Chapter II
THOMAS MOLINEAUX (THE COLOURED COMPETITOR FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP)—1810‒1815.
Thomas Molineaux, the hardy, determined and dangerous opponent of Cribb, under whose memoir we have already given the details of the two championship contests, next deserves a niche in the temple of fistic fame. Unnoticed, unheralded, unfriended, and unknown, this sable gladiator made his way to London. His skill and strength had been tried in several combats in his native country, Virginia. Confident in his own capabilities, no sooner did he arrive in the world’s metropolis, than, proceeding to the best known sporting houses, he offered himself as a candidate for pugilistic honours. He was not long before he attracted the notice of the patrons of those gymnastic sports, which, from their practice and support, instil the principles of endurance and courage into the hardy sons of England, and have not only given greatness but added stability to the national character.
Molineaux deserves credit for his bold challenge of the highest prize of pugilism; his merits were certainly of no mean order, and his defeat adds to the honours of the conqueror of such a formidable antagonist.
Molineaux’s trial set-to was with an anonymous Bristol man, on Tuesday, July 14th, 1810. The papers inform us, “the newly come American black is a formidable fellow; in height five feet nine inches, his weight between thirteen and fourteen stone, his age twenty-six years. He was introduced under the auspices of his coloured countryman, Bill Richmond, who seconded him. Tom Cribb, waiting upon the Bristol man, who was a robust but rather clumsy fellow of six feet in height, weight not stated. The scene of action was Tothill Fields. The Bristol boxer was strong and game; but, beyond these qualities he was a poor specimen of the west country school. The black kept himself close, but seemed to have little idea of delivering at distance. He merely ‘flipped’ or hit at half-arm, and when he struck kept his elbows close to his body. His style of in-fighting, however, was peculiar, and he caught his big antagonist so heavily and frequently in the body as to knock the wind out of him, and then began to practise upon his head so dexterously that at the end of an hour of desperate up-hill fighting the Bristol man was compelled to give in, scarcely a feature in his face being distinguishable. The two seconds, Cribb and Richmond, had a quarrel concerning an alleged foul blow, and had a short sharp turn-up by way of a second course. There was but one round, but that quite satisfied Richmond, who is too good a judge to take a thrashing ‘for love,’ which he might soon have had. Although not the most expert boxer that ever offered himself for pugilistic fame, Molineaux was considered a promising ‘Chicken,’ and was immediately matched for 100 guineas with Tom Blake, better known by the title of Tom Tough, who was at this time forty years of age, and whose battles are related in the Appendix, ante, p. 236.
“Tuesday, August 21, 1810, was the day fixed, and the spot where Richmond and Maddox last contended agreed upon, on the coast about four miles from Margate, and two from Reculvers. At an early hour every vehicle was in motion to gain the goal of sport, and at one o’clock Blake came in dashing style, seated in an honourable baronet’s barouche, with his seconds, Tom Cribb and Bill Gibbons. A ring was formed, and at half past one Molineaux was modestly introduced by his humble, but perhaps more firm, supporter Richmond. After the usual ceremony the combatants set-to.”
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—There was considerable curiosity among the “swell” division to see the new specimen in ebony, on whose merits Massa Richmond was so eloquent to all visitors to the Horse and Dolphin. There was some cautious sparring for about a minute, in which Molineaux showed he had taken lessons and improved by them. Soon, however, Blake[144] seized an opening, put in two smart hits right and left, and stopped Molineaux’s return. The men closed and fought at half-arm. Blake slipped from Molineaux, but while in the act received a tremendous chopping blow on the back of his neck, which Molineaux repeated with his right hand over the head, and brought him down. (Betting even.)
2.—Blake again made play, but soon found that two or three hits, although well planted, were not sufficient to throw Molineaux off his legs. He received the hits with great sang froid, and at length beat down his opponent’s guard with his left hand, and with a degree of quickness and dexterity, which in Dutch Sam or Tom Belcher would have been considered an astonishing effort of science, brought Blake down by a most severe blow with the right. (Six to four on the Black.)
3.—Blake evinced great distress in his wind. Molineaux run in to take advantage, but was received with a chattering jaw hit. They rallied, and both fell, Molineaux uppermost.
4.—A hard round, and such a one as convinced the judges that Blake had trained off. Molineaux rendered his guard perfectly useless, as by strength of hitting he broke through it, and although Blake planted many good blows, they had not an equal effect to those of his opponent, as his face sufficiently exemplified. The round lasted two minutes, obstinate ruffianing fighting, and Blake, after putting in a good body hit, was knocked down. (Odds rose five to two in favour of Molineaux.)
5.—Blake bled copiously, but with great courage rushed to a rally, in which Molineaux got his left arm round his neck, and holding his head up, fibbed him so dreadfully that Blake fell exhausted.
6.—Molineaux now thought it time to beat his man off hand. He rushed in, chopped down his opponent’s guard with his left hand, and knocked him completely off his legs with his right, by a tremendous hit. (Any odds in favour of Molineaux.)
7.—Blake in this round rallied determinedly; he exchanged some good hits dexterously, but was too weak for this work, and fell.
8.—This was the last round. Molineaux began as furiously as in the sixth. Blake retreated, but was forced to rally, to extricate himself from the iron grasp of his adversary. He put in a successful hit on Molineaux’s cheek, but it was returned so forcibly on the head, that it laid him asleep for some time.
The time having expired, Blake was still insensible, and accordingly Molineaux was acknowledged the victor.
REMARKS.—In this battle Molineaux evinced great improvement in the science of pugilism, particularly in the art of giving, while nature seemed to have endowed him abundantly with the gift of taking, his body being almost callous to fistic punishment. It was generally considered that should he be able to combine an equal degree of skill with his gluttony, he would mill the whole race of modern pugilists.
Encouraged by his friend and countryman Richmond, and patronised by some leading amateurs, the aspiring nigger now avowed his aim was no less than the championship. Molineaux, with the vanity so remarkably characteristic of his race, never ceased amusing his visitors and patrons with grotesque illustrations of how he would serve out “Massa Cribb,” for he possessed, mixed with a considerable amount of ferocity, the vis comica of the negro race. This could not go on long, and a match was made for 200 guineas, to come off December 18th, 1810. How this event was decided at Copthorne, near East Grinstead, Essex, may be read in the Life of CRIBB, ante, p. 254.
Notwithstanding this defeat, Molineaux felt that he was entitled to another chance, and accordingly sent a challenge three days after the battle, which letter will be found in its proper place, at p. 255, under Cribb’s second victory.
About this time Bob Gregson, who was fond of match-making, had at his hostelrie a young Lancashire man of the name of Rimmer, twenty-two years of age, and considered by his countrymen a second Jem Belcher. His friends were anxious to get him on with Molineaux, now defeated, and issued a challenge for 100 guineas, which was directly answered on the part of Molineaux. The day was fixed for May 21, 1811, and accordingly at the well-trodden hurst of Moulsey, at one o’clock on the appointed day, Rimmer threw his hat into a twenty-five feet roped ring, pitched by the commissary-general Bill Gibbons, who, moreover, in company with Richmond, performed the duty of second to Molineaux. The like office to Rimmer was delegated to Power and Tom Jones. The betting on starting was three to one on Molineaux.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—A couple of minutes were spent in sparring, in which neither man displayed much grace, though both looked formidable. Rimmer then let go both hands, but was short; he got away without a return. More sparring; at length Molineaux put in a left-handed blow on his adversary’s neck with great force; Rimmer returned, but slightly, and fell. (Four to one on Molineaux.)
2.—Rimmer again made play, and another effort to hit right and left, but the distance was again ill-judged, and he got away. Molineaux waited very patiently for him; they rallied, and Molineaux made some excellent stops. They broke away and got together again, when Molineaux brought down his opponent by two hits, right and left, of most astonishing force and quickness. (Odds four to one in favour of Molineaux.)
3.—Molineaux appeared much elated with his success, smiled significantly at his opponent, and sparred low, evidently to show he disregarded any effort he might attempt. He waited until Rimmer made play, when he hit him, and following him up, repeated his blows until Rimmer fell, but apparently from no other cause than to avoid a repetition of the tremendous hits he had received.
4.—Rimmer’s head was covered with blood, and he was, in fact, stupefied for a time, in consequence of a blow on the temple in the last round. Molineaux again put in two successful hits right and left, over his guard, on the head and neck, and Rimmer fell as if shot. Every one now sympathised with the dreadful situation of the novice, and odds rose to any amount in favour of Molineaux, but no takers.
5.—Rimmer evinced great alertness, made a long hit at double distance, and fell.
6.—Rimmer again hit short, and fell, evidently very weak.
7.—For the first time Rimmer had the best of fighting in this round; he put in a good blow with his left hand, and rallied with great courage, but fell at length over his opponent’s legs.
8.—Both hit over, and Rimmer fell.
9.—Rimmer exerted every effort to gain the superiority, rallied well, and threw Molineaux.
10.—Molineaux appeared almost ferocious, and went in determined to repay him for past favours. He followed Rimmer, milling him to every part of the ring, and at length floored him.
11.—Rimmer rallied, and showed pluck. Some good hits exchanged, but Rimmer hit widely, without judging distance, and gave his head doubled in his chest, which stopped several blows, and he at length came down.
12.—Rimmer made a body hit, which again fell short, and almost in a state of frenzy he ran in, caught Molineaux up by the thighs, and threw him in the Lancashire style. Many cried “Foul,” others “Fair,” but the fight went on.
13.—Rimmer struck Molineaux over the mouth, when the Black ran in and threw him.
14.—A rally. Rimmer closed, and a complete trial of strength ensued. Both fell, Rimmer bringing down his man by Lancashire ingenuity.
15.—Rimmer retreated round the ring, Molineaux following, and at length by a severe blow in the wind, brought him down, when he was indisputably “dead beat.”
At this time the ring was broken; peers, ploughmen, fighting men, chimney-sweepers, costermongers, were all in one tumultuous uproar, which continued for at least twenty minutes, without any reason being assignable. At length, however, by the exertions of Cribb and others, the ring was restored, and the combatants, who had neither left the ring, were again set-to. Six more rounds were fought, but greatly to the discomfiture of Rimmer, who could hardly stand. During this time he received about ten more tremendous blows and then gave in. Rimmer displayed great courage; he has an unfortunate knack of giving his head when he hits, and appears to be timid of advancing towards his adversary, by which errors many blows fall short.
Such is the contemporary report: the slang version may be found in “Boxiana,” vol. i., pp. 365, 366. Of the formidable powers of Molineaux at this time, of which some writers who recorded his later career have expressed themselves sceptical, this battle and that with Blake must be convincing proof. No pugilist from this time offered a challenge to Molineaux, nor could he get a battle on until Tom Cribb, who had publicly announced his retirement from the ring, was called upon to “prevent the championship of England from being held by a foreigner,” or as Pierce Egan oddly calls the American nigger ‘a Moor’. Poor Pierce’s geography was sadly confused, and the term “the Moor” occurs—perhaps from some jumbled reminiscences of Othello, in his stage readings—in a hundred places in his work as a favourite epithet for the States’ black whose ring career we are now tracing. Molineaux had now once again to enter the lists with the Champion, which he did on the 28th September, 1811, at Thistleton Gap, Leicestershire, where, after a desperate battle of less than twenty minutes, he fell before the conquering arm of Cribb. See p. 256, ante.
The losers who have, according to the proverb, “leave to grumble,” were loud, in speech and in the press, upon the depressing influences of prejudice, jealousy, envy, and “apprehension” lest “a black should win the championship.” Very natural is all this, and would be so again; but nothing unfair was ever substantiated. Pierce Egan thus sums up (vol. i., pp. 367‒370), which we condense in quotation.
“It was this prejudice, a disheartening one to bear up against, that Molineaux, by never even approaching to unfairness, and by the exercise of a manly forbearance in critical situations, was called on to remove; he could not help seeing the applause and cheering were decidedly on the part of the Champion; in fact, the man of colour experienced from the bulk of the spectators a very different reception, occasioned by the extreme anxiety of the friends of Cribb for the safety of his honour and renown; for his sable opponent was truly formidable. These observations, nevertheless do not pluck a single leaf from his well-merited laurels; but impartiality must supersede every other consideration. It would be absurd to say that Molineaux underwent anything like a regular training; on the contrary, he indulged himself to excess—without a patron, he had to range from town to town, to support himself by exhibitions of sparring, and entering into all the glorious confusion of larks and sprees that might present themselves; while far different was the position of the Champion. Placed under the immediate direction of Captain Barclay, and secluded from the world at the estate of that gentleman in far Scotland, his condition was in the finest possible tone, his mind cheerful, and he felt confident that every chance was in favour of his success. Molineaux, in spite of his undoubted high courage, laboured under considerable depression; wherever he went he was unpopular; which circumstance was considerably heightened upon his public appearance to face his antagonist. His constitution, too, was by no means so good as in the former contest: but his efforts were tremendous and terrible, and for the first few rounds of the battle the flash side trembled for the result.”
Molineaux about this period entered upon a downward course: the facilis descensus was fully exemplified. He quarrelled with all his best friends, scorned advice, and declared himself on all occasions, especially when maddened with liquor, an ill-used man. A street fight with Power, in which Molineaux had the best for seventeen minutes’ roughing, is recorded in “Boxiana.” However his fame and name were a passport to money-getting, and he started on a provincial tour, to gather the silver of gaping rustics, who would pay willingly to see the man who fought the Champion twice.
Molineaux was also a pretty good wrestler, and displayed great activity and powers at the Exeter meeting of July 27, 1812, where he entered himself for the public prize of ten guineas, but received a dreadful fall from John Snow, of Moreton.
We find the following paragraph in the Leicester Mercury, of Feb. 3rd, 1813:
“Jay, the pugilist, has challenged Molineaux to fight at any notice he may please, but Blackee remains both deaf and dumb to this challenge, as he did to Cribb’s immediate acceptance of a vaunting challenge to him. The champion promises him a love-dressing for his bounce, if he could be prevailed on to come to London.”
To which Molineaux replied,—
LEICESTER, February 10th, 1813.
“I, the said Molineaux, do declare that I never received any challenge, but through the medium of your print; but I am ready to fight Jay at any place within the county of Leicester, for a sum not exceeding £200, if accepted within one month of the above date. In opposition to that part of the paragraph which relates to Cribb, I do declare that I sent him a challenge within two months, but I have received no answer; my friends being mentioned in the challenge, who would back me to any amount; and that I have never received any challenge from Cribb since I last fought him.
“N.B. Letters left at the Post Office, Leicester, will be duly attended to.
“The mark of X THOS. MOLINEAUX.”
We will now refer back to the all-important and absorbing event of our hero’s second contest with Cribb, from which eighteen months elapsed before Molineaux met with a competitor in Carter, a Lancashire man, though he repeatedly challenged all England. This match, however, went off for a time, owing to Richmond, his erewhile patron, “guide, philosopher, and friend,” issuing a writ against him and taking him to a sponging house upon a ca. sa. This is now a bit of antiquated law for which our fathers smarted, and for which the young “Templars” may refer to their “Reader,” while we congratulate our reader that John Roe and Richard Doe are defunct, and no more “seize the body until the debt is satisfied.”
Richmond was now at war to the knife with Molineaux, and made a match for Carter to fight his late protégé for 100 guineas, on Friday, the 2nd April, 1813, when the men met at Remington, Gloucestershire, six miles from Banbury, at the junction of four counties. That there was a doubt about the honesty of this fight, the subjoined extracts from contemporary papers will show:—“Previous to the battle, the articles were read over to the combatants, in which it was stated that the winner was to have a purse of 100 guineas—when Carter stepped up, inquiring what the ‘loser was to have!!!’ Richmond, who was his second, gnashed his teeth and shrugged up his shoulders; Bob Gregson, his friend and patron, tremblingly alive as to the event of the contest, and flattering himself that Lancashire would prove proudly triumphant on this occasion, animatedly exclaimed, ‘Jack, never talk of losing, boy—thee must win, the chance is all in thy favour!’”
