NED TURNER—1814‒1824.
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:—
[Illustration:
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.
19.—Scroggins made a good body hit, and smashed
away with much spirit. He was manfully opposed
by Turner, but the latter ultimately went down,
and almost a second had elapsed when Scroggy
fell with all his weight upon him. Some marks of
disapprobation, but it might have been accident.
20.—Turner, with considerable ease, planted a
right-handed hit on the already chanceried nob
of Scroggins, and got away; but the latter, to
revenge this attack, rushed in with uncommon
ardour to make a change, if possible, and while
endeavouring to put in some tremendous blows,
received a slight hit that caused him to fall
and slip out of the ring.
21.—Some heavy hits were dealt out on both
sides, and Turner, in particular, received one
so severe on the right side of his nob, that for
a second it was almost upon his shoulder. In
closing, both down.
22.—This was positively the best round in the
fight; the blows were heard all round the ring.
A desperate rally occurred, and the men broke
away; but Scroggins, not satisfied that he had
done enough, endeavoured to go in head foremost
to take the fight out of his opponent. Turner,
prepared for his impetuosity, hit upwards as
he was coming in, upon his throat, with great
effect. In closing, both down, Turner undermost.
Scroggins, on his second’s knee, hemmed for
wind, and he also discharged a considerable
quantity of the crimson fluid from his mouth.
23.—Scroggins rushed in, and both down.
24.—Things had now materially changed, and five
and six to one were freely offered on Turner.
On Scroggins reaching the scratch his knees
trembled under him, and he appeared like a man
intoxicated. He endeavoured to plant a hit, and
fell.
25.—Turner gave him a left handed facer, and
also a severe ribber with his right. Scroggins
was quite abroad; he could make no hit with any
degree of certainty, and once more resorted to
boring in, till both went down. The combatants
were close together while sitting on the knees
of their seconds, when Turner laid hold of his
opponent’s hand and gave it a friendly shake.
26.—On setting-to Turner planted a dreadful
facer, and soon after hit Scroggins clean down.
(Seven to one was offered.) Brandy was now
called for to renovate the little hero, but it
was of no avail.
27.—On coming to the scratch, after a slight
hit from Turner, Scroggins turned round and
retreated till he got to a corner of the ring.
Turner stood still, pointing his finger at him
and beckoning him to come up and fight, but it
would not do. Turner was compelled to follow
Scroggins, when they closed. Severe fibbing was
again dealt out to him, till both went down.
28.—Turner left the knee of his second in a most
lively manner, but Scroggins seemed to come very
reluctantly to the point of war. Scroggins threw
away his blows, and he received some dreadful
up-hits in his throat that electrified him.
29.—Scroggins was brought to the mark, and he
had scarcely lifted up his hands when he was hit
down. (Ten to one offered freely.)
30.—The nob of Scroggins now appeared much
damaged, and his ribs exhibited a token of
severe punishment. But though the little hero
was prevented from doing any mischief, he
nevertheless contended for the throw, and
obtained it.
31.—The superiority of Turner astonished all
present. He made a successful hit with his right
hand on the face of Scroggins, and instantly
made another good one upon his ribs. The little
hero turned round in a state of confusion, and
was sent down. (Great applause. Five to three
offered that Scroggins did not fight three more
rounds.)
32.—Scroggins had been literally stupid for the
last half hour, from the heavy blows he had
received on his head, and in not being able to
stop the upper-cuts of Turner. At out fighting
in this round he was much punished, and severely
fibbed, till Turner dropped him. (“Well done,
Turner.”)
33 and last.—It was all up with the sailor,
who had made so much noise in the fighting
circles for the last three years. He had been
pronounced to be almost invincible, and he had
flattered himself into the belief. In the last
ten rounds, in point of fighting, he had no
chance whatever; nevertheless he fought with
much bravery. Scroggins endeavoured to do
something in this round, put in some hits, but
turned away from his opponent from the severity
of punishment, and fell. On being placed upon
his second’s knee, he gave in. Upon Harry Harmer
hoisting the handkerchief as a token of defeat,
it is impossible to describe the appearance
of the ring. They seemed lost in reverie, till
giving vent to their surprise, they exclaimed,
“What, Scroggins given in? Impossible!” The
battle lasted one hour and twelve minutes.
