Round 1.—Burke appeared an active, fine young man, and in good condition. He was anxious to go to work, and soon let fly. Randall also set-to. In closing the Nonpareil got his opponent’s canister under his arm, and served it out as a clown in a fair operates on a salt box; when tired, he threw Burke. (Rare chaffing from the Randallites; two to one.)

2.—Burke was not quite so eager; he found more caution and a little sparring necessary. Randall again felt for his nob, when the claret peeped, and first blood was declared for the Nonpareil. In closing, both down.

3.—This was a short round, Burke falling from a slight hit.

4.—Burke could not protect his nob; in fact, it was in complete chancery, and he had no idea of getting it out. His head was quite altered; in a close, both down. Burke undermost.

5.—More chancery practice on the part of Randall, and played off upon his opponent’s nob, without any return. Randall again got Burke down.

6.—This was a severe milling round. Burke showed Randall that he must not be treated with careless contempt lest he might prove a dangerous customer. Burke again went down in a close, undermost.

7.—Randall stopped well, but did not display himself to so much advantage as in his previous contests; he appeared more bent upon running in, and pulling his opponent down, than decisive hitting. Both down, but Burke undermost.

8.—All fighting: and Burke it was thought had rather the best of it.

9.—Burke, very cautious, tried to make the most of his science, but went down.

10.—This was a sort of scrambling round, catching hold of each other, and Randall had not only the worst of it, but in closing, was down and undermost. The Woolwich boys were all alive, and gave Burke a lift, by singing out, “Burke for ever, and you’ll win it now, if you mind what you’re arter.”

11.—This round consisted principally in sparring and hugging, till Burke was thrown.

12.—Confidence, in a boxer, is a most essential requisite, but he ought always to be prepared for his enemy. No strange pugilist ought to be looked upon indifferently, as he may, in the trial, turn out a good one. Burke was rather a difficult man to be got at, from his length and height; which, it seems, accounts for so much hugging. Burke was thrown.

13.—Similar to the last; disapprobation expressed by the spectators.

14.—Randall, in closing, got his opponent’s nob upon the fibbing system, but Burke gained the throw, and Randall was undermost.

15.—Randall did not make a hit, but rushed in, and got Burke down undermost.

16.—Of a similar description.

17.—After a few exchanges of no importance, Randall put in a tremendous hit on the neck of Burke, and he went down. (Applause.)

18.—In this round, if Burke did not absolutely frighten the friends of Randall, he convinced them he was a better man than they took him to be. The Nonpareil put in a heavy hit on his opponent’s nob, which Burke tremendously returned with interest upon Randall. The former also put in four heavy hits on Randall’s head without receiving any return. In closing, a sharp struggle occurred, till both went down. (This altered the face of things a little, and the betting dropped. The Woolwich boys were all shouting at the success of their hero.)

19.—Quite unexpected, Burke had also the best of this round. In a sort of hugging close, both went down. (Great shouting for Burke.)

20.—Randall now went to work sharply, and gave his opponent a tremendous facer; but Burke returned the compliment with interest. Some sharp hits also occurred, till both went down. (Seven to four, and two to one on Randall.)

21.—Burke resorted to science, but his nob was again in chancery, and the punishment it exhibited was terrific. In closing, both down.

22.—It was evident now that Burke was going: he appeared extremely weak, and went down from a slight hit. (“It’s all your own, Jack;” and four to one, but no takers.)

23 and last.—Randall seemed as if he was determined to wind up the contest with a grand climax. The already punished head of Burke again received three additional tremendous hits upon it which gave it the rolypoly; and, in closing, Randall threw his opponent with the utmost ease. When time was called, Burke could not come, on account, it was said, of his having dislocated his shoulder. It was over in three-quarters of an hour.

This contest did not exactly please the friends of Randall. It was thought he had been too careless, or that he entertained too light an opinion of his opponent. He, however made some skilful stops, which were much admired; but it was said he won the fight more from throwing, in the first instance, than from his usual method of hitting. It should be taken into consideration, that Randall had something to do in getting at his opponent, who possessed the superiority of length of arm and height of stature; and, in all probability, he would have fought for several rounds more if his collar-bone had not been dislocated. Randall, as usual, retired from the ring with scarcely a scratch about his face.

