TOM SHELTON, “THE NAVIGATOR”—1812‒1825.
This stalwart “navigator,”[152] at one period bid fair for a higher
position on the pugilistic roll than his latter contests assigned to
him. He was born at Wrotham, in Kent, on the 1st of May, 1787, where,
when Tom was in the fourth year of his age, the memorable battle of Tom
Johnson and Big Ben (Brain), took place for the championship. Tom used
to say that in his boyhood this great fight, with its incidents, and the
appearance of the champions, was the frequent theme of rustic talk, and
deeply interested his youthful mind; the spot, often pointed out, being
a short half mile from the cottage in which Shelton first saw the light.
At the age of three and twenty Tom found himself in London, and aspired
to boxing fame. In height five feet ten inches, in weight twelve stone
seven pounds, and inured to hard labour by his calling, Tom was “big
enough and heavy enough” for anything. In August, 1812, having made the
acquaintance of Caleb Baldwin, he was matched with Fitzgerald, an
Irishman, of sixteen stone, and six feet and an inch. It was a sharp
contest for the space of fifty-four minutes, when Shelton was declared
the conqueror. The spectators who witnessed the efforts of the Navigator
upon this occasion were astonished at the boxing requisites he
displayed.
Two years, however, elapsed, during which Tom followed his calling,
occasionally looking in at the Fives Court, where on the 31st May, 1814,
at Cribb’s benefit, he put on the gloves as a “novice,” with Harry
Harmer. In this affair Shelton showed so much courage and strength that
many fancied him a match for that skilful professor. He was accordingly
backed, after a long palaver of a twelvemonth, for 100 guineas, and on
the 18th April, 1815, on Hounslow Heath, was cleverly defeated, after a
most heroic battle of thirty-five minutes, fighting from beginning to
end. (See Life of HARMER, Appendix to Period IV).
A Suffolk farmer, of the name of Studd, of superior weight and strength,
anxious to obtain the honours of the ring, was matched with Shelton, for
a subscription purse of twenty-five guineas. The mill took place on
Tuesday, the 27th of June, 1815, at Moulsey Hurst. Harmer and Oliver
seconded Shelton; Studd was waited upon by Richmond and Painter. Shelton
was the favourite, two to one.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—The superiority of science was soon
discovered to be on the side of Shelton. The
farmer endeavoured to thrash his opponent
straight forward, and succeeded in planting two
hits, but was awkwardness itself. A rally took
place, in which Studd got the worst of it, and
went down from a severe blow upon one of his
peepers. (The odds all upon Shelton.)
2.—The farmer had no pretensions to scientific
boxing, and bored in without the slightest
judgment. Shelton nobbed him with the utmost
ease, and at length hit him down. (Four to one
on Shelton.)
3.—The farmer could not tell what to make of it.
The claret was trickling down his mug, from the
repeated facers he had experienced, and he was
floored from a right-handed blow.
4.—Studd was quite abroad, and was sent down
with the utmost ease. (Twenty to one upon
Shelton.)
5.—Shelton’s work was all done, and victory was
now certain. Studd, without discretion, rushed
head foremost in; but the left hand of Shelton
paid him dearly for his temerity, and he was
again sent down.
6.—Studd, rather desperate, fought his way into
a rally, and made one or two hits at random; but
Shelton, with the utmost ease, milled him down.
(All betters, but no takers.)
7.—Shelton hit his opponent all over the ring,
and sent him down as heretofore.
8.—On coming to the scratch, it was evident
the countryman could not last long. He appeared
to be much better acquainted with thrashing
corn than entering the prize ring. This Johnny
Raw, it would seem, had flattered himself that
the possession of strength was the main
qualification for making a win, but he paid
dearly for his erroneous notions. The science of
Shelton rendered him so much at ease, that he
treated the attempts of Studd with the utmost
contempt—he hit him all round the ropes, and
then finished the round by planting a floorer.
9 and last.—The farmer was completely satisfied
that he had no chance whatever, and resigned
the contest. Shelton retired from the ring
without a mark upon his face, or a blow of any
consequence. Studd was much punished, and his
optics in a damaged state. This combat did not
exceed thirteen minutes and a half.
Owing to some private pique, a match was made between Shelton and
Richmond, which was decided at Moulsey Hurst, on Tuesday, the 1st of
August, 1815, in which Shelton was defeated. Shelton, it seems, had
received some instructions from Richmond. See page 298, _ante_.
