth. — Some heavy blows were exchanged in a rally, and Carter was fioortd at the ropes. Seventh. — Oliver was bleeding in all directions, and, in closing, went down. £ighth to Twentieth. — The description of these rounds would be superfluous. In admitting the gamencss of Oliver, his manliness of boxing, and his determination to succeed, if possible, perfectly satisfied the most sanguine of his partisans, and at intervals he met with partial success; but, injustice to Carter, it must be stated, that the advantages were decisively upon his side — he hit and got away with his usual 9ang froid; his right hand was also conspicuously effective, and, whenever it appeared expedient to finish the round, he closed at pleasure upon his adversary with the most eminent sui>eriority. Oliver gained nothing in fighting, for lengthy and even by going m, he was opposed with the most determined opposition. In truth, the spectators were convinced, in the above rounds, that the fdenc^— the strength — and smiling confidence Df victory were on the side of Carter; and that his adversary bad not only been most dreadfully punished^ but quite abroad as to his usual system of tactics, throwing away a number of blows, by repeatedly hitting short; while, on the contrary, the Lancashire hero did not exhibit any very prominent marks of severe miUmg, and was quite in possession of himself. Twenty-first. — In this round Oliver showed himself off in a conspicuous manner, and put in so tremendous a hit in the mvkd of Carter, that he measured hb length on the ground instantaneously. It appeared, from its seventy, a complete faiUher^ and the friends of Oliver thought Carter would not be able to come to time, if at all — and the Lancastrians looked rather blue as to its ultimate effects. The betting, notwithstanding, varied but little. Twenty-second. — The expected change did not take place, although Carter appeared, at the scratch, very much distressed, and almost gasping for breath, but he contrived to get himself down in the best manner he was able. No blows passed in this round. Twenty-third. — Much the same as the preceding, but in struggling Oliver was thrown. Twenty-fourth. — Carter was now himself again" — hit wind had returned, and he resumed the conflict in the most decisive style. Oliver, like a lion, rushed forward in the roost gallant manner. The hitting, in a rally, was terrible — both the combatants seemed totally to disregard punishment — the fine game of Oliver was opposed by the bottom of Carter, and this essential quality toward victory in pugilists, so much doubted to be possessed by the latter, was now found not to be wanting in the Lancashire hero. Oliver's head was so hideously disfigured that all former traces of it were gone— and Carter's nob was a little altered from its originality. It was the most desperate round in the fight, and the close of it at the ropes was to the disadvantage of Oliver, and his friends were now satisfied he could not win. Twenty-fifth. — It was astonishing to witness the courage qf Oliver, and he appeared determined to conquer or perish in the attempt. On,e eye was completely in the dark, and the other was rapidly closing. His strength was also fast leaving him, but nevertheless he contested this round in the most manly manner. He was ultimately thrown, and Carter fell heavily upon him. Ten to one upon Carter. Twenty-sixth to thirty-second and last.— The die was cast, and the brave Oliver, like heroes of old, could not control his fate. Nature had been pushed to the farthest extremity that the human frame could bear, the vital powers were nearly extinct; defeat seemed to operate so much upon his mind, that he fought till his pulse was scarcely found to vibrate — and in the last six rounds, during which he had not the least shadow of chance^ he persevered till all recollection of the scene in which he had been so actively engaged in bad totally left him. In the thirty-second round he was taken out of the ring ID a state of stupor, and compj^ldy deprive^ of viiiop* The swelled appearance of bis bead beggared ail descripUoii — his body and back were shockingly lacerated all lover from his struggling so much upon the ropes, and, in point of bet, much as fighting men may have suffered in former batUas, the situation to which Oliver was reduced, j them all. The battle lasted forty -six min and put to bed at Longtown, four miles fi consequence of the vast quantity of bloo contest, added to his exhausted state, th< called in to attend upon him, deemed it h; he should be bled. Oliver felt confident that he should prove the conqueror, and exerted every means in his power to insure victory. He came into the ring in high conr ditioD^ weighing about 12 stone 8lb. but the chance was completely against him, either at in or o^Qgbtiog, excepting the twenty-first round. Oliver tried to beat Carter after the manner he had vanquished PaitUcr, by determined tn-fighting; but, the left band of Carter always met the head of his adyersary before he got to his length when OUver^ finding the great danger of this mode of attack, endeavoured to render it useless by throwing his head back to avoid the coming blow, at the same time it gave Carter a full opportunity of striking down with his right hand, which he never fiailed to do. It was always in the power of Carter to close upon his adversary, and bore him to the ropes whenever he thought proper. In short, there was no coniparisoii between the combatants respecting scientific fighting; and the character of Oliver, as a good man, was more valued than his capabilities as a boxer considered — the high patronage, too^ of Captain Barclay had SKBTOUBS PS ?VOIL1SM. d«z^j£4 the o^ods 9f ^tbe FAWcy^— iniiividiwlj pr popl judigetBejut was opt of t,he q^estioOJ waA three^to oae vfas, belted without v>hff or wherefore. Cfilculatlou d^^ completely agaiost such bettiogt an^ it wa^a soJT^.pf over whelming prefejTQ^ce, Too a^ucfa i>r ^ttdiG^ ba4 existed against iQAR^E^ an4 it was #neeringly obser* ved that he wa» witb<#t gftmer-^ best a mere flippywith. bis left hapd-^^od wbenever l^ was placed against a good QW be >would soon be foood out ! Com*meat upoii that bead is oow rendered uooecessary^ as facts are stubborn things — a better or ,a i>raver man than bis fallen opponent is not to be found npoo the list of |;K^ers — aod» although defeated, he ia eaiitli^d to the highest oonsi(]^ratioo of the sporting worlds Caetb^ weighed about Id sttoqe .7lb. smiled frequently during the fight^ and treated the efforts of liis^ adversary with the vu^at perfect indiffereace. There was some ^ry out about-li foul blow, bitt the umpires did v^l notice it. CAJtTsa. returned to Carlisle in the eveningi and was seen walking about the slreeta with bis friends. &o much was CaHtee the object pf pugilistic admiration at this place, that, at the White Hart Inn, a subscription was proposed amosg aeferal amateurs^ that he should fight the Champion of England for 500 guineas. It was also observed, as iZteiifiond was walking round the ring, during. the Sgbtr that Carter had beat all the blaeks*^-^ No $ all but one," was the reply when RuJmond said he would figbt Carter for 2,00 guineas. Great praise is, due to Painicr for the care and attention he paid to Carter during his training. Lancashire has at length got a turn, and Gregmm^$ 3W fiOXIANA; OE, proUg6 acquired great boxing popolarity. Carter is eotitled to the patronage of the Pugilbtic Club — having fought FouRbatttes in the space of eight months-^Dot only a£forded the amateurs great sport, but a nowocUe fight against time. He was always ready to go to work whenever it offered^ and never refused to accommodate a customer because he could not raise a <£l(X). Westminster has again lost her CHAKP10N9 and some time will elapse before a third can be found equal to their two last— ^Oitver and Caleb Baldwin. The backers of Carter presented him with fifty guineas in addition to the battle money. OUver and the former, a few days after the fight, met at Hawick^ and received each other in the style of true courage. In conquering OUver, the prejudices which had previously existed against the pretensions of Carter to the appellation of a first-rate boxer, it appears, have, in great measure, subsided; and the principal defect which now seems to be most urged against the Lancashire Hero's mode of fighting, is — ^that notwithstanding the excellent use he makes of his left hand, the eagerness he displays in getting away from his opponent to avoid receiving any return, render his blows but a sort of half-hits; and, consequently, occupies a much longer portion of time to produce VICTORY, if not making such an event more doubtful, than if those hits in question were put tn with proper effect. However, as a ^'big one,*' the goodness Car* ter possesses on his legs, and the agility he portrays in getting over the ground in fighting, leaves him almost without a competitor in this particular point 8KBTCHES OF PUGILISM. 381 of view. He is tnateriallj improved altogether; and he brings his right hand into play with mach greater facility and execution than heretofore. His experience and practice have given him a thorough knowledge of pngiUsm neither independtet of prize-fighting. He is a good dancer, and perform^ the clo^ornpipe witb considerable talent and, after the manner of an expert clpwp» Jbe stands upon his head and drinks ofi'.se^veral glasses of ale in that position and abo eKhtbits several other comic feats^ When he% from the potent influence of the juke of the grapc^ his deportment is correct; and his company humourous and entertaining. And that he is not without much patience, and even evinces great control over his temiper^ the following IMPROMPTU will clearly suffice:— ON A CURIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE. Which occurred between Carter and a betdug JLtm^ of ^^e Xov, at Belcher\ Cattle Tavern, Uolbom, in 1616. There's a louse in your coat, I'll bet you a crowo !" Says a sportiDg great lawyer, long Jiash on the town. Jack doff'd off his coatF— ^'Here take it and see-^ You might as well fish for one in the river caird Lea 1** Ht rtanmag'd the coat like, eitplorin'g an Act, But instead of his pen his knife cut for the fact No Client n^fer^d more when under the Laws He attauUed the coUar, made many uaore^fiams 8KBTCBIS OP FeoaiSM. 3M 'QuX/earif^ bis judg«ioent» k« tbrev down the tog, While this Boxer, indifferent, kept drinking hit grog,r— Old Red Tail confused, perhaps thought of rum millingt^^ You stand it so well. Jack, pray take mjfive shillings ! Equity. The prudeDt conduct observed by Carter, duriag the above traosactioii^ waa not only the admiration aad' praige of all the copipany present but hbybrAeor*ance astonished every one. It was a new coat The friends of the. Lancashire Hero,, from the improved capabilities he had so recently displayed, were now anxious to produce a meeting between him and the Chamfion. Miieb converscMon in conse* quence took place, and. even jpiersMkr/ challenges passed between the above pugilists but no deposit was pub down to make a match^ Gribb offered to fight miy ( an in the kingdop for <£lOOO^ and not less thaw £3QO, but Carter, i$ seems, could not be backed for either of those sums, and therefore the match wenC off altogether. It ought, however, to be mentioned, that the latter was ready to accommodate any man for .£50 and, although no decision ever occurred respecting his claim to that enviable title on the boxing list^ yet Carter assumed the appeUatron of Champion, from the following circumstance — a bet of <£200 a- side, £&0 forfeit, was made between Sir William Maxwell, and the MAKStns Of Queensberrt, immediately after the de^ait of OUiocr by Carter, at CarHsle-races, October, 1816, qhallengbg all England; the Marquis to produce a man to enter the lists against the latter at the above races, in 1817* Twelve months having elapsed, and no competitor makiflg his appearance at the appointed place, the 9S4 BOXIANA; OE, £liO were forfeited, and Caeter received the same, it it said, at Dumfries. In the newspapers, our hero again publicly challenged any thing alive in the shape of a man, adding that his friends were ready to back him, regardless of colour; and also observing, that BUte, Black, fV/ute, or Yelhw, would be equally acceptable to him. In his printed hand-bills, at the Shrewsbury-races, ISl?* he thus described himself— BOXING.— The Art of Self-defence will be scientifically displayed by Mr. JOHN CARTER, (the Champion op England,) Mr. Gebobon, and others, at the Turf Inn, Shrewsbury, every Race Morning, precisely at eleven o'clock; and in a spacious Booth on the Race-ground, between each heat. %* Gregson^ whoisCAETga's trainer, is taking him down into the North of England, to contend with Dormelly, the Irishman, at the ensuing Carlisle-races. —Private Lessons given.** IMPROMPTU. On Carter's Boxing Match agmmt Time. The Biack woork all o*er, Jack bandies die cash, Awake in the Farcy, on the right side— Jlie Fla$h! He langhsat the Flat$f with their fooes so sour, And^omifioii'il Old Time/ the' he cou'dn't do Power I It's all mt Eye ! JACK JOHNSON, OF PADDINGTON, 2%e Errand Cari-Man. Although this boxer cannot boast of the Belcherian system of tactics, he has nevertheless milkd I bis way into some degree of notoriety among the pugiliktic circles^ from the successive conquests he has gained. Johnson, it is said, was, a pupil of Tom Jone$f and, like his ;naster, more of weight than agility characterized bis movements; but he had a singular mode of hiiting with the right hand. His constitution is not considered strong or else he a long time bid fair to become one of the first bo&ers on the list of second rates. His height was about 5 feet 8 inches, and weighing 12 stone. His first battle^ itap* pears, was with iio0, a smith, on the 6th of June^ 1815, on Moulsey-hurst, when he was seconded by Joe Ward and Paddington Jones; and his opponent by Oliver and Painter. It was bravely contested for thirty minutes, when Johnson planted such a tremendous right-handed hit under Roe's ribs, as instantly took him off* his legs, and he fell down as if he was dead. With great difficnlty he was again made to face his opponent, when he yrasjiniehed in a twinkling ! Johnson, in less than two months after the above fight, was matched with PurcelU for twenty guineas aside, and which was also decided at Moulsey-hurst, on August 1, 1815. The latter was attended by Cribb and Olher, and Joe Ward and Jones seconded Johnson. Punishment was the order of the day on both sides, and Purcell showed himself a showy figbter, and used both hands with much dexterity; but his blows were not effective. He nobbed Johnson almost at pleasure, and put in hits out of number. It was 7 to 4 on Purcell. Johnson, although slow in delivery, planted some dreadful body blows. Both 9$S Hoiciana; oa. the dombetaitu were considerftblj beiiteii but Pureetl Med kiwardlyy and was carried oot df tbe ring at tUe e^lpiratioii of thirty^te iDintftes. JoAitsroNy frorti bis abore conqaestt, waa now cxnh aidered a match for Harry LantaHer, add accordingly tbej met at Coombe-warreo^ on Thursday, the l6th of November, 1815, for twenty guineas a-side. Irt point of weight, tbe combatants were about equal; but Johnson was rather the favourite. Oliver and Shekon seconded Lancaster; and Johnson was Waited upon by Joe Ward and Tom Jones. At half-past one the men entered the ring. First round. — It was well known that Lancaster was not deficient ia xience bui bis fwmlmg qualities were rather questioned. Little ceremony occurred before tbey fougfit their way into a rally, but no mischief was done, and the round was concluded, by Lancaster going down. The odds Buw rose upon Johnson. Second. — ^The rigbt hand of Johnson felt severely for Lan« caster's body but, the latter returned cleanly upon his adversary's neck, who went down from a sort of slip. Third. — Both the combatants went sharply to work, but Johnson took the lead, and the claret was ^rsl seen upon the mouth of Lancaster. Tbe latter was thrown. Six and 7 to 4 on Johnson. Fourth. — Lancaster, with much dexterity, planted a severe body blow^ but, in dosing, Johnson got his nob under his left arm^with an intetit of fibbing; he was, however, prevented by Lancaster's holding his hand, and, in struggling, both went dowir. Piftb.*^a coming to the scratch, Johnson evidently sfH peared dattreisad, and was soon down. Sixth. — ^Tbis was a spirited Foandy and Laacasier endeavoured to do something. Both down. Seventh. — Lancaster had the best of this round, and made some good hits, till Johnson went down distressed. Eighih. — Of no consequence but Lancaster threw bis man. Ninth.— This might be called mUiing^hit for hit, and blow for blow, were spiritedly exchanged, and Lancaster had rather the turn, although he got severely punished. Both down. Tenth. — A tremendous right-handed blow uu Lancaster's nob, completely changed bts countenance, and made him stagger again. In closing, both down. Eleventh. — Lancaster took the lead in & gallant manner, btit bis science seemed more shotcy than eflective. The bad training of Johnson was conspicuous, and he received a dreadful faU. Even betting. Twelfth.— Johnson was soon down from weakness. Thirteenth. — Lancaster seemed to feel his consequence and fought with his man like a hero. Johnson was equally determined, but, at length, went dowa completely exhausted. The odds took a slight lift upon Lancaster. Fourteenth to sixteenth.— In these rounds Johnson had not recovered from his weak state, and went down from mere touches. Seventeenth. — ^The .1106 of Lancaster was any thing except like the head of a human being; he nevertheless displayed confidence and pluck. In closing, both bown. Eighteenth. — Johnson^ right hand again bothered Lancaster's upper works, which confused him for a second. It was a desperate struggle to obtain the throw, and both fell down. Nineteenth. — It was mere wrestling, the combatants appearing so weak, as to be able to do but little more than struggle. Twentieth to twenty-first. — Both terribly out of wind, and a good blow on either side might have put an end to the contest Twenty-second. — This round was rather more spiritedly contested, but Lancaster fell with such violence on the back of his head, that he seemed almost insensible. It was thought Marry was finished. Twenty*third. — Lancaster appeared at the scratch in a queer state, and was .soon down. Twenty-fourth to twenty-sixth. — In the course of these rounds^ Lancaster, from his science, recovered himself so iDtich, that he was now considered to have the best of it VOL. II. 2 Twenty-sevenh to Thirtieth. — It seemed anybod/s battle, the changes were so frequent. Both of their hands were dreadfully lacerated. Johnson, however, fell so severely, tihat he did not know where he was. Thifty-first and Thirty-second. — Rather in favour of Lancaster, owing to the stupid state of his adversary. Thirty-third. — ^Johnson now appeared the freshest man, and his right hand was able to do execution. He put in toihe hits, that enabled him to take the lead. Thirty-fourth to Forty-first and last. — tt was all up with Lancaster, but he would nut resign, and fought till he could scarcely move a limb. His appearance was truly piteous, and the pwtiskmtnt he had taken immense. It was a fortunate moment for the conqueror, who bad not much the best of it, after fighting ONE hour sixtebk mikutbs and a half* Johnson is a desperate rigbt-banded hitter; full of bustle, but more of a random boxer than a scieDtific professor. He was much punished about the body, but did not appear to bleed at all daring the battle. Upoti the whole, it was a near thing; and conld but Lancaster last, or continue his mode of fighting at the end, as he generally commences a battle, conquest must await liis efforts. Two or three hits from the right hand of Johnsok, well applied, (like RichmondJ tend in a great degree towards vic^ tory. Lancaster, it seems, wished for a second trial, but Johnson paid forfeit. Xom #olineatt;r; Aftbr the defeat of this American hero, by the' Champion of England, MOLINEADX, became an object of attack by boxers of minor pretensions; and Scotland the principal scene of hiseX'^ ^loUs. From his irregularity of life, it seems^ he had gone off )\hdgeiher, and at the period, (May, 1814,) when he entered the ring with Fuikr, by comparison, he was nothing at all like that pugilist, in every point of view, as when iie first entered the lists with Cribb. MoLiNEAtx came to this country a most tremendous ieazerl his milling requisites were inferior to none, with stamina sound and vigorous; possessing almost herculean strength wind i^ndebauched and feeling confident in himself that he was equal to any, but superior to most of the present race of pugilists. It is but justice to state, that when Molineadx first stripped in £ngland, bis appearance was terrifically imposing; his muscular powers were fine in the extreme; his, frame was manliness itself; and the anatomist and artist, in contemplating its various beauties, derived pleasure from this uncommon subject and fine study. And although the sporting i^orld preferred having a mhiie to a black pugilistic champion, and that an Englishman's wearing the cap was more congenial to their feelings than an ji merican^ stM it was impossible that the courageous qualities of Molineaux could be passed over with indifference. In fact, his milling pretensions had made a strong impression on the Fancy in general, and the higher flights of the boxing circles endeavoured to console his defeats by libe* ral presents. The cash flowed fast in upon him, and the generosity of the swells left him Uttle to complain of, except wearing the proud title of conqueror. The Black naturally had a taste for gaiety — a strong passion for dress — was amorously inclined, and full of gallantry; it is not surprising, therefore, that the charms of the softer sex should warmly interest the atten* lions of thc^ lusty Moor. Plaiig'd In general riot, melted down tby youth In different beds oF lust, and never leam*d Tlie icy precepts of respect, but follow 'd The 8ugar*d game before thee ! With tog$ of the best quality and fashion, the Man of Colour soon appeared as a blade of the 6r8t magnitude, and many a proud Corinthian felt no degradation in recognizing this renowned milUng cove. To be the Champion of England he could not — would not be allowed ! But to stand next to that character, who could prevent him ? Maintaining, then, this high uccndary rank as a boxer, he sallied forth regardless of any future consequences respecting his milling fame. Pleasure was the order of the day with him, and the $tews of the metropolis tended not only fast to ease him of his blunt^ but to undermine that terrific overwhelming impetuosity, so prominently possessed and so conspicuously displayed by MoLi- NBAUX in his terrible conofbats with the mighty Cribb. The consequences of this line of conduct were obvious, and even the iron-like frame of the Black seriously felt the dilapidating effects of intemperance Yet, notwithstanding this visible ya//tng q^of his personal appearance, and his once great pugilistic traits materially changed— -Molinbaux, with all his defects, was not to be beat off hand. He must be a boxer of more than common requisites who should calculate SKETCHES OF PUGILISM. d41 tipon accomplishing this task with any degree of certainty. Fuller^ a pugilist whose character for science and game entitled him to every consideration^ fancied he was able in every respect to contend with this renowned milling hero, and the amateurs of Scotland, in order to facilitate a match between them, entered into a subscription purse of 100 guineas, to be fought for in a forty feet ring. Early in the morning, on the day appointed fot the above trial of skill to be decided, Friday, the 27th of May, 1814, at BishopstorflP, Peesley, Ayrshire, twelve miles from Glasgow, the Fancy were in motion^ and numerous vehicles of all descriptions were seen rattling along the road to the scene of action, and scampering pedestrians out of number, to witness the novelty of prize-miUitig in Scotland. Some thousands of spectators formed the ring, and upwards of one hundred carriages belonging to gentlemen were upon the ground. Molinbaux was seconded by Carter; and Fuller had the veteran Joe Ward and George Cooper. Five to four on the Black. At one o'clock the ceremony of shaking hands was performed, and the men set-to. Both the combatants displayed good science but the blows of Fuller, although he put in several with much dexterity, appeared more showy than effective. However, on Fuller's planting a desperate ribber, Joe Ward ironically observed to the former, that if he continued to hit hii man «o hard, the amateurs would be baulked, and the fight terminate too soon.** The battle had continued only eight minutes, when the sheriff of Renfrewshire, attended by constables, entered the ring and put an end to it. Both the combatants appeared inqc|h cba7 grined^ particularly Molineaox, who vaun^ing)^ declared^ had be aDticipated such ai^ ipteri^up- C^ODi he would have jinuhtd his opponent, before the arrival of the sheriff.'* The mai^ of c(^Jourf it seeing was so confident of victory, that, preyioiis to the fight, he betted five to two be drew fir$t^ blood; this bet he wop; and also two to one h^jioor^d FuUtr first,; the latter was no^ decided. Fuller expressed himself ready to settle the niatter the next day^ but MoLiNBAi^x insisted the fight should not take place till the following Tuesdfiy. The above arrangement was, at length, agreed to between the parties, and, on Tuesday, May 31, they again met at Auchineau;^, twelve mile? froqa.GlasgoWy on the Drymen road.' F%dltT was attended by Ward and Cooper and Molinbau^c, by an Irish ser^an^ of the name of HaUward, assisted by a private. The uiqpires were Capt. Cadogan and, A{Ir. Georj^ Stir- Ung i apd in case of any dispiit^, Mr. Graham^ of GuotmajQx, as the referee. This battle b without parallel. There is nothing like it, in the annals of pugilimu. It is 'thus described by the veteran Joe Wflr^^ and.upon whose testimony it is inserted in this work — First rouml. — FaUer displayed sotiie go^d positions, and so«>u conyioced the spectators that he was a scientific boxer. His guard was firm and imposing, ahd he seemed confident of sdccess. Molineaux di(i nut view hts opponent with in4ifference» but flattered himself that Fuller must ultimately be defeated. They sparred a considerable time, with' good skill, before any ptrnwA^wewif wks exhibited, when Fuller,' by a tremendous hit, drew the cork of his antagonist. The Black, upon the claret making it& appeara^noe, b^^pie raihjer im* petuous, and attacked Fuller with great ferocit)*, but tb^. latter stopped witb naucfa adroitness, and gave in exchange some heavy noifbmg returns. A desperate rally now toa^^ pl^ce, during which severe ndlUng was felt uppn both sides, when they broke away, and again resorted to sparring to obtain superiority. Fuller's nose Was rauoh peppered, and the crimof^. flo^d. abundantly^ In shori thia u^f>receden^ed round was filled up with rallies — recoveries — retreating — following each other alternately round the ring — stopping and hitting wilh various saccess,*- and. both exhausted by tu^ns, til^ at length Molineaqx was levelled by a tremencjous biow^ apd the i:ound finished after a lapse of TWENTY-EIGHT MINUTES r Second^.— To describe any thing like the various changes which occurred during thi^ «^-^o, itn^fi^ par.take mot;^ of, Uie le^th of Patjerson's Rood Book" than the ordinary round of a fight ! But suffice to observe, that the whole mmutict of the fkUkng art was resorted' to, from the beginnii>g ^to t^e end'. Ijh^, skilli. pra(:ticjQ, and exp^rionc^ of both i\^ ^orpl^ataoM were made use of to the best advai)tage. ..Fuller proved, himself a boxer of more than ordinary science and game throughout the fight* The Black was ccmvinced he had got A>trmAiesome customer to wiib^ apd. who required serving ouf^ ii) a masterly style before he could be, hatisfied. In fact, the strength of the Mon of Colour seemed materially deficient from his former exhibitions, when. he, U9ed, to. hit. bis< men a\Mey from l^im, and leveiletjl his opponents with the.mos,t perfect^ sangfroid. The severe blows of Fuller, who stuck close to Molineaux, made him wince again ! The Black appeared' nn^pb .exh^psted frpm the great poi;t\9p, reqiyre^ fqr ^io) to grve^ and heartily tired of what he had to take. An unusual quantitv of blood was spilt. It is supposed Fuller lost two quarts in the ring* His head was lerrific in the exuneme* Fro^h the dreacjful punishment his nob had und^^-gone, his seconds lost all traces of his original character. Stancher game was never displayed by any pugilist whatever. Upon the wbole» it was a truly singular fight, and the people of Scotland witnessed one of the most nowoelle specimens of English prize-fighting that ever occurred. In SIXTY-EIGHT MINUTES, two rounds oi9LY had taken place. The above contest, it seems, terminated in rather a 344 BOXIANA; OR» singular manoer. Molinbaux asserting that Joe Ward had behaved fooly in palling FuUcr down, who was much distressed and had been beaten all over the ring in a rally, so as to prevent the Man of Colour from putting in a decisive blow." The Umpires decided it was so; and the purse, accordingly, was awarded to Molinbaux. The latter did not appear in the ring any thing like the once tremendous competitor of Cribb; but, on the contrary, instead of going boldly up to his man, he was always shy, and tried to win by tiring out Fuller. Molinbaux fought at the head, and Fuller at the body. Notwithstanding the defects of the Man of Colour, it was considered great temerity on the part of Fuller, to enter the lists with Molinbaux. The second and last round continued FORTY MINUTES ! ! ! The conduct of Fuller^ in the above fight, it seems, gave such general satisfaction to the amateurs, that a purse of 50 guineas, which had been subscribed for a match between Cooper and Carter, in consequence of its not taking placcj was presented, it is said, to RUler. Molineaux's mUHng character was still viewed with much attention in Scotland, and a match was at length made between him and George Cooper,' k boxer of superior talent. On the llth of March^ 1815^ these first-rate heroes of the fist met at Corset-hill, in Lanarkshire. In twenty minutes Molinbaux was defeated. Intemperance has been the ruin of Molinbaux as a pugilist and, it should seem, every strong commoner entertained an idea that he could serve out the Mam Colour^ as the following anecdote will evince. The above sable hero, in his provincial tour of 1813^ alighted at the town of Derby, to give the amateurs and others of that place, an exhibition of his milling accomplishments. The competitor of Cribb was well attended, and several Johnny Raws had the temerity to have a tasie with the Black but these, possessing little more than strength and courage, soon found themselves inadequate to contend against the tremendous and scientific powers of Molinevux, and therefore wisely laid down the gloves. Not so a country pugilist of the name of Abraham Denston, possessing almost the strength of an Hercules, and the size of a Colossus, and, added to which powerful requisites for boxing, whose fame was well abroad in these parts for mUHng all those persons who h«d dared to oppose him. Abraham had rather crept into favour with himself," and entertained an idea that, with the mtijfflers, he should be able to serve out the Moor in style, and increase his renown as a miller. Great things were expected from the countryman and considerable interest was excited among the spectators upon their tetttng-to. But, unfortunately fo/ Abraham^ he had calculated somewhat too hastily upon his great size and strength, and two rallies with the Black were quite enough to convince him of his error. Moli- NEAUx jnmisAedthe cAatr-bacon most severely for his temerity, and, with one of his favourite left-handed lunges, gave him such a remembrancer under his left eye, that the daret'fLtvi in all directions. The conceit of Abraham had now all evaporated, and he quickly retired, amidst ihe laughter and confusion of the audi- ^Qoe, to diseocumbei: hiio^f qf, tfi^ gloves, Mqli* NBAVX and his assistant now exhijbiteid some prime sp^i^ioiens of the art, pprtirayipg the atpperibnH^ of sciBNCB pver HBBB Strength! Froni Spotland^.o^r hj^fjp (ff 4^Qlf)ur,w^^9A BAYLIS. PROVINCIAL BOXING. The above combatants, it seems, were the Champions of their respective places; both stood high in point of boxing requisites, and much jealousy had existed for a long time, between their various partisans, respecting which was the best man; when, at length, a match was made between them for a subscription purse of £aO. On Wednesday, the l6th of October, 1816, the attention of the milling amateurs and fancy of Birmingham and neighbourhood was directed to the Jield of sport at Sutton-Coldfield, to witness the contest between Griffiths and Baylis, the former an inhabitant of Birmingham, and the latter from Wedncsbury, so renowned for cocking. They SKBTQI^ Of PU<^LI8M. 947 ^ere nearly <>f ^9!^*| ^^^S^^$ bijit BAkYXi?, had the adr vantage in heighjt and reach. Th^ combatants set-to at one o'clock, and^ ajPter fighting TWO HUNDK^ED AND THIRTEEN rounds, in the space of FOUR HOURS, half minbt^ time, the battle was drawn, each party beipg sp fullj satined as tOx prevent the possibility of either rising in time to claim tne victory ! Gbiffiths wa3 the/jpLvoimte at set;|tiag-to, and, in the second rounds drew first blood in each of the eight first rounds he brought the Wednesbury man down, which caused betting six to four in his favotrr. About the ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTIETH rounds however, betting became twenty to one against Griffiths^ but, in five or six rounds more^ he reduced the betting to five to four in his favour. The blows^ even to the last round, were given with the most tremendous force, fully evincing the bottom of the combatants and their determined spirit. Tom Belcher left London on purpose to second Gkipfiths, and MUlwardf from fVednesbury, to Baylis. A number of the fancy tribe, from London, were present who had arrived a few days before to give a reluh t6 this, perhaps, as obstinate an efibrt of gluttony as any on the bruising record. The spectators, it is thought, did not fall short of ten thousand, and Birmingham was literally drained of its inhabitants. Several 'Coaches, and an immense number of vehicles of every other description, horses, &c. were upon the ground. The millers of Moulsey, Coombe-wood, &c. are at a loss to understand this protracted state o( fighting ! as the Brummagems have termed it; half an hour being deemed quite sufficient to satisfy any Johnny Raw at the above places, by a boxer that can punish at all. The $ c in a twenty-four feet ring, after Ford and Barry Lancaster had quitted it, Oliver and Martin prepared for action. The former was secondied by his brother 7bm Oliver and Clark; and the Baker by Harrjf Harmer and Richmond. Upon settiog-to, the odds were upon Oliver, First round*— Upon setting-to the attitude of Martin was by far the most conspicuous, and his appearance exhibited something of the scientific boxer. Martin i'mraediately went to work and nobbed bis opponent without ceremony, till they got into a close, when, after hugging and pummelling each other for a few seconds, they, at length, broke away, and some hits were exchanged at arms length. They again closed, and a violent struggle took place against the ropes, when they both went down. This round occupied one minute and a half: Second. — Both full of activity, but the flurried manner of Oliver was obvious to every one, and his fists crossed each other with all the celerity of h smoke-jack. He presented no security from attackj and his mug got pitiked in style. In closing, they both went down. Third. — ^The Master of the Rolls put in two severe facers, and beat his opponent down against the stakes. On commencing this round, Oliver tried to trip up his adversary, but his brother told him it was wrong. Fourth. — Oliver, although brought into the ring by his bro* ther, really seemed to have no notion of prize-fighting. He hit at random, and did but little execution. The Baker again milied his face, and ultimately threw him. Fifth. — ^This was a most dreadful round for ptmukmetU and blood. In closing, some heavy hits passed between them, when they, at length, broke away. The blood was running down in torrents upon Oliver's face, but notwithstanding he fought his way into a desperate rally, in which his nob received a couple of tremendous blows that made it shake a^n. In closing, they both got suspended on the ropes, and a violent struggle took place be^re they went down. Sixth. — Some sharp milling passed between them and, in closing, both fell out of the ring. Seventh. — Oliver displayed no science whatever, and bis chief aim seemed to be in struggling for superiority with his opponent but even in closing he failed, as Martin generally brought Oliver down. Eighth. — ^The right hand of Martin again punished Oliver's nob, and the claret flowed in abundance. In closing, both Ninth. — The hugging system again prevailed, and both went down, but Oliver fell completely over the ropes. Tenth.^-Martin went in with great spirit and bored his adversary to the ropes. In closing, both went down. SKETCHBS OF PUGILISM. 363 Eleventh. — Oljver appeared rather distressed and came slowly up to the mark. The right hand of the baker was again at work, and Oliver's mug was getting fast out of ^pe. Twelfth. — In this round Martin showed he possessed scientific knowledge, had completely the best of it, and sent his opponent down. Thirteenth. — Oliver seemed anxious to do something, and went sharply up to his man, when they closed* In struggling they broke away, and several heavy blows were exchanged. They again closed, and both went down; Oliver bleeding profusely. Fourteenth. — ^The movements, in general, of Martin were scientific, but they were soon lost sight of by the overpower* ing closing of Oliver, who a!v;ays endeavoured to force his adversary to the ropes, and then tire him out by struggling. Both down, and their backs and loins were much marked by their suspension on the ropes. Fifteenth. — Martin, upon seittng'to^ nobbed Oliver with effect, when they again closed and both fell out of the ring. Oliver required the assistance of his second to get him off the ground. Sixteenth. — ^The strength of Oliver was leaving him fost, and in this round begot most dreadfulljr/nmw^. The baker hit him in every direction, and Oliver was thrown completely over the ropes. Seven to four upon Martin. Seventeenth. — No chance for Oliver, except closing; he caught hold of Martin, and both went down. Eighteenth. — More hugging^ and both on the ground. Nineteenth. — It was all up with Oliver, the fight was taken out of him, and he had not strength to close with his opponent. In fitct, he only stood up as a mark for pwdskmeni^ and the baker put in some severe finishing hits, till Oliver dropped down like a log. Twentieth. — Oliver could scarcely be brought to the scratch. He immediately went down from a punbhing hit. Twenty-first and last. — Oliver had had quite enough of fidiimg, and he turned away from his adversary to avoid the severity that awaited him. The baker lost no time, he saw victory was certain, and with two hits completely ^nuAed his opponent, who was so severely beaten as to be led out of the ring and put into a coach. Twenty-nine minutes had elapsed. VOL. II. A a 3&4 BOXtANA; OR, Oliver, as a scientific boxer^ bore no other resemblance to his brother (excepting his name) thaa be had to Hercules. In fact, be was a complete novice in every sense of the word, tind nrfied entirely upon main strength for victory^ and pulled and hauled bis opponent about as if he had been dragging a track. But it was widely different on the part of Martin; he exhibited those promising traits of the idence that appeared only to want/^mdiceto improve^ and which, at a subsequent period, were found to develope themselves in a most conspicuous manner. MaH- TiM is in height about 5 feet 8 inches, and is nearly 1 1 stone in weight. He is extremely active, and 'possesses a decisive mode of hitting. HARRY HOLT, the Duffer. In only one tnstance have the smiles of victory crowned the efforts of Holt, although he is considered to "possess an excellent knowledge of the art of bo^cing. He mdde his debUt in the prize-ring with Pariah^ like watermaa, at Moulsey4iurBt, on Tnesdi^ Avgiist 20, 1816, when, afber gisdlantly contending t6' obtain conquest for the long time of an hour and a hatf^ during which much reciprocal scientific milling occurred, and great doubts expressed as io the tennination of the event, be was at length defeated. Holt next entered the lists with Jack 0*Donnd, (said to be a relative of the once celebrated Irish pu*' SKBTCHBS OF FWaLlSM. tt5 igiJkt of ihm name,) at ArlingtoD-comor, ^ear Houniflow-faeathy after a harassing journey of some miles across the country, in consequence of the interruption which took place on the day the first fight between Seroggm and Turner occurred^ at Hayes^ Middlesex, on Wednesday, March 26, 1817. The combatants stripped with the utmost sangfroid in a heavy shower of rain, and ootnmenoed fighting at a quarter before six o'clodk in the evening. Ihm Owen and Ddify Smith seconded O^Donnel; and Fainter and Harmtr attended upon Holt^ FWe to four on the latter. First round. — Upon settiDg-to, the attitude of Holt was extremely elegant, and his appearance altogether rather interested the spectator in his behalf. He, without ceremony, planted a severe facer under O'DonneFs left eye, and got away with much dexterity, when the latter endeavoured to retaru the con^plimeat, but hit short. It was ooe of the most manly rounds ever witnessed, the men fighting at arms length; and notwithstanding the rain descended in torrents, the combutants seemed insensible to its chilling effects, and pfKOsed each other with the utmost gaiety. A number of good blows passed between them, but materially to the advantage of Holt, y^ho nobhefl'pooT Paddp most socce^tffully. Near ten minutes bad elapsed, nothing like closing bad occurred, and both appeared quite exhausted, when O'Donnel rushed in, and Holt was sent down. Such a first round was scarcely^ if ever, seen Mfare, Seven to four on -Holt. jSecond, — O^Donnel, finding that keephig out liromibistcp- ;poneat was disadvantageous endeavouied to bore in, but Holt stopped him- by a tremendous blow on the jaw, that made hit Jnmple rattle again. The irishman was not to be dismayed, «nd he succeeded in marking one of Holt's pteperjs. S!ome reciprocal fi|^ting took place, when, iu a struggle to obtain the throw, both went down, but Holt undermost. Third. — flolt hit and stopped with great facility, and his science was loudly admired nhrooghout the ring. O'Donael did not want for courago, and he showed himself to much advantage in this round. A desperate rally took place, and, in Aa2 diosing, (yOonoel endeavoured to fib Holt, bat the latter jesolutely broke away, and be knocked O'Donnel's head about {ike a spinning top. Both ultimately went down. Fourth. — A smile sat upon the countenance of Holt: he had all the coolness about his actions of the experienced pugilist, and he scarcely threw a blow away. O'Donnel's mug, from the repeated attacks made upon it, appeared rather out of shape. Both again down. Two to one upon Holt. Fifth to seventeenth and last. — It was most manly boxing throughout the whole of these rounds. (yDonnel put in some good hits, and always had the best of his opponent in throwing, bat he never could keep his head out of chancery. The seventeenth round was truly desperate O'Donnel repeatedly attempted to go in, but was as repeatedly kept out by a stopfier on his nob. Holt put in six facers without any return — the jaw of O'Donnel was terribly 6a^er«£{ — part of his chin laid open»-and a tremendous blow, put in under his ear, brought out the claret instantaneously, and his senses seemed almost beat out of him. He could not come again. Mr. Jackson made a collection of nine pounds to be divided between them. The above battle proved a treat to the amateurs of scieDtific boxing, and which was for five guineas a-side. The above scientific fight restored good humour to the amateurs for their disappointment at Hayes, and they now retired well satisfied. The ring here was kept in good order, although no stakes or ropes were used to protect the men from the ^crowd. The unpropitioos state of the weather had not the least effect upon the feelings of the spectators, who never shifted an inch of ground in consequence of being so drippingly assailed. The sudden appearance of such a vast cavalcade of carriages and pedestrians, scampering through the villages, caused an effect not to be described. The friends of Holt, from his decisive victory over (yDofmel, and the general improvement which ap- SKBTCUB8 OP P0GILI8M. 357 peared to have taken place in bis figbtiDg, were in* duced to matcbbim with Randall. But, unfortunately^ he again sustinned defeat. (See page 269.) Notwithstanding the reverses Holt experienced io his boxing career^ he is fully entitled to the character of a neat scientific pugilist. He stops with aonsiderable skill; and returns in a quick and masterly style. His bottom is of the first quality and he has my idea of retiring from the conflict, while he is able to stand upon bis legs. In height Holt is about 5 feet 6i inches, weighing 10 stone and a half. His appearance rather prepossessing — genteel in his person— and, in his deportment, mild and unassuming. Possessing a well-informed mind, his conversation upon various topics is generally listened to with much credit to himself and satisfaction to bis hearers. He js also respectably connected. GEORGE COOPER, THE BARGEMAN. The first-rate pugilistic pretensions possessed by the above hero give him a high (if not the first) place on the boxing list. Previous to his appearance in public, he derived considerable instruction from the tuition of Paddington Jones and Richmond. Coopeb is a native of Stone, in Staffordshire. He is viewed as one of the most natural fighters belonging to the prize-ring. He uses both hands with equal facility; and his one — two are put in with tremendous 358 boxiana; int. execnttoD. He also wardu off the eoming btow with great adrottoess rttvam with the quickness of KgltN ning; and gtis awmy with the tal^Dts of a BSchmmd. Cooper appears armed at all points towards ▼ictxN'y, so far as exeeuHon is rieqcrisite to accomplish that great point; and his mode of setting^to is pleasing and perspicuous a smiling' confidence sits on bis brow wbile engaged in battle. Upon the dbfensiTe or oA fensive^ he is considered to be equally prepared and, in short, Coopea most be pronounced a most accomplished and consnmmate boxer. In height, abont 5 feet lO inches weighing le stone. It is urged, how> ever, that he does not train well and his comHtuium does not keep equal pace with his other superior mih Ung capabilities. Coofer has fought some of the best men in England, Ireland, and Scotland and out of the SIX prize-battles in which he has been engaged with Lancaster, Oliver, Jay, DomuUy (the Irish Champion), MolincauXf and Aaimiofi, be has been crowned with conquest four times. CooPBft first entered the prize-ring with Harry Lancatter, on Tuesday, the 15th of December, 1812, at Coombe-warren, for a handsome subscription purse. CooPEK on this occasion was seconded by his tutors, Richtnomd and Paddinfftan Jonen; and Harry was waited upon by J. Lancaster and Cropley. From the soperior boxing capabilities displayed by Cooper, ^e above contest was decided in the short space of $eventeen ndnutes and a half! Lancatter had not only the length of his opponent— was of equal weightbut possessed the advantage of standing over hnn. He commenced milling with much gaiety, and endea- 8KETQHB8 OF PUGILISM. 