As we have already said Richmond seconded Carter, with Cooper as his junior counsel; Joe Ward and Bill Gibbons held briefs for Molineaux. Six to four, and in some instances three to one, were betted on the black. We regret to say that the only report we can discover of this battle is that by Pierce Egan, which, with some necessary pruning of slang and corrections of ungrammatical phrases must serve, faute de mieux:—
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—It was the opinion of the most experienced pugilists that such a set-to was never before witnessed; one “was afraid, and the other dared not,” and two minutes were trifled away in this sort of caricaturing, when Carter touched Molineaux on the mouth, who genteelly returned it. They closed, and the man of colour was thrown. It would be absurd to detail by way of rounds any more of this worst of fights, though we readily admit that Carter was the best man after the battle began, and continued so throughout the fight. Molineaux was wretched in the extreme, and at one time bolted from his second, and had it not been for Colonel and Captain Barclay, he would never have returned to the scratch, he wished so much to get away. At another period he was down on one knee, and with both hands laid fast hold of the ropes, and being hit in this situation, he roared out lustily “Foul!” but he was given to understand that, by the laws of boxing, no one is considered down “without having both knees on the ground, with either one or both hands also.” In the fifteenth round he was so terrified that, upon being driven to one corner of the ring, he cried out lamentably, “Oh dear! oh dear! murder!” a little previous to which, he declared Carter “had bit him in the neck!” and soon afterwards he repeated, “there, he has bit me again!” and it was with great difficulty Joe Ward could persuade him that it was the knuckles of Carter, and not his mouth. This the once brave competitor of the champion! impossible! Could he have thus degenerated? Twenty-five rounds occurred, in which coaxing, persuading, dramming, and threatening, were resorted to, in order to make the man of colour perform something like fighting. But to the great astonishment of all the spectators, when Molineaux was dead beat, Carter fainted, and dropped his head as he sat on the knee of his second. With all the exertions of Richmond, it seems, he could not arouse Carter from his lethargic state, and he thus lost the battle in not coming to time. His fame, it is urged, was not only tarnished from this circumstance, but even his integrity called into question. The above battle created universal dissatisfaction.
Poor Bob Gregson, agitated beyond description at seeing Lancashire (as he considered) thus trampled on with disgrace, went up to Carter, exclaiming, “Jack, Jack, what be’est thee at? get up and fight, man!” But Bob might as well have sung psalms to a dead horse. Carter, some little time afterwards raised his head, feebly observing, “Stop a bit! stop a bit!” And whether by accident, design, or with an intent to conclude this farce in style we are not in the secret to unfold, but a disciple of Esculapius stepped up, and in the twinkling of an eye pulled out his lancet, and bled Carter, to the great astonishment of his friends and the spectators in general; thus preventing, even had any inclination remained on the side of Carter to have renewed the fight. The latter’s clothes had hitherto been preserved, during the fight, in the chariot of a man of distinction, but who, it is said, was so disgusted with the scene before him, that he instantly ordered them to be thrown out with disdain and contempt. In once more taking a slight view of the man of colour, whatever certainty there might have been of Molineaux being a sound man at the core, it is strongly urged that if his heart had been a good one, he must have won the first battle with the champion; however, be that as it may, since that period he has been dissipated to excess, completely gone off in constitution, and broken winded. One improvement appeared to have taken place: he was more temperate in setting-to, but he did not like to face his man, and it required no small ingenuity to get him into the ring.
POETIC RETORT
Between a “Town” and “Country Amateur” at Oxford; or, in the phrase of the day, Between a “Johnny Raw” and a “Knowing One!”
On witnessing Carter faint away when he had won the battle, but who contrived to lose the purse, in his contest with Molineaux.
Says Jack to Bob, “Look, poor Carter’s hipp’d!” “Hipp’d, be d——d!” cries Bob, “the R——’s tipp’d!” “No, no,” quoth Jack, “they put in too hard pats:” “Put in,” echoes Bob, “they’ve put in—the flats!”
With this specimen of “the historian’s” style we dismiss the affair of Carter and Molineaux. We shall hear more of the so-called “Lancashire hero,” when we come to the life of TOM SPRING in the next Period.
Molineaux once more started on a tour, extending it this time to Scotland, where he exhibited sparring in the principal towns. The black, like most of his race, had a childish propensity for gaiety, and a strong passion for dress, was amorously inclined, and devoted himself by turns to Bacchus and Venus. Of course the Black Samson met with many mercenary Dalilahs, and—
“Plung’d In general riot, melted down his youth In different beds of lust, and never learn’d The icy precepts of respect, but follow’d The sugar’d game before him.”
With dress of the best quality and fashion, the man of colour soon appeared a swell of the first magnitude. Maintaining, then, the highest secondary rank as a boxer, he dashed about regardless of future consequences to his milling fame. Pleasure was the order of the day with him, and the stews tended not only to ease him of his cash, but soon undermined that overwhelming power and pluck so conspicuously displayed in his terrible combats with the mighty Cribb. The consequences of such a line of conduct need be scarcely dwelt on; the iron frame of the black soon seriously felt the dilapidating effects of intemperance. Yet, notwithstanding this visible falling off, Molineaux with all the drawbacks of enervating excess, was not to be beaten off hand, and none but a boxer of more than common skill and strength seemed likely to accomplish this task.
Fuller, a clever and well-informed man, who had beaten Bill Jay, and whose character for science and game entitled him to every consideration, fancied he was able 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 in a forty feet ring. Early in the morning, on the day appointed for the above trial of skill to be decided, Friday, the 27th May, 1814, at Bishopstorff, Paisley, Ayrshire, the fancy were in motion. 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 a prize-mill in Scotland. Some thousands of spectators formed the ring, and upwards of one hundred carriages belonging to gentlemen were upon the ground. Molineaux 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, that “if he continued to hit his man so hard, they should all be baulked, and the fight be over too soon.” The battle had continued only eight minutes, when the sheriff of Renfrewshire, attended by constables, entered the ring, and put a stop to it in the fourth round. Both the combatants appeared much chagrined, particularly Molineaux, who vauntingly declared, “had he foreseen such an interruption, he would have finished off his opponent before the arrival of the sheriff.” The man of colour, it seems, was so confident of victory, that previous to the fight, he betted five to two he drew first blood—this bet he won; and also two to one he floored Fuller first—the latter was not decided. Fuller expressed himself ready to settle the matter the next day, but Molineaux insisted the fight should not take place till the following Tuesday.
The above arrangement was agreed to, and on Tuesday, May 31, they again met at Auchineux, twelve miles from Glasgow. Fuller was attended by Ward and Cooper, Molineaux by an Irish sergeant, of the name of Hailward, assisted by a private. The umpires were Captain Cadogan and Mr. George Stirling, and in case of any dispute, Mr. Graham, of Guntmaux, as the referee. This battle is without parallel. There is nothing like it in the annals of pugilism. It is thus described by the veteran Joe Ward, from whom the account given in “Boxiana” was gathered, and which we here reprint:—
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—Fuller displayed some good positions, and convinced the spectators that he was a scientific boxer. His guard was firm and imposing, and he seemed confident of success. They sparred a considerable time, with good skill, before any punishment was exhibited; at length Fuller, by a tremendous hit, drew the cork of his antagonist. Molineaux, upon the claret making its appearance, became rather impetuous, and attacked Fuller fiercely; but the latter stopped with much adroitness, and gave some heavy nobbing returns. A desperate rally now took place, during which severe milling was dealt out on both sides; the men broke away, and again resorted to sparring. Fuller’s nose was much peppered, and the crimson flowed abundantly. In short, this unprecedented round was filled with rallies, recoveries, retreating, following each other alternately round the ring, stopping and hitting with various success, and both exhausted by turns, till at length Molineaux was levelled by a tremendous blow, and the round finished after a lapse of twenty-eight minutes.
2.—To describe anything like the various changes which occurred during this set-to would fill the space of an ordinary report of a whole fight. Suffice it to observe, that almost every “dodge” of the milling art was resorted to, from beginning to end. The skill, practice, and experience of both the combatants were made use of to the best advantage. Fuller proved himself a boxer of more than ordinary science and game. Molineaux was convinced he had got a troublesome customer to deal with, who required serving out in a masterly style before he could be satisfied. In fact, the strength of the man of colour seemed materially deteriorated as compared with his former exhibitions, when he used to hit his men away from him, and levelled his opponent with the most perfect sang froid. The severe blows of Fuller, who stuck close to Molineaux, made him wince again. The Black appeared much exhausted from the great portion required to give, and heartily tired of what he had to take. The claret was liberally tapped on both sides, and as regarded Fuller, stauncher game was never displayed by any pugilist whatever. Upon the whole, it was a truly singular fight, and the people of Scotland witnessed the most unique specimen of English prize-fighting. In sixty-eight minutes two rounds only had taken place.
The contest terminated in rather a singular manner. Molineaux asserted that “Joe Ward had behaved foul, in pulling Fuller down, when he was much distressed, and had been beaten all over the ring in a rally; and that this prevented him from putting in a decisive blow.” The umpires decided it was so, and the purse was accordingly awarded to Molineaux. The latter did not appear anything like the once tremendous competitor of Cribb; on the contrary, instead of going boldly up to his man, he was always shy, and tried to win by tiring out his man. Molineaux fought at the head, Fuller at the body. Notwithstanding the supposed falling off of the man of colour, it was considered great temerity on the part of Fuller to enter the lists with Molineaux. The conduct of Fuller in this fight gave such general satisfaction, that a purse of 50 guineas, which had been subscribed for at the match between Cooper and Carter, in consequence of that battle not taking place, was presented to Fuller.
Molineaux now attracted great attention in Scotland, and a match was at length made between him and George Cooper, a boxer of superior talent. On the 11th of March, 1815, these first-rate heroes of the fist met at Corset Hill, in Lanarkshire. In twenty minutes Molineaux was defeated. (See life of GEORGE COOPER, post, Chapter IV).
Intemperance was the ruin of Molineaux; and, it would seem, that within a brief period his fame had become so tarnished, that every strong commoner entertained an idea that he could serve out the once formidable man of colour, as the following anecdote will evince. During Molineaux’s provincial tour of 1813, he visited Derby, to give the natives an exhibition of his milling accomplishments. The competitor of Cribb was well attended, and several Johnny Raws had the temerity to have a taste with the Black; but these, possessing little more than strength and courage, soon found themselves inadequate to contend against the science of Molineaux, and therefore wisely laid down the gloves. Not so a country pugilist of the name of Abraham Denston, possessing Herculean strength, and the stature of a giant, added to which his fame was well abroad in these parts for milling, in which none dared to oppose him. Abraham had rather “crept into favour with himself,” and entertained an idea that, with the mufflers, he should be able to serve out the nigger in style, and increase his renown as a miller. Great things were expected from the countryman; and considerable interest was excited among the spectators on their setting-to. But, unfortunately for 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. Molineaux punished the chaw-bacon most severely for his self-conceit, and, with one of his favourite left-handed lunges, gave him such a remembrancer under his left eye, that the claret flew in all directions, and the big ’un found his way to the ground, saluting it roughly with his seat of honour. The conceit of Abraham now evaporated, and he hastily retired amidst the laughter of the audience.
From Scotland, Molineaux went on a sparring tour into Ireland; and at the latter end of the year 1817, he was travelling over the northern parts of that country, teaching the stick fighting natives the use of their fists; an accomplishment which might save many a jury the trouble of a trial ending in a verdict of manslaughter or even of murder. But the sun of his prosperity was set; and according to an obituary sketch (given in the Sporting Magazine, vol. ii., p. 230, 1818), he was dependent for bare existence on the humanity of two coloured compatriots, serving in the 77th regiment then quartered at Galway. He expired in the band-room of that regiment, on the 4th of August, 1818, a wasted skeleton, the mere shadow of his former self. For the last four years he strolled about the country. Intemperance, and its sure follower disease, brought down the once formidable gladiator to a mere anatomy, and he latterly declined to fight the oft-defeated and gone-by Dan Dogherty. Molineaux was illiterate and ostentatious, but good-tempered, liberal, and generous to a fault. Fond of gay life, fine clothes, and amorous to the extreme, he deluded himself with the idea that his strength of constitution was proof against excesses. Alas! poor Molineaux found out the vanity of his conceited boast, and repented, but too late, his folly. Peace be to his manes! he was a brave but reckless and inconsiderate man, on whose integrity and straightforwardness none who knew him ever cast a slur; nevertheless he was the worst of fools, inasmuch as he sacrificed fame, fortune, and life; excusing himself by the absurd plea, that “he was a fool to no one but himself.”
III. BILL RICHMOND—1804‒1818
Quoad the biography of this clever man of colour, we may safely follow “Boxiana,” seeing that he was a contemporary of Pierce Egan, who took his accounts, for better or for worse, of what happened outside the circle of his knowledge from one or other of the men whose memoirs are scattered fragmentarily up and down the five volumes of his “Sketches.”
Richmond was born at a place called Richmond, otherwise Cockold’s Town, on Staaten Island,[145] New York, on August 5th, 1763. His mother was owned by a reverend divine of the name of Charlton, to whose worldly wealth young Bill was of course an accession. When the English troops, in 1777, held New York during the War of Independence, General Earl Percy, afterwards Duke of Northumberland, finding Bill to possess good capacity took him under his protection, and he served him for some time till he came to England, whither he brought the sable youth with him, and considerately put him to school in Yorkshire. Nor did the English nobleman stop here. He apprenticed him to a cabinet maker in York, where he worked at his trade with credit to himself and satisfaction to his employers. Richmond, however, had the childish and nigger propensity for fine clothes and the service of a “gran’ massa,” and as black servants were the fashion of the day, he became what in the prevailing slang was called a “knight of the rainbow,” taking service with that very “fast” nobleman Lord Camelford, as Pierce Egan incidentally informs us.
The first display in the pugilistic art which brought Bill into notice was with one George Moore, a soldier in the 19th regiment, known by the name of Docky Moore, who insulted Richmond upon the course at York, during the time of the races. This Docky before his enlistment had been known as “the hero of Sheffield.” He was well proportioned, possessing considerable strength, and the necessary requisites for milling; in height five feet nine inches and a half, and weighing fourteen stone. The friends of Richmond persuaded him from attempting to fight with such a man, Bill only weighing ten stone twelve pounds; but he was not to be deterred, and the event proved his judgment, for in the course of twenty-five minutes, our hero punished Docky so completely that he gave in, and was taken out of the ring.
On the same course, not long after the above affair, in a quarrel arising out of the former exploit, Richmond beat two soldiers, one after the other, belonging to the Inniskillen dragoons.
Richmond’s milling qualities getting noised abroad, a few of the Yorkshire lads who had a bit of fight in their composition, envied his success. One in particular, a blacksmith weighing thirteen stone, and in height about five feet ten inches, took the following method of provoking Bill to have a brush. Richmond was noticed in York for going smart, and appearing clean after he had done his work. Bill met this hammer-man one evening, as he was taking a walk, who openly insulted him with opprobrious epithets. Our hero remonstrated with him on the impropriety of his behaviour, and told the blacksmith that if he wanted to fight him he should be accommodated at the Groves the next morning, on which they agreed to meet, when the son of Vulcan was quickly satisfied, and acknowledged Richmond the best man.
Richmond, in passing through the streets of York one evening, with a female under his protection, was accosted by one Frank Myers, with the epithets of “black devil,” etc, who otherwise insulted the young woman for being in company of a man of colour. Bill, with a becoming spirit of indignation, requested him to desist for the present, but to meet him at the Groves on the next Monday morning, when they would settle this difference (this circumstance happening on a Saturday night), to which Myers agreed. This affair of honour being buzzed about, a great concourse of people assembled early the next day to witness the conflict. Richmond was there at the appointed hour, but after a considerable time, Myers not making his appearance, the spectators became impatient, and it was judged expedient that Richmond and his friends should repair to the house of Myers to remind him of his engagement. Myers returned with them, and the battle commenced, and raged with fury for some time, Myers getting the worst of it, and eventually Richmond taught him to acknowledge that it was wrong, and beneath the character of an Englishman, to insult any individual on account of his country or his colour. Myers received a complete milling.
Richmond’s first public set-to in London was with a whip-maker of the name of Green, in the fields near White Conduit House. Phips Medley seconded Richmond, who got the whip-hand of Green in such good style, that in ten minutes he cried—enough!
Thus far Pierce Egan, whose apocrypha we will now quit.