Soon after this encounter, Shelton was visited by a severe illness, and
so reduced in weight and strength that it was supposed he would never
again enter the ring. He became a publican, by the aid of his friends,
at the Bull’s Head, Cow Lane (since West Street), Smithfield, but his
gambling propensities caused his failure in this line. In March, 1819,
however, the following battle, which took place on the spur of the
moment, tended to raise Shelton’s fame highly in the esteem of the
amateurs. Shelton (who had been seconding Hickman) was induced to fight
a nephew of Ben Burn, the pugilist, a giant by comparison, weighing
nearly, if not quite, sixteen stone, for a subscription purse of twenty
guineas. Shelton was much out of condition, but on the match being
proposed to him, he instantly accepted it; he however advised his
friends to be careful about backing him. Spring and Richmond seconded
Burn, and Oliver and Harmer picked up Shelton.
[Illustration:
TOM SHELTON.
_From a Drawing by_ G. SHARPLES, 1821.
]
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On stripping, the Yorkshireman proved
indeed a giant; the comparison between Shelton
and his opponent was nearly similar to the
memorable contest between Perrins and
Johnson.[153] Although the face of Burn had no
terrific aspect, his bulk was truly formidable.
The spectators expressed their fears for the
result, and the general opinion was that Shelton
had shown more pluck than judgment, and that he
must soon be disposed of. Upon setting-to, this
opinion was, in a great degree, strengthened.
Burn bored in upon Shelton with confidence, and
the former seemed quite overwhelmed by this mode
of attack, and had no room to make a hit. The
length of arm possessed by Burn gave him every
advantage; he aimed a dreadful chopper at
Shelton’s nob, which told but slightly. The
latter, in a most singular manner, in getting
away turned round twice. He, however, planted a
facer, but slipped down. (“It’s all up,” was the
cry; and seven to four was offered upon the “big
one,” without hesitation.)
2.—Shelton’s left cheek was slightly tinged. The
Giant went to work, and his long arms did severe
execution. Shelton put in two belliers with
great science, and got away. Burn was awkward,
but his length enabled him to plant a facer that
seemed to stagger Shelton. At length hit for hit
took place, and both went staggering away from
the force of each other’s blows. In closing, the
struggle to obtain the throw was desperate; but
Shelton got the “big one” undermost. The roar
of applause was like the report of artillery;
but still it was thought he could not stand up
against such weight, and must ultimately be
defeated.
3.—This was a terrific round; it was downright
slaughtering. Shelton put in two bodiers, that
seemed to puff the Giant’s wind out of his
mouth. Hit for hit again occurred, without
intermission; and Shelton received such a
teazer on his left eye, that his nob was like
a spinning top. Burn was almost beat to a
stand-still, and Shelton in no better plight.
The friends of Shelton, however, now ventured
upon even betting, and took him for choice.
4.—Shelton took the lead in good fighting. He
hit on the body again, and gave Burn such a rum
one on the mouth as nearly deprived the latter
of all his masticators. The Giant, however, gave
Shelton a chopper on the top of his sconce, that
made chaos of his upper works. Still Shelton,
undismayed, fought like a hero, and ultimately
threw his opponent. By way of encouragement to
the Navigator, it was loudly vociferated,
“Shelton for £100.” If staking had proved
necessary, it might have turned out a mere
flourish.
5.—The mugs of both the combatants bespoke their
handywork. This was a ding-ong round, and the
men fought till they both fell.
6.—The strength of Shelton did not keep pace
with his good milling; he was much distressed,
and got to the ropes, Brobdignag following him
with his long chopper; the punishment was
terrific. One of the Giant’s peepers was almost
in darkness; he was also piping like a worn-out
pair of bellows; but he kept fighting till they
both went down.
7.—This round exceeded all that had gone before
it in severity. The reciprocal facers were
terrific, both of the combatants frequently
going back from the effect of the blows. Shelton
put in most hits, but was at length sent down.
8.—Shelton commenced with good science, and
nearly floored his opponent’s teeth. Brobdignag,
however, was not idle in returning nobbers;
Shelton, with much dexterity, after making a
heavy hit, instantly gave a back-hander, that
spoiled the shape of his opponent’s nose. The
applause was loud; but Shelton was sent down:
the work he had to perform before victory was
certain appeared too heavy for him to execute.
9.—Sparring and feints were out of the question;
it was nothing but execution upon both sides.
This round was equal to the seventh. Both the
men stood up and hit till their strength was
gone, when they closed and went down. Shelton
appeared distressed, but Brobdignag was also
very queer.