959 ypured %o nob Cooper in a sbi^rp rally j^ but the latter stopped him with great adroUnegs, and ultimately ftLQOKBD Lancatkr. lo sho^t^ tlirougtiput the fight^ Sarrif had h^t liule Qhap^^ of success^ althpugh he pUKit^d several severe blow^ upon Cooper's head- Th^ fteadipei? pf CoQ?ER-T-the ^^cellent uae he ipade pf t )tb hands — the science portrayed ia ^^oppi^gr^sm^ the quickness and severity of hi^ rett^rnSjf i^exe (hp admiratjpp pf aU the amf^teqifs present. In ppp9i9^io« to saph superior talent^ l^nncqffe^x cpuld Qf^t lakp thP kad, aud retired frp;n tbp ripg w'th l^eavy market pf pmUhm(taf^ Copp^a dprived ppn^id^rable fap^e frpm thi^ 6r^t aitempi^ aod be was, at Ipngth, matc^^d a? a v^rj oompeteni qpmp^tupr with QUver^ fpr a ^y^cripMop puwp, at Moflls^y-bwrft, on Mw^ 15, I8i3. It waaj truly detf rmined battlpj (spe pagp lOQ,) and ^t pnp period of tba fight, hb siiperiprity was ^o great^ that it was thpMgbt alpiost imposfiil^le for Cooper tP iQSf it; howpver, pne trppi^ppdpMs blow defeated biff. \t was like ifpjpis froip Cooper— pyictpry appei^^ed so nparly witbio his grasp. Cooper np^ eqtpred tjie Ijsts with Jay, ppon the termioatioQ of the battle between Painter and Oliver, at Sbappprton-^rangej pn Tupsday, the 17th pf May, 1814, when the ring was immediately occupied by the above ^p^rs, fpr a pqrse of twepty-fiye guineas, given by the pugili9tic plob. Upon the first appearance of Jay, at Rickman^- Wprtb, wbpn bp defpated FmII^, it was rfien thought from his prominent display of milUng requisites, that be bade fair to obtain a higher situation op the pugilis- tic roll of frame. His unqaestionable strength, firm-^ ness of stature, and a sharp severity of htttingf were great traits in his &voar. And even in his second contest with Fuller, when he experienced a reverse of fortune, and was compelled to yield to superior science, he nevertheless claimed notice, and showed considerable game. The hip$ (^ Jay are bigger than most men, and his thighs and legs are extremely athletic. In the hands of Cooper he appeared a mere commoner indeed, and no traces of his former mUHng character were visible. In the short space of EIGHT MiKVTEs he was jmntiA^ out of all conceit of himself and the puree, by .declaring he had had enough! while, on the contrary, Cooper retired from the ring with scarcely a scratch upon his face. The amateurs were completely astonished at the Jlnishing qualities of Cooper; but, it appears, that Jay felt so much de^ premon in being defeated by Fuller, that he took no care of himself whatever, and was never in any thing like condition afterwards fit to enter the prize-ring. Cooper, it seems, shortly after the above battle, went to Scotland, where he opened a school for the tuition of the Art of self*defbncb. At Edinburgh, in particular, his general conduct was much praised— it not only gained him many patrons, but his school was well attended. A match was now proposed between Coopbr and Carter, for «£lOO a-side, both being at Edinburgh; but it went off in consequence of the bad state of health of the latter. The country amateurs thought it would have proved a fight of great equality. The patrons of pugilism anxious, at all events, to SKBTCHBS OF PDOILISM. 961 witness a prize-mill in Scotland, entered into a sobscription purse for that porpose, to be fought for by Cooper and MoUneaux. This battle took place at Ck>rsethill, in Lanerkshire^ on March 10, 1815. Early in the morning, the Fatwy were all upon the alert, and not a drag or a prod was to be had in Edinburgh by nine o'clock. Thousands, before day-light, PoweUed it so as to arrive in time numbers, it seems, went on a wrong scent and sailed foe Inchkeith. At half-past twelve. Cooper and Molmeaux appeared in the ring, and, at fourteen minutes before one, they shook hands and set-to. Oliver and a Yorkshireman seconding Cooper and Jot Ward and Richmond for Molineaux Six to four on the Black. First round. — ^Tbe greatest silence prevailed, and the Caledonian amateurs appeared most anxiously interested upon the first attack. Considerable sparring occurred, both, it should seem, being aware of the milUng talents possessed by each other, when Molineaux commenced offensive operations right and left, and Cooper, in return^ put in a sharp bodier^ but in slipping received a hit which sent him under the ropes. Second. — Miliing without ceremony, and both of the combatants on their mettle. Molineaux planted a sharp nobber^ but received for this favour two tremendous hits upon his kidneys, that made him wince again and gasp for breath. Some blows were exchanged, and, in closing, both down. Third. — Molineaux, with the most determined spirit, after his usual style, kept fighting at his opponent's bead while Cooper directed all the blows at the body. Some heavy hits passed between them, and in a desperate rally against the ropes, the claret was first observed upon Cooper: however, the round was finished to the advantage of the latter, who hit the ttum of coUmr out of the ropes. Seven to 4 upon Cooper. Fourth. — Molineaux appeared at the scratch rather distressed from the effects of the last round. Cooper, full of gaiety, took the lead, 2LXid floored Molineaux in grand style. Two to one on Cooper. oxiAiu cm. fifth.— Tbe avperiomjrQf C^optr hm Qomiifknan,tg>tmur one present He stopped the fury of the Black with much kill nobbed him at will made the blood copiously to mn down bit face; and again hit the man of coionr cbwn. Any odds upon Ctoper* Sixth* — MolioMMX was grpwing w«ak« and Cooper h^vivi the best of him in an easy styje. The latter put in a tremendout facer, which Jbored the Black like a shot. Seventh to ninth. — In all these rounds the best of the fl^htimg waa decklediy on the part of Caoper. Molineanx was hit down every rounds Tenth.— The Black still determined, rallied Cooper a&unsl the ropes, and some hard fighting occurred; but, the Tatter planlad so despierate a blow on hb opponenl^s body, that he went down quite rolled np, hiff bead fisdUng agaimi the stfjiqi of the ring. Eleventh. — Molineaux, with all bis defects and faUmg ajT, astonished the ring from the gallant manner he fought this round. Some terrible exchanges of blows were witnessed, when the Black again rallied Cooper up to the ropes. In closing, Molineaux was severely fibbed, but broke from hk antagonist in grand style, and ultimately ^ioorvd Cooper by a heavy blow upon his fiice. From the great exertion nsed by MoKneaox he fell down quite exhausted. This rather reduced the odds. Twelfth. — Cooper appeared at the scratch eager to finish the Black, when he nobbed Molineaux successively, and completely hit him off his legs. The man of colour was quite ^ck, and brandy was obliged to be given him to recruit hts decHaing spirit. It was all up with Molineaux. Any odds, but no takers. Thirteenth. — Molineaux wa CooPEa returned to England, when it was expected a mateh woold have been made between him and Harmer; hut^ in consequence of not meeting with a cuiiomer of any description, he once more directed his steps toward his patrons ia Sootland, where he was again well^received, and liberally patronized. He was at length matched with Robinson, (a man of colour,) who had gained considerable notoriety from two contests with the Lan<»shire Hero, Carter, particularly in the latter one, a match, against time (half an hour;) although defeated in both instances. The Caledonian fanckti, like the metropolitan high-bred $W lh, were ail in motion at an early period to witness the above miU; and an unusually strong master of amateurs of all pedigree^ from the Laird of rank down to the more humble Bonnie cheel,'' were seen in every direction trotting alcmg the 064 BOXIANA; OK» road, 80 great was the aoxiety maDifested to view these heroes of the Loodon riog,'' exhibit their various acquirements of self-defence. It occasioned considerable betting previous to the fight; but whatever opinions might have been entertained by the patrons of pugilism iq Scotland, respecting the miUing qualities of Robimon, it should seem the more experienced ones in England viewed the match in question as one of the most certain things that could happen, if it was all right, and Cooper must win the battle in high style, asserting that Robinson had no peculiar boxing trait to rely upon, not even a shadow of chance, excepting his superior strength. And anticipation, in this instance, proved exactly to be the fact. Robinson was beat off hand with the same tang Jroid that Cooper disposed of Jay. On Monday, the £4th of Febuary, 1817, the men entered the ring at one o'clock, attended by their respective seconds, in a twenty*feet ring, at Costerton Houghead, about fourteen miles from Edinburgh^ for a purse of fifty guineas. The gallant style displayed by Cooper, proved a perfect treat to the Scotch admirers of boxing. His superiority was evidently manifest upon lifting up his hands, and putting himself in an attitude of defence*; but, before the first round was finished, all the spectators were perfectly satisfied what must lie the result of the battle. It would be superfluous to detail the minuti« of the rounds, short, even as they proved, being only seven in number. Robinson, in the hands of Cooper, appeared no more than afresh caught novice, — and the latter pugilist treated the capabilities of the Man of Colour with the most mortifyiog contempt. Coopbr punished him severely in all directions^ pat in hits on every part be aimed at^ and concluded every round so Jinis/dng, as to receive loud and repeated applause. Robiruon could not stop the celerity of his opponent's blows; and only in one instance did he make any thing like a successful hit. He vieA floored every round. Cooper is allowed upon all hands to be the best natural fighter of the day — and, if he possessed that primary requisite for a fighting man, sound stamina, he would be an equal competitor for any thing either upon the Scotch or English lisL It appears, from the elegant display of Cooper, that the gentlemen composing the fancy^ both South and North of Carlisle, felt anxious to back him against any one of his weight. It was a curious remark, made by some one, that Oliver beat Cooper, and Carter defeated Oliver; and again Cooper conquered MoUneauXf and Molineaux proved the victor in his contest with Carter. Cooper, from the union of his superior practical knowledge of the Art of Self-defence and civil deportment, it seems,, rendered himself an object of much attraction among the amateurs in Scotland. As a teacher he is also much pratronized and, in consequence, it is said. Cooper fixed his residence in that part of the kingdom. In concluding this sketch one general remark will suffice :— *in the ring he is seen to peculiar advantage, and without undue adulation or disparagement, a more complete boxer in his day was not to be found upon the list of scientific pugilisU than-^GftOROE Cooper. I aha; or. l^tnrp itettcm. SiNCB the heavjf mvLLivo days of MotineauXf bo pagiHst of colour was so much thought tyf as Sutton in fiict, it was long time a qae^ba, whether he was not the gamat Blade that erer appeared in the Eng^ Irsh prize-ring? He is about thirty years of age» and a tiatlve cf Bahimore, in America. Suttok, k «p- pearSy was employed, after Ins arriral in England, for soma years, as a conwporter. In 'Deptford and he ttChiei^ed numerous -comqtretfts in that neigh bouiliood, over some hardy fellows belonging to the Dock-Yards, See. particularly a most desperate fight whh a man ef l!be vanre erf Dunn, for an hour and seren minutes, in the street. Curiosity, It is said, attracted Sutton to witness the mil between the two Men ofCokmr, Robm- $on and Stephenson, at Coombe-wood, on Tuesday, May 28, I816. Sutton being a tall, strong, ttftrletic man, and not much nnlike Stepkemon^ it seems, was noticed on the ground by some of the amatenrs, and a purse was o£Pered him to enter the lists w4lh ftwsiiier Black, also selected from the crowd. These 99tHbpe lieroes having agreed to the terms proposed to them, entered the ring without farther pre&oe. Bkohmmi and Harmer seconding Sutton and OhyAy and Taidingtan Jma taking the other Black oeAer at his opponent this conduct so enraged Sutton^ that he rushed in «nd planted a chopping hit which made Cropley's beauty dance again, ilt wais now the comic scene of a pantomime, and new tricks ^lere intM^ted at every step. Sutton, in making a blow at his opponent's nob, hit his cap oSy and -hk bald pate appearing, the spectators set up roars of laughter yet notwithstanding the variety of ludicrous potsures exhibited by these black Quixotes -rn search of chivalrous expldits, some heavy iin//!/ii;g passed between them. Four minutes si^nd A Balf had at length passed, amid the most uproarious shoots and applause frcftn l!he lookers on, when Sutton, to put an end to this singular round, .grappled his opponent and brought liim down. Second. — On setting-to some hornpipe steps wetb jigged by Cropley's black, added to the grimaces and antcis of a pantaloon. The arms 'Of Stitton trembled astonishingly, and his frame seemed much agiia^. He made use of the chopping blow, and whenever his dbtance proves oorredt, his hits 'weve evidently tremendous. Some few blows passed, when Cropley^s black was thrown. Thirds— The little one did ndt seem to like milHng; und^ perhaps, had it not been for Che charms of a purse, he 'had never entered the ring. In 'fact, he ifasno match lor bis «p*ponent. De hopped about the ground, and hit at random. Stotton trembled so violently, that he claimed particular iK>tice in this i^pect. He aeemed *parti)iil todhii^pping at hb opponent. Some few blows were exchanged,, when Gropley's 'black fell, and thus finished this caricature an Milling. On hne 4, 1816, at a benefit for Eaki atid Jiahnsom, «t when the battle took place on Bungay-GommoOf in Suffolk. Early in the morning SKBTCBB8 OF VU0ILI8M. ^71 the amateors were in motion, and not a coach, chaise, cart, or any sort of vehicle whatever, could be had in Norwich, all having been previously engaged for the miU; and, notwithstanding the rainy state of the weather, myriads of pedestrians were pouring in from all parts of the county, so that by twelve o'clock not less than 5,000 persons had assembled upon the common. The ring was formed in a far superior style to those made at Moubey, Shepperton, &c. besides the enclosed one of twenty-four feet, for the combatants to engage in, an outer-roped ring was placed, leaving a clear space of twenty yards for those persons connected with the fighting men to walk round without confusion, — next stood the pedestrians in several rows, — and^ lastly, three circles of waggons made the whole com^ plete, giving the ring the appearance of a perfect amphitheatre. Every person could see with the utmost ease, and the whole was conducted with the greatest propriety and good order. The spectators were silent in the extreme. The combatants were much applauded upon their entering the ring. Painter was seconded by Tom Belcher and Harry Harmer and Sutton was attended by Tom Owen and Siehmond. About ten minutes after one the men shook hands and tet'^ec 6 and 5 to 4 upon Sutton* First round. — ^Tbe fine condition of Punter attracted the attention of every eje, and the terrific appearance of Sutton was equally imposing. Nine minutes elapsed before a hit occurred, during which, much science was displayed. The Black, it seems, had undergone some previous rehearsals, and his cue was steady,'' which was given> to him by his second, Owen, in order not to make the first blow. The first attack, however, commenced Dpom Sutton, which Painter returned by a slight righi- Bb2 bxhdcil hit! at the Black'i nob; a rally foUowed, and Fsinter^s auptrior tkiWmiUed the man of cviont^%yimple roostsucceisfttUy^ Painter ai length got away, when a second rally occurred, aivd Botton was floored from a right handed' hit on his jaw. The dm blood was howeYe.r« dumtk by Sattoa, slightly* fem painter's nose. Great applause. Second. — ^Tbe fine science of Painter was much admired, and the knowledge of boxing displayed by Sutton far above roediocriiy. Painter planted, with much adroitnest, a severe bodioTf and got away, the Black following, who received a facer, till the former made a sudden stand, and BLgaia ^oored him. — 6 to 4 against Sutton. Third.— The succest of Painter rendered it necessary for Suiton to alter hb prcoumiUf planned system of tactics, and Owen, upon the alert, like a skilful general, loudly observed to Sutton to fight his own way!" This hint was enough, pod the man of colour went to work without loss of time, and endeavoured (o plant a terrible blow with his left hand, which Painter stopped in a scientific manner. The Black now seemed determined on doing some execution^ and Painter appeared equally resolute. Tbey stood up to each other as if insensible to the effects of pmUhtient^ and exchanged hits with all the celerity of blacksmiths jstriking at an anvil, till they became quite exhausted/ when Painter was thrown in closing. — In this round the advantages were considered on the side of Sutton but the claret ran down in torrents from bis left eye. The nob of Painter was rather damaged^ and one of his peeper$ slightly marked. £ven betting. Fourth. — ^The man of colour seemed bent on millmg, and rallied in a most heroic style. Finer courage ^r greater resohition could not be witnessed. — ^The gamenest of Sutton was the object of admiration from all the spectaton, and the true boftom exhibited by Painter equally impressive. It is impossible to particularize the blows that passed between them in this round, more than merely to observe, they were dreadful indeed. Sutton not only receircd a severe bodier^ but so tremendous a blow on bit nob, that it was distinctly heard all over the ground. Painter went down easy. Fifth. — Half a minute was too short, apparently, for the men to come up to the scratch any thing like themselves, and they both commenced sparring to recover their wind. The Black at length made play, but out of distance, and got again severely nobbed. He, without dismay, fought his way SKBT lltt8 .OP. PmiLISM. 9W Mij. m, laltliougk ;li0 bad the utortt of, tbB]«earaace it nuKle, from tbe »iiigia^r .epntraM 9i the red streams upoo the Blacky would have been a &ie sm^-i ject for the strong iroagmation of a Fu s Ehw Soene reciprocaf hitting occurred^ when Painter's hack was accidentally turne^i fpr an instant upcni his opponoit, bvA he soon r^hled hini^elf^ and, in a sharp contested raUy» planted a good blow on the head of Sutton. In closing Painter went down. Seventh.--^In this round the superiority of fighting was de<^ etdedly on the side of Painter, who with much skill put m a winder, and also planted a severe blow on his opponent's punished head. The men opposed each other like lions, tiTt Painter fell, rather exhausted from the exertions he had made Sutton was equally diitressed, aM staggered like. a drunken man. He appeared scarcely to know where he was. Eighth, "Ninth, and Tenth. — ^Tbc fine condition of Painter was manifest in these rounds^ and he recovered himself with advantages in all of them* His impiovcd science was. «bo attractive. Eleventh. — Sutton proved himself a troublesome customer to be got rid of, and he, in the mo'st manly style of courage, endeavoured to get a change in his favour. The head of the Bkck, terrific to view, from its outr^ appearance, was again punished; but the left ear of Painter received so sharp a hit, that the blood ran in streams down bis hack. In closing, both down. It was evident Sutton was bear, and Tom Belchen went up and asked the question, but the seconds of the Black reproved him for so doing. Twelfth. — In this round Painter astonished his most intimate fHeods firom the saperiority of science which he exhibited. Sutton had no chance left him now but desperation, and he, bored in regardless of the consequences. His n')b came in contact with the left hand of Painter, and the claret folfowed pvt^sely. S^li ihe gamenesssoi Satton was not to be denied, and he contended bravely indeed, and Painter, in getting away from his impetuosity, found himself awkwardly situal^ against the stakes of the ring, when he fought his way out in the Randall style, and extricated himself from so perilous a place cleverly indeed. He also showed the advantages of giving, and the art of not receiving the Black's nob was again iM moaaAHAi #», otttof aU dMpe, Mid fibtod 10 ibMirfy, that tbe cAmT flowed £roai his oar. It was a terrible rottiidy and Sutton was all but done. Tbhtfltnth. — The Black was nothing else bot a good one !** or he never eould hare met his man again. In fact, he appealed stupid as to sdentific movements; bnt he nevertfaelos rushed at his opponent jM mdl. Pinter, quite cuUected, stopped the desperation of the Black with the utmost ease, and also mokbed him at wHl. Painter received a chance hit upon his cheek, but in return he ^floored Sutton. The Black was now so dead beat that he resigned the contest to his seconds; when he was requested to try two rounds more, which he gMiefy did, but it was oidy to add to hu puniskmcnt. At the end of the 15th round 1^ ccxild scarcdy articulate to Bdcher he woidd fight no more f"" OhB HODB AMD PORTY-TWO MIHUTBS had dapaedj and a braver or a more maoly battle does not stand recorded in the annala of pngilism. Sutton weighed 13 stone 9 lb. being two poonda heavier than his opponent and he stood also about three inches higher. His arms, too, were conuderably longer than Painter^i. Several of the spectators were so pleased with the asanliness of character displayed by the combatants^ that, in the impulse of the moment, they drew Pom- /er and his seconds off the ground* in their poat-chaises, into the town of Bungay* where several females were seen waving their handkerchiefs firom the window^ aa he passed through the streets to the inn* in honour of true cpurage. From the superior style with which the above victory was gained. Painter raised himself high in the opinion of the sporting world. It is uue* that to good CONDITION and active and careful trainbig he was much indebted for this conquest* he being op|ioaed to a man cf akaost herccdean strength and great pluek. Hisficst battle he lost with Sutton^ it seems, proceeded entirely from a deficiency of tone in the qrstem hot he was now able to face his man in the month of December^ for an hour and fariy^two mbnUei, in a cold rain^ without any difficulty; whereas, in his former contest with this iombre hero, his dtitrea was so great that he could not lift up bis hands at last, and this too occurred in a fine summer's day. On the contrary, at Bungay, he came into the ring do confident in mind, and firm in his person, that he took the fight out of Sutton, in a manner, at an early part of the battle. It was good training thai enabled him to do this; and Painter could have fought much longer had this been ne« eessary. The advantages of a icientific second was manifestly seen throughout the fight, from the improved system of tactics pursued by Painter upon this occasion. Beicher being at his elbow, the defensive plan was acted upon with judgement and success; and, accord* ing to the expressed opinion of many of the best informed amateurs of prize-boxiog, the prompt advice and superior skill of Belcher tended, in an eminent degree, in addition to the tractabiiity of disposition and courage of Painter^ to ensure victory. Comparison proves the fact. The latter^ in this second contest, hit and got away with all the advantages resultiog from science; while in his ^rsl battle he went in boldly, opposing strength to strength, by which means he was defeated the length and weight of Sutton beiug against him. In the character of a second^ from hb ejrperkiiee and practice as a meotifio pogUiftt, Bd-cker, if not superiory is certainly not excelled by any boxer whatever. Tbe resolt of this contest completely deceived the Knommg Ona, as the odds were greatly in favour of Sutton, previous to the fight; and Oliver, the con* qseror of Painter, it seems, on the ground, backed the Black freely, so sore was the event conridered by him. Painter called, the morning after the battle, opoB Sutton, and left him a guinea. The sporting people of Norfolk, it appears, were so highly gratified at the manner in which the battle between Painter and Sutton was conducted, that more prize combats were set afoot in that county. Belcher, Harmer, Riehmandp Owen, OHver, 8cc. exhibited at the Norwich theatre in the evening after the battle and their efforts to amuse were respectably attended. Sutton, notwithstanding the reverse be experienced with Painter, was a most tremendous 4>oxer proving himself a truly dangerous opponent for any pugilist, however well- versed in the art of mUHng^ Sutton was not destitute of a tolerable, knowledge of tbe science, besides being upwards of 6 feet in height — and possessing first-rate weight— longer anus than any pugilbt on tbe listr^gameot tbe first quality — ^great activity — not dissipated in bis mode of life— and, as A pendulum to all these requisites, of prodigious strength. Further comment upon his capabilities are not necessary he was carried off the ground; and the punishment he endured entitled him to the appdiatjon of a GOOD-ONE. As a Mrni of Colour he stood high indeed. YOUNG FISHER. PUGILISM AND BULL-BAITING BEFORE THE GRAND DUKE OF RUSSIA. THUB8DAY9 February IS, I817t Coombe-warreii was again the scene of attraction for the Lads of the Fancj/, to witness a mill between Crochey (who had been recently defeated by BonCf at liford) and a novice^, of the name of Fishbr, who thirsted to obtain pugilistic honours^ for twenty guineas a-side. The Grand DuKB Nicholas honoured the milUng circle with bis presence, accompanied by £x)rd YARBiouTHy and several amateurs of the highest order it being presumed that the Grand Duke*s knowledge of the English nation would be incomplete, and his tour not fimahedf if he had returned home without witnessing the old English sport of boxing. The grand caterer of the dayj. to make it all rights and as a sort of windup to the scene, ordered the game bull to be exhibited, and a let-go match by the dogs, for a silver collar. The Grand Duke took his place in a covered waggon at an early period, where a flag was flying to signalize the royal stand and at a quarter before one, Fisher entered tiie ring, and threw up his hat, and was soon followed by Crockey^ who made a very polite bow to his Imperial Highness and the spectators. Joe Ward and Paddington Jones waited upon Crockey and Olimr and Clark acted as seconds to Fishbr. 398 bdxiama; ob^ First roaiicL — Fisher, like all new ones to the ring, set-to in rather a hurried maDoer, and put in two slight hits without any return. Crockey slipped down on his knees, but instantly recovered binnelf; and, after a few blows were exchangad, both went down, Crockey undermost* Second.— Beth hit together, and Fisher shewed blood at the snomh. Crockey made play, and Fisher went down from a slight hit. Third.— Considerable sparring took place, and much jumping occurred, before a hit passed between them. Neither of the combatants seemed intent upon mUiing^ and although Fisher made a good hit, he turned round, as if looking for a phioe to fall. In closing, both down. Fourth.— Fisher attacked his opponent very briskly, and Crotkey again slipped down, but he got up, and renewed die round to much advantage, by putting in a severe &cer. Both went down, but Fisher undermost. Crocke/s ear bled profusely. FiAh.— This round was well contested, and some good blows passed, but materially in fisvour of Fisher. Both down, and rolled over each other. — Seven to 5 in favour of Fisher. Sixth. — Fisher, with much severity, planted some body hits, and, with a precious nobber, sent Crockey down. — Great applause. Seventh. — Crockey appeared in good condition, but threw away several blows in hitting short he, however, put in a tremendous blow on Fisher's shoulder. The latter again nobbed his opponent, and ultimately floored him. Eleven minutes had now elapsed, but very little execution had been done. Ei^th. — ^Both the combatants stopped with much celerity, but from the h'ttle punishment dealt out, a long fight appeared inevitable. Ninth to thirtieth. — ^It would be superflnotu to detail the mimUue of these rounds, there were no good points made; the advantages were alternately on both sides, but rather in favour of Fisher; the latter bled copiously from the eye, and exhibited signs of weakness. He did not appear strong enough to finish Crockey with any certainty, though he was ha the most lively and active. Little betting occurred. Thirty-first. — Crockey, in his usual lunging manner of hitting, made a good hit, but went down. 8KBTQBM OP NOIUSlf. 8f9 ThiftV'tqg^acL Some g#od Horn fu&ti, when Crockey Ml. Thirty-third to fifty-eighth and last.— -The fight was protracted to this Di|mber of rounds with little degree of interest. Tbeie waa aothing lUte first*rate seteoca exhiliited — heavy lllowg passed, but tewre punishment was by no means visible; and Crock^y finding that he could not win, resorted to his old mode of tumbling down. One hour and ten minutes had elapted; but, al the hands of a moderately experienced boxer, Crockey must have been disposed of in half the time. As a prize-fighter he may be pronounced as one that was now positively tM-^mt. FiSKBE, upon geuiog oo bis cloibesj waa introdaced at the aUod^ tarn tirhmmU, to the notice of the Gbanh Dokb, by Mickmond. The Dukb, in retnm for this mark of attention, not only took off his hat to the oonqqeror, hot shook him heartily by the hand, wiUi all the cordiality of an Englishman* He seemed very attentive to the battle, and made several remarks to the gentlemen of his suite. OHver^i game bull was now brought to the stake, and the 6b and Dvke minutely examined the silver collar. He appeared much surprised at the gamenea displayed by the English bull-dogs» in their determined attack to pin the bull. These dogs were of the first order, and afforded not only much amusement and laughter to his Imperial Highness, but also to the plebeian multitude. The bull, at lengthy broke loose from the stake and^ to describe the consternation, scampering, laughing, and shouting, that took place, would require the pencil of a Hogarth. The sports of the day, in consequence, terminated rather abruptly; and the Grand Dukb and his suite, in two barouches and four, left the ground for London. His Highness 980 BOKIANA; OEi was dressed io ibhK CMi iHtk^ gUt biiUom, ocnwred with a grey military cloak. He looked rather pale on his retara home, as if indisposed; and be was^ observed taking repose in hb carriage. Lord Yar-^ MOUTH and the Grand Duke had mach conversation together^ probably upon the nature of the sports exhibited; and bis Lordship officiated as time-keeper* Mr. Jackson gathered a purse for the losing man, and the higher orders did not seem unmindful of the object of his solicitation. Every thing was conducted with the utmost r^gularityi and his Imperial Highness had a good opportunity of witnessing the independence and humour of the English people, in the enjoyment of their sports. FiSHBB fought with the hardy ScroggtHs in a roomi at OUv r\ on Friday, May 9.A, 1817j when, after a sharp contest for nearly an hour, he was defeated. BILL BONE, the Soldier. Afteb the defeat of this hero by Carter, be kept aloof from the ring about four years^ till Thursday, December 5ih, 1816, when a renewal of the sports took place, on a part of Epping-forest, within a short distance of Ilford, in Essex. Bonb was now matched against Jack Crockey^ the sailor, for 20 guineas a-side. The scene of actiup was kept so profound a secret, that even many in the Fancy lost Kent, the Ain^ having been given that the mill would certainly take place near the Sun-in-the-Sands, contiguous to Blackheath. It proved SKBTCHB8 OF PUGILISM. 381 a great disappointment to many of the amateurs, who retamed honye with, much chagrin. Croetey had been busy in the ring, with mnch saoces^, the preceding two years. Bonb was seconded by Oliver and Eale$; and Ciari and a novice seconded Crockey. Betting 6 to 4 on Bone. First round. — Crockey set-to in an awkward round manner, and^ in measuring his length. Bone hit bim over. his guard upon the mouth, which drew blood. In a trial of wrestling. Bone had the best, although both fell.. Second.— Crockey was hit down without ceremony. Third. — Bone repeated his hits, and Crockey planted some blows about the body; round but inefitetive. After two minutes fighting, Crockey was thrown. From the fourth to the tenth rounds, it was Chelsea College to a teniry-hox; Bone out-fought his adversary in every point. He bad length and science upon him, and whilst Crockey's fists were swinging round, Bone hit strait with the left hand at the centre of his nob, and with his right ptmuked his left ear. Claret flew copiously from the light-handed hits of Bone. Twelfth.— Crockey made a decent stand, and fought well. He was hit down on his knees in the middle of the round, but he recovered and made play. He, however, had much the worst of, it, and was ultimately grasted. Thirteenth. — Crockey made an ineflfeclual opposition, and got a little punished. He was here evidently beat, but he protracted the fight to the twenty-fifth round without a chance, notwithstanding the offices of his adherents, when h^ appeared guile sick of it^ and gave up the contest. The battle lasted 'thirty-five minutes. Bone was not hurt and Crockey viewed the next fight from a hackney coach, between the Bow Boy au4 a Sailor^ with the most, perfect indifference. Many*8econd ratera about the ring couM have disposM of either qaickly and Bone, it should seem, had bnt few pretensions remaining to attract attention in the prize-ring. 388 BOXIANA^OR JACK SHAW, THE LIFE-GUARDSMAN, ONB OP THB BRAVE HBEOBS THAT FELL ON TUB PLAINS OP WATERLOO. Peace to his manes 1 The above warrior, whose martial exploits and honoarable death are recorded in the annals of his ooontry, long bade fair to become a distinguished feature in the pugilistic circles, bad not his career been so speedily terminated in the field of glory. He is thus truly and emphatically apostrophised by a great modem amatory poet — Oh, shade of the cheesemoog^ ! yon, who, alas ! Dombiee^iPf by the doxen, these mounseers in brass, On that great day of mUlmg, when blood lay in lakes. When Riiros held tke bcitie and EuaoPE the fUkttl" John Shaw was a native of Woolaston, in Nottinghamshire, and brought up as a farmer, until be was eighteen, when, tired of longer leading a dull inglorious life,'' be enlisted, on the l6th of October, 1807, as a private in the Life-Guards. It seems, He had heard of battles, And he kmgfd to follow to the field Some warlike lord." When Shaw was a mere ttriplmgp it appears, that, during the time he was fighting with a man three stone heavier than himself, at Woolastoo, and in ^^t danger of being defeated, Jem Bekher, who was at Nottingham, suddenly made his appearance in the ring. The latter gymnastic hero immediately went up to Shaw and ad? ised him in what manner to alter SKBTCUB8 OF PUGILISM. 882 bis system of tactics to render success more certain Shaw, opoo learning that it was the renowned Jem Belcher who had thus stepped forward to direct his efforts, felt, as it were, inspired with fresh courage^ acted promptly on the advice gifen to him^ and, io the course of a round or two, he turned the battle in bis favour, and ultimately gained the victory in great style. He also received the praise of Ji^m Belcher. From this circumstance, it is said, he attached himself to scienUfic pugilism. Shaw possessed, in an eminent degree, many requisites to render him a first-rate scientific pngilisL He was in height six feet and half an incb« weighing, when stripped, close upon Vb stone. It seems be bad derived great advantages from repeated exercise with the dumb bells, as a part of bis military discipline and his continual practice of the sword exercise had given such strength and elasticity to bis wrists and shoulders as made him capable of administering the most ej^etitive punishment. Discipline had also taught him coolness, in addition to a most excellent temper. He was introduced to the Fives-Court under the patronage of Col. Babton. In his first exhibitions he was considered rather slow in his movements but from the frequent use of the gloves, in competition with the most experienced and scientific boxers on the list at the above place, he rapidly improved. His height, length, weight, and strength, were of so valuable a nature, united with a heart which knew no fear, rendered Shaw a truly formidable antagonist. His public displays were considered far above mediocrity and, it appears, he felt great pride in getting the best of MoUneaux, In a 8ort of trial setHo at Mr. Jackson's rooms, with Captain Barclay, who, it is urged, never shrank from ffuniskmenif or hesitated in mUHng his adversary, and equally scorning any thing like the delicacy of Ught ylay^ out of respect to situation in life, received such a convincing blow on his month from the paw of the life-guardsman of his decisive powers of execution, that a dentist was absolutely necessary to replace matters in statu quo. The amateurs were satisfied he was nothing else but a thorough-bred one and it was considered a very difficult matter to hit him withoqt being returned upon. In retreating, he made use of his left hand with much effect, and was thought to £ght something after the temperate manner of Cribh. In the neighbourhood of Portman-square, our hero miUed three big fellows in the course of a few minutes' with the most comparative ease, for upbraiding him on account of the colour of his cloth and other opprobrious epithets respecting his regiment. They were all compelled to acknowledge their error, and gladly to cry for quarter. Shaw's first attempt in the prize-ring was on Saturday, July 12, 1812, at Coombe-warren, with Burrows^ a sturdy west-countryman, who had fought a good battle, of an hour's length, with the tremendous MoHnedux, when the athletic powers of the latter hero were undebauched and in full vigour; but, in the hands of Shaw, the west-countryman had not the slightest chance whatever. In the short space of seventeen mnutes, occupying thirteen rounds, the superior science of Shaw had so nobbed Burrowe, and he was 8KBTCHBS OP PUGILISM. 386 Otherwise so dreadfully beaten, that be could not see his way, and was led out of the ring. Burrows never onice drew blood from Shaw, who quitted the ring without a scratch upon his face. Three years nearly elapsed before Shaw made a second appearance in the prize-ring; during which period, it seems, from the considerable practice he had with the gloves, he was materially improved as a scientific pugilist. On April 18, 1815, at Hounslow-heaih, for a purse of fifty guineas, he entered the lists with that brave hero of the fist Ned Painter^ Victory again crowned his efforts in twenty-eight minutes and he also retired from the ring little^ if any^ the worse from the effects of battle. (See page It is certain Shaw had an eye upon the Championship— beseemed bent upon obtaining that high pugilistic honour; and, in consequence, he challenged all England ! The amateurs were divided in opitiion upon this subject, but Shaw felt confident, in his own mind, that no boxer existed who could conquer him. His kngih enabled him not only to hit first, and to get away in good style, but rendered him ready again to receive his opponent. His blows also were too weighty to be warded off like those of a man of lighter frame. Six weeks had scarcely elapsed after the above battle, and no time allowed for either Cribb or OHver (who would not have sufficed such a challenge to pass over unnoticed) to have an opportunity of eotMrhig the lists with Shaw to decide the point in question^ when bis regiment was ordered abroad, and beioon VOL. II. c c S8B BOktANA; e, that both of the cambataftts lost it ! George Cooper^ who was teaching the Art of Self* defence in Ireland, with much approbation, and whose fame as a boxer in England was also well known tp the Irish amateurs, was accordingly 3elected as an equal competitor for Donnelly, and they fought fpr a purse of sixty pounds. On Mondfiy» the 13th of December, J 8 15, they met in the ring, on ,tbe Curragh of Kildare, at a few minutes after ten o'clock in the mornjng. At linearly hour thousands of persons left Dublin to witness the fight, and the road to the scene of action was crowded with vehicles of every description, hurrying along to SKBTCHBS OP PUOILISM. 