The Nonpareil had disposed of all his opponents with so much ease and certainty, that the sporting world appeared extremely anxious that Turner should enter the lists with him; an opinion being entertained that the latter was the only boxer of the light weights that would have any chance of defeating Randall. The superior tactics and other pugilistic qualities displayed by Turner in his victories over Scroggins, had rendered him an object of great attraction among the fancy in general. Randall was also anxious to fight Turner, by way of a finish to his efforts; in fact, the Nonpareil delayed commencing publican on that account alone; and two or three good houses had in consequence slipped through his hands. Randall was confident as to the result. Victory, and nothing else, appeared certain to him. This, however, was by no means the general opinion; but when the following meeting was announced between the above parties, the fancy were all alive:—

“Articles of agreement. October 13, 1818, entered into at Mr. Franklin’s, the Lion and Goat, Lower Grosvenor Street, Grosvenor Square, between John Randall and Edward Turner, to fight for the sum of £100 a-side, on Tuesday, the 1st of December. The above battle to be a fair stand up fight—half minute time, in a twenty-four foot ring. The place to be named by Mr. Jackson; but the distance from London not to be less than twenty-five, nor to exceed thirty miles. Randall, on the one side, to choose his own umpire, as to a time keeper, and Turner also to appoint a time-keeper, on his part; but to prevent any disputes, Mr. Jackson to appoint a third umpire as a referee, whose decision shall be final. The whole of the stakes to be made good on Tuesday, the 10th of November, at Mr. Franklin’s, between the hours of seven and nine in the evening; but if either Randall or Turner wish to increase the sum to £200 a-side, this latter sum to be made good on Tuesday, the 24th of November. Mr. Jackson to hold the stakes, or any person whom he may appoint. A deposit of £20 a-side was placed in the hands of Mr. Franklin; but if the whole of the stakes of £100 a-side are not made good on the 10th of November, the above deposit to be forfeited accordingly.

Randall was generally the favourite; yet Turner was by no means in the back ground, for the Taffies swore, “Cot splutter her nails, hur’s sure to win it.” The cool knowing ones, who put national feelings out of the case, and who only looked to winning the blunt, declared it was a puzzling problem.

This great match made, Randall went into training on his favourite spot, Hampstead Heath; where he was rather under the eye and superintendence of a gallant Colonel, his patron, it being contiguous to that officer’s residence. He took up his abode at Bob Pilch’s, the Horse and Groom, Hampstead, which was a centre of attraction for the fancy, it being only a toddling distance from the town.

On the side of Turner, his friends were equally attentive and alert, and a “game” dinner was given to the amateurs on Tuesday, November 24, 1818, at the Chequers Inn, Brentwood, Essex, preparatory to the grand combat. It was a numerous and most respectable meeting. A livelier dinner was never witnessed; the cloth was covered from one end to the other with hares, pheasants, partridges, and venison, served in the highest style of culinary perfection; the table was also surrounded by live game, of the true British breed, not to be equalled in any other part of the world: Oliver and Purcell on one side, Turner and Richmond upon the other. The harmony was of the richest quality, and “the heroes of the ring” were toasted by the company. Turner returned thanks for the mention that had been made of his former exertions, and observed, with much modesty and candour, “that he would win if he could; but if he lost the match, he trusted that the amateurs would not have to complain that he had not done everything to give them satisfaction.”

In consequence of the death of Queen Charlotte, this great match was put off, by the consent of all parties, till Saturday, December 5. This circumstance tended, if possible, to increase the sporting anxiety upon the event. The day being altered, it was thought expedient by the backers, to prevent any misunderstanding, to give publicity to the following:—“It may be necessary to inform those who are not thoroughly acquainted with the rules of betting, that, on account of the above day being altered, all bets that have been laid since the match was made are off, unless agreed by the parties to be on; but all those bets which were laid before the match was made, stand good.” It was even betting at Tattersall’s on the Monday previous to the fight. This circumstance was attributed to the Welsh feeling upon the subject: five to four was difficult to be got at. The contest being a “war” question, the Stock Exchange dabbled considerably upon the event. When the challenge was first given by Randall, and received by Turner, the odds were seven to four and two to one on Randall; but this seemed rather to arise from the impetuosity and confidence of his friends, than from a due estimate of his merits. Consideration soon reduced the odds to five to four, then twenty-one to twenty, and at length only Randall for choice.

Even betting followed; and at last Turner’s friends, who had been upon the reserve, began to show out, and actually offered five to four the other way. This change was attributed to a report that Randall had got a cold in his neck, and was under the necessity of having leeches applied to reduce the tumour which arose in consequence. Turner’s father, it appears, had offered to take the odds against his son to any amount, and actually produced the blunt for a few hundreds, in order to prove his sincerity. The spirit of the Ancient Briton was up, and we understand that he was instructed by his friends in Wales to support the national glory. Tom Belcher had £200 sent up to him from Wales, to bet as he thought proper upon Turner.

