Round 1.—Both the combatants stripped with great confidence. Painter, attributing his loss of the last battle to an accident, appeared to feel that he had an opportunity to recover his blighted laurels. Spring, equally satisfied that his victory was due to his superior science, seemed conscious that conquest would again crown his efforts, but in less time. Great caution was observed on both sides, and between four and five minutes elapsed in endeavouring to gain the first advantage, when Spring made play, but Painter stopped his left in good style. Painter now appeared bent on mischief, and skilfully measured his distance, making a feint with his left hand, and, with a tremendous right-handed blow over Spring’s eye, not only produced the claret copiously, but floored him like a shot. This decided two events upon which many wagers were depending, namely, first blood and first knock-down blow. Loud shouting from the Castle side of the question; the betting was reduced to even, and Painter much fancied.

2.—The last blow might be said almost to have made the fight Painter’s own. Spring was evidently confused from its great severity, and the claret running down in streams, Painter lost no time, but endeavoured to improve his success, and immediately went to work. Some slight hits were exchanged, and in struggling for the throw, Painter went down undermost.

3.—Spring showed that he did not mean to let Painter have it all his own way, and gave the latter a heavy nobber. Exchanges, and both down.

4.—A short but sharp round. In throwing Spring proved that he was the stronger man.

5.—Two nobbing counter hits, that made both men go back a little. In closing, Painter got his opponent’s nob under his left arm, and endeavoured to fib him, but Spring, with much dexterity, stopped Painter’s hand, and ultimately threw the latter heavily. (Bravo, Spring!)

6.—This was a most manly round. Reciprocal hitting occurred. The punishment was heavy, but Spring had rather the best of it, and got Painter down.

7 and 8.—The combatants were both rather winded, and became cautious of getting into work. Slight exchanges till both were down.

9.—This was nothing else but a fighting round. Hit for hit occurred, till at the close of a rally Spring received a terrible blow upon his ear, that brought the claret freely. Spring reeled from its severity, and Painter was the favourite at seven to four. Spring went down to avoid a close.

10.—Spring came staggering to the scratch, evidently suffering from the last hit. He, however, went to work in the most gallant style, and in a rally gave Painter “pepper;” but the latter got away scientifically. In a close, Painter was thrown.

11 to 13.—Spring had the worst of these rounds, nevertheless he displayed great game.

14.—In this round the turn was on the side of Spring; he had not only the best of the hitting, but knocked Painter off his legs. (“Do that again, Spring, and you’ll win it.”)

15 to 22.—Painter decidedly took the lead in all these rounds. A tremendous rally occurred, when Painter finished the round by fibbing Spring down.

23 to 30.—It was almost a certainty that Spring must lose the battle; he was getting worse every round, but his game was of the first quality.

31.—This round, it was thought, would have finished the contest. Spring received a tremendous hit on his jaw, and went down exhausted. “It was all up,” was the cry, any odds upon Painter, and even that Spring did not again come to the scratch.

32 to 42 and last.—Spring was satisfied that he could not win, yet, like a brave man, he was determined to continue the battle while a chance remained. He came up for ten rounds, but could not plant effectively. He was hit on the ear in the last round, and fell dead to time. He did not give in; that is, he did not say No. It was over in one hour and four minutes.

Remarks.—Painter displayed great coolness and judgment in this fight, and having so able a general as Tom Belcher for his second, was greatly in his favour. Spring never recovered the severity of the blow on his eye in the first round, but his game was of so staunch a quality that his fame rose by defeat, and the loss of the battle was attributed to the chance of war.

Painter now publicly declared that he would not fight any more prize battles. Indeed, he took his farewell of the ring, with a benefit at the Fives Court, in a combat with Richmond, on Monday, the 7th of September, 1818. Spring was extremely anxious for another trial; but Painter positively refused. After spending a few months at Lancaster, and not finding a house it London to suit him, Painter left the metropolis, and commenced publican, in Lobster Lane, Norwich, under the most flattering auspices of the sporting people of the above ancient city. Here Painter enjoyed a quiet life, till the following circumstance, in November, 1819, put him “on the fret.”

