Chapter IV (2)

“Thomas Shelton agrees to fight Josh. Hudson on Tuesday, the 10th of
December, in a twenty-four feet ring, for £100 a-side, half-minute
time; to be a fair stand-up fight. Mr. Jackson to name the place,
and to hold the stakes of £200. £6 a-side are now deposited in the
hands of the P. of the D. C., and the remainder of the stakes, £94
a-side, to be made good at Mr. Holt’s, on Saturday, the 23rd of
November, between the hours of eight and ten o’clock in the evening,
or the deposit money to be forfeited. An umpire to be chosen on each
side, and Mr. Jackson to name the referee.

“_November 22, 1822._”

This remarkable contest came to issue on Harpenden Common, near St. Alban’s. Josh. was defeated in less than fifteen minutes, and fourteen rounds. He was hit out of time, and Shelton was so dead beat that it was with difficulty he appeared at the scratch to answer the call of “time.”

On the 17th of December, 1822, Josh. (full of Christmas before it began) had a turn-up in a room with Tom Gaynor, the carpenter, a strong, wiry chap, then little known, and said to be a bit of a plant. Hudson’s hands were quite gone, and altogether he was not in a fit state to fight, and if he had any friends present when the row took place, they ought to have prevented the battle. The high courage of Josh. brought him through the piece; but he was severely milled, and met with a very troublesome customer for thirty-five minutes, before Gaynor could be choked off. To mend the matter, it was for love. Josh.’s defeat weighed on his mind, and he thus proposed a renewal of hostilities in a letter:—

“SIR,—

“My late defeat by Shelton having occurred through accident, has
induced me to wish to meet him once more in the ring, for the
satisfaction of myself and friends and the sporting world, for which
purpose I have seen Tom personally; but, for reasons best known to
himself, he declines fighting any more, at least with me. I am
therefore disengaged; and as my friends are ready to back me for
£100 against any one (that fact coupled with the idea I entertain of
myself), I wish, through the means of your valuable paper, to say,
should either Bill Neat or Tom Spring have a leisure hour, once
within three months, to display in real combat the scientific art of
self-defence, I am ready, at any time and place either of these
gents may appoint, to make a deposit to fight for the above sum.

“I am, with respect to Neat and Spring, yours obediently,
“JOSHUA HUDSON.

“_Cock and Cross, Redcross Street, London Docks, January 25, 1823._”

The second match was made between Hudson and Shelton for £100 a-side, but on Thursday evening, May 23, 1823, Josh. and his friends attended at Shelton’s house to make his money good for the fight on the ensuing 10th of June. The money of Hudson, fifty sovereigns, lay on the table for ten minutes. Shelton in reply, said he was under recognizances, and should not fight nor would he forfeit. Thus the battle went off, and Hudson received £30.

Hudson was anxious to make a match with Neat, but the friends of the latter never appeared at the scratch. Hudson attended at Randall’s house for the purpose on May 30, 1823.

The John Bull Fighter never let a chance go by him, and the following epistle clearly decides his anxiety at all times to accommodate a customer:—

“_To the Editor of the_ WEEKLY DISPATCH.

“SIR,—

“On perusing the daily papers, I understand that Ward challenged me
at the Fives Court on Tuesday last; you will therefore have the
kindness, through your sporting journal, to inform him that the John
Bull Fighter, whether abroad or at home, is always ready to
accommodate any of his friends, to afford a ‘bit of sport.’ If Mr.
Ward, or his backers, will call at Mr. Randall’s, the
Hole-in-the-Wall, Chancery Lane, on Thursday evening next, Hudson
will make a match either for £100 or £200 a-side, as may suit his
opponent.

“I remain, sir, yours, etc.,
“JOSH. HUDSON.

“_Birmingham, August 28, 1823._”

On the arrival of Hudson in London, the following articles were agreed to:

“_Hole-in-the-Wall, Chancery Lane._

“Josh. Hudson agrees to fight James Ward for £100 a-side. To be a
fair stand-up fight, in a twenty-four feet ring. Half-minute time.
Mr. Jackson to name the place of fighting. The battle to take place
on Tuesday, November 11, 1823. The men to be in the ring, and ready
to fight, between the hours of twelve and one o’clock. An umpire to
be chosen on each side, and a referee to be appointed on the ground.
£10 a-side are now deposited in the hands of a person well known in
the prize ring; £40 a-side more to be made good at Mr. Shelton’s,
Hole-in-the-Wall, Gate Street, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, on Tuesday,
October 7, 1823, between the hours of eight and ten o’clock in the
evening, or the £10 a-side to be forfeited. The remainder of the
stakes, £50 a-side, to be made good a fortnight before fighting, on
Tuesday, October 28, 1823, at Mr. Randall’s, Hole-in-the-Wall,
Chancery Lane, between the hours of eight and ten o’clock in the
evening, or the money deposited to be forfeited.