Scroggins was carried out of the ring, and put
into a post-chaise, Turner having won almost
without a scratch.
REMARKS.—The “Napoleon of the ring” has at
length been defeated, but not disgraced; and,
like other mighty fighting heroes, has been
taught what it is to drink of the bitter cup of
disappointment. He is now blamed for his
confidence and temerity by those very admirers
who supported him; but it may be asked, what is
a hero without feeling confident of victory?
Scroggins entered the ring under these feelings,
and endeavoured to come out a conqueror. He did
all that a man could do; and the hero, who
defeated in succession, Boots, Dolly Smith,
Nosworthy, Eales, Whittaker, Church, and Fisher,
ought not to be forgotten in an honourable
defeat with a superior man. Scroggins was never
considered a boxer in a scientific point of
view, and this day he completely proved the
truth of the assertion. The judgment and science
were completely on the side of Turner; he never
struggled to lose his strength in throwing, but
went down with scarcely any resistance. He never
hit first, but only when the opportunity was
undeniable. His guard was so firm that Scroggins
could never get at him without being exposed to
great danger. His coolness was equally
admirable; and, in opposition to Scroggins, he
made the ferocity of the latter subservient to
his skill. The desperation of Scroggins, which
had so terrified his opponents hitherto, was
reduced to confusion; and the ease with which he
was conquered, astonished the most knowing
amateurs, and many of them paid dearly for their
confidence. At best, he was only a resolute
smashing fighter, and none of his opponents,
except Turner, could get away from his severe
punishment. He lost by out-fighting with Turner,
and was worse off from going in. In the fight at
Hayes, Turner has since acknowledged, he
received so violent a blow from Scroggins that
he could not for a month afterwards open his
mouth without considerable pain.
Turner was so fresh that he was able to have fought another battle, and
walked round the ring during the next fight. He drove himself to London,
and appeared so little hurt from his conflict that he returned with all
the gaiety of a spectator. The house kept by Scroggins, in Westminster,
was surrounded by hundreds of people waiting for the intelligence; and
so much confidence were the crowd inspired with in behalf of the naval
hero, that his defeat was not believed till he arrived at home about one
in the morning.
The backers of Turner met on the Friday evening following at Belcher’s,
the Castle Tavern, Holborn, and presented him with the whole of the
stakes, amounting to £120, as a reward for his courage. Turner also paid
his fallen opponent a friendly visit the preceding evening, when
Scroggins said he wished to retrieve his lost laurels in a new contest
for £100 a side. Turner, who had no wish to fight again, but merely as a
matter of accommodation, said he could not meet him for less than £200 a
side. Scroggins attributed his defeat to a chance blow in the throat,
accompanied with getting one of his feet into a small hole in the
ground, which threw him off his balance; and it was at that precise
instant, he said, that he received the above hit, which deprived him of
his wind throughout the conflict.
A short time after the above conquest Turner made a visit to New Town,
where he had recently been in training, and which is the birth-place of
his parents and relatives. He was hailed with all the respect due to a
hero in a more important cause. The companions of his youth, and the
admirers of pugilism among the Ancient Britons, caused a congratulatory
peal to be rung upon the bells in honour of his victory. A feast was
held at the first inn in the place, and two roasted fat sheep, with
gilded horns, were served up with the _et ceteras_, including plenty of
game. The evening was conducted with the utmost conviviality, and the
Welsh bards mustered upon this occasion composed and sung extemporaneous
verses in praise of the brave and of the exploits of their countryman.
Upon the return of Turner to London the stakes were made good, for 300
guineas, and Scroggins, it seems, so much fancied this third trial of
skill, that, in order to train correctly, he relinquished his character
as a publican, and disposed of his house. But the opinion of the
sporting world had changed, and seven to four was the current betting
upon Turner. The charm of the invincibility of Scroggins was broken, and
the great interest this little hero once sustained in the milling
circles was materially injured by his defeat.
