Chapter VII: Ned Turner—1814‒1824 (1)

Ned Turner, who was born in Crucifix Lane, in the borough of Southwark, November 8th, 1791, was of Welsh extraction, his parents being natives of the Principality, and his kith and kin very respectable people at New Town, Montgomeryshire. Hence the “ancient Britons” of the metropolis proudly claimed Turner as their countryman, and, as we shall see, he was heartily backed and supported by the brave sons of the Cymry in his pugilistic ventures. Turner’s calling was that of a skin-dresser, and he was duly apprenticed to that ancient craft and mystery, at a yard in Bermondsey, where a very large number of men were employed. Here there was a sparring club, or school for glove practice, in which young Turner greatly distinguished himself, by the quickness, natural grace, and intuitive steadiness of his style of sparring.

“Envy doth merit as its shade pursue,
And by her presence proves the substance true,”

and this was exemplified in the circumstances of Turner’s first battle. The foreman of the yard, one John Balch, a Bristol man, not only fancied himself, by birth-place and judgment, an oracle in matters pugilistic, but the champion of the yard. It appears he often spoke disparagingly of the Welsh, as “border” men are apt to do: indeed he forgot himself so far as to sneer at young Turner’s sparring pretensions, and intimated his ability to “snuff” the young Welshman out. Turner modestly doubted the boaster’s ability, and a meeting “for love” ended in nearly an hour’s hard fight on the side of John Balch, when Turner, though the younger (he was only in his twentieth year), lighter, and shorter man, had beaten Balch so completely blind that he was led helpless from the ring. Turner, it may well be supposed, was soon famous in the dominions of “Simon the Tanner,” yet we may here note, on the authority of a contemporary, “that never, from his earliest days to the present period of his pugilistic celebrity, did a challenge first proceed from Ned Turner to any man.”[157] By him the ancient sage’s precept, albeit unknown in its didactic form, was felt and adopted as a rule of life:—

NED TURNER

_From a Portrait by_ WYVILL.
]

“Let us
Act with cool prudence and with manly temper,
As well as manly firmness.
’Tis godlike magnanimity to keep,
When most provok’d, our reason calm and clear,
And execute her will, from a strong sense
Of what is right, without the vulgar aid
Of heat and passion, which, though honest, bear us
Often too far.”

For the minor battles of Turner, which form the prefatory matter to his ring doings, we are entirely indebted to Pierce Egan, as the journals of the period contain no trace of these by-affairs of a boxer as yet without public fame.

“A publican, of the name of Keating, landlord of the Black Horse, in the vicinity of St. Giles’s, brought forward a big Irishman, whom he had patronised, to fight Turner in the cockpit at the Huntsman and Hounds, in Lock’s Fields, for five guineas a side (1813). For the first three rounds Paddy bored in upon Ned with the utmost fury, and the latter in going down fell with his back upon the short stakes which formed the pit. The contusion was so severe and painful that Turner did not recover from its effects for the course of several rounds. At length Ned got into work, and before twenty-five minutes had elapsed, Paddy was so bothered, beaten, and blind, that he could not tell whether he was living at that moment either in England or Ireland.

“Turner, soon after the above circumstance (1814), in company with three of his fellow-workmen, left London to fulfil an engagement he had made at a skin-yard in Glasgow. A man of the name of M’Neil, a spirit dealer, and a pupil of Carter’s, had threatened, previous to the arrival of Turner, to mill all the Englishmen in Glasgow. In fact, M’Neil was the champion of that place, and was in height five feet eleven inches, and weighing thirteen stone. Turner was soon singled out after his arrival in Glasgow by M’Neil for a trial of skill. A match was accordingly made for five guineas a side, and the contest was decided in a room. In the course of half an hour M’Neil was completely defeated. Some time afterwards he wished to have another trial allowed, and £5 a side was deposited to make it for a larger sum; but M’Neil preferred forfeiting the deposit to entering the ring again with Turner.

“Ned, upon quitting Glasgow, went to Newcastle (1816). At this place Turner was challenged by one Blacket, a slater, well known for the pugilistic feats he had performed in this part of the country. A finer proportioned young man was not to be seen than Blacket. He was symmetry itself, of prodigious strength, and not deficient in bottom. He was in height six feet and one inch, weighing rather more than fourteen stone. The battle was fought on the race-course, in the presence of thousands of spectators. In the course of forty-five minutes Blacket received so much severe punishment, without being able to return any milling upon Turner, that he swore in the utmost rage, ‘he would not fight any more, as Turner was not a fair fighter, and that he did nothing but make hits, and then jump away!’ Turner was much applauded for the skill he displayed in conquering a man so much above his weight, and a liberal subscription entered into by the amateurs as a reward for his bravery.