The little hero on his leaving Brentwood, dined at Belcher’s, in Holborn, on Thursday, and in the course of the evening set off for Croydon, where he slept that night. He seemed in high condition and good spirits, and expressed a perfect confidence of success. Randall also shifted his quarters from Hampstead, and approached the scene of action. He was equally sanguine.

On Friday morning the bustle among the fancy was great. Post-chaises, gigs, carts, buggies, wagons, and every description of vehicle, were called into requisition; and, in the course of the day the road towards Croydon presented a motley assemblage of persons of all ranks. Many, too, who could not muster the means of other conveyance, depended upon their pedestrian abilities, and set out on foot. Every horse on the road was engaged, and hundreds were forced to take up their lodgings under circumstances of no ordinary privation; indeed it was considered but a trifling sacrifice, when compared with the pleasure to be derived from being present at the fight.

On entering the ring, which was pitched on Crawley Downs, Turner was waited on by Tom Owen and Bill Richmond, Randall by Tom Oliver and Blake. Odds six to four on Randall. Little time was lost, and at one o’clock they shook hands, and threw themselves in position for

Round 1.—It is impossible to describe the anxiety impressed upon the countenances of the spectators on the combatants shaking hands. The attitudes of both men were interesting to the admirers of pugilism, and neither of them seemed wanting in condition. They eyed each other with the acute precision of fencing masters, and seemed positively almost to look into each other’s hearts. It was dodging, dodging, and dodging again; and five minutes had elapsed before a blow had been made, touching the toes of each other all the time. At length, after some feints, Turner hit first, when the prime Irish boy laughed and got away. The latter, however, was not long in making a return, and he gave Turner a jawer and a ribber, but not heavily. More feints and dodging. Turner hit short with his right hand, when Randall rushed in and went to work. He tried to fib his opponent upon his old favourite system, and a severe struggle took place for the throw. Both down, but Turner undermost.

2.—The same caution was manifest on both sides on commencing this round, and long sparring again occurred. Randall gave a bellier, and got away; he was not long in repeating it, and adding a facer. Long sparring. Turner endeavoured to give a tremendous hit with his left hand, but Jack was wary, and jumped back two yards. Very long sparring; in fact, it appeared so tedious to those who are admirers of downright milling, that many persons called out, “When shall we get home?” Turner, with much dexterity, put in a good hit between Randall’s guard. (Great applause. “Go it, Neddy.”) The latter gave two facers, and plunged his way to work. The finish of this round was truly severe, fibbing and struggling till both went down. Twenty minutes had elapsed.

3.—The mouth of Turner seemed to show some tinge of the claret, but there was doubt about it. He, however, appeared to breathe very quick, and rather distressed. The tactics of both the men were of the first order of science, and it was viewed as astonishing by most of the old amateurs. Both of the men were so well prepared, that if the slightest mistake was made it was not overlooked; and this may account for the extreme caution on both sides. Randall had never anything like such a customer to deal with before; and Turner had no borer-in to beat off-hand. This round took thirteen minutes, and the pauses were so unusually long that some of the jokers advised Tom Owen to have a pipe. Cribb wished for his nightcap, and talked of supper. Old Caleb advised them to go to work, and hit each other’s nobs off. After numerous feints, the round was finished well, Turner undermost, and Randall fell over him rather awkwardly upon his neck.

4.—From the style of fighting displayed by both of the combatants, it was evident it must prove a long fight. Both anxious, and on the look out not to give half a chance away. Randall put in two body blows. Turner’s left hand also told on his opponent’s mouth. The hitting and stopping on both sides was masterly. Turner’s nose was now bleeding copiously, and Randall’s face was pinked. Both down.

5.—In this round Randall took the lead; he fibbed his opponent severely, and then fell upon him heavily in going down.