“Signed,
“For JOSH. HUDSON, G. H.
“JAMES WARD.

“Witness, B. BENNETT.
“_September 4, 1823._”

Upon the above articles being signed, six to four was offered to be taken by the friends of Ward, and several bets were proposed that Ward’s money would be made good.

The following remarks were made respecting the milling capabilities of the combatants previous to the match:—

“The friends of the Black Diamond in the rough (Jem Ward) flatter themselves he is so much polished by his recent experiments on the nobs of the provincials, as to be able to take a high number among the metropolitan boxers. Ward, in point of frame, is a second Hen. Pearce, so say the ould ones; and his chest is thought to be equal in point of anatomical beauty and immense strength to any boxer on the P. L. Ward is likewise a most scientific fighter, active on his legs, and mills on the retreat in first-rate style. The principal drawback is said to be, that he is more of a tapper than a heavy punishing hitter; and it is also a question at present, which time can only answer (in order to make his resemblance to the Chicken complete), whether the little but important word ‘game’ is to be added to his character. Ward, on account of his youth, is much fancied by a great part of the betting world at the west end of the metropolis, who assert, and back their opinion, he will win it easily. On the contrary, something like grief has escaped the lips of the coveys near the Mint; and the Sage of the East has also been caught on the sly wiping his ogles, that necessity should compel the ‘two Stars of the East’ to be opposed to each other. Josh. and Ward being positively in want of a job, and sooner than remain idle, or stand still, are anxious to take each other by the hand, no opponents from any part of the kingdom offering to enter the lists with them. Their match seems made upon the same principle as that of the late Tom Johnson and Big Ben. ‘Tammy,’ said the latter, ‘you and I never fell out, and that is the reason why I think we ought to fight.’ This is exactly the opinion of the John Bull Boxer, who delights in fighting, but detests quarrelling, laughing heartily at the incidents of a mill, and weeping over any real distress. Great sums of money are already betted upon the battle between Hudson and Ward. The former hero is thought to be too fleshy; but his lion-hearted courage, among his staunch admirers, overbalances all defects; and numbers take Josh. for choice, while others are so fond of him as to bet the odds.”

The fight took place on the 11th of November, 1823, on Moulsey Hurst. Hudson was the favourite at six to four some days before the battle; but by a dodge on the evening when the final stakes were to be made good, he reduced the betting to evens, and finally six to four on Ward. He stuffed himself into a great coat, a dress coat, and seven or eight under waistcoats, which gave him such a puffy appearance that many even of his own friends imagined him out of condition. Hudson was always an attractive feature in the prize ring; and Ward, by anticipation, was expected to turn out a hero of the first milling class. From the time Dutch Sam fought Nosworthy, so many vehicles were not seen upon Moulsey Hurst. A sprinkling of Corinthians ornamented the ring, numerous swells, a great variety of heavy-betting sporting men, thousands of independent respectable spectators, lots of commoners, and plenty of persons a shade below the last mentioned, and, lastly, a multitude of chaps still a shade lower. The whole was conducted in the most respectable and orderly manner, under the direction of the Commander-in-Chief, seconded by the efforts of the Commissary-General. The exertions of Oliver, Scroggins, Harmer, Sampson, Turner, Carter, etc., also tended in a great degree to give every individual an opportunity of viewing the fight. Five and seven shillings each person was demanded for a standing place in the wagons; and the watermen who ferried the crowds across the Thames were well paid for their exertions. The Red Lion at Hampton was head quarters, and every room in the house overflowed with company. Between twelve and one o’clock Josh., in a drab white coat, with a blue bird’s eye round his neck, attended by his seconds, Randall and Peter Crawley, followed by Jem Burn, threw his hat into the ring. Hudson was received with loud shouts. He looked cheerful, nodded to several friends, and appeared quite at his ease. After walking about the ring for the space of ten minutes, “Ward, Ward,” was the cry. “He ought to have been here before,” said Josh.; “half past twelve o’clock was the agreement.” The Black Diamond was seen, arm-in-arm with his backer and trainer, making his way through the crowd, followed by his seconds, Spring and Aby Belasco. He was cheered as he passed along, and threw his hat spiritedly into the ring. Ward looked extremely pale on entering the ropes; and the contrast between the mugs of the combatants was decidedly in favour of Hudson. While the Black Diamond was sitting on the knee of his second, preparing for action, he turned round and surveyed his opponent from head to foot. Randall tied the colours of Josh., “true blue,” to the stakes, and Spring placed Ward’s, green, alongside of them. “Go to work,” was now the order of the day.