“Soon after Turner had returned to the metropolis, in a turn up with Youler (Davenport’s Jew), a ruffianing sort of fighter, in St. George’s Fields, in the course of thirty-five minutes he so completely satisfied this boring Israelite, that he retired from the conflict with terrible body punishment.

“At the Cottage of Content, in Lock’s Fields, Turner was one evening set upon by five watermen, who, it seems, had made up their minds to give our hero a milling. The manly conduct of the sculler gentry, however, was soon placed to its proper account. Turner disposed of the first four with as much nonchalance as if they had been sacks, and the fifth, who, it appears, had some pretensions to boxing, and who endeavoured to make something like a regular stand against Ned, paid dearly for his temerity, by leaving off under numerous marks of severe punishment.

“These conquests, although they display every trait of courage and science, yet, in the opinion of the amateurs, amount to little until a boxer makes his _debût_ in the London ring. In fact, a pugilist is not recognized till he has made this appearance, when, if successful, he becomes a leading star of the fancy—friends flow fast in upon him, and backers are never wanting to support his pretensions. The fame of Turner had now made progress in the milling circles, especially in the neighbourhood of Bermondsey, where the capabilities of Turner were best known and appreciated. Curtis, a boxer also well known in the same quarter, it seems, felt envy at the growing reputation of Ned, and repeatedly challenged the latter before he agreed to meet him in combat. Curtis was of importance to the admirers of pugilism from the laurels he had acquired in the ring. Tom Roe, West Country Dick, and Lazarus, the Jew, had all been defeated by him. As a game boxer his character was firmly established; in short, of the ‘light weights,’ a better bit of stuff was not thought to exist upon the list. A match was at length made between Turner and Curtis for 100 guineas; but the betting was current seven to four, and, in many instances, two to one upon the latter. Indeed, so sanguine were the partizans of Curtis, that they roundly asserted Turner could not stand half an hour before him. In a twenty feet ring, at Moulsey Hurst, on Tuesday, October 22, 1816, the above heroes met. The morning proving wet, the spectators were not so numerous as usual. At half past one o’clock Curtis entered the ring, attended by Oliver, who came on purpose from Carlisle to second his friend, assisted by Clark. Curtis threw up his hat. Turner soon followed, attended by Tom Owen and Jacobs.”

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—The combatants, upon setting-to,
exhibited great caution, and each appeared
anxious to obtain the first advantage. Turner at
length got an opening, and with much dexterity
planted a severe hit in Curtis’s face, without
receiving a return. The former made another
successful hit, when they fought their way up to
the ropes, and Curtis was sent down. The three
and two to one betters seemed rather astonished
at the novice (as Turner had been termed)
commencing in such a milling style. It augured
much mischief, and the safety of the thing was
not now looked upon as quite so certain.

2.—The lead was again on the side of Turner. He
nobbed Curtis with evident superiority, when the
latter slipped and fell down. (The odds began to
shake, even at this early period of the battle.)

3.—Some good blows were exchanged, but
materially to the advantage of Turner. The
claret was seen trickling down the face of
Curtis, who was ultimately thrown.

4.—Turner commenced offensive operations with
a severe blow from the right. He appeared a
troublesome customer for Curtis to get at, and
some long sparring occurred. A good round, but
Curtis was thrown.

5.—Curtis could not make any impression upon his
adversary, when he retreated to the ropes, where
he received severe fibbing punishment; but he
succeeded in throwing Turner.

6.—Turner put in so heavy a facer that the
claret flowed in torrents, and with the rapidity
of lightning he put in another successful blow,
which sent Curtis out of the ring. (Even
betting.)

7.—By this time Turner had done sufficient work
to convince the spectators that he was the
leading boxer. He was compelled to follow his
opponent to get a hit, which he never failed to
do when the ropes stopped Curtis from retreating
farther. In struggling to obtain the throw the
latter got Turner down.

8.—It seemed to be the aim of Curtis to plant
body blows, but he frequently hit short. Curtis
was thrown.

9.—Curtis, in point of science, did not appear
anything equal to his opponent, except in
throwing; he now sent Turner under the ropes.

10.—On the part of Turner much coolness and
judgment prevailed. He threw Curtis in great
style, and did not go down himself.

11.—The left hand of Turner, upon setting-to,
reached over the guard of Curtis with such
severity that the latter was floored.

12.—This was a short round. Turner went round
from a slip, and fell to the ground.

13.—Curtis put in a body blow, but in so doing
he received a severe facer. A few hits were
exchanged, and both down.