After the battle between Pearce (the Game Chicken) and Joe Berks, on Wimbledon Common, Jan. 23rd, 1804 (see life of PEARCE, ante, p. 170), George Maddox having disposed of Seabrook in three rounds (see the account of this cross in life of MADDOX, ante, p. 208), our sable hero expressed to his master (Lord Camelford) his opinion that he could polish off “the veteran.” A stake, amount not mentioned, was immediately posted. “Old George, nothing loth, declared his readiness. But the new black turned out a ‘duffer,’ George hitting him down the third time with a crack under the left eye, which so completely queered his ogle that he gave out.”[146]
On Tuesday, May 21, 1805, Tom Cribb, having beaten the ponderous Israelite “Ikey Pig,” the tribes were in desolation and mourning. At this juncture a Jew known as fighting Youssop (Joseph), came forward, like another Maccabeus, to do battle in honour of his peoplesh, but not with the same success, and “See the conquering hero comes,” was not sung that night by the Israelitish virgins of Rosemary Lane or Duke’s Plashe. Here is the report: “The ring being cleared, one Youssop, a Jew, who turned out to be more ready than able, stepped forward to redeem the valorous character of his fraternity, when a match was proposed for him in Bill Richmond, the American black, for which a purse of ten guineas was soon collected. The Jew accepted his opponent; they stripped, shook hands, and set-to without loss of time.
“The battle was well contested, neither man flinching from his work, or falling without a knock-down. For the first and second rounds Youssop showed off his dexterity, and this superiority he particularly displayed in the third round, when he stopped Richmond neatly and followed him up till he drove him nearly out of the ring. He did not, however, seem to mark or hurt his man. In the fourth round Richmond improved, and following up his opponent in turn gave him several desperate blows in the face, sadly to the disfigurement of the Mosaic countenance. Youssop gave way altogether, and at the close of the sixth round declared, like Ikey Pig, ‘He’d have no more of it.’ Richmond accordingly was proclaimed the conqueror, and pocketed the stakes.”
This battle raised Richmond’s credit as a pugilist, and he soon received a challenge from “Jack Holmes,” the coachman,[147] who on the 30th of January, in the preceding year, had been conquered by Tom Blake (Tom Tough), see ante, p. 235. Here is the report:—
“Mr. Fletcher Reid, the firm supporter of pugilism, backed Richmond for 50 guineas, Mr. Peter Ward patronised old Jack Holmes. They met at Cricklewood Green, a short distance from Kilburn Wells, where a twenty-one foot ring had been roped out, on Monday, July 8th [1805]. Paddington Jones seconded the black, and Tom Blake picked up his old antagonist the coachman. About twelve o’clock the men stripped and began the set-to.”
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—Holmes stood up well, and appeared in excellent condition for an old ’un. Much sparring, no good hits.
2.—Both rallied smartly, but no falling.
3.—Richmond put in a good hit, but fell. (Odds two to one in favour of Holmes.)
4, 5, and 6.—Nothing interesting in these three rounds.
7.—An excellent round. Richmond was very gay and full of fight; some good blows exchanged.
8.—Holmes began to puff, and appeared distressed in his wind. (Bets, nevertheless, three to two on Holmes.)
9.—Some sparring. Richmond put in a severe blow, and cut his opponent under his right eye, and Holmes fell.
10.—No fighting; the men closed, and both fell. (Betting had now become even.)
11.—The best round during the battle; both fought well and rallied. Richmond terminated it by bringing down his opponent heavily.
15.—Very poorly contested. Holmes could hardly puff wind enough to support himself, and he also appeared weak.
16.—No fighting. The men closed and fell, Richmond uppermost. (Odds had now changed three to one in favour of Richmond.)
To the 24th—All hugging rounds, Holmes upon the saving system.
25.—Richmond appeared in high spirits, fought well, and evidently had the advantage.
26.—Decisive. Richmond stepped in and immediately knocked Holmes down, and, although with great reluctance, he was obliged to give in.
The contest lasted thirty-nine minutes.
Among the amateurs and professors there were Mr. Fletcher Reid, Hon. Berkeley Craven, Thomas Sheridan, Esq., Mr. Upton, John Gully, Jem and Tom Belcher, Bill Ryan, Puss the Jew, Tom Cribb, Jack Ward, and Dan Mendoza.
On the 8th October, 1805, at Hailsham, Sussex, Richmond met Tom Cribb, for a stake of 25 guineas. He never dared to face his man, and after a wretched merry-andrew burlesque of an hour and a half gave in, see TOM CRIBB, ante, p. 246.[148] This affair seems to have taken the conceit out of Mr. Richmond, for he only appears as a ring attendant and follower until 1808, a period of nearly three years, when we have an account (on April 14, 1809),[149] of his beating “a countryman named Carter from Nuneaton, near Birmingham, on Epsom Downs.” As this is given on no other authority, that we can discover, than that of Pierce Egan, we quote him ipsissimis verbis:—
“Carter was much the strongest and a heavier man than Richmond; and who in a turn-up with those heroes of the fist, Jem Belcher and Jack Gully, had convinced them both that he was no trifler; and now having expressed his fancy for a mill with Mr. Richmond, Bill without hesitation informed Carter that he should be accommodated with a trial of skill. Paddington Jones and Bob Clarke seconded Richmond. Upon setting-to the odds were seven to one against the man of colour, and in the fourth round the odds ran so high against Richmond, that twenty to one was sported that Carter won the battle, and ten to one that Bill did not come again. This great odds was occasioned by a severe blow that Richmond received on the side of his head, that rendered him nearly senseless; but Bill soon recovering from this momentary disadvantage, showed off his science in such good style, that in the course of twenty-five minutes, Carter was so punished as to resign the contest. Immediately upon this being declared, Richmond jumped over the ropes, and caught hold of a man denominated China-eyed Brown, threatening to serve him out (if he had not been prevented), as it appeared that Brown had loudly vociferated, during the time Richmond was suffering from the effects of the above blow, that Bill had got a white feather in his tail! Richmond was patronised upon the above occasion by Sir Clement Brigg, Bart.”
We next have upon the same authority, “In seconding a baker a few months after the above circumstance, near Wilsden Green, a man of the same trade, weighing close upon seventeen stone, challenged Richmond on the spot, when a turn-up commenced, and in about two minutes the baker’s dough was so well kneaded, that he would have no more of it at that time; offering to fight Richmond for £50 in a month, which was agreed to by Bill, and two guineas put down to make the bets good before that period; but the baker, it appeared, preferred losing his two quid than submitting his overgrown carcass to the punishment of Richmond.
“Bill fought a man of the name of Atkinson, from Banbury, at Golder’s Green, near Hendon, a bargeman, for a subscription purse; it was a good fight, but in the course of twenty minutes Atkinson was perfectly satisfied the chance was against him, and acknowledged that he was beaten.” “Boxiana,” vol. i. 443‒5.
It does not appear from Richmond’s next legitimate match after his defeat by Tom Cribb, that our sable friend’s prowess was in very high esteem, for his next battle, Tuesday, April 11, 1809, was fought for ten guineas, at Coombe Wood, near Kingston, with “one Isaac Wood, a waterman,” who has no other chronicle in the chronologies but this black defeat. However, Pierce answers negatively for his “not being unacquainted with science,” and his “determined spirit.” The contemporary report is as follows:—
“At one o’clock the combatants arrived in post-chaises; a twenty-five feet ring was immediately formed, and at half past one the heroes entered, and set-to; Richmond seconded by Jones and Bob Clarke, and Wood by Tom Cribb and Cropley.”
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—A little sparring. Richmond threw in a left-handed hit on his opponent’s jaw. Wood rallied, but was thrown. (Odds seven to four on Richmond.)
2.—Wood hit; Richmond parried, and returned right and left. The men closed, and both fell.
3.—A good round. Wood rallied; some good hits exchanged. Richmond displayed great superiority in science, and again threw his opponent. (Odds two to one in his favour.)
4.—Richmond made play, and successfully planted a right-handed hit. Wood attempted to rally, but Richmond parried both right and left, when Wood was so much abroad, that he was milled round the ring, and thrown over the ropes. (Odds four to one on Richmond.)
5.—Wood made play, and rallied courageously. Hits exchanged at half-arm for half a minute, to the advantage of Richmond, who closed, and threw Wood again.
6.—Wood’s head now appeared dreadfully disfigured. Richmond rallied, but Wood evinced great weakness and fell.
7.—Both rallied, and Richmond threw Wood.
8.—Somewhat in favour of Wood. Richmond made a false hit. Wood struck twice, and then threw him.
9.—Richmond, in making play, slipt.
10.—Both stood up manfully, and hit at full length until both fell.
11.—In this round Wood displayed good bottom, but no science. An excellent rally. The men closed, and Richmond fibbed Wood until he was covered with blood, and both fell weak.
12.—Wood appeared as though he had exerted his last effort in the last round. Richmond threw in three successive blows in the face, rallying him to the ropes, when he gave a somersault over him.
14.—In this round Richmond threw his opponent.
15.—This round, although not the last, was decisive. Richmond again put in three successive hits on the head. Wood attempted, but was evidently unable to return, and Richmond threw him. Wood with great courage, but evident disadvantage, stood up to the
23rd.—When Richmond again brought him down, and he was unable to come to time. Richmond was very little hurt.
Another battle was fought between Frere and Power, which in twenty-five minutes was decided in favour of the latter, who possessed the greatest science.
Richmond had always suffered in reputation from his first display with “the veteran” Maddox, and anxious to retrieve his credit, he was continually carping at the “old ’un,” and proposing matches. George, who was brave as a lion, at last agreed to risk his established reputation, and 100 guineas of his backer’s money, to accommodate his old antagonist, and on the 9th of August, 1809, in his 54th year, was defeated as hereafter reported. The battle was fought at Pope’s Head Watchhouse, on the coast between Margate and Reculvers.
“A twenty-seven feet ring was formed with ropes, and the heroes, without loss of time, entered and set-to; Maddox seconded by Gully and Bill Gibbons, and Richmond by Bob Clarke and Jack Ward. At setting-to odds six to four on Maddox.”
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—Maddox went in as usual with great gaiety; Richmond stopped him, and planting two successful blows on the neck, brought him down.
2.—Maddox rallied, and threw his opponent over the ropes.
3.—An excellently contested round, in which Richmond displayed great superiority, both in science and strength, and after good fighting threw his aged adversary with a force which astonished every spectator.
10.—Maddox evidently fought at great disadvantage, but stood up courageously. (Odds were now changed in favour of Richmond four to one.)
The bravery of Maddox, however, spun out the battle for fifty-two minutes, and he displayed as much game as, perhaps, ever was seen. Within a few minutes of the termination of the contest, when quite blind, he was on his knees, and by a sudden effort he sprung up, and holding Richmond round the neck with one hand, continued to deal out some tremendous hits with the other, but nature was at length exhausted, and he fell.
George was liberally rewarded for his prowess by a subscription. This was the battle which the Right Hon. William Windham eulogised in a speech in Parliament, which we have quoted already at pp. 90, 91.
Richmond, having thus “fed fat his ancient grudge,” appears merely as a second in several leading events. Having quarrelled with Power, when seconding “Uncle Ben” (Burn) against Dogherty (see BEN BURN in Appendix), the following turn-up took place, of which we find the record in “Pancratia,” p. 334‒5. We extract it as a specimen of the state of society, which, with all our advocacy of legitimate pugilism and a fight in its proper time and place, or when necessity and self-defence compel it, we should be sorry to see restored.
“On May 1st, 1810, a large party of amateurs and pugilists, amongst whom were Gully, Jackson, Richmond, Dogherty, Cribb, and Tom Belcher, dined at the Castle (then called Bob’s Chophouse), in Holborn. After the cloth was cleared, several sporting theatricals being present some capital songs were sung, and the bottle circled freely. Some excellent sparring was then exhibited by some of the first professors, and at length it was agreed that a subscription purse of £20 should be made by the company present, and immediately fought for by young Cribb and Dogherty. Tom Cribb seconded his brother, and Richmond, who is handy on all occasions, seconded Dogherty; betting even. Cribb displayed great gluttony, threw in some excellent hits successfully, and often rallied and beat away the superior science of his opponent; but at the end of an hour, being quite exhausted, gave in, when Dogherty was declared the conqueror. Both combatants were several times hit off their legs.
“By the termination of this battle, Power, who was originally intended to have contested with Dogherty, but could no where be found, came in, and another purse was subscribed to the same amount for him and Richmond. An honourable baronet and Cribb seconded Richmond, and an amateur Colonel and Bill Gibbons, Power.
“Richmond having seconded the preceding battle for an hour, set-to with great disadvantage, and for the first round had the worst of it, but, as every amateur might have expected, his science gave him the best of the remainder. Richmond excels in hitting and getting away; and Power, who is a resolute fighter, was continually boring in upon his opponent, and this sort of game always gets a man the worst of the battle with such an opponent as the black. By this system Power was completely beat in a quarter of an hour. He was frequently hit twice in the face in a second, and frequently brought down by a favourite left-handed hit of Richmond’s, who, on the other hand, received no other injury throughout the battle than a slight blow in the face. Forty shillings out of the purse consoled Power for his bad fate; and Richmond sat down to his wine £18 richer, and with the amateurs toasted fighters and fighting till three o’clock in the morning.”
Richmond now became a publican, at the Horse and Dolphin, in St. Martin’s Street, and as he was a shrewd fellow, his house was well frequented.
Richmond acquired considerable notoriety from his patronage of Molineaux; and, so far as we can learn, his generous behaviour to that pugilist, who came to him an entire stranger, destitute of friends or money, received an ungrateful return. It is certain Molineaux was indebted for that patronage and attention which he afterwards received from persons of distinction, to his introduction by Richmond.
Richmond, after the contest between Molineaux and Carter, April 2, 1813, challenged either of them for £100.
Five years had nearly elapsed since Richmond had exhibited in the P.R., when, to the astonishment of many, he declared his intention of contending for the first purse of 50 guineas, given by the Pugilistic Club, at Coombe Wood, on Tuesday, May 3, 1814. Everything was conducted with appropriate attention congenial to the patronage bestowed upon the occasion, which was much more conspicuous than hitherto. The members of the club were dressed in their uniform (blue and buff); and those persons who were appointed to clear the outer ring wore dark blue ribbons in their hats, to designate their appointment, tending to prevent any sort of confusion, because, at other times, men so acting have been challenged with officiousness. The stakes and ropes were entirely new, and upon the former the initials of the club (P.C.) were painted. Three ropes went round the ring, which was twenty-four feet. Davis, a fine, tall, powerful, young, athletic navigator, had thumped his way into notice, by serving seven or eight customers with tolerable ease; his weight was twelve stone ten pounds, and his age twenty-four years. The veteran man of colour, who dared him to the conflict was twelve stone two pounds, and in his fifty-second year! Davis entered first; he threw up his hat, bowed to the spectators and was well received. Richmond soon followed, paid the like attention and was equally applauded. Their seconds now began to perform their office, Joe Ward and Dick Whale for Davis, and Tom Belcher and Bill Gibbons for Richmond. It was a sunny day, and the toss for the shady side was won for Richmond. A few minutes after one the set-to commenced.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—From the well known science of Richmond, and his peculiar forte of hitting and getting away, considerable interest was excited. Davis being under the guidance of the veteran Joe Ward, it was presumed by the fancy that the navigator would be made awake to the dangerous mode of his antagonist, and be on the alert not to be cut up and spoiled before his powers could be fairly brought into action. Davis did not want for confidence; he made a good hit with his left, which was stopped by Richmond, who also returned right and left, but without material effect. Davis, anxious to make a beginning, and full of vigour, followed up his man, and planted a smart hit on Richmond’s temple with his right, which knocked him down instantly. (Betting took a lift, and seven to four was loudly vociferated upon Davis.)
2.—Spirited exchanges, and some heavy blows passed. Richmond drew the cork of his antagonist; nevertheless, the man of colour was again levelled. (Two to one was sported upon Davis, in the exultation of the moment, by his friends.)
3.—Richmond began to show off the mastery of the art; milling the nob of his antagonist severely, and getting away; Davis, with much resolution, bored in, when, after closing, both went down, Richmond undermost.
4.—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 get uppermost, and rushed in furiously, but, his distance being short, Richmond went down from a slight touch of the mouth. Davis bled profusely.
5.—The skill of Richmond in this round burst forth so conspicuously, that the doubtful were satisfied of his superiority. Confident in himself, and with science and courage united, he nobly opposed a rally, and got away with uncommon dexterity, punishing the head of Davis most terribly at every retreating step. The navigator, in pursuing, threw nearly all his blows away, when Richmond, quite unexpectedly stopped short, and planted so severe a teazer on the mouth of Davis that sent him quickly on the grass. (Even betting.)
