“John Scroggins engages to fight Edward Turner, 120 guineas to 80, on the 27th of May. Ten pounds on each side are deposited; to fight in a twenty-four feet ring, half-minute time; one half of the remainder of the money to be deposited at Scroggins’s on the 15th of April. The whole to be made good on the 20th of May, at Tom Belcher’s. The fight to take place not within twenty-five miles from London. To be a fair stand-up fight. Mr. Jackson to name the place of fighting, and to receive the money, till all is made good. The money, upon the first failure of deposit, to be forfeited, and the other half if not made good. To meet in the ring between twelve and one.

So confident, it appears, were the partisans of Scroggins that victory would again crown his exertions, that no fall whatever in the betting took place from his unexpected battle in a room with Fisher, when in a state of inebriation; in fact, it operated materially in his favour. This rencontre will be found under the memoir of Scroggins, Chapter IX., post.

In consequence of the Ascot race week falling at the time appointed in the articles (May 27), the battle was, by mutual consent, postponed to the 10th of June. Notwithstanding the secrecy observed, the magistrates of Essex got hint enough not to permit Matching Green to be the spot, as fixed upon for this trial of skill to be decided. The attraction in the sporting circles was so great that vehicles of all descriptions were on the road the whole of Monday night; and as soon as daylight began to peep on Tuesday morning the amateurs were in motion. Upon their arrival at Harlow, the interruption was found out, and after a short deliberation it was decided that the battle should take place in the adjoining county, Hertfordshire, in a paddock contiguous to Sawbridgeworth. Thither the cavalcade posted without delay, and the inhabitants of that quiet village were not a little astonished at this sudden visit from galloping horsemen, rattling post-chaises, barouches, tilburys, carts, etc., till the important cause was learned. It was a profound secret here, notwithstanding Turner slept at Mr. Parsons’, the White Lion Inn, Sawbridgeworth, the preceding evening. He arrived from New Town in Wales, where he had been in training under the care of his uncle, Mr. Turner, and reached Barnet on Friday evening incog. He scarcely saw five persons before he entered the ring, being under the immediate care of his cousin, Mr. Baxter. He was in much better condition than when he stripped at Hayes; but it is certain he still might have been brought to a finer pitch. He weighed ten stone five pounds. On meeting with his opponent, Scroggins, they shook hands in the most friendly manner together. The stakes, as before stated, were £120 on the part of Scroggins, against Turner’s £80. At half past twelve Turner appeared in the twenty-four feet roped ring, and threw up his hat. Scroggins soon followed his example. Tom Owen and Jacobs were the seconds of Turner; and Harmer and Clark attended upon Scroggins. Owen tied the yellow colour of his man upon the post, and Harmer covered it with the true blue belonging to Scroggins. It is curious to remark that this same blue handkerchief belonging to the latter he had won all his seven battles in, but now he sported a new one round him. The ring was unusually respectable and select, not being above one deep, few, if any, pedestrians being able to go the distance of thirty miles in time. One o’clock having arrived, the parties shook hands, and the battle commenced. Two to one on Scroggins.

Round 1.—Two minutes elapsed in sparring and dodging each other round the ring, both anxious to obtain the first advantage. The firm and erect attitude of Turner, who appeared armed at all points, seemed to puzzle Scroggins so much that he was at a loss how to commence the attack with any degree of certainty, and that formidable resolution of going in furiously, which gave him the lead in the commencement of all his other fights, in the present instance had visibly abated. Scroggins at length, neck or nothing, made a sort of rush in, and after a short scuffling close, Turner went down from a slight hit on the side of his head. (Loud shouting, and three to one on Scroggins.)

2.—The little hero seemed pleased with his success, and was going in with much gaiety to reduce the confidence of Turner, when the latter put in a sharp teazer on Scroggins’s mug with his right hand, that rather stopped his career; in the course of the round he planted another desperate facer, and added a severe hit on the ribs. In closing, the strength of Scroggy prevailed, and Turner was undermost.

3.—Scroggins seemed, in this early stage of the fight, to anticipate that he had a very ugly customer before him, and appeared unusually cautious. Several good hits passed, but in closing, Turner was again undermost.

4.—Turner was not long before he planted a desperate hit on the throat of his opponent, that gave him a sort of hiccup. Scroggins endeavoured to make some rushing hits, but he lost his distance, and no execution was done. In closing, both went down, but Turner was undermost, having experienced a cross-buttock.

5.—This round was well contested, and Scroggins, quite determined, went in, but Turner milled his nob sharply, and the claret was seen trickling down his face. In closing, Turner was again undermost. At this instant a troop of Yeomanry Cavalry made their appearance, galloping down the lane towards the scene of action, creating some alarm that the fight would again be interrupted; but, on being interrogated, it appeared they were admirers of native courage, and only anxious to witness the mill.