301 reach the destined spot. Donnblly, followed by Coady, received great approbation upon making his appearance; and Cooper, on entering the ring, was loudly cheered by the spectators. The combatants shook hands together, and immediately began to prepare for ^ction^ Cocdy seconded Donnelly.; and Pi^Ucr attended,, upon Copp^^ Bpth the^ men appeared in good condition. First round. — ^The tight boys of the sod were all upon the alert in favour of their countryman, a^id Donnelly must win, and nothing eke, was the general cry. Every ^ye (vas on. the stretch when the men set-to. Some little titne occurred in sparring, when Donnelly planted a sharp blow on the neck' of Cooper, and the latter returned in a neat manner oUj the body. Desperate milling then took place, when the round was finished by Donnelly^ who, in first-tate stylie, ^oo^^c/ his antagonist. Ii would be impossibfe to describe theishout'thbt accompanied this feat; i^ was not unlike a fire o^ artillery s« and the faces of the Paddies smiled ag^in with innate approbation. Second. — Considerable science was displayed before a hit* was made, when Donnelly put in a sharp j^ocfr.* He also drew blood from one of Cooper's ears, and his strength prevailed to that extent, as to drive Cooper to the ropes, where he went down. Third. — Had it not been on the Curragh of Kildare, it was presumed, that the fine fighting of Cooper would' have told with better effect. He evidently laboured under great fear, fron» the prejudice of the numerous spectajtors being so much attached to his opponent; but Donnelly exhibited great improvement, and he completely took the lead this round. After some tremendous hitting Cooper went down. Another iiproarious burst of applause. Fourth. — This was altogether a good round* Cooper con^ vinced Donnelly that he was a troublesome customer, and, ia spite of his overwhelming strength, he could not protect himself from punishment. In closing, both down, but Cooper undermost. Donnelly was now- decidedly the fovOurite, and 6' to 4 was the general hewing. an boxiana; oe. fifth.— The gpuety ol Donnelly was htstily stopped^ after an exchange of a few blows. Cooper, with much adroitnessy floored Donnelly in a 8cienti6c style; but the latter instantly got upon his legs without any help. The odds changed, and even betting was the truth. Si.xth« — Cooper's mode of fighting extorted the admiratien of the Irish jimateursy from the ease and natural manner he contended with his big opponent Donnelly was kept to his work, and he had some difficulty in getting Cooper off his leg. Seventh.—* In this round Donnelly was seen to much advantage, and he resolutely went in, as if to beat his opponent off hand. He drove Cooper to all parts of the ring, till they closedy when the strength of Donnelly almost proved fatal to his opponent. Cooper received one of the most dreadful cross buttocks ever witnessed and by way of rendering it even more terrifici Donnelly fell on Cooper with all his weight, driving the wind nearly out of bis body. Eighth.— From the severity of the late foil. Cooper appeared much distressed on setting-to. Donnelly, with some judgement, turned the weakness of hit opponent to good account and, after having the best of his adversary, Donnelly put in so tremendous a hit, that Cooper was hit off his legs. The loud cheerings from all parts of the ring beggared description, and, in the pride of the moment, a guinea to a tet^poug^ bit was offered on Donnelly. Ninth, — Cooper commenced this round in the most gallant style, and the milluig was truly despeiate on both sides. In making a hit, Donnelly over-reached himself and slipped Tenth. — ^Ihe strength of Donnelly was too powerful for Cooper; but, notwithstanding this vast disparagement^ the latter fought him upon equal terms of confidence. Cooper was, however, again ^fioared by Donnelly. High odds, but DO takers. Eleventh and last.— It was evident Cooper could not win; but, nevertheless, this round was fought with as much resolution and science to obtain the superiority, as if the battle had just commenced. Donnelly at length, pot in two tremen-^ dons blows, that put an end to the contest, particularly one on the mouth, that knocked Cooper off his feet. On victory being declared in favour of Donnelly, ihe applause lasted for a 8RBTC11BS OP t^UOlLlSM. $9^ minute. The battle continued for about twenty-two miiuites. Donnelly appeared quite elated with victory, and shook hands with Cooper, and also his iriends. DoNNELLTy in the above fight^ portrayed great improyement both in scienee and temper; and, added to his overwhelming strength^ he was enabled to beat down the guard of Cooper with ease and effect. He was also in better condition than when he fought HalL Cooper was much beneath his antagonist both in size and weight. Cooper was, in a manner, half beat before he entered the ring, arising, it is urged, from the prejudices which ^existed against him. The sum originallj offered to the combatants was a purse of «£l20, and the loser to have £%0 but on the morning of fighting, after Cooper had been kept waiting in a chaise on the ground for upwards of an hour, he was told, that the funds would not admit of more than «£60 to be given to the winner, and nothing to the losing man. Upon this statement. Cooper declared he would not fight — but the reply viras, you are on the ground, man ! and you must fight. The amateurs cannot be disappointed.** Under the above disadvantages Cooper met his adversary— he Jiad not only dared the attempt of wresting the laurel from ihe brow of the Champion, but that, too^ upon his native soil. During the battle some intemperate person threw a stone into the ring, which struck Painter on bis back, the second of Cooper. It is not meant to be urged that the latter could have won the battle — an impartial opinion has been given by his own countrymen directly to the contrary, asserting that Cooper^ with all his superior boxing skill, doe» Bot posseu flrength enough to cednce the o?erwheltniDg powers of Donnbllt. This Irish Cham- |>ion was there considered a first-rate boxer and from the repeated use of the glo?es be derived great inapiovencQt* Hk beaefitt^ at the Olympic Theatre, in Dublin* vere, ia general, numerously. attend^; &p4i in the choraotec of a pnbUcM^ hfe hoiM^.was weU atn tended b; the Irish amateurs. Tbe.aisie, stronglbf aad teieme of Donmxllt qaalified bun to figbi any. man in the world. JACK CURTIS, the Groom. Op the little ones,^ a better bit of stuff wrs not to be found in the milling circles, during the height of his pugilistic career, than the late unfortunate Jack Curtis. He was not destitute of science, and possessed a tolerably good knowledge of boxing, although his movements were not directed by superior skill; but severity of hitting, supported by unimpeachable bottom, were most decidedly his leading features as a prize-boxer. He, nevertheless, was a cool steady fighter in the ring. In the neighbourhood of Bermondsey, it seems, he was quite 2l fancied article, and no lack of backers ever experienced to take him by the hand upon any occasion. Curtis was in height about 5 feet 6 inches, and when stripped, in point of exhibiting a close and hardy frame, he greatly resembled Scroggins; but the former did not weigh above 10 stone 4 lb. The first battle of any note in which Curtis ap^ peared in the ring, was with Jack Atcherlet^ (otherwise 8KBTCHBS OF FOOHISM. aSfr denoiniiiated nacker Jack J a man coouderably taller and mach heavier than himself^ for ten guineas a-side. This contest took plac^ at Eust^^j-green, a short distance from the Metropolisj in August, 1815, on the Walworth-roady in the presence of some tboasand*. The gatnc evinced by Curtis astonished every one his nob was so dreadfully puuUhed that all traces of his foce were completely lost sight of; bis nose also lay quite flat; and hisr ear^ wei'e reduced to a mere mummy. In fact, this battle partook of so much determination on both tides, that numerous spectators turned away iVom the terrible effects of it and, notwithstanding the chance was so much against Cuetis, he positively refused to give in, till he had fought for one hour and tkirtyeevem .minuteSf when nature was so exhausted that he was carried off the field insensible, and a defeated man. His next battle was with Tom Rowet at Moulseyhurst, for ten guineas a-side. This contest was also desperately carried on for an hour and ten minuteSf, when Curtis proved the conqueror. It was a good fight altogether but Curtis displayed so much manhood, and took the lead in such a superior style, as to claim the attention and praise of the amateurs. From the above improved display, Curtis was considered able to enter the lists with West-country Dick, and on Tuesday, March 5th, 1816, on Hayescommon, near Uxbridge, these heroes met in the ring, at one o'clock, for a handsome purse. Oliver and Richmond seconded Curtis and SlieUon and J. Clark for Dick. Seven to four on Curtis* After the usual ceremony the men set-to :— 3M BOUANA; 0R9 First itNind.— Like many first rounds little execotioD was perfonned by either combataDt. Both the men were incorrect in their distances, when Curtis was thrown. Dick gained applause, and also reduced the betting. Second. — ^Dick, full of bustle, went to work without delay, and tried to plant his one-two on the body and nob of. his opponent, but the superior skill of Curtis stopped the intention. He, however, slipped down in making a blow. Third. — Both the heroes were now on their mettle, and sharp reciprocal hitting occurred. Curtis, at length, took the lead, and drew the cork of his opponent but, the latter, in return, also brought forth the claret and threw Curtis. Fourth. — This was a tolerably even contested round. The 0iiety of Dick gained no advantage over the coolness of Curtis. In dosing, both went down, owing to the slippery state of the grass. Fifth. — Dick succeeded in planting his favourite righthanded hit on the body of his opponent but Curtis, with much severity, knocked down Dick in i^urn with his left hand. Loud. shouting, and 2 to 1 offered on Curtis, without any hesitation. Sixth. — Punishment was severely dealt out upon both sides, and Dick appeared rather distressed. The latter also received a tremendous nobber, that brought forth the claret profusely but Curtis was ultimately thrown over the ropes. Seven to 2 on Cuitis. Seventh. — ^This round was most manfully fought. Dick commenced with uncommon gaiety, and his right hand was at work like the fly of a jack, and severely milled bis adversary s body. Curtis, with equal spirit, attacked his opponent, till they went down in a close, quite exhausted. Eighth. — It was evident that Dick had not recovered from the effects of the last round, and ^he chance of winning appeared strongly against him. Dick was quite confused, and missed most of his blows, while Curtis kept succesfolly planting nobiring hits. In closing, Dick made a desperate effort, and sent Curtis, as before, out of the ropes. Ninth. — ^The courage of Dick was much admired, and, although suffering greatly from the severe blows of the last round, Jie stood up to Curtis in gallant style. In struggling for the throw both went under the ropes. Tenth.— Dick ultimately threw his man; but he received SKBTCHB8 OF PUGILISM. 397 mach Injury in this round from his knuckles coming in contact with his adversary's elbow. Eleventh. — Notwithstanding the hands of Dick were much disabled, he fought wiih the most determined resolution but Curtis had the superiority in every point of view. In dosing, they both fell over the ropes. Twelfth. — Dicky with much dexterity, ./foorei Curtis as he was going in. Great applause. Thirteenth to thirty-third and last. — It would be superfluous to detail, minutely, the whole of the above rounds. In many of them Dick fought with his accustomed courage^ but in several instances he lost his temper. His right hand might be said to have gone, it was so lacerated and swelled, and his left was not effective. He had no chance of winning and after fighting in the most gallant manner for viFTT-BiOHT MI NUT BS he was reluctantly compelled to acknowledge that he had had enottgh/ Lazarut, termed Jtbe Jew boy, who put out his shoulder io fighting with George Ballard, and which accident, it seems, deprived him of victory, was, at length, matched against Curtis. The character of the Jew stood high among the amateurs, from the capabilities he had shown in his late battle, and a good fight was anticipated. They met at Coombe-warren, on Wednesday, June 26, 1816. OUver seconded Curtis and Laxartu was attended by some of his own people. Odds 5 to 4 on Curtis. First round. — ^At setting-to considerable caution was displayed on both sides, and nearly a minute had been occupied in sparring before any blows were exchanged. Curtis, at length, put in a facer, which brought forth the c/ore^, when the Jew sharply returned upon his opponent's nose, that not only started the blood, but sent Curtis down. Second. — Cautious sparring, when Lasarus again sent his roan down, lliird. — Both on the look*out to obtain an advantage, when 806 MXIAlfA; OK, ihey got into % rslly, but soon broke «wav. In ctostng, Curtis fibbed the Jew severely, and they both feU over the ropes. Fourth. — Both d(»wn, but Curtis had the best of the round. Fifth. — Well contested on both sides, but, in closing, Cunis fibbed his opponent down. Sixth. — Curtis made play and put in a good hit, when the Jew sharply returned. In closings Curtis agidn sent iiis man Seventh. — ^Tbe Jew attacked impetuously, bored his adversary to the ropes, and hit htm down. Eighth. — LAxarus generally waited for his opponent's hitting first, when he instantly returned. After some sparring, Lazarus mnjhored. Ninth. — ^Both parties appeared rather painted about the mugt and the Jew again went down. Tenth. — Upon setting-to Curtis ran his man down. Eleventh. — Curtis put in some good hits and had the best of the round, but, owii^ to the slippery state of the grasii, he went down from a slight bit Twelfth. — The Jew went to work a little, and appeared to have the best of the round. Thirteenth. — Curtis seemed the best man, but his of^onent had too much length and weight for him. However, he was by no means shy, and generally commenced hitting. In closing, the Jew had the worst of it, and went down. Fourteenth. — A close soon took place, and both were on the ground. Fifteenth.-^The strength of Lazaias iwisted him in threwing Curtis and falling upon him. Sixteenth. — ^The Jew had the best of this round. In closing, a struggle took place for the advantage, but Laaarus fibbed his man down. Seventeenth. — Several hard blows were exchanged till they closed, when they both fell over the ropt^ but bf the ring. Ourtis immediately jutnped up qtlite fresh. Eighteenth. — Curtis put in a severe blow upon his opponent's iio6. In closing, a severe straggle took place betvveen them to obtain the throw, hot Curtis was uppermost. Nineteenth. Laanis ran rapidly in and sent Curtis down. 8K£T HE8 OF 'TOOfUSM. 888 Tweotiedi.— Cartis showed himself off to good advantage in this rofidd. He sUpped down fpen a slight hit hie received, but instantly jumped up on his legs with the utmost gaiety, and soon afterwards sent Lazarus down. Twenty-first.— This was a sharp miUmg round. In closing, Curtis fibbed the Jew down OiVer the ropes. Twenty-second. — The Jpw" shewed considerable activity and game. He faced his man with good Confidence, and planted a hit that sent his opponent down. Twenty-third.— Some hard blows exchanged, when both went to the ground. Twenty-fourth. — Lazarus, m closing, gotCurtis's bead under his arm, punished him slightly, when both went down in a struggle. Twenty-fifth. — Curtis put in a light hit, but, from the slippery state of the grass, Lazarus went to the ground. Twenty-sixth. — It y/a^s stefidy fighting on both sides, but Curtis, from his itaymg qualities, was the favourite. He had the best of the round, but ultimately both found the grouid. Twenty-seventh.— Curtis seemed rather taking the lead, and had not his opponent been the heaviest man, he would soon have made great progress towards victory. He went in with much gaiety, and finally brought Lazarus down. Twenty-eighth. — ^The Jew rather cautious, stopped a heavy blow, and made a sharp return but Curtis on the alert, ultimately sent him down. Twenty-ninth. — ^This was a fighting round altogether. The Jew, on his mettle, put in a severe body blow, which was instantly returned on the nob by Curtis. Several heavy blows were exchanged between them, when, at length, Lazarus Thirtieth.— In closing, Curtis threw the Jew out of the ring. Thirty-first-T-Lazaius set-to witb spirit, but Curtis was too much for him and/ inclosing, bdth Ml. Thirty-second. — ^The Jew hit Curtis, when the latter slipped down, owing to the wet state of the ground. Thirty-third. — Some hits were exchanged, when Lazarus Thirty-fourth. — Of no consequence. Thirty-fifth. — ^Laxmrus attackMl Curtis with macb severity* and finally knocked him down out of the ring. Curtis, with the utmost ease, got up himself, and came to his seconds. He was much applauded. Thirty-sixth. — Both their (aces were cnmmmed^ and Curtis slipped off his balance from a hit, and went down. Thirty-seventh. — The Jew kept the advantage, and again sent his man down. Thirty-eighth. — In closing, they both fell, but Lacarus undermost. Thirty-ninth. — An exchange of hits took place, when Curtis measured his disunce well, and put in a severe facer, that brought his antagonist down. Fortieth. — Some hard rnUing passed between them, but the Jew had the best of the round. In closing, both fell. Forty*first. — From the number of rounds ihey had fought, and their quickness in coming to the scratch, it was evident they were nothing else but good ones. The Jew was ultimately sent down, but he endeavoured to put in some good hits before he fell. Forty-second. — Curtb, ftfll of gaiety, went in and sent his roan down. Forty-third. — ^Two steadier boxers could not be witnessed, and both felt eager to make every blow tell. Much reciprocal fighting had taken place between them, atid, to the unbiassed spectator, the Jew appeared equally as good as the Christian* In closing, they both went down. Forty-fourth. — Curtis rather the best of it, and sent his opponent down: Forty-fifth. — The superiority again was on the side of Curtis, and Lasarus ul imately went to the ground. Forty-sixth. — The Jew set-to spiritedly and planted some good hits to his advantage, and leoelUd his opponent Forty-seventh. — ^Lasarus again had rather the lead. A few blows were exchanged, when Curtis went down. Forty-eighth.— -The liveliness of Curtis rendered him attractive, and whether floored or not he was always ready to miU. The length of the Jew protected him from a great deal of punishment which he otherwise must have received. In a dote, both down, but Curtia uppermost. SKETCHES OF PUOIUSM. 401 Forty-ninth. — ^The Jew put in a severe facer, which was sharply returned on the body by Curtis. They closed, and both fell. m^ Fiftieth. — This was a hard fought round, and the Jew put in a clean knock down blow. Curiis jumped up with the utmost sang froid. Great applause. Fifty-first. — Both went to work in earnest, but the Jew was sent down. Fifty-second. — Curtis, full of pluck, followed up his success and went in to mUl away some good hits were exchanged, when Lazarus again went down. Fifty-third.— Curiis kept the lead, but the Jew, not dismayed, returned hit for .hit, till he found himself on the ground. Fifty-fourth. — A sharp attack commenced between them, when they closed against the ropes, and both fell, Curtis struggling to fib his opponent. Fifty-fifth. — The Jew rushed in and bored Curtis to the ropes, but he had the worst of it, and jvas sent down. Fifiy-sixth. — Curtis, on the alert, was going resolutely in to mUl^ but the Jew stopped him by a severe knock-down blow. Fifty-seventh. — Lazarus, eager to improve this advantage, c^ommenced fighting, but was ultimately sent down. Fifty-eighth.— Both parties trying to obtain the superiority, some heavy blows were exchanged, when they closed, and both fell. Fifty-ninth.— The Jew measured his distance well, aad quickly levelled his opponent. Sixtieth. — In closing, Curtis had the best of his adversary, and dropped him in style. Sixty-first. — ^The activity of Curtis was pleasing, and he let no opportunity pass without taking advantage of it, and planted so severe a hit under the Jew's ear, that he went down like a log. Sixty-second. — Lazarus soon recovered himself, had the best of the round, SLudJloored his man. Sixty-third.— The Jew made a good hit, but the slippery state of the grass seemed to operate more towards sending Curiis down than from the eflects of the blow. VOL. II. D d Sixty-fouitli, — ^A few blows passed between Uiem, when Curtis got Lazarus down. Sixty- fifth. — ^The Jew from a slight hit slipped down. Sixty-sixth and last. — Lazarus did not appear particularly to have the worst of the round, but he was ultimately seat down by Curtis and some surprise Was manifested when it was amioonoed that the Jew had given it in, as he stood well upon hb legs. It was urged that his shoulder was again dislocated. In this battle^ notwithstanding the coarage displayed by Curtis^ he did not take the lead over his opponent, as had been preTionsly anticipated and it was the earpressed opinion of the best judg^ npon the subject, that, had not the shoulder of Lazarus gi?en way, the matnner of its termination would have been very doubtful. Curtis, it seems, was now anxious to enter the lists with Ned Turner, little more than a novice^ but whose character was rising as a boxer in Bermondsey. After a few meetings to arrange the affair in question, they were accordingly matched for 100 guineas. Curtis was confident in the extreme that victory would attend his efforts indeed, he flattered himself that his opponent would not have the slightest chance with hikn and his friends were equally sanguine^ and sported the odds very high against Turner. This unfortunate contest took place on Tuesday, October 22, 1816, at Moulsey-hurst, when, after fighUQg one hour and twenty-five minutes, against the repeated remonstrances of his friends, he was taken out of the ring in a state of insensibility, and expired in a few hours afterwards. (See page 1S90 SKETCHES OF PUOILISM. 408 JACK FORD. The early exploits of this milling hero are meDtioned in page 469 of the first volume of this work; hat| since that period, he has exhibited in the ring in rather a more prominent point of view. The courage of FoRD^ although unquestionable, with a good portion of scientific knowledge, and game equal to any thing on the list of boxers, nevertheless derived more notoriety from repeated defeats, than it became conspicuous from his pugilistic requisites. The sound of VICTORY but seldom cheered his efforts^ though his exertions often deserved it; bnt, at all events, the appellation of a good man'' could never be denied him. The following battles, as to his character as a game hero, speak for themselves — FoR0 entered the lists with Alexander, the game^ keeper, for a subscription purse of 20 guineas, on Tuesday, June 18, 1812, in Newman's Meadow, near the Turnpike, at Hayes, in Middlesex. Paddingtom Janes and Cropky seconded Poed; and Alexander was attended by Richmond and Fuller. It was an over-match for Ford, but his true courage prompted him on without dismay, and he contended for one hour and ten mimdes, till he was carried out of* the ring. Ford experienced nearly 40 tremendous fails. Our hero next fought with a man of the name of Davis, at Redmarley, in Gloucestershire, for a purse of 20 guineas, in a forty feet roped-ring, on the 24th of August, 1812. Ford was waited upon by Abra» hams and Yamold seconded Davis. This was a most Dd2 tremendous fight dreadful punuhmtnt^ but reciprocal occupying the loog space of two hounand ten minuUSp when the appearance of the combatants was so terrific^ that the spectators interfered, and the purse was divided between them. FoBD^to fought a desperate battle with Tom Ofiver. (See page 990 He next entered the lists with the iscientific Harry Harmer. (See page 470 Ford also had a battle with a Namgator, on the 9th of May, 1815, at Twickenham*common. The Navigator, in evety pqint of view, was too much for Ford; but the latter contended in his usual game style, although the chance was decidedly against him, and^ at the expiration of 56 minutes, he again experienced defeat. On Thursday, July 18, 1816, just beyond Ilford^ in Essex, upon Hunsdon's -Land, Ford and Harry Lancaster entered the lists for 20 guineas a-side, in a twenty-four feet ring, af one o'clock. Lancaster was attended by O/i'rrr and Clark; and Ford had, tor bi» seconds, Harry Harmer and Norton. Ford, as a bottom man, stood well but an idea had gone forth that the fight had been taken out of him, and that he was gone off altogether in consequence of which, it was laid down in the betting circles th|it he must lose, and nothing else and it was giving Harry Lancaster a chance to raise his name above defeat. First round. — Ford immediately commenced fighting, by giving Lancaster two facers, when the latter retu^^ed on the body. Several hits were exchanged- -a sharp rally then took place^ and, in closing, Ford went down. This round occopied two minutes and a half. — Seven to four upon Lancaster^ Second. — Ford endeavoured to put in some good blo^s but, from Lancaster's mode of getting away, they did not prove effective, when Lancaster bit Ford down. Third. — I^ncaster did not seem altogether so^ confident as might be expected, as he kept continually jumping away from Ford's blows but, at length, in closing, Lancaster fibbed his opponent severely down. l*he odds b^gan to rise rapidly on Lancaster. Fourtb.^-Lancaster. again- on the alert, when some good blows were exchanged, and Ford went down from a hit. Fifth. — Lancaster appeared too strong for his man, and again sent him down. — Two to one on Lancasfer, Sixth. — Ford made some good blows, and the face of his opponent seemed a Utile pinked but Lanca!>ter sent him again to the ground. Seventh. — Ford frequently hit short, and, in closing, he was sure to be sent down. Eighth. — This was a good round, and a long severe rally occurred but Ford, as before, was down. — ^Four to bne upon Lancaster. Ninth. — Ford put in two severe facers, without receiving any return. Lancaster, in closing, again sent his opponent down. Tenth. — Ford went sharply to work at the nob of his opponent, which Lancaster left in an' unprotected state by fighting at the body of Ford. In closing, Lancaster threw his man with ease. Eleventh. — On settiig-to Lancaster cleanly hit Ford down when it was loudly vociferated, what do you think of that for Logic? The odds again rose rapidly upon Lancaster. — Six and seven to one. Twelfth. — ^The spectators, generally, seeme at Moulsey-hurst, on the same day the above big ones*' contended. Belasco was seconded by Lazarus and Gatsey; and Ned Bkow VffiaMy termed the Sprig of Myrtle! (a soa of Hopping Ned's,) under the care of Richmond^ These kds (17 years old each) had often exhi- bited wiih the gloves at the Fives Court — and it was now determinedy by the patrons of the art, tbey should experience the reality of the thing. Brown scarcely weighing seven stone; and Belasco not exceeding eight. The first part of the fight the Jew had it greatly in his favour, he ndllcd and floored Neo repeatedly; and the odds were two to one upon him. But at length a turn occurred, and the Hamrnenmith sprigiook the lead in higb.style.\ The odds changed rapidly. He nobbed the junior Jew in severe style, and ultimately flnished him by a tremendous^orer, which he planted on Bblasco's mouth. Ned is a complete little trumps and he fought with all the heroism of a Gutty or a Cribb. He appear? intent on milting — full of bustle and activity — aody^ar seems to have no reding place in his composition. Caleb Baldwin^ Oliver^ &c. carried him off in triumph they giving out the chaff that the Sprig belonged to WeU'mituter. The battle continued about SO minutes^ and an equal number of rounds. BILL BALES. If superior knowledge of the pugilistic science, continually improving from repeated practice with the gloves, could ensure victory, no boxer on the list could ever stand in a more favourable point of view than Bill Eales, the carpenter. He made his debiii in the prize-ring, on that memorable day to the Fancy, when Dutch Sam was defeated by Nosworthy December 8th, I814> at Moul-. SKETCHES OF PUGILISM. 400 sey-hurst, for a subscription-purse of 25 guineas^ given by the Pugilistic Club. His opponent. Jack Lancaster, stood high in the opinion of the amateurs, from the spirited specimen of boxing he had previously exhibited and Bales was also well known as a sparrer\ but his intrinsic merits as a boxer had not been ascertained. It is but justice to observe, that> on this occasion, Ealbs distinguished himself in the first style of pugilistic excellence and his celerity of attack reminded the spectators of the late Jem Belcher. It turned out a truly scientific fight, and the art of boxing was portrayed with an unusual degree of talent on both sides. The first round occupied nearly two minutes, in which superior skill was displayed to obtain the advantage. Lancaster, upon setting-to, was the favourite, 6 to 4; and he was backed strongly as the win-' ning man but in the course* of nine rounds he got much punished, and was compelled to resign the contest in eighteen minutes. The hands of Lancaster were terribly lacerated; and had quite given way. The above contest has been highly spoken of as one of the most scientific milling exhibitions upon record — the neatness of stopping, and quickness of bitting never having been excelled. Eales's character, as a first-rate pugilist, now rose rapidly in the estimation of the amateurs, and he was selected as a formidable competitor against Scroggins, who was carrying every thing before him. They were accordingly matched, and met at Coombe-warren, on Saturday, August 26th^. ]815, when Eales, to the great disappointment of the Sporting Worlds was defeated. (See page 22B.) Little more can be observed, UiaD that, as a$UkMo, he ranks equal, if not superiofi to most of the professors of boxing; and, even jn competition with the a^comn plished Beldier and well-prepared Gtorgt Head,.)^ is not seen to disadvantage.' The appearance o£f £alb8 is prepossessing— he is a genteel, well made maa. In height, about 5 feet 6f inches; weighing U stone. It has proved a matter of some little astOAishment to the spirting circles, consideriag the superior scientific reqnisites possessed hy Bales, that he has not pfteoer exhibited in the: prize-ring. JOHN CROCKEY, the Sailor. If winds blew great guns, vtill he'd whistle and sing I Circumstances, instead of pretensions, it should seem, must have induced the above boxer to appear in the prize-ring, as Crocket was never conspicuous for any thing more than downright mitling; scientific movements not being his forte or his study. The War was at an end — Peace turning him adrift— Rnd Jighting being his trade, it appeal's, he followed the example of the hardy Scroggins, and enrolled himself among the list of boxers to better his fortune, and to give notoriety to his efforts. It is true, he was generally ready for a mill, when any blunt was offered for a made-up match on the ground but, onforttinately for his fame, his defeats were more numerous than his conquests. However, he surrendered to Robinson, Harry Lancaster, Bone, and aaaaBaaaaasaa .i i Fi$h&r, ^ith the iDost perfect nonchalance. At best, Crocket was but a rumbling fighter, without tactics, TQllifig ID, as it were^ upon his antagonist. His per* sonal appearance was no Adonu-Ai was altogether of the most uncouth description and adorned too wi^. a nobtt which seemed to defy even the fury of the elements* In height he was about 5 feet 7 inches^ weighing between 1 1 and ]2 stone. On the ) 1th of January, 1815, (after his friend and shipmate Scroggifu had defeated Dolly Smithf at Coom be- warren,) he was determined to introduce himself to the notice of the amateurs, and accordingly threw up his hat in the prize-ring for a subscription purse, when hb challenge was immediately answered by a promising Jew, aged 18 years. Seven to 4 upon the Israelite. It proved a most determined combat for 45 minutes, when Crockey was declared the conqueror. A month had sCiarcely elapsed, and feeling rather elated by the above victory, when he eljtered the lists with Manbjf, a baker, on the 13th of February, 1815, in a twemty-five feet roped ring. Oliver and Scroggu^sefiondxng CftocK^y; and Harry Banner 9nd Pad4mgton Jones for Manby. This contest occupied, two HOURS, during yirbicb time one hundred and twenty-six rounds were fought. The first four rouods were ip favour of the jbajl^ei:, who planted several sue- cessive blows, covered his antagonist's nob with blood, and ultimately floored Cboc^by. — 6 to 4 on Manby. In th^ 5th and 6th the odds changed oq Crockey but in the 7th, which proved a most determined rallying round, the baker put in so tremendous a' bit on 41ft BOlllANA; on. the neck of Crockey, that the dartt never left flowing from hit ear throughout the battle. Hie latter, however, took the lead in a spirited manner, and kept it till the 84th, when Manby, from giving bis adversary two successive cross-buttocks, again recovered the superiority. In the iOOth round, after ex^lfanging some severe hits, they both' fell in a singularly entangled manner upon their faces, and could not disengage themselves without the assistance of their seconds. The baker grew worse every round after this circumstance; but, notwithstanding Manby*$ falling oflF, it was with the greatest difficulty Crockey was able to win it. Both the combatants displayed good courage; and Crockey gained the conquest pierely from his weight. On the 24th pf April, J8I6, at Moulsey-hurst, a third battle was mixed up between Crockey and a Navigator, for a small subscription-purse collected on the ground. The Navigator was the tallest man, and we believe a new one to the prize-ring. His length of arm was considerably in his favour, but be left himself too open to the attacks of his adversary. They set-to with spirit, an4 the peculiar attitude of Crockey tended to make him much shorter by holding Ms body and head back, ana also very low. He possessed great ferocity, and was ever a lunging bard hitter. Notwithstanding his experience, he had not altogether the best of it, though he made some heavy aimed blows tell, and 'pinked his opponent's nob rather successfully. The Navigator, in his turn, milled Crockey in several rounds, nearly closed one of bis peepers, and bis mug was often disfigured with the claret trickling down. It was more of a thumpiog fight, thao a scientific display of the art and, after about fourteen rounds having taken place^ in the course of twenty minutes^ from a tremendous lunge which Crock ry put in on the side of the Navigator*sttQb, he yvent down like a log, and wben.time was announced hejsyas not able to q.uit his second's knee, and the purse of course, was declared to be Cbockey's. A wheehorightj who had acquired some pugilistic fame, entered the ring with Crocket, at Coombewarreuy May 14, 18 16, for a subscription purse. — 6 to 4 on Crockby. The battle was very short. In the second and third rounds the wheelwright vt^s floored with much severity, and in the fourth his jaw was broken, which put an end to the contest, leaving Crock EY the conquering hero. So far the smiles of victory crowned bis exertions but, in competition "with Robinson, Harry Lancaster^ Bone, and Fi$her, as before observed, defeats overwhelmed him. But the most unfortunate circumstance relating to Crockey, is the following: — On Thursday, July S, 1817i he was indicted for committing a highway robbery upon the person of John Bowen Willoughby, and taking from him a gold hunting watch, a chain, and. seals.— The prosecutor described himself to be a lady's servant, in the house of a Mrs. Barnet, in Bakerstreet, Portman-square. He stated, that on the 23d of May, about ten o'clock at night, he went out to see a friend, and, in passing through the park, was accosted by two men, who, after asking him whether he had a watch, pulled him down, tore his face, and tried to strangle him. Witness thinking that he was about to 414 boxiava; on. be nrarilered) aod that he was near hk end, cried oat, ^doo't omrder me I will give you nay watch." He did give it ap, aad the men went away. The next moroitigthe prisoner was identified in the watcb^'hoose by the witness, having been taken tip for an assault upon a watchman. Several witnesses were examined on the part of the prisoner; and the jury, after'a short consideration, returned a verdict of— GiftJ^, Death. The above sentence has since been commuted to transportation for life I The writer of this article has authority to assert, from the best information npoa the subject, added to the firm belief and conviction of mind expressed by an eminent solicitor, who investigated the whole of the circumstances connected with the case, that Crockey was an INNOCENT MAN. It is therefore much to be feared^ from his roogh appearance, united with the alarming ideas held by some individuals as to the terrific characters oft cientific, or prise fighters i n general, that an overwhelming prejudice might have operated against him more Specially as the person who was taken up with Crockby was a respectable tradesman, and dischftrged on the first examination before the magistrate. It appears tbatC&ocxBY and his friend were both in^^ toxicated, and were out upon what is termed a drunken spref, when, accidentally quarrelling with a watchman, they were both taken up, and brought to the watcbhouse the result of which has proved so melancholy to our hero. He thus speaks for himself in the following letter, which was sent by the post to Mr. Bekher, Castle Tavern, Holborp. From the ungularity and tm- SKETCHES OF PVOILISM. v415 flicity of miiKi which it discovers in the writer^ and not having been made public before^ are the reasons of its insertion in this place, and in consequence of its -^eingso closely connected with the sketch of the unfor- tnnate Crockey.— Newgate Cell, July 4. Dear Friend,— I hope you will pardon the liberty i take in addres^iig you— 'but I am cast for death for a crime ef which, I declare to God, I am innocent of. I should thank you to get G K to put an advertisement in the newspaper for me, to see if I tan find out the men (hat committed the robbery, as it will not do them «ny injury, as the prosecutor has sworn to roe, as being the person that robbed nim — and it may possibly be the means of saving roe. I hope this will find you and your family well m health, and I reiiudD, Sir, your humble servant, "John Crockey." COPY OF THE ADVERTISEMENT. "WHEREAS, John Crockey was capitally convicted, at the Justice HaJl in the Old Bailey, in the present sessions, for taking away by force, from the person of John Bonxn Willoughbif, in Hyde Park, a goM watch, a chain, and three seals, in the evening of the 2dd of May. Now, in order to save au innocent man from an ignominious death, it b hoped the person that committed the said robbery will come forth and declare the same, as no hurt can be done to them, as the prosecutor has sworn to the prisoner. And, further, they shall receive a reward of £20, by applying to Mr. S— — at the Brazen-Head, Lisson-greeo, Paddington/' JACK LANCASTER, A lively, g^fnCf t^nd scientific boxer; and, could his bands be depended upon, there is little doubt but be 416 boxiana; or». might have achieved several cooquetts among pugilists of his own weight. His style of fighting was mach admired by the late Jack Power and this celebrated boxer took great pains to improve it during the frequent practice they had together. From the scientific style displayed by Lancaster, in vanquisihng Marten^ the Jew, (see page 470, first volume of Boxiana,) a subscription purse was entered into of JE25, that he might have a trial of skill, at Wilsdon, in Middlesex, on June 14, 1813, with Frere, a fiugilist of no mean quality, and who took twenty-five miiiutes milling from Power^ when that pugilist was in his prime, before he cried out enough. At two o'clock they jfMo, attended by their seconds Jonei and Clark, for Lancaster and Oliver and a novice, for Frere. From the abilities of the boxers^'a good battle was expected. First round. — Both on the alert to obtain an advantage, when several good hit were exchanged. Sicond, — Frere, with activity, made two rallies, but meeting with a poser in the ifSouth, which drew his cork, the daret ran down copiously. However, he put in a Atf upon Lancaster, who, slipping at the same time, fell. The four succeeding rounds were well contested, with alternate advantage to the combatants. But the science of Lancaster was most conspicuous; and he made use of both hands with much facility. The nob of Frere suffered from his left; while with bis right hand he was not sparing of his opponent*s body. The right hand of Frere also was not idle, and, in many instances, it told. Neither of the pugilists appeared as if he had undergone any thing like train^ ingthj adeficieDcy of that spirit which generally makes its appearance in those who adopt that renovating process. Lancaster^ of the two^ appeared the most fresh, and he now went in to mill away for vie* tory, which he accomplished in three more rounds. Frere was always ready to hit, and generally ^ave the first blow but he did not appear to do much execution. Marten, it seems, anxious to recover his lost laurel> again entered the ring with Lancaster, at Coombewarren, on October 13, 1813, for 20 guineas a»side and a subscription purse. Marten was seconded by Jacobs and Puss; and Harmer and Clark attended upon Lancaster. The latter was the favourite 3 and 4 to Upwards of ten thousand persons were present and the patience of the amateurs completely exhausted from the protracted state of the battle, which continued the unusual length of THREE HOURS AND THIRTY-FIVE MINUTES, occupying one HUNDRED AND NINETY-FIVE ROUNDS ! The activity of Marten was conspicuous in the first round for he went ia work so hard and fast upon Lancaster's nob, that one of the latter*s peepers was nearly closed but, in a sharp rally. Marten received some severe miUing, and was hit down. The battle was contended in the most manly style for half an hour, during which period the nob of Lancaster had been so peppered, that its appearance was terrific ]bnt his game never deserted him, and he was con* sidered to have the best of it. Six to 4 was freely betted he would win. In the fiftieth round Lancaster's knuckles vrere puffed up; and the system adopted by VOL. II. 1 e Aftf f#eii> of httting and geuiogaway, and abo, when doftiog, of genidg dotm in an easy maaner^ f^der^ btm not only a troublesome bni a dangcroui cofltomet. Lancaster now ibogbt under great dtsadrant^ged, one eye was totally dark, the other much ddWiagedi and his hands in a distressed state; he neTertheless showed himself the best boxer, and his length and strength enabled him to throw his man, and he Wail a)flK> generally nppermbst. From the protracted state of die batdci kalfntmliU time seeined too short for LAir A«T«tK. Except MfHn^ (ahh6ogh it inay be deemed a ftafeway to win,) the activity of Marten was mneh mHiced. For the last half hour the Jew was the trntomi^, OS LAKCASTBft was quite blind and wbrfi ont. He would not say, NO ! but contended till nature refused to proceed, and he lost die battle in not being able to appear at the scratch when time was called. His right hand was disabled a/iter the first twenty mlnfttes; bis arm als6 Was as YAakk as a hat from thb repeated btows he had stopped with it; antf, afeer he Was put to bed, the bruises he had received on 'his face had so changed his appearance, tMct be mi^ht have been taken for H n^n of eohut ! Marten^ ahbottgb coming off coiiiqfderor, viraS abo dreadfafff piMikei; and it Was a tnoni weChme sound tobHM w4iett he heard bis oppdAent v^as defeated. Thie' Je# estperienced at least 106 falb. LANCAstBie, in a battle of much scteftce', Was *i* feated by KUEaks. He h^ not since exftibfted in the prrze*ring. (See page 405.)' SKRTCHBS OF PtHIIUSM. 