Martin, from this period, was well known and universally respected. He became a boniface, and it would have been well had he not been tempted to return to the ring he had quitted as a conqueror.
After a lapse of seven years, diversified only by a match with Jem Burn, to fight in October 20, 1824, which ended in a “draw” of the stakes, Martin was induced by irritated feelings to challenge young Dutch Sam (Samuel Evans). The circumstances of his defeat, which took place November 4, 1828, at Knowle Hill, Berks, will be found under the memoir of the victor in Period VI.
Martin for many years was the landlord of the Crown at Croydon; he subsequently removed to the Horns Tavern, Kennington. He finally retired, first to St. Alban’s, and afterwards to a rural retreat in Devon, where he long resided. He died in the year 1871, aged 75, having become a convert for many years to the doctrines and practice of total abstinence from liquor, and a strict vegetarian.
CHAPTER IX.
JOHN PALMER, KNOWN IN THE P. R. AS “JACK SCROGGINS”—1803–1822.
To whom this hardy little hero, who so long performed “clown to the ring,” was indebted for his grotesque sobriquet, is a point upon which history is silent, nor can its elucidation be expected, even from the editor of “Notes and Queries,” assisted by his staff of contributors. There was, however, a popular comic song by George Colman the Younger, in which the loves of Giles Scroggins and Molly Brown were involved with “a horrible” ghost story, and possibly the mere oddity of the name suggested itself as an alias for this eccentric pugilist.
John Palmer was born, December 31, 1787, near New Cross, Deptford. It should seem that as Hercules in his cradle betook himself to serpent strangling, by way of prefiguring his future monster-destroying propensities, so Jack was pugilistic from his cradle; and, although not an ill-natured lad, was continually fighting the boys of New Cross, till his victories were so numerous, that he was considered as the cock of the walk. At a more advanced age he went to live as a servant on the farm of Mr. Giblett (the great butcher of Bond Street), at Kilburn. Here he had frequent turns-up with the hardy race of navigators belonging to the Paddington Canal, and here he first received the name of “Scroggins,” which continued with him throughout his services in the navy, and stuck to him to the end of his boxing career. The oddity of this nickname was merited by a corresponding grotesquerie of personal gesture and appearance. In height only five feet four inches, in weight hard upon eleven stone, “his appearance when stripped,” says Boxiana, “is not unlike the stump of a large tree, and from his loins upwards he looks like a man of fourteen stone.” Add to this, much native humour, the antics of a merryman, undaunted courage, and a love of riotous fun, and the reader will admit that the comic lyric poet of Bell’s Life in London could not have chosen a better known or more comic public character than “Ould Jack”—or, after his departure for another world of spirits beyond the grave, “Ould Jack’s Ghost”—for the vehicle of his fancy facetiæ. What follows here is a resumé of the introductory pages of the memoir of Scroggins in “Boxiana.”
JOHN PALMER (“Jack Scroggins”).
From a Portrait by G. Sharples, 1819.
In May, 1803, when sixteen years old, he was ill-treated by one Bill Walters, at the sign of the Waggon and Horses, at Brentford. Walters was a full grown man, possessing strength and some knowledge of milling, but Jack was not easily to be intimidated, and an immediate turn-up was the result, in a field near the above inn. The battle continued upwards of an hour, when Scroggy was proclaimed the victor. Jem Belcher witnessed the mill, and praised Scroggy for the hardy courage he displayed.
Not long after this occurrence, Scroggins dined at a club-feast, at the sign of the Swan, Sunbury Common. The harmony of the company experienced great interruption from the improper conduct of a fellow named Sam Beak, better known as the “Bully of Harrow.” His name was a sort of terror to all present, and the company would have been compelled to endure his insolence for the remainder of the evening, had it not been for the pluck of little Scroggy, who insisted upon his quitting the room. The threat produced a regular fight out of doors, and after a severe battle for nearly an hour, Beak was glad to give in.
Scroggins also fought a brick-maker, weighing thirteen stone, near the sign of the Fox and Goose, at Appleton, near Harrow-on-the-Hill. It was thought by the spectators, from the great disproportion between the combatants, that little Scroggy must ultimately be annihilated; but the smashing activity of Jack reduced the brick-maker to his own pitch, when he finished him off in quick time.
A navigator, known by the appellation of Long Will, fought with Scroggins near Harrow. It was a desperate battle, and contested with alternate success for a long time, till victory crowned the exertions of our little hero.
At Cowley, near Uxbridge, Scroggins entered the lists with Burke Smith, denominated the second Robin Hood, from his attachment to deer, a man of great activity, and distinguished for his great jumps over the canal. In the hands of Scroggins he was soon glad to acknowledge he was defeated.
Billy Lee, the gipsy, had a desperate set-to with Scroggins, at Kilburn, in the year 1804. The bruising qualities of the gipsy were well known in the neighbourhood of Paddington; but Scroggins not only nobbed him severely, but punished his body in such a hammering style that he hastily relinquished the contest, acknowledging the superiority and goodness of our hero.
By moonlight, at Kilburn, between twelve and one o’clock on a Friday night, a chap of the name of Blinko, otherwise designated as “No Nose!” had a turn-up with Scroggins, but the severity “No Nose” met with, in the course of a few rounds, induced him to give in. Upon being shown Scroggins the next day, he said he was not the same he fought with, but would fight him for the whole of his week’s wages on the next Sunday morning; but, when the time arrived, “No Nose” was not to be found.
A strong athletic farmer’s man, of the name of Bill King, was also beaten by Scroggins, at Sandford Green, near Harrow.
At Appleton, after a very severe battle, Jack Matney surrendered to the conquering arm of Scroggins.
