Chapter VI (1)

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

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

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

JACK RANDALL, “THE NONPAREIL.”

_From a Miniature by_ G. SHARPLES.
]

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE FIGHT.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE FIGHT.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE FIGHT.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE FIGHT.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE FIGHT.

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.

“(Signed) “BAXTER,
“FRANKLIN.”

“Witness, P. E.”

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.