4181 YOUNG BURKE. Fboic a few fortniMitie skirmishes^ in the Qeighfaoutw hood of Woolwich^ it appears this bbxer was in? doced to make bis appearance in the prbe-ring. He aoeordrogly made his d bAi with Leieester. Tlie nnitcb was for fifteen gaineas »-8ide,aBd was^tohavft been contested on Saturday, April 5j lil7» at Darl<^ fbrdi-heatby Keot, and a twenty feet roped ring waff prepared for the redeptron of the combatants; but tbe magiftl^tes oneiepectedly arrived, and declared tbe emg^gemmd must bt of. This occasioned some little consceraatiott among tbe mUSngcotn to prepfure ano^ ther spot of ground, when th^ at length hrmh^d 08 to tbe BliTge-^hotlse, Woolwicb^ where thefnitf.conw. menced. Bitbkb was seconded by Oliver and Clark; abd' LeieesUr by Painter and Harmer. It was a hard foagbt battle of two hours, consisting of sixty-six rottuds, minote time, but its principal feature was downright mlttktg. Leicester, though very game, wat vanquishled and dreadfully nobbed% His miOhig pretensions, it seems, were so highly vidoed by some of his friends, that be was owtebed wittr: Rdttdall, as a trial seMo with the glota, and was^ by maojT, backed to have the best of it; but the re^ sitfll did hot fxiactly answer their expectatipM* (See pAg*fi78.) Biivrs was, at length, matched with J^aek Fayne, the bvicher, on TnesAhy, December dS, ICfl7* The pairdM of scientific boxing were, in consequence, led a m6fk predouM donee, and the /Hirttii^y atlast^ turned Be2 410 boxiana; ok» out a mere phantom — a complete hoax— >or^ in the dictionary of Grose^ a proper string ! Hendon was the place originally fixed upon for the mighty battle to be fought, and at this village the ring was accord* ingljmade; but, owing to the caprice of obtaining the advantages resulting from a gate, (not from the inUrruption of a magistrate,) the stakes were struck—and burse aod foot, carts and carriages, were dragged along the country for some miles, to a place called tlie Coventry-£ELrm, on the Hale, a distance of thirteen miles from London — the approach to which, for a quarter of a mile, was similar to the shaking bogs in Ireland, over the shoes in mud at every step, and scarcely a yard could be gained without experiencing the danger of being^orael. At length, the hng wishedfor objecti the field with a GATE to it appeared in view ! Smiles beamed on every countenance, and all past diflSculties, for an instant, were forgotten but, lo! upon entering this admirable piece of choice ground, Smithfield, on a full market-day, was a hundred degrees preferable to it and it should seem as if the Company of Apothecaries had contributed their mite towards the stakes of forty pounds, in order to promote business, from the production of coltb, coughs, agues, and rheumatism, which this field was^so well calculated to produce. However, the ring was soon completed, when all thoughts of comfort or daisger had vanished; and the Hero of the Tale, the only object that now fastened upon the imagination of the Fancy, rushed forward with all the heroism of a man of war — it was Jack, the butdter, accompanied by his seconds. Crouch and Bailey^ SKBTCHEfi OF PUGILISM. 4Sl hurling defiance at his opponent^ by dinging his caUow into the ring!" Burke soon followed and repeated the same signal of war^ attended by Paddington Jonn and Dick. The men j>^e20d— bands were shaken — but further we cannot proceed! It would be downright mockery upon prize-milling to detail fifteen rounds (of any thing but fighting) in fourteen minutes! Jack, the butcher, never was '*a good-one;** but now be showed himself the worst of the bad ones although he had promised, previously to his entering the ring, that if he did not win, no person should have to find fault from his deficiency of game. But, in battle, he seemed to fall in exactly with Falstapf's notions of honour — that discretion is the better part of valour!** The last two rounds will elucidate this remark :— Fourteenth. — Jack, on rising from the knee of his second, instead of going to meet his opponent at the scratch, turned his back upon him, when Crouch and Bailey, disgusted at his conduct, told him indignantly to go in and fight like a man T* Jack then turned himself, apparently intimidated, as if a cannon-ball was coming at his nub^ when Burke merely touched him, and he went down. Loud murmurs. Much coaxing, &c. it appears, had been used to induce him to fight the three previous rounds. Fifteenth and last. — Shakspeare has observed, that Cowards die many times before their death I" This was completely exemplified in this round. Jack, to all appearance, had been long dead beat in his own mind, but he now turned to, planted some good hits — exchanged several sharp blows — had the best of it — got his man down undermost — and then finished in style by giving in !!! The denouement of the above battle produced a loud burst of disapprobation, something like the damnation of a new piece at the theatre. The amateurs were much chagrined at the journey they had taken; and BOUAMA; om. without besitatioD many of them declared it was ootbing leas than a palpable No remarks can be made hare on Bukkb's style of fighting, as be had nothing to do. He is in height about 5 feet 8^ and a half inches, and weighing eleven stone and fights very open*handed« TOM CRIBB. At the time this second Vohime was published, seven years nearly elapsed since the Champion iti'qfpkd'm the prize-ring; and his memorable contest with the deter mioedlfb£nieatur/Sept.:£8-, ft&l If was hi^ last priae^ battle. The tremendous cupaM/i/tef exhibited by Ceibb throughout that fight, made such a strong impression in the fighting circles, that bis right to the above title has not been actually disputed during the whole of this long period. It does not appear that Cribb has resigned bis pretensions to this high mVing hotiour, although the general opinion ran, that he would not again enter the lists but, in fact, it might almost be observed of this most precious giver and takbBi that he retired from the scene of Battles bravelj fought, and hardly won!" not merely to enjoy the sweets of repose, bat to uret his cugtomen in a far more palatable style, at the Golden Lion, in the Borough. He subsequently removed to Duke-street, St James's, and finally to Panton-street, Haymarket. Cribb*s merits as a boxer have been so amply dis- 8KBTCHB8 OF PUOILISM. cussed in the firU Toluiiie of this work, as to leave no room for any more obserrations on that head, except to remark, that his knowledge of the science is far more complete, and his setting'to is more scientific than heretofore. In his character as a publican^ he is found civil, obliging, and entertaining. He has also felt the advantages of mixing with the liberal part of society and material improvement, both in person and manners, has been the result of such intercourse, lo the ring, integrity was ever his motto; and, as a sporting man, generally, he appears anxious to do the thing that is right !" Of the whole race of pugilists, no boxer was ever considered safer to back than Tom Cbibb. His heart upon all occasions proved as fii'm as his person and l^is j^man^ous manly combats gave decisive proofs of the extent and courage of his nature. The Champion is of a cheerful disposition in company, a lover of harmony, and sings an i^c^Upot sopg^ It appears, Cribb is ready at all lim^s to render service to any of his brethren ef the fistr-;ftU of whom, it is siud,- unite in.pronoiinciogoar bero (entitled to the appeUation of a true Briton. The Mfe of CjUBB is full of incident, and abounds with Me^te. In %btiiig the battlies of his country as a samoH, U is. asserted, many interesui^ traits 4>f our hefo might, be told, which so emphatically charaa- ,^ri;se tbe Uae skirU and moadeu wqUm of Old En- ,«LANP. Why what's that to yoo if mj jFes I'ln a wiping, A tear is a pleasure d'ja see iu its wi^ ! 'Tis nonsense 'boot trifles, I own, to be piping. Bat they that an't pity, why I pities they 4t4 BOXIANA; OB, Sftys our captain, says he, I shall never forget it. If of courage you'd know, lads,, the true from the sham, Tis a furious lion in battle, so let it, But duty appeas'd, he's in mercy a lamb ! la the bands of Cribb the CHAMPIONSHIP exhibited every thing that is manly and coarageoat — a finer picture of the true scientific pugilist has never been depicted — nor the native valour of an Englishman displayed more eminently. Let the next boxer who acquires the above title — go, and do likewise ! It has not been sullied by TOM CRIBB. The following Zmtr>ottsi OF THE CHAMPION OF ENGLAND, TOM CRIBB, MAT BE DEPENDED UPON AS GENUINE. Pugilism Extraordinary. — A navigator, from JLancasbire, as big and as rough an article as can be imagined, prompted, it is supposed, by the great pagilistic success of Carter, took a turn, on Thursday evening, November ?> 1816, into the neighbourhood of Westminster, and all of a sudden pounced on the Champion of England and Tom Oliver, who were in the friendly act of blowing a c/oiid together. Without waiting for formality of an introduction to those heroes of the fist, he boasted of his milling pretensions, and, san% ciremonie, challenged Oliver for a tum-t^. The coat of Oliver, like electricity, was off to resent an unmerited attack upon his prowess — but Cribb forbad it— observing, that the navigqtor was too Digitiaed by VjOOQIC SKBfCHBS OF PtOILISM. 425 heavy, and that he woald accommodate this hasty costomer, having no doubt bat he should quickly serve him to his satisfaction. The parties retired to a large shed at the back of the honsey when the tiim-tip conimenced without farther delay. The navigator run 'm like a bull^ head foremost, and endeavoured to bring the Champion down after the Lancashire methodj, by seizing hold of his thighs^ but he failed in moving this tough piece of of(k an inch and in five minutes was so punished for his temerity that he cried out—* *'Iyeald.*' Cribb then left hibi to reflect on his folly, but, in the course of a few minutes, he again insisted opon having another sit'to with the Champion. This was instantly agreed to, but the navigator very soon adopted his former phrase of yeald Cribb now .retired, supposing he had given complete satiifadion; but it was not long before he was compelled to renew the combat for the third time with this distati^ied brute. The navigator resorted to purring^ and endear voiired to effect a conquest by hugging; but Cribb daretted him in all directions, and marked his body so severely, that he now could scarcely articulate the provincial—** I yeald r The only regret expressed by the Champion was, that, during an attack of twenty minutes, he could not put in a straight blow, as the novjgator never met him like a man, displayed n6 real coor rage whatever, and took every private means of doing him an injury. Cribb returned home without a icraich, while the man of mud laboured under those sort of feeUngt that are by no means enviabk ! Thb advantages of Training.— Without any disparagement to the pugilistic prowess of Tom Cribb^ 4t.ir4l4iip9«r>iirom4be ftiUowiiig suttmieoii, ei^UMted ggrvun a.wocfc nHsemly publifthed on PedesirlMi^ii^ittd ./evsedrQuder tbe immediate ^yeof C«pt B4Rf;i44t, 4bat Uieiestk. might not bate jpcofed to fairourableJtD tbe CHjLMfiioK fOD ihe£9th of September, 1811 bad b< Aot been taken wch care of bj a acieotific. persoa .dmiag his tbainino. It is well worthy the perusal .of all sportiog men and pugilists taill ido well to ob- .aaveitt wich attention. ^'Tbe Champion arrived at .Ury.on the- ?th. of ,Joly thai. year. He weighed sixteen stxme; and ifirom his mode of Utang in London, and the oonfine- -iBent.of- a- crowded city, he had become oorpnleiit, ibig^belUed^AiH of gross hnmoars^^Mid short breathed; and jt jwas with difficulty he copU mJk. ten ^ipiles. JUe first went throagh a course of physic, which eonaisted of three 4loses; but for two weeks he Walked abpittashe pleased, aad generally tratFcrsed the woods nnd plantations with a fowling-pidoe in his band f the sipoaU of Us, musket ^resounded -aevery where tbiongh mt Vtjmftumnig^ tmi bis^mght wai jgfBdoaUy vedoced to diivteen stone -mnd -^vt pouiid8|"V»biqti mm aioertained |to>be his jittafc p( <^od^ ftition^ aa be^would not Deduce ifwtber twiihoiittwe«beaing. f*Iiumg>tkkefnow.>able«taga;tbiKtyiniilesia day wtfa icase^ and i probably he iCflBld:have-Jwal|ied cwice^as far^ifit.bad, been necessary. Hevemaioed in the Highlands about a wjQek.*each time^ and amused himself nrith sbootiag. :}The prinoipat ,ad9aalage which iie ^eciiFed, from theae expediaons «ra6> the severe) exereise ha wastobIiged:to andargo in .following Cupt. BAfRQLAT. .He. iii^>i»ved more an atiraogth and w.iad by bis journeys jtovthe Highladds^-thaa/%y any.^thar part of the tiaittii^ process. '/His jdieti and :driak( ware: tthei same aa nsedtnthe pedaalrian .k^gimen^ aod in aatbor irespeots^ ^lales pfleyious]^ laidsdowniwaie generally applied itq Mm. Tbat be^waa bffoogblto hia alienate pil»ii of conditiini WM«tidaot,>fraia,4b6^h^hastate of^healtbamd stveagib soiwhicb be appeased i/^henibe mounted the «tage to ctoatend .with MokneaiaCf iwbo has isiaae/ confessed^ 4bat^whtfi be ;«iWifbis.i6arjqaaditioni be iotaUy ideapaiced tof gaiPMig .th6)battle. Cmaa mas^ altogather aboui^oleveAdsaakaiUDder <^^Aing9 iJiut. be .remained only >nine> weeks atiUry. fiasidestbis iTegidaKfOEercise, ibewasioccasionally employed in. ^piMrriag at iStonabavan, wbese be gave 4S8 boxiama; ob» lessons ia the pugilistic art. He was not allowed much rest^ but was constantly occnpied in some acute employment* He enjoyed good spirits, being at the time folly convinced that he should beat his antagonist. He was managed, however, with great address, and the result corresponded with the wishes of his friends. It woold be, perhaps, improper, while speaking of Cbibb^ to omit mentioning, that, during his residence in the north of Scotland, he conducted himself in all respects with much propriety. He showed traits of a feeling, humane, and charitable, disposition, on various occasions. While walking along Union-street, in Aberdeen, he was accosted by a woman apparently in great distress. Her story affected him, and the emotions of his heart became evident in the muscles of his face. He gave her all the silver he had in his pocket. — God bless your honour,** she said, ye art iurefy not an ordinary man!'* — This circumstance b mentioned with the more pleasure, as' it affords one instance, at least in opposition to the mistaken opinion, that professional pugilists are ferocious, and totally destitute of the better propensities of mankrnd. The illustrious Mr. Win dham entertained juster sentiments of the pugilistic art, as evinced by a print he presented to Mr. Jackson^ as a mark of his esteem. In one -compartment an J/a/um, darting his stiletto at his victim, is represented and, in the other, the combat of twr EngUihmen in a ring. For this celebrated genius was always, of opinion^ that nothing tended more to preserve among the English peasantry those sentiments ^good faith and honour, which have ever distinguish- 8KBTCHQ8 OF PUGILISM. 420 ed tbem from the natives of Italy and Spain, than the frequent .practice of fair and open Boxing.^ Tom Cribb and the Sweep. — During the time the Champion was under training, the first time, to fight Molineaux, after the fatigues of the day's exertions were over, and spending his evening at a house in Mottingham, in Kent, he accidentally fell into company with a little iporting master cbimney-sweep when after the common topics of the day had undergone discussion, Tom rather familiarly asked Mr. Soot-Ju) ! if he had got any Queer!*"* This unexpected question operated upon the nerves of the sweep like an electric shock ! his self-importance was at stake — and, sane ciremonie, he gave the Champion so severe a blow upon his nose that the claret was visible in an instant. Grp$e*s slang dictionary might have received some additional phrases from the bonne bouche of this little enraged Knight of the Broom, whose volubility of tongue and impetuosity of attack had now completely engaged the attention of the company present. Tom, with all the coolness of a hero, only smiled at the impotent efforts of the diminutive Soot^! to rouse him into action, and with the most perfect composure observed to this irritated man—'' I say, Mr. Sooty, you have forgot to mention what you mean to charge a bushel for your Queerf Boiling with rage and indignation at this repeated touching inquiry, the sweep again attacked the Champion's nob, threatening to thrash him severely for hit Queer,** A term made use of by the dealers in soot, signi^rine a substitate imposed upon the unwary for the original article, inrerior p point of Yaloe 4a. per bushel. 4Mf BMtAHA; on, iDBoledce. Tom; with the firomeM of a rock^ kiepe his seat uodhitirrbed; sttkokiog his pipe> and eaj«yki|; die fan. A busy coilchmati, wh6 witM^etf the Msene, atfd' whose large sisseatid strength t^end<^d Mid eqoai to any opposition that nifrght come i^akist him, caHed the Chakpioiv ^araseal^a great IntBp of dirt*-*-a mere things Sec. ScC'-^that he would' not have dared to take such liti^rties with any one like a man 1^ then^ suiting the action to the w'ord^ he^ whbbnt besilafdoti^ endearoared Vo spoil ToM'a fkce, by plaming a heavy blow npon his mottthi The lion was now provoked^ the pipe dashed into a thousand atoms-'^^ud'CKBi^ like lightning; put in hh-cnt'-ilgo with sachf Apmi^mg sevteritynpon coachfs vpptt wiar^ tfa«t he measured bis length upon the floor in a tWinkKng. Wheirthe r^coHection of the latter came to^ htte^ he scmttUcd up'dnbts legs, and, withont sioppiwg to lo«k behind hhti, hbUed olf whfaf itH the celerhy possible to hide hiub^lf in fats master's tftable^. At thi^jtraetofe tfome pobdU arrived from town, raqfuiring for To k GltiBV^ and upon the Ch AmfIom'i)^ answering to hi»^ name, and shaking hands With tfaeffl, littte Sof^hof appeaxwn^e«l of the^Wftfdow for hating* bad t^ temerity^of asMultiflg the^ best man m the kiiigdomi ItoeovdriHg alitdt ft^ttf bis tdtprfse, he venturtd whh all due^sttfamisekm tiybeg'GEiiia^i pardon, solr^itkig hhn^to^drlok, aadta let all be forgotten. With all my heart," cried foM, laughing, never mind, Stioty, you are a prime little game cock but, baag nie> if wte haveftot fiMsrsd SKBTCHB8 OF FUOIIISM. 4S1 the coaehpian Y* Harmooy wad at kogth restoricb^ mirth add good bomoar presided for tbe remainider of tbe night, and the potent effects of the' grape bad fto9r^ most of the company, before they, foobd idiemseites in the arms of S^mnu)i.' Tom Cribb anb thb PiG.^^Daring the timeTow was in tnooing, previous to his ma'tckwith Gregumf as be was taking his mornings exercise throngh a country village, accompanied by bis ftienid GuUy^ dressed in long smock frocks, when they obserted ao overgrown fellow beating a pig in airery cmel manner. Upon inqniryi they foand the animal belonged to a poor man in the neighboarhood, when they very civilly begged of him to desist from committing snch ad act of omelty. The fellow abused them for their interference, and, relying upon his great strength, finally threatened to give them both a' good kiding, assisted by three or four hawbaek9, who had now joitt-^ ed the squabble. Without farther ceremony the above fellow put himself in an offensive attitude, and made a violent blow at Cribb, which the latter stopped wiib the utmost saiig fMd^ not forgetting to put int bis Me^two so tremendously, the effecfts of which Jh&red this unfeeling bmte in a twinkling. Hh nob was materially cfaadged^ and the (;&rre< flow^ in torrents down his face. This small taife of CribB's qiMicy bad the -desiredl eflRdee. The figii wais inMantly ukeri out of this chtn^baeon^ who went off, growling to hiitt^ self, as fa^t^a6 his Itigi eould carr^ him» firool the scenef dt his crut^lty alnd impertinence but not before i^ Cluing fl^ admonition from th^ CttAMViOK to btf iQore temperaite in his ]i(ng9iiige and buokahe it^ hii oooduot in future. GuUy^ smiling to himself, now wished another of these Johnny Raws, who had also been veiy busy and impudent, to try what be could do with him, observing, that he fnight have better htckihan hi» feUow-^ervant T But all in vain, as the mUHng specimen exhibited by Cribb had completely terrified ail their boasted valour into submission* It was soon afterwards learned in the viJk^, that the row in question had been with those celebrated pugilists— Gully and Ceibb. Tom Ceibb and the Lawteb. — ^The Champion OF England, it appears, was blowing a cloud, one evening, (in ISITO among some of his friends, at a sporting house, in the vicinity of Tottenham-courtroad, when his capabilities as a boxer were not only much undervalued by a litnb of the law, who was present, but his courage also treated with the most sovereign contempt. Tom, who had hitherto Jaced so many prime ones in the ring without dismay, now only smiled — after the noUe contempt of the /r'on against the a» — and most Bocially bore this unmerited attack of hard words from the parchment hero with all the coolness of an Epictetus well knowing the slightest movement of his morley against any of the red taU squad would be so construed and twisted to his disadvantage, that he must ultimately be floored, and, therefore, with much good judgement, Tom, at length, retired in silence. But the Champion, determined to see what sort of stuff this soi-disant gemtnan of the law possessed, provided himself with a pair of pistols, and called the next day at the above place, that be might give his jawing opponent an honourable op* SKBTdlBS OH FOOILISM. 499 poTta^itty of meeting him upon equal term«, Afurr much btisde aod inquiry, it turned out exactly after tb^oid adage, that great talker* do the least;" and, m kfief, Latitat was returned non est invmtm* The aiiove circumstance occasioned considerable laughter in the sporting ciroles, and the decided good temper and extraordinary coolness of this first of boxers much praise. FobbearancbofCribb. — ^This manly hero of the fist, it seems, on coming through the Dover gate, one etening in November, 18I7> having drank a little too free, accidentally fell i^inst the turnpike*man, as he was in the act of paying him the toll, and came down upon the ground. The latter without any expostulation whatever, instantly set upon Cribb, in his fallen situation, and kicked him in a violeut manner all over his breast, &c. Cribb, at length, rather sobered from this outrageous attack, on getting upon his legs, put himself in a position to figlit, and was going in with bis oub^two, but perceiving his antagonist was aa old man, he immediately exclaimed, if it was not for ihe fear of killing you, you should have ibepumshr mcMt you deserve," and with the utmost composuxa remounted his chaise: and drove off. Charactbristic Trait qp trub Bottobi.t** CRiBB/orie evening in October^ 1817» in conversation with Be/cier, at the Castle Tavern, Holborn, was sud* denly. attacked with. a sort of apoplectic fit, and drop^ ped his head upon a table near hinu Upon being dis* covered, his tongue was considerably advanced put of his mouth, his eyes open but fixed) and he appeared totally infusible to all around him. Belcher, mui^h VOL. II. r f 4S4 mOMMAMA'r^md flkmedfiDtauiUy took off Ms' hMwihwchkf^ ^fwtd bto waistcoat and sbirtM^ollao and daiced kb Caoe with cotd wacer^ loodlj^ eailtog' oo^ '*time^tim$r Thk ezpoditDt badtbe denmt eioct» and the CtfvlMr FHiM iaaaediatoly ro^ up^aa ifia tberiag, tpeakiag nm^ iodiitiiictJIjy !^f aib ready!*' b«l loolctDg oo»« Ibiedty Umilad Imbv Md ^gaio rdapaihig into bit former state of stupor. PahUer now assisted BwUm{ m sbakiagCai»B about, ia order to restore aaimaiipD «ad> kom the tsppUcatioii of more cold waler sharply sloked on bis fcce» ia tbe courscf of a few miautes tb^y happily succeeded in reatocing tbe Champmn to. the possession, of >hiaise(f) who sood gratefully ao* baowieclged the eiertion of bis friends towards bim. The GHAifi^ioN is not to be pat off bisguard easily, though ofiie» pio? ohed by a number of design* i^g fellows tO'ttmke^kpiopecty of bim,>sbooU be^ aggrafated lo oomrnin ati assaaltn aatbe foUowii^ &et exemplifies One J^rqitot, a badEney-coacfaauui^ percdviffg OaiBB wdkiog with a gentleman, on^ Jan* 19^ IS16,' in order^to ridicule hiacaUbg andio.bring ToMyff possible, into comenvpt, went dosenp to him, wad kept calMog 6at coo/s-^-cMik, do 3^ avinf any coabf with other insoknt expressions. BatCnua wa#^noC'fo'be moved by this sillyi fellow's .conduct, and took the proper mode of conriadng 'him of tuk error, by smnmoning' him before tbe ConsmisiiQiieis of flaekney Coaches, who, srithoi^hesitatioB, upon bearing the George, fined hrm' ten shillings. Cbi WB, iteeems, wnsradely attacked at Hdngerfoid* WbSBrf; M the dd of May, 1^16-, by one.I^tk, aa itt^mer, when, in addition to ht^vaviety of oprprobrioat SKBTCHB8 OP POOILIBM. epithiets, he. had tbe temeriigf of striking the Cham* pioN a severe blow tliis u^as tooinucbf and at length rtiaed Cribb'i^ indignation, when he returned the QOmplJQient so effectively^ that Heath was sent floating iQ the Thames in an instanti to the no spall shouts and laogbter of the surrounding spectators* The wfarmer waS| however, rescued from the danger of i/remni»gi and had the consolation of having tbe whole night to dry himself in the watch^hoose, as well as reflecting on his improper and absurd cooduct towards a man of Cribb's prowess. The next morning be waa discharged, with a suitable admonition from tbe mi^istrates. IMPROMPTU Oecasioned by the nngtUar idea expressed by Ton CeibBi tbe CbaiDpion of En^and, upon his bmng suddenly tossed into the air by a bulL Tom tossed in the air, felt alarm'd for his pride^ That a beast should such impudence take ! Then shaking his fist, '^O, dom thee Tom cried— I flpiiA I was n bull for thy snke ! ! !** P. E. TOM REYNOLDS, THB MURPHY DEALER. t This tight boy of the iod" it seenb^ first opened his peepere oo the dd of Janaary, 17989 at Middleton, in the county of Armagh, in Irehmdy and when quite a itqueaker he arrived with his parenta in LondoD. Co- Tent-Qarden-Market was the scene of his esr^loita ^faeo a boy, and near to that gay spot yoting RaY<» jiaLDa was rearedj His nkirrnhha are too qwaenoiii Ff2 496 boxiaha; OB, to be detailed; but suffice to remark^ the smilegof YiCTORT always crowned his efforts. When Reynolds was a mere stripling, not more than sixteen years of age, and scarcely weighing eight stone and a half, he foaght with an Hercnlean coalheaver, on the stones, for an hour and a half. The Knight of the $ack, as might naturally be supposed, treated young Tom*s attempt to mill bim with the most perfect contempt, yet such is the uncertain chance of war, that he not only was puniihed severely, but compelled to acknowledge he had been licked by a boy. Rbynolds alsodid notpurchase conquest withoia a terrible beating; and^ from the top of his head to the sole of his foot, there was not a free place from bruises, many parts were quite black neither could be move for two days afterwards without great pain. Dick, the coachman, well known in the neighbourhood of Coven t -Garden, a man of fifteen stone weight, was also disposed of in three quarters of an hour, when Rbynolds was only seventeen. Sam Hubbard, a decent second-rate boxer^ was beat by our hero, in Tothili-fields fair, in the course of fifteen minutes, so severely, as to be led out of the ring. It was an accidental fight, and occasioned by the cruelty of Hubbard towards Rbynolds. It has not been ascertained, whether the ancestors of Rbynolds possessed any superior pretensions to pugilism but, it should seem, Tom's genius has a peculiar beni towards scientific boxing. Rbynolds, however, had no Fdea at one time of his life of ever exhibiting in the prize-ring; but reverses in trade, as a potato-merchant, in Covent- Garden, unfortunately consigned him to the immured 8KBTCHBS OF P06ILISM. 437 regioDS of the Fleet Prison. During his suy at this renowned CoUege/* which defies all, the degree»ot LEARNING obtained at either Oxford or Cambridge^ and, in fact, all the universities in the world put together, in order to fill up the vacant time which hung so heavily upon his hands, he resorted to his favourite exercise and amusement of sparring. The talents exhibited, by Reynolds wirh the jfbves procured him the approbation of his brother collegians; and his fame made a complete tour round the College. But, it appears some person, anxious to ascertain the real qualities of Reynolds, brought in George Head, a first*>rate setter-to, of acknowledged celebrity, to have a trial of skill with Tom, it is asserted, by way of a plant, as no introduction took place between the parties. Reynolds put in rather a heavy hit on the side of Geor*ge*s nob, which was not exactly relished and to prevent Tom from having the best of him, the compliment was returned with double severity. This produced sharp work on both sides however, the set^o finished pleasantly, when both combatants sat down and emptied the contents of a bottle of rum together before they separated. But busy bodies^* are never wanting upon such occasions to promote mischief; and, during the time Head was occupied in taking a parting glass with some friends below, it appears some conversation took place respecting the capabilities of Rbynqlds, when it was immediately whispered to the latter, that he had been spoken of too lightly. Reynolds, irritated, immediately flew to. the spot, and challenged Head to fight, which was accepted without hesitation. Both, heated and flushed with liquor, instantly stripped, and three 499 BOXIAHa; OR» FOOodi were tbotciied, Tom being down every time; when H^ad was taken in cnsiody by ibe door-keeper^ be received a desperate blow and waa taken oat inte Heet-market in a state of siopor. Oar beroj on bis emaoeipation from this speciesof duramee vik^ was natcbed against JBfilaa0a» ibe Je«, a boxer of talent, for twenty goineas a^e^ whieb took place on Wednesday, July 23, 1817, atMouisey^-favrsi. Pdddmgion J(ma and Whitlc seconded Rkynolds and Cribb attended upon tbe Jew. Seven to four oo SbymoI'M. First rouiuL — Beynoldf, frpm hit ea^jBrnsM $o aila^ Mk opponent, bnll-dog like, hit short, when BelascQ returned as sharp as lightning. Some blows were exchanged, and Revrndds went down ia a manner net very satisfactory ta tro spectators. Second. — Reynolds soon removed any un&vourable impref* sion which might have existed from his falling (or slipping) down in the preceding round, kom the lively and jpirit^ Style he oommanced his work. It was altogstker a good round between the combatants some severe mSlmg occurrecL when Reynolds put in a tremendous hit under fiasco's left arm^ and the Jaw want down. Loud shooting. Tbird«-^Pffdtl|r planled some biowt and got away wMk much dexterity and, althou|b be had the best of tbe roill^, yef Belasco was not deficient m hitting. In closing, the Jew was down« Fonrth. — ^Belasco took the lead, and having got Reynolds in a, comer of the nag, he kept him tbsim Mdfmiske4 km severely, till Paddy went down. Tbe Israelites smiled with joy, and Belasco was loudly applauded. nfth.— Reynolds was hit in almost every direction, but, to stop tbe Jew in his career, be caught bold of Belasco's thigb as he was in the act of going down, and threw him a complete perpendicular up in the air. The Jew came down with extreme velocity, and great fears were csitertained that hit aeck was dislocated. But it was astonishing to witness how toon Belasco recovered from this dreadful shock, and renewed Digitized^ by VjOOQIC SKBTeHBS or MOILISM. 4M thm coR^bat with the motl determintd oounigi. Loud ciws of foul — ^fair^ look piace^ and upwarde of a miaute elapsod before tbej again set-to. 8ixth««**The Aice of Reynolds was rather damaged, and the dortff was seen trickling down it. The Jew bad rather the best of the rounds but 1^ was, neTertheless, &i6nt down. Serenth.— Reynolds received ^mefacersy when they got lo the ropce^ and much struggling occorred before the^w was down. r '£ightb^*«^Be1asco drove his opponent to the ropes, wfien Reynolds caught hold of thenSi and was ultimately upon the grass. Ninth. — Reynolds appeared bleeding at the scratch, and wept furioqsJy in upon the Jew^ who Itcpi retreatinglo the ,^pesy wh«r« be went ilown. Tenth. — Reynolds had no discretion aboat him. He got big adversary to the ropes, fibbed him severely, and tb«ix let him down. £lev«Dih.--^This waa a good and singalar rounds The <:omba(fii^s fooglu with each ptb^r till they wer? exbauHed, when they stood still looking about them, till their strength again enabled them to commence hostilities. Some blows ex-. changed ^nd Belasco down. Twelfth.''— The Jew displayed considerable science, and nctbed his opponent with the utmost ease. Reynolds becaine rather furious, and as he was rushing in to serve out the Jew, he was stopped by a troublesome hit on his nose, that made him retreat in quick time. In closing, both down. Thirteenth. — Reynolds appeared to great advanta|^ in this round be had it all his own way, and sent Belasco down* Founeenth. — ^It was curious to witness the Jew after be had been hit &irly round, recover himself so soon, and ultimately to^ his adversary down. Fifteenth. — Some few blows exchanged, and, in closing, Sizteentb»-^ReyBolds. took Ibe Jead» but in his hurfy to do soase be«^ execution, he over-noa^ed himself and went SeneMenth.-^A heavy sh^;wer «f min nov oommenced, but it% chilling eAects did not in the kasi damp the jtr^towr pf 440 BOlCIAHA; OR, the combatanu. Reynoldt ({ot bU mao to tlie ropes, and fiUed bim ttrriblj till be went down. Tbe odik were now rapidly rising on tbe Iritbraan. Eigbteentb.-— Reynolds was iu higb spirks, planted two ffiod facers^ and ultimately put in a blow, tbat bit Bdasce down. Great applause, and two to one on Reynolds. Nineteenth to twenty-first. — In tbese rounds, Bdasco bad evidently tbe best of the fighting, and be sent bis man dowa etery time. Twenty-second. — Rotb of tbe cumbataats on tbeir roeCtle, pelting away, but Belasco got peppered down. Twenty-third.— Upon set ting-to, the Jew went down from a bit. Tw«ity-fburtb«^Tbis was a busy round. In dosing, much fibbing occurred, and great struggling to obtain tbe throw, but bmb went down* Twenty-fiftbv-^Tbe Jew with much spirit drove Reynolds all over tbe ring, and was ultimately sent down. Twenty-sixth to twenty-eightb« — Soibe ^rp blows were exchanged in these rounds, but Belasco went down in all of them. Twenty*ninth. — Much struggling at the ropes, when the Jew found himself on the grass. Thirtieth to thirty-third. — At the finish of all these rounds Belasco was down. In one of them be received so tremendous a nobbeTf that it appeared almost to take his head from his shoulders. Thirty -fourth. — One of Reynolds'^ pecpert seemed darkened -^his face much beaten, and covered with claret. Belasco planted four facers without any return, but ultimately went down. Forty-five minutes had elapsed. Thirty- fifth to fortieth. — Belascb was down at the end of all these rounds although during their continuance he made some good exchanges, and fought spirit^ly* Forty-first. — This round continued for two minutes, but entirely to the advantage of the Jew, v^bo put in several facers — bit his man in all directions, add ultimately ^^boivt^ Paddy. Forfy-second.i— Tbe Jew- kept adding/dcciy to tbe already damaged nob of his antagoi^st, but again found his way dows. SKETCttBS OP PUGILISM. 441 Foriy-tbifctl.— This was a courageous round on both sides and Reynolds received sucb a. dregful hit in his mouth, that he seemed to feel as if ali his teeth had been knocked out» and put up his hands apparently to throw some of them away, and was ooljged to retreat to clear his mouth of the bluod. He, notwithstanding, sent Belasco down. Forty-fourth to forty-sixth.— In these rounds the Jew went down but, in the forty-fifth he was completely Jloored. Forty-seventh.— Both down but the cries of foiil— fair^ occurred in consequence of Reynolds throwing his opponent. Forty-eighth.-^The gamtness displayed by the Irishman was the praise and admiration x>f all the amateurs present. His head was terrific from the numerous facers he bad received, and was fast approaching to a state of darkness; but he, nevertheless, displayed great actfvity in meeting his man. Reynolds was thrown in this round. Forty-ninth. — Belasco's mug was also the worse for the ptimthment it had undergone; but his fiesh seemed so firm and close as to be almost impenetrable as to appearance. After an exchange of blows, the Jew was hit down. Fiftieth. — The face of Reynolds again came in contact with the fists of the Jew but, the latter was again down. Fifty-first and fifty-secbfid.— In closing and struggling, both Fifty-third. — ^The men in the most courageous manner fought their way to the ropes when Belasco fibbed his om>onent severely and ultimately sent him down. The nead of I^ynolds was truly frightful, and although hi% gam^ had no deserted him, hweM booked by many who now left the ring, that he must lose it, as he possessed scarcely a glimmering of light. Fifty-fourth to fifty-sixth. — Belasco kept adding punishment to the already terrificly bruised nob of his opponent; but, at the end of all these rouuds he was down. Fifty-eighth. — A. short round, but, in closing, both down. Fifty-ninth. — It was astonishing to see Reynolds contend under such disadvantages; he frequently hit by his opponent, and when his blows iM, they w^re entirely froin the effects of ckancCf as he could not see to direct them. It was piteous to see him put up hi«: fingers to try to open his eye-lids. In closing, both down, but Reynolds uppermost. Sixtieth.^ — Notwithstanding the battle appeared so hiuch hi 4Aft BCixiAnA; tW hnmr o£ Um i«Wy U ww tlioQglit orprimg tfatt bt cduld Mi piit an end to it M«di vmiggliiig occurred mt the rdpot <»— SduU Uitf'* See* wera slio rapeatedy till botfa nort dovn. Sixty-first. — It seems Reynolds observed to tin se^ondi^ ^ikattf kee^dbvt9eekiinMfkri:ertamfymmiwinf'' The qfice was immediately given, when ^farrier Ramped into the ring and lanced his eyes, which had the desinsd effscc Reynolds DOW soon conrhiced the spectators the important const' qneoces ntitoa had given to his eBf^tp^ In dosMi^ both^lown* 8ixty<«eoood« — H^om that Reynolds cowld see his wvy, he attacked BeJasco in a superior styji^ iiad the hest of the wullingf and sent bis man down. Sixty-tbird.-**^pon setting«to, Reynolds agun had the Jew upon the ground. Great appiause» and any odds. Srxty-fottrth. — Reynolds kept the lead, and pumthed his antagonist. In closing, both do^vn. Sixty-fifth. — The change which had taken place was quite evident, and it was alt up with the Jew. Reynolds bad now decidedly the best of him. In closing, some strngglitig occurred to obtain the throw, but both went down. Sixty-sixth and last. — ^Reynolds iet-to with great spirit, drove Bdasco before him, and finished the fight hyjiooring the latter in such style, that he could not Come again* 0/ic hour and twenty rmnutes had elapsed. It was owing to game — and GAME alone that EBYNoi.Ba. defeated tbe Jew. The head of tbe Irishaian was swelled prodigiously, imd battered all to pieees and till the lancet was applied, the chance was decisively against him. His determined, bottom and persevering efforts, at length, broagbi Tictoryto crown bis exertions. Rbtnolds is a fine fighter* and active in the extreme. On the part of Bdaki^ it must be saidi that he proved himself a most cuHuage* ouB man. It wns a complete up'-hill figbt, in point t/t weight, for tbe Jew^ and he maintained tbe conflict till he could po longer stand. -Sjome little cpostefna- SKBTCHBS OV FQQILISM. 449 lioo took place oot odIj aoofong the Jam bat the ChrMatUy oq Reynolds being proclaimed the ooa* qiieror« It was at one time considered next to impos* sibte, from his beatea state^ that be conld vin. Rair^ HOLDS, from this conqnest, was considered able to nadertalce anj diiog of his weight opon the list* &* iasoo was kd oat of the ring/ sappoited by two men^ and p«t mto a poift«-clHaBe his. skin was impenetrlEible toward ezbibitiag marks of pumahmenii bat from his wrbt to his elbow bis arm was black. From the above saccess, &btwoldS| tras matched with Churdk, for twenty guineas a-side. This contest was also decided at Moolseyt^hurst, on Tuesday, S^ tember 0, iai7* Of the former it is necessary to ob« senre, that soaneely sue weeki had elapsed since he defeated Bdatco. Moch too short a time for aAy man again to eater the prize-ring with iofety U> him* self or his back»$; more especially, wheii it is lem^mr bered, that he was severely pumshed in that battle, and also in the interim allotted for tramifig, he had| Ml spite of that|»rtufeiice so necessary to be observed preparatory to every contest, been engaged in a oasuidi tmm'^4 However, on enterhig the ring, his cQoditum only was qoesooned in other respects his catifwg and scientific qualities were so much valued towards iur soring victory, that he was readily backed at six, and by many atseven to fow. Chuirch bad merely stiiengtb aad ^amcNOs to lecommend him. Padimgtgn Jhtm and fVktde seoooded Reynolds; and CAfiiti wm looked after by his late opponent &r(^Mf,. assisted by foifi CW66. This fight continoed thirty roinot^ daring which tiase twentysix rounds were coatesied in' the most manly ttyle of actioo* On settiDg-to Church exhibited great gaiety of mMUiN, and self-itd* portance, and without ceremony ftoored his opponent. This success was but of short duration, yet the twenty-first round was decidedly in his favour; but, in every other instance/ his game only was conspicuous* On the part of CJbcnrA, claret was the order of the day — his nob was continually in chancery — and bis mug completely crimeoned. In the above battle, Reynolds gave evident signs of improvement, from^ the repeated and successful use he made of his left hand. His right gave way almost as soon as he began to fight, and at every inte^al that occurred, be was seen to rub it, as if sufiering from great pain. He bad scarcely a scratch upon his face, while the ind/ex of Church was rather trantmogrifiidf from the numerous facers he had sustained. He jumped out of the ring, and immediately ran up to his patrons in the betting stand. In point of goodliest his title is genuine; as an active, scientific, finishing boxer, his claims /afe equally sound and, as a truly dangerous customer for any of his' weight, there is not a dispute throughout the Fancy. He bids fair to obtain a high place on the pugilistic roll of fame. It is curious to remark, thai Church, ytlth a dislocated ancle, stood before Scrog" gim for an hour all but ten seconds,* but could not remain half that time in the presence of Reynolds yet Belasco contended with the latter one hour and twenty minutes; and was booked by several who left the ground a short time previous to the-termination of the fight as the winning man! Notwithstanding the miiHng Church had received, he returned with his head tied up, and sat himself down close to the ring to witness the fight between the big ones and urged that he lolt his battle in consequence of becoming ''dizzy and gueerish like In consequence of no opponent offering to enter the lists with our hero^ and^ not wishing to remain idle^ he was matched against a provincial boxer of great celebritj bnt» from the interruption which occurred between them, it might be denominated A CANTERBURY TALE ! The London Fancy were but little interested upon this events and very few Iieft the metropolis to witness it. The broom'dasher, Johnson, was scarcely known out of his own county but where, it is said) his fame was so terrific^ and his nam6 so great a terrori in Kenc^ from his having proved the conqueror in onb hundred and SBVBNTT-NiNB BATTLES^ that it might be said of the broom'dasher he had every thing his own way, like the daring Rugantino^ and renowned Thrte^fngered Jack. It appears the notoriety he had acquired was more from his rough milling than exhibiting any pretensions to science. Not so with Reynolds, his character as a good active fighter, had gone before him and even at Canterbury he took the lead in betting at great odds in his favour. The stakes were thirty guineas a-side, and a subscription purse. The place of fneeting, on Tuesday, November 1 ), 1817, originally intended was the cemetery of the old Palace, in the above city, for the display of manhood between the above heroes; but, as the gentlemen in the magistracy were quite out of the mUHng fancy, they were tthvrilling that the golgotha of the venerable Monks thovld become a fiekl of bloodi and by issaing their mindate the seene of actioQ was changed to mme other plaee, len liable to anooyance from the healb! Marshals Oliver and Crouch, commanding the miUikg iyiRMlydeta«$hed fram the main body for this pftrticular service, proceeded, on Monday, to re^nnbiti^ and Sit on tt^ convenient poaitioa; alt was anxiety, andthe Gtttbedral clock bad hardly anrio«06ed the davtrn of day, when every rehiete; from the barouche doWn to the coitermon^er'4 cdrt^ was In readiness to march on the fligiial being given by the cbmmanders-fn-^hief. To Sarre, was hterd from ra!nk to mtfk this Arnf was enough, and whipping and sparring Cf^t^menced in order to arrive in time, and obtain, a good situation: A roped ring was fixed in a field to the^ tight of th^ entrance of Sarre, where the men were begitthtng to set-to, when the Rev. Mr. Bayleif, of Maiigatis, (It mi^trate of the Cinqne Ports, in whose juriMictioa the field was situated,) was heard to read-^not tiie ar^ ticlet bat the Riot Jet, and, with maeh good humonr, endeavoured to point out the imperious necMsity of' their separating, on accdunt of the mekncboly death of the Princess CHAaLOTTB. This exhdrtHitiOB had the deirired elfect, and the ibrce^ ?tiiitf«diajtel|f crotfM the wker but, the magistraiie, ansiotur eo learq where they were going, an amateuri by way of n great secret, tttld hknto Phmithpuiiing I$bmdrhit%, the fiict was, the men were to meet in Lord Cow^Fftlt'B parkv near Gaoterbnry. To Plamihpuddmg hbami the flsagistrate repaired, bat fband put,, on hk arrivld, that a koax bad been practised upon him. Hia borte now dead beat, and his pedettmiA cpnkablcB knocked op; as Rbtnolds aod Johmom had been conveyed to the above park at the rate of ten miles an hour. Iff time ^Is^tiow to^ be U)8t^' and the men sel'to without delay. Reynolds was winning in firstrate style; and JdJbuwi^ was Jkwni dortng eight rounds. The latter was a complete thy cock. The mayor of Canterbury and his pone comitatis arrived ^irbeD they had i>een;imilling thirty-five mioales^ and separated the combatants. It was lucky that night inter vencid to lead her sable locks to hide the discoon solat^ faoes of the gmnm backers of the .bromn-daahtr^ and they relraeed their steps to Canterbury, deprived even of hope, as Jofaisoii, out oi retpect to the laws of his country, refused xo fighi>any mone« .Rbtnolm wished him to decide it the next morning, or at the dfftanoeof a week, but all in. vain The pars^ bow^ ever, was presented to the latter for his com-ageovs eobdnct. Oar hero is considered to possess rather too. mudh 4>f the ^buU dog" in his mode of fighting but espefience, mo^ likely, will correct this exuberance erf disposition. In tbe^ ring, Retmolds,^ terrific f out of it, mild| inoffensive^ 'W6ll4nformed^ and ^orreot vk his general deportment. As a |>roof of his. value in tbe Sporting Cir<:les, kts fim benefit at die iFiTis ComtT) on Tuesday^ Febhiary lO, 1818y was equal to asy tbing witnessed at this places and, before tMs nunierous assemblage of aioateuvay heoieseditofigbt any man in the kmgdom^ of his own weighty lor the sttm of JfiOO guineas* 444 Boxuvii; Oft*. DAN MCCARTHY. Who e'er bod the lock to see Doonybfook Fair, An Irishmau all in his gfory is there With his sprig of shillelah and shamrock so grten ! Ill the neighbourbood of St. Giles's, Dam McCarthy, it seems, had often distinguished himself with much notoriety in the numerous sldrmiskei which so fre* qoently occur in this liveiy part of the metropolis; but wishing to torn his blowi to a better account, and attracted, it is presumed, from the mUliag success of his countrymen Randall and Re^fnoUs, M^Cabtht was induced, as a candidate for pugilistic reputation, to exhibit his pretensions in the prize-ring; more espe* dally, as those heroes alluded to had made such a high stand in the boxing circles, under the patronage of Colonel Barton. McCarthy is in height 5 feet 8 inches, weighing about 11 stone, and possessing well-proportioned limbs. It appears he offered himself in the ring without hesitation to the notice of the amateurs, oo that memorable hoaxitig day, when Jack, the butcher, attempted to make a fight at the Coventry Farm, oo the Hale, in Middlesex but no person appearing to accept the challenge on the ground, he was shortly afterwards, under the auspices of the gallant Coloof^l Barton, matched withP wcell, in a twenty-four fee^ ring, for twenty guineas a-side. This coqtest WM decided on Tuesday^ January 27, 1818, at Coombewarren, in the presence of some thousands of spec- SKRTCHBS. OP PUGILISM. 