From some apparently careless conduct of Scroggins after the stakes were
made good, much doubt prevailed through the fancy respecting the battle,
and a strong opinion was maintained “that no fight would take place.”
Even three to one was betted on this particular point. This circumstance
operated as a great drawback upon the interest of the contest, and until
the evening preceding the battle very few sums were risked upon the
event. Both the combatants, however, had publicly declared it should not
be their fault if any disappointment occurred, as they were very anxious
to come to a decision upon the subject. Notwithstanding this mystery,
Scroggins had not lost his interest with the sporting world, and early
on the morning appointed for the battle the roads leading to the scene
of action gave proof of it. The ring was made at an early hour, at
Shepperton; and, whether owing to accident or intention, upon the
arrival of numerous spectators at the above spot, it was given out “the
fight will take place at Moulsey.” Thither the motley cavalcade
repaired, and the confusion that now occurred beggars description. The
flight from Shepperton through Walton was like the retreat of an army.
Those, too, who were galloping from Hampton to Shepperton turned
suddenly round upon hearing the news; the road in consequence was
blocked, the scent for a time lost, and all doubt and glorious
confusion. A strong group was at length seen forming across the water at
Moulsey, and the boats were actively employed in conveying over the
anxious spectators to be in time. It was now booked by many that no
fight would take place; and, if it did, that hundreds would not be able
to see it. The hoax, however, was dispelled, and “Shepperton” was again
the signal. The keeper of the Walton Bridge toll, anxious to come in for
a slice of the profits, put up a board at the end of a lane, “This is
the road to the fight,” and from this stratagem came in for a tolerable
good share of copper; it was, however, considerably out of the way. At
length all was right, the ring was formed, and the spectators took their
stations. But another dilemma arose—the principal actor had not arrived,
and the audience waited in the most anxious suspense. Turner had been in
the ring, and thrown up his hat without being answered. Two to one was
offered it was no fight. To prevent total disappointment, the after
piece was about to be performed first, and two youths appeared stripped.
But the cry of “Scroggins, Scroggins,” was now heard; the lads instantly
made their exit, and the little hero was greeted with welcome. Upon
being asked by a friend if he meant to fight, he answered, “Yes, and win
it.” The combatants soon prepared for action, and seven to four was laid
against Scroggins, although he appeared in the best condition. Tom Owen
and Painter were for Turner, and Paddington Jones and Spring waited upon
Scroggins. The colours of the combatants were tied to the stakes of the
ring, and at two o’clock the men set-to. The articles stipulated to meet
between twelve and one, but Turner said he did not wish to avail himself
of this advantage.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—This first round was very similar
to the two last battles at Hayes and
Sawbridgeworth, but with an increase of
caution on both sides. Scroggins, it seemed,
did not like the idea of going in to smash
his opponent at the onset, after his usual
decided manner, when victory crowned his
efforts in seven successive contests, but
exhibited a total change in his tactics—a
complete new feature. This once tremendous
rushing boxer now adopted the system of
getting away of scientific pugilists.
Turner, equally on the alert, and wishing to
do everything but receive, lengthened out
this round to five minutes and a half,
during which time they dodged each other to
obtain the first advantage. Turner at last
hit short; Scroggins also made a feint
without effect. Turner was tired of his
position and put down his hands. They,
however, finished the round by both hitting
together, closed, went down, but Turner
undermost. Only four blows were exchanged.
2.—Turner planted two clean hits without
experiencing any return. A good rally followed,
during which the mug of Scroggins was clareted.
In closing, both down, but Turner again
undermost.
3.—The little hero, anxious to punish his
adversary, rushed in and planted a severe hit
under the jaws of Turner and got away. In
rallying, however, Scroggins slipped down, and
received a slight hit in falling.
4.—Nearly a minute elapsed before a hit was
made. Turner gave two sharp blows, and Scroggins
put in a desperate nobber just passing the ear
of Turner. It was a good round altogether. In
closing, the strength of Scroggins prevailed,
and Turner was thrown.