Some aspersions having been made upon the character of his first battle with Spring, at Mickleham Downs—indeed, an influential amateur having declared it to have been a cross—Painter indignantly repelled the accusation. He immediately set off for London, determined to undergo the most rigid examination by the supporters of the P.R. In the fight in question, in the second round, Painter received a knock-down blow, and, in falling, his head not only came in contact with one of the stakes of the ring, but his shoulder also received a violent contusion. He, however, continued the battle for one hour and twenty-five minutes; but, retiring from the contest without much punishment, gave rise to the report in question. Painter, at the time, procured the assistance of one of the most eminent surgeons in the kingdom, Mr. Cline, (a gentleman totally unconnected with the sporting world) to reduce the fracture. On Thursday, November 5, 1819, an application was made to Mr. Cline as to the fact, when he immediately wrote a certificate, which stated the injury Painter had received on the curve of the shoulder bone had rendered him incapable of using his arm at the time specified. This document was put into the hands of the members of the P. C., and the result was satisfactory. Ned’s integrity was declared to be without a stain.

The following paragraph appeared on November 21, “The amateurs of Norwich will back Painter for 100 guineas, or more, and also give a purse of £50, if Spring will contend with Ned at Norwich. The patrons of the science, also, will give Spring £20 towards his expenses.”

In consequence of this challenge, a match was made between Spring and Painter, on the Tuesday following, at Cribb’s, the Union Arms, Oxenden Street, “to fight on the second Tuesday in February, in a twenty-four feet ring, thirty miles from London. An umpire to be chosen by each party, and Mr. Jackson as the referee; fifty guineas a-side to be completed in the course of three weeks at Cribb’s, and the remaining fifty at Harmer’s the last Tuesday in January, or the deposit money to be forfeited.”

The friends of Painter, however, forfeited to Spring, or rather, the gentleman who somewhat hastily put down the £5. In consequence, however, of a challenge that Tom Belcher would back Oliver against Painter for £100 a-side, within thirty miles of London, and deposit £20, pp., the gage was taken up with great spirit by the sporting men of Norwich, which led to the following articles of agreement:—

“Edward Painter agrees to fight Thomas Oliver for a purse of 100 guineas, on Monday, the 17th July, within twenty miles of the city of Norwich. To be a fair stand-up fight, in a twenty-four feet ring, half-minute time. An umpire to be chosen by each party, and a referee selected on the ground by the umpires. Ten pounds a-side are deposited in the hands of Mr. Soares, and the remaining ten pounds a-side to be made good at the Castle Tavern, on Monday, May 29, between the hours of seven and eleven o’clock. The forty pounds to be placed in the hands of Mr. Jackson. Either party declining the contest to forfeit the deposit money; but if a fight takes place, Oliver to draw the £40. The purse to be given by the Pugilistic Club at Norwich. The place of fighting to be left in writing for Oliver and his friends, at the house of Mr. Painter, on the Saturday previous to the battle. The gate-money to be divided between Oliver and Painter, and their respective seconds and bottle-holders. The purse to be placed in the hands of a banker previous to the day of fighting.

The betting was six to four on Painter. He was decidedly the favourite in the metropolis; but in Norwich, long odds were laid on him. So great was the interest that, for a week before the fight, numerous parties left London daily to be sure of witnessing the battle. The stage coaches, besides a variety of vehicles from London, were filled inside and out for some days previous to the appointed time; and small groups of persons mustered of an evening in the streets of Norwich to hail the arrivals. In short, the ancient city appeared as much alive upon the subject as on the eve of an election. This sensation was also felt for miles around Norwich. The spot selected for the combat was North Walsham, sixteen and a half miles from the above city; and so little apprehension was entertained of the fight being interfered with, that a stage was built upon the ground for the accommodation of the spectators. In short, this fistic tourney engrossed the conversation in Norwich.

On Monday, July 17, 1820, every vehicle in Norwich was engaged to go to the scene of action. People were in motion by four o’clock in the morning; and in the streets which tended towards the place of contest the doors and windows of the houses displayed groups, eager to witness the departure. The road to North Walsham, which is delightful and picturesque, was thronged with carriages, equestrians, and pedestrians. To give some idea of the appearance the route presented, it may be mentioned that at least twelve hundred vehicles, of various descriptions, are ascertained to have passed over Coltishall Bridge. By ten o’clock, North Walsham was literally crammed with strangers; and the arrival of persons, continued up to two o’clock, from all the roads leading to the fight, baffled description.

In the field, a stage of a hundred yards in length was erected for spectators; and a circle of about sixty wagons was formed round the outer roped ring, at about ten yards distance from it, which were also filled with spectators. In the space between the outer and inner ropes some few persons were likewise admitted. The ring was similar to that of the Pugilistic Club, and the stakes were also of the same colour. Upon the whole, it was better made, and the accommodation it afforded to the spectators, as well as to the combatants, was superior to the London ring. £50 were collected at the gate (the pedestrians being made to tip), and the stage produced £80. The greatest order prevailed; the decorum of the thing was kept up by Shelton, Randall, Turner, Scroggins, Eales, Josh. Hudson, Harmer, Purcell, Teasdale, etc. And the immense concourse of assembled faces above faces, rising in amphitheatric tiers, formed an extraordinary and an interesting sight.