It was owing to the following circumstance that our hero was compelled to leave milling on land, to fight the battles of his country at sea, by entering into the navy. In a row with one Ellis, a constable, at Sandford Green, the representative of the law, it appears, felt rather heavily the indignation of Scroggins. In consequence of which turn-up, an application was made to the magistrate (Dr. Glasse), when our hero was depicted in such terrible colours, that a press-gang of seventeen was considered necessary to convey him in safety out of the neighbourhood.
On the Point Beach at Portsmouth, Happy Jack, the terror of that then uproarious seaport (so termed from the numerous conquests he had obtained over various Jack-tars), was, in the presence of some thousands, wofully cut down from the severe punishment he received in combat with Scroggins; Happy Jack, for once in his life, being made miserable by defeat.
During the time Scroggins was on board the Argo, the ship was a scene of milling adventures, and, it should seem, when off duty, his leisure was filled up in boxing.
Before our hero was suffered to realise the title of the Champion of the Argo, the best men in the ship were pitted against him; but it would be beneath the dignity of our history to record the undistinguished names of the mere commoners who fell beneath the conquering arm of Scroggy, who, notwithstanding his pugilistic penchant, was the life and soul of the ship, and as remarkable for his readiness to assist a weaker messmate as to promote the general mirth of the crew. His practical jokes and general good humour were long the standing talk of the Argo’s galley. Toogood, a man of colour, of first-rate weight, and possessing prodigious strength, had a regular battle with our hero on board the Argo. Notwithstanding his athletic powers, Scroggins compelled him to strike his colours.
A caulker, a tall, strong, bony man, who came on board the Argo to make some repairs, presuming on his strength, took off the boiler and placed his frying-pan on the fire, in defiance of the whole mess. Scroggins at length appeared, and took the fellow’s frying-pan from off the fire. A fight was the immediate consequence; but the caulker was so often floored, met with such severe punishment, and was so chaffed by the whole ship’s crew, that out of revenge he complained to the captain of Scroggins, and our hero was compelled to stand and take two dozen lashes, or, what is called in the old sea phrase, a “dry holy-stoning.”
Scroggins had scarcely set his foot on terra firma, when he had a turn up with two dragoons, before the door of the Prince of Wales, at Woolwich. Notwithstanding the heavy force Scroggins had to contend against, our little hero bustled through it with so much true courage, that in the course of a few minutes he came off triumphant, having floored both the soldiers with ease.
Scroggins’ first battle in the ring, after his return from sea, was with Jack Boots (whose real name was Wilford), at Wilsden Green, in 1814, for one guinea a-side. It was a fight without training, and took place entirely from accident. Boots, it seems, had previously talked about fighting our hero, and both of them meeting at the above place to partake of the diversion afforded by Caleb Baldwin’s Bull, they instantly agreed to decide the dispute in question, upon Scroggins observing to Boots, “that he thought they were as capable of amusing the amateurs as the bull had done.” In consequence of this agreement the sports of the day closed, unexpectedly, with a regular mill. Upon the bull’s quitting the ground a ring was immediately formed, and Scroggins and Boots, without further preface, set-to. The latter was well known, from having fought several battles; but Scroggins was a complete stranger to the fighting circles. It was a punishing mill for sixty minutes, during which period the pantomimic tricks exhibited by Scroggins occasioned roars of laughter; he, however, displayed all the fortitude of a sailor bent on obtaining victory. Anything like a regular system of tactics he appeared to despise, and scrambled his way in to mill his adversary; but, notwithstanding this nondescript boxing, his hits were so tremendously sent home, that Boots could not resist their desperate effects. The friends of Boots perceiving that he must eventually lose, were about to resort to some manœuvres to prevent Scroggy from being proclaimed the conqueror. This conduct was observed by old Joe Ward, who was standing in a cart viewing the battle; and although he was severely afflicted with the rheumatism in both knees, he hastily jumped out and made for the ring, where he insisted upon fair play being observed between the combatants. Scroggins was ultimately declared the victor. The spirited conduct of the latter so pleased the amateurs that £4 were collected for him as a reward for his exertions.
The friends of Scroggins, not without reason, thought, from this specimen, that there was good stuff in him. Accordingly, Dolly Smith was selected as a game active boxer, and a good trial man for the hardy little tar. The battle was contested at Coombe Warren, on Wednesday, January 11, 1815, in a twenty feet roped ring, for 20 guineas a-side. Smith was seconded by Bill Cropley; Scroggins was attended by Richmond and Oliver.
Smith was well known as a boxer, and considered a good man, from his game battle with Dick Hares the previous year, on the same ground, while Scroggins was scarcely known to any person connected with the ring. He was viewed by the amateurs as an ambitious adventurer, a rough and daring commoner, opposed to science and experience; the betting was, in consequence, five to four upon Smith. The combatants in point of weight were nearly equal. The first round proved a good specimen of the whole fight; but the impetuosity of the “hardy tar” was so overwhelming, that the science of Smith, however well applied, could not prevent its conquering effects. Scroggins’ singular mode of attack astonished the spectators. Immediately on receiving a hit from his opponent, he went resolutely in to mill, protecting his head with his left hand over it, like a ship running in to attack a fort or shore battery, dealing out terrible punishment with his right hand, and thus took the lead and kept it, although he was opposed in the most manly and skilful style by Smith, who was not long in darkening one of the peepers of the sailor. Scroggins fought at the body with dogged determination, and had the advantage in a striking degree in throwing, Smith experiencing some severe cross-buttocks and desperate falls. Smith, too, was frequently out of distance, and hit over instead of punishing his adversary’s nob. It was a determined battle on both sides, and Smith did not disgrace his character in defeat. The blows of Scroggins were terrible, and he was never off his pins but once during the battle. For three quarters of an hour it was rattling hard fighting, at the end of which time Smith was so severely beaten, that he was compelled to cry “enough.”