6.—To attempt to describe minutely the feints, the pauses, dodgings, etc., would fill a volume, and therefore we must confine ourselves to an explicit and short epitome. Randall spat blood, when Turner’s left hand caught his opponent’s nose, and the claret ran down into his mouth. A very long pause ensued, and it almost seemed that neither of the combatants wished to make a hit, so much caution was used. Fifty minutes had elapsed. Turner made a tremendous hit with his left hand, but Randall stopped its effect with fine skill. An exchange of blows. Turner aimed to do something with his right and left hands, but the blows were slight. Randall got away; the blood from his nose appeared rather troublesome to him. Trifling exchanges. Turner seemed tired, and put down his hands, but they were soon up again on Randall’s offering to hit. Turner threw two blows away, when Randall put in a severe body blow. Another long pause. Randall now put down his hands, just for a moment’s ease, when Turner run in, not to lose an opportunity, but Randall laughed, and was prepared for him in an instant. Long pause. Several feints, but no hitting. Randall put in a heavy blow in the body, but got a sharp header in return. The Nonpareil seemed to be changing his mode of attack, and trying all for the body. Turner was so extremely awkward and dangerous to be got at, that Randall displayed more than his usual caution. Turner stopped a heavy hit, and then hit Randall on the head; and he also endeavoured again to use his left hand with success, but Randall stopped him. Some fine science was again displayed, and in struggling for the throw, Randall was undermost. Turner was now bleeding copiously, and the claret was also running down from Randall’s nose.

7.—This was a tremendous round, and Turner seemed much distressed in coming to the scratch. After a few exchanges, Randall closed, and went sharply to work on the weaving system, till they both were down.

8.—This was also a fighting round, and Turner’s left hand got into his opponent’s face; but Randall, in turn, put in a sharp bodier. In closing, Turner was thrown.

9.—When time was called, Turner was about to commence play on Randall’s side of the ring, when the latter said, “Keep your own side.” This was a gallant round, and both fibbed each other in turn. In going down Randall had the best of the fall.

10.—This round was full of science; the hitting and stopping on both sides were of the finest order of the art. Turner complained that Randall had trod heavily upon his toe, and said, “Do you call that fair, Jack?” Randall, in reply, answered, “I did not.” In struggling for the throw, Turner threw Randall over him.

11.—The best judges were still between hopes and fears upon the subject. Randall seemed to have the best of it, but the goodness of Turner was so well known, that he did not even now want for plenty of backers. Randall got Turner into the sun, and put in a tremendous hit on his left eye, that made him wink again. He, however, recovered himself, and gave his opponent a severe one in the bread-basket. In going down Turner received a hit which Owen said was foul, and called out to the umpires respecting it but no notice was taken by the authorities, and it went off.

12.—Turner hit his opponent right and left, but they did not appear heavy enough to alter the position of Randall, or reduce his strength. However, it was a desperate round. (Seven to four on Randall.) Both down, and hard milling.

13.—Randall put in a desperate snorter, that sent Turner’s nob back, and the claret followed in torrents; he repeated it, and Turner went down. Randall had now got upon the head-work, and left pinking at the body. This was the first knock-down blow, and great shouting followed it.

14.—It was really astonishing to witness the coolness with which Turner came up to the scratch after the tremendous punishment he had experienced in the last round. He also hit out right and left, and some severe exchanges occurred between them. In closing, Turner fibbed Randall with some effect, but the former went down. (Randall for £100.)

15.—A very sharp round. Good fighting on both sides. In closing, Turner got Randall down, and also undermost.

16.—A considerable pause before a blow was made. Turner at length let fly with his left hand on the body; but Randall put in so heavy a blow in Turner’s mouth as nearly to dislodge his ivory, and the claret flowed profusely. In closing, Turner fibbed his opponent, but he fell rather weak.

17.—In this round, in struggling for the throw, Turner threw Randall out of the ring, and stood up, leaning over the ropes.

18.—Turner tried to use his left hand desperately, but was stopped. Randall rushed in to finish his man in style, but he missed his object. At length they both got into work, till Turner went down exhausted.

19.—In this round Turner put in a sharp bodier, when Randall’s old forte broke out with fresh energy. In closing, he peppered the face of his opponent; it was ditto, ditto, ditto, ditto, till Turner went down. One hour and thirty-five minutes.

20.—Turner came to his time undismayed, and hit left and right, which Randall not only stopped, but again planted a severe facer that brought forth the claret in torrents. In closing, both down.

21.—Turner hit with his left hand on Randall’s nose, and he also went down from the force of his own blow. Randall seemed a little exhausted from the work he had to perform, and was also bleeding at the mouth. In fact, this blow seemed to have had more effect than any he had received during the fight.

22.—Randall run Turner down, after an exchange of a few blows.

23.—Fibbing and Turner a bad fall. The latter appeared getting weak, but still full of courage.

24.—Turner came first to the scratch, with undiminished confidence, and put in a smart right-handed hit on Randall’s mug. In the struggle Turner also surprised the spectators with the strength that he possessed, throwing Randall with great violence. Two hours had now elapsed.

