JACK RANDALL, “THE NONPAREIL.”—1809–1821.

Perhaps the prize ring in its palmiest day never exhibited a more accomplished boxer than Randall. Though claimed (after his signal successes), by the Hibernian portion of the ring press, it appears that his birthplace was the now-desolated “Holy Land,” and that the 25th of the month of November, 1794, ushered Jack into the semi-darkness of the then foggy region of smoke, dirt, drabs, and drunkenness, hight “St. Giles’s.” Jack, who was always called by Pierce Egan and Co., the “prime Irish lad,” himself laughed, when primed with gin—he would not touch whisky—at his imputed Irish descent.

The Archery Ground, in the Long Fields, near where now stands Russell Square, was the scene of action whereon the youthful Randall exhibited his prowess. According to the authority of “Boxiana,” young “Snuff,” well known in boxing circles, was conquered three times by Randall in the above place; and at the age of fourteen, he fought a man of the name of Leonard in this ground, who was a stone heavier than himself, for three-quarters of an hour. Leonard was, at length, so terribly punished, that he was obliged to be led off the field. Size or weight, it seems, rarely operated as any drawback to the readiness of Randall; possessing courage of the first order, his pluck rose superior to the obstacles he had to encounter. Jack was unavoidably involved, in Marylebone Lane, with a man of the name of Henshaw; the latter was not only taller, but had the advantage of three stone in weight. Twenty-five minutes of hard fighting had occurred when the friends of both parties interfered and made a drawn battle of it. Notwithstanding the great difference between the combatants, from the superior style of fighting displayed by Randall, it was thought he must ultimately have proved the conqueror.

One Murphy, an Irish labourer, an athletic young man, attacked Randall in Bainbridge-street, St. Giles’s; but the latter, undismayed by his gigantic appearance, milled Murphy severely in the course of a few rounds. Randall’s height was five feet six inches, his weight ten stone six pounds. His appearance when stripped indicated great bodily strength; his shoulders athletic, inclined to roundness, and his frame, altogether capable of great exertion, very compact.

The first recorded battle in which Randall is noticed was with Jack the butcher, in the Regent’s Park, Marylebone. It originated in a dispute respecting some improper conduct in a fight, in which these heroes had acted in the capacity of seconds, and, being a point of honour, it was decided instantly. In the course of twenty minutes Randall was declared the conqueror.

Randall now aspired to higher honours among the pugilistic corps, and, in the same ring in which Scroggins and Eales had contended, at Coombe Wood, on August 26, 1815, he made his debut with Walton, denominated the Twickenham Youth, for a purse of five guineas. Randall astonished the amateurs with the gaiety of his style, and the decisive action he exhibited. Paddington Jones and Whale were his seconds upon this occasion; and, in the short space of ten minutes, the Twickenham Youth, who in other battles had showed some talent for milling, was so peppered that he left the ring.

After Carter and Robinson had exhibited at Moulsey Hurst the first time, Wednesday, April 24, 1816, Randall entered the ring with George Dodd, for a purse of five guineas. It was a well-contested battle, and twenty-five minutes elapsed before victory was decided in favour of our hero. West-Country Dick and Clark were his seconds.

On Wednesday, May 28, 1816, at Coombe Wood, Randall entered the lists with a Jew, denominated “Ugly Baruk,” for a subscription purse of ten guineas, collected on the ground, towards a second fight. The amateurs were completely astonished at the milling capabilities displayed by Randall; more especially as his figure appeared so meagre and lank, that an opinion was generally entertained that “Young Paddy” must in the course of a few minutes be finished by this determined Israelite. But so opposite was the result that Baruk, “ugly” as his index had hitherto been declared, was now, owing to the sudden painting it underwent, not only rendered more “unlikely,” but so utterly metamorphosed as scarcely to be recognizable. The decisive qualities of Randall were so conspicuous as to elicit the unqualified praise of the best judges of scientific pugilism. Randall did not give the Jew a single chance throughout the fight—he one-two’d him with surprising celerity, and floored him in almost every round. The battle only continued twelve minutes; Randall was seconded by Tom Oliver and Clark. The abilities of Randall were now the theme of conversation among the amateurs; but, owing to a bad finger, and want of necessary time to generally improve his frame, he was not matched till Thursday, April 3, 1817, when he entered the lists with West-Country Dick, for twenty-five guineas a side.