10.—Shelton, however, left his second’s knee
first, and appeared at the scratch. He put in
two facers without return, and also a bodier
near the mark; but the Giant, furious at such
treatment, ran in and got Shelton down. It was
thought he hit the latter unfairly, but it was
purely accidental. “Foul!” “Fair!” etc., were
loudly bawled on all sides; but the umpires did
not notice it. Oliver, with much confidence, now
offered £10 to £2 upon Shelton.
11.—It was by no means safe to Shelton, although
he came gaily up to fight. Some sharp work
occurred, and Shelton was hit down.
12 and last.—Little Gulliver seemed the giant
in this round, for Brobdignag was hit to a
stand-still. He was quite sick. He, however,
milled as long as he was able, and Shelton
received some heavy blows. In closing, both
went down; but when time was called, the Giant
could not answer the sound of the trumpet, and
victory was declared for Shelton. It occupied
about sixteen minutes. Shelton gave a dreadful
back-handed facer in this round.
REMARKS.—Shelton never took so much, nor fought
better, if so well, throughout his pugilistic
career. To say the least of it, if calculation
or comparison can be admitted, it was a sort
of “nothing venture, nothing win.” It proved
successful, and, with the many-headed, that is
the only touchstone of all exploits. Shelton not
only gained the purse by the event, but raised
himself highly in public opinion. He won by
nothing else but his good fighting. Burn knew
little about scientific boxing, but acted like a
determined man. Both men were heavily punished.
It ought not to be forgotten that Shelton had
been acting as second to the Gas man, drinking
porter, etc., and was called into action without
any training, and under every disadvantage. A
subscription was made upon the ground for Burn.
“Uncle Ben,” was much disgusted at this defeat of “cousin Bob,” and
found a dozen excellent reasons why he ought not to have lost the fight,
so that Bob was indulged with another “shy,” the money staked, and the
day fixed for Tuesday, June 1st, 1819. Moulsey Hurst was once more the
campus martius, and early on the Tuesday morning aforesaid “the lads wot
love to see a fight” were in motion. Scarcely, however, had the
cavalcade reached Hampton when it was clear from the whisperings of
groups, and the ghastly smile on the face of more than one publican,
that a screw was loose. The only anxiety now was where the mill was
likely to take place. The circumstance of the removal was in consequence
of the person who rented the ferry refusing the London watermen
permission to exercise their occupation in ferrying the passengers over
at the last fight, and also in having several of them fined for so
doing; they, in turn, vowed revenge, went to the magistrates, and laid
an information respecting the fight between Burn and Shelton. This
conduct spoiled Moulsey, and Hounslow Heath was immediately substituted.
Considerable betting occurred at all the sporting houses the preceding
evening, and the Giant was decidedly the favourite, 6 and 7 to 4. The
ring being formed at a little after one o’clock, Shelton appeared,
followed by Cribb and Randall, and threw up his hat; and Burn, with his
relative Ben Burn, and Donnelly, entered the ring. Burn threw his topper
into the roped square to answer the challenge, but the wind blew it out
to some distance. This trifling event was considered an unfavourable
omen to “Hercules.” The odds now changed, and Shelton was the favourite,
or rather it was even betting.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On stripping, Burn appeared in fine
condition. Some sparring took place, and Shelton
was rather cautious. The Giant at length let
fly with his right on Shelton’s body, but it
was slight. The latter returned a bodier with
his left sharply, and immediately planted a
tremendous facer that was heard over the ring,
repeated it still harder, and the Giant went
down like a log. (Great shouting.)
2.—The big one appeared a little confused, and
he received another nobber. He now became
furious, and made some hits; but Shelton
repeated the dose severely, and Burn fell upon
his face. (Greater shouting than before, and
five to one on Shelton was offered.)
3.—The Giant made a desperate hit on the
body, and otherwise stuck to Shelton; but
the nobbing system was again adopted by the
latter with success. In closing, both down,
Shelton uppermost.
4.—This was a tremendous round, and the hitting
upon both sides was terrific. Shelton undermost.
5.—The superior two-handed fighting of Shelton
astonished the ring. He put in five facers so
sharply, that Burn ran in after his adversary,
and, in falling, hung by the ropes till down.
6.—Sharp exchanges, till Shelton hit down Burn.
It was nothing but downright milling.
7.—Shelton hit the big one staggering away; he
would not be denied, but returned furiously to
the attack, and sent Shelton down. (“Well done,
Burn; Shelton will soon be on the go.”)