25.—Turner astonished the ring by coming up so cheerful, and some of the good judges did not know what to think of it; they said it was not altogether so safe as many might imagine. Randall planted a slight hit, and slipped down.

26.—Turner was first at the scratch, and hit Randall right and left, but the blows were not heavy. Randall gave a second knock-down blow.

27.—Randall looked at his fallen foe, and stooped down, winking to his friends, as it were, that he thought it all right. This was a well fought round, and Turner put in some good hits. In going down, Randall was undermost. The water of life was here given to Randall. At this stage of the battle, upwards of two hours having elapsed, it was truly extraordinary to witness such exertions on both sides. Turner hit Randall right away from him, but the latter followed Turner up till a terrible struggle took place in closing. Turner also stopped a severe blow aimed at him by Randall, and in return he planted a sharp hit on the Nonpareil’s jaw.

28.—Turner again nobbed his opponent with his left hand, but he was floored from a tremendous body hit.

29.—Notwithstanding the heavy flooring hit Turner experienced in the last round, he came up to the scratch as cool as a cucumber. He commenced fighting, and endeavoured to do some execution with his left hand, but Randall stopped him. In a close, both down.

30.—Turner left the knee of his second first, and quite satisfied the ring that that fight was not out of him. He made some good exchanges, till both went down.

31.—The face of Turner was severely punished, but his eyes were open, and he fought as coolly as if he had only commenced the fight. (“Take him away—he’s too game,” was the cry.) Turner was again floored from a severe hit in the body. In this round a circumstance occurred which might have proved the overthrow of Randall, if it had not been prevented. Baxter offered to bet £5 upon Turner, when Oliver warmly observed, that he would lay him £10 to £5 three times over, and was leaving his man to come and stake, but he was called upon by Randall’s patron not to quit him for an instant. Jem Belcher lost the fight with Cribb, it was asserted, in consequence of his second staking the money, thus giving time for Cribb to recover his wind.

32.—The brave Turner undismayed again met his man; but went down from a blow. While on his second’s knee, he was advised to give in, but his manly heart would not suffer him to say “No;” his tongue refused its utterance.

33.—The state of Turner now appeared so piteous, and his bravery so much the praise of the spectators, that several persons cried out, “Do not let him fight any more.”—“Don’t say that, gentlemen,” replied Owen, “he’s worth twenty beaten men!” Turner, however, went down from a facer.

34 and last.—The admiration of all present was expressed at Turner again coming to the scratch; and although in a state of exhaustion, he was cool, collected, and as game as a pebble. After some other hits, a blow on the left side of Turner’s head floored him, that he could not come to time. Two hours, nineteen minutes, and thirty seconds had elapsed.

Remarks.—The first act of Randall, on being pronounced the victor, was to push the crowd away from him, and to clasp the hand of his brave fallen foe with much zeal and friendship; while Turner, nobly disdaining animosity, gently patted Randall on the back, in token that he was the best man, and had won the battle nobly and in gallant style. The amateurs applauded both of them, and pronounced them the two best bits of stuff, of their weight, in this country. Turner, it seems, on being repeatedly solicited to give in, indignantly spurned such advice, asserting that he could yet win the battle. His brother, Mr. Baxter, at length insisted that he should fight no longer, which put an end to the contest.

On victory being declared in favour of Randall, Turner was immediately carried from the ground by Sutton, in a distressed state, to a neighbouring farmhouse, put to bed, and every attention and assistance administered to his wants that humanity could suggest. It is well known that, heavy as the blows were, added to the extremity of pain he must have felt from the severity of punishment he had received, these were “trifles light as air,” compared to the anguish which his mind suffered at the recollection, afflicting to a brave man, of defeat. He was very ill, but complained most of the body blows. Randall, in the course of the Saturday evening, arrived in town, anxious to meet his better half and son; the latter was about two years old.

The public interest was so great upon this occasion that hundreds surrounded the turnpike gates to learn the name of the winner.

Randall at this time announced his retirement from the ring, and his intention to serve the public as a publican. We find in Monday morning’s Morning Chronicle, after the fight, the following paragraphs headed:—

“Remnants of the Fight.—Daylight on Sunday morning discovered the remains of several gigs lying along the wayside, which had been floored by coming in contact with each other from the narrowness and badness of the roads. Beds could not be procured at any of the inns; and, in consequence, hundreds were compelled to travel in the dark. The horses were all dead beat, the long faces not to be described, and the cleaning out immense. Near the dwelling of Randall, the Cock, in Tottenham Court road, hundreds were waiting for the result of the event; and, upon the arrival of Jack, the applause he received rent the air. The mob round Belcher’s door was beyond all precedent. In the Borough Market, Cribb’s house was equally besieged, and those of Harmer, Oliver, and Burn, crowded and surrounded. The sale of newspapers was as great as if some important victory had been achieved on the continent, so much anxiety was felt upon this battle. The first news which arrived in London was that Turner had gained the day. Numerous bets were made upon the information, and the hoax was not dispelled till ten o’clock on Saturday night.