A roped ring was prepared for the occasion, about a mile and a half from Twickenham, on the Common, and numerous vehicles of all sorts were placed round it, forming a capacious amphitheatre. Several marquees were also erected on the ground, filled with the good things of this life, to render the sports of the day pleasant and attractive to those lads who were “well breeched;” but such is the uncertain chance of war, that a gentleman who rode into the ring, having all the appearance of an amateur, unfortunately turned out to be a county magistrate. He very politely requested the official characters to remove the ring, and to disperse as soon as possible—a good deal of persuasion was tried to prevail on him to let the manly sport proceed; but he was good-naturedly inflexible, and observed, that he had been upon his horse ever since seven in the morning on the look-out, and that it was impossible the battle could take place in the county of Middlesex. This was enough; and, in less than half-an-hour, not a drag was left behind. Bill Gibbons, Richmond, Harmer, Scroggins, Cribb, etc., repaired to Hayes, followed by a great party of horsemen and carriages, and formed a ring, but this ultimately proved a hoax, to the no small chagrin of thousands. The better informed proceeded to Twickenham, where the subject was again discussed; and on a signal being given the carriage wheels went round like lightning, the water was crossed in a twinkling, and on the plains of Moulsey, in Surrey, about two o’clock, Randall entered the ring and threw up his hat, followed by Dick. Paddington Jones and Dick Whale seconded Randall; and Oliver and Clark were counsel for Dick. Two to one on Randall. Though both combatants were known to the ring, Randall was considered the better fighter. The spectators were of the first respectability, but not very numerous. A small delay occurred, owing, it is said, to Dick refusing to fight out of a roped ring.

Round 1.—On setting-to much caution was observed on both sides to obtain the first advantage; Randall, with great dexterity, put in a sharp facer. In returning, Dick hit short. Some few blows were exchanged in favour of Randall, who fought his way in to a close, and fibbed his adversary till both went down. (Three to one on Randall, who had drawn Dick’s cork.)

2.—Randall, full of fire, immediately took the lead, and nobbed Dick so successfully, that he turned round from his opponent. In closing, as before, he held Dick up and faced him till he went down. (Loud applause.)

3.—Dick set to with much gaiety, and put in a body hit, but he could make no successful impression upon Randall. The latter not only out-fought him, but again fibbed him down.

4.—The superiority of milling was decidedly on the side of Randall, who drove Dick from him. In closing, Dick went down rather rapidly from the numerous blows he had received in this round, and it was thought a foul blow had been given him; much vociferation took place of “Foul!” “Fair!” etc.

5.—Randall’s distances were well measured, and Dick’s nob was again in contact with Jack’s fist. At the ropes Dick made an ineffectual struggle to escape from the severe fibbing which Randall was so liberally bestowing upon him. (Five to one; but no takers.)

6.—Randall commenced work after the manner of a hammer-man at a forge, and although Dick kept plunging with his favourite right-handed hits, yet in closing Randall held him up with the tightness of a vice, beating a tattoo upon his mug, till he felt disposed to send him down. (Loud shouting.)

7.—The left hand of Dick seemed of no use to him, and his right did not perform the severe execution it had displayed on former occasions. Randall, indeed, got away from it with much adroitness. Dick was again fibbed down.

8.—Randall now satisfied the ring that he must win; he showed himself a scientific fighter; he worked well with both hands, and not only hit Dick away from him, but ultimately milled him down.

9.—Dick put in a facer. Randall, in returning, hit short and went round, but recovered himself; in closing, fibbed Dick severely at the ropes, and then dropped him in style. (Six to one on Randall.)

10.—The nob of Dick was fast losing its shape from the severe hammering of Randall, who applied his fist rapidly on his opponent’s mug. In closing, both down.

11.—A short round, which terminated in favour of Randall, as did also the 12th, 13th, and 14th rounds.

15.—Dick was desperately endeavouring to effect a change in his favour: he hit Randall on the face, put in a hard blow on his shoulder, and had the best of this round. (Both down.)

16 to 20.—Randall seemed rather blown in these rounds, and at times got away from Dick’s right hand. In fact he had not been idle for a moment, and the face of his opponent gave a strong specimen of his capabilities; he was fibbed down upon every set-to. (Five to one.)