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—Hudson, on throwing off his togs, amused the spectators by
a dramatic touch—a new feature in the prize ring—something like the
comic business in Hamlet. On getting rid of his linen, which had
been nicely got up by his laundress for the occasion, a flannel
cameza was discovered, and the eager peepers of the amateurs were
disappointed in not beholding Josh.’s canvas, a second layer of
Welsh obscuring it. “Hallo!” said the Nonpareil, “how many more of
them have you got on?” “Why, you are made of flannel,” rejoined
Peter. “Leave it all to the cook,” replied Josh., smiling; “ask Ward
about that by-and-bye.” To the great astonishment of the crowd
Randall divested a third from his frame before Josh.’s rotundity of
abdomen, broad jolly shoulders, and round arms were exposed for
action. At length the John Bull Fighter appeared all in his glory:
“His soul in arms, and eager for the fray.” “Let no person assert
that Josh. has not been careful of himself,” observed a young sprig
of aristocracy. “Careful, indeed!” replied an old sporting man; “do
not say a word about being careful: he is in no condition at all; he
is not fit to fight. For myself, I never make any calculations upon
his training; no, no, system and Hudson are not pals; and the old
Sage of the East, Tom Owen, has deplored this defect in his darling
boy times and often with watery ogles. It is his invincible bottom
that never flinches while nature holds her empire over his frame
that renders Hudson a safe man to back at all times. Recollect Ben
Burn’s character of Tom Cribb, ‘I wouldn’t mind fighting Cribb,’
said Ben, ‘but Tom has not sense enough to leave off; he never knows
when he has got enough.’” The John Bull was now only waiting to
shake the hand of his opponent to show the spectators that animosity
had no place in the contest, fame and glory being his only object in
view. Ward was in tip-top condition; in fact, he could not have been
better: he was nearly, if not quite, as heavy, without the grossness
of his opponent, and thus possessed the advantages of training. The
bust of the Black Diamond was pronounced “beautiful” by the admirers
of anatomy; indeed, the whole figure of Ward was of so manly an
appearance, that a sculptor might have long looked for such a model
of a pugilist. The combatants placed themselves in attitude. Hudson
stood firmly with his left arm extended, looking steadfastly at his
opponent, ready for any chance that might offer, well knowing that
he had an active and scientific boxer before him. The forte of Ward
immediately showed itself: hitting and getting away seemed to be the
object he had in view. After a short pause, and both moving a few
paces on the ground, Josh. let fly with his left, but the Black
Diamond got away with activity. Ward endeavoured to make a hit, but
his distance from Josh. was too respectful to do any mischief.
Hudson looked cheerful and Ward smiled. Hudson aimed a heavy blow
with his right hand, but the Black Diamond was not to be had, and
retreated. Josh., perceiving that long bowls were of no service,
determined to try if a broadside would not bring his adversary into
action; he went to work _sans cérémonie_, and an exchange of heavy
blows was the result. The Black Diamond napped a blow on the side of
the neck, which, if it had been planted a little higher, might have
been mischievous. In closing at the ropes Ward commenced the weaving
system actively, but the situation of Josh. gave him the opportunity
of beating the back part of Ward’s neck and head. In struggling for
the throw, Ward obtained it cleverly, Hudson being undermost.
(Shouting, and “Well done, Jem! that’s the way, my lad; you can win
it by throwing only.” “Walker!” said an old sailor from the Cock and
Cross; “lick my old messmate by a throw indeed! You don’t know
him.”)

2.—Josh.’s forehead was a little rouged, and the right ear of the
Black Diamond vermilioned from the effects of the last round. Ward
would not make play, and Hudson found his man very difficult to be
got at. A short time was occupied in dodging, when Hudson again
resolutely commenced the attack. Several blows of no tender nature
were exchanged between them till they fought their way into close
quarters. Ward, with great spirit and activity, fibbed his opponent
_à la_ Randall, but not without return. After severe struggling they
separated, and both went down.

3.—Josh. stopped well, and also got away from a heavy hit. Ward
smiled. A smart rally took place, in which Hudson received a rum one
that caused him to stagger, stagger, and stagger till he went down
on his rump. It is true it was from the effects of the hit; but
perhaps it would be too much to term it a knock-down blow. In the
above rally Ward also received a teazer on the tip of his nose which
produced the claret, and he dropped, a little exhausted, on one knee
at the conclusion of the round. (“Ward will win it,” from his
partizans; “he’ll be able to make a fool of the fat one in ten
minutes.” The odds decidedly on the Black Diamond.)

4.—This round was short, but very sweet to the backers of Hudson.
The latter, on setting-to, floored Ward like a shot. (The joy was so
great on this event that the Bullites roared like bulls, the Black
Diamond’s friends looking a little blue at this momentous triumph.)