About a quarter before one o’clock, Oliver, dressed in white trousers, a black waistcoat, and a green great coat, made his appearance, and threw up his hat, followed by the Champion of England (Cribb) and Belcher. A clapping of hands took place. Some little time elapsed, and Painter not making his appearance, Cribb asked one of the Norwich Committee where Painter was? The question had scarcely escaped the lips of Cribb when enthusiastic shouts announced the approach of Painter. Upon throwing up his hat the shouting was universal; the clapping of hands, and the noise of upwards of thirty thousand persons, was like a roar of artillery. Painter was without his coat, and on his entering the ring he immediately and cordially shook hands with Oliver. Spring and Paul attended upon Painter.

Some demur took place respecting the division of what is termed the gate-money,^[17] Oliver claiming half the cash taken for admissions upon the stage, and also the money collected in the sixty wagons upon the ground. This claim was resisted by the Norwich Committee, who insisted that the stage and wagons were an entire gift to Painter. Here Cribb offered to bet a guinea that no fight would take place. The articles were now resorted to, and a gentleman from London, one of the umpires, decided that, according to the articles, Oliver was not entitled to the stage or the wagons, although the latter did offer to pay half of the expenses. This knotty point being settled, the scratch was made, and a toss-up took place between Cribb and Spring for the shady side of the ring, which was won by the latter. The combatants then stripped. The colours, yellow for Painter, and blue for Oliver, were tied to the stakes; the ceremony of all the parties shaking hands was not forgotten. The moment so long wished-for had now arrived, and the boxers prepared to set-to. Five-and-a-half to four were the real odds upon the ground.

Round 1.—Oliver appeared in good condition. He fought in striped silk stockings; and the symmetry of his form was not only attractive to the amateur, but the lovers of anatomy had before them a capital subject in the action and development of his muscles. Painter was also in tip-top trim, and though he had been reduced in training nearly two stone, he was effective for every purpose. On the men placing themselves in fighting attitudes, caution was the order of the day. After eyeing each other for about a minute, Oliver made an offer to hit, when Painter got away; Oliver in turn now got away from a hit made by Painter. Oliver hit short. Painter endeavoured to put in a tremendous hit, which was stopped in first rate style by his opponent. Painter got away from another hit. Oliver stopped a heavy hit, and gave a loud “ahem.” The combatants seemed tired of holding up their arms, and stood still and looked at each other, and after a pause Painter put in a tremendous hit on Oliver’s neck. Painter ran in to follow up his success, but Oliver stopped him with the accuracy of a Randall. Some heavy hits were exchanged, and in closing Painter endeavoured to fib Oliver, when the latter in the first style of the pugilistic art, broke away from him. (Applause.) Both were piping a little, and Oliver gave Painter a slight tap on the body. Each in turn stopped scientifically. Painter put in two hits, and after severe exchanges the men again broke away. Oliver hit Painter on the nose, when the combatants fought into another close, and Painter again attempted the weaving system, when Oliver used Tom Owen’s stop for a short period, till Painter got away in gallant style. Each man now made himself up for tremendous hitting, and the stopping was admirable on both sides. Painter put in another severe hit on Oliver’s cheek. The men closed, and in a struggle for the throw, Oliver got Painter down. Rather better than ten minutes had elapsed.

2.—First blood was now decided, as it was seen trickling from Painter’s nose. Oliver endeavoured to plant a nobber, which Painter stopped, and laughed at him. This second round was longer than the first, but the caution and mode of fighting was exactly the same. Oliver got a hit on the nose; he also broke away from a close in great style, and gave Painter so severe a blow on his right cheek, that red ink was the result. Oliver put down his hands, and both seemed exhausted from the length of the round. In closing, Painter weaved down Oliver at the ropes. The applause was loud. Twenty-four minutes had now elapsed.

3.—Oliver appeared rather to more advantage; he nearly closed Painter’s right eye, and to prevent being fibbed held his hand at the ropes, and ultimately got him down.

4.—This was a sharp set-to. Hard exchanges; both down very much distressed.

5.—Oliver hit Painter’s left cheek, and produced the claret in a twinkling; but, in a short rally, Oliver, from a tremendous hit on the side of the head, went down. Twenty-nine minutes.

6 and 7.—Both piping a little. Oliver broke away from the weaving, but after some sharp exchanges, both went down in struggling for the throw. Thirty-seven minutes.