6.—Davis, from the severity of the last hit, was unable to gain any advantage over Richmond, who again took the lead in high style, milling and dropping his antagonist.
7.—The manner of Davis was much altered, and he appeared distressed. His temper forsook him, and he still kept boring after Richmond, who milled him in every direction, and at length put in so tremendous a blow upon his jaw, that, in his confusion, he made blows without any sort of direction, till he hit himself down under the ropes.
8.—Davis, in a rally, hit Richmond slightly on the mouth; the latter kept punishing his adversary severely, and getting away. In closing, Richmond went down.
9.—The inferiority of Davis was apparent. In science he was by no means competent, and his strength was much reduced by the skill of his opponent. Richmond continued his retreating system with great success, and put in so weighty a blow under the ear of Davis, that he was instantly down.
10.—This round was of little importance; the men closed and fell, but Richmond undermost.
11.—Richmond completely spoiled his antagonist. Davis was going in to smash the Black in haste, but met with such a stopper right in the wind that completely changed his course: he reeled again. Davis now closed, and endeavoured to throw Richmond, which he accomplished, fell upon his latter end, his head rolling towards the ground, distressed beyond measure.
12.—Had Davis possessed the strength of a giant, it must have been exhausted by the mode in which he fought. Notwithstanding the severe remembrancers he had received in the preceding rounds, he had gained no experience from them, but still kept following Richmond all over the ring, hitting wide and losing himself. The Black kept punishing, but received nothing; retreating, retreating, and retreating again, and at almost every step made woeful havoc on the nob of his adversary, completely showing the spectators what might be accomplished by scientific movements. At length he suddenly made a stand, and, his distance proving correct, with his right hand hit the mouth of Davis with such uncommon severity, that he went down like a log of wood. (Numerous betters, but no takers.)
13.—It was plain that Davis was nearly finished; he appeared stupid, and his efforts were feeble. Richmond put an end to the combat by sending him partly under the ropes. Davis could not come again.
Upon Richmond’s being declared the conqueror, he leaped over the ropes, which were nearly five feet in height, with the agility of a tumbler. He received little hurt, except a blow on the temple, and a slight touch on the mouth. On the contrary, Davis was so dreadfully punished that he was supported off the ground. The battle continued twenty minutes. Richmond remained on the ground during the sports of the day, without inconvenience from this conflict.
It was scarcely imagined, from the advanced age of Richmond, that he would ever fight any more prize battles; and upon a battle being announced between the man of colour and the navigator, Tom Shelton, 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 1st of August, 1815, upwards of ten thousand persons assembled on Moulsey Hurst to witness the trial of skill. Oliver and Painter seconded the veteran nigger, and Cribb and Clarke waited upon Shelton. It appears this battle originated in a quarrel between the combatants; and so strongly did it operate on the feelings of Shelton, that he positively refused to comply with the usual custom of shaking hands with his opponent previous to their setting-to. But upon the champion’s declaring he would instantly quit the ring if he did not, Shelton laid hold of Richmond’s hand, and the fight commenced, the odds being six and seven to four on the man of colour.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—Shelton, from his eagerness to be at work, missed his adversary in making a blow, and Richmond also hit short; but the man of colour soon planted a severe blow with his left hand, when Shelton, with great readiness, damaged 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 even was the order of the day.)
2.—Richmond, anxious to return the favour he had received, planted a hit so clean and dexterously upon Shelton’s mouth, that the claret followed, like drawing the cork of a bottle. Shelton positively appeared electrified, and went down like a log. (Two to one offered upon the man of colour.)
3.—The right eye of Richmond was terribly puffed. Shelton had the best of the rally, and his aged opponent went down.
4.—The veteran was all alive, Shelton showed good science, but seemed determined that nothing less than downright milling should go on; he made a good right-handed blow. Richmond missed a desperately aimed hit at his adversary’s ear, which was attributed to the bad state of his own eye, and in closing, got down in an easy style.
5.—The navigator got into work successfully, and felt for Richmond’s head and body not very delicately; but the man of colour again touched him on the sore place of his mouth. The advantage of this round was evidently with Shelton, and he sent his opponent down. (The odds now rapidly changed, and two to one was loudly offered upon the navigator.)
6.—Richmond found that no time was to be lost, and to win in anything like his usual style the fight must soon be taken out of his adversary. He, with much judgment, planted a tremendous blow with his right hand upon Shelton’s nob, who instantly went down.
7.—Both combatants on their mettle, and reciprocal punishment. The man of colour went down. It was altogether a good round, and a sharp rally took place.
8.—The passion of the navigator at length prevailed over his judgment, and he went in furiously, regardless of the consequences. This conduct rendered victory almost certain to Richmond, who planted so desperate a blow on his opponent’s throat that he went down almost senseless.
9.—Richmond set-to with increased confidence from the success of the last round, but, after a short rally, in closing, both down.
10.—Shelton, full of pluck, attacked his opponent with much gaiety, when Richmond got down from a slight blow.
11.—Richmond appeared the fresher man of the two; but little execution on either side. (The odds, however, were upon Richmond.)
12.—Shelton slipped on setting-to, and went down.
13.—The man of colour seemed well assured of his own superiority. He hit Shelton right and left so tremendously, that he went down in a twinkling. The partisans of Richmond thought it quite safe, and offered, without hesitation, two to one upon him.
14.—The discretion of Shelton was now at an end, and he was furious in the extreme. He completely bored Richmond off his legs.
15.—Richmond, in making a hit, over-reached himself, and went down.
16.—Richmond was again on the grass.
17.—This round was decidedly in favour of Richmond, who not only milled, but threw his adversary.
18.—It was distressing to see the punishment Shelton brought upon himself, from the rushing system he pursued. The right hand of the man of colour was at work like a sledge hammer.
19.—The combatants soon fought their way into a sharp rally, when Richmond made some good hits and got down.
20.—Richmond went down rather unsatisfactorily, and some marks of disapprobation were expressed; but the umpires did not deem it worthy of attention.
21.—The man of colour now completely satisfied the spectators of the advantages of hitting and getting away; and this destructive system, to an adversary who will suffer himself to be decoyed by it, was completely exemplified by the dreadful punishment Shelton received. Some murmurings occurred about a foul blow; but the umpires did not stop the battle. (Any odds upon Richmond.)
22.—It was plain that Shelton could not last much longer; he went down from a heavy blow upon one of his eyes.
23 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 he went down. The effects were so severe that he appeared quite stunned, and when “time” was announced, could not quit the knees of his second. The battle continued twenty-nine minutes and a half. Richmond, elated with the success of victory, jumped out of the ring.
By this victory the man of colour added another laurel to his wreath; and although he did not escape without some punishment, he won the battle in good style. Shelton’s impetuous passion completely ruined him; and it was observed by a noble lord that Richmond was “a most extraordinary man, for the older he grew the better he fought!”
This was Richmond’s last regular appearance in the P. R., yet his rooms in Whitcomb Street, Haymarket, were highly patronised by the nobility and gentry; and about this period Lord Byron became acquainted with him, as may be seen in his lordship’s Life and Journals edited by Thomas Moore. His athletic form, though fast approaching threescore years of age, his civility, self-control, and temperate habits, compelled the respect of all who knew him; and that “still beneath the snow of age slept the fire of youth” was well proven by a casual affair, in which the veteran man of colour was involved by the violent conduct of Jack Carter, then known as the “Lancashire Hero,” and aspiring to the championship of England.
The latter pugilist had lately returned from the Continent, intoxicated by the applause he had received at Aix-la-Chapelle, and he had “crept so much into favour with himself,” that he annoyed several companies he went into with his vast prowess, and his challenge to fight any man in the world. This conduct he carried to such excess on Thursday evening, November 12, 1818, at a respectable tavern in the neighbourhood of Chancery Lane, that the company rose in a body and put him out of the room by force. The degradation of being thus ousted, raised his choler that he roared out, “Is there any one among you dare face Jack Carter?” Richmond, who was present, answered that he did not fear him, whereon Carter defied him to a bout, and a turn-up commenced, sans ceremonie, in the yard belonging to the house, where three bustling rounds took place. The report is from “Boxiana.”
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—Science was not much in request. A few random hits, however, were exchanged. In closing, Carter endeavoured to weave the man of colour, and, in going down, Richmond had the worst of the fall. Carter held Richmond so fast, that his friends were obliged to pull the man of colour away; in the struggle the buttons of Richmond’s coat were floored. Upon the Lancashire hero getting up, the claret was seen trickling over his mouth.
2.—This round was full of bustle; in fact, it was pummelling and hugging each other; but Richmond was not idle, and had the best of it till they went down.
3 and last.—This was the quietus; and the man of colour was not long in putting in the coup de grace. Carter seemed confused, when Richmond planted one of his desperate right-handed hits (for which he was so distinguished in the ring) upon Carter’s upper works, that not only loosened his ivories, but produced the claret, and floored the late hero of Aix-la-Chapelle like a shot. He laid stunned for a short period, when, once more feeling the use of his legs, he exclaimed, “I’ve been finely served out this evening.”
Thus ended the skirmish, and Carter retired, weeping over the stupidity of the fracas and folly of intemperance. “Oh that men should put an enemy into their mouths to steal away their brains!”
Richmond returned to his company to finish the evening with the utmost nonchalance over his sober heavy wet, with no other damage but knocking up his right hand a little.
Richmond was an active, excellent second, and, from his temperate mode of living, preferring exercise to wasting his time or injuring his constitution by a too frequent repetition of the charms of the bottle, obtained the character of being a good and steady trainer, and, notwithstanding the defect in one of his knees, excelled as a cricketer.
In concluding this sketch, we cannot omit stating of our hero that in private life Richmond was intelligent, communicative, and well-behaved; and, however actively engaged in promulgating the principles of milling, never so completely absorbed with fighting as to be incapable of discoursing upon any other subject; in fact, he was rather facetious over a glass of noyeau, his favourite wet with a swell, and endeavoured to gain his point by attempting to prove that there is more certainty in his preservation of bodies (in allusion to his method of training) than either the cobbler or parson have in their taking care of the “soles!” He had much more to say than many who style themselves “amateurs,” but was never known to be so deficient in eloquence as when Molineaux experienced defeat. His experience in life taught him to be awake to the tricks of it, and there were few subjects upon which Richmond was not capable of conversing. It could never be denied that he “wore a head;” and although its colour did not prepossess the million in its favour, yet the liberal part of mankind will acquiesce with Desdemona, that “the visage” may be often best “seen in the mind!”
Richmond may be pointed to as one of the men who never lost sight of the situation in which he was placed in society. In the elevation of the moment, he always bore in mind that, however the Corinthian fancier may connect himself with milling, there are times when he has a different character to support, and must not be intruded upon. Would that many of our whitefaced boxers would take a hint on this point from Bill Richmond, the Black.
Thus respected and supported lived Bill Richmond, till the universal visitor, grim Death, gave him his final summons, on the 28th of December, 1829, at the house now occupied by Owen Swift (the Horse-shoe Tavern), Titchbourne Street, Haymarket, in the sixty-sixth year of his age.
IV. GEORGE COOPER—1812‒1825
The pugilistic position of George Cooper at one period placed him in the very first rank. He was a pupil of Paddington Jones, and afterwards a particular favourite with Bill Richmond, who declared him “the best natural fighter” he had ever met with.
Cooper was a native of Stone, in Staffordshire. His height, five feet ten inches; his weight, twelve stone. On the other hand, his constitution did not come up to his other qualifications. He trained badly; and, being a temperate man, seemed really better in his physique when left alone than when subject to systematic diet and discipline. In fact, George Cooper, as Captain Barclay most expressively termed it, “trained off,” instead of “on.”
Cooper’s first appearance in the prize-ring ropes was on the 15th of December, 1812, at Combe Warren, with Harry Lancaster, for a subscription purse of 85 guineas. On this occasion George was seconded by his tutors, Paddington Jones and Bill Richmond; Lancaster was waited upon by Jack Lancaster and Cropley. From the superior boxing capabilities of Cooper, the contest was over in seventeen minutes and a half. Lancaster had, however, not only the length of his opponent, and equal weight, but possessed the advantage of standing over him. Lancaster commenced milling with much gaiety, and endeavoured to nob Cooper in a sharp rally, but the latter stopped his onset with great neatness, and ultimately floored him. In short, throughout the fight, Harry had but little chance of success, although he planted several severe blows on Cooper’s head. The steadiness of Cooper, the excellent use he made of both hands, the science he portrayed in stopping, and the quickness and severity of his returns, were the admiration of all present. Lancaster could not once take the lead, and retired from the ring with heavy marks of punishment.
Cooper derived considerable fame from this first attempt, and he was next matched as a competent competitor for Tom Oliver, for a subscription purse, at Moulsey Hurst, on May 15, 1813. It was a truly determined battle (see life of TOM OLIVER, Period V.), and at one period of the fight, his superiority was so great, that it was thought almost impossible for Cooper to lose it; however, one tremendous blow defeated him. The victory seemed as if stolen from Cooper, so nearly did it appear within his grasp.
Cooper now entered the lists with Jay, on the termination of the battle between Painter and Oliver, at Shepperton Range, on Tuesday, the 17th of May, 1814, for a purse of 25 guineas, given by the Pugilistic Club.
On the first appearance of Jay, at Rickmansworth, when he defeated Fuller, it was thought that he bade fair to obtain a high position on the roll of pugilistic fame. His unquestionable strength, firmness of position, and severity of hitting, were great traits in his favour; and, even in his second contest with Fuller, when he experienced a reverse of fortune, and was compelled to yield to superior science, he claimed respect for his great gameness. In the hands of Cooper, however, Jay appeared a mere commoner, and few traces of his former milling were visible. In the short space of eight minutes he was punished out of all conceit of himself and the purse, declaring he had had enough, while Cooper retired from the ring with scarcely a scratch on his face. The spectators were completely astonished at the finishing qualities of Cooper. It should, however, in fairness, be stated that Jay felt so much depression at his defeat by Fuller, that he took no care of himself, and was never afterwards in anything like condition to enter the prize ring.
Shortly after the above battle Cooper went to Scotland, where he opened a school for teaching the art of self-defence. At Edinburgh, in particular, his conduct was much praised: it not only gained him many patrons and backers, but his school was well attended.
A match was proposed between Cooper and Carter for £100 a-side, both being at Edinburgh; but it went off in consequence of the bad state of health of the former. It was generally supposed that this would have proved a fight of great equality.
The patrons of pugilism, anxious to witness a prize battle in Scotland, entered into a subscription purse for that purpose, to be fought for by Cooper and Molineaux. This mill took place at Corsethill, Lanarkshire, March 10, 1815. Early in the morning the fancy were on the alert, and not a drag or a nag was to be had in Edinburgh by nine o’clock. Thousands pedestrianised it before daylight, so as to arrive in time, and numbers, it seems, went on a wrong scent and sailed for Inchkeith. At half-past twelve Cooper and Molineaux appeared in the ring, and at fourteen minutes before one, shook hands and set-to. Oliver and a Yorkshireman seconded Cooper; and Joe Ward and Richmond picked up Molineaux. Six to four on the black.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—Silence prevailed, and the Caledonians appeared anxiously interested to witness the opening attack. Considerable sparring took place, both being aware of the milling talents possessed by the other. 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.
2.—Milling without ceremony, and both the combatants on their mettle. Molineaux planted a sharp nobber, but received for this favour two tremendous rib-roasters, that made him wince again and gasp for breath. Some blows were exchanged; in closing, both down.
3.—Molineaux, with the most determined spirit, kept fighting at his opponent’s head; while Cooper directed most of his blows at the body. Some heavy hits passed, and, in a desperate rally against the ropes, the claret was first observed upon Cooper; however, the round was finished to his advantage, for he hit the man of colour through the ropes. (Seven to four upon Cooper.)
4.—Molineaux appeared at the scratch rather distressed from the last round. Cooper, full of gaiety, took the lead, and floored Molineaux in grand style. (Two to one on Cooper.)
5.—The superiority of Cooper was conspicuous. He stopped the fury of the Black with skill, nobbed him at will, and again hit the man of colour down. (Any odds on Cooper.)
6.—Molineaux was growing weak. Cooper having the best of him, eventually put in a tremendous facer, which floored the Black like a shot.
7 to 9.—In all these rounds the best of the fighting was decidedly on the part of Cooper. Molineaux was hit down every round.