449 -li tators. McCarthy being viewed in no other light but as a novice, Purcell was the favourite^ 7 to 4. Sir Henry Smith^ Mr. Harrison, Mr. Jackson^ &c. were upon the ground. The IrUhman first appeared and threw up his bat and was soon followed by his opponent. Purcell was seconded by Oliver and Shelton; and McCarthy by Randall (by whom he had been once defeated) and Paddmgton Jonet. The usual ceremony of shaking hands was performied, and at a quarter to one the men commenced fighting. First round. — On setting-to the Irishman's attitude appear* ed low, he smiled at his opponent, and seemed rather hurried in flourishing with his fists. Purcell attempted to strike first, but it proved short, when Paddy returned upon the body. They closed, both down, but no mischief. Second. — Purcell again hit short, when McCarthy's right hand found its way to Purcell's nob^ and his left almost immediately followed the example; some blows were exchanged, and, in closing, both down, but Purcell undermost. Third. --l^is was a good round, and Paddy convinced the ring he meant nothing else but fighting. He hit first, which proved a sharp^ac^, and Purcell returned upon him slightly. The round was finished by Paddy's going down. fourth. — McCarthy, with much gaiety, planted a hit and gpt away, smiling and pointing his finger at his opponent. With all Purcell's science he did not appear to take the lead. In closing, Purcell undermost. Fifth.— The claret was now seen trickling down the face of Purcell, and his nob at this early stage of the fight seemed quite at the service of the nooice. Paiddy went down from a slight bit. Sixth to eighth. — In all these rounds Purcell appeared in a secondary point of view, his blows seemed to have no efiect on Paddy, while, on the contrary, the latter put in severe facers; Jibbed him also sharply in one instance, made the claret (low copiously, and ultimately had the best of him. Ninth. — Purcell in this round endeavoured to try the Irish. 4M BOXIANA OS, mail's 9hgi wfakhyiiti oppotkm .toiall tfatt ought haimbeeit urged against bis want of knowledge MHi^arthy not only proved hiraself auxikty but cukning, and quite up to the scientific system of prize-iightiDg. Both down Tenlh to Fourteenth. — In all these roomfe Paddy wentdown^ but the fao^ of Parcell did not escape pmtimpid in ^(ber of tbem. Fifteenth. — Purcell got four facers, and both down. Sixteenths — ^The Irishman hit his opponent round, although he was sent down for it. Seventeenth. — McCarthy received a precious sfi#rtcr, wbkb produced for the first tine the dfvrtl^. most o;>pioasly4but;befpi^ he went down, he put in a hodkr and ivto facars. Eighteenth. — In this round the Irishman showed himself off in superior style. He used both his hands with such great facility, that he planted five facers without sustaining a hit* Nineteenth. — ^Tbe face of Purcell had changed materially from the pyniskmaU it had received, and McCarthy again 1106bed him so spiritedly that he fought himself down. Loud shouting. Twentieth to Twenty-fourth.— It is tr»e Pufcell kept iMmg his antagonist, but it was evident to the spectators that he had doMe no work. Paddy kept facing him and getting away, when Purcell, in following McCarthy, fell down rather weak. Twenty-fifth. — ^I'he Irishman received a blow upon bis ngbt eye that made him wink again, and went down. Purcell was much applaud^. Twenty-sixth to Thirty-third. — lo all these rounds there was a great deal of sameness as to the mode of fighting* The Irishman's fist was never out of PurcelPs.^ice, and^ in addition, he now put in a dreadful blow on his neok. Thirty-fourth to Thirty-ninth.-— The mH&ng was nearly the same. In the thirty-eighth he faced Purcell terribly, and when on the ground laughed at him. In this last round be also exhibited good science, and stopped &ye blows in successioo with the utmost ease. But Paddy went down rather exhausted. Fortieth. — ^This proved a severe roond, and Purcdl waa almost beat to a stand-still but McCarthy went down. Two to one on Paddy. Forty-first to Forty-«eventh.— Thei Irwfcnian down in all these rounds bot b^ in the- most eflective blows. Forty-eighth and Forty-ninth. — In the first they closed, and broke away but Purcell was hit down. In the last Purcell turned round from a sharp hit; but he soon recovered himself and sent Paddy down. Fiftieth to Sixtieth.— ^The head of Purcell was now truly terrific; but his game astonished every one. Tom Jones now roared out to McCarthy to go in and finish the fight. Purcell was sent down. Sixty-first to Sixty-ninth. — In all these rounds Purcdl was down. In some of them from weakness — in others hit down, and in two instances dreadfully ^6e Of to stisiQlate their exertions to obtiun a similar high biuung eminence. Tl^ blaze of talent" exhibited by the former hero, whose name resoniided from one end of tbetkrngdom to the other, as being the most accomplished and scientafic pugilist of his day ^nd tht. hrtmendom ^ebocity and conquest-like abilities possessed by the latter, gave to the Jews a character tot fiaUmg^ that it is not likely they can e?er expect to realise again. A century may elapse before two such boxers as liENDOZA and DUTCH SAM appear in' the Prize-ring. Itappears^lhatwben young Abraham first exhibited with tbegbfws^ he gave such promising mtV^g specimen^ that some hopes were entertained by the brael' f to respecting -bis future success. Their expectations were much' fli^ttered and increased from his conquests, in succession, over CribVs Coalhcaver, Hudson, and Pmyne; nor have the defeats he experienced with lUymtdf and' Randall annihilated their former opinions of his rising pugilistic capabilities. Bblabco is a boxer of superior talent — he is master of the science-^he does not want for fto/^om-^he haaaisd the advantages of youth on his side, not being more tbali twenty years of age-^not deficient in stiiength«-*-of ail athletid make— penetrating eye — andy vn thfs ring, full of life add aictivity. With practice and opportunity he is likely to obtain a high place on the ptugilistic roll of fame bt least, to make a good stand«among boxers of his own weight, ]0| stone, at ti|eutkne'we>now speak of.' In height, Abraham is 5 feet Gi inches. Bblasco's first battle of note was with a man de^ nomiDated CribVi Coalheaver" in conseqaence of his being under the patronage of the Champion. This contest was for a sabscription-purseof five guineas, collected, for a seccond fight, in the Prize-ring. The activity and science displayed by Bblasco, on this occasion^ attracted the attention of the amateurs, and he was viewed as a pugilist of rising abilities. In the course of thirty minutes, the superiority of Belasco was so decisively portrayed, that the CooUeover was glad to acknowledge he had had enough! Belabco' now obtained the immediate patronage of the Jews. Near the Barge-house, at Woolwich, Belasco, entered the lists with Joth Hudsom, a butcher, a determined, active boxer. It proved a well-fought battle on both sides, and was contested with great spirit and science Jor one hour and tldrty ndnute$f when the smiles of victory again crowned the efforts of the promising Israelite. Our hero, it seems, was down at Monlsey-burst, on Thursday, April 3, 18 17^ to witness the fight between Randall and fVett-couniry Dickt and, in order not to lose sight of the main chance/' but to turn the penny to advantage, he. filled up his time on the ground in disposing of oranges, thitt uniting pleasure with profit, when he was unexpectedly called upon to enter the ring with Jack the Butther, for a sabscription*purse. Belasco, without hesitation, piit down his basket of fruit, peeled sans c6r6monie, and in-, staotly prepared for action, with the utmost confidence. He was seconded by some of his own people and Jack was attended by Paddington Jone% and Dolly Smith. SKETCHES OF PUOILISM. 451* First Tound. — Jack, fall of bustle, went to work, and planted three bits, and had. the bejst of the round till tbey closed,, when Belasco got him against the ropes, fibbed Jack severely, till both went down. Second. — ^The latter did not appear to like the Jew, and held down his head. Belasco went in with great gaiety, and a^in Jibbed the butcher till be was tired, and then dropped him. Third. — ^This was a spirited round, and Jack showed fight. Some good blows were exchanged, till the Jibbing system was introduced by the Jew, till both went down.— Belasco ueh dermost. Fourth. — ^The Butcher's nob now showed the handy work of the Jew, and the claret was flowing copipusly. In this round Belasco appeared to do as he liked with his opponent,— >he punished biro in all directions, and, by way of concluding like a good workman, he Jloored the Butcher, and jumped over him as he lay on the ground. Great shouting. Fifth. — Jack appeared at the scratch, but he soon run himself down. Sixth. — The Jew behaved like a true Christian in this round. He had it all his own way"; and when he had got the Butcher on the ropes, in a perilous situation, he was too manly to take advantage of it, but lifted up his hands and walked away amidst thunders of applause. Seventh. — Belasco nobbed Jack with the utmost sang froid, and ultimately sent hiin down but it was rather a sharp round. Eighth. — In closing, the Jew fibbed his opponent terribly, till they both fell over the ropes. — 7 to 4 on Belasco. Ninth. — ^It was evident the Butcher wished to avoid the fisi of his adversary, and held down his head. In struggling^ both again but of the ropes. .Tenth. — ^Jack turned away from the Jew, but he got pep^ pered for so doing, and was ultimately sent down. Eleventh. — The Butcher could not keep his head out of chancery^ and was ^^oored. Great applause. Twelfth. — ^Jack seemed quite sick, and cvrred it down without a blow. Disapprobation. 4M mkkiama; ok, TbirtceBthd-^Bothdowo; biU BeliiHrQ took the lead. Fourteenth.— After the exchange of a few blows. Jack was J^bed dov^n. His&ce covered with daret. Fifteenth. — ^If the Botcher possessed any thing like resolo- ^on or bottom he might have stood some chance but his fighting is all momentwrih/, either desperate or cur-ritif Cool jadgeinent is not witnessed in any of his attempts.' He nevertheless made some good hits but, in closing, he was tLg^in^fibbed till both went down. Awj odds «poa the Jew. Sixteenth and last. — ^The butcher run at the Jew funouslj, but it was too late to turn the scale, and he received such a Jhoretf that he would not again appear at the scratch. The batde cottfinuied fbr seventeen minutes and a half. Belasco retired from the above contest without a scratch and he proved the conqueror in first-rate style. In consequence of the frienda of Davis, the milkniMi^ paying forfeit- to Bajlasco^ he was hastily matched with Reynolds. In this battle he sustained defeat. (See page 432.) Notwithstanding the above reverse of fortnne^ experienced by Bbla8CO,> his paitiMths did not desert him, and, from the scientific quafitied he had disphyedi he was considered ha an able competitor for the accomplished RanddlL He was accordingly matched with the HonpareU, eight weeks only having elapsed since his long fight ^ith lUymlds. It is tme BkLAsco was defeated; bilkt it is equally true that he gain^ much approbation as a skilful l>ozer; and the battle between the Jew and Randall^ in a scientific point of view, stands equal to any thing on the records of pugilism. (See page £74.) Belasco was born on the 9tb .of Aprils 1797* SKBTCilBS pF PUGILISM. 45Q WEST-GOUNTRY 5ICK, T»B NAVIGATOR. A OAMER or more manly boxer was not to be found amofig the records of ppgilism than tbeaboTe little hero. In a very short p(eriod^ hefonglit n^J^ss than ilw^LVE j^RizE BATTLB8 intbemost ooiun^eoacistylej apd the sja(^i)es of victory ^ay^ prA^^^pvopitioils to bis exertipqs, inTdS out of thct.TWiSLYB! RipB^Bj) Wbst b.R native of Bednnpster^.jn Somersetshire, and wa^ bora in. the, year ,1Z04« At t\^ period of. his fi|;Bt battle, be was in height 5. feet 5i. inches, and weighing qine stone and half a ponnd. Dick ranks more as an active boxer than a fine.fig^ter, bi^Vi^<>^ cpimpicBons for beiqg a slashing. bitter;; and, considering the .slimness of hia person, be used bis right hand inva. trem^ndo^Sbvmaanerc His .coinage, ho^wevef, is ,Df so superior a quality, that it lias often prompted lum to fight men much above. his. ^wn weigjb t, ,wi thout the le^t hesitation. Th^ moat psomiijijeint of Dick's f)att|ffs are the following ^-r- Dick's first attempt at prize-milling, it^seems^i was with a m^Uidenon^aited tl^e QrabbUry iqNkTatbillfields^ It.was, ft moM de^pe/ate fight, and. onAiioicr anifofBoly Vfinujta trapspj,red bf^e Dicir wjM.decl^tted conqueror^ Thejatter.wasmqchjffotif^ by^tbeiamar teuf 8 fi:om bis spirited style, of figiitipg. A man. of. tbq. iiame of JUeoe was., diPiKiiSied x>fi hy Dick i^ the short space of^ifi; m»^^ ^atiC^NHiibe^ 40a boxiama; oft» wood. It was a match for sevea gaiDeas a-side, Dick patting down bit own stake. A gardener, of good weighty fougbt with Dick at Moulsey-hurst This was also a short battle and, as before, the confidence of Dick again prompted him to back himself; he also gained the victory iu good style. Dick now entered the lists with the determined Jack Curtis. (See page 389.) For a trifling purse, to make op a second fi^t after Carter had defeated Robinson, the man of colour, in a match against time, at Coombe-warrenf on Wednesday, Jmnc 96, 1816, Dick entered the ring with Jack Payne, the bntdkr; but, in the course of only^bur rounds, the latter was so satisfied^ that he declared he would fight no more, and left the ring, under, evident marks of disapprobation. Dick was, at length, matched with Charley Martin, for the sum of twenty guineas a-side; this contest took place at Moulsey-hurst, on Tuesday, August 22, 1816. It was a spirited battle on both sides, and considerable reciprocal milHng occurred between the comjbatants^ during forty-seven rounds but the severity of Dick's hitting brought him through it in nearly fifty minutes. Martin, not being exactly satisfied as to the terminaiion of the above battle, requested a second trial of skill, which being granted him, he entered the ring with Dick, confident of recovering his lost laurels, on Thursday, February 13, 1817, at Coombe- warren, for .twenty guineas a-side. Richmond and Eaks seconded Martin; and Dick had for his attendants, Olvoersnd 8KBTCHB8 OF PUGILISM. 401 Clark. This was a bravely contested battle of thirtyfour rounds; and sharper milling, for the time it lasted, thirty-five minutes, has not been often experienced; but, for the last six rounds, Martin had not the least chance, and left the ring much punished. The Grand Duke op Russia, who witnessed this battle, seemed much interested in the event, and made several remarks upon the bottom displayed by both the boxers. Dick was now thought a competent match for the prime Irish boy, Randall, (See page 265.) To make up for a wretched burlesque on scientific pugilism, (see page 413,) which took place on Tuesday, December 23, 1817, at Coventry-farm, on the Hale, in Middlesex, Dick was suddenly called upon to enter the ring with Street, for a subscription-purse of ten guinea^. No delay occurred, and Dick, attended by his seconds, Paddington Jones and Ballardf and Strut by Dolly Smith and Leicester, appeared within the ropes at thirteen minutes to three o'clock, and fought as follow:— First round. — Dick's right hand soon got into work, and slightly nobbed his opponent. Street, in returning, hit short. They immediately fought their way into a close, and both went down. Six to four on Dick. Second. — Dick, as usual, full of bustle, put in a severeyocer, that made Streets head shake again but the latter, with ranch confidence, stuck dose to Dick, and gave him a sharp blow on the shoulder. In closing, both down. Third. — Street, on set ting-to, planted a heavy hit under Dick's ear and got away, laughing and nodding at him, by way of self-approbation. Some hits were exchanged, and Foarth* — Street made play with his left hand and neatly got away, but they soon commenced hard fighting, when Dick, 4M ttoariANV^, or; with ipirit itti^' jttdgeinMit, dtqve hili oppoMcUt to the ropesy and hit hin .bang aut of the ring. Great applause. WeU done, Dick, and 7 to 4 against Street. Fifth. — Street met his man confidently^ but bis blows, though often well ditect^, lost their force from being openhanded} hewever, the best of the hiHmg was on the side of Dick. In closingi both down* The legf and drawers of the combatants were covered witli mud. Sixth. — Dick went down from a hit he received under his left arm but it appeared more t>wing to the slipper/ stikte of the greuod than from J^he force of the blow. Seventh and ^ghth. — In this latter round Dick took the lead in good style, heliit his opponent quite away from him, and IbHowed Street with much success, making sev^rai of his blows teU, tiU both went down. Ninth.— Street did not turn out quite so easy a customer as Dick had imagined. The nob of the former was rather the worse for the tmttle but no claret was to be seen about either of the eombataott^ Could Dick have used his left hand with any sort of effect, he might have made greater progress towards conquest This was a miUmg round, and both down in the mud. f Tenth.^*«-Dick was rather disttessed froiA his'axertitms in the last round, and seemed rather reluctant in quitting his second's knee, which excited much vociferation oif timetime,'' from Leicester. Paddington Jones was angry* «r this remark, and he offered to fight the former for bis uncalled-for noise. However, Dick was at the seradH), some sharp hits were exchanged,' and Street went down. from Ih^ severity of his opponent'^ right hdnd. Two to one on Dick. Eleventh.— ^Street, it was evident, could not protect his head frooi receiving repeated facin but he planted -a sharp body blow that mo^ed Diqk from his station; .The^grotedwasin such a wetf dayey state, that neither of the coflibataats. could stand firm. Howctvel% Dick setit Street down in M twinkltag. Bravo, Dick ! and 5 to 2 was offered. Twelfth to Fifteenth. — In the latter round Street hit his opponent down, and planted so severe a blpw on one of Dick's peepers that made it winlc again. Street felt flattered at this event, and patted his hands at Dick while on the knee of his second. Sixteenth and Seventeenth. — ^In this round Dick slipped SKETCHES OF rOGlLISM. 4m down from H llight bit; but he was evidently diltreBsed. *OIhref bonded oyer-t^^ .«aM Se vw to hit seconds, who instantly administered this restoratiTe cordial to bis wants. Eighteenth to Twentieth. — In all these rounds Street appeared the Jreskesi^ though bis opponent bad rather the* best of thd wiUing; bnC^Diok's eye waspi|ffed up and seemed daefc; and Street had b^n anxiously, endeavouring to 9h^ up the other. Twenty-tirst*^Street came to the scratch laughing and nodding at Dick by way of derision; when the latter gave him such a podger on his jaws, that not only sp&ili tbe'lo<^'6f bis countenance^ but made him laugh on the wrong side pf-Ai* mouthy and th^ finished, the round by bitting. him down. Loud applause. Twenty-second.— Dick seemed to have recovered and'redocod Street to bia pitchy and made bis htts ieU as iast as he could plant them. Twentyrthird.— The scale was now turnii>g,and Dick having it all his own way. He planted four severe facers without any return, and ultimately sent Sti-eet down. Well done, Dick. Five to one. Twenty-fourth to Twenty^«eventb.<^Inubefie -voUnda Stteet scarcely exchang/ed a blow before be wi^ in the mud. Tweotyreighth to Thirty-second. — was all up with Street, be was down every round. Dick, very politely, inquired how he was ?" Thirty-third.— Street, on leaving the knee of bis second, was told by Dick to come to his place, .Jiod stand itf^Ufce 4 man P' hut be was again down. Thirty-fpurtbaftidlaBn^On setting-to, Street almost laid himself down. He, however, got upon his legs, but be seemed rather to avoid meeting bis man, and so the fight ended ia tbuty accompanied by his seconds^ Randall and Paddington Jones^ first entered the ring, and threw up his hat Payne soon followedi and answered the token of defiance, attended by the veteran Joe Ward, and Dick Wheale. The old ceremony of shaking hands was then complied with, and the combat commenced First round. — ^Jack set-to rather eagerly, but hit short; when Dick's right hand niade free with his opponent's fto6. In closing, Jack endeavoured to fib Dick^ but it was a short round and both went down. Second. — ^Jack seemed to feel as if he bad still UimeeharaC' ier left, and endeavoured to convince the amateurs that he could fight. He gave Dick a precious muxikr^ and also exchanged some sharp hits; but when Dick put in a^^icer which produced the clam, a slight trait of his old system began to appear, and he went down not in the roost gallant style. Third. — This was a good round, and two minutes of downright milling occurred. Jack put in two desperate facers with much dexterity, and likewise some sharp body hits. Dick was not behind hand with his opponent, and exchanged hits in a manly style, till he sent Jack down.'- Applause. Fourth.— Jack hit his adversary without ceremony, till Dick got the turn, when he followed the Butcher all over the ring. Jack's mug was bleeding copiously. Both down. Fifth.— Sharp work was the order of this round and reciprocal nobbert occurred. In closing, Dick threw hit adversary.—Great shouting well done, Dick. Sixth. — Dick evidently took the lead, although he did not escape severe punishment. Jack went down from a heavy bit he received on his body — ^be fell on his knees, and in a singular manner his nob bent forward on the ground. Seventh. — After an exchange of blows. Jack curred it dowr 466 Bi»HAtli; Ot«. from facer be received. HaU were tbrowo up, and &approbation was manifested. Eighth. — Dick went down from the force of a severe faar be gave his antagonist. Nioth. — ^T^it round caused a hliuk* upot) the cheeks' of the game pugilists who were witnessing the fights to viayy a l^Mteto, at least 26lb. heavier and taller than his antagonist, positively turn hU back and run away from Dick after receiving some barp bits, and in a manner laid himself down. — Load hissing. Tenib.— It was singular to observe, when the Butcher forgot his fears, he fought in a manly style. In this round Jack bad decidedly the best of the muHng — be planted two facen right and left, and also sent Dick down from a bodkr. — ^Tbe latter, while on his second's knee, appeared much exhausted, and brandy was applied with success. Eleventh — ^Jack again took the lead. He planted two dreadful hits, right and left, on Dick's nob^ that seemed nearly to stupefy him but Dick, game-cock like, went in with the most determined confidence, changed the scene, and sent the Butcher down.— Great shouting. Twelfth. — After an exchange of hits, Dick sent bis opponent down. Thirteenth. — Dick slipped down on one knee, but recovered himself, and ultimately got his adversary down. Fourteenth and Fifteenth. — ^Jack was down in both these rounds; but not before Dick had received much misciii^. Sixteenth. — Dick again slipped, but in recovering himself to meet bis antagonist, received a desperate blow near the mark thsit^fioored him. This was bad judgement on the part of Dick. Seventeenth.— This was a singular rdund; both went down from counter hits. Eigbteeoth, Nineteenth, and Twentieth »-*Oiie of Dick's peepers was nearly closed, and although he had not lost a angle drop of claret y he bad received an unusuaJ degree of putdsbment. These rpunds were rather an favour of Dick. Twenty-first. — ^This was a grand round on the part of the little one. He planted three Jacers with his right hand, without any return but Jack at length got into work, and fought gaily till he went down. Twenty-second and Twenty-third.^— Jack down in both these rounds but, in the latter, he received so severe a konker that his mug was crimsoned all over in a twinkling. Twenty-fourth.— The Butcher again administered some draadfal fmnuhment In closing, both down, when Jack laughed at his aaiagonist. Tiyenty-fifth. — ^Jack wefU down from a hil in the throc^l. Well done, Dick. Twenty-sixth. — ^There was nothing like stopping attempted between the combatants; and several of the round lunging UIq^vs told desperately. Dick again received some terribie pumshment about his nob that made hijp stagger agiMO'> Both Twenty-seventt.-— Dick was now extremely weak, and his nob had been so peppered that he could scarcely tell what he was, about; hut hit rich game prompted him to proceed like a hero, and in consequence he floored Jack, from a desperate hit he planted on his mouth. Loud shouting. Twenty-eighth, T\%enty -ninth, and Thirtieth. — Although Jack curred it down in all these rounds, it could not be considered exactly safe to Dick* The Butcher always hit his opponent. In the last round, the hats were thrown up, in consequence of Jack's not liking to leave his second's knee. Five to one on Dick. Thirty-first. — ^Jack however appeared at the scratch and the terrible long facet of his backers rather resumed a more cheerful, appearance, at the chance he had given them. He fought this round tolerably well, and, in closing, when Dick 'al4»mpted to^ him, he held his hands till both went down. Thirty-second. — On setting-to Jack fell down. Hissing. Tldrty<-third to Thirty-Seventh and last. — ^In all these rounds the Butcher went down, in a currmg sty ley although he generally planted a hit before he fell but, however, he could -not have lost it, if he had possessed any thing like the b^M^" of a true English boxer. Thirty "Jive minutes and ten seconds had elap^d^ when victory was decided in- favour of Dick. The latter was led out of the ring quite destitute of vision and Jack leant upon the ropes, to show, as usual, that he was quite sick of it ! It, however* cannot be denied to him, that he took a great portion of millings and was dreadfully hit about the kidneys. H he Notwithstaading Dick's well-known bottom, — which is eqaal to any thing upon the list, however high it may be characterized, it was phyucaliy impossible he coold have laded three rounds more. Nature Was completely ezhausted, from the heavy punitkment he had received. Upon Dick's being put into a coach, he suffered for a short period temporary derangement, which might have been owing to the heavy nobbing hits he had undergone^ and in consequence of not losing a single a drop of blood. His head was much swelled. Had Dick been any thing else but a game eock^ he could never have had the pluck to have fought a man lbs. heavier than himself, and almost in every other respect a more skilful boxer. Upon the whole, it was not a contemptible fight, more especially, when it is considered that Jack, the Butcher j was concerned; however, in this instance, it is admitted, that he did the thing that was rights*' and was defeated against his will! But, in a word, he is a boxer without ''a heart,'' and, what is much worse, ^'without a character.** It was a matter of great astonishment to the writer of this article, how the amateurs could have suffered him again to make his appearance in the prize-ring after his unblushing effrontery in acknowledging his being privy to a X His backers, it is said, have lost considerable sums in consequence of his defeat! Is it possible ? Can such a man have' any backers ? Surely not ! without they feel it in the Hudibrastic manner — He thnt fights aud runs awaj, May live to fighl another day ! JOE PARISH, the Waterman. This boxing hero, it seems^ derived the principal part of his pugilistic science from the instructions of George Head. Under so able a teacher, the Waterman made great improvement; and his first appearance in the prize-ring, with Holt, was considered to have fully answered the expectations formed of him. Paeish is in height 5 feet 5i inches, and his fighting weight about 10 stone 5 lb. Joe was born in London, on the 10th of April, 1769. He is well made; extremely active possesses excellent science, and no lack of game. His attitude is commanding, and reminds the spectator of the late Humphries. He is a hard hitter, and stops with great skill but, nevertheless, his mode of fighting is thought to partake more of shew than producing effect. He had fought only two prize- battles, when this second volume was printed. Parish had a most desperate room-fight with one David Davis^ a poulterer, at the Pitt's head, in Bermondsey, about six years ago. One hour and five minutes elapsed before the combatants were separated, when Parish was considered to have had the best of it. In about two months after the above battle, our hero fought, at Peckham, with one Perry, a cooper, a man weighing nearly thirteen stone. Previously to entering the ring, Perry thought so little of Parish, that he held him up by the waistband of his breeches^ and, in this ludicrous situation, the Waterman received some heavy blows before he could extricate himself. However, in the coarse of nine rounds, Parish pvnUked hifU'SOrS^verelv that be was. led out of tbeTibg. In Tooley-street, Parish fought with a Welsh captain for one hour and twenty minutes^ before th^ Xatdy tar thought it prudent to lower his colours. It was a well-contested battle. Parish was, at length, matched with Bait, for twenty guineas a-side. This manly contest lobk place at Moulsey-hurst, on Tuesday, August 40, 1816. The fVatertnan was seconded by Harmer and EitUt, Near seventy rounds took place, and the 'fight contitiuedfbr one hour and a half. It would be an act of iajh^tice to the brave character of Parish to pass over the fdilowing humane trait without comment. Duritig the battle, when Parish had got his antagonist upon the ropes, and might have nearly^itWhim^ he tho^t manfully threw up' bis bands and walked away, receiving loud and well-merited approbation frorni all parts of the ring. Holt aTso fell impressed >^lth the generous behaviour of his adversary tbward^'Him, and while sitting upon his second's knee, he 'shbdk Parish by the band, observing, "I thakk you, Joe, i?OK YOUR CONDUCT !" But, rather strange to remark, when the chance presented itself to Boli in a similar manner, he punithed Parish heavily indeed, totally unmindful of the liberal treatment he had received, and ultimately knocked the 'Waterman over the ropes in the most pitiable state. After an hour and ten minutes had elapsed, it seemed extremely doubtful as to the termination of the event. HoH cont^ffded In the most heroic manner, till Nature had completely deserted him^ when be was led out of th6 ring nearly insensible. The above battle afforded considerable conversation, not only for the amateurs^ respecting the science and game displayed throughout the seventy rounds, but the whole of the spectators who witnessed it; and Parish's pretensions, as a pugilist, tose accordragly in the estimation of the sporting circles. A scientific battle had been long 'expected by the amateurs, between Parish and Randall, and, at length, a match was made between them for 100 guineas a-side. (See page 2'J'd.) The ffaterrnan, although defeated in the above contest, nevertheless possesses a superior knowledge of the science; and it is not unlikely, should any more opportunities present themselves, he will be found capable of distinguishing himself among boicers of his owo weight. He is a civil well-behaved man of a cheerAil active disposition and is considered to dance in a style far above mediocrity. HARRY LANCASTER. Behold the man that is unlucky ! It is said to have been the boast of one Charley Cohanty a hoxev not altogether destitute of milling talent, that he bad fought tv^enty-one battles, and LOST them all ! Not so exactly with Harry Lancaster, in SEVEN prize contests he has contended, but only in ONE ihstanc^ did the smiles of victory crown his efforts and, unfortunately for his fame, this 472 BOXIANA; OUp conqtuti wa$ of to questionable, a nature, that our. hero's reputation had been mach better withoat it. This trial of skill (if it is Dot libelling the phrase) took place at Coombe-wood, Majr 15, 1815, between Crockey and Harst Lancaster. The former was seconded bj the veteran Joe Ward and Paddmgton Jones; and Harry Lancaster by Oliver and Painter. This burlesque on milling continued for twentytwo minutes; when Crocket/ put an end to it, by loudly vociferating. give in and, Vll be d — d if I fight any more r In the first three or four rounds he had the best of his opponent, from his roly poly method of scrambling in but every round afterwards, he wanted to quit the ring, and had not old Joe stopped his mouth, it would have been, short as the time was, much sooner decided. Not the slightest tinge of claret was visible in this memorable contest. On Crockey's being presented with four pounds, which the liberality of the amateurs had subscribed for him, Mr. Jackson observed, be was quite ashamed of such a fight, and that he (Crockey) did not deserve fourpence. It ought, however, to be mentioned, that Lancaster, in experiencing such repeated defeats, has contended with some first-rate pugilists and, it should seem, his failures might be attributed more to a defect in nature, than arising from aaj practical cause as he possesses a good knowledge of boxing, and must be viewed as a scientific pugilist; neither does he want for height or strength. The place, too, where he comes from, is renowned for sending up to liOndon boxers of the first quality, which will not be^ SKETCHES OF PUGILISM. 473 qestiouedy wl^eD Bristol is named. Habry is a wellproportioned athletic yonng man, in hejgbt about 5 feet 9 inches; and weighing at least 12 stone. It is singular to remark, that he generally takes the lead at the commencement of his battles, and, from tus good fighting, frequently has had the best of it 7 to 4, and even 2 to 1, till very near the end, when, all of a sudden, be goes off like the snuffof a candle, and is then, satis cirimome, beat off hand. His contests with Alexander, Ford, and Purcell, are memorable and strong instances of those facts. His battle with JoAfiion was a very nice point but with Cooper and Oliver he had not the slightest chance of success. Harry Lancaster is a civil, inoffensive, member of society. Fortune, however, does not seem propitious to his wishes in the prize-ring; yet, in his profession of a carpenter, with attention and industry, he may not only attain respectability, but secure riches. He will do well, therefore, to quit the gloves for the bench. A hint to the wise is sufficient. TOM HALL. It lias fallen to the lot of the above hero of the fist, although in the possession of first-rate pugilistic abilities, to exhibit only twicr in the prize-ring, during the long period of seven years. Hall is a native of Newport, in the Isle of Wight, and was born on the Qth of December, 1791. He made his dcMi with the brother of the Champion, 4n4 -wmAVA; otL, George CHSb, at Okl Oak GbmtifOti'^ od Noi^mber 5* 1810. 'He was seconded upon this occasion hy BkhmoM arid Fadimgitm Jone$. It wais a most determined bAttl^for ^ne boor aod nine minotes when die skill And cMrage dtiplayed by* H^LL/in prodikdng 'him c^nqvest, made 4 strong impression on the amat^brs in 'general. Ko customer, it 'seems, offering to eoga^ bis attedtion^ he accoti^panied Tom Belcher in a sparring tonr tbrongfa England and Ireland^ and attracted considerable'attention in setting-to with the "above distingnishlsd pugilist. On i^ptember 14, 1814, Hall fought with Dan^ fUUy,the Irish Champion, on the Curragh of Kildare. A second fight was attempted to he brought about between the above heroes, but Donnelly refusing to fight Upon any other spot than the Curriigh of Kildare, Hall quitted Ireland; previous to which, however, be challenged one Cummim, a blacksmith, whom Don^ netfy had refused to meet. Cwnmim, however^ declined fighting Hall. His friends were anxions, attk^peiiod of Scroggins* greatness as a pugilist^ to bring' about a match between them, when, after four meetings on the subject, it #^nt off. Hall is in height about 5 feet 9 inches; Weighing between II lutid f£ stone; of a prepossessing appearance,'and remarkably placid in his disposition. He is respecnalily connected; a superior feeder of gamecocks J^' moist excellent shdt; a'skilfbl tx>xer, and considier^d as game a' man as ever entered a ring. SKBTCHB8 t>r PtTGILISM. 475 DAVIS, tbe Navigator. The above hero, although a fine athletic young man, and possessing strength and science, was defeated by Richmond, with the utmost ease, (see page 1$6); but^ previous to which circumstance, he had won several battles, and was generally considered a good man. He entered the lists with Cohen, an Irishman, (who had Wen conquered by Painter,) at Coombe-warren, October 13, 1813. Davis was seconded by Paddington Jones and fVheale; and Cohen, by Painter. The warm heart of the Irishman lost him the battle, after obstinately contending for victory fifty minutes. Paddy*8 science was excellent, but his passion hurried him to excess, and, after having the best of the fight, be became an easy conquest Davis's right hand NOBBED Cohen in a most tremendous manner, and his neck was desperately puniihed and swelled. Davis also beat a hekvy* Navigator, at Moulseyhurst, on November 20, 1813. m=9i BILL DAVIS, the Milkman. Ttiis ^iilH Phim^'iiinie}biHtiebAt Vti tb^' pirit^ring 1vit!h*«h '>MOUL ER, bttfh ^Bendorids^^boys, after the HhfbMtiMt^' contest between TiftHiet^atH) OuHif, at >fdli!«^y4iurst,' on Ttwsday, Oti^t MJ nm6. The W)bte fight Wais of se^ detJerrameti ^titttfrre, that, for si^Verity 6fhktmg,^ Ahd r^iprckrateirecfMote', tfab'iMdest l^gilist 'settrbdy l^^embers to hsIve^e^h'^aYiy-thttig like it. Upwards df fifty roundsdf dolrurtght'sAlifgA- 476 BOXIAKA; OB, tering occurred and the ring was positively covered with claret. Ao hoar and twenty miautes had elapsed before the MOULDER was saiitficd that he could not win. The conqueror was also pwnshed so severely, that he was obliged to be assisted out of the ring, to enjoy his hard acquired thutnping honours ! The MOULDER, at one time of the battle, held up Davis so tight, that, in all probability, he would have beat the life out of him, had not Tom Owen taken him away. Davis labours under the disadvantage of great deafneu; but, in every other respect, he is nothing else but a good one. He is about 10 stone in weight, and 5 feet 5 inches in height. His game and hard hitting are more prominent in his milling capacity, than a scientific display of the art of pugilism. FULLER. This pugilstic hero, who gained some notoriety in ike milling circles, from his second battle and conquest of Jay, and also from his most singular fight of two rounds with Molineaux, (see page 336,) is, at the present period, (1818,) happily passing hb time among the Flcmifigs, at Faknciemui. He has been at this {Jace, it seems, for several months, where he pcesides At the races as clerk of the eour$e. He also keeps a sort of subscription-house, and has two billiard-tables constantly in use, besides a room elegantly fitted up for instruction in the art of self-defence. From his appropriate deportment, his hotel is much frequented both by Freoch and English gentlemen and many of the former^' it appears, have been induced to have a trial (a la Jnglaise/ with the gloves ! Fuller is a wellinformed man and, notwithstanding his attention to business, his industry towards improving his mind, has furnished him sufficient opportunity to receive instructions and to acquire an excellent knowledge of the French language. PALMER, the Butcher. The above boxer has acquired scarcely any notoriety in the London ring but it seems, in his native place, Tamworth, in Staffordshire, he achieved several conquests. Jones (his proper name) anxious to obtain the metropolitan stamp of excellence, made his debit at Coombe-wood, on July 21, 1814, with Bum. The latter was seconded by Cribb and Clark; and Jones by Richmond and Harmer. This conquest proved a short one, occupying only nineteen minutes, and eleven rounds but it nevertheless afforded Jones a sufficient opportunity of showing the amateurs that he was not destitute of science^ and proved himself a game man. In the fifth round it was 5 to 1 against him, when he was floored from a most tremendous blow upon his ear; but, in the next round, he astonished the spectators, from the vigour he displayed in ndtting his opponent. Upon the whole it was a good battle; and from the superior skill possessed by Bum he ought to have won it. He was by far the best fighter but be did not appear to like going4n to in- cr^aie tbe,.advaDiagfeg he .hadobuinecU Bodi the tomb^taota did not e$cafe pum$limmi^. Jones luti well with his rights hand. He js upi^ards of, 12 stoi^e ii^ weighjb aod.in height tal^out 5 feet B^.i^cbes* He is a .qai^ iooJSB^asLve man9.BOfi,f9LX,Sfom an ilUter rate character,. TOM DUGGAN, THE LITTLE PAPAY, From the great simiiaritj of person the above hero bears to the squire of Don Quizottb, he might, not be inaptly termed — Sancho Panza. His face is itulj comic considerably under five feet in height b^t so strongly put together, that Duggan is viewed as, a Ug man, compressed in a little compass* In, the Fancy he is denominated No Neck!" Tom is as hardy as a butcher's block, audgame to the back bom t He has gained some battles; and Ga4i'^f the./^^ has Surrendered to hi^ conquering arm.,, D^OOA^ fpught with Gidgeoi^, a most furious hrqtlitt^ about his own size and. weight, on Tqj^day.