The milling fame which Nosworthy had acquired by his conquest of the renowned but worn-out Dutch Sam, at Moulsey, on the 8th of December, 1814, rendered him an object of no small attraction in the milling sphere. Scroggins, it seems, was eager to make a dash; his ambition soared above commoners, and he viewed the victorious baker as a competitor worthy of his aspirings. Some little time, however, elapsed before he was accommodated; at last they met on the 6th of June, 1815, at Moulsey Hurst, for £50 a-side. Belcher and Gibbons seconded Scroggins; Cribb and Clark picked up Nosworthy. The patrons of pugilism mustered very strongly upon this occasion, and the “crusty coves” of the metropolis felt so confident the Master of the Rolls would gain the cause, that, the evening previous to the fight, they laid the odds of five to four with cheerfulness and alacrity. Nosworthy had won his late battle with such seeming ease, that no doubt was entertained by his admirers as to the issue. At one the men set-to.
Round 1.—The notoriety Nosworthy had obtained in conquering the Jew phenomenon created intense interest, and every eye was on the combatants setting to. A short time elapsed in sparring, when Scroggins made a good hit; the Baker, in return, missed his aim. Some heavy milling occurred, when they closed, and both went down; Nosworthy undermost, Scroggins heavily on him. (Five to four on Scroggins already.)
2.—Nosworthy appeared bleeding at the scratch. Determined fighting was the order of this round; and both the men seemed bent upon proving each other’s courage. Hit for hit was returned with as much indifference as if their bodies were insensible to feeling; and, although both of them were frequently hit away, they returned to the attack. The rally was dreadful, and Nosworthy was, at length, sent down.
3.—It was evident to the spectators that Nosworthy had got enough to do to make a win of it. No flinching on either side. They stood up to each other like a couple of bull-dogs. Scroggins took the lead in gallant style, and punished his opponent in the most terrific manner, by planting a hit under Nosworthy’s ear, so powerfully, that he went down in a twinkling. Nosworthy’s importance was now all at an end; and two to one was offered on Scroggins, without the least hesitation.
4.—The game displayed by Nosworthy was admirable, but he had received so plentifully that his strength was somewhat reduced. Another terrific rally occurred, in which the superiority of Scroggins was manifest. He never left his adversary till he went down. (Three to one on Scroggins.)
5.—Nosworthy fought like a man, but the chance was decidedly against him. Scroggins had it all his own way in this round, and planted his hits with all the success of a first-rate fighter.
6.—Upon setting-to, Scroggins, with much severity, floored his antagonist.
7.—Nosworthy, notwithstanding the punishment he had sustained, came to the scratch full of pluck, and made a desperate effort to effect a change in his favour. He with much dexterity put in a tremendous blow upon one of Scroggins’s eye-lids; but the latter returned upon him severely, and had the best of the round.
8.—The head of Nosworthy seemed an easy mark for Scroggins, who peppered it with the utmost sang-froid. The baker was again floored.
9 to 15 and last.—The courage of Nosworthy was the admiration of the ring; he continued to fight till not a shadow of chance remained. He was so severely beaten in the fifteenth round, that, on time being called, he was unable to quit the knee of his second. The battle was over in eighteen minutes.
From this triumph Scroggins rose rapidly in the esteem of the best patrons of the ring, and was considered one of the best “little men” of the day. Scroggins was scarcely known up to this time to the scientific circles, and his rambling mode of fighting, so peculiar to himself, was rather the subject of mirth than serious discussion; still it was thought, in some instances, that he exhibited the prominent traits of the once terrific Hooper, a method that would not be denied from boring in, and, when once in, must triumph from its close and heavy half-arm deliveries, except in very rare instances. Although Nosworthy was defeated, it was viewed as a determined and skilful battle on his side. The springing hits of Scroggins were truly tremendous; and covering his head with his left hand, not only prevented him from receiving much punishment at going in, but gave him additional vigour in “smashing” his adversary.
Scroggins, it was urged, had offended several of his patrons, in consequence of his insisting on the whole of the battle-money of the late fight being given to him; and many of them felt determined, if possible, to select a scientific boxer who should take the fight out of our hero. Bill Eales was therefore chosen, and backed for this special purpose; but the knowing ones were much divided in opinion respecting their merits. Two of the most complete adepts in the ring took them under their care and training. The sporting knowledge of Gully rendered him at all times, in the ring or on the turf, no mean judge how to select his object, or to lay out his money; and Tom Belcher’s experience had taught him too well to know the value of success to give half a chance away: therefore when Gully selected Scroggins as his favourite, and Belcher preferred Eales as the most competent pugilist, it might not be inaptly observed that, “when Greek joins Greek, then comes the tug of war!” The backers, as well as boxers, it was certain, meant to win if possible. Eales was remarkable for his complete knowledge of the tactics of the milling art, and possessed the important advantages of height and length; while Scroggins was a nondescript, who disdained copying the mode of any pugilist, and fought after his own method, if method it could be termed.