10.—The Black, still determined, rallied Cooper against the ropes, and some hard fighting followed; but Cooper planted so desperate a blow on his opponent’s body, that he went down quite rolled up, his head falling against the stake.
11.—Molineaux, despite his defects and falling off, astonished the ring from the gallant manner he fought this round. Some terrible exchanges of blows were witnessed, when the Black again rallied Cooper to the ropes. In closing, Molineaux was severely fibbed, but broke from his antagonist cleverly, and ultimately floored Cooper by a heavy blow upon his face. From great exertion, however, Molineaux fell exhausted. This rather reduced the odds.
12.—Cooper appeared at the scratch eager to finish the Black, whom he nobbed repeatedly, and completely hit off his legs. The man of colour was sick, and brandy was given him to recruit his declining spirits. (Any odds, but no takers.)
13.—Molineaux was sent down as soon as he toed the scratch.
14 and last.—The Black could scarcely leave the knee of his second, and, upon meeting his man, he was again floored. The battle was thus at an end, twenty minutes only having elapsed.
From the superior style of Cooper in this battle, he rose high in the opinion of the Scotch fancy, and, on this occasion, he entered the ring in good condition. Molineaux trusted principally to his weight and length, neglecting any preparatory care of his health, so that the right-handed body blows of Cooper proved irresistible. The tourney was well conducted, and afforded a high treat to the northern admirers of boxing.
A few months after the above battle, while on a sparring tour in Ireland, a match was made between Cooper and Dan Donnelly, the champion of Ireland, which took place on the Curragh of Kildare, on the 13th December, 1815, as noticed in the memoir of Donnelly. Cooper, after a desperate struggle, was defeated. The advantages of size and weight were much on the side of Donnelly.
In June, 1816, Cooper returned to England, when it was expected a match would have been made between him and Harry Harmer, but, in consequence of not meeting with a customer of any description, he once more directed his steps towards his patrons in Scotland, where he was again well received and liberally patronised. He was at length matched with Robinson (a man of colour) who had gained considerable notoriety from two contests with the Lancashire hero, Carter—particularly the latter one, a match against time (half an hour)—although defeated in both instances. The Caledonian fanciers, like the metropolitan high-bred swells, were all in motion at an early period to witness this black and white game, and an unusually strong muster of amateurs of all pedigrees, from the laird of broad acres to the more humble “bonnie chiel,” were seen “trotting along the road,” so great was the anxiety to view these heroes of the “London ring” exhibit their acquirements in self-defence. Considerable betting took place previous to the fight; but whatever opinions might have been entertained by the patrons of pugilism in Scotland respecting the milling qualities of Robinson, it should seem the more experienced ones in England viewed the match in question as a certainty, and booked it Cooper must win in style. They asserted that Robinson had no peculiar boxing trait to rely upon, nor even a shadow of chance, except from superior strength. Anticipation, in this instance, was justified by the event; for Robinson was beaten off-hand, with the same ease that Cooper disposed of Jay.
On Monday, the 24th of February, 1817, the men entered the ring, at one o’clock, attended by their respective seconds, in a twenty feet ring, at Costerton Houghhead, about fourteen miles from Edinburgh, for a purse of fifty guineas.
The style of Cooper proved a perfect treat to the Scotch admirers of boxing. His superiority was evident upon lifting up his hands, and putting himself in attitude; before the first round was finished all the spectators were perfectly satisfied what must be the result of the battle. It would be superfluous to detail the minutiæ of the rounds, short even as they proved, being only seven in number. Robinson, in the hands of Cooper, appeared no more than a fresh-caught novice,—indeed, George treated the capabilities of the man of colour with the most mortifying contempt; punished him severely in all directions, put in hits on every part he aimed at, and concluded every round so finishingly as to receive loud and repeated applause. Poor Robinson could only stop his opponent’s blows with his head or carcase, and only in one instance did he make anything like a successful return. He was floored every round; and it was universally admitted, that if Cooper had possessed that primary requisite for a fighting man, sound stamina, he would have been an equal competitor for anything either upon the Scotch or English list. From this elegant display of Cooper, the gentlemen composing the fancy, both south and north of Carlisle, felt anxious to back him against any one of his weight. It was remarked as somewhat curious, that Oliver beat Cooper, and Carter defeated Oliver; and again, Cooper conquered Molineaux, 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, rendered himself an object of attraction in Scotland. As a teacher, he was well patronised; and, in consequence, fixed his residence for a time in that part of the kingdom.
Cooper, not meeting with any professional adversaries in Scotland or England, thought he might as well endeavour to pick up a little blunt in foreign parts; but whether George received his mission from the Champion, Tom Cribb, who took the chair[150] at the meeting to take into consideration the propriety of sending representatives of the fancy to “Congress,” we have not been able to ascertain.
“‘Gemmen,’ says he—Tom’s words you know, Come, like his hitting, strong but slow— ‘Seeing as how those swells that made Old Boney quit the hammering trade (All prime ones in their own conceit), Will shortly at the Congress meet— (Some place that’s like the Finish, lads, Where all your high pedestrian pads That have been up and out all night, Running their rigs among the rattlers, At morning meet, and, honour bright, Agreed to share the blunt and tatlers!) Seeing as how, I say, these swells Are soon to meet, by special summons, To chime together, like ‘hell bells,’ And laugh at all mankind as rum ones, I see no reason, when such things Are going on among these kings, Why we, who’re of the fancy lay, As dead hands at a mill as they, And quite as ready after it, To share the spoil and grab the bit, Should not be there to join the chat— To see at least what fun they’re at— And help their Majesties to find New modes of punishing mankind. What say you, lads, is any spark Among you ready for a lark To this same Congress?—Caleb, Joe, Bill, Bob, what say you?—yes, or no?”
Of course we have a right to suppose that Cooper, Carter, and Gregson, were among the “Ayes,” on this motion of the Champion’s, as appears from the following account:—
“In the Great Hall, at Aix-la-Chapelle, Cooper, Carter, and Gregson, in the month of October, 1818, exhibited before Prince Metternich, Prince Charles of Prussia, the Prince de Solms, and a number of Russian and Prussian general officers and foreign noblemen, who repeatedly cheered the ‘assaults’ between Carter and Cooper, and Gregson and Carter.” These heroes also went to Liege, in their way to Cambray and Valenciennes, and thence to Paris.
The following is a literal translation of their advertisement, which appeared in a French paper, published at Aix-la-Chapelle:—
“MM. Carter (Champion of England), Cooper, and Gregson, the first English boxers, being now at Aix-la-Chapelle, have the honour of informing the public that, on Wednesday, the 7th of October, 1818, at eleven in the morning and three in the afternoon, and on Thursday, at the same hours, they will exhibit two grand sets-to, in boxing, in the Hall of Vieille-Redoute, rue Compesbad, in this city.
“They have had the honour of exhibiting themselves before the first personages in Europe.
“Price of admission 5 francs each.
“N.B.—Messrs. Carter and Gregson at the same time offer their services to those amateurs who wish to be instructed in their art. Terms: 5 francs per lesson, 20 francs entrance.”
THE ORIGINAL IN FRENCH.
“MM. Carter (Champion d’Angleterre), Cooper, et Gregson, premiers boxeurs Anglais, se trouvant à Aix-la-Chapelle, ont l’honneur d’informer le public qu’ils donneront, le Mercredi, 7 Octobre, 1818, a 11 heures du matin et à 3 de l’aprèsmidi, et Jeudi, aux mêmes heures,
“Deux grands Assauts de Boxe,
dans la salle de la Vieille-Redoute, rue Compesbad, en cette ville.
“Ils ont eu l’honneur de représenter devant les premiers personnages de l’Europe.
“Prix d’entrée cinq francs personne.
“N.B.—Messieurs Carter et Gregson offrent en même temps leurs services aux amateurs qui voudraient se faire instruire dans leur art, à raison de cinq francs par leçon, sauf à payer 20 francs l’entrée.”
The editors of continental papers, then, as now, knew very little of the principles on which British pugilistic contests are conducted. In one of the Paris journals the following description of the pugilists at Aix-la-Chapelle, is given:—
“AIX-LA-CHAPELLE, Oct. 8.—Yesterday there was a grand exhibition made by the English boxers. This hideous spectacle attracted but few spectators. The two champions, built like Hercules, and naked to their waists, entered the lists, their hands guarded by huge wadded gloves. One might imagine that he beheld the ancient athletic games of Greece and Rome. After a severe contest, one of the boxers, more adroit than his rival, struck him so violent a blow on the breast that he fell, and victory was thus decided.”
On Cooper’s return to London, a benefit was given him at the Fives Court, but no customer offering to enter the lists with him, he left the metropolis for Edinburgh. The heroes of the ring viewed Cooper with considerable jealousy, and murmured much at his having the court granted to him, observing that he went about sparring, and such a privilege as a benefit at the Fives Court should only be granted to fighting men. In reply to this ill-natured assertion, Cooper urged that no one would fight him.
A few months after the above-named benefit Cooper again visited the metropolis, when he quite unexpectedly had a tremendous turn-up with a new black, under the following circumstances, to which the remarks already made on the affair between Richmond and Power are equally applicable. “We condense from “Boxiana:””
For the purpose of making a match between Oliver and Dan Donnelly, a sporting dinner was got up, among a select few, at Tom Oliver’s house, in Peter Street, Westminster, on Tuesday May 11, 1819. The head of the table was graced by warriors, both naval and military, whose country had felt and has acknowledged their services. At the bottom, the gay little Scroggins was placed in the chair, supported on his right by Spring, Donnelly, and Cooper; on his left appeared Turner, Oliver, and Carter. The latter was in mourning for his recent defeat by Tom Spring, at Crawley Down. On the removal of the cloth, the “gaily circling glass” was passed round with bumpers; and the patrons of pugilism and pugilists, were toasted with due spirit. Things were going on in this pleasant manner, when Oliver entered, and informed the chairman that a gemman of colour was below, and wished to be introduced to the company; but having “no card,” to send up in due form, he begged it might be announced that “Massa Kendrick, of St. Kitt’s, by way of dessert, offered his services to any of the milling heroes present.” The chairman, with the concurrence of his friends, agreed he should be accommodated, and ordered him to wait, and hold himself in readiness. Donnelly was asked if he would take the job in hand for ten guineas, but he seemed to think that the first essay of the Champion of Ireland ought not to be hid in a room, and that the prize ring only would satisfy the amateurs at large, and prove suitable to his own character. This objection was considered valid. Carter said he could “lick all the blacks,” and was anxious to put the blunt into his pocket, but it was thought somewhat too early for him to have another combat. A noble lord requested Cooper to give them a “taste of his high quality,” but the latter did not wish to soil his mawleys for less than a purse of 25 guineas. Scroggins now begged to be heard, saying “as how, if Cooper fought this here black, he being such a good fighter, it would not last five minutes; whereas he would do it for the ten quid, and with him and Massa it must prove a sporting fight” (bravo! and laughter). In the true sportsmen’s style, a handicap purse was made, and the £26 5_s._ of soft, etc., was produced on the table in a twinkling. The purse being ready, tables, glasses, decanters, and the good things of this life, were removed with the celerity of a pantomime transformation, and a clear stage and fair play announced. Everything being ready, Massa Kendrick was introduced. He grinned with delight at the thought of the 25 guinea prize. He was a tall, bony, athletic chap, possessed a furious nob, young and strong, about 13 stone weight, and by no means deficient in pluck. He proved to be the same man who threatened, at Randall’s benefit, to mill all the “big ones,” at the door of the Fives Court, and attacked Richmond in the street. He was told if he won he would have 21 guineas, and if he lost, four. “Berry well,” replied the sable champion, “see how him’ll win it.” The man of colour was seconded by Carter and West Country Dick; Oliver and Donnelly attended upon Cooper. Betting now commenced in this little circle of first-rates, and ten to five was offered upon Cooper. A gentleman, whose conduct upon all sporting occasions has been the theme of panegyric, held the watch. The fight commenced about eleven o’clock, p.m.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On setting to the Black looked formidable; but, in the opinion of the amateurs, from the well known excellence and finishing qualities of Cooper, it was thought a few rounds would completely satisfy the ambitious spirit of Massa. The Black, however, rushed in and hit Cooper, and in closing, had the latter down, and undermost.
2.—Massa made play, and hit Cooper bang in the head. In closing, some slight milling occurred, and both down, Massa undermost.
3 to 8.—The Black got some ugly props, but he would not be denied, and rushed in; both down every round.
9 to 11.—In the last named round, Cooper put in a rare stopper on the head, and had Massa undermost.
12 to 14.—Massa hit Cooper down in the first and last of these rounds. “It’s not so safe,” was the cry; the courage of Massa excited some interest, and procured him friends.
15 to 26.—In all these rounds the Black appeared a troublesome customer, and the narrowness of the room gave him the advantages of rushing in and getting Cooper down. The latter put in some good hits, but the courage and fighting of the Black were not reduced; in fact, six to five was offered upon Massa.
27 to 30.—It was evident the powers of Cooper were under the influence of wine. His fine science was not seen; his heretofore desperate hitting not witnessed; and the rushing blows of the Black, at times nobbing him, Cooper went down very weak.
31 to 34.—The right hand of Massa was continually at work, and he punished Cooper considerably about the head. This last round was severely contested. Cooper could not get his distance to make a hit, the Black bored so much upon him. The claret was now running down Cooper’s face; he, however, got a turn, and sent Massa down.
35.—Cooper made some hits; but the Black sent him down.
36 to 40.—In some of these rounds Cooper planted a few hits, but they were not effective. The Black disregarded them and took the bottle to drink. Cooper fell from a blow much exhausted. Some long faces were to be seen; indeed, so confident were some of the amateurs present, that Cooper was backed at odds that he won it in a quarter of an hour, but these bets had long been decided. The Black was now taken, that Cooper did not beat him in fifty minutes.
41.—The Black put in a tremendous smasher on Cooper’s nose, the claret appeared, and he went down distressed.
42 to 50.—Massa was yet strong; and the encouragement of “Bravo!” and “The Black must win it,” and “I’ll have the Black for £100,” gave him greater confidence; and he not only continued rushing, but had the best of it. He hit Cooper down severely.
51 to 53.—These were sharp rounds, but Cooper could not turn the chance against him, and great alarm was felt by his friends that the man of colour would, ultimately triumph. Both down.
54.—The Black was severely thrown.
55.—Massa confidently went up to his opponent and paid away with his right hand. Some sharp exchanges followed: but Cooper received so severe a nobber, that he fell down and turned on his face. The Black was now decidedly the favourite.
56.—Cooper had scarcely been seated on the knee of his bottle-holder ten seconds, when a gentleman who had backed Massa, called out, “Time, time.” The umpire, with much animation, demanded to know his reason for so doing, as well as pointing out to him the impropriety of such conduct. It caused no further interruption. In closing, Cooper was down.
57 to 60.—In one of these rounds Cooper was heavily hit down. The cognoscenti were utterly astonished; and the pugilists present could scarcely believe that the scientific Cooper was fighting. A novice, completely unknown to the ring, was positively getting the best of him, and, to all appearance, winning the fight. “What are you about, Cooper?” was the cry.
61.—Cooper, it appeared, could not get away; but he now drew back, and with his right arm met Massa right in the middle of his canister as he was furiously coming in, and the Black was floored. “That’s the way to win it, Cooper!”
62.—The fumes of the wine were slowly evaporating, and the film removing from Cooper’s eyes. In fact, he appeared to recollect himself, and mentally to exclaim, “Cooper’s himself again!” The last nobber seemed rather to have spoilt the Black’s distance, and he now hit short. Cooper again canistered him, and the ogles of Massa rolled with astonishment. It was a small touch of electricity, and the Black was not proof against the shock. In closing, both down.
63 to 65.—Cooper’s quality now began to peep out a little; and Massa appeared not quite so lively, from the severe hits he had received in these rounds. The Black did not relish this change in his fortune; and he indicated to his seconds something like “enough!” Both down.
66.—The Black made a miss, and napped a facer; he missed again and again, and his nob paid for it. The campaign had now changed, and “Cooper for £100,” was the cry.
67.—Massa was hit down.
68.—Cooper began now to recover the use of his arms, and he exerted them to some purpose. The Black was met at every point, and finally sent down.