21.—A good deal of sparring occurred before a blow was exchanged, when Randall put in four facers without any return. Both down. (Any odds.)

22.—The arm of Randall appeared to have the activity of a fiddler playing a country dance; his hand was never out of his opponent’s face.

23.—This round claimed much attention from its singularity. Dick put in two severe body hits, but in closing Randall fibbed him severely with his left hand, then changed it with the most apparent ease, and punished Dick down. (Great applause.)

24 to 27.—In these rounds the spectators were surprised to see the successful manner that Randall held up Dick with one arm, and punished him with the other. His head was now completely in chancery, his left eye quite puffed up, and he had been down so often, as to get the appellation of “Tumble-down Dick.”

28.—The battle was fast drawing to a close; the excellence of Randall was now acknowledged by all. Dick endeavoured to make some desperate hits; but Randall nobbed him at arm’s length with the utmost coolness, and in closing did as he liked with him.

29 and last.—On setting-to, Randall, with much severity, put in a blow on the breadbasket, that not only puffed the wind out of Dick, but he went down and instantly rolled up like a bale of cloth. Such a blow is rarely witnessed. Time was called, and upon Dick’s getting up to come to the scratch, he shook hands with Randall, and resigned the contest. Time thirty-three minutes and a half.

Randall, in the above contest, proved himself a good two-handed hitter, but was unusually successful with his left hand. Dick had not the slightest chance. Randall left the ring without a scratch upon his face.

The scientific qualities displayed by Harry Holt (See Holt, in Appendix), in a battle of an hour and a half’s duration with Parish, the waterman, and in his more recent conquest of O’Donnell, at Arlington Corner, had much prepossessed the amateurs in his favour; and, notwithstanding the excellence of Randall, it was generally thought that Holt would turn out a worthy competitor. In consequence of this opinion, a match for twenty-five guineas a-side was made between the above pugilists. Considerable interest was felt by the sporting world respecting its decision, which took place at Coombe Warren, on Tuesday, May 20, 1817, in a twenty-four feet roped ring.

The wet state of the weather in the early part of the morning prevented great numbers of the fancy from quitting the metropolis, and although it was extremely fine in the neighbourhood of Coombe Wood, there were not above six hundred persons present, among whom were Colonel Berkeley, Captain Barclay, Messrs. Jackson and Gully, Cribb, Carter, Oliver, Scroggins, Crockey, Ballard, Gibbons, etc. The combatants were nearly alike in weight, both under eleven stone.

It was upon the whole one of the most orderly conducted matches ever witnessed, excepting a slight fracas which occurred between Caleb Baldwin and the keepers of the gate. The latter, not immediately recognizing the veteran of the ring, refused his vehicle admittance, without the usual tip; but Caleb, finding argufying the topic would not do—instead of paying them in sterling coin, dealt out another sort of currency, which, although without the Mint impress, had such an effect upon the Johnny Raws that the gate flew open and Caleb rode through in triumph. At a little after one, Holt appeared in the ring and threw up his hat; Randall immediately followed. Paddington Jones and Whale seconded the latter, and Painter and Clark for Holt.

The usual ceremony of shaking hands having been performed, every eye was on the stretch, looking out for the first advantage. Seven to four generally on Randall, but two to one in many instances.

Round 1.—The combatants had scarcely placed themselves in attitude, when Randall’s left hand, with much severity, caught Holt on his mouth. He repeated it as quick as lightning, and was endeavouring to plant a third, but Holt stopped him. Randall again put in another desperate facer; a few blows were exchanged, when Randall went in with his usual sort of hook to fib, but Holt caught hold of his arm, and a sharp struggle took place for the throw. Randall showed the most strength, and Holt was undermost. (Three to one upon Randall.)

2.—On coming to the scratch in this very early stage of the fight Holt’s mug showed the painter had been busy. Randall’s left hand again successfully nobbed his adversary. Considerable science was now displayed on both sides; Holt stopped many blows in good style, and also planted a sharp blow on Randall’s cheek. Several hits were exchanged, but materially to the advantage of Randall, who, in finishing this round of three minutes, caught hold of Holt’s ribs in rather a singular manner, and threw him. (Three and four to one loudly offered upon Randall.)