6.—This was a short round. Scroggins missed a desperately aimed blow at Turner’s body; he, nevertheless, rushed in and hit Turner down.

7.—Scroggins came bleeding to the scratch, and a good milling round occurred. Several sharp blows were exchanged, but in closing, Turner was undermost.

8.—The little tar, without ceremony, rushed headlong in, and scuffled with his antagonist till both went down. (“Well done, Scroggins! he’ll tire out Turner,” was the cry.)

9.—On setting-to, Turner put in a tremendous facer with his right hand, and got away with much dexterity. Scroggins endeavoured to return, but lost his distance, and Turner again nobbed him. The former appeared confused, and dropped his hands, but at length rushed in. In closing, Turner was undermost.

10.—This was a sharp round, but the coolness of Turner was manifest, and he hit with much judgment. He was perfectly aware of his opponent’s mode of fighting, and always prepared to give him a warm reception. In closing, Turner undermost.

11.—Scroggins commenced this round with considerable caution, and nearly a minute occurred before a blow was struck. Turner’s left hand claimed an acquaintance with Scroggy’s cheek. Scroggins in return endeavoured to plant a hit at Turner’s mark, that, had it proved successful, might have materially changed the face of the battle. He, nevertheless, in closing, again sent Turner over the ropes.

12.—This was a tremendous round; the combatants rallied in grand style. In closing, Turner fibbed his man terribly, and for the first time the little hero was undermost.

13.—From the severe fibbing Scroggins had received after setting-to he hastily retreated; loud hissing arose from all parts of the ring. But he soon recovered from his panic, and it was as sharp a round as any in the fight. Turner gave his opponent a hit that sent him quite round; but Scroggins again opposed him with the most determined spirit, and followed him till, in closing, both went down. (Turner was now evidently the favourite.)

14.—Turner immediately planted a facer on setting-to. (Applause.) Scroggins also made a hit, and Turner went down from it, as if he had slipped.

15.—Smashing hits on both sides, but many of them out of distance. Scroggins was again fibbed, but he stopped this sort of punishment by holding the hands of Turner. He also obtained the throw, and Turner was undermost.

16.—On setting-to, Scroggins got back, and Turner put down his hands, convincing his opponent he had leisure enough to wait for him. Turner at length planted a desperate ribber, and Scroggins furiously bored in. In closing, the latter again obtained his usual advantage.

17.—This was a curious round. Scroggins, on receiving a hit, turned round, but furiously renewed the combat. Turner, in closing, had the advantage materially in fibbing his opponent, yet Scroggins got him down.

18.—Turner, with much coolness, nobbed Scroggins and got away. The latter seemed quite at fault: he was at sea without a rudder—no sight of land appeared in view, and desperation seemed his only resource. Scroggy rushed in again on the bull-dog system, and ultimately succeeded in getting Turner undermost. During this round Clark, Scroggins’ second, fell down in a fit, and was succeeded by Ned Painter.

19.—Scroggins made a good body hit, and smashed away with much spirit. He was manfully opposed by Turner, but the latter ultimately went down, and almost a second had elapsed when Scroggy fell with all his weight upon him. Some marks of disapprobation, but it might have been accident.

20.—Turner, with considerable ease, planted a right-handed hit on the already chanceried nob of Scroggins, and got away; but the latter, to revenge this attack, rushed in with uncommon ardour to make a change, if possible, and while endeavouring to put in some tremendous blows, received a slight hit that caused him to fall and slip out of the ring.

21.—Some heavy hits were dealt out on both sides, and Turner, in particular, received one so severe on the right side of his nob, that for a second it was almost upon his shoulder. In closing, both down.

22.—This was positively the best round in the fight; the blows were heard all round the ring. A desperate rally occurred, and the men broke away; but Scroggins, not satisfied that he had done enough, endeavoured to go in head foremost to take the fight out of his opponent. Turner, prepared for his impetuosity, hit upwards as he was coming in, upon his throat, with great effect. In closing, both down, Turner undermost. Scroggins, on his second’s knee, hemmed for wind, and he also discharged a considerable quantity of the crimson fluid from his mouth.

23.—Scroggins rushed in, and both down.

24.—Things had now materially changed, and five and six to one were freely offered on Turner. On Scroggins reaching the scratch his knees trembled under him, and he appeared like a man intoxicated. He endeavoured to plant a hit, and fell.

25.—Turner gave him a left handed facer, and also a severe ribber with his right. Scroggins was quite abroad; he could make no hit with any degree of certainty, and once more resorted to boring in, till both went down. The combatants were close together while sitting on the knees of their seconds, when Turner laid hold of his opponent’s hand and gave it a friendly shake.

26.—On setting-to Turner planted a dreadful facer, and soon after hit Scroggins clean down. (Seven to one was offered.) Brandy was now called for to renovate the little hero, but it was of no avail.