14.—The decided superiority of Turner in
this round was evident. He hit Curtis in all
directions, till he went away staggering
like a man intoxicated, and fell.

15.—Curtis could not protect his nob from the
left hand of his opponent. In closing, both
down.

16.—Curtis, with much resolution, fought his way
into a sort of scuffle, when they both got upon
the ropes. In this situation Turner had the
superiority of hitting, till they both went
down. (Turner was now decidedly the favourite,
and six to four was offered upon him.)

17.—Curtis missed his aim and turned round. In
closing, both down.

18.—The left hand of Turner was continually in
Curtis’s face; and the latter, in going down,
unfortunately fell forward upon the ropes,
hanging by his chin.

19.—The nob of Curtis was again the object of
punishment. In closing, both fell on the ground.

20.—The milling Turner administered to his
opponent in this round was truly terrific.
Curtis did nothing but receive; and in closing,
he was severely fibbed till he went down.

21.—Curtis was so closely pursued, that he
turned round and was hit out of the ring.

22.—This was a good round. Curtis changed his
mode of attack. In making play he slipped down,
but instantly got upon his legs, and put in two
sharp blows. Both down.

23.—Curtis hit short; but, in closing, he seized
hold of the hands of Turner. The latter was
ultimately thrown.

24.—The nob of Curtis appeared much damaged. The
latter, in retreating from his antagonist, fell,
and knocked Oliver also down, who was resting
upon one knee.

25.—Some blows were exchanged, when Turner put
in a right-handed hit that floored Curtis.

26.—A close soon took place, but the combatants
disengaged themselves, when some severe fighting
passed between them, till both went down.

27.—Turner got Curtis on the ropes and fibbed
severely till he went down.

28.—Curtis, it was evident, could not stop the
mischief which the left hand of Turner was
continually doing him, and he went down from a
sharp hit.

29.—In this round Curtis threw his opponent,
but he received much punishment before he
accomplished it.

30.—There was nothing attractive about Curtis
in this fight, except his taking qualities,
which he exhibited in a very eminent degree.
He returned well, but was at length hit down.

31.—Curtis had the best of this round. He gave
Turner so severe a facer that sent him down.

32.—Sparring for advantage. Curtis hit short. In
closing, both down, but the latter undermost.
The length of Turner prevented Curtis from going
in with any success.

33.—Turner put in three successive hits, without
any return, and Curtis went down. The latter
could not make a hit without boring in, and then
he paid for his temerity.

34.—Curtis bled copiously on appearing at the
scratch. Some exchanges took place, and both
down.

35.—This was an excellent round, and both the
combatants upon the alert. The advantage was
most completely on the side of Turner, who used
both hands so successfully that Curtis was
milled down.

36.—Merely struggling to obtain the throw, and
both down.

37.—Curtis hit short at the body, when they
fought their way to the ropes, and the latter
held Turner’s hands. They broke away, exchanged
a few blows, and both went down. Curtis threw
away a great number of hits.

38.—Of no consequence. Both down.

39.—Turner put in two severe facers, without any
return. Some exchanges occurred till both went
down. During this round Owen gave directions to
Turner respecting his mode of fighting, and told
him to “hit out.”

40.—Turner followed Curtis all over the ring,
nobbed him with the most perfect ease, put in
four successive blows with his left hand, and
finished the round by flooring his antagonist.

41.—This was a truly singular round. Curtis ran
in furiously and seized so fast hold of the
wrists of Turner that he could not disengage
himself from this awkward situation. He at
length slung Curtis completely round, when the
latter lost his hold.

42.—In closing, Turner fibbed his opponent down.
Curtis could not resist the overwhelming length
of his adversary; and, although things seemed so
much against him, still he did not want for
resolution.

43.—Curtis, from the repeated punishment he had
received, seemed quite abroad, and totally at a
loss how to make a hit. He kept continually
retreating from his adversary, till he was sent
down.

44.—Curtis again seized hold of his opponent’s
hands; when Turner released himself he floored
his antagonist. Every person seemed surprised
at the conduct of Curtis—it was desperation
personified.

45.—It was all up with Curtis as to fighting. He
had not the slightest chance of winning. In
struggling, both down.

46.—Curtis came to the scratch boldly, and put
in a casual hit, but he was soon sent down.

47.—Turner hit Curtis with such severity upon
his face that he staggered and fell. Turner
stepped over him, and looked at his prostrate
antagonist.

48.—The gameness of Curtis prompted him to
go on, and he endeavoured to tire out his
adversary. It was a sharp struggle to obtain
the throw.