3.—Randall, with the utmost coolness, again beat the tattoo upon Holt’s nob. It was altogether a long round; but the science exhibited by Holt was that of stopping instead of giving, and the spectators were astonished at the little execution he performed. Randall put in upwards of six facers, damaging the peepers of his opponent, and clareting his face all over, and sent him down from a tremendous hit on the side of his head. (Five to one.)

4.—Holt came to the scratch undismayed, but he had no sooner set-to than the left hand of Randall dealt out tremendous punishment. It was never out of his opponent’s face. Holt, it was now evident, had been deceived respecting the quality of his adversary; yet he contended in the most manly style, and planted so desperate a hit under the left ear of Randall that the latter bled prodigiously. The science of Randall was pre-eminent; he put in six facers almost successively; and when Holt at length stopped him on this boring suit, he used his right hand with nearly equal success till Holt went down.

5.—Randall was compelled to fight extremely different from the mode he had adopted with West Country Dick. Holt was not to be fibbed, and Randall convinced the admirers of scientific pugilism that he was a most effective out-fighter. His hits were tremendous, and Holt’s face was completely vermilioned. In this round, notwithstanding the damaged peepers of Holt, he put in so sharp a blow on the bridge of Randall’s nose that it pinked his index in an instant. The quickest eye could scarcely keep pace with the execution performed by Randall’s left hand in this round, and he repeatedly hit Holt from him till he went down. (All betters, and no offers accepted.)

6.—Randall appeared to suffer much inconvenience from the violent bleeding of his ear; his mouth was so overcharged that he could scarcely get rid of it. Had not Holt possessed excellent science, he must have been smashed in the very outset of the battle. He stopped a great number of blows; but it may be truly said that he only stood up as a mark to be hit at. It was curious to observe that, whenever the left hand of Randall was denied, he used his right with great facility, and put in some terrible ribbers. Randall closed this round by a terrible blow in the middle piece, that sent his adversary down in a twinkling. (Ten to one was offered upon Randall.)

7.—It was useless for Holt to contend; but his game and courageous nature prompted him, if possible, to rise superior to defeat. It was all up: Randall did as he pleased, and Holt was again down. (Any odds.)

8 and last.—Holt was emulous for conquest; the blunt, it seems, he did not value, but the fame of victory was dear to him; nothing else could have induced him again to meet his opponent. Randall worked sharply with both his hands, and with his right planted a tremendous hit on Holt’s nob, that instantly floored him. He was beaten out of time, but was anxious to renew the combat. He observed, “I am ready to fight;” but, in endeavouring to rise from his second’s knee, fell down from exhaustion. Holt’s friends were perfectly satisfied he could not win, and he was instantly carried out of the ring by Parish and Painter, put into a chaise, and proper attention paid to him. The battle lasted twenty-five minutes.

Remarks.—This contest firmly established Randall’s character as a first-rate scientific pugilist. He possesses the mastery of the art in an eminent degree, divests his actions of sameness with the most perfect ease, and promptly changes his mode of fighting as the necessity of the attack requires. In his former battles with Baruk, the Jew, and West Country Dick, his superior fibbing traits proved successful. With Holt a different system was required, and as an out-fighter he completely astonished the ring by the terrible punishing capabilities he exhibited. With his left hand Randall planted uncounted hits on Holt’s face, and several with his right. He threw little time away in sparring; and, like a good artist, his workmanship soon spoke for itself. As a finisher there seemed a great similarity between Randall and the late Dutch Sam, and as a two-handed hitter, the decisive mode of Tom Belcher. It was urged by the partisans of Holt, that he displayed no fight at all in contending against Randall. This complaint, upon a slight examination, will not only soon be removed, but the assertion proved unjust. Randall was the offensive fighter throughout the battle, and his punishment was so rapid and severe, that he never gave Holt an opportunity of showing himself, except on the defensive. The latter, notwithstanding his science, but in very few instances stopped his opponent’s left hand. The true statement of the case is, that “the fight” was hit out of him as early as the third round. In fact, if Holt had not been truly a game man, he could never have stood before Randall for twenty-five minutes, after the heavy milling he received at the onset. In consequence of this opinion being entertained by the few amateurs present, £10 were collected for his bravery.