8.—One minute, and no hit made. Oliver at length put in a sharp facer, which was returned in a counter by Painter. A long pause. Oliver met Painter in the front of the head, as he was coming in to mill. Severe exchanges, till both down. The Norwich people were silent, and exhibited symptoms of fear for the result.

9.—Painter’s right eye was rather troublesome to him, and he put up his finger; but he hit Oliver hard upon the side of his head. Some sharp blows passed, to the advantage of Oliver, who now with great force floored Painter.

10.—Oliver had rather the best of this round; but, in struggling for the throw, Painter fell upon him so heavily, that the wind seemed shaken out of him.

11.—Oliver made a good hit; but at the ropes he was again down. It was still thought he would win it, by the Londoners.

12 and last.—Oliver made play, put in a sharp facer, and got away; in fact, he generally showed fight first. Two terrible counter hits occurred, and both the combatants went back. Some sharp blows passed, when Painter followed up Oliver to the ropes, where the latter received a tremendous blow upon his temple, that floored him. When time was called, he could not appear at the scratch. The hat was, therefore, thrown up, and the victory proclaimed for Painter.

Remarks.—When Oliver recovered from the state of insensibility into which the last blow had thrown him, he rose (as if from a trance) from his second’s knee, and going up to Painter, said—“I am ready to fight.” “No,” said Painter, “I have won the battle;” upon which Oliver, in the utmost astonishment, asked his second why he had not picked him up sooner? The reply was, “Why, Tom, I could not wake you.” Painter walked two or three times round the ring after the fight, and then returned to North Walsham. Oliver, after resting himself on his second’s knee for about a minute, dressed himself, put the yellow handkerchief round his neck, and sat himself down upon some straw to see the next fight. Oliver has declared to several of his friends since, that the blow operated upon him like a shock of lightning, rendering him totally insensible. Oliver’s face bore scarcely any marks of punishment. Painter, in point of appearance, had received most about the head; but neither could be said to be much hurt. Painter showed great activity and goodness upon his legs, and stopped in good style. The Londoners were much mortified at this “chance blow,” as they termed it. Oliver appeared greatly dejected at losing the battle; but the punishment the combatants received was so light for such heavy men, that they were up at an early hour next morning to breakfast.

It is remarkable that Painter, at the first attempt, was defeated by Oliver, Sutton, and Spring, but that in each case on demanding another trial, he reversed the verdict, and proved the conqueror in all three instances.

At a public dinner at North Walsham, after the battle, Painter, on his health being drunk, repeated the declaration he had made, previous to his encounter with Oliver, that he would never fight again; and this resolution he adhered to.

Painter now lived retired from the ring, but was a publican for many years at the Anchor, in Lobster Lane, Norwich; he afterwards removed to the Market Place, and died in that city on the 19th of September, 1853.

Tom Oliver, originally a member of the most ancient of callings—a gardener—lives in the memory of hundreds of modern ring-goers as the civil, active, diligent, and respectable custos of the P.R. ropes and stakes; enjoying in a green old age, despite occasional twinges of the gout, the post of “Commissary,” assisted latterly in his duties by his son Fred, also known as a pedestrian. Tom, who was a fine specimen of manhood, entered the ring somewhat late in life. An anecdote is preserved that his first appearance in the ring was owing to his accidentally witnessing the battle between Silverthorne and Dogherty, at Coombe Warren, in January, 1811, where Tom was engaged in digging and planting. He is said to have remarked on their display—“Well, if you call this prize-fighting, I’ll be hanged if I don’t think I could fight a little,” and he determined to put his abilities to the test of experiment. At his début Tom received the appellation of “The Battersea Gardener,” from his general place of employment; he was, however, born at Breadlow, in Buckinghamshire, in June, 1789. He left his native place a mere boy, and lived in the service of Mr. Baker, a gardener at Millbank. Here he made his first attempt at milling, with one Kimber, a stonemason from Walham Green. The battle took place in the dominions of old Caleb Baldwin, Tothill Fields, Westminster, for a couple of guineas a-side. Oliver was seconded by Silverthorne and Byrne. It was a heavy fight for an hour and forty minutes, when Oliver’s strength and game prevailed, and he was hailed the conqueror.