27.—On coming to the scratch, after a slight hit from Turner, Scroggins turned round and retreated till he got to a corner of the ring. Turner stood still, pointing his finger at him and beckoning him to come up and fight, but it would not do. Turner was compelled to follow Scroggins, when they closed. Severe fibbing was again dealt out to him, till both went down.

28.—Turner left the knee of his second in a most lively manner, but Scroggins seemed to come very reluctantly to the point of war. Scroggins threw away his blows, and he received some dreadful up-hits in his throat that electrified him.

29.—Scroggins was brought to the mark, and he had scarcely lifted up his hands when he was hit down. (Ten to one offered freely.)

30.—The nob of Scroggins now appeared much damaged, and his ribs exhibited a token of severe punishment. But though the little hero was prevented from doing any mischief, he nevertheless contended for the throw, and obtained it.

31.—The superiority of Turner astonished all present. He made a successful hit with his right hand on the face of Scroggins, and instantly made another good one upon his ribs. The little hero turned round in a state of confusion, and was sent down. (Great applause. Five to three offered that Scroggins did not fight three more rounds.)

32.—Scroggins had been literally stupid for the last half hour, from the heavy blows he had received on his head, and in not being able to stop the upper-cuts of Turner. At out fighting in this round he was much punished, and severely fibbed, till Turner dropped him. (“Well done, Turner.”)

33 and last.—It was all up with the sailor, who had made so much noise in the fighting circles for the last three years. He had been pronounced to be almost invincible, and he had flattered himself into the belief. In the last ten rounds, in point of fighting, he had no chance whatever; nevertheless he fought with much bravery. Scroggins endeavoured to do something in this round, put in some hits, but turned away from his opponent from the severity of punishment, and fell. On being placed upon his second’s knee, he gave in. Upon Harry Harmer hoisting the handkerchief as a token of defeat, it is impossible to describe the appearance of the ring. They seemed lost in reverie, till giving vent to their surprise, they exclaimed, “What, Scroggins given in? Impossible!” The battle lasted one hour and twelve minutes. Scroggins was carried out of the ring, and put into a post-chaise, Turner having won almost without a scratch.

Remarks.—The “Napoleon of the ring” has at length been defeated, but not disgraced; and, like other mighty fighting heroes, has been taught what it is to drink of the bitter cup of disappointment. He is now blamed for his confidence and temerity by those very admirers who supported him; but it may be asked, what is a hero without feeling confident of victory? Scroggins entered the ring under these feelings, and endeavoured to come out a conqueror. He did all that a man could do; and the hero, who defeated in succession, Boots, Dolly Smith, Nosworthy, Eales, Whittaker, Church, and Fisher, ought not to be forgotten in an honourable defeat with a superior man. Scroggins was never considered a boxer in a scientific point of view, and this day he completely proved the truth of the assertion. The judgment and science were completely on the side of Turner; he never struggled to lose his strength in throwing, but went down with scarcely any resistance. He never hit first, but only when the opportunity was undeniable. His guard was so firm that Scroggins could never get at him without being exposed to great danger. His coolness was equally admirable; and, in opposition to Scroggins, he made the ferocity of the latter subservient to his skill. The desperation of Scroggins, which had so terrified his opponents hitherto, was reduced to confusion; and the ease with which he was conquered, astonished the most knowing amateurs, and many of them paid dearly for their confidence. At best, he was only a resolute smashing fighter, and none of his opponents, except Turner, could get away from his severe punishment. He lost by out-fighting with Turner, and was worse off from going in. In the fight at Hayes, Turner has since acknowledged, he received so violent a blow from Scroggins that he could not for a month afterwards open his mouth without considerable pain.

Turner was so fresh that he was able to have fought another battle, and walked round the ring during the next fight. He drove himself to London, and appeared so little hurt from his conflict that he returned with all the gaiety of a spectator. The house kept by Scroggins, in Westminster, was surrounded by hundreds of people waiting for the intelligence; and so much confidence were the crowd inspired with in behalf of the naval hero, that his defeat was not believed till he arrived at home about one in the morning.

The backers of Turner met on the Friday evening following at Belcher’s, the Castle Tavern, Holborn, and presented him with the whole of the stakes, amounting to £120, as a reward for his courage. Turner also paid his fallen opponent a friendly visit the preceding evening, when Scroggins said he wished to retrieve his lost laurels in a new contest for £100 a side. Turner, who had no wish to fight again, but merely as a matter of accommodation, said he could not meet him for less than £200 a side. Scroggins attributed his defeat to a chance blow in the throat, accompanied with getting one of his feet into a small hole in the ground, which threw him off his balance; and it was at that precise instant, he said, that he received the above hit, which deprived him of his wind throughout the conflict.