Four months had scarcely elapsed when Randall again appeared in the prize-ring, in competition with Belasco, the Jew. This match produced one of the most interesting battles upon record. Since the boxing days of the scientific Tom Belcher and the renowned Dutch Sam, the amateurs and patrons of pugilism had not been more animatedly interested respecting the termination of any combat than the one which took place on Tuesday, September 30, 1817, at Shepperton Range, in a twenty-four feet ring, for fifty guineas a-side, between these heroes. The milling reputation of both the combatants was of the first order throughout the circles of the fancy. Randall was considered the best finisher of the light weights; the Jews, in Belasco, hoped to find another Dutch Sam. He was the rising star of their pugilistic hemisphere, and an awkward man to get at—a desperate in-fighter; one that would not be denied, and able to rally his opponent to the end of the chapter. Duke’s Place was all alive in the praise of the capabilities of Belasco, and, notwithstanding the love of monish by the tribes, it is said, in some instances, the odds were sported on the promising young Israelite. But if Petticoat Lane resounded with the strains of the Children of Judah, on the other hand the back settlements of the Holy Land were equally full of spirits upon the occasion, and from the turf cutter to the knight of the hod, all sported all their loose blunt from a sovereign down to a glass of whiskey, in honour of their “darling Jack Randall.” The Corinthians of St. James’ too were highly interested in the event; and the flash side (as they were termed), although they sported five and six to four on Randall, did not view it with anything like the safety of receiving a bank dividend. The men appeared in good condition—Belasco weighing a few pounds more than his opponent, and looking uncommonly fresh. The time having arrived, five minutes before one, the combatants commenced the attack. Randall was seconded by Paddington Jones and Dick Whale; Belasco was waited upon by Little Puss and Aby Swartscher.

Round 1.—Randall, who in all his former battles generally hit first, displayed unusual caution. The same care was manifested in the Jew. It was a complete system of tactics. The spectators were lost in amazement; and their optics were completely tired in watching the feints, viewing the steps, contrasting the manœuvres, stratagems, and snares resorted to by Randall and Belasco to get the best of each other, until nine minutes had elapsed before the first round was terminated, during which only four blows had been exchanged. In closing, Belasco went down.

2.—The same system of generalship occurred, and this round occupied eight minutes and a half. Belasco put in a sharp hit on Randall’s mouth, which brought forth the claret in a twinkling. Here the coolness of the Nonpareil was seen to great advantage; his steadiness was as if no blow had been struck. A rally occurred, in which some sharp hits were exchanged, and Randall received rather an unwelcome touch upon his eye. They separated and rallied again, when, in a close, the Jew went down.

3.—From this mode of fighting a long battle was anticipated. In this round the knowledge of the art was portrayed on both sides. Randall was rather unfortunate in his distances, for although his left hand bodied his opponent repeatedly, it did not touch the mark. It was not a coup de grace. Belasco down. Twenty-four minutes had elapsed.

4.—The conduct of the Jew was much to be admired. He fought like a hero, and followed his opponent with all the confidence of true game. He was, however, floored with the celerity of a shot, from a desperate left-handed hit of Randall. The latter put up his hand to his eye as if it was troublesome.

5.—It was now clearly seen that Randall was the great captain; he out-generalled his opponent with all the accomplishment of the art of war. If Randall was bored at any time to a corner of the ring, he fought his way out with such ease and safety that description falls short in conveying its excellence. It was also curious to observe, that the Jew at one period had got Randall in a position to fib him, when the latter, from his tact and courage, not only extricated himself from this perilous situation, but he returned the compliment upon Belasco with unparalleled adroitness, and fibbed the Jew till he went down. (Two to one upon Randall.)

6.—A most excellent round in point of science, but Belasco was again floored.

7 and last.—Belasco not only appeared a better, but a superior boxer in every respect than in his contest with Reynolds; and if he could not rank with Randall, he proved himself a difficult customer to be served. After some scientific movements, Randall put in such a tremendous hit on Belasco’s eye, that the latter instantly put up his hand to feel if it was there. The pain appeared so excruciating, that he staggered, fell, and fainted. Randall might have put in another hit before he went down, but his conduct was too noble to add the slightest punishment to a fallen rival. Upon Belasco’s recovering from his trance, he rubbed his body, as if suffering from severe punishment. The battle thus terminated in fifty-four and a half minutes.