5.—This was an out-and-out round on both sides. Ward was on his
mettle, and nothing else but milling followed. Josh. made play, and
Ward turned to with equal gaiety. Some heavy blows passed between
them, and Josh. turned round in breaking away from his adversary. A
short pause, when Hudson kept creeping after Ward, who was
retreating, till another rally was the result, in which the Black
Diamond had the best of it, till Josh. again broke away. Hudson was
terribly distressed, and Ward committed the error of letting the
John Bull Fighter make a pause till he recovered his wind; in fact,
Ward would not fight first. The high-couraged ould one, puffing and
blowing like a grampus, again commenced play, but received three
facers for his temerity. Another pause. Hudson was now at a
stand-still, and his bad condition was visible to every one, but he
would attempt to mill undismayed, till he received a tremendous blow
on his left cheek-bone, which sent him down in a twinkling. This was
a clean knock-down blow. (The Black Diamonders were now in turn
brilliant. “That’s the way, my Jem’s eye; it’s all your own. We’ll
back you now two to one, nay, three to one. You can’t lose it.”)

6.—The heart of Hudson was as sound as ever, and his eye still
possessed its wonted fire, but his distressed state was evident. Two
severe counter-hits separated the combatants from each other, and
both of them felt the severity of the blows. Ward retreated fast
from Josh.; but the latter kept creeping and creeping after him till
the Black Diamond was near the ropes, and compelled to fight. Here
the John Bull Fighter found himself at home, that is to say, at
close quarters, a sort of yard-arm and yard-arm fighting, where all
his blows told. Josh. not only stopped skilfully, but he put in two
such tremendous hits on Ward’s body, that the face of the Black
Diamond exhibited excruciating grimaces. Hudson also finished the
round by throwing Ward. (Another uproarious shout. The spectators
all alive, and the John Bull Fighter, if not the favourite among the
betting men, seemed to have the interest of the unbiassed part of
the audience.)

7.—Hudson, while sitting on Crawley’s knee, appeared exhausted, but
not in pluck, and laughed at Randall’s telling him to recollect his
invitation of dining with the Lord Chancellor to-morrow. On time
being called, Josh., with much judgment, kept sparring at the
scratch to recover his wind. Hudson cleverly stopped a heavy blow.
In closing at the ropes the activity displayed by Ward in fibbing
his opponent was the admiration of the ring, but it was more showy
than effective. Hudson, though awkwardly held, nevertheless
administered most punishment. Ward again threw his opponent
cleverly.

8.—Some pausing occurred, Ward waiting for his opponent to make
play. “You must come to me, Jem,” said Josh.; “I shall not go after
you; I shall stand here all day.” “So can I,” replied Ward. Hudson
soon broke through his resolution, and went to work, Ward fighting
and retreating till he was against the ropes. Here the combatants
closed, and the Black Diamond endeavoured to fib his adversary,
until Josh., in rather a singular manner, extricated himself from
the gripe of his adversary, and found himself outside of the ring,
when he put in a blow across the ropes which floored the Black
Diamond. (Loud shouting in favour of Hudson; but in betting
generally Ward was the hero of the tale.)

9.—The face of Hudson was red and puffy, and it was astonishing to
witness a man fight so well who laboured under such an evident state
of distress. The skill of Ward, added to his goodness on his legs,
should have given him confidence to have fought immediately with
Josh. on his appearing at the scratch. Owing to the want of this
confidence, he gave a chance away. “The John Bull” again commenced
play, but Ward would not be hit. Hudson, on the creeping system,
gently followed Ward all over the ring, until the latter was in a
situation that he was compelled to fight. A slaughtering rally took
place, hit for hit, till both the men went down. (Spring, on picking
up his man and looking at Hudson, observed, “I should like to have a
calf’s head as fat as Josh.’s face.” “Softly,” said Crawley, “you
don’t know how soon your own mug may be in a worse condition.”)

10.—This was a fine fighting round altogether, exhibiting skill,
bottom, and bravery. Josh., after a short pause, endeavoured to feel
for his adversary’s nob, but Ward retreated. The Black Diamond,
however, returned upon Hudson quickly, and missed a tremendous blow
aimed at Josh.’s head; it alighted upon his shoulder. A severe but
short rally occurred, till the combatants separated from distress.
Hudson was determined to put his opponent to the test, and the
exchange of blows was severe, till they were compelled to make a
pause. “To lick or be licked,” says Josh., “here goes!” and hit for
hit occurred till both the men went down.

11.—This round led to the decision of the battle. Ward was pinking
Josh.’s nob and retreating, as the John Bull kept creeping after
him, till a severe rally was the result. Josh. put in a tremendous
blow under Ward’s left eye, which closed it. The Black Diamond was
wild and quite abroad from its severity, hitting at random. It was
now blow for blow till Ward was floored.