On Saturday, August 26, 1815, near the George, at Kingston Hill, contiguous to Coombe Warren, this interesting and singular match was decided. At an early period in the morning the various roads leading to the scene of action were crowded beyond description. All sorts of vehicles were so close upon each other as to defy enumeration, and pedestrians were numerous beyond precedent. A great many high personages mustered on the turf, among whom Earl Yarmouth, Lord Fife, the Hon. Berkeley Craven, etc., were observed. A few minutes before one the men entered the ring, attended by their seconds. Tom Belcher and Harmer for Eales, Joe Ward and Oliver for Scroggins. The spectators were struck with the great contrast between the size of the combatants. Joe Ward tied the colours of the sailor, “true blue,” to the stakes, as a token of defiance; and Belcher knotted over it the “yellow-man,” as the colours of Eales. Both men looked well and confident. The ceremony of shaking hands being gone through, the set-to immediately commenced.
Round 1.—From the scientific pretensions of Eales, it was generally expected the first round would clearly evince his superiority over his short and sturdy opponent. Scroggy, however, with the heroism of a British tar, boldly bore down to the assault. The display of Eales, although more scientific than effective, was much admired. Scroggins, equally anxious to commence the fight favourably, exhibited some degree of caution. Eales let go once or twice, but beyond effective distance; at length Scroggins put in a well directed blow under the left ear of his opponent, and, in closing, threw him. (The odds looked rather queer, and Scroggins was pronounced the favourite.)
2.—This round was decisively in favour of Scroggins, who exchanged blows with his opponent in the most gallant style of courage, till Eales was at length floored.
3.—Both the combatants were now alive to the interest of the scene in which they were engaged. A good rally occurred, and they returned and exchanged liberally; in the rally Eales went down.
4.—This was altogether a severe round. If Scroggins planted some severe blows, Eales returned punishment with equal courage. Strength was evidently on the side of Scroggins, who appeared merely getting into work; while Eales, on the contrary, showed symptoms of weak constitution, and fought till he again went down.
5.—Eales, notwithstanding his superior science, could not make that impression upon his opponent which was expected by his friends. He succeeded, it is true, in dexterously putting in some heavy blows, which the hardy tar was not a degree behind hand in returning, keeping up a battering rally, till his opponent went down.
6.—The strength of Eales did not keep pace with his judgment; he, nevertheless, evinced good pluck. This was a pantomimic round; altogether a piece of harlequin and clown antics all round the ring. Eales exerted his best skill to obtain a favourable turn, and a terrific rally ensued; but, in closing, the singularity of Scroggins excited roars of laughter. In throwing Eales he went down, then rolled over and over from his adversary till he rose upon his legs with all the comicality of a merry-andrew. Eales displayed weakness, and the odds were five to one on Scroggins.
7.—The combatants soon fought their way into a sharp rally, and the science of Eales prevailed to a certain extent, till Scroggins went down. (Applause.)
8.—A little discretion seemed necessary on both sides; some sparring occurred before a hit was made. Scroggins bobbed his head to avoid the threatened blows of his opponent, but returned fighting hand over head. The punishment was severe in this round, but reciprocal; however, Scroggins went down.
9.—The combatants attacked each other with the most determined resolution; anything like stopping was out of the question, till they both found themselves upon the ground. Eales could not lay claim to any advantage; neither had Scroggins the worst of it.
10.—Another equally desperate round followed, and a tremendous rally took place. The blows on both sides did great execution—punishment without stopping was the order of the day.
11.—Eales, notwithstanding the exertion of the last round, came to the scratch with considerable spirit, and showed off in such good style upon his opponent, that Scroggins again dropped his nob to escape the intended milling.
12.—The science of Eales was exhibited to great advantage, and Scroggins’ upper works seemed under the direction of a chancery practitioner, till he was sent under the ropes. The round was contested with much resolution on both sides.
13.—Eales again tried it on with some success by planting three severe hits on the nob of Scroggins; but the latter, determined not to be deficient in this part of the practice, liberally returned the favours which had been bestowed, and concluded the round by cross-buttocking his antagonist.
14.—The spectators now perceived that Scroggins was too much for Eales, as the strength of the latter was evidently on the decline every round. Scroggins punished Eales in all directions, and gave him three heavy hits on his nob, stomach, and neck. In closing, both down, but Scroggins fell upon Eales with a plunge enough to send the wind out of his body.
15.—The advantage of strength was completely on the side of Scroggins, who came up to the scratch smiling with confidence. Eales, although weak, fought with much spirit, and contested every inch of ground in a sharp rally, till Scroggins again threw and fell upon him.
16.—Eales endeavoured to gain time by cautious sparring, but Scroggins fought his way pell-mell into a sharp rally, and adopted the same mode as in the two preceding rounds, by tripping up his adversary, then falling upon him, depriving Eales of what little wind he had left.
17.—From the terrible heat of the sun, and the severe punishment both the combatants had experienced, it did not excite any degree of surprise to see them both at the scratch in an exhausted state. The little hardy tar, who had so often braved the changes of climate, seemed of the two least affected by the scorching rays that now poured so heavily upon their persons, and commenced fighting with great spirit. In closing, he peppered Eales considerably, and then cross-buttocked him. From this severe touch it was expected Eales would not be able to meet his man again.
18.—Eales, though much exhausted, again opposed his man, but the chance was decidedly against him; Scroggins threw him as before. (Any odds, but no takers.)
19.—The fight was nearly taken out of Eales; he was at the mercy of his antagonist. He was again thrown.
20.—Eales tottered to the scratch; but Scroggins gave him another cross-buttock as if a child had been opposed to his strength.
21.—The strength of Eales was quite reduced as to effective punishment; he, nevertheless, evinced good bottom, and did more than might have been expected from one so nearly beaten. Scroggins laid himself open, but Eales was too weak to turn it to account. In falling, Scroggins went down on him.
22.—It was now a horse to a hen, and Scroggins threw his man with apparent ease.