Remarks.—The most experienced judges of boxing agreed that throughout the annals of pugilism such a display of scientific excellence as the above battle is not to be paralleled. It was a perfect picture of the art, and Randall justly acquired the appellation of “The Nonpareil.” His agility was surprising. Dutch Sam, in the best of his days, it was said, never fought with anything like the precision exhibited by Randall; and, in competition with the latter, the Jew phenomenon must have fallen beneath his superiority. This contest, it is true, did not altogether please, if we are to go with the crowd who are partial to downright milling; but by the admirers of scientific efforts, by those patrons who value the intent more than the effect, those amateurs who appreciate the advantages of hitting and getting away, of giving instead of receiving, and of seeing a fight won without ferocity and gluttony, the fight between Randall and Belasco may be pronounced one of the most perfect specimens of pugilism ever witnessed. The attitudes of the men were fine in every point of view, and their movements conducted on the true principles of science. The athletic beauty of the human frame was never more prominent. Randall retired from the ring scarcely scratched. This is the grand art of fighting—to give, and not to receive.

At a sporting dinner, given to the lads of the fancy at Tom Oliver’s, a few days after the above fight, by one of the highest amateurs in the scientific circles, no want of “game,” it appears, was discovered to render the table complete. When the cloth was removed, the cigars lighted, the lively glass replenished, and the merits and capabilities of various milling heroes became the animated subject of discussion among the company present, a set-to was proposed, by way of practical illustration, between Randall and young Burke, of Woolwich. The heroes immediately acquiesced in this request: the gloves were produced, and the men soon appeared in battle array. Burke, who is five feet ten inches in height, and wanting neither gluttony nor science, contended for the honour of having the best of it with much determination; but some doubts having arisen among the learned judges upon this precise point, a regular glove match was entered into, and a sum deposited on both sides accordingly. The first clean floorer was to decide the event! The contest was truly spirited, and after some tidy milling, Burke went down; but it not being exactly the thing meant, the point was reserved till another round. Thirteen minutes had now elapsed, and notwithstanding the advantages Burke possessed from standing over Randall, the latter at length measured his distance so correctly, that Burke was floored as if he had been shot! The point being now satisfactorily decided—the glasses went merrily round—mirth and harmony prevailed throughout the evening, and the company separated in the utmost good humour. It is said, that the amateur before alluded to observed that Randall should not want, if necessary, from 500 to 1000 guineas to complete any match, so high an opinion did he entertain of his milling talents. Randall was presented by his backer with the amount of the stakes.

Randall had made such rapid strides towards perfection in pugilism that some difficulty was experienced in finding a customer for him. However, the long-talked-of match between Parish, the waterman, and Randall was at length made for 100 guineas a-side. These boxing heroes met on Thursday, November 27, 1817, at Hayes Common. Parish, it seems, although not highly appreciated as a boxer, was well-known as a staunch man; he had also acquired first-rate science, under the tuition of George Head, a teacher of deserved celebrity. Nevertheless, so little was the Waterman esteemed in comparison with his opponent, that three to one was the current betting against him. True, Parish’s battle with Holt was highly spoken of, although it took him one hour and a half to win it; while Randall, on the other hand, beat Holt in twenty-five minutes. Wallingham Common, in Surrey, about six miles beyond Croydon, was the spot selected for this grand trial of skill. Thither the amateurs repaired at an early hour, but the clergyman of the parish (also a magistrate) saw the cavalcade pass his window, and hastening to the ring, declared that the battle must not take place in Surrey. A little persuasion was tried to divert the rev. gent. from his intention,—but he observed, “it was loss of time to remonstrate, as he was as inflexible as a rock.” In this dilemma, Hayes Common, in Kent, about seven miles distant, was suggested as an eligible place. The stakes were instantly removed, and the motley group followed like lightning, over a cross-country road, that had not been visited for months by anything but dung carts or wagons. It was almost impassable, but the game of the fancy was not to be beaten by trifling obstacles, and the scene that followed beggars description. Postchaises were floored in the deep ruts in the road—the springs of curricles and gigs were broken—the Rosinantes dead beat—the Eatoners puffing and blowing from top to toe, anxious to arrive in time—boots were dragged off the feet by the strength of the clay, and many of the light-shod coves stuck fast in the mud. The magistrate, very politely, saw the patrons of science to the extremity of the county before he took his leave. At length Hayes Common appeared in sight, and the ring, after some little time, was again formed. At ten minutes past three o’clock, Randall appeared and threw up his hat in the ring, attended by Paddington Jones and Whale, as his seconds; Parish shortly followed, and repeated the same token of defiance, followed by George Head and Spring. Several amateurs of rank were in the ring; and Colonel Barton, the patron of Randall, sat close to the stakes. After shaking hands the men set-to and began.