A short time after the above conquest Turner made a visit to New Town, where he had recently been in training, and which is the birth-place of his parents and relatives. He was hailed with all the respect due to a hero in a more important cause. The companions of his youth, and the admirers of pugilism among the Ancient Britons, caused a congratulatory peal to be rung upon the bells in honour of his victory. A feast was held at the first inn in the place, and two roasted fat sheep, with gilded horns, were served up with the et ceteras, including plenty of game. The evening was conducted with the utmost conviviality, and the Welsh bards mustered upon this occasion composed and sung extemporaneous verses in praise of the brave and of the exploits of their countryman.

Upon the return of Turner to London the stakes were made good, for 300 guineas, and Scroggins, it seems, so much fancied this third trial of skill, that, in order to train correctly, he relinquished his character as a publican, and disposed of his house. But the opinion of the sporting world had changed, and seven to four was the current betting upon Turner. The charm of the invincibility of Scroggins was broken, and the great interest this little hero once sustained in the milling circles was materially injured by his defeat.

From some apparently careless conduct of Scroggins after the stakes were made good, much doubt prevailed through the fancy respecting the battle, and a strong opinion was maintained “that no fight would take place.” Even three to one was betted on this particular point. This circumstance operated as a great drawback upon the interest of the contest, and until the evening preceding the battle very few sums were risked upon the event. Both the combatants, however, had publicly declared it should not be their fault if any disappointment occurred, as they were very anxious to come to a decision upon the subject. Notwithstanding this mystery, Scroggins had not lost his interest with the sporting world, and early on the morning appointed for the battle the roads leading to the scene of action gave proof of it. The ring was made at an early hour, at Shepperton; and, whether owing to accident or intention, upon the arrival of numerous spectators at the above spot, it was given out “the fight will take place at Moulsey.” Thither the motley cavalcade repaired, and the confusion that now occurred beggars description. The flight from Shepperton through Walton was like the retreat of an army. Those, too, who were galloping from Hampton to Shepperton turned suddenly round upon hearing the news; the road in consequence was blocked, the scent for a time lost, and all doubt and glorious confusion. A strong group was at length seen forming across the water at Moulsey, and the boats were actively employed in conveying over the anxious spectators to be in time. It was now booked by many that no fight would take place; and, if it did, that hundreds would not be able to see it. The hoax, however, was dispelled, and “Shepperton” was again the signal. The keeper of the Walton Bridge toll, anxious to come in for a slice of the profits, put up a board at the end of a lane, “This is the road to the fight,” and from this stratagem came in for a tolerable good share of copper; it was, however, considerably out of the way. At length all was right, the ring was formed, and the spectators took their stations. But another dilemma arose—the principal actor had not arrived, and the audience waited in the most anxious suspense. Turner had been in the ring, and thrown up his hat without being answered. Two to one was offered it was no fight. To prevent total disappointment, the after piece was about to be performed first, and two youths appeared stripped. But the cry of “Scroggins, Scroggins,” was now heard; the lads instantly made their exit, and the little hero was greeted with welcome. Upon being asked by a friend if he meant to fight, he answered, “Yes, and win it.” The combatants soon prepared for action, and seven to four was laid against Scroggins, although he appeared in the best condition. Tom Owen and Painter were for Turner, and Paddington Jones and Spring waited upon Scroggins. The colours of the combatants were tied to the stakes of the ring, and at two o’clock the men set-to. The articles stipulated to meet between twelve and one, but Turner said he did not wish to avail himself of this advantage.

Round 1.—This first round was very similar to the two last battles at Hayes and Sawbridgeworth, but with an increase of caution on both sides. Scroggins, it seemed, did not like the idea of going in to smash his opponent at the onset, after his usual decided manner, when victory crowned his efforts in seven successive contests, but exhibited a total change in his tactics—a complete new feature. This once tremendous rushing boxer now adopted the system of getting away of scientific pugilists. Turner, equally on the alert, and wishing to do everything but receive, lengthened out this round to five minutes and a half, during which time they dodged each other to obtain the first advantage. Turner at last hit short; Scroggins also made a feint without effect. Turner was tired of his position and put down his hands. They, however, finished the round by both hitting together, closed, went down, but Turner undermost. Only four blows were exchanged.

2.—Turner planted two clean hits without experiencing any return. A good rally followed, during which the mug of Scroggins was clareted. In closing, both down, but Turner again undermost.

3.—The little hero, anxious to punish his adversary, rushed in and planted a severe hit under the jaws of Turner and got away. In rallying, however, Scroggins slipped down, and received a slight hit in falling.

4.—Nearly a minute elapsed before a hit was made. Turner gave two sharp blows, and Scroggins put in a desperate nobber just passing the ear of Turner. It was a good round altogether. In closing, the strength of Scroggins prevailed, and Turner was thrown.