Oliver’s second engagement also took place in Tothill Fields, with a fighting man denominated “Hopping Ned.” The sum fought for was four guineas a-side. Oliver, rather diffident of his own abilities, when pitted against a scientific pretender, proposed that the loser should receive two guineas by way of consolation for defeat; but Ned, confident in his own prowess, scouted the idea, and declared the entire sum should go to the conqueror, which was ultimately agreed to. But such is the uncertain fate of war, that “Hopping Ned,” who had congratulated himself with what ease and dexterity he would serve out the Gardener, was, in the short space of a quarter of an hour, so completely milled out of all conceit of his fighting, that he was reluctantly compelled to cry, enough! He was convinced of his error by retiring severely punished, without the benefit of the two “quid.” Oliver was so much in obscurity at this period that the fighting men present seemed rather shy in seconding him, and a novice must have performed that office, if Silverthorne and old Dick Hall had not appeared, and stepped forward to bring their friend through the piece.

On the 2nd of June, Oliver fought with Harry Lancaster, at Newman’s Meadow, near the turnpike, at Hayes, Middlesex, for a subscription purse of twenty guineas. Caleb Baldwin seconded Oliver, and Paddington Jones attended upon Lancaster. Harry, who had a sparring reputation, cut a sorry, figure before Oliver. In fact, on the part of Lancaster, it was a most contemptible fight. Oliver was everything, and in the short space of eighteen minutes was proclaimed the conqueror. So easy a thing did it appear to the spectators, that it was the general opinion Oliver could have won without taking off his clothes.

Oliver, somewhat more experienced, next entered the prize ring with Ford, for a subscription purse of twenty guineas to the winner, and five guineas to the loser, on the 6th of October, 1812, at Greenford Common, Middlesex. Caleb Baldwin and Silverthorne were his seconds; and Tom Jones and Joe Norton officiated for Ford. The latter was deficient in weight, but considered the most effective boxer. Little more was known of “The Gardener” than that he was a good man; but an opinion was entertained that his milling abilities were rather moderate. He was slow in hitting, and not looked upon as anything of a punisher. Previous to the battle it was even betting. During a contest of two hours and ten minutes, his patience, courage, science, and fortitude, were completely put to the test. It was not only a battle of experience, but a proper day of trial to him; and it will hereafter be seen that he completely profited by it. To detail the numerous rounds would be superfluous, but the odds changed several times during the fight. Ford, in the fifth round, put in a tremendous blow on Oliver’s eye, which nearly closed it up; this raised the betting six to four on Ford. From the tenth to the fifteenth round Oliver took the lead, when Ford, recovering from his weakness, again kept the advantage for some time. It might be said to be reciprocal fighting for about an hour and a quarter, when Ford felt convinced that every art and stratagem must be adopted. Oliver received heavy punishment in the face repeatedly, and had few opportunities of returning, as Ford generally fell on making a hit. Every manœuvre was practised to tire out “The Gardener;” but he at length triumphed over all the shifting, notwithstanding he was nearly blind the last half hour of the battle. The game of Oliver claimed universal praise; for few men possess fortitude enough to have endured such an irritating opponent. They were both terribly punished.

From the sound pugilistic qualities developed by Oliver, he became an interesting article to the Fancy, and the afterwards renowned George Cooper (see ante, p. 303, vol. i.), was selected as a competitor for a subscription purse, at Moulsey Hurst, on May 15, 1813. Bill Gibbons and Caleb Baldwin were seconds to Oliver; Richmond and Jones for Cooper. Betting six to four on “The Gardener.”

Round 1.—Milling seemed determined upon by both, and set in with unusual severity. The Gardener, in putting in a right-handed hit, met with a severe return, and a good rally followed. The men closed, but soon broke away, and again rallied courageously, when Cooper put in a severe blow upon the neck of his adversary, who gallantly returned. Strength was now resorted to, when Oliver went down. So severe a first round has seldom been witnessed.

2.—Cooper hit his opponent on the head, who not only returned severely, but also threw him. The odds rose considerably, and a few offered two to one on Oliver.

3.—A better round was never seen, nor was greater courage ever displayed by pugilists. Both combatants full of gaiety showed themselves off to great advantage; and a great many hard blows were exchanged. Towards the close of the round Cooper suffered severely from the fibbing he received from Oliver, who got his head under his left arm.

4.—The scene was now materially changed, and Cooper played his part with so much judgment, that it became even betting. In a desperate rally, Cooper planted a terrible hit, and as Oliver was going in to return the favour, Cooper measured his distance so accurately, that he again hit Oliver between his jaw and ear with such tremendous force, that he went down as if he were “finished.” Cooper took the lead most decidedly in this round.

5.—The admirers of bravery and manhood were anxiously interested. Each man claimed equal attention. If the one was brave, the other proved himself equally courageous. But Cooper reappeared to have the advantage also in this round, from the great facility with which he used both hands. He hit Oliver to the ropes, where he was thrown. Betting stationary.