^Jun. 27# 1818t at; Coombe-warreui for ten guipc^as a-side.. This figh^ pccupied two hours, when it b^^me;so dark^ tbattb^ time-keeper could not see bis watch,, ^^^4 matter of necessity, it was declared, to b^ a .d^awa ba^le. At out-fighting, Duggan m^V^ed the J{ew,,ia,g9od styte, wAJhored him rep^at^dly; but on. y>ing^ fiij^ tbe fyaetite hpA the superiority. It was severe.figbtjiag; and some very heavy body blows pfissed betwi^en them. The attitude of.the. J^w w^s imposipg^ Ha^- SKETCHES OF PUGILISM. 4W III nil' I Jii..ii i.a.. ..',ii t 1 esaaaaaac iic/; sod Jaiki seconded DuoeAN; and Lazarm^AVtended' upon \Gidgeon. If Tom caneot be pmnoimcttd an elegant I scientific pugilist— his stubborn frame enables him to receive more than most -men-; and those miUers who enter the ring with Duogan may expect a long fitmii|gps before he, says no !" JEM BUNN, the Bow Boy,! A SHARPER or more active boxer i^ not to be foand among the light weights, than the Bow Boy! Victory is his object in the prize-ring, and he ndlb in a most spirited style to obtain it. Bunn entered the lists with a sailor, on Thursday, December 5, 18 16, in a part of Epping-forest, within a short distance of Hford in Essex. The Tar was seconded by Randall and West-country Dick; and Bunn was attended by Eales and Clark. It was a sharp contest for forty^two minutes, during which time twenty^-five rounds took place. The science of the Bow Boy was conspicuous over his adversary but the weight of the sailor pre* vailed, and he had the best of the battle yet, unlike the hardy sons of the ocean, he fell officii on a sudden, when Bunn obtained an easy conquest. The latter is in height about 5 feet 5i inches, and weighing 8i stone. He bias fought more battles with success. EAYN:E otherwise JACK,, T^9 BUTCiM;^. Assume a ccmnge, if jou have it not Infighting often, and being defeated in almost every 40D Boxiana; oft. ibnanoe^ can give notoriety to a boxeryjACK^ the buickeTf most certainly demands a proDiinent place in BoxTANA. Honoorable defei^^ at all times, cdvimands consoladon and respect-^and brave men ought not to be forgotten bot* when pngilitts can lend themselves to bring aboat improper eventSi contempt and exposure are the only rewards such characters are entitled to^ from their endeavours to deceive and rob the patrons of scientific pugilism. Jack is nut destitute o($cicnu, a two-banded hitter, and can execute well upon his opponent's nob bnt, whoever he loses the lead, his heart appears to die within him, and be falls oflF in the most dissatisfying manner to the spectators. He suffered defeat from Bdwdall, Hudson, Belasco, twice by fVat-country Dick, Dodd, &c. He is in height about five feet eight inches, and weighing upwards of eleven stone. The only instances in which be has been successful are the followmg:— On Thursday, the 10th of Jul/, 1817, in the Five Fields, Chelsea, he fought with a deaf and dumb boxer, a pupil of the late Jem Bekhet^Sf for ten guineas a-side. At four o'clock in the afternoon the ie<-to commenced after the usual manner, excepting the formalities of a roped ring. The combatants did not appear anxious to imitate the scientific exploits of a Belcher, but resorted to the finishing system with the utmost expedition. Dummy endeavoured to mill his opponent in the most lively style of assault; but the butcher, feeling the advantages of his trade, went to work upon the knock-down plan— iir and his action in ^e riogt active and .vigorous, to all the important purppaes of victory. Practice and experience may yet do much for him and, at all events, be bids Jfair to h^icpip/^ (^iuer to opponents of his own weight- Conquest has smiled upon him in several instanjcret; SKBT0HB8 OF, P|20IL1SM. 4flfS BnddeftBut'b^A alio taught him punden^, not to set toahigh a value upon Iibciapa6tfiti«i. I^uosoN fought with Chatfley Martm, at Sawbridge^orth^ oi^ Tuesdajf Juno 10> IS'ir. It was a well-oouteated battle for baif tafaour; aod the litely. style in. which Hudson woD it, produced biai gneat' praise from the amateurs^ Hudson entered the lists with arooachman of the name of Streeir on Saturday, \Aprii 5^ IB 17, n^e^r the Barge*Hottse, Woolwieb^ This was also a bar4 £ght, and milling waa the onkx of the day. Oliver and Clark attepdec^ the butcher; and Paddington Janei and a novice were the seconds of Street. The Knight of the Whip was beaten in sixty-two rounds, and in on^ hour and ten m^Qutes. Colonel Babton a^ted a« the umpire. AipQUg the amateurs were Sib W;[|^i;iAM CoMO|tBVE, and several other persons of distijpc^oi|.. I^uf^sqff, in a combat with BelascOf experienced defeaff The b]atchjer i9 in height about 5 fe^t 6 inches, and weighing 10 stpne. Hi? |)rother I) AVI J), also d^feirte4 Stre^f Xhp latter is spirit^ prpmjsiqg bpxff^, LENNOX, DBNOMINATED "^HE COLOJIEL!" Yhb 0|p4ern Fflffdert, it should s^^m, firje more acqiutMited mfk th^ |rt>9ve pjej-ionf^e^ fj^qm hji? frequent dispky^attfe^ FJye^ C^f, ^^po fo /^y actual exl^i- WtiQAsin ]th(e ring.i (Ift ,%f^ JLpjjf j^px )?jb C((jijii. Sm^ \mm yftftra, fig9, ^wev,ef> Jt, »PJJpaf5?^ jt^lpe lie 484 ftOXlANA ott> Colonel was an adtte member in the field of glory, and bas fougbt about eighteen battles. In most of the instancesy too^ Tictory crowned his efforts. He is in the forty^tbird year of his age, full of health and vigour, and sefi'^owith unabated spirit and resolution. Lennox is also a teacher of the science — has to boast of numerous pupils in the middling class of society, and a well-freqaented school. The Colonel is a useful appendage to the Fancy. PROVINCIAL BOXING. JOE ASTLEY and O'SHAUGNESSY. Th e above battle, It seems, was an object of curiosity in the place where it occurred, Lichfield. The combatants met in a field adjoining Whittington-heath, on Wednesday, November 6, 1816. Astle'y was a native of Lichfield, and what might be termed the cock of the walk^ and had also obtained considerable celebrity from a recent victory over one Elnut. Paodt O'Shadgnessy, a boot-maker, however, was determined to dispute the acquired ndlting honours of his opponent. Jstley was known to possess good bottom and some science considerable interest was therefore excited on the issue of the contest. The nominal stakes contended for were trivial but considerable sums were depending on the event* The combatants set-to soon after eleven o'clock. Aniky was considered the favourite by the majority of the fancy present, and considerable odds were laid against his opponent. Forty-eight rounds were nobly contested between \he conibatants, and, in the twenty- 8KBT6HBS OF POQILISM. 485 third round, it was 20 to 1 upon JutUy- In the fortieth, it changed to even betting; and, in the forty-third, 7 to 6 upon Paddy. In the forty-eighth, Asthy was finished; and his nob and body displayed severe marks of his antagonist's prowess. On the contrary, Paddy evinced much gaiety at the conclusion, and walked to Lichfield. The Johnny Raws were completely cleaned out by the defeat of Astley^ who ranked high as a mining cove in this part of the country. GADZEE, otherwise Cat's-Meat. Tu E above little laughing leraeliie has affbrded| considerable amusement in the. prize-ring and, although his combats did not exhibit the tremendous miUina qualities of a GuUey or a Gregson, yet, nevertheless^ they were marked with spirit and science, and in se« -veral instances also proved interesting. Gadzbe, it seems, has fought ten battles in the course of a few years. Taking the heighr of this miniature Momus into the scale, which is under 5 feet, and his weight light in proportion, it is rather singular he should have met with so many customers. Victory has not always crowned his efforts, but, in the majority of his battles, he has been successful. He entered the lists with Gidgepn^i^xcei Myers, Duggah, Walton, See. with the latter boxer he fought a most determined battle^ for forty-five minutes, and Won it in good style. Of the very little ones" upon the bpxing list, Gadzee is not the least important. 4S6 BOICUNA; OR; GIDGEON, tbe Jew. As a contrast to the big ones/' the abbfe little miUmg hero (for downright mUing seems tb be his aim anAJbrteJ is entitled to mention from the ainasement he has afforded in battles of minor importance. Placed at the side of Gregson, comparisons of the human frame might be made wi^h effect and advantage to the student. His person, which does not exceed, in height, 4 feet 9 inches, is remarkably well made and, in £Mt, when stripped, and in a fighting position, his body and arms -discover great stf^gth and aD^tomical beauty. He might1>e termed, witbbnt offE^bdlog propriety, a Hbrculbs in miniatnre* GiDGEdM is not' destitute of icienu^ he has* also seen some service in the prisiel-ring, and biff efforts, altogether, have not proved unsuccessfbh' With the ffbvet he is conspicuous for the/Brodfy %itb which he attacks his adversary, and ratBe$' to the etid of the chapter with all the impetuosity of the most inordinate glutton: but, in actual* cbUsbat, h^ displays rather more coo/n^sf, And seeinsto ^think"icsei»M and getting-away are not; without their adVanta^ totrards victory; Gidgbon is a* prominent feature in opposition to the minor miaiatureWzers, and^ iunong bis requisites towards scientific pugilism,- gilM' 'is 'Hot wanting. His attitude in the ring possesses id! the self-importance of a boxeir of ff feet and, id walking,, his gait is as upright as a, crutch, so anxious dote he appear not to lose the eighth of an inch of hisiteigbt. In his battle with Duggan, (see p. 472,) during Which opwards of 60 rounds were fought, be evinced gooibottom* 81LBTCUBS OF PUGILISM. 487 CABBAGE— of Bristol. This milling hero oiFprovincial celebrity' is in |ieWoh not much uJ\X\\i^ West-Country Dictl biit 'upwards of a stone heavier. He came up ayouhjg and promising plant 6t the same nursery', from which the late renowned !7m Belcher sprang. Cabbage^* among the Bristolians, who had several opportunities of witnessing his boxing requisites^ was pronounced nothing else biit a good one." He is a sharp active fighter, full if confidence» and victory for a long while Satisfied bis exertions. Cabbage defeated Manby, ii baker, after a most despeifate conflict. The latter was far above bis weight; an^ Aie same' pugilist who was conquered by Crock^. (See page 411.) One Boherts was also disposed of by Cabi^aob iHtb' ifhe most perfect ease. He was, at length, matcljr^ Wkb Batl, (well-known to the liOndon ring, belt hbt''of the Isle of Wight,) for t6n guineas a-side. This contest, lialf minute tiine, t6ok' plac^ oh !FHday, Oct. 3, 1817, at Dundry. The Fancy here 'were highly interested upon the event, and it proved *'a gay dinf* to the amateurs. It was a sportitig fight. Cabbage took the lead in fine style, m& floored bis opponent like a shot, from a tremendous bit upon his fbrehead. —The three next bounds were well contestied, knd Hall obtained the superiority. CabbXge again took the lead, and kepi it till the tenth round all his own way. Hattf at length, went in and milled his opponent so desperately that he was beat to a complete Itand still. But, in the course of a round or two afterwards, another change took place, and Cabbage re- coTered from his state of stopor, %nd\fimhed his opponent with the utmost tang froid. HalTs nob was never out of chancery ! Id the twentjr-first round the battle terminated, occupying nearly thirty minutes. The next day the amateurs had a meeting, and Cabbage was crowned with laurel outside the gate, intended as a sort of oration after the manner of the triumphal entry of Coriolanus on hb victorious return from Corioli, The above cabbage is expected to be shortly sent up to the London markeU His real designation is JOHN STRONG. CLAYTON. Champion of Oxford. A DBSPBRATB coDtest took place on Monday, April 9B, ISn, near Reading, in Berkshire, between the above hero and Jem Batii, from Witney, in Gloucestershire. It was a sort of sledge-hammer fight throughout but materially in favour of Clayton, who eiiber ^floored or sent BatU down almost every round. It lasted upwards of forty minutes, and twentyseven rounds occurred. Clayton was one of the finest muscular men that ever stripped; and bis back and arms portrayed a beautiful anatomical picture. He had, about a twelvemonth since^ defeated CocJts, a bargeman. In the last round in the fight, he unfortunately received so desperate a blow upon the jugular vein, that rendered him instantly senseless. Four doctors, who were viewing the fight, ran immediately to his assistance; but all their exertions were in vain, he expired in less than two hours.-* Coroner's verdict^ Manslaughter. SEETCUBS OF PUGILISM. '469 THE TRIAL- ! VFilliank Bdtts was tried for the wilful murder of Thomas ClaVton, on Wednesday, July l6, 18i7f at tbe Oxford Assizes. The prisoner, who is a single man, about twenty-five years of age, and by trade a sawyer, at Witney, was committed, on the Coroner's Inquest, for the wilful murder of Thomas Clayton, a labourer, of Weston-on-the-Green, on the 28tb bf April last, in a field, in the parish of Radley, Berk^.' Charle$ Ward, a cordwaiber, at Witney, was the first witness called he proved that the prisoner and Clayton entered into a written agreement to fight for a purse of twenty guineas the winner, and ten guineas the loser; and they verbally agrcfed, that in case either the prisoner or Clayton should have a broken leg or arm in the course of the fight, that the one who received the injury should be allowed five pounds out of the purse that they should fight at one minute time; that the prisoner and Clayton tossed up for the choice of ground, and that Clayton won. The prisoner and Clayton, after they had settled the terms of the fight, drank several pots of beer together, and smoked several pipes. At the time the agreement was entered into they appeared to be tin very friendly terms, and had never seen each other before. There was nothing unfair in the fight. Wil* liam Pidler, a publican of Witney, fViUiam Hottand, of the Maidenhead Inn, Oxford, and fV. JameSf of Ensham, (bottle-holder,) all proved that nothing unfair occurred in the battle. Mr. G. Hitchings, surgeon, deposed, that he could not tell whether Clayton J -mo BoxiANA; om. died by falls or blows. Mr. Justice Park, id a moat eloquent and impfessite address to the Jary^ stated the evideDce, apd.plearly eicpoopded tbe jaw o»tbe aobject. The learned Jt^ge obs^nr^j ^at boxing and priae-$gbtipg, we(e (pertaiply qnlawfal ^ts,. but ^.t]^t» in.ithe prejiept| (case, pqthing up|mr I^ad been p^pyed ;i^iDSt, the prjsp^eT; tbat no previous malice c^f id hfi impat^4 Y> .hifQ» $tnd that he was of opinion the cas^ amounted, ^tq manslaoghter p^lf. The Jary thi^n, without, any l;^esitati9n, retqrned a verdict of maosliiaght^ri ^d the,, Judge immediately sent^ced the prisoner to, six months imprisonment, and a fine of pn^ 9hilling. GEORGE BALLARD, OF WESTMINSTER* Ai he has foaght and won some excellent battles. Ue has al^ bpen much admired, for the spirit and gampim be ha^ displayed, in the prize-ring. BEN BURN, from Yorkshire. The abovet hero^ aIt;bougb \ke has, exhibited several times in theprize-rii^i is oeverthele^ seen to much |;aeater advantage iirith the gloves. In $eiting4o he dispbys excellent science; apd, in competition with Cribb^ hast frequently taken the lead. He has, also, obtained some victories. ChrU^ie was defeated by him on Highgate-comoioD^ January 1, 1810. Burn also conquered Flanagan, upon Old Oak-common, 8KBTCBB3C.OV iWOlLISSf. 40). Jtfarcli Slit IB\0. S^t Dogfi^riy becyt him in gre^t 4tylf y a( Cbicbeatei*^ Jd nine mlnntfts. Sihertborfi/p, jt)QOy proivefl bis^jnuster; aq4 he also snrrendered to .fajni^«,..(See.pag^;i47lO .He is a 13 stone maii^ .possesfiii^good re^uisi^ f9r.mtV//iig» if brought pro- .p«r^y intpfACtioQ. 'i'f TEA9eBfitiiX>Ai Sc:(«NTf?iC PUQIL^&M* ilv <4heifBbove peiiH>fiag(9> didi npt;. e^i^t^bi^ io m^ual t^ombati for Ithei gi«lifiwtipn pf t^e. ^xfl%X^JliT^, be, nevsertbeleM^ /for ^ar)loQg .while ^n^..^ i^ps^t pj;c^ific caterer in fumiahiog .ftinii^exp^aii fpr/ithe.pfi^ehnng. Hi9 knowledge i«f the: nieeUies pf .$pL|frOJBjRPKP«. is 'unquestionable and hU melhod of ^omfi^piiip^jUng. tile Jn to his popila is AUpetrior to that ofian j ojtber, teacher whatever. In faet> f bis iles^onaj ii;om, thf^ ^jpjanatorj mode in which thejiilre giireii^ might be, termed p^- takiDg'inore of a;sbort Govju^e ,Qjt LEpTUB,Bpi^(fhan t deriving information and improvement from thecom- moB roniiBe of $etting'to: Head is weI14cnowa in the sporting pircles, 41s a teacher of the iciemcc hk practice has been v^y ez- tensive and he has also turned out great n^omh^rf of oxceQent papik but hi» aobolar» geoerpiUy hafre }^n amateurs. However^ he has prepared ^veral pugilists for the. ring, who reflected jio discr^t on the talents of their master, but derived much loiprpfement from bis instructions, among whom may be naiped^NED Paintbr> Spbimo, Parish, Jack Martin> the late celebrated Jack Power, &c. When Head was scarcely nineteen years of age, during the time he was partaking of the gaieties which 492 BOXIANA; on. Bartholomew Fair affords, he was rudely attacked \iy Bully Hooper, better knowo as the TiDman. Littk ceremony occurred, as might be expected at thb uproarious place of fun and larking, and both parties were at issue in an instant. The ndtl, it appears, continued in a room for twenty minutes, with much determination, when Gborgb had clecidedly the best of the turn-up and the Tinman, in consequence, retired from the contest, not exactly pleased with the event. It has been urged, that $parrer$, in genera), do nbt hit hard; and Head^ from the slight torches with which he teaches his pupils, bis blows were considered more ikowy than effective, but GsbBok is found io hit as hard as any 1 1 stone man on the list, knd {n a id'io with Carter, he put in so tremendous a body hit, that Jack was not only JoubM^up from its severity, but compelled to sit down to irec6ver his wind, and ultimately pulled off the gloves ! During the puriod that Head and OregKm were taking their degrees at one of bis Majesty's Colleges, not a hundred miles from St. Paul's Cathedral, it appears a regular mill, in consequence of a hasty quarrel which took place between them, was decided insUmtly in the room where they had met, in the presence of the Hon. Thomas Coventry, aud several other amateurs. It is described, in a work called Town Talk," published at tbe time the occurrence. transpired, to have been contested with much severity for 15 minutes, during whicli time Hea^d took the lead in so decided a manner, that Greg%on, notwithstanding his strength and size, was T^obrM^ several times, and compelled to yield to superior icimce, by ultimately retiring from the scene f^ warfare. MLBTCHBS OP PCOILI8M. 49^ Head, at the JPiv^s Couet, iq two combats with the gloves, opposed to the most accomplished setterlo of the day, Tqm Bblchbr, displayed great skil! and talent: and if the former could not lay claim to having the best of it, he nevertheless exhibited such an excellent knowledge of the art of scientific boxing, as to receive, b turn with his skilful oppooeot well-merited approbation. The above trials of skill, having been pronounced, by the most competent judges of iparring^ to be equal to any thing ever wit* flessed at the Fives Court. The acquirement of the Art of Self*-defence, pos-* sessed by G. Head, is asserted to be completely intui* iivef having never, during the whole of his career as a teacher, received instruction from any pugilist whatever^ The manners and address of Head are genteel; his -deportment civil and interesting, and possessing -an unusual command of good temper. He is well-in«- .formed at to the topics of the day; but particularly .eloquent when sporting subjects are introduced> Hiis .patrons are numerous; and bis acquaintance in. the Fancy extensive and respectable* When assembled round the festive board, and the g;aily circling glass!* -elevates the mind to pleasure and harmony, the bou vivmit qualities, of H^ad are truly prominent. His compass of voice h greats and his songs are given with such energy of style and characteristic pointy to render, them so tmiquCf that the company bat« often felt strongly the words of the poet, '^Fly not ..yet| 'tis just the hour," See. He is a sort of living BoxiANA; and can descant upon the mejrits. of the riog^for the laft twenty-five years^ with mticb per- spicqity aodjadgeineot. Diaitized by VjOOQIC 4fH .BOXIAMA; ORt Dtfginal Zmttottsi or THJB LATE TOIC JOHMSON, BJG BBH, AMP JE|A BBLCHBR AJ.80 OJf BJTTON9 JDOCBEBTT, a*3BQ- SONj HABMB&, &HBI4TON9 XICBMOJIDy BfiJfk09r GINS, OWEN, &C. It is DOC generally kvown to the Sportiog World, that the first cootest between Jbh Bbi.chbb and Jack Bartkoknmem, -which look place at George's Row^ oa the Uxbridge*roady was so severely and evenly con^ tested by those distingaished boxers, that no decision eonld be nuide as to the eooqoeror. Near the end of Uie fight Btailmhmtw was so completely ezbansted Ant be fiiinted away, and could not come to time; and Jbm so mach kmup, that it was with great dif> ficulty he conld stand, and drank some water to refresh himself* Barikolomew, in the mean time, recovering a little from bis weakness, insisted nponrooeaiing the combat, when the ring was instantly again made: bot he staggered about like a drunken ipan, without any command of himself, and appeasefl literally stapid. His game was so good, bat his state so pitiable, thai CkdUngtom (of the Black Horse, Tottenham ^Conrt^ Road), feeling for his bravery, eaclaimed, '^forG^d's sake Jbm, doa^ hit himr npon which Bxlchbb merely poAed him dowp in feet, he was so reduced as not to be abls to make a Uti bnt^ strange to obferve, when Jbm got np to aet'to he fell down as i^ he was dead. The naspires considered it «t dmwn famtdie end t^ stajces, wMch w^re held by BUI Gibbonfi brother, were Awwii the iMie- Bii^t «tt CutUn^mU. Buty in^ the second .cofHeBt between these heroes, the itffipieriif <|f JBhUitotoaKW SKjrrcHEs OP puoilism* 40& was coDspiciioAslj manifest.' Bbl'chbb, with the utmost gaiety, beat him in twenty minutes, and appeared little, if any, the worse from the heavy hits aimed at him by Bartholomew. When the Game-Chicken fought with JcM Belcher, he felt uncommonly surprised upon being told by his second, that the latter had given tn, and immediately said to Belch RK, Jem, thee hasnH had enough yet, surely?"' which, upon Belcher's answering in the affirmative, the Chicken replied, then thoii art tW worst man, J em, I ever fought with !" This may easily be accounted for, l)y reason that, at the period alluded to, Jem had lost an eye, his constitution wa^s undermined by disease and hi^ legs were full of holes. Bogherty's Duel. — Notwithstanding this ganie hero's penchant for milling, he, without hesitation, ac* cepted a challenge to fight with pistols, in ord^r to place his opponent upon equal terms with him, who, it was urged, hac^ no pretensions to boxing. It appears the above meeting was more a sort of hoax trpOn the combatants, tnan tending to a seriom termination, and plahned hy the friends of bbih parties io produce a lark ! The seconds, unknown to Dooi^BittT and his opponent, only put some powder into the pistols. Tbe adversary of C^oohert y fired first, wLen the latter, forgetful of the honourable isitdatidh ill which he stood, resorted to iHe scientific practice of the ring, BY PUTTiNO UP kis ARM (witti the utmost sangfroiS) TO STOP THE BaLl FR^M BltTlNb tilS FACE, ai he woutd have opi^osed the JEi'st of ian opponent; producing much Ifun and laughter to those' persons around ttie duellists. GREGSON AND THE JAY! A little tparring is dangerous thing. Drink deep, or fofte not of the mUling biiio ! Bob, one evening in May, 1814, taking a cheerful glass of grog, during the time he kept the Castle Ta- ▼em, in Hoi born, was suddenly interrapted by a prating Jay, However troublesome this overgrown bird might have proved to Bob, yet still he thought it of too insigni6cant a nature to demand any attention from him, and passed its pratingt over with the utmost indifference. Though strange, yet true, this Jay at leitgth had the effrontery to seize hold of Bob*s liquor, dipped his beak in it, chattering something about having a mill by way of a larkf and endeavoured to give Greoson a peck. This was too much for the brave opponent of Gulky^ and severe antagonist of Cribh, taohely to put up with. Bob's choler began to rise, and he gave the Jay such a teazer on his body, that it not only rumbled his feathers, but laid him sprawling. A regular brush was the immedi-. ate result, and LARK-tnjf was now out of the question. In this round Greoson put in so desperate a thrust on the throat of the Jay, that he was again levelled. By missing the Jaj^$ nob in the third round with his left hand, Bob's arm, unfortunately came in such violent contact against a part of the room, as to break the main bone below the elbow. He mentioned the circumstance to those around him, but continued the mill with unabated vigour, and planted so tremendous a hit on the forehead of the Jay, that bis prating was not only at an end, but all recollection seemed SKBTCHES OP PUGILISM. .497 entirely vanished In fact, a ballock could scarcely have resisted its serious effects. The Jiiy, not destitute of pluck, although in a state of stupor, still continued the.irtisA for two rounds more» when the remaining potent arm of Bob put an end to the row. The Jay lay with his head under his wing, for some time, in an insensible state. Big BsN.^-This most tremendous hero of the fiat meertt ^ur approtaitloii, I' will meet yoa any evening this week, at Oliver's or Bekber'st to deposit 20 guineas a-side. The other regulations to be left to Mr. Jackson. An answer will much oblige yoiir hamble servant, THOMAS SHBLTON. To H, HabmbR) Castle, Holborn. Direct to me, at Mr. Olivers, Westminster. ANSWER. Castle Tarern, Holborn, Feb. 2, 16I8. SlRv— I received your letterof the 29th ult respecting your challenge to fight roe for £50. Rest assured, it is with extreme regret that I am incapable of accepting it. You are well a^are of the cMect^f eyesight which I have unfortunately laboured under for some time past and you must be equally well informed, that I am not recovered (torn its serious effects. But, Sir, should I again enjoy this greatest of blessings, of which I am endeavouring to avail myself, under the assistance of the most eminent oculists in the kingdom, not a single moment shall be lost in communicating to you, that you shall have the preference, as I v^ouhl sooner enter the ring with you than any pugilist in existence. It however must be understood for nothing less than 100 guineas a-side. Till then, (which I mo6t earnestly wish was to morrow,) I remain, your humble servant, H. HARMER. To T. Sbbltok, Mr. Oliver's, Westminster. Trial of skill with the Gloves. — Crawley, Vrhen a yoDtfa of eighteen years of age, six feet in height, and in the possession of considerable strength, 9et'1o with a firsl-jrate amatear, for superiority^ at George HeaJPs Saloon, East Harding-street, near Ooogbi^are, on Wednesday, Febraary II, 1618. Some of tfie first judges in the Fancy were called upon for their decbion. Crawley, thoagh then unknown, had thns early an eye towards the prize-ring. The comiMit was contested in the most skilful and manly style for tlr» hours and a half, during which long trials ID opposition to excellent science and severity of hit- KkS &m> BOXIANA; Oil, tiogy CftAWLBT proTed himself much oq a par with hit leary opponent; the claret made its appearance; one df Crawley's peeperi was also closed and other honourable marks of war graced his cheeks nor did the amateur retire from the scene (well skilled as he was known to be in the art of self-defence) without aycra^^ face. TheaboveW-/o was pronounced, by the judges upon this occasion, as one of the best things of the sort ever witnessed, and, at no very distant period,CRAWLBY, it was then augured, would be heard of in a more important point of view, than merely exhibiting with the gloves. ScROGGiNS AND THB Table-Liftbr. — The latter personage is not altogether unknown to the Fancy, from the feats he has displayed in lifting a large mahogany table off the ground (at which eighteen persons might dine) with his teeth — twisting a kitchen poker round a man's neck with all the facility of tying on a neckcloth — and also in breaking the above useful appendage to a fire-place, across bis arm, short in two, without the least difficulty. These rare. advantages possessed by the Table^Lifter, who, it seems, in addition to a smattering of the pugilistic science, wm upon ^'most excellent terms, with himself," had a lurking sort of ambition to prove the conqueror of ScROGGiNS, that prompted him on Tuesday evening, February 10, 1818, to challenge the latter hero tp fight in a room full of company, at Belcher\ Scrog- GINS, not to be deterred, (even though Di couU remove the Monument from its station,) accepted it without the least hesitation, and immediately, wished to decide this point of honour on the spot* When, strange to remark, the Table- Lifter^i valour^ like Mres, in the Comedy of the Rivals, came and went; but, as second thooghts sometimes prove best, more especially, as it was hinted to this destroyer of polcers" by some wag present, that his face perhaps would be so afterof from the painting qualities of his opponent, his customers might not know him in the morning, he prudently declined the combat, to the no small derision of the company. The Tabk^Lifter refused the offer of ten guineas if he proved the victor and also, as a stimulus to put his courage to the test, a bet of five guineas was proposed to him, that he did not fight two minutes, but is was all in vain ! He then left the company for two hours, wlien his valour, it should seem, so strongly returned as to induce him again to appear and deposit a pound note to fight the next day at one o'clock; but, as before, his courage was not screwed to the sticking place," and it went again, when the blunt was forfeited accordingly. The conduct of SoROGGiNS,. upon this occasion, although half seas over,*' was manly in. the extreme— he offered to accommodate, the Table-Lifter that night, next day^-or. any other time he should think proper to meet him* It is quite a mistaken notion to suppose that ScROGGiNs is to be beat off hand by a commoner. NoTieet will d« well to consider this«. Obbbibncb to thb law. — The. good people of Tenterden, it appears, were sadly baulked on Tuesday, August £6> 18]7> on being prohibited from witnessing the scientific display, formally announced to them in a hand bill, to take place at the above races, between Tom Owen, Oliver, Turner, and Lancaster. rl The permission of the magistrate b^ not been pto^ cured previously, in consequence of whicd/thespamir^ was stopped. Bat upon tiie introduction of the abbve' distinguished scientific characters to kim — it seems he felt much surprised at their genteel appearance amdcor^ rect deportment^ and exclaimed^ Can these ineri be boxers ? — I have given my honotfr Ae above exhibition shall not take place, and it is impossibfe that I csm now' retract my word.** The pugilists bowed — took a polite^ leave of the Justice, and returned to Loudon, rathef chagrined, and also to the great disappointment 6f numerous gentlemen, who had assembled tbgethet from miles round Tenterden, to witness theiir talents. Angelo*s Screen. — ^This sportitig piece of furniture, in the possession of Loed' Byron, and so much* ^mired by the higher flights of the pANCt, frbm thcf numerous portraits and anecdotes it cdhtaibed of tbef English boxers from the days of Fioo and'dRt>UGH- TON down to Cribb, it seems, was made principally from the first volume of Boxxana. At bis LordsKip^g sale it proved a good sporting Idt, and' produced U handsome sum. It originally cost his Lordiibip £9&0i First introduction op the Sf ag^ at thb Fives Court. — Originally, at this place of amusement, so high in repute with tbe FiNCt at^^ present day, the combatants used to set-fyupon thegtootid, till Richmond suggested' to Grii^ libe iJ^afifta^ of a stage, which was adopted; RrcHMdNDWfto dl» the first pugilist who spdrted at the Fiv^ Court^ wilb^ out his clothes, in' order that tbier spectators nfi^ derive a more competent idea upon the art of boxing. 8KETCBBS 09 l^UOlfilSM. 509 H^parrtttg ^l^iUtiom, fob; T^B BESTEMTS 69 THE VARIOUS PUOlLISn«9, AT THE i-IVES COURf, MUTER^A ROOMS, Th^' abdve nationdl and mitily pht^ of* atnuseoietit, which now h6ldB iw rank d&ong th^'nuiiierous public' exhibiiion^ oJT the present liberal abd enltghtedeid era in the first ftfeti'opolis in the World, for the^ promuf-' gallon of the ai^of ISbjlt-Dbfenc^^ is an object of great attraction among the amateur^ of ScfieiUific Pugilism, 'the f'lVBsr CoUBi^'is well adapted for an^ exhibitibn of the Gymnastic SpdRts, and' is calcfnlat^d to dontain conveniently l6o6 persons; it has also td bbast 6f the m6st r^8(l<^cta&le audiences. The combatatits exhibit on a temporary' stage, about four' i^et from the ground, and which Was first ihtroducetf byToM Crib^. The doors are opened at two o'clodk',' atid^ previously to which tiilie, it ik nothing uncommon td witne^d crowds of amateurs ass^m1)led^ round' ttiedoi, anxibus'to gain admission, whieh is by tickets^' siiild^ at three shillings edcb. The Whole of the pt'b^' ceeding^ are conducted with the! ntM|tt^^proprie^ atid' jf^yj^et; but no pugili^' whrttev^^ftttti dbtditi Ae* 504 ftOXIANA OR, FivBi Court for hU benefit withoot the acqaiesence aod patrooage of Mr Jackson. [FiTBs Court.— HARMER, Thursday, May 2S, 1816, was most respectably attended, and many of the visitors weie of a superior rank in society. Thesetp-to were numerous, and the art of self-fdefence" was never promvlgated in greater varieties of s^Ie and manner than upon the present occasion. The sparring commenced with — Lenox and WaUcer. The former boxer, though above the age of forty, still retains his manliness and activity, and is a good trial man for any yoimg candidate to ict-to with. Lenox showed himself no way deficient with Wafk^; an4 the skUl exhibit between them was not passed over without applause.—. Gifdzee (denominated CatsnuatJ i^ainst a new Jev^ lad of the Qame of Mou$. These little ones seemed more bent upon miUmg than portrayicig the science^ IJowever, Mo9e$ by no means disgraced bis first appearance here.-^JRtcAmojid and Hall now mounted the stage, and something striking was anxiously looked for front this opponent of Donmlly* He has an interesting appearance, but his person, appears consideri^bly thinner than when he last exhibited here. Hall is much in^proved, and displayed considerable knowledge of the art, in his mode of combating with tlie all-scientific Richmond. He appears to possesa' coolness and good temper.— Tom Belcher and Harmer displayed their accustoaied skill and judg^menty and notwithstandinf^ZWt laboured under considerable disadvantages, froNH*^ bad finger^ his portraiture of the. SKETCHES OP POGILISM. SOS^ iia I I wi II as weiemct was quite a treat. The elegance of attitude and neatness of style displayed by this finished pogilist claimed: universal attention and applause. His manner of ieitHig'to is truly pleasing and eminent there is nothing coarse or affected about it; and^ in this' particular, he almost stands alone. Harry is seen more to advantage in the ring, than in opposition to his scientific relative in sparring. — Curth against Lazarui. The latter is of the Mosaic tribe, and who showed hin^self off to so much advantage in his fight with Ballard. fVett-Country Dick was conquered by^ Gurtn, and a match was talked of between Lazarus and him. The spectators paid great attention to this sei'io, and the Jew seemed rather to have the best of Curtit from his height and weight but without the gloves, it is apprehended, it might prove a very different sort of thing-^Croci^ and Scroggfins^-or rather^ Grimaldi versus Paulo. These thumpers occasioned' considerable laughter, and the hop, skip, jump, and* dodge of a pantomime was played off by the above ndlkrs more like, the routine of a theatre than a scienUfic display of sparring expected at the Fives Court. — Oliver and Bickmond. The fine athletic appearance of OUver attracted general attentki^ JticAiTioiNrs favourite mode of hitting and getting aw^y" is so well understood by Tomj that he is perfectly: amake to any manoeuvre of this ^aUmg%u\% and; notwithstanding the display of tactics by the. Mms of ColoWf Oliver ^nt in some clean hits. They wereboth much applauded. — Harry Harmer and Eales* Tiiis might be considered the neatest set-io of the* dnyi and properly entitled to (he denomination of 5or MKxaknA; 0% tfturrhig. The play between them was ptettMt fndfdeotifif;, anid the a/t of selMefetice was fracUMfy ditfimymA to the ao^noe by ifiydto toooheBi atol a6>' caaqAQifid with aH the netttqeM abd^ «cbflt^ oP finibii^. There was no ferocity eiihibited^ a)id' 4^uike was codspioQOtis at every vaaweiaeni^^Barmer hert^i returned thanks for the sapport: be bad experteno^i when the aodAence were detained: by the appearance nfba the stage of a ne^ candidate' for boaiag hotroun; -r-PitrM and Dolly Smitk. The titter seemM detennined at aU events to tRV PariA, and was n^hing* fbmacd'tagive him a miaU tm$U of bib qbtility; h%d DMymm b»tily stoppM by the left hatld of fhe^ kt^ tbi, and which was repeated at ever^ Aresh aitenr^rwith sQcoess; It was severe vital miUtogiwUle it ckm-' timked and Faruh appean to tte attle to create somemidhuf among the boxing trilid of his own weight.' His arms are peculiarly fine for anatdmtcal beatity, amd^ lire capable of great exertion. [ftvfiiCo^ar. — EALBS and JOHNSON, Tuesday; Jtm^ 4> l«l«. Tbe priacipid actraiction 6( die dky wak iiew' YAakSt o# ^b^4kum6ofSM(m, (a cdm^td strajiger Vb the bd^ hpg world, ankl who wasf picked lip oil the groimil Bf)- C6bmf)eKwood, otk d)e previbti8> Tdissday, ahd in^' dnotd to enter tbe prifle-ringf ^intt al^otfadr nuui^ df ci^nr, for a trifling purse,) whb mdtliitM' th<^ staj^e,' t» contimd'with the sciemifle and poi^erfdV iMk OSver} It scemdda new thr^g iHdgethei^ tb SUioH, and he^ appeared rathef sl^ und dtftcfei^t updA the abdve o6ca^ ioo. His sparging was {it fto^ cObOftikptible askB^ SKETCH^ 6p T'IKSILISM. Sfft vlewmg l^uti^ii as a complete novice, be achieved mtxth itk>fe thnti cotiM b^ rea^otfbly ex^ecie^^ add ptftfin gbme h^vy bcidy Wows. OJfc^ bald very little tbe *e^8f Wka ^d it wte obser^e^ «blj« Tom took, tfce gli^vi^s off'^Ac fiWt.— d# the iia^e^ tb the gfoiind, perfectly coffctls* a^to iMJr MnM^ (i^crented tb^t nHj^t efisir^ fSrom stiob an tratfafiAhiiigni«i \kinjf\b^Miidi sderfee was d%p!^y«d hi the" sSM bietWeen Eal^ im mtort-^tHe p\tif ylftd %M M f tatty", ^nfcf tb^ itiiateiirs ftft niMU iiM^ited iH' tl^> (tbAVaittiref dfl the art oP ^f^deftbo^; Tork Btkhtr aiM EdiM tAio eihfbhed'fai att^tot^riy styl6: anditlifc lit^, bd^iHf^f, AdtaM»g^ Johnson d\^ hot SidM hti dt>pekriiticcf his tuition of the art of self-defence and knowledge of the' broad sword than* from any boxing, exhibitions* Time, it seems, has alsa operated upon his ezerr tions.— -The seU^o- that parUcnlariy attracted die notioe of the amateurs .were between^ JBi^/ois^and EaUi^ it was what might be expected from, these scientific men— light, neat, and interesting,^— ffoi/ and. Tom SKETCHES OP PUGILISM. 5W m Bekher portrayed some fine traits of the art, were mach looked at, and loudly applauded. Hall, iu competition with the first-rate Bekher, increased his reputation.— -5/epAeii50R, the man of colour^ in sparring with Bitten, gave evident proofs of improvement. Martin, who recently fought Oliver^$ brother at Ilford, tei'tomth a waterman of the name of Smith. It was far above mediocrity^ and Martin is likely to make some work among boxers of his own weight. — Bitttnn and Harry Harmer produced considerable sport with the gloves. It was a mixture of science and fun, and the risible muscles of the spectators were completely brought into play. West-Country Dick^ Lenox, &c. also exhibited. [Olivee's, Westminstes. SH ELTON, Priday, December 20, 1816, who distinguished himself so manfiilly in his contest with Harry Harmer, took a benefit, at the above place, which was well attended by the fancy. The 9eti4o were numerous, but those most entitled to attention were between Shelton, Richmond, 8cc. The man of colour convinced the spectators, as he did in his fight with the above hero, of the advantages, in milKngf of hitting and getting away, his peculiar Jorte, and was much applauded. — Oliver and Purcell followed the former did not seem to have recovered "from the severe efiects of his late fight with Carter, and exhibited symptoms of weakness. — ScroygitU and Randall; the former boxer was full of his fun, and notwithstanding the fine science of the Irishman, the strength of Scroggins rather took the lead. This Digitized by VjOOQIC f^ ROWAI^J^WW Iffttflir.h^ing iOjoo^ to wW fth^ fieW ^i|h:tb|^4i|Of!t sflir St^iftmm ifHMrre4 U) good ji^lfi; #a^eaoe4>jcfii?aile4^ hoth «M^ i^d Uie Jaitur boater giiv^ wid«pi 8igP9 «f ippniv^Qam^84--> GREGSON, Thursday, December 25, 1816. Th* amateurs of tb^ fist a^sefnUed to witness a scientific ^isplaj of selfrdefenctel^tYiieeQ Oat^ apd Pam on .thejr refaro to tb|s metiopolU. Goitsf is oojir cpmi. dercd tl^.best.f9aii upon bis ^gsii^ tbci wli^leqf Ae .ipfflf^i^pifcles^ aa^ in addition to ^e 9everi(j.pf his li^ftbafidi be, can now mftkea fof o^d%b\^ at^^ with \;\A ifigbt* He appe^^ in gopd cowUtipp, 4M»d offered to. fight, any bQ<|y, firom 4MW to "^be jLAW ^j:e Mera shpwie^ off in gffat style yMft Pait^Xi <^^d wfis Z9u<2/y applauded* Ff w boze^ cmi qp^ bit CJfr/witb all tlaye li^btnftsp ,pf. f fei^tt^er. The auditors afi^oowle<^^ ibeir s^yfaotion by repeated pifurks pf aUent^cnp. S^rqggimBSkd amovwe put on tbe gla?m; l^ottbe laUer soon bad eipoDgh of the leather.— rA ttmimm^r aJlP itaod nt>:tD Cdirter, bni he fthdrtlj took off tbe mi^fim ScMt fear of being compelled to rm^ It was %o et^xjte their patron and Ariend, Bob Gr^0m, that. Cbrfttr and Painter called the meeting, who was in duraa^fe vik. CRUP-CP, 'Wedjiesday, Janpary 9^, iai7r The prinoif^l poyelty of the df^r w^g ekMei-tp b^ti^eei^ Cftr- 4er a|id QUven;* It was their fir^ profisdanfl meeting sinipj^ jibe gret^t battle at Carlisle, Th sjbfeqgthi a^tivilj, acience^ and copfidep,^, app^ref} a)l on tl^e sid.e of Qiri^r; and, ii^ a word, be bjfiwl^confiple^eij t^e -best of Q AVer. — Cn>ci!:ey wasioduc^ to tfy bis /?npi .wiish Carter; b^t the I^appafjl^ire If prp qfi^jfd biip }i^kh m ^wh fong /r^d, ^n^ levelled bitn w^lfa si^^h -efOf^ Wd cfiJ^rHy, that Crock^f^an tooko^>be;glov^^, 4fK^lfirivg, be qeyer experienced sncfa a jbeavj fall be- fcj^e. The amateurs 4erWed considerable afp/asemei^t in the above display. [Minerva Rooms.-^ HAIDER, Wednesday, February 12, 18J7. A strong muster of th^ Fan^y, both frop the w^t wd emt (^pds of tbe town^ met together at t\^e abdve Rooms- Tb|^ sei^^fo were pumerous^ and some of tbemi fr^in tbe excellence ^ispl^jed of the pugilistic .art, afibfd^ very high satis^ction to the i^fiteprs. 'MUqb and Hummer g^ojed much w,pl^49^ aifd i^f- ti^ and Eo/ei, fropi 4beir aqknow)e()g)^ scijentific '$it boxuka; cm, raperiority, attracted great attenttoo. Laxantt, the Jew, who had surrendered to Curiii, was pitted agsAiMit Turner f and from the latter having defeated that unfortunate boxer, great expectations were formed as to his taking the lead; but, strange to observe^ Lazanu had so much the best of him in the seMo, that Turmr felt it necessary to peel, and, in buf, again attacked the Jew, but without any increase of superiority. — Datdi and PariA had a complete mill with the gloves and the former promises to be a tough one. DavU appears perfectly indifferent as to e2cgimce of attitude, but he endeavours to plant his blows with severity — £faret and Holt '^Martin and Youki-^ Gadzee and Lenax^^Taylor and Mason — also amused the company ,-»and Seroggim and Siephenton, to keep the game alive, appeared with the gloves but the con*trast between these pugilists produced much mirth, and Scroggine (the Grimaldi of the boxing list) displayed as many antics as usuaL— BicAmoiuf and JSbr* mer made a finish to the performances; the whole of which was considered to have gone off in prime twig! [Fives Coubt.