Round 1.—The positions of the combatants were extremely elegant; both appeared in good condition, but, if anything, Parish seemed the heavier man. Neither seemed eager to strike; and, notwithstanding the acknowledged excellence of Randall, considerable time elapsed before the attack commenced. At length the Nonpareil got his distance, planted a body hit with much dexterity, and got away. He was not long in giving his adversary another, when Parish returned, but not effectively. Considerable time again occurred in sparring, till a favourable opportunity occurred for Randall, when he let fly at the Waterman’s nob, producing the claret in a twinkling, and got away with the agility of a dancing master. The Nonpareil stopped in a masterly style, and showed his superiority by finishing the round in a winning manner. Using both hands equally, the left being applied to the body of his opponent, while the right hand put in so tremendous a hit on the head of Parish, that he fell forwards on his face. (Great applause. Eight minutes and three-quarters had elapsed, and four to one was offered with as much readiness as if the blunt was of no value.)

2.—Randall, notwithstanding the decided advantages he had obtained, like a skilful general, seemed to think discretion the better part of valour. He was as cautious as if no blows had passed, and again waited for a good opening. The attempts of Parish were frustrated, and Randall, with the most smiling confidence, again bodied his opponent. The already damaged mug of the Waterman was again peppered, and the crimson flowed copiously. In closing, the Nonpareil showed himself completely entitled to his appellation; he got Parish’s head under his arm, and fibbed him severely till both went down.

3.—The admirers of science were completely tired before any work was attempted, so much time elapsed; and the downright partisans of the old school of fighting, when milling was the order of the day, began to treat this sort of boxing contemptuously. In fact, Parish was so fatigued that he put down his hands. At length the combatants became more in earnest, and Randall finished the round most successfully. He planted a severe throttler, when Parish returned, but not heavily. Some blows were exchanged, and the Waterman so cleanly hit one of Randall’s peepers that he made him wink again. The Nonpareil soon returned this favour with compound interest, and made the Waterman bite the dust. (Uproarious applause.) In this round Randall cut the knuckles of his left hand against the Waterman’s teeth.

4.—The head of Parish, from the profuse colouring it exhibited, showed the handy works of the limner, but his confidence was not in the least abated. On setting-to he was nobbed without ceremony; he also received in the course of the round a body hit that sent him staggering away from his opponent. The returns of Parish were ineffective; and, in closing, Randall showed the amateurs the practical advantages of fibbing; for he here portrayed a feature peculiar to himself in this respect: when tired with one hand he changed it, then worked with the other, till Parish was thrown undermost. The gluttony of the Waterman was acknowledged by all present, and science was allowed him. Betting, nevertheless, was at a stand-still, so certain did the event appear to be.

5.—This was a sharp round; Parish appeared to more advantage than heretofore. The left hand of Randall was much lacerated; nevertheless, in this painful state, it did not prevent him from doing execution. In closing, Parish met with a heavy fall, and was undermost.

6.—The Waterman scarcely ever attempted to strike first; had he done so, in all probability a greater chance might have presented itself. In one or two instances he lost nothing by commencing the attack. In closing, a desperate struggle took place to obtain the throw, after fibbing had been administered; Randall got Parish down and rolled over him.

7.—It was evident Randall was the stronger man, the better fighter, superior on his legs, knew how to shape himself for every situation he had to encounter; in short, he appeared a complete master of the art of war. Some hard milling occurred in this round, and Parish made some good hits; but he could not turn the scale. Randall put in a bellier, and got away. The Waterman followed him in the gamest manner, and never showed anything like flinching throughout the fight. Randall put in a desperate hit in the Waterman’s neck, then laughed and nodded at him. In closing, both down. The friends of Randall were under some alarm, from the quantity of blood he had lost from his left hand; and a medical man of some eminence, who was among the spectators, was rather apprehensive it might produce fainting.