12.—It was evident that Ward could not measure his distance
accurately, and his blows were given like a man feeling for his way
in the dark; nevertheless, this was a complete milling round.
Hudson’s mug was red in the extreme, and he did not appear to have
wind enough to puff out a farthing rushlight. Ward was also
distressed; indeed, it was the expressed opinion of some of the old
fanciers that “it was anybody’s battle.” When time was called, a
minute, if it could have been allowed, would have proved very
acceptable to both parties. After a short pause at the scratch Ward
got away from a heavy body blow. At the ropes a smart exchange of
blows occurred, when they separated. Hudson stopped a heavy lunge in
great style. At the ropes another sharp encounter took place, till
both of the men were at a stand-still. Ward endeavoured to put in a
nobber, which Josh. stopped so skilfully as to extort applause from
all parts of the crowd. In a struggle at the corner of the ring Ward
was sent out of the ropes, and Hudson fell on one of his knees. (The
backers of both parties were on the funk. There seemed no decided
certainty about it: hope and fear were depicted on the faces of the
friends of both men at this juncture. It was an awful moment for the
cash account—the transfer of some thousands was at hand.)

13.—Hudson’s little smiling eyes, although nearly obscured by the
bumps and thumps above and below them, had not lost their fire, and
he said to Randall, on coming to the scratch, “I am satisfied, Jack,
I have got him.” The face of the Black Diamond was completely
metamorphosed, and his peepers nearly darkened. On setting-to Hudson
planted a nobber, which sent Ward staggering two or three yards, and
he was nearly going down. Hudson followed his opponent, and some
blows were exchanged; when, in closing, Josh. fell on Ward with all
his weight. (“John Bull for £100; five to one,” and higher odds.
Victory was now in sight. “Hudson can’t lose it,” was the general
cry.)

14.—Badly distressed as Josh. appeared to be, on coming to the
scratch he was by far the better man of the two. Ward did what he
could to obtain a turn, and, in closing at the ropes, endeavoured to
fib his adversary; but Hudson pummelled Ward so severely behind his
nob, that in a confused manner he let go his hold. A few blows were
then exchanged, when the John Bull gave Ward a _coup de grace_ that
sent him down flat on his back. (“Ward will not come again; it’s all
over!”)

15 and last.—When time was called, Spring brought his man to the
scratch, but Ward was in so tottering a state that he was balancing
on one leg. (“Take him away!” “Don’t hit him, Josh.”) The John Bull
Fighter, with that generosity of mind which distinguishes his
character, merely pushed his opponent down, when the battle was at
an end. Josh. took hold of Randall’s hat and threw it up in the air,
and at the same time he tried to make a jump. If not quite so light,
graceful, nor so high as the pirouette of an Oscar Byrne, yet, it
was that sort of indication that he did jump for joy. Hudson
immediately left the ring amidst the shouts of the populace, crossed
the water, and prudently went to bed at the Bell, at Hampton. The
battle was over in thirty-six minutes.

REMARKS.—Ward must be pronounced a fine fighter: he completely
understands scientific movements, and, perhaps it is not too much to
assert, he is master of the art of self-defence. His most
conspicuous fault in this battle appeared to be in not fighting
first, and evincing too great anxiety to avoid the blows of his
opponent. The Black Diamond is excellent upon his legs—few, if any,
boxers better; but, in his fondness for retreating, his blows,
however numerous, did not reduce the courage of the John Bull
Fighter. It has been urged that Ward was shy of his adversary. The
name and character of Josh. Hudson, as one of the gamest of the game
boxers on the list, no doubt has some terrors attached to it, and we
think it had a little effect upon the feelings of Ward. Hudson was
now in his twenty-seventh year, and victory had crowned his efforts
sixteen times. In the battle with Ward the extraordinary courage he
displayed was the theme of every one present. To courage, and
courage alone, he may attribute his success; but at the same time we
are sure that he might have been in much better condition, if he had
paid more attention to his training. Hudson, we must assert, relied
too much upon his courage; in fact, he was so completely exhausted
two or three times in the fight, that his most sanguine friends were
doubtful of the result. Ward proved himself a troublesome customer,
and difficult to be got at. Josh. won the battle out of the fire.
Ward was considerably punished about the head, and put to bed
immediately after the battle, at Hampton. Upon the whole it was a
fine manly fight.