8.—Shelton broke away in fine style, but in
closing, the Giant fell upon him heavily.
9.—Shelton seemed at work at an anvil, and
closed the left eye of his opponent. He was,
however, undermost.
10.—Burn was hit almost to a stand-still; but he
recovered, and hit Shelton down. It appeared
almost impossible for Shelton to take the fight
out of his opponent.
11.—Shelton had worked so hard that he seemed
rather weak, and went down from a slight hit.
12.—The fine science of Shelton made the Giant
quite foam again. He nobbed him and broke away
with the utmost dexterity, while Gog kept
passionately following Shelton, receiving at
every step: the latter ultimately went down.
13.—This round rather alarmed the friends of
Shelton; for, although the latter kept pegging
away, he could not keep the Giant out. He seemed
to defy punishment, and resolutely ran in;
indeed, in closing, he not only fibbed Shelton
severely, but, in struggling for the throw,
positively lifted him half a foot from the
ground, when, quite exhausted, both fell.
(“Bravo! bravo!” from all parts of the ring; and
“This is something like fighting.”)
14.—Gog plunged in to work, and Shelton was
impelled forward and hung on the ropes; he,
however, extricated himself, and the big one was
undermost.
15 to 17.—The fighting was desperate in all
these rounds; but Shelton, although getting
weaker from his great exertions, kept the lead.
18.—The Giant ran in at Shelton, when the latter
stopped him with such a nobber that he went down
on his face.
19.—Burn was drunk from the nobbing he received,
still he returned manfully to the charge, till
both went down.
20.—Shelton’s face exhibited heavy punishment,
but Burn’s head was terrific—it had been in
chancery for the last ten minutes. The former
ran himself down.
21.—The Giant went down from a hit like a shot.
This blow was given in the body; the big one’s
ogles rolled again, and his tongue lolled out of
his mouth.
22.—It was astonishing to see the Giant recover
and come to the scratch. Shelton had the worst
of this round, and received some dreadful
punishment. The odds wavering a little as
Shelton went down.
23.—Shelton again down. (Even betting; some
fears expressed for Shelton’s weakness.)
24 to 26.—Not safe to Shelton in all these
rounds.
27.—A singular round. Both turned round and went
down. (Two to one on Shelton.) In this round the
latter was again lifted off his legs like a
doll.
28.—This round was so well fought by Shelton,
that Cribb roared out, “One hundred guineas to a
farthing—it’s all right.”
29 and 30.—In favour of Shelton, but both
distressed.
31.—Burn so hit that he dragged Shelton after
him as he was falling.
32.—This was a well fought round; and
notwithstanding the Giant was nobbed right away
from his opponent, he recovered, and ran after
Shelton, swinging his arms quite abroad, as it
were, and accidentally hit his man down.
33.—Shelton got up angry, and was losing his
temper, but his seconds warned him of his
danger. He at length grew cool, became himself,
fought scientifically, and by a tremendous facer
floored his big opponent. (Great shouting; and
“He’ll not fight another round.”)
34.—Notwithstanding the punishment the Giant
had received, his peepers nearly darkened, his
wind did not appear to be bad; and as for his
game, he proved himself a glutton of the first
mould. This was a sharp round and Shelton, to
the astonishment of the ring, was hit down,
although the Giant appeared quite done up the
round before.
35.—The good fighting of Shelton now made it
quite safe. He put in one, two, three so sharply
on the mug of Burn, that he went down on his
face in a state of stupor.
36.—The strength of Burn’s seconds could
scarcely drag him up to place him on their
knees. It was now Eclipse to a lame donkey; Gog
was floored in a twinkling.
37 and last.—Burn was hit down like a shot, and
could not come again. It occupied thirty-two
minutes and ten seconds. Burn was so dreadfully
beaten that it was some minutes before he was
made sensible, and carried out of the ring.
REMARKS.—Shelton proved himself this day a
superior fighter. He hit with both hands with a
facility that astonished all the amateurs; and
it was thought that not one on the list, of his
weight, could cope with him. He evinced great
game, and was in fine condition. Burn, too,
behaved manfully in the extreme; more real
courage was never witnessed.
Shelton was now matched against Benniworth, the Essex Champion, for
fifty guineas a-side, at Southend, on Friday, June 25, 1819, to fight on
that day six weeks. A deposit of £20 a-side was also put down. In
consequence of an accident, which Shelton met with at a dinner given to
Bob Gregson, at the Maid and Magpie, St. Catherine’s, on Tuesday, June
29, it was thought he must not only have forfeited to Benniworth, but
that he never would have been able to enter the Prize Ring again. The
artery of his right arm was cut across with a rummer. Two surgeons
immediately dressed the wound, and he recovered in a very short time;
but the friends of Benniworth preferred forfeiting the deposit of £20,
to risking the event of a contest.