5.—The great advantage Turner derived from his height and length over his adversary was evident to every one. Turner, with much sang froid, planted two nobbers and got away. Some sharp blows were exchanged, when the men separated. In finishing the round a smart rally occurred, and, in going down, Scroggins was undermost. (Five to two on Turner; but little betting occurred.)

6.—Scroggins appeared earnestly to wish for in-fighting, but the difficulty and danger of the attempt operated as a drawback. He, however, made two punishing hits. In closing, Turner caught hold of his nob and coloured it with the quickness of a painter with his brush. In struggling for the throw Turner was undermost, but he gave his opponent rather an ugly hoist.

7.—In this round Scroggy appeared to advantage. He fought after his usual method, regardless of the consequences. He stopped Turner as he was coming in with a tremendous hit in his face, that made his head bob again. Scroggins also planted two more severe blows that seemed rather to confuse the tactics of Turner. The latter returned heavily, and made an up-hit at his opponent’s throat, but missed it. In closing, both down, but Turner undermost.

8.—The little hero, full of gaiety, rushed in, planted two successful hits, and bored Turner down.

9.—After an exchange Turner went down from a blow on the side of the head.

10.—The length of Turner again prevailed. Scroggins was desperate in action, but not effective in execution; while, on the contrary, Turner planted three hits in succession on the face of his opponent, and the claret followed at every touch. In closing, Turner was undermost.

11.—This round was contested in a most manly style. Scroggins, with uncommon severity, hit Turner away from him in three successive attempts, when considerable sparring occurred. Turner then took the lead, and the execution he performed on the head of Scroggins was tremendous. He also finished the round in high style; Scroggins was undermost.

12.—Turner was much applauded in this round for his manly conduct. In a short close he let Scroggins down without a blow, throwing up his hands and walking away.

13.—This was a grand round, and Scroggins never displayed anything like such a knowledge of the pugilistic art in any of his previous contests. He stopped with considerable skill, and reciprocal fighting occurred. Scroggins got rather impetuous, and threw his blows away; and Turner was also incorrect in some of his distances. The latter again hit up at his head, but without effect. Scroggins went down.

14.—Considerable execution was done. Scroggins planted two good hits upon his opponent’s nob, but Turner returned upon him so hard and fast that Scroggins turned round rather confusedly. He, however, rallied with great spirit till he slipped down.

15.—Well contested and both down, but Scroggins undermost.

16.—Turner commenced by planting a successful blow on the head of Scroggins; but the latter returned in a spirited manner, and hit, hit, and hit again, till Turner went down.

17.—Some sharp blows occurred between the combatants in this round. Scroggins made a hit over the left eye of Turner, and he also touched his body; but Turner sent his adversary down.

18.—After some sparring, Turner put down his hands and rubbed them against his body. Some blows were exchanged. In struggling to obtain the throw, Turner neatly tripped up his antagonist.

19.—The hands of Turner were covered with the claret of his opponent. In closing, Scroggins was undermost.

20.—Some good hits were exchanged, but materially in favour of Turner, who planted four blows in succession, without having any return, but he (Turner) went down rather weak.

21.—Scroggins planted a sharp blow on the side of Turner’s head, when he dropped down on one knee, but instantly rose again and went on his second’s knee.

22.—Good exchanges. In closing, Turner was down, and Scroggins fell upon him.

23.—On setting-to Turner sighed loudly, as if in want of wind, and, after some little sparring, he dropped his hands, as did also his opponent. Scroggins let several opportunities slip of going in, and when he did it was more of the “forlorn hope” sort of attack, than from the cool judgment of the tactician.

24.—The little hero went in with much resolution, and ultimately sent down Turner upon his latter end.

25.—On coming to the scratch Turner displayed considerable weakness; his knees trembled violently. In the course of this round Turner turned from his antagonist, but Scroggins ultimately went down.

26.—Some sparring occurred, and Turner put down his hands; after this the men fought their way into a close. They broke away and closed again, and dealt out to each other some heavy blows, and Turner received so severely on his kidneys, that he appeared to go down from weakness.

27.—One hour and three minutes had now elapsed, and Scroggins appeared to stand the firmest on his legs; but the betting did not change in his favour. The position of Turner rendered him so formidable that it was dangerous to attack him. Scroggins displayed some of his old antics, and in going in slipped down from a slight hit.

28.—Some blows were exchanged, and Turner went down.

29.—Scroggins even now appeared well upon his legs, and he followed Turner all round the ring, and, in closing, Turner was undermost.

30.—Scroggins felt determined to win if possible. Turner was hit away from his intention of going in. It was a good round, and both down.

31.—Notwithstanding Scroggins showed himself off in good style, the chance was completely against him. He went down from a slight hit. Turner in general finished most of the rounds decidedly in his favour.

32.—Scroggins went down from a severe hit in the body.