“Turner arrived in town last (Sunday) night; and notwithstanding the numerous blows he has received upon his face, it was astonishing to see how quickly the appearance of punishment had left it.”

At a sporting dinner at Franklin’s,^[154] on December 22, 1818, to celebrate Randall’s victory, a noble lord, a staunch patron of boxing, proposed to back Martin against the Nonpareil. Martin, who had just defeated “the invincible” Jack Scroggins (as Pierce Egan calls him after four defeats), in the previous week (December 18th), was then in the height of his fame; yet a backer of Randall not only accepted the proposal but offered, lest Martin’s friends should draw back, to fight £150 to £100; so good a thing did he think it; though Martin was a stone heavier, touching 11st. 5lbs. In a little row with the ponderous Burn, Randall displayed his skill upon the “big ’un,” and offered to fight him for £100, before his match with Martin. These were of course mere “wild and wandering words, my lord.” For the match with Martin, £50 on the part of Martin, and £75 for Randall, were posted on the last day of the year 1818, at Burn’s, and the 4th of May was fixed for the meeting, that it might not interfere with Newmarket.

Randall went into training at Hampstead, and in March, in consequence of some difference of opinion between his trainer and Martin’s, a foot-race of 100 yards was proposed for £5 a-side. The men agreed to run, and came together, when Martin beat Randall cleverly by seven yards. The reporter adds: “This was the first time Randall’s name was coupled with defeat, but then it was his feet that betrayed him, his fists had no hand in it.” “This was thought,” as “Elia” says in his “Essays,” “smart writing for newspapers thirty years ago.”

Randall generously volunteered to attend and set-to at Martin’s benefit at the Fives Court, which took place only a week before their fight, and did so. This is a little trait that speaks volumes for the manly character of the Nonpareil. We copy the contemporary report, as a specimen of the “road to the fight” some sixty years ago.

“The fancy were upon the alert soon after breakfast, on Monday, May 4, 1819, to ascertain the seat of action, and as soon as the important whisper had gone forth, that Crawley Downs was the place, ‘the toddlers’ were off in a twinkling. Gigs were brushed up, the prads harnessed, and the ‘boys’ who intended to enjoy themselves on the road were in motion. Heavy drags and wagons were also to be witnessed creeping along full of people, with plenty of grub. Between the hours of two and three o’clock in the afternoon, upwards of 100 gigs were counted passing through Croydon. The bonifaces chuckled with delight, and screwing was the order of the day. Long before eight o’clock in the evening, every bed belonging to the inns and public-houses in Godstone, East Grinstead, Reigate, Bletchingly, etc., etc., were doubly and some trebly engaged. The country folks also came in for a snack of the thing, and the simple Johnny Raws, who felt no hesitation in sitting up all night if they could turn their beds to account, with much modesty only asked £1 and 15s. each for an hour or two’s sleep. The private houses were thus filled. Five and seven shillings were charged for the stand of a horse in any wretched hut. But those customers who were ‘fly’ to all the tricks and fancies of life, and who would not be nailed at any price, preferred going to roost in a barn; while others, possessing rather more gaiety, and who set sleep at defiance, blew a cloud over some heavy wet; devouring the rich points of a flash chaunt, and thought no more of time hanging heavily than they did of the classics, chaunting and swiping till many of the young sprigs dropped off their perches; the ould ones who felt the influence of ‘the Dustman,’ were glad to drop their nobs to obtain forty winks. Those persons whose blunt enabled them to procure beds, could not obtain any sleep, for carriages of every description were passing through the town all night. Things passed in this manner till daylight began to peep. Then the swells in their barouches and four, the swift trotting fanciers, hurried from the metropolis; and the road exhibited the bustle of the great day of Epsom Races. The ‘brilliants’ also left Brighton, Worthing, etc., about the same period, and thus were the roads thronged in every direction. The ‘pitiless pelting shower’ commenced furiously at six o’clock on the Tuesday morning, but it damped nothing but the dust. The ‘fancy’ are too game to prevent anything like weather interrupting their sports. The ogles of the turnpike men let not half a chance slip through their fingers, and those persons who, either from carelessness or accident, had not preserved their tickets, were physicked by paying twice at the same gate. The weather at length cleared up, and by twelve o’clock the amphitheatre on Crawley Downs had a noble effect, thousands of persons being assembled. It is supposed if the carriages had all been placed in one line they would have reached from London to Crawley. The amateurs were of the highest distinction, and several noblemen and foreigners of rank were upon the ground. The short time previous to the combat taking place was occupied in betting and descanting upon the merits of the pugilists. The high condition and strength of Martin made a considerable impression upon the waverers, and some little hedging occurred, though seven to four was the current price with Randall’s friends.” Martin first appeared in the ring, and threw up his hat, accompanied by his seconds, Burn and Harmer. Randall immediately followed, attended by Oliver and Jones. The combatants, upon meeting, shook hands with each other in the most friendly manner. The signal was given for stripping, and a most extensive ring was immediately beat out. At thirteen minutes to one the men set-to:—