— CRIBB, Tuesday, February 26, 1617.— Some hondreds of the higher order of sporting amateurs had assembled, to witness this remnant of the Olym*pic Games, long before the doors of the Court were opened for the admission of spectators. The setS'to were not only numerous, but several of them exhibited first-rate talent, and all of them proved above mediocrity. It was considered by all the per- SKBTCttBS OF PCOtLlSM. l^lS sons preseot to have been one of the best clay's amusement ever witnessed at the Fives Court. Leno£ and Ma$on commenced, by way of prologue, and were well received.— Career and Painter next ascended the stage with great applause. The fine athletic appear* ance of Painter attracted general notice he is materially improved respecting scientific knowledge and, it is but justice to state, that he had the best of hh countryman and friend.— Sti/^on and Stephenson, the men of cobur, followed; hammering was the most prominent trait of this display, and Sutton, whoever may fancy him for a customer, will really find him an tiffly one ! — Tom Belcher accompanied by Harry LaH* caster now made their bows, but were inteifrupted from various pans of the Court with the cry of Sctog' gins; upon which this hardy little hero appeared, and Lancaster retired. — ^The spectators were Uncommonly anxious to witness this set-to, which might be denominated first-rate science against thie most deter-^ mined ruffianism. Scroggins, on facing bis opponent, rushed at him with all the impetuosity of an English bull-dog, and for three rounds it was a downright mitt with the gloves. Belcher was driven against the rails more than once, and his usual scientific excellence, from want of room, did not prevail to that extent as heretofore; but, in the fourth round, Tbm began to feel his way with more certainty, when Scroggins bowed and took off the gloves and though repeatedly solicited to have imother round, he retired. A slight tint of the claret appeared upon both their mii^^, but first visible from the mouth of Scroggins.— Lan* taster novi resumed his former situation, and this sets^o OQ the part of Belcher, was excellent* The appearance of the Champion, followed by the Lancashire aspiring her;o, for this most enviable boxing honour, produced a great burst of applause. The usual steadiness of Cribb, the excellent mode of coveriag himself from the attack of his adversary, and his &rm slep, were much admired. He made some excellent stops; but, notwithstanding his tcience, the activity and left hand of Carter would not be denied in many instances he put in several /acers, and got away with much dexterity. — Davu and Bekuco (the latter a Jew) were much noticed. — Perry and Baldwin, two pugi* lists in miniature, amused the amateurs considerably, as lads of future promise. The latter is son to the renowned Caleb Baldain, of milling memory. — ^The exhibition of Bratmam and Donnel was tolerably fair; but the wind-up set-to between Harry Harmer and Itichnumd was equal to, if not the best sparring of the day. The attitude of Harmer was firm and elegant, and reminded the spectators of bis cousin, the late Jem Belcher. The benefit was a bumper the Champion returned thanks in an improved state of oratory, and the amateurs departed well satisfied. [Fives Court.— CARTER, Tuesday, March 11, 1817.— It was not only numerously, but respectably attended, by some of the highest swells of the Fancy. The sets-io were uncommonly good, and the various professors of the fist distinguished themselves with unusual applause. Mason and Lenapc commenced with much gaiety, and the Colqnel, as he is denominated, displayed all the SKBTCHBS OF P\jGtUSU. ^6 tdonfidence oF the veteran. Lazarus and Belasco, two Jews, went to work in earnest — desperate rallies passed between them — and Belasco seems likely to prove li teazer among the light-weight boxers. Oliver and Painter: — the latter pugilist is so much improved^ from his great practice with Carter, in his late tour id various parts of the kingdom, that in his set-to with his former successful opponent, Oliver, he was much applauded, and, upoii the whole, had the best of it. He drove Oliver^ in one instance, so desperately, that the rail of the stage was broken. — &Donnel and Davis seemed to scorn any thing like light play, and much glove punishment was exhibited. — Richmond and Harry Harmer, as usual, displayed the science in all its various advantages with great effect. The man of colour convinced the spectators of the facility be possesses of hitting and getting away. Both these pugilists were highly encouraged. Cribb and Carter now ascended the stage, and the partisans of both parties, in turn, loudly applauded their favourite. Upon this iet-to much depended respecting settling the greiait fight between them. The gaiety and left hand of the Lancashire hero carried all before it. He nobbed the Champion most successfully, and, in the course 6f the pounds, put in several hits, without experiencing any effective return. In both ail and out fighting he had the best of his opponent, and the claret )^as seen trickling down from the nose of Cribb. Some sharp rounds occurred between them, and a variety of opinions were expressed. — Bales and liitton exhibited the art in the most scientific style^ and called forth repeated plaudits. — Tom Belcher and 616 BOXIANA; 0B» Harry Lanccuter were well received and the kiter pagUisty notwitbttandiog hii disparagemeot against so superior a boxer^ displayed more agility than usual. Painter and Cart&b tet-to in a style of excellence that called forth the admiration of the whole Court The good nature and courage of Painter was preeminent^ and he stood up to Carter so manfully as CO astonish the audience at his capabilities. The two boys^ Peny and Baldwin, again amused the specta* tors. [Minerva Rooms.— PAINTER, Wednesday, March 19. 1817.— The amateurs of the fist rallied round Painter, the game Lancashire boxer, most respectably, as a token of their acknowledgement of his prime milling requisites^ It ultimately proved a complete treat to the admirers of the art of self-defence at the East end, and many twellt from the West came to witness the above exbibition; but, previous^ to the $et$'to commencing, the harmony of the evening experienced a trifling temporary gloom, from the appearance of the city-marshals, who politely requested this assemblage of the Fancy to retire. It operated like a thunder-clap, but their orders were peremptory. A short parley took place — an application was instantly made to the Lord Mayor for his permission, and his Lordship being an admirer of true British courage, and finding that nothing political was intended, permitted the exhibition to proceed. Maaon and Lenox, Belasco and Davis, and Moulder and Gidgeon, in the minor depart* ment, displayed their various efforts with much atten- SKBTCU&S OF PUGILISM* M tion. Gidgeon showed evidcDtly the advantage of science opposed to height aad strength, and he nobbed his opponent with singular success. — ^The iei-to between Belcher and Harry Harmer was of the most excejlent description. The fine stopping and hitting of Belcher, and the elegant attitudes of Harmer, brought down peals of applause.— The oilman, Whittaker, who was defeated by Scroggins, entered the lists With Stephenson, the man of colour. The Black gave evident signs of improvement, and from his steadiness of deportment, had it all his own way. The oilman is considerably improved, but there was too much disparagement between them as to size and weight. Biiton, the Jew, well-known to the ring as a man of first-rate science, and a teacher of high repute in the fniUing art, now appeared with the renowned Carter but he had not the shadow of a chance with the Lancashire hero, the left hand of the latter displayed its usual gaiety, and he took uncommon liberties with the upper works of the Jew. The unceasing activity thai Carter portrayed upon his legs, not only astonished, but convinced the spectators of his superiority in this particular respect. He was loudly applauded from all parts of the room, and his capabilities toward victory excited considerable conversation and much eagerness was ako expressed to ascertain if the great match had been closed between him and Tom Cribb.'^Bekuco and Lazarus ruffianixed in high style, and operated as a contrast to the elegant light play of science.— Painter now made his bow, followed by Carter^ This set'to was viewed as a first-rate treat; the liveliness And bustle of Chrter, in opposition to the steady and determined mode of attack of Paintse^ gate geaeral satisfaction, and operated as a good finish to ibe display of the evening. Several delicate hints were given to some coves who bad taken advantage of the appearance of the marshal^^ and passed without pay-> ing for admission, but their ^/tfigf were not, to be touched, (not even by the good example of Tbin Belcker, who pat down his iok^, in order to make a beginning,) and Painter lost oeariy ten pounds by this circumstance. The Fatuy departed well satisfied —that Airs well that, ends welL'' [Fives Court.-^ RICHMOND, Tuesday, April 15, 1817. — The amateurs (among whom were several of the Corinthian Order) flocked in groupes, as a mark of their patronage to Richmond, the man of colour, who had seen some service in the riug. The doors were crowded a short time previous to the tjme of admis* sion. The sets-to were all above mediocrity but some of them, in consequence of the ensuing great inatches, excited an unusual degree of interest amoqg the betting amateurs, from all the combatants engaged in the above battles exhibiting. The prologue to this old English ballet of action was, as usual, consigned. %o the veteran Lenox to open the sports. Litde Cadzee (always full of pluck and spirits) set'ta with the Colonel in great style. Considerable science was displayed between these little heroes, and they retired from the stage amidst a loud burst of applause. Davis, who defeated the Moulder^ at Moulsey, now fippeared with Lazarus, the Jew. Two r9qBda h»d only occarred, when Lazarus, in making a sort of round hit, unfortunately dislocated liis shoulder^ and his arm was seen dangling by his side. He only gave a deep sigh-*-before two seconds had scarcely elapsed three eminent surgeons jumped on the stage to his asststi^nce; and in less than five minute his shoulder^ fi'om their prompt and humane exertions, was returned to its socket. Lazarus bore it with the most becoming fortitude. It is the third time this accident has occurred to him but, in the two former instances, when he lost the battles with Ballard and Curtis, it was his left, in the present case it was his right shoulder. One of the above medical gentlemen, immediately after the operation was performed, took off his hat, put a dollar into it, and went round the Court for subscriptions. To the credit of the amateurs be it recorded, they felt the example nobly, and dollars, tokens, shillings, 8cc. were Instantly showered down like hail-stones towards his relief. Lazarus was immediately led out of the Court, and every humane and necessary attention paid to h\m,-^fVest'Country Dick, recently defeated by Randall, made his appearance with the gloves, and endeavoured to show off his skill against Davis, by rushing forward with his right hand but, the latter cooled him more than once upon this subject.— flarwier and Painter exhibited on the stage to much advan- tage; and the latter finely-formed pugilist gave evident specimens of increasing improvement. — Richmond and Oliver now made their bows, and, as in the former set-to, the real sporting men paid great attention.^ RVcHMONB, notwithstanding he had scarcely recovered from a severe attack of the rheumatism, in contact 5iO BOtlANA; OR, with the manly Oliver^ performed alt ^epirouMaof a De$ Hayn or aa (hear Byrne at the Opera, to tbe no small amusement of tbe spectators; and hispectifior mode of getting away from the threatened blow excited great laughter, as OUver smilingly observed, he never could hit lily white but on the back !" Oliver appeared unusually formidable and well prepared for the attack. Scrogginst followed by PunceU, ascended the platform, and, in the GtimaUi style of fun and merriment, the former produced mucb risw bility. In tbe last round, during which a long rally occurred, Scroggim convinced the audience most satisfactorily of the muchief he is capable of doing his antagonist at fii-figbting. On quitting the stage, this hardy hero received one of those grand bursts of approbation, that signalizes tbe exiu of Keon. — Upon Tumer^t appearing with the gloves on, accompanied by Randall, (one of the most ^msUny and. lively fighters of the light weights preparing to tet-toj every eye was on the stretch to witness their skill, and hats off" were instantly demanded. Tbe attitudes of the combatants were perfect pictures for an artist, and a minute occurred before a hit passed, so anxious did they view each other to obtain an advantage. Tbe eye of Turner is sharp and penetrating-^is frame ereqt aqd firm — and with much self-possession^ be at^ tacked most skilfully his opponent. UandalU armed at all points, entered spiritedly into the scene, and with a sort of hook he possesses on going ta to lay hold of his antagonist, that had they beea fightings ^Y^sxe jibbing would have most likely occurred. It W^ uppn the whole a ipost adn^irable Kt-to Turner f, from bis steadiQesSy gained upon the aadience very highly B/mdaU also made sach an impression^ that^ it is said, he is hooked for the Jint fiddk^ at the next miUing concert, should any professor dare to dispute the superior execution of his arm. He possesses the Viotti movements — DaviSf a lad from Bristol, an ama* tenr^ seHo with a tremendous looking Israelite, of the name of Jonas. Davis was only deficient in wind* The Champion of £noi*and and Bitton gave a good specimen of the science but the latter, in com-r petition with Cribbf is not seen to advantage. The Champion was loudly applauded. — Bill Bales and Stephenson now. came forward to wind up the sports of the day. Stephenson is much improved but, notwith-* standing the vast rushing strength of the man of colour over Bales, the superior skill of the latter prevailed to such an extept as to 1106 his opponent most scientifically. The two boys, Perty and Baldwin, again set^to^, as a sort of make-weight to the entertainment, and rallied, with all the spirit of greater boxers, much to the satisfaction of the spectators, who, on Richmond's making his bow, and returning thanks, departed more than ordinarily satisfied at the treat they had received. [Fives Cotjbt/— CALEB BALDWIN and JOE WARD, Thursday, May, 15, 18 17. — ^A strong muster of the Fancy assembled (among whom were several of the Composite Order J to patronise the joint benefit of the veteran Caleb Baldwin, of severe milling notoriety^ and Qld Joe Ward, seyenty-two years of age, the Chro- 6tt poxiANA;,o^« nobgid of the ring. l*he ir^f-A> were nniisiially no* meroof, mod considlerable«ci«we was displayed. Gadut and LemoXf like the iDiAor ^rharaclers id a play, open* ed die scene, in order to- prepare the way for the appearance of the more finished aotors in the drama. — Riekmomd and Hurmer exhibited in first-rate style. The attitude and manner of the latter is most prepos* sessing to the amatenr, and forcibly brought to the recollection of the = spectator the superior mUMng re* qaisites of the late Jem Bdcher. It is a questioQ whether Harmer will ever be able to fight again, from the bad sight of his left eye. The above set-^o was londly applauded. — ^The Champion of Enoland, followed by Tom Oliter, next mounted the stage, and soon commenced sparring. The condition of the latter was the universal topic— his appearance wastruly fine, and he seems to have been trained up to the highest pitch of excellence. The scientific efforts of these big ones met with great approbation.-— jBpla$co, Jan. (a Jew) and Mason^ in their display of the art, gave the spectators an idea of glove rt^atdtm.^^ Palmer, (the Staffordshire butcher, who some time since defeated Bums,) ascended the platform, accompanied by EHas Spray, the coppersmith, and the manful opponent of the late Game Chicken. Spray had not exhibited for some years, and he bored so closely upon Palmer, that the latter, seemingly afraid of hurting the old man, suffered himself to have the worst of it. It was more risible than scientific* Pievious to Spray's quitting the stage, in consequence of his former exertions, a handsome collection was made for him.— »By way of contrast to the above Heradean set4o, the two SKETCHES OF PUGILISM. Qfi^ boys, Caleb Baldwin^s seconcl sod aod young Berry, came forward. Science and saperiority was alternately witnessed t)D both sides, from the exertioas of those young candidates for the ring» and load plaodit8> crowned their rising efforts. — Oliver s^nx made his appearance, followed by Palmer. The latter, it seems, is on the look-*out for a cmiomer, ready for any things and abo^t 13 stone weight* It was a sort of trial se^<* to, in oxder that the gentlemen present of the Pi C, might majke up their minds upon the subject. Palmer, in conta^ct with Oliver, evidently appeared to great disadvan^e, as the latter not only put in his favourite nobbing bits, but, in one instance, Palmer was floored.^ Som^ allowance must be oiade for Palmer, in being opposed to the fine condition, science, and experience of Oliver. — Kirby (who fought a short time since at> Twickenham-common) and one Gibbons, a complete J^hnf^y. Raw from the fens of Lincolnshire^ amused) the specta^rs in such a ludicrous style, a» to, beggar all description. A set^o it could not be denomiflated> but t^C; situations were so truly comi^, thai theConrti was cQDYul^d with roars of laughter. It is 1 0 to 1^ such an attempt is n^ver again witnessed; A trifling sulbscription was collected for Gibions*-^ Harry Lan^ caster and Jlejpander displayed considerable activity and science; the latter isanuckimproved, and had the best of the set^tq.-^A lad, about fifteen years of age, of thq naipe-of BfOBwi, from the Westpiiaster.fiairseiy, now contended witii A^sco, jun. The science, .har^^ dihpod, activity, and $ang froid^ poctrayed. by. Bwmn astonished all {»res^t; and had ibe mmg #f.tbe Jew be^ apy thing like aa flexiMe,aa:tbe.Mder of the yonng Chmlian, it must hare appeared like vermiVicm/ It was a perfect gtove-figbt. The Court mug with peals of applause. The young mi^r retired with hit pockets full of blunt, and he bids fair, at some future period, to make a noise in the fmg. -^Martin and CakVs eldest son also exhibited for a short period, but the pipti of the latter being rather out of tune, (it should seem, from the too frequent and copious libations of blue ruin,) he acknowledged the fomd to be in the wrong quarter, and thought it gooA judgemaU to take off the glvoet as speedily as possible. — The windup of the sporu of the day was near at hand, when Paddington Jone$ and Caleb Baldwin Ramsbbttom made their bows« The latter old trump prefaced his Md-to^ by informing the company, that twenty-eight years ago, he and his friend Jonei had fought together. CkJeb still retains considerable energy, and die above display of the ''Old School" was much applauded. The latter returned thanks to the amateurs; but, if they were not considered exactly after the erudite manner of a Hoe nb Took b, yet they proved damcaUy intelligible to the surrounding modem Qredam, who departed well satisfied with the great variety that had been so primely and funnily catered for them, comprehending interlude, farce, and pantomime. [FlTBS CouBT. — BELCHER, Thursday, May 29, 1817.— The fame of this pugilist, as the most accomplished ^arrer of the day, attracted, notwithstanding the indifferent state, of the weather, a' numerous iissemblage 6f the amateurs, among whom were many of the first rank in society^ and also some foreigners of distiDCtioo. .'The ^s-ro were not only namerons, but several of tbem exhibited first-rate specimens of the pugilistic art. The Colonel and his pupil commenced as usual^ by way of prelude^ but rather in an improved style of action. — Harry LancaUer and Pa/mer next ascended the stage. The latter is .a fine athletic young man^ not destitute of science, and had his pipes been in tune, he would have showed off to much advantage. He, however, had decidedly the best of the le^-^o.— -Little Gadzee and Belasco, jun. most intelligibly demonstra-* ted to the spectators, what, in the milling circles, is denominated ruffianism. Their rallies were most impetuously contested.— >0'/>oiiit^/ and Lazarus also exhibited in these preparatory traits, till the time arrived for actors of greater importance to tread the stage. The former has much to learn, before he can obtain any thing like notoriety among the amateurs.— On the appearance of Tom Belcher he was loudly applauded* Palmer^ in opposition to this first of sparrers, claimed much attention, and even applause. If he were train* ed and properly prepared for the ring, he seems to possess game and science enough to move a little forward on the list. The decisive judgement of Belch sit appeared conspicuous to every one present. Not a single hit was thrown away, and the sang froid with which he puts in his one-two, brought down rounds of applause. — On the retirement of Palmer, Harry Lan* coiter instantly ascended the platform and set^o with Belcher. The light play of this distinguished pugilist highly gratified the practical amateurs and with the gloves he displays all the ease and elegance of an AivocLo. — ^The hero of Lancashire and Painter ^u traded considerable attention and, notwithstanding the extfieme gaiety of Carter, nnd the lively movement of his left hand, Painter stood np to him without any disparagement, tt was viewed as a most excellent set-to, and loudly applauded. — Tom Cribb and OHver followed. The Champion, with all the confidence of an English man of war ready for action, commenced the combat. The coolness of his temper — the peculiar mode he has of covering himself up — and the scientific ease with which he can give and stop— ten* ders him a truly formidable opponent. OBver was full of spirits, and made some good hits, but he did hot appear to make any peculiar impression upbn thitf tough bit of stuffs. All these big ones" made a fine appearance, contributed much to the sport of the day, and were handsomely noticed.'-^Richmond, the man of colour, against Harry Lancaster, again displayed, with much adroitness, his peculiarly advantageous trait of hitting, and in skilfully avoiding being hit. This is the grand art of winning, which Richmond possesses almost exclusively. At the age of fifty-four he dift* plays all the activity of thirty. The wind-up of the day^s entertainment wa? completed by Harmer and Carter. It was considered as a high treat, and the most interesting attention was paid to it. Considerable science was exhibited on both sides. The steadiness of Harmer, his quickness in warding off the blows, and the sharpness of his return, was loudly acknowledged in this combat. The goodness of Carter on his legs, the singular trait he has of reaching over the guard of his opponent with his left hand, and his SKETCHES OT PUGILISM. 5^9 activity in getting away, claimed also much praise; repeated plaudits crowned their exit. Upon the whole, it was >a m<*st scientific exhibition^ and the amateurs departed highly pleased. Randall was in courts but did not spar. [Fives Court.— GREGSON> Tuesday, July 1, 1817.— Bob Greg- SON attracted together a numerous assemblage of the amateurs of self-defence. Several persons of rank attended this remnant of the- Olympic Games; and the company in general were of the most respectable description. The sets-to were numerous^ and several of them afforded considerable amusement as well as science. The veteran^ Colonel, always ready for a brush, followed by little Gadtee, of the tribe of Israel, commenced the sports of the day. It was more taste^ ful than scientific — and both their mug$ appeared ra-^ thex flushed from their spirited exertions. — Mason and Belasco, jun. next mounted the stage, and, withotit ceremony, pelted away with all the industry of black^ smiths at an anvil. The latter is fond of displaying his ferocity — and ruffiatdsm seems his most prominent trait.— Young Brown, (a sprig from the Westminster nursei'y, and a promising chick of Hopping Harry^sJ and Gidgeon, a little thick*set Jew, made their bows to the audience. These pugilists in miniature, from their style of tnUling, -were compared to Scroggins and Turner. Gidgeon was all fury, and endeavoured, frotti bis mode of boring in, to smash his opponent; but Brown was nwake^ and several times pimpled him wilb so much adroitness as to atop Gidgecn's ruM^g quality. M8 BOXIANA; Ot, The above $ is»io coold ooly be considered as a sort of preparatory iDterlade^ till actors of greater importance took a part in the drama. The $cimHfic part of the art does not appear to be properly felt, or clearly understood, by the different pugilists who generally exhi-^ bit here with the gloves. It is, in too many instances, downright ferocity and glove-milling. Science only is looked for. — On the appearance of Tom Bclcker and Gbsoson upon the stage, the specutors loudly testis fied their approbation. The slight genteel figure of the former, in opposition to the Herculean frame of Grbgson, excited much attention among the amateurs. In his display of the udence^ Tom was emi* nently successful, and he nobbed his opponent with the utmost hon-chalance. Gbegson made some heavy feints at the body, that in the ring must have spoken for themselves but owing to his want of practice, as well as want of bellows, in point of sparring^ the supe* riority was on the side of Belcher. This set-to produced much amusement and applause. — Harry Lancaster succeeded Grbgsom, and made a tolerable stand against the above first-rate setter-to with the gloves^ Lancaster, in being opposed to BeUJier, derives much activity, and he ought to turn it to account in the ring.— The principal attraction of the day was Paddy Randall and Hudson, (the latter defeated Charles Mar^ tin, recently, at Sawbridgeworth). Hudson is a strong game chap, and stood up to the lively Hibernian vrith great confidence, and he acquitted .him^lf in much better style than was expected but he could not stop the left hand of Randall, which repeatedly and severely kept milBng his mug. Hudson had temerity 8KBTCUBS OF PUGILISM. 529 enough to rally s^nd ruffianite with young Paddy, but in this attempt he was materially deceived — the finishing qualities of Randall were truly conspicuous^ his one-two's went in like hail-stones, and he ultimately floortd his opponent amidst thunders of. applau3e. Randall, with or withoutgibves^is a most accomplished boxer and of all other places on the fighting list^ he has hitherto displayed too much judgement to let any of his adversaries make him a Receiver-'GeneraL Hud- MOUf for his manly conduct, received a liberal subcription. — Stephenson, the man, of colour, and Oliver, exhibited with much spirit and attention. In the first four rounds^ Stephenson gave evident signs of improvement and it was only in the last two that OKver bad decidedly the advantage, when he felt for the upper works oi his opponent with unceasing celerity. .5/^phenson was also rewarded by a subscription for his efforts. — Carter, in order to give Lancashire a turn, was not to be deterred from ascending the st^ge, though he had only one ^hand to offer in the service of his friend Gregson, his thumb not having recovered from his late severe accident. It was curious to witness the superiority exhibited by Carter over Pur^ cell; notwithstanding the above drawback, and he was so successful with his left hand, in giving his adversary Jiicer after facer, as to produce much laughter and peals of applause. On PurcelCs quitting the stage, the Lancashire hero very politely invited any.g^/Timnii in the court to partake of a taste of his quality," which offer was shortly accepted by one Wilson, not an entire stranger to the ring. This set-to operated on the risiBle muscles of the audience, after the manner VOL. II. Mm fAO BOXtAKA Oft, of a broad farce* *ithe one band of Carter pf otdi qirtte sdfficient, and the best perfbrmance of WUion seemed to prove in making bis exit Carter retoriied tbiibb, in behalf of Gsbgson, and the amatenrs departed hi good humour. Scrogpnt, Kchmond, Wat'-coMtty^ Diet, SuttM, tec. were in court, bat did not exhiMt [Fives Coubt.— j- SCROGGINS, Tcesday, Joly 15, 1817. The amateurs of self-defence experienced a high and diversified treat. If this once daYHng of victory^ did ifot exactly realize a bumper as heretofore, when conqoest crowned his efforts, yet^ from the respectable and nomeroQs collection of the patrons of pugilism, who did attend to witness the performances of the day, H mtist nevertheless have satisfied his mhid that his former expbits were not totally forgotten. In the capacity of manager, Scroggins evinced some knowledge of itage-tRect. The Batkt of Jetum^ exhibited a greater variety of scenes than uioal and, from the introduction of several new perfbrmers, the interest of the piece was kept up with appropriate iphrit and feeling tin the exeunt omnes took place. Lenox and Mason immediately commenced and Little Gadzee and Bebtseojun. ruffiamzed witli all the fuiy of gianu. — Jadt the Butcher and Budum followed; but both these Ktt^hts of the Steel portrayed more of the cutting-up system than amusing the spectators with the mastery of icienee.'^IVeit'Couniry Dick and Huds&n 'Jiin. the latter is a promising Mek, and much noticed by fli^ amateurs. He manfully opposed the exertions tff Didi,—BandaU and Davis. The pugilistic excctience SKBTOHE^ OF PUGILISM. 691 f the former rendered thia setrtQ highly attr$u;ti^e. A mioute elapsed before any blows were exchanged, and the combatants walked round each other with all the anxiety of a real contest^ to obiain the first advantage. Randall was cautious in the exlrei:ne, and he (x>uld not nab his opponent with his usual dexterity. Davii opposed him wilb considerable spirit and science, and planted two or three heavy facers. In the last round, the superiority was rather on the side of "Randall; but, upon the whole, Daviz proved him* self equal to \x\% antagonist. It was, thought that a match might be proposed between them in consequence of the above display.— *^£fam« and Jacob, and Wittol mid Janet. These new performers come under the description of hammer-mtn, — Fiiher, the late unsuccessful opponent of Scroggins, set-to with Harry iMn" easier. The former endeavoured to bore down his adversary with great impetuosity when the mence of Laneatter not only kept Fi$her out, but he nobbed him with the utmost ease, and finally drew his cQrk."^ Lazarus and Byrne. This was a sharp seHo and both these heroes very tastefully noticed each other.— *JacA: Laneasterf who distinguished himself so scientifically in his fight with Bales, ait Moulsey, now entered the lists with the finished Belcher, but the milling knowledge of Lancaster was completely lost sight of in opposition to the above superior sparrer. The Court rang with applause; and the serving-out talents of Belcher were never more eminently conspicuous than upon this occa^ion.-^Spring, a new candidate,^ (denominated as Scroggine^s butcher,) set-to with Tom Oliver. The experience, strength, and science M m2 of Oliver prevailed and^ io oDe instance, Spring was hit deanl J down from a blow upon his ear. The butcher is a fine young man, weighing about Id stone and, notwithstanding the disparagement he had to contend against, from tetiiMg-to with so confident a boxer as OKver, he promulgated capabilities that may be better appreciated, at a future period in the ring. — V BriUow and Taylor. The former is the young $prig of colour, who so courageously fought IS rounds with Caleb Baldwin, at Coombe-warren. It was the first appearance of Yotnig Massa at the Fives Court, and be acquitted himself so much to the satisfaction of the amateurs, that a handsome subscription was made for him. — Richmond and Purcell also exhibited. At the conclusion of this set-to, ^roggins appeared upon the stage, and returned thanks for the patronage he had received, and proposed entertaining the audience with a match of Single-stick. He was loudly applauded, and Coxkead, (of great celebrity as^cudgeller,) followed by Hcadiey, immediately prepared for action. Great skill was displayed on both sides, but Coxhead, who had recently challenged all the world, conquered every one opposed to him, and broken the heads of three expeit swords-men of the Life-Guards, in one afternoon, was now doomed to meet with a reverse of fortune, from his nob being broken in turn by a slight cut on his forehead from Hcadley. Several pounds were collected from their exertions. — Richmond again appeared on the stage, and informed the amateurs, he had a young hero in the Court, who would fight any man in the kingdom for <£50y and, by way of specimen, he would teMo with any pugilist present. Stringer, the person alluded to, a strongs athletic^ bonjr, Yorkshire lad, about fourteen stpne, made his bow^ Followed bj Oliver. Hats were instantly ordered off, and the greatest anxiety manifested upon the combatants putting on the gloves. $^riiijfer is a complete novice, and be appears to depend solely on his strength and pluck for success. He bored Oliver, from a sort of violent pushing, to the rails but the latter nobbed him in great style, put in several severe body blows, and, by way of a coup^-grace, he ultimately floored Stringer, amidst the loudest tokens of approbation ever heard in this Court. Oliver showed great signs of improvement and, in .point of action, he is considerably quicker,. and seemed determined to ptii the p/ticA of the Yorkshireman to the test. The advantage of ^ct^/icc over strength was never more finely illustrated. Stringer, although somewhat confused, from this severe glove mtV/tit^r, did not appear at all dismayed; and again offered to fight any man in the kingdom. — Scroggini did not set-'to, owing to his lameness; and Turner appeared only in the character of a spectator. The amateurs, however, departed more than ordinarily satisfied with the entertainment afforded them and, upon the whole^ it was the most prolific day's sport ever exhibited at the Fives Coobt. [Fives Court.]— OLIVER, Tuesday, August 5, 1817, the patrons of the Pugilistic Art rallied most numerously, round the above inoffensive and manly hero of the fist. At the least computation 900 persons were present. Civil and respectful behaviour, iu every situation of life, are 634 BOXtAKA; OB, not without their ultimate advantages; and t'oic Olitbr not only profiiabhf experienced the Taloe of inch deportment upon this occasion, but must have g^oiefutty felt that no danger of neglect is likely to lurise flfom honourable defeat*' ahne and a brave man^ though uasuccessful, among the liberal-minded bf the Fancy, will alirays prove an object of con* sid^ration, ind be rewarded according to bis deserts. In six successive battles the smiles of victbry crOwneit Olivbr's efforts — and, in his last memorable contest at CnrtUCf where he could not command success," it is a covincing proof, that his exertions to ensure conqu^t have not been forgotten, from the vast assemblage of amateurs who now eagerly stepped forward to patronize and promote his ftiture prospects. The %ei$4o were more to be remarked from their number (sixteen) than their excelknee and a greater exhibition of determined tmlBng occurred than any thing like a general illustration of fine idence. The nsnal openers of the Olympic Sports presented themselves to the spectators, and Mason and the Cokmd did not quit the stage withottt marks of approbation.-^Pa5fftf, otherwise Jact ffte BuUhtt, and W. Ballard, set to with much spirit. Potii had the best of it, and he is much improved. BaUanPs noh was rather di$ordered, — Brown and Behuco, jun. exhibited nearly the same reciprocal advantages, which were seen during their late fight at Monkey. They are both lads of prtmiie. — Fi$her and Calhu borti in upon each other without any respect to person id fact, the above ir^i-ro generally, were more amnsiiig than scientific. — Lazarm and Bthttco. This contest SKBTCUfiS OF PUGILISM. &8^ wai worthy of atientioa and the determioed qualitiet pf the latter^ fiad bis knowledge of fightiog, produced considerable approbation. He is evidently an artful b^jcer, and a dangergns opponent for any one of bis weigbt. — JXffrry JLan^asur and Beicher gave the ania<> teqf^ a good opportunity of witnessing the superior advantages of Kieaa. We have bad so often to record the excellence of Belcher that any eulogium iipon the present occasion is perfectly unnecessary^ Suffice to observe, that, in one or two instancesi when Lomcaeter drove Bdchtr to the comers pf the stage, the ease with If hich the latter fought his way out*— the nobberg be suooessfuUy planted without expefiencing any returUf and ^he masterly style that he finished the round, 4Uilled down peals of applause^ Tbe/o% of resolutely fiormg ip to get tbe better pf it ici«iice^«ian wa9 never more clearly seen.— Fofai^ JWana (BrUtcm) was put up for A trial with LUtk Gadxccj a spirited mMing Jew. This ^-te, if such it might be termed, prodoced roars of langbter. The Itraeiite, not destitpte of spMiice, exerted it with so much effect, that the above young V^g colour turned round again and again but, notwithstanding this apparent disadvantage, bis ^trengtb of arip and'heigbt ^o far prevailed, that Gadue found himself more than once or twice iprawi^. ing on the stage* Yotmy Massa, at all events, does npt seem to want pluck. — Stephenson and Carlow appeared, but did pot exhibit ^y pugilistic traits above w^ediocrity. — Qharke Marim and Hudeon, jun. These tifo heroes seemed to despise any thmg like light play — ^rallied with all the fury of a real combat— and even ^fiwring^fuB not put of the questk)n* — Oliver and 536 BOXIANA; ofi, Cribb ascended the stage uoder great tokens of regard from the sarroanding spectators. Oliver^ although upon the alert to obtain the superiority, does not appear to much advantage in competition with the Champion the steady composure of the latter, and his well-fortified front, renders his frame so secure from attack, that few boxers can assail him with any degree of success but, notwithstanding the light plaj*' of these big ones, their efibrts have been more successful heretofore.— -£a2r8 and Purcell now made their bows In point of kparringf or displaying a perfect knowledge of pugilism, Purcell appeared materially inferior to his opponent. Bales had it all his own way — nobbed his adversary with the utmost ease, and planted hits, or stopped blows, as the occasion required, with great dexterity. Bales must be pronounced a complete scientific fighter, and is equal, if not a superior competitor, to any thing upon the present list of miUers of his own weight. He was much applauded. It has excited considerable surprise among the amateurs, that so much time has elapsed without some match being made for him. — Duggan^ a little Paddy, und6r nine stone, and a' candidate for milling honours, made his debAi against Gidgeon, a Jew, another thumping hero in miniature. The appearance of those two modem Sancho Panzas, in search of chivalrous explunt of his indisposition, bat the amateurs did not suffer him to retire without voluntarily subscribing to his assistance. — Tbiw Owen, (of the old School, famous in his day from his conquests over the lion-like Hooper, the tin* man,) now set-to with his pupil, Turner. It was light, pleasing, and scientific, and loudly applauded. The pupil, in many instances, without disparagement, showed himself equal, if not superior, to bis tutor. The position Of Turner is more secure than elegant, and renders him in fighting very awkward to get at. — Young Belasco and Benjamin, both of the tribe of Israel, gave good specimens of determined resolution. -^Murphy and Heatly. The latter is a Lancashire man, and slightly known among the miUing circles, as the hardy Blacisnath^ of Hapipstead. Htatly had the temerity, about a twelvemonth since, to challenge Scroggms. If report speaks true, his head and frame, in a great degree, partake of the resisting quality of his iron. It was a sort of glove fight between Murphy and Heatfy. The latter ruffiamsed with all the vigour of a hammer-man at his anvil yet Paddy not only received the shock undismayed, but returned the compliment courageously, united with science, and ultimately had the best of Heatly. They closed twice during the 9tt'4o, and went down both times.-*RAN- DALL, the principle attraction of the day^ in his combat with LazaruSf tKe Jew^ gave additional specimens of his excellence as a first-rate pugilist. Some of the rounds were unusually well contested; and there seemed an anxiety about Lazarut to prove superior to his' opponent. The Jew endeavoured to bore in upon ,Randall with effect; but the latter successfully planted repeated yacerij and kept him out. It is but justice to observe^ that the efforts and style of Lazarut were far above mediocrity; but the science oi Randall carried him through triumphantly. If the shouJ" ders of Lazarus could be depended upon^ his merits as a boxer would undoubtedly place him high upon the pugilistic list; and render him a dangerous customer for any of his weight. The above set*to produced great approbation.— O/tvcr and Richmond came forward to finish the Olympic Sports. The meriu of the above boxers are so well known as to need no further comment. Suffice to observci they acquitted themselves with credit and attention. Considering it was Randall's first appeal to the patronage of the public^ added to the numerous benefits that have been so liberally attended here this season, the amateurs, upon this occasion, not only rallied most respectably round the above jprime Irish Boy, but departed well satisfied. [Minerva Rooms.— PAINTER, Thursday, Octobers, 1817.— It was a complete bumper. The amateurs at the east end of the town rallied round Painter, who so gallantly contended with Sutton, the man of colour, at Moulsey, a short time since, and the Olympic Sports went MS BOXIAHA; OB, off With ooDsiderablB itJmi:. The whole of the 9ii&4o mere above mediocnty; hut the one betweeo Tom BMker and Hanmr was equal to aoy ibiDg of ibe kitidevef witoetsed. The admirers of fine scieoce were highly ddighted, and peals of applause marked th^ exit from die stage.-^CrJii aod Bitton, notwithataodT )ag their puJSmg and btowing to recofer their windi shewed the advantages of tactics^—^Davir and Younmrn, the Jewj ruffUmued their combat in high style, by way of 5fl qjf to the r^^mmaU displayed by the other Artittt^ — Lmox and Maam, Bekueo, jun. and Gadue^ Xcui^ raw and Btt^andn^ also contribated to the amusement of the evening.— Painter was highly received npoa making his appearance on the stage, accompanied by Siekm&iHl. In opposition to this skilful tactidaHf Painter appeared to conriderable advantage. He kept the man of cotomr on the alert; and, upon the whole, it was an excellent specimen of the advantages of Oohem and ieienee. The appearance Qf( Btbueo^ the recent competitor of Randall, not only occasioned a general siare, but many anxious inquiries were mad^ respecting his return to a state of conoalaanu. The amateurs departed highly pleased with the treat they had experienced, from the good order and decorum manifested throughout the evening. In some instances, the mlmce observed was so great, from the attention of the spectators in the attraction before them, as to appear not unlike some parts of an interesting tragedy. [Fivsa CouAT.-* BELASCO, Tuesday, October «1, 1817.-* the f II I I II. II. amateurs raMed rotiiid the above Champion &fAeJeW9, and^ from their namerous attendance^ gave him ample proof his recent exertions in the ring were entitled to reward and at the same time, also pointing out to the class of pugilists, generally, that civility and respectful behaviour in society are not forgotten. The sets-to, twelve in number, afforded considerable enter* tainment, and some of them more than usual interest. The performances commenced with little G-adzee and LenoXf who convinced the spectators that there was no irifiing between them.