33.—This was a good round. Scroggins followed his opponent in a desperate manner all over the ring, and Turner went down from a slip or a slight hit.

34.—The chancery suit was fast coming on Scroggins, and his nob was completely at the service of his opponent. The little hardy hero nevertheless contended for victory till he fell in an exhausted state.

35.—If Scroggins was not satisfied with the superiority of his opponent, the spectators had long previous to this period been convinced that he had no chance of winning. He went down from a slight hit almost upon setting-to.

36.—Turner sent down Scroggins in a twinkling, and his legs doubled up.

37.—The head of Scroggins was in a terrible state; but, notwithstanding, he stood at the scratch in a more firm state than might have been expected. He was shortly hit down, and the general cry was, “Take him away.”

38.—The desperation of Scroggins was not quite exhausted, and he endeavoured to contend up to the last moment. He was so weak that he went down from a mere touch.

39 and last.—His friends were now perfectly satisfied that Scroggins had done everything that a brave man could attempt. The idea of losing seemed terrible to his feelings, and he again endeavoured to meet his opponent. On setting-to the punishment of his adversary was so severe that he turned, in a confused state, and fell forward upon the ropes. Turner patted him upon the back, implying, “you are a brave fellow.” The battle was now at an end. Scroggins could not come again, and Turner immediately went up to him and shook him by the hand before he quitted the ring. It lasted one hour and thirty-one minutes and a half.

Remarks.—Scroggins, from the brave conduct he displayed in this third battle, completely removed the insinuations which were levelled at him respecting his defeat at Sawbridgeworth, and re-established his character as a determined game boxer. Though defeated, he has not been disgraced, but compelled to yield to superior skill, height, and length. Turner, from his distinguished conquests over a hero like Scroggins, who had gained such an ascendancy, has placed himself at the top of the tree. It should also be recollected that he has fought four prize battles, and experienced eight weeks’ close confinement, added to the agitation of his mind during his trial, within twelve months. His qualities are rare and valuable, and his position, though not showy, is formidable in the extreme. Cool and collected in the heat of battle, with game of the first quality, Turner retired from the ring with merely a slight mark upon his ear. He was well seconded by Owen and Painter.

Turner’s backers presented him with the whole of the battle-money. He returned to London the same evening, and appeared among the company at Belcher’s as if nothing had happened. Scroggins showed himself in town the next morning; his head exhibited terrible marks of punishment.

Turner by this second victory attained high pugilistic eminence, yet he was literally dragged into milling popularity, by the sovereign contempt with which his capabilities were treated by Scroggins and not a few of his admirers: however, Turner wore his “blushing honours” with becoming moderation.

About this period a boxer, well known in after years to Londoners, young Cy. Davis, of Bristol, attracted much attention, and he was thought in every respect an excellent match for Turner. Davis, as we have said, was not only an object of considerable attraction at Bristol, but had recently given the Londoners a specimen of his quality. A match was therefore made, by Tom Belcher, on the part of his fellow townsman, Davis, for 100 guineas a side; and Turner, from his well-known tried qualities, did not want for friends to support him upon this occasion. Davis stood so well with the sporting people that it was even betting, the former for choice. Wallingham Common, in Surrey, seventeen miles from London, was the spot selected for this combat to take place, and the torrents of rain which prevailed for some hours on Friday morning, June 18, 1819, did not in the least deter the amateurs. Most of the fancy scorned even to sport an umbrella, and it should seem that the recollection of the anniversary of the battle of Waterloo gave them fresh vigour. At length all difficulties were at an end, the rain ceased, the ring appeared in view, and preparation was made for the combat to commence. Turner threw up his hat first in the ring, attended by Cribb and Randall, when, after waiting a considerable time, Davis was loudly called for by the Champion. Some minutes elapsed, when Davis appeared with Tom Belcher and Harmer, and repeated the token of defiance. At a quarter before two the men set-to, the colours having been previously tied to the stakes; the true blue was placed by Randall, and the original yellow-man (which has ever since the period of the late Jem Belcher, out of compliment to his pugilistic fame, been denominated “a Belcher”^[158]) was tied over the blue by Tom Belcher. Even betting was about the thing.

Round 1.—Davis looked in fine condition, and appeared to be able to win it off hand; his opponent, however, showed better than was expected. But the contrast was great. Davis, from his fine and elegant form, was the beau ideal of the ring-goers, while Turner looked more like a weatherbeaten Greenwich pensioner. It was thought the gay Bristol Boy would go to work without ceremony, and nob Turner in style, from the manner he disposed of Belasco the Jew; but whether the high fame of Turner had made any impression upon his feelings, or the Dutch-Sam-like countenance of his opponent checked him, it is certain that he was particularly cautious, and Turner hit first slightly with his left hand. Long sparring, and Davis kept retreating. Turner put in five light hits on the body and head, when Davis smiled. Another long pause of sparring occurred, and Randall was seen sitting on the ropes minutely eyeing the tactics of both the combatants. Some exchanges took place; the right cheek of Davis appeared red, and Turner planted a blow on the body that sent Davis staggering. He went down. (Loud shouting. Six to four.)