A match of much interest was now made between Shelton and Tom Oliver
(see OLIVER, Period V.), and Thursday, December 23, 1819, named for the
battle, Copthorne, twenty-eight miles from London, being the rendezvous.
The day proved a deluge, and when the half-drowned wayfarers had reached
Blindlow Heath, twenty-three miles from town, they found that the ring
had been made there. The backers of Shelton protested against the fight
taking place on this spot, to Gibbons, the ring-maker, as being not only
contrary to the order given, but that it was swampy, and surrounded with
puddles of water; that they should proceed to Copthorne, where Shelton
had been moved the day preceding, and they left a communication for the
commander-in-chief to that effect.
On the arrival of the latter gentleman at Blindlow Heath, he sent an
express to Copthorne (which, however, did not arrive till twenty minutes
before two o’clock), for Shelton to return and meet Oliver at the former
place. Shelton declared he was ready to fight anywhere; but his backers
firmly insisted that Copthorne was the place named, and only at
Copthorne should he fight. Upon the return of the messenger to Blindlow,
Oliver threw up his hat in the ring for Shelton to come forward; a ring
was also formed at Copthorne, where Shelton waited till three o’clock
for the arrival of Oliver, but without effect. Thus, singularly enough,
there were two rings, but no fight. Kendrick and Sutton, a pair of
“niggers,” however, sported their sable skins, and Sutton was the
victor.
To return to Oliver and Shelton. The men and their friends met at
Riddlesdown, and it was formally agreed to meet at Sawbridgeworth, which
they did on the 13th January, 1820, when, after a desperate battle, full
of fluctuations, Shelton was defeated in fifty-one minutes (See OLIVER,
_post_).
The particulars of Tom’s match with George Cooper, and his defeat at
Moulsey, June 27, 1820, will be found in the memoir of GEORGE COOPER,
_ante_, p. 314.
On Tuesday, August 18, 1820, at a place called Kit’s Cotty House, about
three miles and a half from Maidstone, a purse of £20 was subscribed for
a match between Shelton and a big navigator; but in consequence of the
latter not appearing in the ring to “show fight” at the appointed time,
£10 were given to Shelton.
Carter had been for a few months in Ireland, on a sparring tour, but, on
his return, he did not seem much improved in purse or person by the
trip. Finding himself in company with Shelton, at a sporting dinner,
held at the Brown Bear, Bow Street, the Lancashire Champion spoke
disparagingly of Shelton’s capabilities; some discussion followed, and
twenty pounds being posted, Shelton replied to the boasting challenge by
accepting it instanter. The affair was short, but by no means sweet to
Carter, for Shelton beat him to a stand-still in three rounds only. This
was on the 10th of July, 1821.
The renowned Josh. Hudson was next matched with our hero, for £100
a-side; the battle was decided at Harpenden Common, near St. Alban’s, on
the 10th of December, 1822.
About a quarter before one, Josh. Hudson, stylishly dressed, with white
silk hose, and his drawers on ready for action, threw his white topper
into the ring with the confidence of a winning man, followed by his
seconds, Randall and Tom Owen. He paced up and down the ring for a
considerable time, when Shelton was called for, but he did not appear.
At length Randall, rather out of temper, said, “It was an unmanly action
to keep his man waiting so long in the cold; and if it was for his money
he would take Hudson out of the ring.” Tom Cribb soon after showed
himself, when Shelton was discovered crossing a wagon, followed by Tom
Belcher as his second. Shelton, in a very cool manner, threw his hat
into the ring, and immediately went up and shook hands with his
opponent. The colours, blue for Shelton, were tied to the stakes by
Belcher; and green, for Hudson, were tied over Shelton’s by Tom Owen.
The odds had changed since the fight was made, and Hudson was decidedly
the favourite.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On stripping, Hudson never appeared in
finer condition; but the judges of training
observed he was at least a stone heavier than he
ought to be. Shelton was a complete star; in
fact, he could not be better. His attitude on
setting-to was equal to any boxer ever seen in
the prize ring. Hudson did not, as was expected,
“go to work” _sans ceremonie_, but viewed his
opponent with much caution, and Shelton was
equally circumspect. The latter, however, made a
feint with his right hand, which fell short; but
this was merely a _ruse de guerre_ for Josh to
commence fighting. Hudson slightly touched
Shelton’s ear, when he went in—a scramble
occurred, but no blows took place. Both went
down, and Shelton undermost. (Loud shouting from
the East-enders, and six to four on Josh.)