On the fight being over, “Home, sweet home,” was the object in view, and the night fast approaching, the proverb of the “devil take the hindmost,” seemed to be uppermost. The toddlers brushed off by thousands to the water’s edge, and, in spite of the entreaties of the ferrymen, the first rush jumped into the boats in such numbers as nearly to endanger their own lives. However, the watermen soon got the “best of it,” by demanding a bob or more to carry over in safety select companies. Yet so great was the pressure of the crowd, and so eager to cross the water to Hampton, that several embraced Old Father Thames against their will, amidst the jeers and shouts of their more fortunate companions. A nice treat, by way of a cooler, in an afternoon in November, sixteen miles distant from home. The other side of the Hurst produced as much fun and laughter, from the barouches, rattlers, gigs, heavy drags, etc., galloping off towards Kingston Bridge through fields covered with water, to save time. Several were seen sticking fast in the mud, the proprietors begging assistance from those persons whose horses were strong enough for the purpose; but “a friend in need” was here out of the question. Two or three drags that were overloaded with “live stock” broke down in similar situations, which a wag observing, sung out, by way of consolation to the Jacks in the water, “that they were going home swimmingly.” One block up of this kind operated on a string of carriages upwards of half a mile in length. Upon the whole, it was a lively and amusing picture. The vehicles were so numerous, that two hours had elapsed before the whole of them had passed over Kingston Bridge, to the great joy and profit of the proprietors of the gates. For miles round Moulsey Hurst it proved a profitable day for the inns; and money that otherwise might have remained idle in the pockets of persons who could afford to spend it, was set to work in the consumption of articles tending to benefit hundreds of tradesmen, who otherwise (like Dennis Brulgruddery) might have been long on the look-out for “a customer.”

Josh. purchased several pieces of blue silk handkerchiefs, and as a convincing proof to his friends that he meant nothing else but winning the battle, he presented one to each of them on the condition that if he, Hudson, won the battle, he was to receive a guinea; but if defeated, not a farthing was to be paid to him. Hudson cleared £100 by the above speculation several of his backers presenting him with £5 a-piece for the blue flag.

Hudson, on meeting with Ward in London the morning after the battle, enquired after his health, shook hands with him, and presented him with a £5 note.

At a meeting of the Partiality Club, held at Mr. Tuff’s, the Blue Anchor, East Smithfield, on Thursday evening, November 13, 1823, it was proposed by Pierce Egan, seconded by Tom Owen, and carried unanimously, that a silver cup, of the value of 100 guineas, be presented to the John Bull Fighter for the true courage displayed by him at all times in the prize ring. The room was small, the company but few in number, yet in less than five minutes, so glorious was the East-end upon this occasion, that the subscriptions amounted to £20. The money was immediately put down, and Mrs. Tuff (wife of the landlord), as an admirer of true courage, begged the favour of being permitted to add her guinea.

At Crawley’s benefit at the Fives Court, Wednesday, November 12, 1823, on Hudson showing himself on the stage, he was warmly congratulated by his friends. “Gentlemen,” said Hudson, “I have been informed by Mr. Egan that Shelton has made an assertion that Ward received £100 to lose the battle with me. I will bet any person five to one that he does not prove it. (Bravo!) I will also fight Tom Shelton for from £25 to £200 a-side when the time he is bound over for expires. If Ward is in the Court let him come forward and meet this charge made against him.” (Applause.) Shelton appeared upon the stage and said, “I have been told by Ben Burn that Ward received £100. I merely repeated it, and give up the author.” “That’s right, Tom; you’ve cleared yourself.” Burn then appeared and said, he had heard in casual conversation what he had repeated to Shelton. Here Ward rushed up the steps and said, as he stood between Shelton and Burn, “The whole is a direct falsehood;” and added indignantly, “I will fight either of them, gentlemen, for £100, and cast back the slander. (Applause.) I now publicly assert that no individual whatever ever offered me one single farthing to lose the battle. I felt confident I could win.” (Great applause.) Josh. Hudson: “And I will fight Ben Burn any day he likes to appoint, my £100 against his £60.” Vehement cheering, during which Uncle Ben tried a reply. He had no more chance than an unpopular candidate on the hustings. All that could be heard was a declaration that he had not had fair play, and they did not act towards him like Englishmen. The suspicions, if any had legitimately existed, as to the fairness of the fight between Hudson and Ward, were utterly dissipated.

Hudson and Sampson were matched on the bustle for £100 a-side, owing, it would appear, to a word and a blow, Sampson—always very fast—entertaining an opinion he had improved, not only as a boxer, but was a better man in every point of view than heretofore, while the John Bull Fighter always thought he could polish off Sampson at any period in a twenty-four foot ring.[46] Articles were entered into; but Josh., in order to gain three weeks in training, forfeited £10 to Sampson, at Mr. King’s, the Cock and Cross, East Smithfield, on March 8, 1824, and a new match was made the same evening, for £100 a-side, to come off on Tuesday, May 11, 1824.