49.—A short round, and both down.

50.—It was mere protraction on the part of
Curtis, and his friends requested him to resign
the contest; but he would not listen to anything
like defeat. Turner made some successful hits.
In struggling, both down.

51.—On setting to Curtis slipped down.

52.—The left hand of Turner by a slight hit sent
Curtis off his legs.

53.—The head of Curtis was bleeding copiously.
His sight was growing defective, and the blows
he attempted to make were out of distance.
However, in closing, Curtis got Turner down.

54 to 57.—In these four rounds Curtis scarcely
set-to before he was either sent or went down.
(Any odds on Turner.)

58.—Curtis seemed to think it was not all over
with him and desperately bored in to punish
his adversary; but this only occasioned extra
milling. In closing, both down.

59.—Curtis on the same tack, but he was soon
stopped and thrown.

60.—Curtis was all desperation, but sent down
almost upon setting to.

61.—The left hand of Turner was again punishing
his opponent’s face; but, in closing, Turner
dropped him with such ease and forbearance, as
to obtain applause from all parts of the ring.

62.—It was evident from the strange manner in
which Curtis attacked his adversary that he
was nearly in a state of darkness. In running
at Turner he passed by him, turned round
confusedly, and was floored. Many of Curtis’s
friends were sanguine enough to think that he
might be enabled to tire out his adversary by
his determined resolution.

63.—It was astonishing to view what a bottom
man could effect. Notwithstanding the dreadful
state Curtis was reduced to, and distressed
beyond imagination, he struggled with Turner,
and ultimately threw him; but still no change
appeared.

64.—This desperate mode of going in was acted
upon too late. The strength of Curtis was fast
leaving him, and he could now scarcely make
a push at his opponent with any degree of
certainty; while Turner was so much at his ease,
that he administered scarcely any additional
punishment, and behaved to his brave adversary
with much consideration and humanity.

65.—Curtis, with great desperation, again tried
to hold Turner’s hands; but he was hit down.

66.—In this round a trifling demur was nearly
taking place. In closing, a struggle occurred,
when Turner, to disengage himself, caught Curtis
by the thighs and threw him. A cry of “foul!”
“fair!” was loudly vociferated; but the umpire
did not pay any attention to it. Curtis was
literally in a state of stupor.

67.—Curtis on setting to was instantly sent
down.

68 and last.—It was piteous to view this little
game cock of the true English breed endeavour to
fight another round. He immediately went down.
On being placed upon his second’s knee his head
dropped on one side. He was insensible when the
“time” was called; while, on the contrary, his
brave opponent, excepting two heavy hits on
the ear, was not materially injured. The fight
continued one hour and twenty-five minutes, and
finished five minutes before three o’clock.

REMARKS.—In this conflict Turner proved himself
a steady scientific boxer: there was nothing
hurried in his manner, and he used his left
hand with celerity and decision. Instead of
appearing a novice, he showed himself a superior
up-hill boxer to Curtis. He took the lead and
kept it; supported not only by length and
strength, but was by far the best fighter. His
position was so formidable, and his mode of
setting to so different from pugilists in
general, that Curtis could not get at him with
anything like safety to make a hit. The knowing
ones were completely outwitted upon this event,
which ought to operate as a useful lesson, by
inducing them to calculate the capabilities of
the combatants, instead of being led astray by
the mere greatness of names. Three to one is
dangerous betting at all times.

Notwithstanding the greatest exertion and humane care were taken in speedily removing Curtis from the ring, after the battle had terminated—in fact, but a few minutes had elapsed before he was put to bed at the Red Lion Inn, Hampton, and medical assistance procured—yet this brave, but unfortunate boxer, in the course of a few hours breathed his last. The subject of his death having come under the cognizance of the laws of the country, an inquisition was taken on the body at the above inn, on Friday, October 25, 1816, before Thomas Stirling, Esq., Coroner for Middlesex.

John Griffinhoof, surgeon, of Hampton, deposed to being sent for on Tuesday evening to attend upon the deceased, who, when he arrived, was in a state of insensibility. There were no blows upon the body which, in his opinion, could have caused a man’s death. There was a general discoloration from the waist upwards. He bled him in the arm, and applied leeches to his temples, and also endeavoured to administer to him a draught. He was of opinion that the blows which he received on the head were the cause of his death. The deceased lived until twelve o’clock at night.

Mr. Morris Jones, surgeon, of Hampton, gave similar evidence. He believed that a blood-vessel had broken in his head, and the only hopes he had of his recovery was by his bleeding profusely.