2.—Shelton smiled, scratched his nob, and made
himself well up for mischief; the result was, a
little pepper on both sides on each other’s
mugs, till Josh, by a severe hit on the top
of Shelton’s nose, sent him off his balance,
and he fell down on his left knee; but, with
considerable game, he instantly jumped up to
renew the charge. Hudson, however, thought he
had done enough, and sat down on Randall’s knee.
(“It’s safe as the bank,” said Owen; and the
East-enders offered to back their hero to any
amount.)
3.—Hudson was endeavouring to come ditto, but
Shelton’s right hand stopped him. It was a
severe round on both sides, till both went down,
Hudson undermost.
4.—Shelton’s lip bleeding, showed the first
blood, and Josh’s face was beginning to swell.
The fine fighting of Shelton was conspicuous;
but the youth and true courage of Hudson would
not be denied; and although the latter napped
dreadfully at every turn, he hit Shelton down.
(There was a roar of roars from the Towerites,
and two to one on Josh.)
5.—The fighting now was truly desperate on both
sides; Shelton well-timed his opponent, and sent
him staggering away by three repeated facers
without any return; yet the goodness of Josh was
so high that he finished the round in great
style, and had Shelton again down.
6.—Josh’s face was now cut to pieces, and
Shelton’s in a bad plight; both piping. The
latter turned round from the severity of the
hitting, but once more resumed fighting like a
game cock till both down. (Shouting for Hudson.)
7.—Both terribly distressed, but Shelton down.
8.—This was a short round, but terrific from the
execution done. Shelton nobbed Josh at every
turn, and milled him down.
9.—Josh, like a game cock, disputed every inch
of ground till he went down distressed beyond
representation. (Still his sanguine friends
considered him winning, and offered two to one.)
10.—In this round it might be termed “anybody’s
battle;” but the courage on the one side, and
the manliness on the other, exceeded all praise.
Both down. (Five and six to one on Hudson.)
11.—Josh commenced fighting; but his terrific
points were gone, and he began to hit round.
Shelton planted three or four tremendous facers,
the claret following every hit. Still Josh was
dangerous. Shelton going down, quite exhausted,
had the worst of the ending of the round. (The
friends of Josh were sanguine enough to offer
ten to one.)
12.—Both in the greatest distress till down.
13.—Shelton had the best of the fighting, but
fell on his face exhausted, and Josh went down
quite as bad. Still Josh was the favourite.
14 and last.—The fine fighting of Shelton rather
gave him the lead; and as Josh was going down in
a distressed state, so as to make it doubtful
whether he might come again to the scratch,
Shelton put in a tremendous blow under Josh’s
ear, that rendered him insensible to the call of
time. It was very doubtful if Shelton could have
fought two more rounds. On the latter being
placed on his second’s knee, he fell on the
ground. It was over in rather less than fifteen
minutes.
REMARKS.—Such a manly battle had not been seen
for several years. Hudson never fought half so
well before. Had Hudson proved the conqueror, it
was the intention of his friends to have backed
him against the Gas Man for £500 a-side.
A second match with the John Bull Fighter ended in a forfeit, Hudson
receiving £30.
It was declared by Shelton that he should never again appear in the P.
R., and it would have been well for his pugilistic fame had he adhered
to his resolution. Misfortunes, however, in business, had involved him,
and at a meeting at the Ship, in Turnstile, a “big countryman” was
mentioned, who could be backed for a cool hundred against anything in
London. Shelton immediately declared his readiness to try the metal of
the stranger, and hence his match with Brown, of Bridgnorth, wherein he
was defeated, though not disgraced, as will be seen when we come to the
memoir of that boxer.
Shelton had, during the whole of his career, been observed to be
occasionally something more than eccentric; indeed, in 1812, he was
indicted for assaulting a police-officer, who attempted to prevent him
from committing suicide. On this occasion his defence was, that “Any man
had a perfect right to hang himself!” His gambling propensities were
also uncontrollable, and to this his misery may be traced. His
propensity to self-destruction received a final and melancholy
illustration, in the fact of his destroying himself, on the 21st of
June, 1830, at the Ship, in Montague Court, Bishopsgate Street, by
taking a dose of prussic acid. He was in his 43rd year.
[Illustration]