23.—Eales, to the astonishment of the spectators, once more appeared at the mark; but it was all up with him, and, by way of a quietus, Scroggins put in so tremendous a hit under his right ear that he was floored like a shot. He could not come again. The battle lasted twenty-two minutes.
Remarks.—Scroggins, in defeating a scientific boxer like Eales, completely astonished every amateur present. It was singular to observe the severity of his blows, and the punishment he administered to his opponent, though a man four inches taller than himself. Indeed our little hero was confidence itself. He assured his friends previous to the battle, that he would win it and nothing else. As an in-fighter, Eales had decidedly the best of his opponent; but his distances were so incorrect at times in out-fighting that numerous blows were thrown away. Some of the partizans of Eales attributed his loss to a severe hurt received on the back part of his head, in falling violently against the stakes; but the general opinion was that he lacked stamina to resist the finishing qualities of his antagonist. Eales was the heavier man, weighing eleven stone and half a pound. The bets never varied from the commencement of the fight; Scroggins was the favourite throughout. It was altogether a sharp contest, but a great deal of time was consumed in struggling to obtain the advantage in throwing. Notwithstanding the great superiority Eales had in standing over his opponent, united with his first-rate skill, he could not prevent Scroggins from going in. The admirers of science were much disappointed at the defeat of Eales.
From the success Scroggins had met with in his boxing career, and the numerous patrons of the art who rallied round him, he was enabled to commence publican. He accordingly opened the Waterman’s Arms, at Stangate, Lambeth, for the entertainment of the sporting world. His house in summer time was then pleasantly and attractively situated, commanding a view across the Thames, a part of the venerable Abbey, and Westminster Hall, with the old St. Stephen’s, and the Houses of Parliament, destroyed by fire in 1836. The name of John Scroggins, in large letters, at the top of the premises, might be seen from the other side of the river, operating as an inducement, not only to sporting characters, but to many an old shipmate of the Argo to call and give our hero a friendly turn. He did not want for company of every description. Peers and costermongers all contributed to make the pot boil; and, though Scroggy could not boast of the eloquence of a Cicero, yet he never suffered any of his customers to depart without receiving a ready answer. Life, in a variety of shapes, was to be seen under the roof of this little caterer for the public. In another part of his dwelling, the “saloon” was not the least importance in the picture. In ruder hands it was merely a skittle ground, but, under the taste and judgment displayed by “Scroggy,” it assumed a new and prominent feature. A gallery was now added to it, in addition to its being boarded over for the accommodation of spectators, and embellished with chandeliers. Every Tuesday night it was opened as a school for the art of self-defence; and here this remnant of the Olympic games was conducted with characteristic spirit to overflowing audiences. Scroggins himself usually appeared as a first-rate actor, assisted by several professionals, in most of these performances, to explain and render the art attainable. Here many a novice was floored for his temerity, by way of initiation, and as a sort of preparatory step to a better acquaintance with the practice and use of the gloves. The “tip” for admission was upon a reasonable scale, a single sixpence, and liquor to its estimated value was allowed. The sporting dinners given by Scroggins were excellent; and the Waterman’s Arms generally afforded amusement to those persons who were disposed to take a peep at the fun and frolic there exhibited, under the management of this comic hero of the ring.
Four months had scarcely elapsed when Scroggins again made his appearance in the prize-ring, but under very different circumstances. Having in his last combat defeated one of the most scientific boxers of the day, he was now called to enter the lists with a complete stranger, and a mere novice. It appears that Whittaker, from Denbigh in Yorkshire, an oilman by trade, had criticised the milling talents of Scroggins rather freely in company; which criticism resulted in a battle between them. The sum contended for was fifty guineas a side, and so much confidence did the Oilman feel upon entering the ring with Scroggins (notwithstanding his name was a sort of terror to pugilists in general), that he put down thirty-two guineas of the stakes out of his own pocket. Scroggins viewed Whittaker with so much indifference that he thought he had merely to take off his coat and win the fight. On Tuesday, the 9th of January, 1816, the fistic heroes met to decide this trial of skill at Moulsey Hurst. The Oilman was understood to be a clever and determined boxer, and so much interest was excited in the sporting circles that upwards of ten thousand persons witnessed the battle. The odds were two to one upon Scroggins, who was seconded by Oliver and Clark; Whittaker was attended by Cribb and Richmond. The men shook hands, and at one o’clock the set-to commenced:—
Round 1.—The amateurs expected more of a smashing than a scientific fight; Scroggins thought so little of his adversary, that he went to work sans ceremonie, but hit short with his left hand; the Oilman, in return, planted a slight nobber. The combatants fought their way into a rally, and some sharp blows were exchanged, at the end of which the claret was seen trickling down Whittaker’s face (no variation in the betting).
2.—The Oilman seemed full of pluck and eager for battle. Scroggins again hit short, but Whittaker improved on the opening, and made a sharp left-handed blow. Some desperate milling occurred; no want of spirit on either side. In closing much struggling took place, when the Oilman got away, but was ultimately sent down.
3.—This was altogether a well-fought round. If the Oilman did not show superlative science, he evinced qualities that convinced the spectators he was not to be beaten off hand. Scroggins attacked his adversary with much determination, and Whittaker showed equal resolution in a sharp rally, till he went down.
4.—Science was not the forte of the combatants; downright milling was the order of this round. Scroggins missed several hits, and did not appear to such advantage as was expected. The Oilman fought with much steadiness and composure, and his left hand, in some instances, was successful. The men rattled in a close, when the Oilman, with much dexterity, threw his adversary. The odds nevertheless were still high upon Scroggins.