6.—This round was bravely contested. A severe rally took place, but terminated in favour of Cooper, who got his man down. Notwithstanding the manhood displayed by Oliver, it was evident he had not got the better of the severe blow he received in the fourth round.

7.—Cooper put in a tremendous blow upon Oliver’s eye, just as he commenced a rally. This round was also bravely fought. Several heavy hits were exchanged, when Oliver was thrown.

8.—A small change took place. Cooper seemed rather distressed, and Oliver appeared getting fresh. A long and hammering rally occurred, but Oliver had the best of it, and Cooper went down exhausted.

9.—Cooper now showed he was no stranger to the science, and adopted his master’s (Richmond’s) plan of hitting and getting away. He, with much adroitness, put in a body blow and got away, but the Gardener was not to be had upon this spoiling suit; by watching the manœuvres of the enemy with vigour and caution, and by his prudence, he gained the best of the round, and threw his man.

10.—Cooper now appeared much fatigued, yet his game was good. Oliver, perceiving the chance was in his favour, lost no time in going in, when Cooper was levelled. Oliver, the winning man, five to one.

11.—Oliver showed himself a cool and steady fighter, possessing good judgment, and determined resolution. He was now winning fast, and again sent his man down. The exertions of Cooper were manly and firm, but his strength was so reduced that he could not check the successful career of his antagonist.

12.—Cooper now only stood up to receive punishment. He was so much exhausted, that his blows produced no effect upon Oliver.

13 and last.—It was pitiable to view the gameness of Cooper induce him to make another effort, as he was now so beaten that he could not deliver a blow, whereupon Oliver was declared the conqueror, in seventeen minutes.

Remarks.—Two such boxers do not often meet, and, it might be observed, it was the best and most evenly contested battle that had been witnessed for a long time. Bravery and science marked both men’s efforts. The game of Oliver was clearly manifested with Ford, but his marked improvement in science claimed peculiar attention. He was cool, steady, and confident, and used both his hands with much greater facility than heretofore. The severe checks he received from Cooper in the fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds, enough to terrify most men, did not deter Oliver from persevering until he became the conqueror.

Cooper, although defeated, must be viewed as a pugilist of no common pretensions. He is a diffident young man, and this operated as a sort of drawback to him during the mill. It was his second attempt, he having but a short time previously defeated Harry Lancaster. Cooper is a first-rate pugilist, a hard and quick hitter, and possesses courage of the finest quality, with science that gives him a good place among the list of prime boxers.

Oliver acquired considerable fame in conquering Cooper, and was deemed an equal match for Painter, who had distinguished himself by two recent conquests, and was looking forward to the highest honour of the ring. When this match was first made known, Painter, being the heavier man, was rather the favourite, but on the night previous to the battle, the odds had changed eleven to eight on Oliver.

On Tuesday, May 17, 1814, they met at Shepperton Range, for a purse of £50, given by the Pugilistic Club, to be contended for in a twenty-four feet ring. Oliver was seconded by the Champion and Clark, and Bob Gregson officiated for his friend and countryman, Painter. At one o’clock they set-to.

Round 1.—Upon stripping, the clear appearance of Oliver satisfied every one that he had been trained to the highest pitch of condition; and his arms, from their muscular form, were a study for the anatomist. Painter was equally conspicuous; two finer young men never entered the ring. The anxious moment had arrived, and the spectators were watching with eagerness for the first advantage. Oliver commenced the attack by making play with his left hand, which was returned by Painter, but too short to do execution. The men rallied with high spirit and determination, during which sharp facers were exchanged and the claret was first seen trickling down Painter’s chin. In endeavouring to put in a right-handed blow, Painter, not being correct in his distance, missed his man, which brought them to a close, when Oliver immediately got his opponent’s nob under his left arm, fibbed him cleverly, and ultimately threw him. More anxiety displayed than betting.

2.—Most determined resolution appeared on both sides; indeed, the spectators were aware, from the character of the men, that victory would not be obtained by either at an easy rate. Oliver, with much dexterity, put in a severe hit upon Painter’s mug, who returned sharply with his right. A desperate rally now commenced, when it was perceived that Painter left his head unprotected. Oliver, awake to every chance, punished his opponent’s nob terribly with his left; but Painter, with considerable adroitness and execution, planted a blow on the cheek of Oliver, that instantly sent him down. Its effect was not unlike the kick of a horse. Even betting.