PRESENTATION OF A SILVER CUP TO JOSH. HUDSON.—On Thursday, May 6, 1824, previous to this trophy being deposited in the hands of the John Bull Boxer, the Partiality Club dinner took place at Mr. Tuff’s, Blue Anchor, East Smithfield. The festive board was truly inviting; the wines excellent; and a silver cup which had been given to a gentleman of the name of Docker, for his spirited conduct in behalf of the oppressed poor in the parish—as one of the links connected with “true courage”—was also placed in view of the visitors. On the cloth being removed, the John Bull Fighter’s cup, filled with five bottles of port, was placed in the front of the Chairman, and Hudson took his seat on the right hand side of the President. Pierce Egan occupied the chair, and accordingly fills six pages of “Boxiana” with a newspaper report _apropos_ of—nothing. The health of Hudson having been drunk, he received the cup with great emotion. “Gentlemen,” said Josh., “I cannot make a speech, but, believe me, my gratitude and thanks are sincere, and as you have honoured me with this cup in the name of true courage, why I will endeavour to support my character for true courage to the end of my life.” The cup then passed round. The healths of Mr. Jackson, Tom Cribb, and the leading supporters of the prize ring, were drunk, and Josh. departed to the country to finish his training for his fight with Sampson.

The cup bears the following inscription:—

“THIS CUP
Was presented to the
JOHN BULL FIGHTER,
ON THURSDAY, THE 6TH OF MAY, 1824,
As a Reward for the
TRUE COURAGE
which
JOSHUA HUDSON
Displayed throughout all his Contests in the
PRIZE RING.

John Bull in the ring has so oft play’d his part,
The form let it be in the shape of a heart—
A true British one! at its shrine take a sup:
Can a more noble model be found for a cup?—P. E.

* * * * *

This Piece of Plate was raised by Subscription;
The Contributors were
Several Members of the PARTIALITY CLUB,
a few frequenters of the WIDOW MELSOM;
(and in confirmation that ‘_None but the Brave deserve the Fair!_’
The HOSTESSES of the above houses);
And by those Amateurs who are supporters of the Noble
ART OF SELF-DEFENCE.”

The cup, as indicated in the doggrel to which P. E. is engraved, is heart-shaped. On the cover is the figure of a sailor, with an anchor and foul cable. The report goes on:—“In front of the cup a small heart appears over four divisions, intended for the boxers’ coat of arms. The first division represents the pugilists in attitude. The second portrays one of the combatants down on his knees, his opponent with his arms held up walking away, in order to show that he will not take any unfair advantage. The third division exhibits the battle at an end, the defeated man sitting upon the knee of his second in the act of shaking hands with the victor, to evince that no malice exists between them. The fourth depicts the honours of conquest—the conqueror carried out of the ring upon the shoulders of his seconds, with the purse in his hands. Several other appropriate embellishments appear on the different parts of the cup, on the bottom of which the lion is seen with the lamb reposing at his feet; and at no great distance from the lion is the English bull-dog, as a second to the king of the forest.”

The affair of Hudson and Sampson was fixed for Tuesday, May 11, 1824, at Haydon Grange Farm, forty miles from the metropolis. Hudson was originally the favourite, at five and six to four, and heavy sums were laid out on him at Tattersall’s at these figures. But on the day before the fight there was a rush to get on to Sampson, and the odds went about at six to four on the Birmingham Youth. This sudden change terrified the East-enders, and many tried to get off.

At one o’clock the ring was formed in a most delightful situation, and, punctual to time, Josh. threw his white topper into the ring. Just before, however, the backers of Sampson declared that they preferred forfeiting the £100 stakes to the risk of losing more than £1,000, as numbers of sporting men had declared off, and that they would not pay if Hudson lost the battle. Hereupon Hudson’s backers offered to cancel the old articles, and post £100 for a new match to come off there at two o’clock. This was refused, and the altercation became violent, but Sampson’s backers said he should not fight that day. The wrangle having subsided, two Cambridge men, Samuel Larkins[47] and William Shadbolt, of local fame, and both styled “champions,” threw their hats into the ring. The Cantabs, who were in force, took great interest in the result. Paddington Jones and Jem Ward seconded Larkins, and Tom Oliver and Ned Stockman picked up Shadbolt. Larkins, in nineteen rounds, polished off Shadbolt completely.

Hudson walked round the ring, conversing with his friends during the battle. The John Bull Fighter was never in such excellent condition in any previous battle, and loudly expressed himself dissatisfied at receiving the battle-money without a fight. “The sporting world,” said Josh. “are my best friends; to them I owe everything, and I am sorry they should have come so many miles on my account to be disappointed. It is not my fault, and I hope they will not blame me for circumstances I have nothing to do with.” On leaving the ground, and passing the Grange Farm House, Hudson met with Sampson, when they shook hands together. The ground was soon cleared, and the company was off. Hudson returned to London in a post-chaise and four, and arrived about two o’clock in the morning. Sampson also moved for the metropolis with the utmost speed. The sporting houses were filled with company, and every one out of humour at having travelled nearly a hundred miles to be laughed at for his pains.