5.—It was evident that Scroggins had paid little attention to training; and, at this early stage of the fight, his wind appeared rather treacherous. The Oilman attacked his adversary in good style, and had the superiority of hitting. Scroggins slipped in making a hit, but soon recovered himself upon one knee, and with much force levelled his man.
6.—Both combatants on their mettle; reciprocal fighting took place. The Oilman proved himself a much better man than he was thought to be. The odds fell to six to four.
7.—Scroggins came to the scratch much distressed and out of wind. The Oilman improved upon this circumstance and made several telling blows, ultimately finishing the round in his favour. (Applause.)
8.—Scroggins could not recover his wind; and, to avoid receiving punishment, resorted to some strange manœuvres to amuse his adversary. Whittaker was not to be deluded, and stuck to Scroggy hard and fast till he was thrown.
9.—Scroggins came up fresher, and attacked his opponent with unshrinking courage. A rally took place, which was desperately contested; but finished to the advantage of Scroggins, who darkened the Oilman’s left peeper.
10 and 11.—Both of these rounds were fought with manliness and resolution. It was plain Scroggins had considerable work to get through before victory would crown his efforts.
12.—Whittaker seemed more conspicuous for high game and wrestling capabilities than a sound acquaintance with the principles of the pugilistic art; he threw Scroggins in great style.
13 and 14.—Rather in favour of Scroggins.
15.—Here the Oilman showed to much advantage. He put in several blows, both down.
16 to 30.—Several trifling changes occurred during these rounds; in one of which Scroggins met with an accident in falling, which might have terminated the battle; but his fortitude as well as policy was so great, that, notwithstanding the excruciating pain he suffered, he did not even communicate the circumstance to his second, but fought on under considerable disadvantage. From the numerous antics and manœuvres he played off, he recovered himself in some degree, and succeeded in damaging his opponent’s remaining eye.
31 to 49 and last.—It is unnecessary to detail the whole of these rounds; suffice it to observe the Oilman contested the whole of them with resolution and true game. He fought till without the power of directing his blows. He resigned the contest with reluctance; urging his not being reduced in bodily strength. In fact, he was humanely persuaded by Mr. Jackson and his friends, to retire, as he had no chance whatever, from his defective vision. In other respects there is no doubt but he might have protracted the battle.
Remarks.-Scroggins had nearly given the chance away on this occasion by overweening self-conceit, and the contempt with which he viewed the pretensions of Whittaker. The victory indeed was more owing to his good fortune than to judgment. He laughed at the idea of training to beat a novice, and never left his home for a single night. In consequence of this neglect, he took an hour and sixteen minutes to beat Whittaker, which, had he been in good condition, it is presumed he might have accomplished in half an hour. Scroggins (almost too late) found out the fault he had committed from neglect of training. It was a fortunate moment for our hero when the Oilman was taken from the ground. The memorable defeat and ruin of Broughton ought always to operate as a useful lesson to all pugilists—more especially to conquerors—respecting their preparatory conduct. Scroggins had nearly fallen a victim to this blind confidence. His fame was tottering on a precipice. Scroggins too was extremely incorrect in his distances, but neither of the combatants fought upon the defensive. Whittaker was evidently the better wrestler, and Scroggy appeared more punished about his nob than in any other battle. Had not Scroggins succeeded in closing the remaining peeper of Whittaker, the termination might have been rather doubtful, as the latter was not seriously disabled in body nor distressed in wind. Though he retired from the ring a defeated man, it is but common justice to state that a gamer pugilist than Whittaker never quitted the field. Thirty pounds was collected on the ground by Mr. Jackson, as a reward for the bravery the loser had displayed. Notwithstanding the latter resigned the contest, he still entertained an opinion that Scroggins was not the best man, and attributed the chance going against him to his being a stranger to the tactics of the prize-ring.
From the rapid conquests he had obtained, Scroggins was at this period the envy of the boxing circles. His house was numerously attended; he was enjoying the fruits of peace and the reward of his victories; smoking his pipe with ease and pleasure, and laid up as it were in ordinary, resting from the fatigues of war. But peace was not the element in which Jack was seen to advantage; therefore, out of numerous challenges offered to him, he accepted one from a countryman of the name of Church, a native of Gloucester, who, it seems, “had heard of battles,” and thirsting to obtain fighting glory, had determined to lead “a dull inglorious life” no longer. He left Gloucester for the avowed purpose of challenging our hero; and Colonel (afterwards the Earl of) Berkeley, his patron, had so high an opinion of his qualifications, that he backed him for 100 guineas.
Church, it appears, had milled all the best men in Gloucestershire, was well known as a staunch man, was taller than his adversary, and possessed a hardy and erect frame. Upon the match being made he went into training near Enfield; during which period he gave proof that he was capable of performing no little in the milling way. Three countrymen called at the house where he resided, and rudely challenged him to fight. Church, shamefully careless about the engagement he was under, with more rashness than judgment, accepted their offer; fortune favoured him, for in a very short time, it was reported, he disposed of the whole three, and public rumour ran that he was likely to turn out a troublesome customer for Scroggins.
On Tuesday, August 20th, 1816, the men met, and Moulsey Hurst was once more the theatre of pugilistic display. Myriads of persons left the metropolis, in all directions, to view the renowned Scroggins, among whom were Lord Yarmouth, Colonel Berkeley, Captain Barclay, etc. Vehicles of all descriptions, from the barouche and four to the scavenger’s mud-cart, were in requisition at an early hour, to reach the destined spot; the blood-horse, in all the pride of high breeding, was galloping by all, and the more humble donkey and the spare nacker trotting and snorting along the road, to be up in time. Pedestrians of all ranks formed a moving scene, and by twelve o’clock many thousand persons crowded the Hurst. Church appeared first, and threw his hat into the ring; Scroggins shortly following his example. The former was seconded by Tom Belcher and Bill Gibbons, the latter by Cribb and Clark. At a quarter past one the men shook hands. Three to one on Scroggins. The battle lasted fifty-eight minutes, and fifty rounds took place, as follow:—
Round 1.—Scroggins, on setting-to, seemed anxious to be at work, but hit short. He, however, soon made up for this deficiency by giving his opponent two desperate facers, which produced the claret in a twinkling. Church seemed electrified by the severity of his hits, exchanged a few blows, turned round in confusion, and was ultimately sent down. (Three to one on Scroggins.)