69 and last.—The Black still showed fight; but got such a bodier, besides punishment upon his upper works, that when time was called he did not answer the sound, and victory was declared in favour of Cooper. Massa tried to leave his second’s knee, but dropped exhausted. The Black did not show much punishment, except one of his eyes, which was rather damaged; but Cooper was heavily damaged about the head. It occupied an hour and five minutes.
REMARKS.—The Black was certainly a troublesome customer, and weighed above a stone heavier than his opponent. Indeed, the event was doubtful for a long time; but, in all probability, had the combat taken place in the ring, and with the advantages of training, Cooper would have made a short reckoning of it. It should be recollected, Massa came prepared, and Cooper was taken by surprise from the table, late in the evening, and primed with wine. Massa put on his clothes, received the four guineas, and walked home. The Black hit well with his right, and it was thought this turn up might have led to a regular match, Massa being rather fancied by some of the amateurs present, who urged that if he was sent out to nurse, his victualling office put into commission, with the advantages of patronage, and the improved effects resulting from training, he might then be capable of making a good stand against any one of his weight. The previous fame acquired by Cooper suffered considerably by this hasty combat.
The Black, although defeated, gained a few friends; and a purse of £50 was offered to be given to Cooper and Kendrick to have a ring fight; but the former, much to the surprise of the sporting world, declined it, observing, “It would be of no use to him; it being his wish and intention to fight a boxer of some note, defeating Kendrick would not add to his reputation.” This answer was not well received, it being thought by the amateurs, that the £50 would be like a gift to George Cooper. At Shelton’s benefit at the Fives Court, on Tuesday, June 22, 1819, the set-to between Cooper and the Gas Man, claimed universal attention. It was fine science against confidence and boring, or, in other words, sparring versus fighting. Cooper stopped almost every hit, and gave Gas some severe nobbers in return. His attitude and mode of setting-to were pronounced beautiful. The man of Gas gave in in consequence of “hurting his hand.”
From the superior abilities displayed by Cooper in this glove bout, the minds of the amateurs were made up decidedly in his favour. It was however, afterwards asserted that the Gas Man “gammoned it.”
At the Minor theatre, on Tuesday, May 25, 1819, when Donnelly, Carter, and Cooper, took a benefit, the following circumstance tended to raise the scientific acquirements of the latter still more highly in the estimation of the public.
Upon Randall’s appearing on the stage as a spectator, there was a general cry of “Randall, Randall;” and the Nonpareil immediately gratified the wishes of the audience by entering the lists with the accomplished scientific Cooper. From the well-known excellence of both the men, a great treat was expected, and most certainly an extraordinary trial of skill was exhibited. Cooper was extremely unwell; nevertheless, the elegance of his manner, the admirable stops he made, the peculiar style of bobbing his head aside to avoid the coming blow, his fine position, either to protect himself or to give the assault, and his formidable hitting at out-fighting, claimed the admiration and praise of every one present; and much astonishment was expressed how a novice (the Black) could have mauled him so much in their recent turn-up, without he had been “how came you so,” indeed. This set-to was also a fine opportunity for Randall to show his pugilistic perfection. He was here opposed to first-rate talents, and he proved himself a Nonpareil indeed. In addition to the superior skill of Cooper, Randall had also weight and length against him. Randall, though not so showy and elegant as his opponent, proved equally effective; he stopped with much adroitness, hit with his antagonist, and put in a little one now and then with a nicety of eye that showed he suffered not the slightest opening to escape him. In the last round, Randall exhibited the severity of his peculiar style of in-fighting, with which the combat closed. Thunders of applause compensated the combatants for their exertions. Such an exhibition of the art of self-defence is not often witnessed; for it is only in placing men of similar talent against each other that interesting exhibitions can be made.
In July, 1819, Cooper, in his cards of address, informed the public that in consequence of his not being able to get a customer, to fill up his time he was giving practical illustrations on the art of self-defence, at his rooms, in Cateaton Street, for a short time, previous to his return to Edinburgh.
A match was now proposed, for £100 a-side, between Shelton and Cooper, but owing to some trifling obstacles it went off for that year, when Cooper, in company with Donnelly, set out on a sparring tour to Manchester, Liverpool, Ireland, Edinburgh, etc.
Early in the spring of 1820, George returned to London, and lost no time in communicating his intentions to the amateurs of once more entering the prize ring. Therefore, on Tuesday, March 7, Cooper appeared at the Fives Court, at Shelton’s benefit, when he mounted the stage and thus addressed the audience:—“Gentlemen, I have come from Edinburgh to London, not for the sake of sparring, for I mean fighting, and nothing else (bravo!) I will fight Shelton for from £100 to £200, and give him his own time; and I will also fight any man of my own weight in the kingdom for £50 a-side in three weeks.” Shelton immediately accepted the challenge.
This public declaration of Cooper’s put him “all right” with the amateurs: and betting commenced briskly upon the event. The match for £100 a-side was made on the Friday evening following, at Shelton’s house, the Bull’s Head in Cow Lane, Smithfield, to come off on Tuesday, June 27, 1820, in a twenty-four feet ring; a deposit of £20 a-side being put down.
In consequence of Cooper’s also giving a challenge to any man of his weight in the kingdom, to fight for £50 a-side in three weeks, a match was proposed to Hickman (the Gas Light Man) to enter the lists with Cooper. Both the combatants meeting at the Royal Tennis Court, at Cy. Davis’s benefit, on Tuesday, March 14, Hickman said he had no objection to it, provided Cooper did not weigh more than he did. Upon reference to the scales, it appeared that the Gas Light Man was the heavier by a quarter of a pound. Mr. Jackson guaranteed a purse, the contest was decided upon, and both men went into training.
On Tuesday, the 28th of March, 1820, Hickman and Cooper fought at Farnham Royal, near Dawney Common, contiguous to Stowe House, Buckinghamshire, twenty-four miles from London, immediately after Martin and Cabbage had left the ring. The current betting was two to one upon Cooper on setting-to; but, to the astonishment of the good judges, Hickman proved the conqueror in the short space of fifteen minutes. This surprising contest will be found detailed in the memoir of HICKMAN, in Period V.
Notwithstanding this unexpected defeat Cooper satisfied the amateurs that his game was as good as his science; and, as a proof that he had not lost the patronage of the sporting world, his benefit at the Fives Court, only two days after the battle, was well attended. Cooper took the money at the door, his head tied up with a handkerchief, and exhibiting marks of tremendous punishment.
It was whispered about, that in consequence of this defeat the match would be off between Cooper and Shelton, and the £20 down forfeited; but as another proof that George had not lost the confidence of his backers, his money, £100, was made good with the greatest alacrity. Shelton, however, was the favourite, at six and five to four, and unusual interest was excited throughout the sporting world.
On Tuesday, June 27, 1820, an intensely hot day, the ring-goers, great and small, again had a sporting day. The attraction to that delightful spot, Moulsey Hurst, to witness two such pugilistic stars as George Cooper and Tom Shelton was indeed great. The weather, it is well known, can never deter the thorough-bred admirers of pugilism and life; who among the fancy in those palmy days of the ring, could miss such a treat? or who could deny himself the sight of the bustling scene of life so graphically described in the lines appended?
“To see the Hurst with tents encamp’d on, Look around Lawrence’s at Hampton, Join the flash crowd (the horse being led Into the yard, and clean’d and fed); Talk to Dav. Hudson and Cy. Davis, (The last a fighting rara avis), And, half in secret, scheme and plan A trial for Gas Light Man.
“’Tis life to cross the laden ferry, With boon companions, wild and merry, And see the ring upon the Hurst, With carts encircled—hear the burst, At distance, of the eager crowd— Oh, it is life to see a proud And dauntless man step, full of hopes, Up to the P. R. stakes and ropes, Throw in his hat, and, with a spring, Get gallantly within the ring; Eye the wide crowd, and walk awhile, Taking all cheerings with a smile: To see him strip—his well train’d form, White, glowing, muscular, and warm, All beautiful, in conscious power Relaxed and quiet, till the hour; His glossy and transparent frame, In radiant plight to strive for fame. To look upon the clean shaped limb In silk and flannel clothed trim;— While round the waist the ’kerchief tied Makes the flesh glow in richer pride. ’Tis more than life—to watch him hold His hand forth, tremulous yet bold, Over his second’s, and so clasp His rival’s in a quiet grasp; To watch the noble attitude He takes—the crowd in breathless mood; And then to see, with adamant start The muscles set—and the great heart Hurl a courageous splendid light Into the eye—and then—the Fight!”[151]
Cooper, since his defeat by the Gas Light Man, had rather lost ground in the estimation of the amateurs; and Shelton was decidedly the favourite, at six and five to four. But the odds were reduced on the night previous to the battle, and the takers had the majority. The Hurst displayed a fine show of the Corinthians. At five minutes after one, Cooper, dressed in a smock frock, entered the ring, and threw up his hat, followed by his seconds Belcher and Harmer. Shortly afterwards Shelton also threw up his hat, he was attended by Randall and Spring. The betting was guineas to pounds.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On stripping, Shelton appeared in the highest condition; so careful and attentive had he been to the rules of training, that it was asserted a glass of spirits had not passed his lips for the previous four months. Cooper looked pale, and his backers wished that he had had the advantage of one more week’s training; still it was observed that George was never in better fighting trim. On setting-to both combatants appeared equally confident. After eyeing each other for about a half minute, and dodging to obtain a good opportunity to plant the first hit; Shelton tried to put in one, two, but without effect. He then followed Cooper close into the corner of the ring (in the style of the Gas Light Man, but without his execution), and after some exchanges, in appearance rather to the advantage of Shelton, both went down in a close, Cooper undermost. (Loud shouting, and “Go along Shelton; that’s the way, my boy!”)
2.—Cooper, with the utmost dexterity, put in a tremendous hit with his right hand on the ribs of his opponent, and broke away without getting any return. This blow was so terrific as to make Shelton bend like a bow. Cooper repeated the dose, and got away. Shelton now pursued Cooper, and made a hit; but in return received a flooring blow under his left eye, that not only produced the claret, but he turned and fell on one knee. (Cooper’s partizans were roaring with delight, “You’re sure to win it, George.”)
3.—The fine science of Cooper now burst forth, and another ribber was the result, the agony of which was seen in Shelton’s face. The latter, however, administered some severe punishment when in-fighting till both went down.
4.—Caution on both sides marked the commencement of this round. The hits were tremendous; but Shelton at in-fighting had the best of it; he also gave Cooper so severe a nobber, that he in turn went round and fell. (“Bravo, Shelton; it’s all right.”)
5.—Shelton could not protect his ribs, and another dreadful hit upon them was the consequence; he was again screwed up, as it were, and Cooper got away. Shelton, however, in most courageous style, returned to the attack, and planted a tremendous blow on Cooper’s face. Cooper staggered and went down. (Five to three on Shelton, and tumultuous applause.)
6.—The fighting on both sides was excellent, till the men got to the ropes in a close, when fibbing was resorted to by both in turn. Shelton kept punishing his opponent’s nob; while Cooper was giving pepper to the body and ribs of Shelton. Cooper, by a desperate effort, jumped up and hit Shelton in the face. Both went down, their nobs exhibiting severe punishment.
7.—The superior fighting of Cooper in this round claimed the admiration, and obtained cheers from all parts of the ring. He not only ribbed his opponent heavily, and broke ground, but stopped Shelton (excellent fighter as the latter showed himself) in a style that astonished the oldest amateur. In closing, both down.
8.—To say that Shelton did not show game of the first quality, or that the bottom displayed by Cooper was not equal to anything ever exhibited in the prize ring, would not be doing these brave fellows common justice. The latter again hit, stopped, and got away cleverly; still Shelton stuck close to his opponent, and made many good stops. At the ropes more fibbing was attempted, when Cooper held Shelton’s hands, till both went down. (Well done, both sides.)
9.—This round was truly singular. The counter hits were so dreadful and effective, that both of the combatants were beaten to a stand-still. They hit each other away for about two yards, and were so distressed that they kept their situations, looking at each other, without being able to move forward, or to make a blow. They at length recovered a little, being too manly to go down, and scrambled towards each other to the ropes, when both went down. (Great applause, and “They’re out-and-outers,” was the general cry.)
10.—This was also a fine manly round. Hit for hit was exchanged till both were quite exhausted, when Cooper went down. Shelton fell upon the latter, with his knees on his chest.
11.—Shelton, as if determined to spoil the fine science of his opponent, set-to so sharply that he completely out-fought himself, and fell exhausted. (“He’s going, George; you’ve got him.” Fifteen minutes had now elapsed.)
12.—Cooper put in a tremendous facer, and got away. Shelton, anxious to lose no opportunity, followed his man, and exchanged some hard blows. Cooper slipped down, but in losing his balance, he gave Shelton a severe nobber. (The odds had now completely shifted, and Cooper was so decidedly the favourite, that two and three to one were offered with confidence.)
13.—It must be confessed that Shelton was a fine fighter; a good hitter with both his hands, and parried in a masterly style; and in this round he showed great knowledge of the pugilistic art. Cooper received a dreadful stomacher, that almost vociferated “Bellows to mend.” The latter, however, sparred till he recovered himself. Shelton cleverly stopped a mischievous nobber, and a terrific rally ensued at the ropes; Shelton was so much exhausted, that he almost laid himself down. (Great applause, and “Cooper must win it.”)
14.—This round was short, but decisive. Shelton went down like a shot from a blow on the head. The best judge in the fancy, and whose opinion is nearly law, concurred in the general sentiment, that “it was all over.” (Three to one a begging, and no customers to be met with.)
15.—Shelton, in the most tottering, pitiable state, reached the scratch. “His face bespoke a heart full sore.” The heat was at this time 90 degrees in the shade, and Sol’s burning rays seemed positively to pour down liquid heat. Many of the spectators were compelled to quit the ring, to avoid fainting. Let the reader, then, picture to his imagination what must have been the distressed state of the combatants. Cooper was too languid to follow up his success, and the energies of Shelton were spent. A sort of pushing took place, when Cooper slipped down.
16.—Cooper came up to the scratch improved in strength, and had the best of the hitting; in going down, he fell with his whole weight upon his opponent. (The partizans of Cooper opened their mouths, and loudly offered four, and some six, to one, with nearly as much confidence as if the battle had been won.)
17.—Shelton, all but gone, went down quite exhausted.
18.—Cooper’s nob exhibited severe punishment, and Shelton, upon commencing this round, appeared a little better. Two heavy counter hits on the head followed, and it was altogether a sharp round. Cooper was completely turned by a hit. In struggling, both down.
19.—After some sharp exchanges at the ropes, on which Shelton was hanging, Cooper might have finished the battle, but he held up his hands and walked away, and Shelton went down. (“Bravo! that’s noble. Who would not respect true courage, and admire the English character?” were the general observations of the ring.)
20.—Shelton recovering; both down in the corner of the ring, and Cooper undermost.
21.—This was a truly desperate round. The men again hit each other away—stood still for a few seconds, but could not proceed; both were too game to go down. Severe fibbing at the ropes finished the round, till both fell. Cooper had the worst of it.
22.—The nob of Cooper was clareted in profusion. He came to the scratch feeble; and, after two or three blows, nearly laid himself down. (“Here’s a change!” was the cry, and Shelton again the favourite.)
23.—Cooper was soon down. Shelton, from the lead he had taken in the last three rounds, seemed quite an altered man. He took the bottle out of his second’s hand, and drank some water, and, in a scrutinizing manner, turned round to look at the distressed situation of Cooper; he seemed, from the smiling state of his countenance, to think that “it was all right.”
24.—Sharp work; but Cooper down.
25.—The latter made some good hits, but was sent down.
26.—Cooper getting extremely weak, but his science never deserted him, and he made some hits tell before he got down upon the turf. (Four to one on Shelton.)
27.—This round was completely Shelton’s own. Cooper received all the hits, one of which, in the mug, was enough to finish any man in such a languid state; he went down exhausted in the extreme. In consequence of Shelton’s commencing this round rather quickly, in the Gas style, Belcher called out to the umpires to observe that both of the men set-to from the scratch. The umpires immediately attended to the request, and cautioned Shelton. (Shelton for almost any odds, but five and six to one might be had in any part of the ring.)
28.—This round showed the advantages of science in perfection. Cooper was so far gone that he seemed not to have a hit in him. Shelton, like a good fighter, perceiving that the coup de grace was necessary, and no danger to be apprehended, from giving it, went boldly in to pepper his opponent, and put an end to his troubles; when, strange to say, the guard of Cooper was so fine, that he parried off all the force of his opponent’s blows, till he fell from mere exhaustion. (“Bravo! Cooper; you’re an excellent man.”)