By the advice of his best friends, and in consequence of his constitutional tendency to corpulency, which resisted the effects of ordinary training, Josh. now took leave of the P. R. in an address at the Tennis Court. His next step was to “commit the crime the clargy call matrimony,” with the complicity of a very amiable and respectable young woman, who quickly developed into the agreeable hostess of the Half Moon Tap, in Leadenhall Market, where “Jolly Josh.,” brimful of fun and facetiousness, held his opening dinner on the 23rd of January, 1825. Josh., though he retired from activity as a principal, kept up his ring connection, and was foremost not only in backing and match-making on behalf of the East-enders as in rivalry with the Corinthians of the West, but never spared himself in the anxious and often laborious duties of seconding any man worthy of his care and patronage, or of setting-to for his benefit, as may be seen in these pages on many occasions. A paragraph which we find in a newspaper of this period may show that Josh.’s “right hand” had not “lost its cunning” by reason of bar-practice, and also throws a side-light on our hero’s manly readiness to champion the defenceless.

“GALLANTRY.—As Hudson, the well-known pugilist, was passing along Ratcliff Highway, a clumsy coalheaver elbowed a pregnant woman off the pavement into the road. The feelings of Josh. were roused at this unmanly conduct, and he remonstrated pretty forcibly with Coaly for his bad behaviour. The reply he got was a cut from a trouncing whip. This was too much. Without further ceremony Josh. judged his distance and gave Coaly such a pile-driver that he went down on the stones as if he had been shot. It was a minute or two before he recovered, and then, declining to get up for ‘another round,’ Josh.’s name being upon every one’s tongue, the humbled bully sneaked into a public-house to talk the matter over with his brethren of the sack.”—_Sunday Monitor_, July, 1825.

Among Josh.’s generous qualities were his grateful remembrance of past services and favours and his firm adherence to a friend in adversity. Of this there is extant an instance so creditable to both parties concerned, that we cannot forbear its repetition.

An old friend of Josh.’s early days having, by reverse of fortune, by no means unfrequent among sporting men, fallen into a difficulty which called upon him for the immediate payment of some £50, applied, in his extremity, to mine host of “the Half Moon.” Josh., who had not the cash by him, was sadly annoyed at the idea of being compelled to refuse such an application from one from whom he had received favours. A sudden thought struck him. There was his “Cup,” lying snug in its case in his iron safe. On that he could raise a temporary loan, and nobody the wiser. Desiring his friend to make himself at home while he went for “the mopusses,” Josh. possessed himself of the piece of plate, hurried out at the side-door, and after a sharp toddle presented himself, blowing like a grampus, in one of the small boxes of a neighbouring “Uncle” in Bishopsgate Street. Josh. was not only a well-known public character, but it so happened that “mine Uncle” was an admirer of the “noble art.” Josh. unlocked his box, and drew forth his well-earned trophy. The assistant eyed him with some curiosity.

“How much?”

“Forty pounds!” gasped Jolly Josh. not yet recovered from his run.

The assistant stepped into his employer’s sanctum, who instantly returned with the shining pledge in his hands.

A brief colloquy explained the position of affairs. Josh. wanted forty pounds.

“Mine Uncle” proceeded to his desk, but not to make out the “ticket” required by law. He merely wrote an acknowledgment, to be signed by Josh., that he had received a loan of forty pounds. This “mine Uncle” presented to him for signature. Josh. was overwhelmed.

“No, no,” said mine Uncle! “Take back your Cup, Josh., you must not be without it. Pay me, as I know you will, as soon as you are able. I’ll not have _that_ piece of _wedge_ go to sale anyhow.”

Josh returned to the Half Moon with both money and cup; discharged the duty of friendship, and the pawnbroker lost nothing by his confidence.

We must preserve the name of the generous pawnbroker (strange coupling of epithets!), it was Folkard, and the assistant was the youth who, in after years, was the well-known Renton Nicholson, of newspaper and “Town” celebrity, from whose lips we have often heard this little episode of “John Bull and his Uncle.”

“Mine host in the market, a prime jolly fellow,
As rough and as ready as here and there one;
In his lush-crib when seated, good-humoured and mellow,
Looks very like Bacchus astride of his tun.
But more to advantage, with Davy beside him,
This John Bull, the picture of frolic appears,
Discoursing on battles, which those who have tried him
Confess to have rung a full peal in their ears.”

In 1827, Mrs. Hudson presented, as a second offering, a son and heir, which occasion the friends and admirers of the father celebrated by a festival on Christmas Day, whereat a silver cup was presented to the young “John Bull,” inscribed: “The gift of a few friends to Josh. Hudson, junior, born February 28th, 1827, within the sound of Bow Bells.”

The free life of a publican, with one who certainly had no inclination to check free living, was not long in telling its tale. Josh. was now visited with increasing frequency by gout and its too common sequel, dropsy, and died at the age of thirty-eight, on the 8th of October, 1835, at the Flying Horse, in Milton Street, Finsbury.