2.—Church appeared at the scratch bleeding. Scroggins set-to determinedly, and soon showed his opponent the severe punishment he was likely to encounter, by putting in two severe blows, right and left, on his nob. Church again turned round confusedly, but drew the cork of his antagonist. Scroggins evinced his superiority, and finished this round decidedly in his favour, by sending his man down. In this early stage of the fight, the spectators made up their minds to the ultimate event, and four to one was offered.
3.—Church did not know what to do with his antagonist; he was quickly sent down by Scroggins, who held up both his hands.
4.—The position of Church was good, but there was nothing of the scientific boxer about him; nevertheless, he put in some good hits, and, in closing, both went down. Scroggins rolled over like a tumbler.
5.—This was rather a severe round, and, in closing, Church endeavoured to fib his opponent; both down.
6.—Scroggins went furiously in to mill his opponent, which he did most effectually, and sent Church down. Both their mugs began to show the effects of punishment.
7.—Scroggins seemed determined to finish his opponent, but twice hit short: he rushed in and took great liberties with his nob. Church again went down.
8.—Church appeared to have no notion of protecting his head from the attacks of his opponent. He not only received two desperate facers, but was punished severely at the ropes, and milled down.
9.—In this round Scroggins had it all his own way; he hit Church quite out of the ring. (Great applause.)
10.—Some good exchanges. In closing, both down, Church undermost.
11.—Church broke away from a close, and got into a rally, but he was at length sent to the ground.
12.—In favour of Church; he put in two good blows, but, in closing, both went down.
13.—Scroggins hit him quite round against the ropes, and Church was sent down.
14.—Scroggins put in a facer, and Church went down.
15.—Church made a hit and fell down. (Nineteen minutes.)
16.—Scroggins put in two facers, turned suddenly round with all the agility of a dancing master, and ended by flooring Church.
17.—Scroggins broke from a close, and exchanged some blows; but Church ultimately threw him.
18.—Church made one or two good stops, but was sent down.
19.—Scroggins milled his opponent in all directions without receiving any return, till Church went off his legs.
20.—Scroggins was the principal receiver in this round. In a close, both down.
21.—Scroggins, with the utmost sang froid, on setting-to floored his man, and stood over him with the utmost contempt.
22.—Scroggins measured his distance again well, put in a tremendous facer, and ultimately threw his opponent.
23.—Church felt for Scroggins’ nob twice, and threw him.
24.—Scroggins received a hit at going in, but, in closing, both went down.
25.—Church put in a facer, but Scroggins soon floored him.
26.—Church, with much severity, hit his opponent quite away from him, and had the best of the round. In closing, both went down.
27.—Church seemed in this round totally off his guard. Scroggins put in seven severe facers in rapid succession, till he sent Church down. (Twenty to one.)
28.—Scroggins determined to lose no time, pursued his advantage with the utmost spirit, dealing out punishment at every step. His rush was not to be resisted, and Church again went down.
29.—Church gave his opponent a check upon his nob as he was going in, but it did not ultimately prevent Scroggins from boring him to the ropes, and getting him down. (Any odds.)
30.—Church was completely on the taking system; the knowledge of giving he seemed totally ignorant of. A greater glutton was never seen, no common caterer could serve his inordinate appetite. Scroggins hit his adversary off his legs.
31.—Church only appeared as a mark to hit at. Stopping his adversary was out of the question; he again measured his length on the grass.
32.—Scroggins was truly conspicuous in this round. He did as he liked with his antagonist, till he sent him down.
33.—It was astonishing to see Church, considering the severe milling he had received, continue to face his man with such confidence. Ho had no chance whatever, except being knocked down.
34.—Church exchanged some blows in this round rather to his advantage, but almost laid himself down from exhaustion at the conclusion of it.
35.—Scroggins, in making a hit, literally pushed down his opponent.
36.—Church was hit down almost upon setting-to.
37.—Scroggins, eager to put a finishing stroke to this game article, rushed in furiously and sent him down.
38.—Church’s face looked deplorable; he received three tremendous blows. Scroggins put in also a severe body blow with his left hand, when Church as usual went down.
39.—The battle might be said to be at an end, but Church’s game was not yet exhausted. Scroggins again sent his man down.
40.—Scroggins ran in to his adversary like a bull, head foremost, at his body, and caught hold of the waistband of his breeches, but instantly recollecting, as it were, that he had committed an error, he slid his hands upwards. It might have been accidental, but the seconds of Church considering such an attack contrary to the established rules of fighting, thought that to fulfil their duty they ought to take their man out of the ring. The umpires, however, passed it over, and thus, fortunately for Scroggins, saved him from the disagreeable circumstance of a wrangle, or perhaps making a drawn battle of it.
41.—Though Church could not win, yet he now and then felt for his antagonist’s nob sharply, and in this round he put in a severe facer, but Scroggins sent him down.
42.—Nothing. Church went down upon setting-to.
43.—Scroggins again nobbed his opponent, and, to add to the severity of the punishment, Church received a severe body blow before he found his way to the grass.