29.—Shelton made some good hits, but Cooper stopped “beautifully,” till he again felt the turf. (Seven to one.)
30.—It was expected another round would finish it, from the exhausted state of Cooper. The latter fought like a hero, but received a facer, staggered, and fell. (“It’s all up—he can’t come again.” Ten to one.)
31.—The intense heat of the sun still continuing, so added to the languor of Cooper, that it seemed almost impossible he could appear at the scratch. George, nevertheless, made some hits, and stopped with great skill; yet he got the worst of it, and was sent out of the ropes. (Any odds on Shelton, and “Take him away, he can’t win it!”)
32.—How fallible is often the judgment of the multitude! Cooper, to the astonishment of every one present, lifted up the ropes with his hand, and came into the ring with but little assistance; while on the knee of his second the “water of life” was administered to him, and produced the desired effect. This was a good round, and Cooper still showed fight and science. Shelton, however, made a right-handed hit on Cooper’s face, and immediately afterwards repeated it with the back of the same hand. Cooper went down very weak. Ten pounds to half-a-crown was offered. While Cooper was lying on the ground, and he was ordered to remain in that state by Belcher, Oliver came to the latter, and begged of him to take Cooper away, as he had no chance whatever to win. “Blow my Dickey,” replies Tom; “very pretty advice, indeed! What! take a winning man away? Oh, no! we’ll leave it all to the cook!”
33.—Cooper showed fight, till both went down. (£100 to £5, and £100 to £3, were offered upon Shelton, so strongly did it appear to some old betting men that Shelton must win it.)
34 and last.—The conclusion of this round operated upon the spectators like a well executed conjuring trick. On setting-to, some little pushing took place, when Cooper appeared as if in the act of going down. Catching the upper rope with his right, he gathered himself well up, and making a firm stand, let fly with his left hand so dreadfully upon Shelton’s mouth, that he instantly fell (slightly touching the stake with his head) upon his side, like a lump of lead. The fight was all out of him. His seconds, Spring and Randall, with the greatest alacrity, dragged him up, as it were, for he had no movement in him. This was a most interesting moment. Cooper sat on Harmer’s knee, and as Belcher was wiping him with the handkerchief, half turned round, watching the appearance of Shelton, and with a part of his eye directed towards the umpires and referee, who had all their stop-watches in their hands, waiting for the decisive moment to arrive. The anxiety of Belcher’s face was a perfect study, and his fingers had almost involuntarily reached his topper, when “Time” was called; but the game, the gallant, and unfortunate Shelton heard not the sound, and victory was proclaimed for Cooper. It was indeed a proud moment for him. He lifted up his hands and waved one over his head, and left the ring, amidst the cheers of the spectators. The battle was over in thirty-four minutes.
REMARKS.—Cooper proved himself not only one of the finest fighters on the list, but as game a man as is to be found throughout the annals of pugilism. The intense heat of the sun was enough to annihilate the strength of a giant. Shelton also proved himself a first-rate pugilist, with courage of the highest quality. It was remarked that Shelton’s two last fights were in the extremes—upon the coldest and hottest days in the season. Further comment is unnecessary, as it was admitted by all persons present to have been one of the greatest pugilistic treats witnessed for the previous twenty years. The amateurs were delighted beyond measure, and before Cooper left the ring, a gentleman offered to back him against the Gas Light Man for 100 guineas.
Cooper was severely punished; he, however, did not remain longer in London than was actually necessary to reinstate him in his health, when he returned to Edinburgh to take possession of the Britannia Tavern, in Leith Street.
Cooper’s triumph over Shelton so far restored him in the esteem of his friends, that a second match with the tremendous Gas was loudly talked of in the sporting circles; and in the month of October, 1820, at a sporting dinner at the Castle, Tom Belcher posted a £5 note for a second battle, against the like amount of Hickman’s, to fight for £100 a-side. Cooper at this time was in Edinburgh; but the money was forfeited on Cooper returning the following answer, per post:—“Owing to the distance of 400 miles, which must of necessity be traversed at an inclement season of the year” (less then a week would not then suffice, be it remembered), “his friends in the North had advised him to decline the offer at present; nevertheless, he wished it to be understood that he would increase the sum to £200 a-side, and meet Hickman in April, 1821. If, however, his English backers desired him absolutely to come without delay, he would comply with their wishes, and travel southward immediately.”
An amateur who was present at the reading of this letter observed, with very bad taste, “that Cooper did not dare to fight Hickman;” and Hickman, following suit, said, “that he would sooner have given 20 guineas himself, than such a disappointment should have occurred in the sporting world.” Hickman made sure, according to his own expressions, that he could “beat Cooper in a canter.”
In consequence of the backers of Cooper having forfeited to Hickman upon the second match, as above stated, the interest in the sporting world was much increased when the third match was made for 100 guineas a-side, in December, 1820, and the battle announced to take place on the ensuing 11th of April.
Cooper arrived in London, from Edinburgh (riding the whole of the 400 miles on horseback), on the 1st of March. From the circumstance of a man like Cooper, who had been defeated in the short space of fourteen minutes and a half, leaving a good business at the Britannia Tavern, Leith Street, Edinburgh, again to meet his opponent, subject to the general opinion of the fancy against him, he was justly pronounced to be one of the gamest men alive. The odds were six and seven to four against him. It was, however, thought by several of his friends, that his “fine fighting” would enable him to win it; and Cooper was confident in the extreme. During his training, at Riddlesdown, where he was taken great care of, he had a severe attack of illness, dyspepsia supervening, and boils breaking out upon his legs; a sufficient warning, we should think, that he was unfit for the hardy exercise imposed by training. The battle lasted but two rounds, and in three minutes our hero bit the dust a second time, from literally a chance shot under the ear! (See the details in the Life of HICKMAN, post.) The following remarks from a contemporary magazine, will show that there was more misfortune than disgrace in this second defeat:—
“It has created considerable surprise among the fancy, that no mark was left from a blow which effected such terrible execution; but that surprise must immediately cease, when it is explained anatomically. Had the blow come in contact with the angle of the jaw, a bruise might have been perceived; but even a slight hit on the jugular vein is capable of shaking the brain, suspending the circulation of the blood to and from the heart, and creating a sort of apoplexy. In like manner a heavy hit on the fleshy part of the neck may not leave a mark. Had Cooper been in proper condition, in all probability it would not have taken so severe an effect. During his training, ten boils came out on one of his legs, which so crippled him for a week, that he was compelled to rest it on a chair; and when that leg got well, boils broke out on the other; in consequence of which an old trainer (old Joe Ward), advised Cooper to take ‘three sweats’—the doctor also physicked him on the evening previous to the battle. If his leg had not been lanced he could not have walked to the ring; and on the morning of the battle his leg was also dressed half an hour before the fight.” Cooper was anxious for another trial, and several gentlemen promised to back him. “If he did not fight Hickman,” he said, “he would not fight any other person,” as he did not feel himself satisfied, as Pat observed, until he got “the value of a good bating.”
After the unexpected termination of this second encounter, Cooper seated himself beside the ring to witness the following battle between Collier and Evans. He was evidently more hurt in mind than body.
Cooper now lay by for nearly four years; he repaired to London in the spring of 1825, where, after a sparring bout, at the Fives Court, with Bill Eales, at Scroggins’s benefit, on Tuesday, April 26th, he was challenged by White-headed Bob (Ned Baldwin), and £50 was deposited, to be made £200 a-side, and to fight the first week in July. The constitutional warnings above noticed should have deterred Cooper from this contest with a game, fresh young man, but his spirit said no, and on the 5th of July, 1825, the scientific George Cooper closed his career in defeat. In this battle nature deserted him, and he broke the small bone of his right leg, in the 18th round, by a mere twist of the foot, consequent on the length of the spikes in his shoes; nevertheless, he came up three more rounds ere he surrendered.
This was Cooper’s last appearance; he deserved and retained the respect of those who knew him best, until his death, which took place at Laughton Gate, near Liverpool, February 14, 1834, in the 43rd year of his age.
V. TOM SHELTON, “THE NAVIGATOR”—1812‒1825
This stalwart “navigator,”[152] at one period bid fair for a higher position on the pugilistic roll than his latter contests assigned to him. He was born at Wrotham, in Kent, on the 1st of May, 1787, where, when Tom was in the fourth year of his age, the memorable battle of Tom Johnson and Big Ben (Brain), took place for the championship. Tom used to say that in his boyhood this great fight, with its incidents, and the appearance of the champions, was the frequent theme of rustic talk, and deeply interested his youthful mind; the spot, often pointed out, being a short half mile from the cottage in which Shelton first saw the light.
At the age of three and twenty Tom found himself in London, and aspired to boxing fame. In height five feet ten inches, in weight twelve stone seven pounds, and inured to hard labour by his calling, Tom was “big enough and heavy enough” for anything. In August, 1812, having made the acquaintance of Caleb Baldwin, he was matched with Fitzgerald, an Irishman, of sixteen stone, and six feet and an inch. It was a sharp contest for the space of fifty-four minutes, when Shelton was declared the conqueror. The spectators who witnessed the efforts of the Navigator upon this occasion were astonished at the boxing requisites he displayed.
Two years, however, elapsed, during which Tom followed his calling, occasionally looking in at the Fives Court, where on the 31st May, 1814, at Cribb’s benefit, he put on the gloves as a “novice,” with Harry Harmer. In this affair Shelton showed so much courage and strength that many fancied him a match for that skilful professor. He was accordingly backed, after a long palaver of a twelvemonth, for 100 guineas, and on the 18th April, 1815, on Hounslow Heath, was cleverly defeated, after a most heroic battle of thirty-five minutes, fighting from beginning to end. (See Life of HARMER, Appendix to Period IV).
A Suffolk farmer, of the 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. The mill took place on Tuesday, the 27th of June, 1815, at Moulsey Hurst. Harmer and Oliver seconded Shelton; Studd was waited upon by Richmond and Painter. Shelton was the favourite, two to one.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—The superiority of science was soon discovered to be on the side of Shelton. The farmer endeavoured to thrash his opponent straight forward, and succeeded in planting two hits, but was awkwardness itself. A rally took place, in which Studd got the worst of it, and went down from a severe blow upon one of his peepers. (The odds all upon Shelton.)
2.—The farmer had no pretensions to scientific boxing, and bored in without the slightest judgment. Shelton nobbed him with the utmost ease, and at length hit him down. (Four to one on Shelton.)
3.—The farmer could not tell what to make of it. The claret was trickling down his mug, from the repeated facers he had experienced, and he was floored from a right-handed blow.
4.—Studd was quite abroad, and was sent down with the utmost ease. (Twenty to one upon Shelton.)
5.—Shelton’s work was all done, and victory was now certain. Studd, without discretion, rushed head foremost in; but the left hand of Shelton paid him dearly for his temerity, and he was again sent down.
6.—Studd, rather desperate, fought his way into a rally, and made one or two hits at random; but Shelton, with the utmost ease, milled him down. (All betters, but no takers.)
7.—Shelton hit his opponent all over the ring, and sent him down as heretofore.
8.—On coming to the scratch, it was evident the countryman could not last long. He appeared to be much better acquainted with thrashing corn than entering the prize ring. This Johnny Raw, it would seem, had flattered himself that the possession of strength was the main qualification for making a win, but he paid dearly for his erroneous notions. The science of Shelton rendered him so much at ease, that he treated the attempts of Studd with the utmost contempt—he hit him all round the ropes, and then finished the round by planting a floorer.
9 and last.—The farmer was completely satisfied that he had no chance whatever, and resigned the contest. Shelton retired from the ring without a mark upon his face, or a blow of any consequence. Studd was much punished, and his optics in a damaged state. This combat did not exceed thirteen minutes and a half.
Owing to some private pique, a match was made between Shelton and Richmond, which was decided at Moulsey Hurst, on Tuesday, the 1st of August, 1815, in which Shelton was defeated. Shelton, it seems, had received some instructions from Richmond. See page 298, ante.
Soon after this encounter, Shelton was visited by a severe illness, and so reduced in weight and strength that it was supposed he would never again enter the ring. He became a publican, by the aid of his friends, at the Bull’s Head, Cow Lane (since West Street), Smithfield, but his gambling propensities caused his failure in this line. In March, 1819, however, the following battle, which took place on the spur of the moment, tended to raise Shelton’s fame highly in the esteem of the amateurs. Shelton (who had been seconding Hickman) was induced to fight a nephew of Ben Burn, the pugilist, a giant by comparison, weighing nearly, if not quite, sixteen stone, for a subscription purse of twenty guineas. Shelton was much out of condition, but on the match being proposed to him, he instantly accepted it; he however advised his friends to be careful about backing him. Spring and Richmond seconded Burn, and Oliver and Harmer picked up Shelton.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On stripping, the Yorkshireman proved indeed a giant; the comparison between Shelton and his opponent was nearly similar to the memorable contest between Perrins and Johnson.[153] Although the face of Burn had no terrific aspect, his bulk was truly formidable. The spectators expressed their fears for the result, and the general opinion was that Shelton had shown more pluck than judgment, and that he must soon be disposed of. Upon setting-to, this opinion was, in a great degree, strengthened. Burn bored in upon Shelton with confidence, and the former seemed quite overwhelmed by this mode of attack, and had no room to make a hit. The length of arm possessed by Burn gave him every advantage; he aimed a dreadful chopper at Shelton’s nob, which told but slightly. The latter, in a most singular manner, in getting away turned round twice. He, however, planted a facer, but slipped down. (“It’s all up,” was the cry; and seven to four was offered upon the “big one,” without hesitation.)
2.—Shelton’s left cheek was slightly tinged. The Giant went to work, and his long arms did severe execution. Shelton put in two belliers with great science, and got away. Burn was awkward, but his length enabled him to plant a facer that seemed to stagger Shelton. At length hit for hit took place, and both went staggering away from the force of each other’s blows. In closing, the struggle to obtain the throw was desperate; but Shelton got the “big one” undermost. The roar of applause was like the report of artillery; but still it was thought he could not stand up against such weight, and must ultimately be defeated.
3.—This was a terrific round; it was downright slaughtering. Shelton put in two bodiers, that seemed to puff the Giant’s wind out of his mouth. Hit for hit again occurred, without intermission; and Shelton received such a teazer on his left eye, that his nob was like a spinning top. Burn was almost beat to a stand-still, and Shelton in no better plight. The friends of Shelton, however, now ventured upon even betting, and took him for choice.
4.—Shelton took the lead in good fighting. He hit on the body again, and gave Burn such a rum one on the mouth as nearly deprived the latter of all his masticators. The Giant, however, gave Shelton a chopper on the top of his sconce, that made chaos of his upper works. Still Shelton, undismayed, fought like a hero, and ultimately threw his opponent. By way of encouragement to the Navigator, it was loudly vociferated, “Shelton for £100.” If staking had proved necessary, it might have turned out a mere flourish.
5.—The mugs of both the combatants bespoke their handywork. This was a ding-ong round, and the men fought till they both fell.
6.—The strength of Shelton did not keep pace with his good milling; he was much distressed, and got to the ropes, Brobdignag following him with his long chopper; the punishment was terrific. One of the Giant’s peepers was almost in darkness; he was also piping like a worn-out pair of bellows; but he kept fighting till they both went down.
7.—This round exceeded all that had gone before it in severity. The reciprocal facers were terrific, both of the combatants frequently going back from the effect of the blows. Shelton put in most hits, but was at length sent down.
8.—Shelton commenced with good science, and nearly floored his opponent’s teeth. Brobdignag, however, was not idle in returning nobbers; Shelton, with much dexterity, after making a heavy hit, instantly gave a back-hander, that spoiled the shape of his opponent’s nose. The applause was loud; but Shelton was sent down: the work he had to perform before victory was certain appeared too heavy for him to execute.
9.—Sparring and feints were out of the question; it was nothing but execution upon both sides. This round was equal to the seventh. Both the men stood up and hit till their strength was gone, when they closed and went down. Shelton appeared distressed, but Brobdignag was also very queer.
10.—Shelton, however, left his second’s knee first, and appeared at the scratch. He put in two facers without return, and also a bodier near the mark; but the Giant, furious at such treatment, ran in and got Shelton down. It was thought he hit the latter unfairly, but it was purely accidental. “Foul!” “Fair!” etc., were loudly bawled on all sides; but the umpires did not notice it. Oliver, with much confidence, now offered £10 to £2 upon Shelton.