3.—From such a tremendous hit it was truly astonishing to see Oliver so ready to time. Painter, somewhat flattered by his last effort, made play, but his distance proved incorrect. Oliver returned by planting a heavy blow in his face. A rally now followed, in which so much determination was exhibited, as to excite surprise in the most experienced pugilists. It lasted more than two minutes, without advantage to either combatant. If courage was at any time portrayed, no boxers in the world ever put in a higher claim to it than Painter and Oliver, who undauntedly stood up to each other, giving blow for blow, till accuracy of stopping and force of hitting had left them both. A pause ensued. The skill of Oliver at length obtained the advantage. He adopted the Cribb system of milling on the retreat, and punished his opponent’s nob heavily, till Painter fought his way in to another rally, which, if possible, was more determined and severe than the first. This second rally seemed rather in favour of Painter, who hit tremendously, but he was checked in the midst of his career by a severe body blow, that nearly sent him down. He, however, collected himself a little, and continued fighting till he fell from weakness. A more thorough milling round is not to be met in the annals of pugilism, and there was more execution done in it than in many fights of an hour’s length. Indeed, it was enough to finish most men. It lasted four minutes and a half, and twelve seconds, all fighting!

4.—On this round the fate of the battle hung. Skill was now required to recover from the severe winding each had experienced in those two desperate rallies. Oliver, convinced that systematic precaution was necessary, again successfully adopted milling on the retreat. He nobbed his opponent with his left hand, as Painter incautiously followed, literally throwing away most of his blows, which, had they reached their destination, must have done execution. Painter was evidently distressed by this retreating system, but at length got in a tremendous right-handed hit upon Oliver’s eye, and appeared getting more fresh in his wind. A spirited rally took place, when some heavy blows were exchanged, but Painter fell exhausted. Two to one was loudly vociferated upon Oliver.

5.—Oliver kept the advantage of his system of fighting, reducing the strength of his opponent in almost every round. He hit Painter repeatedly without receiving a return, and his left hand was continually at work. Painter still kept pursuing Oliver, although so heavily hit at every step, and he at length fell upon his face.

6.—This round was rather more evenly contested, and, in rallying, Painter put in several good hits both right and left, when he fell from weakness.

7.—It was now demonstrable which way the battle would terminate. Oliver appeared so much at home that he punished his opponent in any direction he thought proper. Painter did everything that a game man could, but he was so exhausted that in making a hit he fell on one knee. Three to one, but no takers.

8 and last.—Painter was done up, and Oliver finished the contest in prime style, by meeting his antagonist in every way that he presented himself; and, finally, with a right-handed blow, knocked him down. Painter could not be brought to time. They were both punished heavily. Oliver’s body showed marks of some punishment, and both his eyes were in mourning.

Remarks.—Upon Oliver’s being declared the conqueror, Cribb took him up in his arms and carried him round the ring in triumph, when he received universal applause, and he deserved it.

In conquering Painter he defeated a hero of the first mould, whose fine game and true courage were never excelled. But game alone will not win in opposition to superior science, though it may prolong the battle. Painter suffered severely from his distances proving incorrect. During the battle he missed nineteen hits; and, in one round, Oliver put in five severe blows on the head, without receiving a single hit in return. Oliver is a fine looking young man, and weighed, in the above fight, twelve stone, seven pounds, and is in height five feet nine inches and three-quarters. In every battle he has successively risen in fame and shown more science; but with Painter, however desperately contested, it appears, that he felt within himself less danger of being beaten than in any of his other five. In the early part of his training (for which he was indebted to the peculiar skill, care, and attention of Captain Barclay), the severity of fatigue he experienced rendered him unwell, but when his pitch was correctly ascertained, his constitution was so finely and vigorously tempered, so much spirit, lightness, and sound stamina were infused into his frame, that it was thought he could have fought an hour without much difficulty. It is astonishing what confidence men are taught to feel, from the superior system of training pursued by Captain Barclay.

In fighting Kimber, Oliver appeared a mere novice; in his battle with “Hopping Ned,” he was a promising tyro; with Harry Lancaster, he rose above the thumping commoner; when he fought Ford, he showed that he had good stuff in him, and proved himself a staunch tough man; in his severe conflict with Cooper, he was an improving and steady boxer; while against Painter, he proved his claim to the appellation of a first-rate pugilist. It was from this progressive state of pugilistic acquirement, and Oliver’s superiority over Painter, that he was considered equal to anything upon the list. Not even the Champion was excepted; in fact, so high were his capabilities rated, that before Carter offered himself as a customer, Oliver had displayed great anxiety to enter the lists with Tom Cribb; and it appears that some conversation had passed between those mighty heroes of the fist, as to the propriety of a meeting to decide the subject.