Richard Coombe, fishmonger, of Hampton, was present at the fight between the deceased and Turner. It was a pitched battle. He never heard of there being any quarrel between Curtis and Turner; saw Curtis enter the ring at half past one o’clock; Turner entered directly after. They stripped, shook hands, and then commenced fighting. When they had fought more than an hour, witness went up to Curtis and advised him to give in; but he observed that he could see, and should beat his opponent yet. He said his seconds advised Curtis not to fight any longer, and forced him to the ropes, but he broke from them and faced Turner again. The third round after he forced himself from his seconds, Turner gave him a heavy blow, which threw him, and fell upon him. He was raised up by his seconds, and the battle ended. Turner was declared the conqueror. He was informed that Curtis had been, previous to the fight about a month, unwell with a certain disease, and had been under the care of two physicians of St. Thomas’s Hospital. His friends, thinking him not in a sound state, advised him not to fight; but Curtis was determined. He never saw a fairer fight. Turner could have struck him several times between the fiftieth and sixty-eighth (last) rounds, when he would not, on account of his having such an advantage over his opponent. At one time he stood over Curtis as he leaned against the ropes, and might have given him a violent blow, having him wholly in his power; instead of doing so he lifted up his hands and walked away.

Another witness, also sworn, observed, that for about twelve rounds before the termination of the contest, he told Curtis he had no chance to win, and that it was a pity he should suffer himself to be beaten to pieces. The reply of the deceased was, that he could not lose the battle, and he maintained this assertion against every remonstrance, until he fell in the last round, and never recovered from a state of stupor. Oliver, his second, advised him also, in vain, to resign long before the battle was decided, and the umpire refused to hold the watch any longer; but the deceased entertained a notion that he could win until the moment he fell. The evidence of this witness went to explain on the subject of the fall. He stated that, in the struggle for superiority, both men were down, and that Turner had an opportunity of doing mischief to his adversary, by falling upon him, but he broke from him and behaved in a manly manner, as he had done in other instances during the fight. After this fall, Curtis never recovered from the stupor, and witness believed him to be in a dying state before he reached the inn at Hampton.

It was further sworn that Turner had forborne to take advantage of his adversary when he had him upon the ropes, and that he showed much fair play during the combat.

The Coroner summed up:—Gentlemen of the jury, I have read over the whole of the evidence which has been adduced, and it is now my duty to point out to you what is the chief point for you to consider with regard to your verdict. It is proved there was no previous quarrel between Turner and the unfortunate deceased before their contest at Moulsey Hurst; but, notwithstanding, it is my duty to tell you that the meeting was unlawful, for Turner had no right to beat Curtis until he died because he had his consent, although they did not agree to fight till one had killed the other: yet such was the fact in evidence, that the extremities of Curtis were dead before he left the ring. There are certainly several points in favour of Turner. It appears that he could several times, when he did not, have not only disabled the deceased, but that he had him at one time so much in his power that he could have put an end to the contest, but that he avoided the opportunity of an advantage: still the deceased died in consequence of the wounds he received from Turner. I have stated what appears in favour of Turner; and, on the other side, that he acted unlawfully, and you cannot discharge your duty, in my opinion, unless you find him guilty in some degree—to what degree it is for you to determine. The jury were in consultation for twenty minutes, when they returned a verdict of manslaughter.

Upon the issuing of the warrant, Turner at once surrendered himself.

On Friday, November 1, 1816, at the Old Bailey Sessions, Edward Turner was indicted for the wilful murder of John Curtis, by inflicting with both his hands divers blows, on the 22nd of October, whereof he died.

The witnesses gave the same evidence as that before the coroner. Turner being called upon for his defence, read from a written paper as follows:—

“MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN OF THE JURY

“Deeply impressed with the great peril to which I am exposed by the
present charge made against me, and with the difficulty I
necessarily experience in substantiating my innocence, owing to the
danger to which most competent witnesses of the transaction would be
exposed, were they to be examined, I must solicit your serious
attention to such facts as I shall be enabled to lay before you, by
which I trust not only my natural disposition will appear, but that
on the occasion of the sad catastrophe imputed to me I was goaded
into a consent to fight the deceased, who was himself a
prize-fighter, and with the greatest reluctance I entered the ring,
after being assaulted; and when I did so, as soon as I ascertained
my superiority over my antagonist, I forbore on very many occasions,
to avail myself of the advantages that presented themselves to me,
and with the greatest reluctance continued the contest until the
circumstance occurred which led to the unfortunate event which I
must ever deplore, and which has placed me in my present awful
situation. I beg to state that my pursuits in life are honest, my
aversion to prize-fighting great, never having before fought a
pitched battle; nor should I on this occasion, but for the great
aggravation which will be proved I received. I assure your Lordships
and gentlemen of the Jury, that I am totally innocent of any
intention to seriously injure the deceased, and that there never
existed in my mind the smallest particle of malice towards him. I
trust, therefore, that my character for humanity and forbearance
will have its due weight on this occasion.”