5.—The great advantage Turner derived from his
height and length over his adversary was evident
to every one. Turner, with much _sang froid_,
planted two nobbers and got away. Some sharp
blows were exchanged, when the men separated. In
finishing the round a smart rally occurred, and,
in going down, Scroggins was undermost. (Five to
two on Turner; but little betting occurred.)
6.—Scroggins appeared earnestly to wish for
in-fighting, but the difficulty and danger of
the attempt operated as a drawback. He, however,
made two punishing hits. In closing, Turner
caught hold of his nob and coloured it with
the quickness of a painter with his brush. In
struggling for the throw Turner was undermost,
but he gave his opponent rather an ugly hoist.
7.—In this round Scroggy appeared to advantage.
He fought after his usual method, regardless of
the consequences. He stopped Turner as he was
coming in with a tremendous hit in his face,
that made his head bob again. Scroggins also
planted two more severe blows that seemed rather
to confuse the tactics of Turner. The latter
returned heavily, and made an up-hit at his
opponent’s throat, but missed it. In closing,
both down, but Turner undermost.
8.—The little hero, full of gaiety, rushed in,
planted two successful hits, and bored Turner
down.
9.—After an exchange Turner went down from a
blow on the side of the head.
10.—The length of Turner again prevailed.
Scroggins was desperate in action, but not
effective in execution; while, on the contrary,
Turner planted three hits in succession on the
face of his opponent, and the claret followed at
every touch. In closing, Turner was undermost.
11.—This round was contested in a most manly
style. Scroggins, with uncommon severity, hit
Turner away from him in three successive
attempts, when considerable sparring occurred.
Turner then took the lead, and the execution
he performed on the head of Scroggins was
tremendous. He also finished the round in high
style; Scroggins was undermost.
12.—Turner was much applauded in this round
for his manly conduct. In a short close he let
Scroggins down without a blow, throwing up his
hands and walking away.
13.—This was a grand round, and Scroggins
never displayed anything like such a knowledge
of the pugilistic art in any of his previous
contests. He stopped with considerable skill,
and reciprocal fighting occurred. Scroggins
got rather impetuous, and threw his blows
away; and Turner was also incorrect in some of
his distances. The latter again hit up at his
head, but without effect. Scroggins went down.
14.—Considerable execution was done. Scroggins
planted two good hits upon his opponent’s nob,
but Turner returned upon him so hard and fast
that Scroggins turned round rather confusedly.
He, however, rallied with great spirit till he
slipped down.
15.—Well contested and both down, but Scroggins
undermost.
16.—Turner commenced by planting a successful
blow on the head of Scroggins; but the latter
returned in a spirited manner, and hit, hit, and
hit again, till Turner went down.
17.—Some sharp blows occurred between the
combatants in this round. Scroggins made a hit
over the left eye of Turner, and he also touched
his body; but Turner sent his adversary down.
18.—After some sparring, Turner put down his
hands and rubbed them against his body. Some
blows were exchanged. In struggling to obtain
the throw, Turner neatly tripped up his
antagonist.
19.—The hands of Turner were covered with the
claret of his opponent. In closing, Scroggins
was undermost.
20.—Some good hits were exchanged, but
materially in favour of Turner, who planted four
blows in succession, without having any return,
but he (Turner) went down rather weak.
21.—Scroggins planted a sharp blow on the side
of Turner’s head, when he dropped down on one
knee, but instantly rose again and went on his
second’s knee.
22.—Good exchanges. In closing, Turner was down,
and Scroggins fell upon him.
23.—On setting-to Turner sighed loudly, as if in
want of wind, and, after some little sparring,
he dropped his hands, as did also his opponent.
Scroggins let several opportunities slip of
going in, and when he did it was more of the
“forlorn hope” sort of attack, than from the
cool judgment of the tactician.
24.—The little hero went in with much
resolution, and ultimately sent down Turner upon
his latter end.
25.—On coming to the scratch Turner displayed
considerable weakness; his knees trembled
violently. In the course of this round Turner
turned from his antagonist, but Scroggins
ultimately went down.
26.—Some sparring occurred, and Turner put down
his hands; after this the men fought their way
into a close. They broke away and closed again,
and dealt out to each other some heavy blows,
and Turner received so severely on his kidneys,
that he appeared to go down from weakness.