2.—Turner had scarcely planted a hit, when Davis went down. (Great murmurings, and “Turner, my boy, you’ll win it without a scratch.” Two to one.)

3.—Great astonishment was excited at the conduct of Davis, and he seemed as if afraid to face his man with any confidence. After some cautious sparring, Turner made a hit, but it was so much a question whether it touched Davis or not, that the umpires advised his seconds that he should be more careful in future in his going down, as, if such conduct was pursued, the battle must immediately have an end. (Disapprobation expressed.)

4.—Turner made play, and used both hands with success. Davis smiled, and with a tremendous right-handed hit on the head knocked Turner down. This decided the first knock-down blow; Turner also showed the first blood. (“Go along, Davis,” from the Bristolians; “you can do it if you like. Another such hit, and it will be all right.”)

5.—Instead of Davis going in to follow up his success, he again went down from a slight hit; in fact, it was thought almost without a blow.

6.—Turner followed Davis, and planted some hits. The latter, it should seem, had no inclination to go in, or he might have stood upon even terms with his opponent. He was no novice at fighting; he could also hit hard and stop well. He, however, again went down, when the Bristol men appeared quite angry with him, crying out, “Davis, what are you at?” (Four to one).

7.—Davis appeared as if he felt these reproaches, and went to work in earnest. “Look, look,” observed several amateurs, “this chap may win it now, if he will but go in and fight. He can do something if he likes.” It was a good round; but Davis was now really hit down. “Bravo, Turner!” and “Give him a little one for me.” Also, “Well done, Davis.”

8.—Davis positively seemed afraid to hit home. Turner got away from a flooring right-handed hit; but the latter was now the most punished, and bleeding. Davis had the best of the hitting, and gave Turner a hard blow on the side of the head. Davis might have showed himself off in good style, but it was urged he wanted pluck. Both down.

9.—Davis went down with a slight hit.

10.—Notwithstanding the shy fighting of Davis, he hit Turner on the jaw so tremendously with his right hand, that he went down like a shot, and seemed almost in a state of stupor. “Go it, Davis,” from his partisans; “that’s the way to mill; you’ll win.” Turner was quite abroad; another such a hit, had it been quickly repeated, must have proved a quietus. This dreadful hit operated seriously on Turner’s backers. Long faces were seen in all directions, and even Randall shook his head, scarcely knowing what to think of it. Indeed, it was all but over with Turner. Great applause was here given to Davis, and the Bristolians were all as gay as larks.

11.—Davis did not follow up his success. Some sharp exchanges took place, and Turner’s face was clareted. Davis turned round from the hitting, and it was thought that Turner hit him when he was down. “Foul, foul,” was cried. “Never mind; they’re only even,” said a sly old sportsman.

12.—Turner stopped most of his opponent’s blows, and sent him down. This almost jaw-breaker waked Turner to the dangerous intent of his opponent’s right hand. However singular it may appear, it might almost be urged, that this blow gave victory to Turner. He now became down to it, and stopped it with great judgment.

13.—This was a good round; and Davis showed like a boxer till he was hit down. If he had possessed any sort of fear, it seemed now removed; and his conduct at this juncture claimed praise. An excellent judge exclaimed, “Davis may win it now.” The Bristol Boy here received a great deal of applause from various parts of the ring.

14.—The right hand of Davis was very dangerous, and he nobbed Turner staggering away; but the latter, game-cock like, returned to the attack, and sent Davis down.

15.—In this round Turner beat Davis to a complete stand-still. “What’s o’clock now?” cried Cribb. “It’s all up, I believe.”

16 to 19.—Turner stopped with great skill most of Davis’s blows; but Turner received a dreadful hit over his right eye, that made him almost go down from its severity. The claret flowed again; but Turner, undismayed, followed his opponent, who again got down in the quickest manner he could, seemingly to escape hitting.

20.—In this round Turner got Davis in a corner, when Randall said, “Ned, do as I do; keep that in your eye, my boy, and you’ll soon fetch him out.” Davis turned aside from the severity of the hitting, and went down.