44.—Scroggins hit his adversary cleanly down, and it was apprehended that he would not be able to come again; indeed, his backer wished him to desist from the contest. The seconds of Scroggins took the hint, and threw up their hats in the air as the token of victory. The outer ring immediately gave way, but Church insisted upon fighting longer, and the
45th round commenced during this confusion. The spirit of Church was good, but his strength could not keep pace with his wishes. Scroggins was awake that victory was certain, and sent his adversary down in quick time.
46.—Church was now going very fast, and was sent down upon setting-to.
47.—The mortification of surrender urged Church to continue the battle while he was able to stand upon his legs; but it was all up, and he was only receiving unnecessary punishment, being sent down every round.
48.—Church went down completely exhausted.
49.—Notwithstanding the reduced state of Church, he made a couple of hits, but it was only to be sent down.
50 and last.—On coming to the scratch he was floored, sans ceremonie, and not able to meet his man any more. He was led out of the ring dreadfully beaten.
Remarks.—A gamer man never entered the ring than Church; he proved himself a complete taker, but as to the winning consequences of giving he had much to learn. Scroggins was completely at home; cautious of himself, his judgment was excellent in perceiving when his antagonist was exhausted, and going in promptly to finish him off. He, however, gave a chance away, by running head foremost at his opponent’s body, a proceeding which at the present day would have lost him the battle. Scroggins, however, did not win this fight without considerable punishment about the nob, one of his eyes being nearly closed, and his face much beaten. He never exhibited anything like such marks before. Church sprained his ankle severely in the third round; and had not this accident occurred, he might have stood up much better, perhaps with more chance of ultimate success. His confidence never deserted him throughout the battle; and he talked to his second between every round of his capabilities to continue the contest. After the great success of Scroggins in the two first rounds, when he in fact reduced winning almost to a certainty, many of the fancy expressed some little astonishment that fifty-eight minutes should elapse before Scroggins was able to send his man out of the ring. Mr. Jackson collected £20 to reward the bravery of Church.
The friends of Tom Hall (known as the Isle of Wight Hall), were extremely anxious to match him with Scroggins for 200 guineas a-side; but, after four meetings upon the subject, the last of which was held at the Mansion House Coffee House, February, 1817, the partizans of Hall offered to pay half the deposit between Scroggins and Turner, in order to induce the former to relinquish that match. Hall also proposed to add ten pounds which had been forfeited to him in a previous instance, to the battle-money; but the offers were declined. Scroggins had no objection to fight Hall, provided he weighed no more than eleven stone. However, it was the general opinion among the best judges of pugilism that Hall was too heavy for our hero.
After six months’ interval, Scroggins again entered the prize ring. His antagonist on this occasion was the afterwards celebrated Ned Turner. The affair came off in a field near Hayes Turnpike, Middlesex, on Wednesday, March 26, 1817; Scroggins fighting Turner £100 against £50. This contest ended in a draw, the particulars of which will be found in the memoir of Ned Turner, ante, p. 374.
A second match was afterwards made on the 10th of June, 1817, Scroggins fighting Turner £120 against £80.
Upon a review of the merits of the drawn battle above mentioned, some doubts appeared to exist in the minds of the backers of Scroggins respecting the result of the coming fight. The following contest, however, which took place ad interim, not only tended to remove the doubts in question, but operated so strongly towards increasing their former confidence in Scroggins as to raise the odds to three to one that he was the victor.
A meeting was held at Tom Oliver’s house in Peter Street, Westminster, on Friday, May 2, 1817, to complete the stakes for the match between Sutton and Ned Painter. Several pugilists were present upon this occasion, among whom were Scroggins, Carter, West Country Dick, Ballard, Purcell, etc. Scroggy having drank freely during the evening above stairs, descended into the parlour and ridiculed Dick upon his defeat by Randall. He also offered to bet two to one upon himself against Turner, which was immediately accepted by Richmond; and, upon the latter’s taking up the money to deposit in some person’s hands, Scroggins seized hold of the man of colour. Scroggins now gave some ludicrous imitations of Richmond’s mode of milling, calling him everything but a good one, and offered to fight the man of colour in the room for any sum. The latter was much pressed to give Scroggins a thrashing for his improper conduct, but Richmond kept his temper, although called a cur for suffering such a little fellow to insult and triumph over him. Richmond was not to be moved from his resolution, and very properly observed, “That as Scroggins was under an engagement to fight Turner, the sporting world should not experience a disappointment from his disabling the man from fulfilling his agreement.” This conduct on the part of Richmond was admitted to be handsome and manly by all present. Scroggins, however, would not be denied—fight he would with somebody, and to accommodate his penchant, a match was proposed between him and young Fisher for twenty guineas a-side, to be decided instantly, the latter having gallantly beaten the rough and hardy Crockey, before the Grand Duke of Russia, at Coombe Warren. Previously, however, the opinion of Mr. Jackson was taken respecting the propriety of Scroggins fighting, considering his engagement with Turner. Mr. J. thought he ought not. Scroggins overruled this objection, by declaring that nothing should hinder him from having a mill, provided Mr. Farmer would make the match. Shelton, in conjunction with some other persons, then put down the money for Fisher. The large room at the back of the premises was lighted up, the scratch made, bottles, lemons, etc., produced; the spectators retired to each end of the room, and the door was locked. Mr. Jackson acted as umpire. Carter and Clark attended Scroggins; Richmond and a novice waited upon Fisher. Three to two on Scroggins. The parties shook hands—half minute time was allowed, and sixteen minutes before twelve o’clock at night the battle commenced. More spirited betting or greater order never was observed at Moulsey, Shepperton, or Coombe Wood.