27.—One hour and three minutes had now elapsed,
and Scroggins appeared to stand the firmest on
his legs; but the betting did not change in his
favour. The position of Turner rendered him so
formidable that it was dangerous to attack him.
Scroggins displayed some of his old antics, and
in going in slipped down from a slight hit.
28.—Some blows were exchanged, and Turner went
down.
29.—Scroggins even now appeared well upon his
legs, and he followed Turner all round the ring,
and, in closing, Turner was undermost.
30.—Scroggins felt determined to win if
possible. Turner was hit away from his intention
of going in. It was a good round, and both down.
31.—Notwithstanding Scroggins showed himself off
in good style, the chance was completely against
him. He went down from a slight hit. Turner in
general finished most of the rounds decidedly in
his favour.
32.—Scroggins went down from a severe hit in the
body.
33.—This was a good round. Scroggins followed
his opponent in a desperate manner all over the
ring, and Turner went down from a slip or a
slight hit.
34.—The chancery suit was fast coming on
Scroggins, and his nob was completely at the
service of his opponent. The little hardy hero
nevertheless contended for victory till he fell
in an exhausted state.
35.—If Scroggins was not satisfied with the
superiority of his opponent, the spectators had
long previous to this period been convinced that
he had no chance of winning. He went down from a
slight hit almost upon setting-to.
36.—Turner sent down Scroggins in a twinkling,
and his legs doubled up.
37.—The head of Scroggins was in a terrible
state; but, notwithstanding, he stood at the
scratch in a more firm state than might have
been expected. He was shortly hit down, and the
general cry was, “Take him away.”
38.—The desperation of Scroggins was not quite
exhausted, and he endeavoured to contend up to
the last moment. He was so weak that he went
down from a mere touch.
39 and last.—His friends were now perfectly
satisfied that Scroggins had done everything
that a brave man could attempt. The idea of
losing seemed terrible to his feelings, and
he again endeavoured to meet his opponent. On
setting-to the punishment of his adversary was
so severe that he turned, in a confused state,
and fell forward upon the ropes. Turner patted
him upon the back, implying, “you are a brave
fellow.” The battle was now at an end. Scroggins
could not come again, and Turner immediately
went up to him and shook him by the hand before
he quitted the ring. It lasted one hour and
thirty-one minutes and a half.
REMARKS.—Scroggins, from the brave conduct he
displayed in this third battle, completely
removed the insinuations which were levelled at
him respecting his defeat at Sawbridgeworth, and
re-established his character as a determined
game boxer. Though defeated, he has not been
disgraced, but compelled to yield to superior
skill, height, and length. Turner, from his
distinguished conquests over a hero like
Scroggins, who had gained such an ascendancy,
has placed himself at the top of the tree. It
should also be recollected that he has fought
four prize battles, and experienced eight weeks’
close confinement, added to the agitation of his
mind during his trial, within twelve months. His
qualities are rare and valuable, and his
position, though not showy, is formidable in the
extreme. Cool and collected in the heat of
battle, with game of the first quality, Turner
retired from the ring with merely a slight mark
upon his ear. He was well seconded by Owen and
Painter.
Turner’s backers presented him with the whole of the battle-money. He
returned to London the same evening, and appeared among the company at
Belcher’s as if nothing had happened. Scroggins showed himself in town
the next morning; his head exhibited terrible marks of punishment.
Turner by this second victory attained high pugilistic eminence, yet he
was literally dragged into milling popularity, by the sovereign contempt
with which his capabilities were treated by Scroggins and not a few of
his admirers: however, Turner wore his “blushing honours” with becoming
moderation.
About this period a boxer, well known in after years to Londoners, young
Cy. Davis, of Bristol, attracted much attention, and he was thought in
every respect an excellent match for Turner. Davis, as we have said, was
not only an object of considerable attraction at Bristol, but had
recently given the Londoners a specimen of his quality. A match was
therefore made, by Tom Belcher, on the part of his fellow townsman,
Davis, for 100 guineas a side; and Turner, from his well-known tried
qualities, did not want for friends to support him upon this occasion.