21, 22.—This was a singular round, from the following circumstance:—Belcher stooped down and picked up a piece of paper, and put it in Davis’s left hand, to keep it close. Turner thought it was a stone, and said, if that was the way he was to be used, he would not fight. Randall rushed in to see what it was, anxious to do his duty as a second, and almost tore the paper out of Belcher’s hand, who had now got hold of it, openly showing it, that nothing unfair was meant, and that it had been used merely for the purpose described. Some words ensued. The umpires inquired the cause of the disturbance. Belcher explained. It caused some little agitation round the ring, many of the amateurs thinking it was a bank note, and that a wager had been proposed, and that staking was attempted as a sort of ruse de guerre, to give Davis time. The umpires appeared satisfied that nothing “unfair” had been attempted. This was a sharp, well-fought, short round, and both the men went down. Davis had now retrieved his character in a great degree with the spectators, who asserted that when he was at work he did not mind it, but that it appeared he did not like to begin to hit.

23 to 26.—Some good rounds, Davis fighting better than he had done; but in the latter he received a body hit that made quite a dent upon his frame. Turner, in closing, slung him round like a cat. This wisty-castor on the body occasioned a complete revolution, and “bellows to mend” was the true feature.

27.—Turner put in a dreadful blow under the ear of Davis, or rather at the back part of his head. It occasioned a large gash, and he went down in a pitiable state.

28 and 29.—Good rounds and sharp hitting. Davis determined to let the amateurs see that he could fight a bit. Both the eyes of Davis had now been measured for a suit of mourning; and, on his forehead, he had got a lump like an egg. It was evident that after all he did not want for bottom in regard to taking.

30.—Davis, it was asserted, fell without a blow, and Turner fell heavily on him.

31.—This round might be termed the finisher. Davis was so stupid that he stood quite still, while Turner hit him down. He could not lift his hands. Nature had deserted him—his eyes had lost their fire, and he was viewed by the amateurs as an object of pity rather than ill-natured remarks.

32 and last.—It is true Davis made his appearance at the scratch, but he turned away from the blow and fell down. The contest was over in forty-five minutes.

Remarks.—If any observations can be made a nut-shell might contain them. In a word, too much praise had been previously bestowed on the prime qualities said to be possessed by Davis. Owing to his decisive fight with Belasco, senior, anticipation was on tiptoe to behold another pugilist from Bristol—a soil that had given birth to Big Ben, Jem and Tom Belcher, the Game Chicken, Tom Cribb, Gulley, Nicholls, Bob Watson, etc.; names familiar whenever comparisons are made respecting the goodness of a boxer. Davis’s right hand was very dangerous. From his youth, weight, freshness, and strength, he ought to have won it. It was urged by his friends that his going down so often was owing to a weakness in his knees—a rheumatic affection, which had seized him a few days previous to the battle. It is only common justice to Davis to state that he was terribly beaten about the head, and one of his hands, arms, and shoulders exhibited heavy punishment; more experience, and another trial, perhaps, may recover him his lost laurel. It is no new case that some men are “half beat” before they enter the ring; and that young soldiers wink on first smelling powder. It should also be remembered that only one Randall and one Turner at present stand upon the list. The talents of the latter are so well known that it would be superfluous to state them. Upon this occasion, however, he became the offensive instead of the defensive pugilist. He might have been better in condition had longer time been allowed him; at all events, it must be a second Randall to defeat Turner.

Such was the opinion of some of the best judges of the time, and it certainly was not prudent at any rate to match young Cy. against so good a tactician as Turner for a first trial.

The sporting world now looked forward to a match between Turner and Martin, more especially as Turner, after his defeat by Randall, had been challenged by Martin, who had about the same time disposed of the hardy Scroggins; both men too had succumbed to Randall, and the different styles of their defeats had been the topic of much critical discussion.

The match was at length made, neither man being loth, at Tom Spring’s (Tom then kept the Catherine Wheel, Little St. James’s Street, Pall Mall). Five to four on Turner was the first offer, but these odds were thought too small. Master Scroggins, who was an original in his way, being present, submitted the following remarks for the consideration of the amateurs: “He would not give tuppence for choice—he had tried both the men: Turner was the awkwardest man alive to get at; but Martin was the hardest hitter. Two gamer coves never entered the ring, and when either of the men said ‘No,’ the other would be very glad of it.” The opinion of Randall was diametrically opposite. He had also entered the lists with Martin and Turner. Scroggins was defeated by the latter in one hour and twelve minutes in good style; while, on the contrary, Martin, after a desperate contest, with Scroggins, of two hours and two minutes, only gained it, as it were, by the toss up of a halfpenny. Calculations were made accordingly, and Turner rose to seven to four, with evens offered that the fight lasted over an hour, and two to one that Turner was not beaten in one hour and a quarter.

This battle took place on Tuesday, October 26, 1819, for 100 guineas a side, at Wallingham Common, Surrey. Little betting occurred on the day of fighting, as it was booked to a certainty that Turner must win. The road, however, on the morning of fighting, exhibited the usual features of fun, frolic, and disaster. At one o’clock Turner threw his hat within the ropes, followed by Tom Belcher and Randall; Martin quickly replied, having the assistance and advice of Tom Cribb and Tom Spring.