8.—Randall was not to be got at, and he distinctly took the lead in this round. Parish gave him a sort of half-arm hit in the mouth. Both down.

9.—On setting-to Randall drew on one side to void the claret from his mouth; but this was the most effective round in the fight. It was singular to view Randall hit, hit, and hit again till the Waterman went down on his back. (A guinea to a shilling was laughed at.)

10.—In this round the Waterman appeared conspicuous. He got Randall into the corner of the ring, and put in a body blow that made the Nonpareil wince again; in fact, he reeled a little, and had it been heavier it is likely he must have gone down. But the recovery of Randall was excellent, he got out of his perilous situation in the masterly style of a consummate tactician, and the marks of his left were seen imprinted on the body of his opponent. After some little traversing in the ring, Randall was again in the corner, when it was curious to observe the mode he took to obtain distance: he leaned his body back quite through the ropes, and planted, by this means, a heavy hit on the Waterman’s mouth, which soon gave him an opening, when he came lashing out. Some blows were exchanged, and Parish with much dexterity hit Randall under the ear, marking him. The Nonpareil now gave his man no quarter, and, in closing, he threw the Waterman so desperately that his shoulder was nearly dislocated. This was the most effective round in the fight, and Parish received considerable applause.

11 and last.—The Waterman was entitled to every consideration from the manly manner in which he contested every round. Although he did not gain much by in-fighting, he should have tried it at an earlier part of the fight; he could not have been worse off. In out-fighting in this round he was fairly beat to a stand-still; and although he endeavoured to stop scientifically his altered face was again punished. In closing, he received the usual severity; and, on going down with his brave competitor was not able to meet him any more at the scratch. The shouts of victory were loud and lasting, and the Nonpareil was carried out of the ring in triumph. The battle lasted fifty-three minutes.

Remarks.—The capabilities of Randall in the ring were so evident that comment is scarcely necessary. What the most skilful master of the sword exhibits with his weapon, Randall displayed with the fist. His mode of fighting did not appear to originate from the common advantages of teaching: it seemed completely intuitive, and looked more like a natural gift than resulting from the minutiæ of art. Randall gained nothing from chance blows; and rarely ever made a hit without its proving effective. If his blows were not stopped, his distances were so well measured they were sure of arriving at their destination. It was asserted he never hit past the head of his opponent; and though considerable time was lost in the caution observed before he struck, it was amply repaid in his coming off victorious without punishment. However unpleasing it may be to state, the positive fact is, Parish had no opportunity of turning the battle in his favour: it was all on the side of Randall from beginning to end; but, notwithstanding this remark, Parish must be allowed to have sustained the character of a brave man, and a good fighter. Although his face received such tremendous punishment, his peepers were never closed, and he showed himself on the same evening at the White Hart, on the Bromley Road, quite chuffy, refusing to be put to bed. The absence of Mr. Jackson was a severe loss to the combatants, particularly to the losing man, who, in this instance, had not one single farthing collected for him.

To conquer Randall seemed the enviable object of all the light weights; a new customer accordingly offered himself, of the name of Burke, from Woolwich, for 100 guineas a-side. He was a fine, strong young man, taller than Randall, and possessing great confidence in his own abilities. Burke was also thought highly of by the officers at Woolwich, from the capabilities he had displayed in two or three bouts, and he was backed without any hesitation; indeed, his friends had quite made up their minds as to his success. Equally confident were the partizans of Randall. As to himself, he viewed this contest with perfect indifference; in fact, victory appeared so easy to him, that he scarcely underwent the usual preparation of training. The day arrived, Tuesday, June 16, 1818, when the battle was to have been fought at Moulsey Hurst, but the magistrates interfered. Combe Wood was the next bit of turf selected for the contest, when a second interruption occurred from the presence of the beaks. However, this dilemma was soon got rid of, and the parties made the best of their way towards Wimbledon Common, followed by the anxious cavalcade. The ring was made in a twinkling, and Burke followed, by Oliver and Clarke, as his seconds, entered the ropes and threw up his hat. Randall immediately after repeated the token of defiance, waited on by Paddington Jones and Dick Whale. Seven to four on Randall.