— Mdion and Behtco, jun. Tuffianixed with all the fury of battle. The forte of the former is determined milKng. — ^The efforts of Bkim and Harmer, next in succession, were a perfect contrast to the above HMa; but many of the amateurs thought their play was rather too lights It, however, afforded a good display of fine science and the skill and superiority of Harmer Was much applauded. If the sight of one of his eyes was not defective, it is thought, he would have but few rivals.*^i^ffriitg and Stringer now ascended the stage, and those big ones^ claimed great attention. Stringer gave some signs of improvement since liis fight, but not sufficiently to cope with Spring to any advantage. The skill of the latter gave him the pre<^minenee and under the able tuition of his master, George Head, he is likely to make even greater progress in the Ring. — Upon the exit of the above Brobdignags, their placed wer^ instantly supplied by two boxers from Liiliput, the united weight of whom could not have produced more than teten sfone/.This sinrgular contrast not only produced roars of laughter, but created much interest. M4 boxiaha; or^ od bsU off** were ordered throughoat the Ck>art. Tbe iadia displayed by those Lilliputian heroes were far abo?e mediocrity; they stopped and hit — rallied and retreated— concluded the rounds with all the $ang froid of a Belcher or a Cribb, and took their leave amidst uproarious approbation, — Smith and Gidgeon, jon. exhibited more of tbe hammering of a blacksmith's ybop than any thing like scientific sparring. — West Country Dick and X^harlet Martin portrayed no new feature in their ie/-/o.— The stage was now occupied by Randall and Scroggins, and every eye anxiously intent upon their movements. Randall viewed his opponent with the utmost nonchalance, and commenced operations with all the confidence of an experienced tactician^ arising from a superior knowledge of the art of war. This promising lad of Hibemia at length broke through the guard of Scroggim with such skill and force as to hit him away from his guard he also nobbed Scroggim on his furiously rushing in, without receiving any return and concluded the display by getting his opponent down. It is, however^ due to Scroggim, to observe that he is considerably improved, and now exhibits in the style of a scientific boxer. He also planted a desperate hit under the ear of Ran-dallf the effects of which, in actual combat, might have proved of a dangerous nature. Randall had decidedly the best of Scroggint — but he took the gloves off the first, and, notwithstanding the universal cry of another round," from all parts of the Court, it did not alter his determination. It was noticed by several amateurs round the stage, that Randall always endeavoured to leave off with the be$t of the tet^to such SKETCHES OF PUGILISM. 64S ioslaoatioiis'' shoald be removed la (utute, and th6 wishes of the supporters of the art attended to with more deference. Such calls" may be compared with the encotes at the theatres where the performers are always afilcious to comply with the wishes of their patrons. Randall, on quitting the stage, met with loud marks of approbation. The curiosity of the spectators wete equally excited on Bb^^sco's making his bow, followed by Tunur. The latter boxer exhibited none of that caution which marked his Ijtte contest at Shepperton, but commenced 'bffensive opera^ tions mms cirimsnie. Tamer does not, by comparison, appear to ^ny thing like the same advantage with the ghvesf as he does in the ring. It was, nevertheless, an interesting performance and fine science was displayed on both sides. Some sharp hits passed between them, and Turner received a one^two from Belasco that drove him to a corner of the stage. The Jew was also once hit%way from Turner. A good rally took "place, which brought down thunders of applanse; and the spirit and activity of Bblasco was much admired. The. latter was considered to have rather the best of ih — 'Qidgeon^ sen. and Benjamin milM each other if^ith such fury, that the latter waa beat almost to a sland ^iM.-^Yonng Bromt (he tiring ehieh of the Westminstar nursery^ in opposition to Jonei^ exhibited much prc(mi»i aod cotiduded the feats of the day^ Bblasco returned thanks iii a concise add neat manner. The toihpany jrere of the most redpe^« table description, and iimohg whodi ome persoris Of the highest rank in society ti^ere observed, enjoyifiig tbi0 redcraant of the Oltmj^ic Sports. tb« iVhiE>le M6 BOXIANA OH, was cooducted with the almost propriety, and the amateurs departed highly gratified. [MiNBRTA Rooms. — HARMER, Thursday, October 30, 1817. — This was a complete bumper. The saloon, galleries. See. were crowded to an overflow and so numerous an assemblage of the amateurs were never before witnessed at the east end of the town. Caialani or Brakam could not have stowed a company closer together, or fijled a house in better style. The $eti4o were ten in number, producing gteat varieties of manner and lots of amusement. The united efforts of the Colonel and MaMon'^BelaKo^ jun. and Gadzee — JTosft Hud$09 and Street, kept the company in good humour, till actors .of more importance enriched the scene. BUton and Spru^ claimed the peculiar attention of the amateurs, and, notwithstanding the acknowledged scientific abilities of the former, Spnogevinceda perfect acquaintance with the art of self-defence and stood, at least, «poQ equal terms with BUton. — On Scroggtns making his appearance he was loudly applauded, and Belasca also came in for his share of approbation. Scroggiu commenced after his old style of smashing, and the sdence of the Jew, superior as it is, could not keep the little hero from severely nobbing him. The Jew was hit down twice during the set-to and Scroggtns once. It was a complete mill whUe it continued — the applause was uproarious in the extreme — ^and the spectators so much pleased with the exertions of the above heroes, that upon their quitting the stage another round was universally called for, and which they 8KBT HB8 OF PUGILISM. 547 immediately complied with, much to the satisfaction of the amateurs. — The trial of skill between FaitUer and Belcher was a perfect treat. It combined all the requisites of the art and the improvement exhibited by PainUr astonished every one present. He also displayed great quickness and agility. This set-to was highly spoken of by the atidience. Davit and Lazarm and Gidgeon and Mendoza, jun. ruffianized it with all the appetite of g/ti^fofu.— Harmbr and Shock Jem contribated towards the sports of the evening with mnch effect. The latter is a fine athletic young man, and opposed Harm BR with confidence and talent. Upon Shock's retiring. Turner ascended the stage amidst considerable applaase. The above set-to was pecaliarly attractive to the amateurs. The singular, but safe^ guard of Turner was an object of great attention and the specimen he gave of protecting hhnself from assault, proves him to be one of the most difficult men to be got at, on the list of pugilists. His right leg first, is a complete ptizz/e^ and, the most skilful pugilist cannot crawl in upon him^ so as to measure his distances any ways accurately. This pecn^ liar feature makes Turner a truly dangerous customer. Harmbr's attitudes and system of tactics were the general theme of admiration and Turner, in opposition to this elegant pugilist, showed himself off to much advantage. Harmbr returned thanks after the Lacedemonian style, and the audience departed well satisfied. Upon any future occasion, it would add much to the effect as well as convenience. to the spec* iators, if the Rooms were better lighted. wn« M8 BOXIABA I OE^ [Fives CoDitT^— SCROOOiNS, Taesday, January 6> ]8t8.-*ThU SalooM of ihi Fancy** opened its doors for tha ftm ttme tkit aeatoti. The amateors mnsicred extrenaefy Dameffoasy and were of the moti lespemaUe class of society. Tbe game fight of the aho?e nndaonled hero wi4k Turmr, in October laal, althoagh in defeat, it seema, had made a strong inqpression on the nuods of the patrons of Pngtlism, and they bow rallied ronod him as a reward for his bca?e conduct opon thatocoa^ siQB« The s appeared to possess singular demolishing qualities. He has rapidly improved, and bad the best of the bout. TheCnAiiPioNSHiF^ i% ia 8ai4» bj the jif^p4#(ic judges, is withip bv^ r^i^h. He was lordly apiplm4ed on taking his Wve of tUe audi^i^re. SKETCHES OF PVeiLISM. 660 [FlVE9 CoURT^^r*- RBYNOLI)a, Tn^sdaj, F^bruwy JO, 1818,— Tbb faTourifo place of tb^ Fancy wfis completely filM. It W09 for the benefit of RgYn oi«ofl, the cooqueror of Bfbttco, Cbur^ and Johnson, (the broojn^dasbefi) Aod it proved a bwnptr. Several persona of the first mnk in society were among the apectaiorsi and the company consisted generally qf the most respectable description. The 9 U^io, twelve in number, were far better than usual, affording great varieties of style, and ^Mots of fnn'' and amnsement.-"^&Acr aod Eal^ opened the sports of the day, receiving loud taKtimonies of approbation. The latter boxer gave evident marks of improvement, and, tvtn in opposition lo the filrst sparrer of the day, acquitted himself in a eonapiouons point of view. The Mcitnu displayed on both rides was a perfect treat This sti-t^ altogether pii^vod highly Interesting to the amateurs; but tbe o^pnbUUiu of Tom Btlcher, in portraying the art qf A^lMkfenoe, are so well koown in tbe sporting worlds as to render any further commit totally unnecessary. -r-^Afoioii and LmoXf as minor performers, rather inereased upon the attention of the a|idienee.-^JBi^<#fi and JXennefV or perhaps more correctly ^peaking, it was BUnd versus Ijome, that now made their app^r^ anca on the stage but notwithstanding the Hinkisig appearance of Harmcp, aud the ctippM state of BUiom, considerable skill was displayed, and their attempt^ upon the whole, far above medhcriiy^-^Suiion and 04W nest fippeared with the gloves, and every eyf was fixed on the maypok arms of the tremendoos man qf ^(9hur, who flatters himself that he can beat any 664 boxiaha; ok. thing upon the list, aUribotiog bis late defeat with Painter to bad condition. It is true, Oliver put in one or two facen in a dexterous manner but» upon ibe whole, his movewumU were too tardy, and he seemed compelled to act more upon the defendve, than to take the lead although the black, in plunging with his left band, continually dropped his bead. Such an opportunity to Carter, it is imagined, might have produced a ckoMcery tuit, without the tedious forms of law* Nerertbeless, whoerer yimaa SaUom for a caalomer, will find him not the most agreeable one that ever en* tered a rmg,^^Randall and Bebuco, as might be ex* pected, (like the Kean and Kbmblu of another stage,) claimed the merited attention of first-rate per* formers. BelaKo is a master of the somce— he Mets-i^ with great taste and spirit, and also possesses the power of execuiiom in an eminent degree. But RandaB is all nature— his knowledge of self-defence is mtuitive be rises superior to art. His promptness too h asto* nishing and his eye proves so generally accurate in viewing his opponent, that his tUstanca almost seem as correct as if they were measured with a yard. Ramdall, as a pugilist, is most certainly a prodigy. This combat was very attractive; but notwithstanding the excellence of BeUuco, the prime IriA boy was the hero of the srl-^o. — Between Spring and Stringer it was a positive gfove fight. The latter ''big one,'' although as good a bit of it9{f as erer peeled, unfortu* nately for his fame, appears prominent in no other point of view than that of receiving ! The superior science of Spring literally fadthed him. — ^The portrait exhibited by Bdawo, jun. and Gadzee, was ruffinnimn SKETCHES OF PUGILISM. 65b in miniature.— The comic phiz of Scroggina now hove in sight, accompanied by G^Donnel, The determiha^ Hon of Scroffgins was opposed with manly resolution by the latter^ and they rallied each other with all the severity of milling, as if their exertions were to have been rewarded with the attractions of a purse* — ^The two youngest Belasco^s were now put upon the stage, but, from their diminutive size, a card-table might have been more in character. However, the spirit of the thing was kept up by these infantine sparrers with much applause and their efforts in Ulliput,** at Covent Garden Theatre, in all probability, would not only be seen to greater advantage, but also to increase the interest and effect of the scene. A shower of coppers, and a few silver drops, compensated their trial of skill.— Ttrnier, who had scarcely left the stagecoach, on bis journey from Wales, now made his bow to the amateurs, followed by Harmer. With the gloves^ Turner seems indifferent about appearing conspicuous—hisybr^e is the ring, where he is quite utraie to all the important purposes, of victory; and, if he cannot lay claim to elegance, he is not deficient in execution; and no boxer knows better how to double distance his opponent than Turner; this set-to might have been better, but the latter was loo fatigued to show himself to advantage. He was loudly ap« plauded on quitting the stage. — Reynolds and Dolly Smith. In opposition to Reynolds, the latter had DO chance whatever in fact, SmStVs mug was like a drum, upon which the above tight boy of the sod hesLtsitat'too with the most perfect ease.- Reynolds, in a neat concise manner, returned thanks to his patrons, for the very liberal support he had experienced, (M BOXIAMAI OS» cQOcladiiig wUb the followiog—Noto Bme, ''That he wqqMI fight any mw io tbe kingdoai, of his own weightt for 200 guineas." The Sprig of UyHle, (Youmg Bram) and R^d r, by way of pin a lb, tparrtd the spectators out of Court* It was as prime a benefit as was e?er seen at this place and is a coniriacing proof that civility and good character will always find their own value. The aiaatears lefit the Coon much gratified. [TuRBa CoilPASiBS, HoLBOBlf. — SUTTON, Thttisday, February \% 1818. Notwithstanding the torrents of rain thai came down during the night, be bad to boast of a more numeroils assemblage of amateurs than might have been ex^ pected« The sell* to were not so numerous as usual; but the audience were much amused, and oon#iderable fun and laughter occurred- The sparring com^ menced with Iim(bm,jim. and Gibmrn. The long arms of the lati/er were, however, rendered nuavaiUag, from the spirited mode of attack pursued by Hiabon. This Mck promiaes to prove a guau mck in due lime* He was much applanded.^^^Gttibat betireen Behher atid Jack Lammief^ The latter lef-fD hi firstnrate style, and received well merited iipt>roba-^ tiou.; hot the qwick efe of Biskher, and his qukhet fists, if pomble^ gives him such soperbriiy^ that his ofitf> tnsOi are put in like lighkningi before his opponent eon scarcely see htm move his arms. A more finished HiAo has not been witnessed tot some tim^ padt.^^ The ptime IrUh Boy and deaf Davis now took a tarn with the ghvet. The goodneu of the latter boxer can** not cope with the exctUence of BandalL It was de* eidedly in favonr of tb^ NonpartU; htxt who was as cod/ and tatOkmt as if he had been opposed to the first hero on the list. RafiddU appears to keep the old ad«^ in remembrance, to look before yon leap T' He Jloored Dwok and fell oter him by way of txU. MamhU was moch nettced.^^The winding-np of th^ erentdg's entertainment was deserved for Oliver and SuTTOw. The long arms of the mdn df cdhwr rendered him vtry difficnlt to be gi»t at. OUvet stopped m excellent style, and idso put in a good hit or two on his opponent's nob; bvt there was nothing like takitig the lead. This $ei^to gave general satisftctiott, tmd both the combatants were not idle In sht>wing themselves off to the best advantage. St/TTON politely retorned the imtatetfrt thanks for tb^ir tmp-* port and made it paUicly ktiown^ that he wonld dt^ eonnnffdaie Stringer the Yorkshire rnfaot, for any smnr^ rniieb or litlte, cm the first of Apti)^ to make dp a good dayls sport. [Thr^b Coiipa88B8| Holbork. — WEST-COUNTRY DICK, Tueklay. Febraary 24, 1818.— Oa the above eveoiDg the amateurs assembled at this place, as the most coDveaieDt room, in lieu of the Fives Court, to participate ia the amusement be bad catered for them. Oadzec and Belasco, jaa. commenced by way of prelude, with much gaiety of style, and were tolerably successful. — Turner and Uarmer attracted considerable attention upon their wdtmg'to. The former hero exhibited more talent than usual with the gloves and it was upon the whole a good bout. From the great length of arm Turner possesses, and the mode in which he stands, a more amkmard man to get at is not to be found upon the list. This trial of skill met with much ap[^use.— Scroggim and DoUy Smith again produced roars of laughter the latter boxer had not the slightest dumu whatever. In fact, Scroggim was so much at bis ease, that he performed the part of a lecturer, expatiating on the advantages of a long arm, by convincing the spectators that he could hit his opponent whenever he thought proper. Scroggins also sent him down several times. Smith appears to have declined materially as an active, spirited boxer, since his defeat by Scroggmt. Smith*$ battle with Harei was equal to any conteslever witnessed among boxers of their weight, for the true courage and manhood displayed. It should seem, that little more than opinion remains about him respecting successful milling. Scroggim^ however, complimented Dolfy on being a good man in nature, and informed the company, that Smiih*s benefit would take place in the course of a few days, when he hoped the SKETCH B8 OF PUGILISM, 560 amateara would extend their patronage towards him. This display of mUUng was complete pantomime.— O^Donnel and Wilkms capered about a little bat nothing above mediocrity took place. 0*D(mnel, on making his exit, rather checked Scroggim for the ridicule he had attempted to cast upon the defects of Dolly Smith when the latter hardy piece of work/' who had something more in him than mere animal spirits^ in consequence of his pedestrian excursion to witness the race between heach and Shaw, a distance of twenty miles, requested G'Donnel, with the utmost sang-froid, to return and have a belly fvU with him, signifying the first man that took of the glowt to be considered as defeated. (yOonnel, howeVer, thought better of it.— SAefton and young Crawley. It was the first appearance of the latter in public^ and, indeed, with propriety, he could oniy be viewed as an amateun but he intends to become a milier. However, Shelton, with all his experience, did not make a, novice of Crawley and, if the young one could have got the better of his modttty, in all probability he might have taken the lead at any rate, he had not the worst of it. Crawley, it seems, is anxious to do something among the big ones." — Dick returned thanks, but from the lacerated state of hb hand, he could not exhibit. Randall WB» present, but did not ipar neither did Tom Belcher. The above game little hero was entitled to a better attendance, if bi brit has any weight in the scale, but the benefits have been unusually numerous; and, it is only common justice to the Fancy to observe, that during the last twelve months, their liberality and patronage towards supporting the appeals of the Pugilists have far exceeded any other season. llOtlAKA; Ott, ctiauttts; for t^e jTdntp, AB SUNO AT THS GONTIYIAL BfKEtlHGlkk Et,LD At BELCHER'S, THE CASTLE TAVERN, HOLBORN. MILLING, NEAR CARLISLE, J0ck Carter, the Lonctukire HtrOf TOM OLIVER, THE WESTMINSTER CHAMPION. TvNB HVfV d< i« iTiiifi In our Ivni:'* Attend JRbh^ Lad9, aad I'll «iog you s song, 1*11 avoid being dull, and I shall not be long. Though mliv^i tiie theme, yet Fll make you all smile, CoDOonuBg the fi f other day at Caruslb^ But barring all pother;, This, that, and the other. We all strive to win in our Uinu The Westminster Hero, a boy of true game, Who milPd all the blades ft-om wherever they came. Poor KiMBBH— NtD MoROAN-^aod yottng FoRSf he did bcttt. And made Lam caster— Cooper— and Paikter retreat I fidt, &c. Tom OuvBR'tf kmt was now okautited with glee, The Sv9cU$ all swore he^s the top of the tree! For game, science, and strength-^and a rare cove to /6, In the pride of the moment— be lookM 6% at Cribb. But» &c. fiut the Lancashire lad, who had ^efVi^out the Blacks, Larfing those Msn qf coldur quite flat on their back? ! His manoeuvres so rum that he led 'em astray, Pot in his lieliE hit^ and went lauriiing away. But, fte. The Slack Work all over, and Jack at a stand. Carter offered to fight any cove in the \znd. The best man #tf ptok'd out, just to give him a tastc^^ To roast him like meat, and for bis sauce. Jack well baste ! But, ficc SKETCHES OF t»IJOIL8IM. ^l This great match being made* it was soon three to one Loud boasting that Ouvbr wouM beat him likeJunP* He was never a good ont^* — all of 'em did cry He'll turn out a cur^'* and he'll fight very shy !" But, &c« Near famM Gretna Green, so rcnown'd in love's story. These heroes they met and were cover'd with glory — The FUuh side astounded — alarm'd at the match. To see Jack win the fight without scarcely a scratch But the tables now turn'd, and the good one** got beat ! Carter rose in the Fancy by winning this feat So prime on his legs, like the Hfe of a dance. That poor Tommy he miWd without giving him a chance ! Thousands flock'd from all parts to see this mnd fight. And the Swells of Carusle huzza'd with delight ! All the shops they were left — not a man to be seen, To get a peep at the mill on fam'd Gretna Green. But, ice. To describe the long faces, 'tis past all belief— The betters from London were weigb'd down with grief, Such swearing and aueering, all put to the rout. For if they had tipped, there'd been a rare cleaning out ! But the coves who took toll, and Iiad charge of the swag. They all of 'em vanished, and also the waite bag; The flats they were gammoned, and likewise mine host Then put in leg bail, and they out brushed tlie Post But, &a But the grand hoax of all that made many repent. Was the wrong side of victory reported through K— r,* Dish'd up so neatly, not foigetting the rounds — That its hasty believers, it cost many pounds I Then fill up your glasses, and assist me to sing» The sports of the Fancy and lads of the Ring From prejudice free, let this plain toast go round, The GOOD ones' from all parts whenever they're found I The Proprietors of the above SmMUy Newspaper, In their zeal to OHnmi^iicate the event" to the Sporting World, urged, in their acknowledgement of the error they had committed, that they had been imposed upon with an erroneous account that Oliver had «wm VOL. II O O S#2 BOXUMA; OB, THE LADS OF THE FANCY. Tdks — The Lmd tf Stcett £rm." You Lads of the Fancy, who wish U iBipart The tokens of friendship aad soundness of heart. To Bilchir's repair,, at the Castle so strong. Where he'U serve you all well, ami you'll hear a good song. The company cheerful, and Sporting's the go- Though miuing^s the theme, youMl not meet with a foe But each in good humour, enjoying his pipe. With tales oif ibe FAifCY--and knowledge of life ) Then let ut be merry, While drinking our sherry. For fHendship and harmony can't last too long- Be still our endeavour, That nothing shall sever The Lads or the Fancy at the Castle so strong ! First, my muse I'H mvoke— >th# brave sires of the fist. Those heroes of old, who stand hi^ on the list — To FiGG, father Broughton, and veteran Slack, Tom Johnson, Mich. Ryan, that brave Paddy Whack To do them all justice I cannot now stay. Nor half their brave actions of feats here display. But country or cokmr to us are the s»ne. Only anxious are we in preserving the came ! Then let us^ &c. Well stored is our Castle, a lon^ siege to stand. To parley or fi^t we can aH taEe a hand-* Like trumps stick together, afraid of no plot. But beware of bebgj^oor'd by Tommy's grfl^p^ shot ! To banish dull care, or to roar out a catch, Take part in a glee, or in mdung a match ChauBt the pleaaures of Sporting^-4he charms of a race. And ne'er be at tolt— >at a fmil or the chase. Then let uc, fcc. SKETCHHS Of FUdlLISM, ^i6S Now, Lads op tHit IFakcy, assist me to sing. That nothing unmanly takes place in the rin^ ! Mav not fear nor revenge e'er embitter your lives, AnJ be fond of your sweethearts, and true to your wives. Then give no offence, but with courage take part, And show the right trait of an Englishroan's heart, To re$ent otforgiDCi to him 'tis the same-^ And may LiiDs op the Fancy still never want GAME. Then let us, &c. PUGILISTIC FEATS OF JACK SCROGGINS By P. E6AN. Tune— The Bold Dragoon," There was a boxing blade, of his feats now Pll sing. He iuinp'd and thumped his way, till he got into the ringr — With his capering jigs, and funny rigs, laughing at all science, Says he^ I'm the boy ! here's my caitor h\& defiance !** With a thump and jump, whack, row de dow He clean'd the Boots so neatly, and btush'd *em up so fine. And bothered Jack so prime^, till he got him in a line ! His thumping whacks, and precious smocks, made the Boots to run, GRiifALDi, in a Pantomime, never made more fun ! He's got the trick, that makes 'em sick, whackj £ra He hammered next the Smith, saying you'B repent your fWly," And astohish'd all the rhig by milHng of poor Dolly— He got some ^e, O what's his name, the SwelLs all did ask? 'Tis Jack Scrogciks come from sea, and he'll perform his task! This rough tar, will not spar, whack, &c. The conqueror of Dutch 9am, then next he took in tow. He mil^d that crusty blade, and lik'd him for a foe ! He made such play and fought away, to beat any sloven, Nosworthy had better been— a baking at his oven ! With his liit away, he won the day, whack, &c. oo 2 M4 BOXUNA; cm, In Joking for a auUmer he soon got hold of Ealss, With hb tJi and otU, all round about, like dancing of reels. He tmiltd away, lo brisk and gay, putting aside all science — Saying, let me plant my hits— and on them I place reliance !" In spite of jarring, and £ne sparring, whack, &c Next a wrestling Oiui Air, who wish'd to gain some £mie. In fiffhting with Jack Scrogcins — by trusting to hb game He fought, 'tb true, to giTe him due, but witm>ut a dumcc'^ Sc&OGciMS won with aU the ease like being at a dance. With full of fiin, sure as a gun, whack, &c. Jack since tumM Baniface, left fighting in the lurch. But to wipe away hb sms he ttvore he*d go to Church I Hh fecHng text much perplext that opposing sinner. But ScKOG sotted hb doubts before he went to dinner! Full of pluck, with good luck, whack, &c. Jack lately on a eruUe got in a groggy plight — And to please the Swells, O he fought by candle Ught Hb thundering hits, came like fits, till the clock struck — OneI" When Fisher he turned skk — Sckocgt wmning it like fun. Sober or drunk, full of spunk, whack, &c. Jack's won the golden chink — but with all its pleasing charms. Now to serve hb customers at the WatemuuCs Arms, With a pipe, to see life, among the .mi/(ert and their men. And recount the boxioff days of Johnson and Big Ben ! So full of glory» fam'd in story, whack. Sec. PARISH AND HOLT. WritUH amd$unffby GEORGE HEAD. To MB— Tie TVvltiiv Bam.* Comb all you spoiling blades, who in miUing take delight. Sit you down awhile, and I'll tell you of a fi^t Theie was Harry Holt, t\ie dxiffer, to mill it was hb plan So ttie customer we chose for him was Job, the xvaterman. For to hit away, stop away, mill away, ye ho ! With my fal de ral, &c. Sec. The parties both agreed, and to mill was their intent On the twentieth £y of August to Moubey-Hurst they went The DUPPBR was the favourite, the odds were six to four. For they said Job could not take it, and swore he was a cur SKBTCUBS or PUGILISM. &65 At half-past three o'clock, in the ring those heroes met, To see them go to work all the lads were on the fret There were crowds of every kind from the east unto the west. All anxious for to know which could mill the best. From Horselydotxm and Batter$ea two Swells* came rolling in. Both anxious for to know which of the men would win They stript so neat and clean the fi^t for to begin^ fioth full of resolution, and determmed each to win. The heroes they shook hands and then commenced the fight Jor's second, Harry Harmer^ and Holt had lilly white Bill EaUs, a bottle bolder, and Parish was his man George Green for the swell duffer, and then they both began. The fight being now commenc*d, both cautious were the men fiut Joe he drew the first blood, he stopt and hit so clean Though Harry had the length of him, to win he was in hopes, Yet Job so well could go in, that he floor' d him on the ropes. Th^y both began to mill, and the blood be^ to flow. And which would win the bluntf for some time they did nott know Though Harry hit so clean, he so well by Job was stopp'd Then lie hit him in the mummer, and on the ropes he dropp*d. An hour and half ii well contested fight, fiut from Joe's body blows Harry could not stand upright; On the ropes Job had the pull of him, but mercy was his planv So he yielded him the conqueror, for he could no longer stand. For to mill away. Sec. So now the mill Is over, to drtuk shall be our plan Come, fill your glanes high to Joe, the waterman We will dnnk success unto him wherever he does go. And when you see this milling cove, you must hail him with "halloo!" The two backers, Mr. H. and Mr. C. t Richmond, the filack. 640 BOXIAXA; OB, THE THREE FIGHTS BtTWBEM d PAINTER AW D SUTTON— REYNOLDS akd BELASCO— AKD BROWN AND BELASCO, Juir. TuNi— Jkfry Domu*' You admirers of Boxing attend to my lay. And I'U chaunt you the feats of a prime day's play. At fam'd MouUey Hurst on July twenty-third. Of the three bravest battles that ever occurred ! Chaunt away, chaunt, chaun^ chaunt away.^ Ned Painteb. commenced and fine science displayed, Blacky's jnmpk got mUt*d, but no fear he befiay'd His tremeoidous long arm, and terrific daik frame. With good qMmUum of piuckf and not wanting of game ! Chaunt, &c. Two men of more spirit ne'er entered the field. With minds made ujp for conquest, yet never to yield- But the science of Pahtter couldn't overcome Surroir, For he lasted too long, he was too great a ghUUm ! Chaunty &c. Ned stood up to fight till distressed like a child. Blacky was often abroad, with his eyes staring wild. Once ^oor'i in a twinkling — to the betters seem'd plain A Sovereign to a dump, that he ne'er came again 1 Chaunt, &c. In prabe of Black Sutton 'tis my duty to sing, A fairer fighter ne'er enter'd the ring. He fought like a hero, and did every thing right, Still it can't be denied— Tom Owen won the fight. Chaunt, &c. M8 boxiana; or« The partJet both met oa the portentoin day, And the Tothill-fields boys came in gangs to the fray All were sneering at Sam, and they quizzf'd and they gaz*d. But Sam leather* d his man, and the mob were amazM As he milVd the stout Caleb and darkened his lights: All the LtvTs cried out, Look ! my Cot, how he fights ! Now captains and lordships, and the Lord knows who, Rush'd m myriads to bail the victorious Jew They made banauets anAJHes to feast him and his train, WhUe Merit and Virtue be^'d alms, but in vain! Yet Sam's triumphs were brieff as, by folly o'er rul'd. His intemperance did, what his foes never could! A young baker, one Nos worthy, crusty and slou|. The first in a Uurk, but the last to give out. Who renrded dead tnen as a matter of course. Threw ms eauntlet at Sam, who grew ev'ry year woise And though manhood suggested his day was gone by. Yet as honour impellM bJM would conquer or die ! Thoush Sam plaqted his blows 'gsunst the fir^e of this youth. They fell powMess as Fallacy's sophisms 'gainst Truth. No more three to one echoed now far and near. Though Sam's pluck was the same, yet hb prowess was queer Now tne captalhs and lordinpp left Sam, once their pride. While each Jew scratch'd his head and each knowing one sigh'd. Lo ! stretch'd on the sod, see poor Sam on his back. Like Saint Andrew fall'n down, or a wretch on the rack; Where the Fancy survey'd him with dread, not disdain. As the Greeks view'd the Python that Phcebus had slain While Sammt sobb*d out, 'twbct n moan and a whiAe, 1 am dUh'dr-^Vm done up, and must soon tip all nine !^ Then a pigeon from Moulset/ was sent to Duke's Place, With a lal^l that signified all Sam's disgrace That the tribes might hedge off, as for dd clothes they range, 'Mid the beaux of the west, or the flats near the Chai^ While Israel's brown children in sympathy roar, Have you heard of DuUh Sam T'— No ! My, Cot, he's done o'er." THE moral. Now, ye Pugilists listen to what wit may ^y* And while the sun shines, boys, take caie to make hay For the hour will come when your vigour must fade And Fortune, ye know, is a slippery jade. The partition's but flimsy 'twixt glory and shame! And i)rave Sam, like Napoleon, is now lost to Fame SKETCHES OF PUOIUSM. M9 THE FEATS OF PRIME JACK RANDALL, O! A New Sporting ChoMut for Padtfy's Land, DBOICATED TO DAN DONNELLY, THE IRISH CHAMPION. Tuiil— Deihy KtUf 0 ! *Tis of the ring I mean to sing. The feats of prime Jack Randall, O ! Young Paddywhack, has got the nack^ In rowy a mill, or a turn-up, O I Twas Belcher's name, and Dutch Sam's fame, And Cribb's manhood he did reverey That caus'd hb heart to make a start. Praises to gain both far and near; At St. Giles's Pound, he hox^d 'em round. The Pats cried out — See the darling, O ! He's got the trick, that make's 'em WcX— To be sure it is Jack Randall, O 1 Chorus. — ^Then fill your glass, and let it pass. Here's a health to Young Paddy, O ! Who ^oor< them all, both great and sm^l. Does ^nttfAtiig Jack Randall, O ! The milling coves came out in droves. At Shenperton to see Jack Randall, O ! With Bblasco fight, it was delight To view the style he won it O ! The Fancy Lads upon their proiir, Loud cheering of th'is NONPAREIL! Who mills so ga^, and gets away. Like merry dancing in a reel His precious hits, Rke terrible fits, Doubling^ hb opponents, O ! He gained the day, as if at play. Did finishing Jack Randall, O 1 Chorus.— Then fill, &c. MO tOXUNA; OM, Hm Um/t nom lai^d, by ev^ry one pveii^d. Loud chautUing prime Jack Randall, O I In various parts, the Pats' warm hearts Swore be could beat a whole Parish, O ! Iack took the lead, to show hi$ breed The Watbi^man, with science great. Made many st<^, got heavy wn^, Receiving too upon his pate. Won batSes £(GHT in easy sUte, Ptu/ne, Levyt Holt, Dick, Dodd, Walton, O f With N^twub's guide. Jack's only pride, A natural boxer is RANDALL, O ! Chorus. — ^Thcn /ill, &c THE THREE FIGHTS BBTWBBN SCROGGINS AND TURNER, AT Hates, Sawbkidgbwoktb, and Shepfbrtoh. Tvvt-^" Paddy Corey." TwAS at Hayea, Turner saw the ring* So primely made for milling^ glory. Of heroes too he'd heard 'em sing, Boxers that wish'd to live in story ! Of FiGG so bold, and Broughton's fame. Those millers of a century back Till modem days lais'd Scroggt's name. When Turner came and got the craci« He stripped so gRy,— -And miil'd away. Till rine eot biolie,— Theo alia joke Prime aerusion,^-GlociouB conteion Such a row was ne'er before seen i Among the slang fa^es^-^M the donkey races, Pkom TothiU-fields to the Epping hunt. All anxious to dram tbeir blunt. Now chaunting withfffee,«— I shoufd like to see. This milling boy,— "rte Fancy's toy. SKBTCHSS OP PUGILISM. 571 Who's got the chamiy — With his long arm. Victory to gain, — Without any strain Nimble footed, black eye'd, whiskered cheek, Milling NeddjT Turner, O prime Neddy, Get away Neddy, Prime, hit away, milling Turner. At Saxvbridgcxvorth Ned took the lead. So full of spunk, light, and airy. With confidence he snow'd Welsh breed. He hit and sprung about like a fairy ! While ScKOGGY puzzled, lost his rote, His temper gone and smashing play, Nei^ made a hit upon his throat. So sharply that he won the day. Old and young,— Were struck dumb. To see retreat,-"And Scroo's defeat, The three te one,"— Completely done. Such long m«g«,— -And precious shrugs ! Among the Keen faces,— -At Newmarket races, From Gvlley's odds on that boxine pet. On TuntiER's name they wouldn't bet^ Now, Sec, At &tcppert his character 490 His battles with Christie ib. Flanagan. ib, BULL (the) b tronble 506 CABBAGE, of Bristol, his character.... 487 His battle with Robertson ib. 6ry4 iHux. CABBAGE^ «t>qr wUh Mmby 4dt Hit Wtdcf with 9c«pbeiitcm sit Match 4gai*M TiAM ii4lb tb« abdte b«n> 519 UUfighiivMi Oli 0r 5tS Hkfottetf Pad««tnaii..«..k 5gi ImpioiBpts «i tlie B«t *r a Louie in bk Coat 5SS H^ cbaUenOT (0 all £ii£Uod SS3 Uhmienmo9 tb the Cbampionsbip 554 CASTOR, Um God of aU the Boxen t CHARACTEB, the Britltb, preterved bj pugUUoi t6 CHAUNTSfortheFamnr 560 MiUingnearCarfisle ik. Tbo Lad* of tba Faocjr 56t Tbo PngUiitio ftatf of Scroggifit 565 Pamb and Holt 564 Tba ibroe FigbU of Painter, Reynolds, and Brown 566 DotcbS— or, ibe Tears of Doke't Place 567 TboFaatfofprfane Jack Randall, O! 569 Tba tbrto Figlrts betweeo Scroggtns and Turner 570 CinVALRIC Cballenge and answer between Sbelton and Harmer.. 498 CHURCH, Aoooont of f4r CLAYTON/ of Oifcrd 488 Hbtrial 489 CLOSING, Remarks OB tS CCKSTU8, doMiiprimi of, as irom by the Ancients when in Combat. 5 C00PKR»Gao»OBy hb chiracteT, &c 357 Ifia battles wicb Harry Lancaster 558 I — >iiiolineaox 561 i Robinson 564 CORINTH, oaoe in tfavee rears the Tarbos states assembled at this istbmas^ io Okltbraco ne games, and to crown the sooccsKfid pamliat t COWARD* 4leM:nptioD of;- by Adam Smith 1 CRIBB/ToMrViaebanM)tfTasapiiblioM,lic 4ft CROCKEYfJjot, bbpretenskmtai aboaer 41^ HisfigfaUwithaJew. 411 Manby His anfortonate career H. singalar letter and Advertisement. 415 CURTIS/jAC«,bi» character, Ac p 594 His igbts with Jack AtobeHee 595 TomRoe...-^ ik West-ConBtry Pick ib, D DAVIS, the Navigator, his character 475 His battles with Cohen tk- DA V IS, hit battle with a NaviffStor ib. DA VI8, Bii. t> liU flffht with thd Motildttr 475 DEDICATION to Savl of Yarmoatb ia DONNELLY, thcIfUh Ghambfon 5^ HinlMttlesirittiH^l ib. Cocper 390 DUGGAN} Ton, lib fight with Gidgeon 473 DUTCH SAM^ bb c]iaraotev,.&0. 86 Hu firat battle with Bill Shipley 87 Warren ifr. Hii death and barial 90 E £AL£S,BiLi,his fight with J. Lancaster 408 His character as a boier 410 filllTELLES, the opponent of Dabis, a great glntton^ 3 ERIX, the son of Ventn, a celebrated sparrer 16. F FEINTS not m much attended to as they merit 29 FIG6, contrasted with the Boxers of the present period i FISHER, his battle with Crockey, in the presence of the Grand Doke of Russia 577 FIVES COURT, advantages of, to the Patrons of Pugilism 14 First introdnction of the Stage at 50t FORD, JACt, his fights with Aletander 403 Davis... W, Navigator 104 —^— Harry Lancaster... ifr. fRENCH, spcrthig liberality of, 56 FULLER, at Valenciennes 476 G GADZEE, his fights, &c 485 GIDGEON, the Jew, his character,, Ice 486 GREEKS and ROMANS assiduous in cultivating the powers of the e]lIFFITHS».of Birminghairi 346 GUARD, the advantages of. tt H HALL^ToM^efthelaleof mzbt...^ 478 ..His figbt-witb Gcoffle&bb r 474 HARES»J>i«K>batUe with Dolly Smith t99 btauGeome Ballard O. HARMER, HAmmv, bu pretension» to bttng # r 45 His battles with Malfby 46 Ford 47 His set-to with Shelton 48 Battle with Ditto 49 57« IMDBX. Hii tparring tonr in Fraace 55 Exhibiting at Mmt Mmrtn, before the Dnke of Wd- HEAD, Gbobob, hii pfetemicmt to tcienttfic pagilitai 16, 99, 491 HbtuniHip with Bnllj Hooper 49t Gragton.. ib. et-to with Tom Belcher, at the Fives Cooxt410 493 Self-taught ai a spaner A. His attfactiooi in todetj, &c« A. His chatint on Parish and Holt 564 Gtres instructions to Painter 108 foParkh 280 I to his nephew, Jack Martin. 551 -set-to and tnm up with Reynolds 459 -his saloon grand aets-to there., 499 HOLT.Habbt S54 His fight with O^onnel 355 HUDSON, Josn. hb character 482 WhhBdasco 456 Hk battles with CBffartio 483 — CooneUj ft. HUDSON, Datio 0. J JACKSON^ Mr. his Rooms 13 Viewed as a setter-to ik. JOHNSON. Jac« 834 Hb battles with Roe 335 PurccU ib. K KINGS and Princes feeling no degradation in exchanging the Sceptre fbrthcCfiBStns T 6 LANCASTER. Hajibz 471 His fight with Crockej 47t Jack 415 Htt fight with Marten 416 — .Frero ik —second fight with Marten 417 I4AZARUS, the Jew boy 481 His fight wUh Ballard.., 48S with Cnrtis 397 LENOX,.denofflinated the Cokmel 483 Hb piejtensiooi^ 6cc..». 484 M MARTIN, Jack, hb fight with Olirer's brother 351 INDEX. ^77 MEN OF RANK, iis90Qi«ttng together, learn to 4;8ti4D»tf the^afi^e of penoiis in inferior stations of Hfe 26 MCCARTHY. Dan 448 M'G£E(rOZ A, w A teacher of the art of seU'-defenco H MOLtNEAUX,Toii 338 Account of bis debilitated state 339 His battle wia> Fuller f^^M 1*1 Second ditto-T7a lingular Mt«hSam 65 .Chftncter aa a }to^ffr 71 Afguw«»i* ai>4 dpcpp^epu ^m*fP .l*w aJ^irfi ha((lo was a«t a erou, with rea- a«i|s (or ^e df^^ ^luUiued by Sam 73-6 Attemut to recover the stakes from Mr. Delation qf the umpiiea Ihat the battle betw^an 6a»B pud Noum^rthy was not |VIr. Gilhapi> cenlficate «f ^ao*s b^i^n Sir Charles fiunbury*s deeific)" 4)e|0KllRf the evcnu of priae-fights 80 Mr, /ackson^ iatter lespecting the right of pacing ^Ut heu 81 Certificate aJ^ of Mr. Sibree respecting the fracture of Sam'arilp tlie^ahfrrf fight 84 Confidence of Sam preYious.to the battle. 82 His death 86 o OLIVER, Tom, first idea of prize figliting 95 His first battle wit^ Kimber 9r »— Hopping Ned 98 Harry Lancaster {6. Hts character as a boxer, &c 107 0'SHAIIGHNESSY,Paddt 484 OWEN, Tom, his skirmishes, &c i92 Hb buttles with Hooper 193 VOL. II. P p d78 INDEX OWE V, Ton, liit battles with Jack Bartholomew 194 II Mouster tk — — Davif ik. A tailor Ifc. Hb trial and imprisonment for seooiidmg Berks 196 Cbaracfer asaseeond... 197 P PAINTER, Nbd, litsgaDieness,&c 106 His tom-op with Wtlkins, Ice 109 Battles with Cohen 110 Aleiander Ill Sttttou. sro His race with Serog^ns 174 -—strength in throwing great weights tfr. —race with Spring ltd PALMER, bb fiffbt with Bams 477 PARISH, Joe, Ms skirmishes, fitc 469 His battle with Hok 370 PAYNE, otherwise Jack, the Botcher 479 His battles with Dammie 480 i The Moalder 461 POWERjJaok, 90 His character as a pngilist 91 extraordijwry p/aefc in opposition to illness and a mined coostltatUm 9t dreadful state alter his battle with Carter. 9J opinion on thediflfercnceof milling and sparring 94 — daath and barial 95 PUGILATE, the nioit ancient of the Oljmpic Games and took the lead in all public spectacles 6 PUGILISM extraordinary, between the Champion and a Navigator. 434 PUGILISTIC CLUB, origin and aihrantagei firom such a society, compared with other nnmenws ioatitotkios S4 Fhst meetfaig of the Clob ff Its number, uniform, pones, & S8 Its first porse contended for 127 PURCELL, Us battles with H. Lancaster Sll With Johnson 3S5 i McCarthy 448 R RAN D ALL» Jack, his character, skirmishes, &c. 260 His battles with Jack, the butcher 9 5 — — Walton, the Twickenham yooth... 16. — — GeorgeDodd 1f64 West-Countiy Dick 265 HarryHoIt 269 Bclascq, the Jew 274 His gknre fight with Burke 276 Parish, the Waterman 279 REMARKS ou the antiquity of Pnsilbm, with Uic mode of using the coestus in the combats of tue ancients,' contrasted with the periods o{ figg and Broughloii,— >t]ie scientific time of Meudosa, INDBX. 679 and the riBproved»jsten» of tactics. illo^traCed at the preient daj» (1818.) by Jackson, &c. and the advamages of the glov«a sidercd, as practised with at the Fives Court I BEQUI8ITES necessdry to form a good boxer 18 REYNOLDS^ Tom, previous to the prize ring 436 li is tum-np with George Head 437 Battles with Bclasco 456 Johnson, the hioo»*dashef 445 RICliMOND,BiLL, the liero of the black work 196 His battles with Davis 127 'KOBINSON, Sam temptation to^enter the ring. 198 His battles with Crockey 199 Butcher JOO — Steplienson <(>3 Sutton ^or FangHl 209 Dent $10 S SCROGGJNSf Jack, his traits as a sailor 216 His fights previous to tlie prize-ring, &c 218 His battles wiih— Jack Boots 223 Dolly Smith 224 Nosworlby 225 BillEales 228 Wliittakfcr H^ Churcl 241 Tum-tip with Gregson 256 Description of his public-house 234 His saloon, company, &.c. 235 Himsell again 257 SELF-DENIAL; great, consid^d in an amateur of the old school, if lie missed a sparring exhibition or a fight 9 SHAW, the IJfe-ffiiardsraan 3^2 Noticed by Jem Belcher, at Wtmlaston t^ First appearance at the FivesCourt 383 His battles with Burrows 3B4 — aim at the Championship .i ib, Hischaractcr by Walter Scott, &c 386 — brave conduct as a soldier. ifu — superior knowledge with the swot d ik> —death at Waterloo 3B7 SH ELTON, ToM, his sioguJur gambling trait 184 His battles with Fitz^i-raJd 189 Siudd IW SKILLftriatof, with the gloves 499 SMITH, Dolly, his fights with Scroggiiis 224 Cumion «9tt IVPW%. nAMOQ. S»joU ^VpfSTtmM 16 I hrfrr the E^pn%^ o< Riuumv* Kiiig £ PmMia, (aencr nU PUtoff and Blocto, ice Itc at U>r