Round 1.—Upon the combatants meeting at the scratch, the fine condition of Martin claimed the peculiar attention of the amateurs. The human frame could not possibly have attained a higher degree of perfection. He wore elastic drawers, and, from his hips downwards, the symmetry was so complete, that a sculptor could not have wished for a finer model. Randall was equally prime; but from comparison of height and weight the chance appeared against him, if it had rested upon these points. Reports had gone abroad that Martin meant to risk his fortune in the first two or three rounds; also that Randall could not bear punishment, and the baker was determined to smash him on the outset. The confidence of Martin rather alarmed a few of the amateurs; but the steady calculators were not to be moved; and the recollection that Randall had won eleven battles in succession—that he had never been defeated—and had likewise gained a victory over the skilful Turner, heightened their opinion, and induced them to lay it on thicker. The vast multitude seemed in breathless suspense on the men making their attitudes. Martin was cautious, and some time occurred in sparring for an opportunity to make a hit, when he at length let fly with his right hand, which reached his opponent’s body slightly. Randall made a hit, but the baker’s length of arm stopped it, when the latter in endeavouring to make a return, received a one-two on the right and left side of his face, which instantly created a pinky appearance. Long sparring occurred, and both on the look out to obtain a favourable opportunity. Martin made a hit, but Randall got away in style, when the latter was not long in planting a blow on the body. Counter hits took place, and Martin, rather encouraged from this circumstance, pursued Randall to the corner of the ropes. The Nonpareil, as heretofore, when placed in this perilous situation, extricated himself with promptness. He put in two facers; Martin went staggering away, and the claret was seen issuing from his mouth. He now raised himself upon his toes, when Randall, finding that the length of the baker’s “peel” was not yet practicable to get over, planted a severe bodier. Martin went a little to work, and in closing some sharp blows passed, and both went down, Martin uppermost. (Loud shouting, and “Well done, Martin.”)

2.—Randall’s left ear was slightly bleeding from the last encounter. Martin made a hit on Randall’s shoulder; and he also stopped the latter in making a return. Randall, however, was not long in putting in a bodier, that left the marks of his fingers as strongly imprinted as if they had been painted with vermilion. In closing the Nonpareil fibbed Martin severely, but the baker obtained the throw and was uppermost. (Two to one was now current upon Randall; and several took it, relying upon the length and strength of the baker.)

3.—Martin made a good nobber, and smiled at the event; but it was only temporary. Randall put in some bodiers with great dexterity, these affected the wind of Martin, and, in closing, Randall not only fibbed his opponent tremendously, but fell upon him.

4.—Martin’s face was bleeding and flushed all over; distress was coming fast upon him. He, however, made a hit which was stopped, when Randall, like lightning, put in so severe a facer that Martin’s head went with great force against the stakes. He appeared quite stunned, but did not go down, and came up tottering to fight with his opponent. In closing he again received terribly, and was undermost.

5.—The “upper crust” of the baker was now cracked, and Randall went in sharply to gain another point, adding more punishment, but in closing he was undermost. (Four to one).

6.—Martin got away from a tremendous hit; and some long sparring occurred. This was a severe round; but Martin was punished down, and Randall fell heavily upon him.

7.—The Nonpareil had now commenced his work, and satisfied the amateurs that he meant to finish it at his leisure; he had “got him,” as it is termed; but yet this safe hero to back thinks the battle is not over till it is positively won, and never gives the slightest chance away. This was a short round; when Randall again spoiled the upper crust, and got his opponent down.