Tom had at this juncture touched the culminating point of his pugilistic eminence. He was now a publican, and his house, the Duke’s Head, in Peter Street, Westminster, was looked upon as headquarters of the Fancy of that special district. Tom had inherited the title and dominion of the renowned Caleb Baldwin, and was regarded as the hero and champion of Westminster. It is but justice to observe, that contemporary prints bear testimony to the personal civility and general good behaviour of Oliver as a public man, and of his disposition as “truly inoffensive;” a general characteristic of steady and unflinching courage. After a couple of years of “minding the bar,” Tom accepted the challenge of Jack Carter, “the Lancashire hero,” who, at this period, boldly claimed the Championship. The game battle near Carlisle, October 4, 1816, in which Oliver fell gloriously, although at one period three to one was laid in his favour, will be found in the Life of Carter, Chapter VIII. of this Period. (Page 170.)

Tom now returned to serving his customers, and again nearly two years’ peaceful interval was spent by Tom in “minding his own business,” when some of the friends of Bill Neat, of Bristol, of whom hereafter, offered to make a match with Oliver, for 100 guineas a-side, to fight on the 10th of July, 1818, within thirty miles of London. The invitation was accepted, and the articles signed, betting being, at first, in favour of Oliver. The tremendous hitting of Neat knocked the game Tom off his legs, and into a state of obliviousness, after an hour’s hard up-hill fighting. See Neat, Chapter V. of this Period.

On the 28th May, 1819, Oliver was at Epsom, enjoying the racing, when a purse of £50 being to be fought for, and Kendrick, the Black, expressing a desire to “try for it,” Tom agreed to be his opponent, as he expressed it, “to keep his hand in.” About six o’clock, accordingly, when the last race was over, a ring was formed near the starting post, and surrounded, quickly by several thousands of spectators. Oliver showed first, attended, by Tom Cribb and Randall, while Carter and Richmond waited on the Black.

In the first round, the Black threw Oliver; and in the fifth he also fibbed him sharply. In a few other instances he had the best of the rounds, but not enough to turn the battle in his favour, or to influence the betting. Massa did not attempt to hit, but he stopped extremely well, and rushed in for a close. When he was forced into a rally, too, he fought with some determination. Oliver not only threw Massa in great style twice, but he went down very heavily in the hitting. The Black did not exhibit much signs of punishment, but would have left off earlier than he did, had his second not induced him to try it on a little longer. He was at length hit down by a tremendous facer, which so satisfied him that he would not again appear at the scratch. Little, if any, betting occurred, as the £50 was considered a present for Oliver. Some few wagers took place that it would be over in thirty minutes. It was not, however, won with that ease which had been anticipated, and it was asserted, that if Massa had been in better condition, and had possessed the advantages of patronage, he might have proved a troublesome customer. As it was, the battle lasted one hour and a quarter, during which thirty rounds were fought.

Favoured by adventitious circumstances, and puffed with praise, Dan Donnelly, the Irish Champion, now appeared upon the scene with “A Manifesto to the Milling World,” which will be found in his memoir, Chapter VIII. of this Period. Accordingly at Jack Martin’s benefit, April 20, 1819, Oliver challenged Donnelly for 100 guineas a-side, when Randall declared he was authorised to accept it. That day six weeks was named as the time of battle, the articles signed at Dignam’s, the Red Lion, Houghton Street, Clare Market, and the battle came off at Crawley Hurst, thirty miles from London, on Wednesday, July 21, 1819, as fully detailed in the Life of Dan Donnelly, post.

Shelton, who had risen high in the opinion of his friends, from his conquest of Big Bob Burn, was soon matched against Oliver for 100 guineas a-side, and the battle came off at Sawbridgeworth, Herts., twenty-seven miles from London, on Thursday, January 13, 1820. Shelton was the favourite, partly owing to Oliver’s recent defeat. At a few minutes before one o’clock Oliver threw his hat into the ring (which was swept, and strewed with sawdust), and was soon followed by Shelton. The look of Oliver was firm and collected, and smiling confidence sat on his brow. He fought under the “yellowman,” à la Belcher, and was going to tie his colours himself to the stakes, but Randall took them out of his hand, and placed them on the ropes. After some little time Spring covered Oliver’s colours with the blue handkerchief. The time was announced for the men to strip, notwithstanding a heavy fall of snow. Randall and Tom Callas waited upon Oliver, and Spring and Turner seconded Shelton. The latter had his right wrist tied with a small piece of his colours, part of a blue handkerchief. This was done in order to give a security to his wrist, which had received a severe injury from a cut with a glass rummer about eight months previous to the fight. In tossing for the choice of side, Oliver was the winner. The men then shook hands and set-to for