During the time the clerk of the arraigns was reading the defence, the feelings of Turner were so oppressed that he was observed to shed tears.

His counsel, Mr. Andrews (who had scarcely time to look over his brief, in consequence of Mr. Adolphus not being in court, although retained some days previous to the trial for Turner) then proceeded to call a multitude of witnesses, all of whom gave him an excellent character for humanity and mildness of disposition. Some of them stated that he had never fought a prize battle before, and that he was urged to the contest by the frequent importunities of the deceased, who was not easy until he obtained his promise to fight him.

Baron Graham, in charging the jury, said this was not a case accompanied by any circumstances that indicated previous malice on the part of the prisoner. It appeared from the evidence that the prisoner was not one of those men who devoted themselves to the dangerous profession of prize-fighting. He was, it seemed, considered to be a young man of boxing skill and prowess, a victory over whom would increase the fame of his opponent, and therefore he was urged, nay, goaded, to fight the battle which ended so lamentably. There was certainly premeditation enough on his part to make the crime murder, provided the parties had fought with dangerous weapons, which were likely to produce death. The law was quite certain and decided on this point. For if people met (a smaller period even than a day having expired between their quarrel and their meeting) to fight with deadly weapons, and death ensued, then that was murder, because what the law called malice was apparent—the act was done in cold blood. The present appeared to have been a display of manhood and courage; and whilst they disapproved of such a rencontre between two young men, they could not feel that horror (this being a trial of natural courage and manhood) which, under other circumstances, they might entertain. Under the circumstances stated, the prisoner and the deceased met to fight on the 22nd of October; but they met to fight with those natural arms which, certainly, when strong men were opposed to each other, might produce fatal effects, yet were not in general likely to occasion dreadful consequences, and the contemplation of which could not excite those feelings which deadly and dangerous weapons were calculated to produce. It seemed evident that nothing like malice existed in the mind of the prisoner. It was, as he had before observed, a trial of prowess: no malice appeared, at least on the part of the prisoner. He did not wish to cast any reflection on the memory of a dead man; but, looking strictly to the circumstances, perhaps the imputation of an angry feeling might rest on the deceased. It was in evidence that, during the contest of nearly an hour and a half, the prisoner had cautiously and humanely avoided using, to the extent he might have done, the decided advantage and superiority which he had over the deceased. There was nothing in his conduct like deliberate cruelty, or a desire to injure his adversary, farther than the result occasioned by his efforts to show himself the better man. Water, it appeared, had frequently been thrown upon the deceased in the course of the fight, he having previously taken large quantities of a very powerful medicine (mercury). But a medical gentleman had stated that such ablutions could not have materially affected him at that time; and perhaps, considering the exertions he was making, they might have refreshed him. The prisoner evidently showed that humanity which did him credit and honour. It appeared that he greatly regretted being obliged to continue the fight, in consequence of the determination of the deceased. The principal part of the charge, therefore, that of murder, was quite out of the question; but there could be no doubt of the killing and slaying, which the law considered a very high offence. The consequence had indeed been fatal to that unhappy young man; but it would be extremely unjust to say Turner was responsible for those consequences, as being the cause of them. It was a fact, unquestionably true, that Turner had no hostility whatever to the deceased, for, on the contrary, he had shown himself actuated by the purest motives of humanity during the whole contest; and, likewise, the numerous previous insults the deceased had offered to Turner, were long and painfully endured without any retaliation. This was honourable to his patience. The taking away the life of the young man by the prisoner was clearly proved; for the surgeon had stated that death had ensued, as he had expected, in consequence of the injuries he had received.

The jury, after a short consideration, returned a verdict of Manslaughter against the prisoner, but earnestly recommended him to the merciful consideration of the court, on account of his humanity and forbearance.

Mr. Baron Graham observed that the court participated in the feelings of the jury.

At the end of the Sessions Turner was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment in Newgate.

During the confinement of Turner he conducted himself with so much propriety and decorum as to merit the attention of the head keeper, who granted him every indulgence consistent with the rules of the place. He was also visited by many of the highest patrons of pugilism.

Shortly after his liberation, Turner, by the advice of his friends, took a benefit at the Minerva Rooms, Leadenhall Street, as a means of contributing towards the heavy expenses he had sustained from his trial and imprisonment. The amateurs rallied round him upon this occasion in gratifying numbers.