11.—It was by no means safe to Shelton, although he came gaily up to fight. Some sharp work occurred, and Shelton was hit down.
12 and last.—Little Gulliver seemed the giant in this round, for Brobdignag was hit to a stand-still. He was quite sick. He, however, milled as long as he was able, and Shelton received some heavy blows. In closing, both went down; but when time was called, the Giant could not answer the sound of the trumpet, and victory was declared for Shelton. It occupied about sixteen minutes. Shelton gave a dreadful back-handed facer in this round.
REMARKS.—Shelton never took so much, nor fought better, if so well, throughout his pugilistic career. To say the least of it, if calculation or comparison can be admitted, it was a sort of “nothing venture, nothing win.” It proved successful, and, with the many-headed, that is the only touchstone of all exploits. Shelton not only gained the purse by the event, but raised himself highly in public opinion. He won by nothing else but his good fighting. Burn knew little about scientific boxing, but acted like a determined man. Both men were heavily punished. It ought not to be forgotten that Shelton had been acting as second to the Gas man, drinking porter, etc., and was called into action without any training, and under every disadvantage. A subscription was made upon the ground for Burn.
“Uncle Ben,” was much disgusted at this defeat of “cousin Bob,” and found a dozen excellent reasons why he ought not to have lost the fight, so that Bob was indulged with another “shy,” the money staked, and the day fixed for Tuesday, June 1st, 1819. Moulsey Hurst was once more the campus martius, and early on the Tuesday morning aforesaid “the lads wot love to see a fight” were in motion. Scarcely, however, had the cavalcade reached Hampton when it was clear from the whisperings of groups, and the ghastly smile on the face of more than one publican, that a screw was loose. The only anxiety now was where the mill was likely to take place. The circumstance of the removal was in consequence of the person who rented the ferry refusing the London watermen permission to exercise their occupation in ferrying the passengers over at the last fight, and also in having several of them fined for so doing; they, in turn, vowed revenge, went to the magistrates, and laid an information respecting the fight between Burn and Shelton. This conduct spoiled Moulsey, and Hounslow Heath was immediately substituted. Considerable betting occurred at all the sporting houses the preceding evening, and the Giant was decidedly the favourite, 6 and 7 to 4. The ring being formed at a little after one o’clock, Shelton appeared, followed by Cribb and Randall, and threw up his hat; and Burn, with his relative Ben Burn, and Donnelly, entered the ring. Burn threw his topper into the roped square to answer the challenge, but the wind blew it out to some distance. This trifling event was considered an unfavourable omen to “Hercules.” The odds now changed, and Shelton was the favourite, or rather it was even betting.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On stripping, Burn appeared in fine condition. Some sparring took place, and Shelton was rather cautious. The Giant at length let fly with his right on Shelton’s body, but it was slight. The latter returned a bodier with his left sharply, and immediately planted a tremendous facer that was heard over the ring, repeated it still harder, and the Giant went down like a log. (Great shouting.)
2.—The big one appeared a little confused, and he received another nobber. He now became furious, and made some hits; but Shelton repeated the dose severely, and Burn fell upon his face. (Greater shouting than before, and five to one on Shelton was offered.)
3.—The Giant made a desperate hit on the body, and otherwise stuck to Shelton; but the nobbing system was again adopted by the latter with success. In closing, both down, Shelton uppermost.
4.—This was a tremendous round, and the hitting upon both sides was terrific. Shelton undermost.
5.—The superior two-handed fighting of Shelton astonished the ring. He put in five facers so sharply, that Burn ran in after his adversary, and, in falling, hung by the ropes till down.
6.—Sharp exchanges, till Shelton hit down Burn. It was nothing but downright milling.
7.—Shelton hit the big one staggering away; he would not be denied, but returned furiously to the attack, and sent Shelton down. (“Well done, Burn; Shelton will soon be on the go.”)
8.—Shelton broke away in fine style, but in closing, the Giant fell upon him heavily.
9.—Shelton seemed at work at an anvil, and closed the left eye of his opponent. He was, however, undermost.
10.—Burn was hit almost to a stand-still; but he recovered, and hit Shelton down. It appeared almost impossible for Shelton to take the fight out of his opponent.
11.—Shelton had worked so hard that he seemed rather weak, and went down from a slight hit.
12.—The fine science of Shelton made the Giant quite foam again. He nobbed him and broke away with the utmost dexterity, while Gog kept passionately following Shelton, receiving at every step: the latter ultimately went down.
13.—This round rather alarmed the friends of Shelton; for, although the latter kept pegging away, he could not keep the Giant out. He seemed to defy punishment, and resolutely ran in; indeed, in closing, he not only fibbed Shelton severely, but, in struggling for the throw, positively lifted him half a foot from the ground, when, quite exhausted, both fell. (“Bravo! bravo!” from all parts of the ring; and “This is something like fighting.”)
14.—Gog plunged in to work, and Shelton was impelled forward and hung on the ropes; he, however, extricated himself, and the big one was undermost.
15 to 17.—The fighting was desperate in all these rounds; but Shelton, although getting weaker from his great exertions, kept the lead.
18.—The Giant ran in at Shelton, when the latter stopped him with such a nobber that he went down on his face.
19.—Burn was drunk from the nobbing he received, still he returned manfully to the charge, till both went down.
20.—Shelton’s face exhibited heavy punishment, but Burn’s head was terrific—it had been in chancery for the last ten minutes. The former ran himself down.
21.—The Giant went down from a hit like a shot. This blow was given in the body; the big one’s ogles rolled again, and his tongue lolled out of his mouth.
22.—It was astonishing to see the Giant recover and come to the scratch. Shelton had the worst of this round, and received some dreadful punishment. The odds wavering a little as Shelton went down.
23.—Shelton again down. (Even betting; some fears expressed for Shelton’s weakness.)
24 to 26.—Not safe to Shelton in all these rounds.
27.—A singular round. Both turned round and went down. (Two to one on Shelton.) In this round the latter was again lifted off his legs like a doll.
28.—This round was so well fought by Shelton, that Cribb roared out, “One hundred guineas to a farthing—it’s all right.”
29 and 30.—In favour of Shelton, but both distressed.
31.—Burn so hit that he dragged Shelton after him as he was falling.
32.—This was a well fought round; and notwithstanding the Giant was nobbed right away from his opponent, he recovered, and ran after Shelton, swinging his arms quite abroad, as it were, and accidentally hit his man down.
33.—Shelton got up angry, and was losing his temper, but his seconds warned him of his danger. He at length grew cool, became himself, fought scientifically, and by a tremendous facer floored his big opponent. (Great shouting; and “He’ll not fight another round.”)
34.—Notwithstanding the punishment the Giant had received, his peepers nearly darkened, his wind did not appear to be bad; and as for his game, he proved himself a glutton of the first mould. This was a sharp round and Shelton, to the astonishment of the ring, was hit down, although the Giant appeared quite done up the round before.
35.—The good fighting of Shelton now made it quite safe. He put in one, two, three so sharply on the mug of Burn, that he went down on his face in a state of stupor.
36.—The strength of Burn’s seconds could scarcely drag him up to place him on their knees. It was now Eclipse to a lame donkey; Gog was floored in a twinkling.
37 and last.—Burn was hit down like a shot, and could not come again. It occupied thirty-two minutes and ten seconds. Burn was so dreadfully beaten that it was some minutes before he was made sensible, and carried out of the ring.
REMARKS.—Shelton proved himself this day a superior fighter. He hit with both hands with a facility that astonished all the amateurs; and it was thought that not one on the list, of his weight, could cope with him. He evinced great game, and was in fine condition. Burn, too, behaved manfully in the extreme; more real courage was never witnessed.
Shelton was now matched against Benniworth, the Essex Champion, for fifty guineas a-side, at Southend, on Friday, June 25, 1819, to fight on that day six weeks. A deposit of £20 a-side was also put down. In consequence of an accident, which Shelton met with at a dinner given to Bob Gregson, at the Maid and Magpie, St. Catherine’s, on Tuesday, June 29, it was thought he must not only have forfeited to Benniworth, but that he never would have been able to enter the Prize Ring again. The artery of his right arm was cut across with a rummer. Two surgeons immediately dressed the wound, and he recovered in a very short time; but the friends of Benniworth preferred forfeiting the deposit of £20, to risking the event of a contest.
A match of much interest was now made between Shelton and Tom Oliver (see OLIVER, Period V.), and Thursday, December 23, 1819, named for the battle, Copthorne, twenty-eight miles from London, being the rendezvous. The day proved a deluge, and when the half-drowned wayfarers had reached Blindlow Heath, twenty-three miles from town, they found that the ring had been made there. The backers of Shelton protested against the fight taking place on this spot, to Gibbons, the ring-maker, as being not only contrary to the order given, but that it was swampy, and surrounded with puddles of water; that they should proceed to Copthorne, where Shelton had been moved the day preceding, and they left a communication for the commander-in-chief to that effect.
On the arrival of the latter gentleman at Blindlow Heath, he sent an express to Copthorne (which, however, did not arrive till twenty minutes before two o’clock), for Shelton to return and meet Oliver at the former place. Shelton declared he was ready to fight anywhere; but his backers firmly insisted that Copthorne was the place named, and only at Copthorne should he fight. Upon the return of the messenger to Blindlow, Oliver threw up his hat in the ring for Shelton to come forward; a ring was also formed at Copthorne, where Shelton waited till three o’clock for the arrival of Oliver, but without effect. Thus, singularly enough, there were two rings, but no fight. Kendrick and Sutton, a pair of “niggers,” however, sported their sable skins, and Sutton was the victor.
To return to Oliver and Shelton. The men and their friends met at Riddlesdown, and it was formally agreed to meet at Sawbridgeworth, which they did on the 13th January, 1820, when, after a desperate battle, full of fluctuations, Shelton was defeated in fifty-one minutes (See OLIVER, post).
The particulars of Tom’s match with George Cooper, and his defeat at Moulsey, June 27, 1820, will be found in the memoir of GEORGE COOPER, ante, p. 314.
On Tuesday, August 18, 1820, at a place called Kit’s Cotty House, about three miles and a half from Maidstone, a purse of £20 was subscribed for a match between Shelton and a big navigator; but in consequence of the latter not appearing in the ring to “show fight” at the appointed time, £10 were given to Shelton.
Carter had been for a few months in Ireland, on a sparring tour, but, on his return, he did not seem much improved in purse or person by the trip. Finding himself in company with Shelton, at a sporting dinner, held at the Brown Bear, Bow Street, the Lancashire Champion spoke disparagingly of Shelton’s capabilities; some discussion followed, and twenty pounds being posted, Shelton replied to the boasting challenge by accepting it instanter. The affair was short, but by no means sweet to Carter, for Shelton beat him to a stand-still in three rounds only. This was on the 10th of July, 1821.
The renowned Josh. Hudson was next matched with our hero, for £100 a-side; the battle was decided at Harpenden Common, near St. Alban’s, on the 10th of December, 1822.
About a quarter before one, Josh. Hudson, stylishly dressed, with white silk hose, and his drawers on ready for action, threw his white topper into the ring with the confidence of a winning man, followed by his seconds, Randall and Tom Owen. He paced up and down the ring for a considerable time, when Shelton was called for, but he did not appear. At length Randall, rather out of temper, said, “It was an unmanly action to keep his man waiting so long in the cold; and if it was for his money he would take Hudson out of the ring.” Tom Cribb soon after showed himself, when Shelton was discovered crossing a wagon, followed by Tom Belcher as his second. Shelton, in a very cool manner, threw his hat into the ring, and immediately went up and shook hands with his opponent. The colours, blue for Shelton, were tied to the stakes by Belcher; and green, for Hudson, were tied over Shelton’s by Tom Owen. The odds had changed since the fight was made, and Hudson was decidedly the favourite.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On stripping, Hudson never appeared in finer condition; but the judges of training observed he was at least a stone heavier than he ought to be. Shelton was a complete star; in fact, he could not be better. His attitude on setting-to was equal to any boxer ever seen in the prize ring. Hudson did not, as was expected, “go to work” sans ceremonie, but viewed his opponent with much caution, and Shelton was equally circumspect. The latter, however, made a feint with his right hand, which fell short; but this was merely a ruse de guerre for Josh to commence fighting. Hudson slightly touched Shelton’s ear, when he went in—a scramble occurred, but no blows took place. Both went down, and Shelton undermost. (Loud shouting from the East-enders, and six to four on Josh.)
2.—Shelton smiled, scratched his nob, and made himself well up for mischief; the result was, a little pepper on both sides on each other’s mugs, till Josh, by a severe hit on the top of Shelton’s nose, sent him off his balance, and he fell down on his left knee; but, with considerable game, he instantly jumped up to renew the charge. Hudson, however, thought he had done enough, and sat down on Randall’s knee. (“It’s safe as the bank,” said Owen; and the East-enders offered to back their hero to any amount.)
3.—Hudson was endeavouring to come ditto, but Shelton’s right hand stopped him. It was a severe round on both sides, till both went down, Hudson undermost.
4.—Shelton’s lip bleeding, showed the first blood, and Josh’s face was beginning to swell. The fine fighting of Shelton was conspicuous; but the youth and true courage of Hudson would not be denied; and although the latter napped dreadfully at every turn, he hit Shelton down. (There was a roar of roars from the Towerites, and two to one on Josh.)
5.—The fighting now was truly desperate on both sides; Shelton well-timed his opponent, and sent him staggering away by three repeated facers without any return; yet the goodness of Josh was so high that he finished the round in great style, and had Shelton again down.
6.—Josh’s face was now cut to pieces, and Shelton’s in a bad plight; both piping. The latter turned round from the severity of the hitting, but once more resumed fighting like a game cock till both down. (Shouting for Hudson.)
7.—Both terribly distressed, but Shelton down.
8.—This was a short round, but terrific from the execution done. Shelton nobbed Josh at every turn, and milled him down.
9.—Josh, like a game cock, disputed every inch of ground till he went down distressed beyond representation. (Still his sanguine friends considered him winning, and offered two to one.)
10.—In this round it might be termed “anybody’s battle;” but the courage on the one side, and the manliness on the other, exceeded all praise. Both down. (Five and six to one on Hudson.)
11.—Josh commenced fighting; but his terrific points were gone, and he began to hit round. Shelton planted three or four tremendous facers, the claret following every hit. Still Josh was dangerous. Shelton going down, quite exhausted, had the worst of the ending of the round. (The friends of Josh were sanguine enough to offer ten to one.)
12.—Both in the greatest distress till down.
13.—Shelton had the best of the fighting, but fell on his face exhausted, and Josh went down quite as bad. Still Josh was the favourite.
14 and last.—The fine fighting of Shelton rather gave him the lead; and as Josh was going down in a distressed state, so as to make it doubtful whether he might come again to the scratch, Shelton put in a tremendous blow under Josh’s ear, that rendered him insensible to the call of time. It was very doubtful if Shelton could have fought two more rounds. On the latter being placed on his second’s knee, he fell on the ground. It was over in rather less than fifteen minutes.
REMARKS.—Such a manly battle had not been seen for several years. Hudson never fought half so well before. Had Hudson proved the conqueror, it was the intention of his friends to have backed him against the Gas Man for £500 a-side.
A second match with the John Bull Fighter ended in a forfeit, Hudson receiving £30.
It was declared by Shelton that he should never again appear in the P. R., and it would have been well for his pugilistic fame had he adhered to his resolution. Misfortunes, however, in business, had involved him, and at a meeting at the Ship, in Turnstile, a “big countryman” was mentioned, who could be backed for a cool hundred against anything in London. Shelton immediately declared his readiness to try the metal of the stranger, and hence his match with Brown, of Bridgnorth, wherein he was defeated, though not disgraced, as will be seen when we come to the memoir of that boxer.
Shelton had, during the whole of his career, been observed to be occasionally something more than eccentric; indeed, in 1812, he was indicted for assaulting a police-officer, who attempted to prevent him from committing suicide. On this occasion his defence was, that “Any man had a perfect right to hang himself!” His gambling propensities were also uncontrollable, and to this his misery may be traced. His propensity to self-destruction received a final and melancholy illustration, in the fact of his destroying himself, on the 21st of June, 1830, at the Ship, in Montague Court, Bishopsgate Street, by taking a dose of prussic acid. He was in his 43rd year.