8.—The face of Martin was not only red, but his mouth appeared full of blood. He made a hit, but Randall got away; he, however, again pursued him to the ropes, when Randall hit him on the right eye, and he went staggering away. Some struggle took place for the throw, but Randall got Martin down.

9.—Martin sparred a short time, seemed tired, and endeavoured to pull up his drawers, when Randall was going in to mill, the baker smiled and soon prepared for action. In closing Randall threw his opponent.

10.—Martin slipped from a hit, but he received such nobbers, and appeared so bothered, that it was observed, the “Master of the Rolls” had mistaken his place, and got into the “Court of Chancery.” Randall fell very heavy upon his opponent.

11.—It was evident that Martin could not gain a point to change the tide of battle towards victory. He received a dreadful blow in the wind; and Randall got away from nearly all his blows. The fibbing system was also again renewed with severity, and Martin was thrown.

12.—Randall put in such tremendous hits, that in struggling Martin fell down exhausted.

13.—This was a short round, and Martin was hit as he was going down in the struggle for the throw. “Foul! foul!” was loudly vociferated; and it might perhaps have appeared so to those persons at a distance from the ring; but the umpires, who were close to the ropes, and watched every movement, declared it to be fair.

14.—Another dreadful bodier was put in by Randall, and Martin went in rather furious, but he was punished down.

15.—The talents for serving out and improving the chance exhibited by Randall in this round, electrified the spectators, and astonished the most experienced and accomplished pugilists on the ground. In the very short space of time that Martin was falling to the ground from struggling, Randall planted three tremendous blows. (“It’s astonishing,” was the cry; “he is a phenomenon indeed!”)

16.—Martin still kept fighting, and this was a sharp round; but he was hit both on the head and body staggering away. In going down the coolness of Randall induced him to put up his arm to show that he did not mean to hit his opponent on the ground.

17.—Martin determined to try it on, and broke away from a close. Some exchanges took place, but he was hit down severely.

18.—It was all up. Martin was hit so severely that he fell upon his face. (A guinea to a shilling was offered, but no takers.)

19 and last.—It was doubtful whether Martin could come again. He did, however, appear at the scratch, in a terrible state, but it was only to be floored sans ceremonie. The battle occupied forty-nine minutes and ten seconds.

Remarks.—Randall never won a battle with more comparative ease; and, excepting a slight shade under his left eye, and a scratch upon his ear, he had no appearance of having been engaged in a contest. He is a complete master of the art of war, and his judgment truly conspicuous. He found the length of arm possessed by the baker was not to be got over at first; he then, with great promptitude, found out the vulnerable part of the body, till the head of his opponent became at his service, and then he won with all the coolness and science of playing a game of draughts.

It was the opinion of the best judges, that Randall ultimately must be cried down, like the famous “Eclipse,” as regarded fighting any man of his own weight. Martin was a very game man, and a hard hitter; but he had no chance with Randall, although it is said he weighed above twelve stone, and Randall only ten stone ten pounds. In point of civility, decorous behaviour, and quiet conduct in life, Martin yielded to no pugilist on the list; and these circumstances were not forgotten by the amateurs, who made a collection for him of £30 on the ground. He was taken to a farmhouse and humanely attended upon; while Randall put on his clothes, and sat down to view the fight between Carter (who styled himself the Champion of England), and Spring, which took place in the same ring.

Randall, it appears, received foul play early in the morning of the above fight; or, in other words, he was “hocussed.”^[155] This infamous scheme, however, had not the desired effect; but the dose operated as a purgative.

A silly Monday disturbance in Battersea Fields, which led to a not very creditable turn-up between Randall, who had been dining out, and a fighting tailor named Jem Wood or Hood, in October, 1819, is seized upon by Pierce Egan for seven octavo pages of slang and ungrammatical “patter;” “Fistiana,” too, has booked it as a victory, “four rounds for love,” to Randall.

Randall was now so popular that the manager of the Regency Theatre engaged him at a salary to exhibit his milling acquirements in a pantomime. Turner was his friendly opponent upon this occasion, and crowded houses were the result.

In June, 1819, Randall being then about to open in business at the Hole in the Wall, in Chancery Lane, was challenged by the dread-nought Jack Scroggins, and a backer of Randall put down a £10 note on his behalf, for a fight for 100 guineas to come off in August. Randall, not having been consulted, refused to meet Scroggins, and forfeited the £10.

On Tuesday, August 17th, 1819, Randall’s opening dinner was celebrated. As a specimen we reprint the advertisement from the weekly papers:—