The sporting circles of this period were extremely anxious to bring about a match between the all-conquering Scroggins and Turner; but the friends of Turner insisting that Scroggins should not exceed ten stone seven pounds on coming into the ring, the match was for a long time off, until the following accidental circumstance produced a battle, after the previous regular propositions of bringing them together had failed.

At a sporting dinner which took place at the Castle Tavern, Holborn, on Wednesday, February 26, 1817, Mr. Emery, of Covent Garden Theatre, in the chair, Turner and Scroggins were among the visitors. In consequence of the deputy chairman being absent, Scroggins was requested to fill up the vacancy. This little hero had just returned from the Fives Court, after setting to with Tom Belcher, in which display with the gloves he had been much applauded; being somewhat warmed, and not standing upon the punctilio of waiting for the toasts, he rallied his bottle in such quick succession that he was completely floored. Shortly afterwards the effects of exertion and the glass combined operated so somniferously on the upper works of Scroggy, that he laid down his head and went to sleep. The company were rather amused than offended with this inactive state of their deputy, and he was permitted to enjoy the benefit of his slumbers. On waking, he quitted the chair and introduced himself to the company below stairs in the coffee-room. Turner soon afterwards took his leave of the dinner party, and on his way home through the house he took a peep, _en passant_, at the room below stairs. It is fair to observe that Scroggins was in a state of inebriation. The company remonstrated upon the impropriety of Scroggins’ behaviour, who was quarrelling with and threatening to mill ould Joe Norton. Turner civilly remarked that Norton was an old man, his time was gone by, and as to his fighting it was quite out of the question. Scroggins, with much asperity, abused Turner for his observation, called him everything but a good one, and sneeringly told Ned that he had never defeated any body; indeed, only “licked a man that was half dead with disease before he entered the ring.” This produced a sharp retort from Turner, when Scroggins gave the former a slap in the face. A turn-up was the immediate consequence, but scarcely a blow passed before they were both down, and Turner undermost. Sutton instantly got between them; the company also interfered, and peace was restored. The account of this fracas flew up stairs like lightning, and the amateurs immediately discussed the subject. Scroggins, with derision, offered to fight Turner £100 to £50; but the latter felt all this was empty boasting. It was the general opinion of those present that Turner had been unhandsomely treated by Scroggins; and, in consequence, Mr. Soares, on the part of Turner, immediately made a deposit of five guineas towards making a match in a month from that time, although Mr. S. had, in every previous instance, supported Scroggins. On Wednesday, the 12th of March, the partisans of both heroes met at Belcher’s, and the stakes were made good. But Scroggins was the “idol” of the sporting world, and it was a censure upon any one’s judgment to name Turner as having anything like a chance; indeed, infatuation was carried to such a pitch of extravagance, respecting the overwhelming capabilities of Scroggins, that the Jew Phenomenon never stood upon higher ground in the best of his days.

It is impossible to describe the sensation this fight occasioned in the sporting circles; the fame of Scroggins, from his having conquered Boots, Dolly Smith, Nosworthy, Eales, Whittaker, and Church, in succession, had made such a strong impression on the minds of the fancy in general, that he was thought almost invulnerable. Even Scroggins himself felt impressed with the same idea, and fought £100 against Turner’s £50. It is true the match was first made when Scroggins was not exactly _compos mentis_; but, in his soberest moments, he boldly asserted he would win it with ease. The capabilities of Turner he positively ridiculed, treated him as a mere upstart pugilistic pretender, and flattered himself that the prowess of Turner would vanish before his punishing arm, like snow before the sun. For three nights previous to the battle taking place, the sporting houses were crowded to excess, and so very high did this modern Dutch Sam stand in the estimation of the knowing ones, that nothing less than three to one would be accepted, and that only from an idea that a chance hit or accident might operate against his usual success. On Wednesday, March 26, 1817, as soon as it was light, groups of pedestrians were seen on the Uxbridge Road; and by eight o’clock carriages of all descriptions were rattling along, from the splendid barouche and four down to the donkey and hampers. By eleven twenty thousand persons had collected on the ground, a field near Hayes, between the bridge and the turnpike, not far from the present line of the Great Western Railroad, about ten miles on the Uxbridge Road from Tyburn turnpike. At eighteen minutes to one Turner appeared in the ring, dressed in a fashionable great coat, and threw up his hat, and Scroggins immediately followed. Cribb tied the yellow handkerchief belonging to Turner to the stake, and Oliver immediately placed the blue fogle of Scroggins beside it. The combatants shook hands before they stripped. Oliver and Clarke appeared as seconds to Scroggins; the Champion of England and Harry Harmer attended upon Turner. Three to one was the current betting against the latter, and many thousands depended on the event. Turner was an object of great curiosity, from his late unfortunate battle with Curtis; but viewed as the antagonist of Scroggins, the idea was sneered at. The ring measured twenty-four feet, and the numerous carriages round it formed an elegant amphitheatre. Lord Yarmouth and Colonel Barton acted as timekeepers.

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—It was expected, on the combatants
setting-to, that Scroggins would adopt his usual
method of boring in to his adversary, or, to use
his own words, “take the fight out of him;” but
he was more cautious than usual, and a good
deal of sparring took place. He made a feint
at Turner, and instantly got away again. At
length Scroggins put in a hit—some trifling
blows passed between them, and ultimately Turner
went down lightly, when Scroggins held up his
hands, by way of showing how little he thought
of him.

2.—Scroggins now appeared a little more on the
alert to follow up his success; he gave Turner a
sharp nobber, but he failed in doing his usual
punishing execution. The customer before him was
not of that easy description he had flattered
himself, and though Turner went down, it was not
from effective hitting. (Many persons exclaimed,
“Now where’s your three to one?”)

3.—Turner, on setting-to, fought with his
opponent manfully, and planted a severe facer
under his left eye; and though, at the close of
the round, he was again down, his capabilities
as a boxer were manifest. He also met with great
encouragement from the spectators.

4.—This was a sharply contested round; both were
at work in right earnest, and in a close Turner
gave his opponent a severe cross-buttock. The
concourse of persons was so great, and their
eager curiosity not keeping pace with the
etiquette usual upon these occasions, pressed
forward to the ropes—the outer ring was broken,
and all traces of the fight lost sight of,
excepting to a few, who, at the hazard of their
lives, kept in front.

The men continued to fight for several rounds
under this disadvantage, when the inner and
smaller ring was broken into, the stakes knocked
down, and the ropes trodden under foot. It was
now more like a street row than a prize fight,
and the combatants had scarcely a yard of space.
Scroggins, notwithstanding being so close to
Turner, had by no means the best of him, and
it was the general opinion, that had no
interruption occurred Turner would have won.
To attempt to describe any of these rounds with
accuracy would be a deviation from the truth;
and Mr. Jackson afterwards declared it was
totally out of his power to give an opinion
upon them. Carter, Painter, Dolly Smith,
Richmond, etc., exerted themselves with their
horsewhips to beat out the ring, but in vain;
nothing less than a troop of horse or a company
of soldiers with fixed bayonets could have
attempted it with success. Both men were
accordingly taken from the ring, and Mr. Jackson
went round, declaring all the bets to be null
and void. At this period not less than thirty
thousand persons were present, and the carriages
on the spot and along the road were estimated
at eight thousand. A suspense of two hours
occurred, and thousands of inquiries took place
to ascertain how the day was to be finished.
During this interval, the costermongers wishing
to clear their carts, but not being able to
persuade the customers (who had paid 3s. a-piece
to see the sports of the day) to retire from
their situations, actually took out their horses
and lifted up their vehicles, after the manner
of shooting rubbish. This mode of ousting the
tenants occasioned much laughter, and a little
extra boxing. At length Mr. Jackson appeared,
when it was announced that the contest was
adjourned to a future day.

Turner proved himself a much more competent
boxer than was expected, and Scroggins was
equally deceived. Turner convinced Scroggins
that his furious onslaught was to be stopped.
He hit him once so tremendously on the jaw,
that the latter held up his head afterwards,
and did not go boring in so furiously as
heretofore. They were both fresh on leaving
the ring, but neither of them were considered
in good condition. Scroggins had a black eye,
and one of Turner’s peepers was a little out
of repair. It is but fair to state that much
difference of opinion existed on the subject,
many persons contending that Scroggins was not
in the slightest degree punished, and that
Turner showed evident symptoms of weakness on
leaving the ring. Several noblemen were present,
and many first-rate theatricals. It proved a
rare day for the inn-keepers and pike-men, and
it was impossible to move a step, where the
pocket was concerned, without dearly paying for
curiosity.

On the Monday evening after the fight every room to the top of Belcher’s house was crowded to excess by the “Fancy,” so anxious were the amateurs to learn the decision as regarded the coming battle. The following articles were agreed to:—

“_Castle Tavern, Holborn, March 31, 1817._

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

“J. SCROGGINS, his + mark.
“E. TURNER.

“Witness, J. W.”

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

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

THE FIGHT.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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