Davis stood so well with the sporting people that it was even betting,
the former for choice. Wallingham Common, in Surrey, seventeen miles
from London, was the spot selected for this combat to take place, and
the torrents of rain which prevailed for some hours on Friday morning,
June 18, 1819, did not in the least deter the amateurs. Most of the
fancy scorned even to sport an umbrella, and it should seem that the
recollection of the anniversary of the battle of Waterloo gave them
fresh vigour. At length all difficulties were at an end, the rain
ceased, the ring appeared in view, and preparation was made for the
combat to commence. Turner threw up his hat first in the ring, attended
by Cribb and Randall, when, after waiting a considerable time, Davis was
loudly called for by the Champion. Some minutes elapsed, when Davis
appeared with Tom Belcher and Harmer, and repeated the token of
defiance. At a quarter before two the men set-to, the colours having
been previously tied to the stakes; the true blue was placed by Randall,
and the original yellow-man (which has ever since the period of the late
Jem Belcher, out of compliment to his pugilistic fame, been denominated
“a Belcher”[158]) was tied over the blue by Tom Belcher. Even betting
was about the thing.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—Davis looked in fine condition, and
appeared to be able to win it off hand; his
opponent, however, showed better than was
expected. But the contrast was great. Davis,
from his fine and elegant form, was the _beau
ideal_ of the ring-goers, while Turner looked
more like a weatherbeaten Greenwich pensioner.
It was thought the gay Bristol Boy would go to
work without ceremony, and nob Turner in
style, from the manner he disposed of Belasco
the Jew; but whether the high fame of Turner
had made any impression upon his feelings, or
the Dutch-Sam-like countenance of his opponent
checked him, it is certain that he was
particularly cautious, and Turner hit first
slightly with his left hand. Long sparring,
and Davis kept retreating. Turner put in five
light hits on the body and head, when Davis
smiled. Another long pause of sparring
occurred, and Randall was seen sitting on the
ropes minutely eyeing the tactics of both the
combatants. Some exchanges took place; the
right cheek of Davis appeared red, and Turner
planted a blow on the body that sent Davis
staggering. He went down. (Loud shouting. Six
to four.)
2.—Turner had scarcely planted a hit, when Davis
went down. (Great murmurings, and “Turner, my
boy, you’ll win it without a scratch.” Two to
one.)
3.—Great astonishment was excited at the conduct
of Davis, and he seemed as if afraid to face his
man with any confidence. After some cautious
sparring, Turner made a hit, but it was so much
a question whether it touched Davis or not, that
the umpires advised his seconds that he should
be more careful in future in his going down,
as, if such conduct was pursued, the battle
must immediately have an end. (Disapprobation
expressed.)
4.—Turner made play, and used both hands with
success. Davis smiled, and with a tremendous
right-handed hit on the head knocked Turner
down. This decided the first knock-down blow;
Turner also showed the first blood. (“Go along,
Davis,” from the Bristolians; “you can do it if
you like. Another such hit, and it will be all
right.”)
5.—Instead of Davis going in to follow up his
success, he again went down from a slight hit;
in fact, it was thought almost without a blow.
6.—Turner followed Davis, and planted some hits.
The latter, it should seem, had no inclination
to go in, or he might have stood upon even terms
with his opponent. He was no novice at fighting;
he could also hit hard and stop well. He,
however, again went down, when the Bristol men
appeared quite angry with him, crying out,
“Davis, what are you at?” (Four to one).
7.—Davis appeared as if he felt these
reproaches, and went to work in earnest. “Look,
look,” observed several amateurs, “this chap may
win it now, if he will but go in and fight. He
can do something if he likes.” It was a good
round; but Davis was now really hit down.
“Bravo, Turner!” and “Give him a little one for
me.” Also, “Well done, Davis.”
8.—Davis positively seemed afraid to hit home.
Turner got away from a flooring right-handed
hit; but the latter was now the most punished,
and bleeding. Davis had the best of the hitting,
and gave Turner a hard blow on the side of the
head. Davis might have showed himself off in
good style, but it was urged he wanted pluck.
Both down.
9.—Davis went down with a slight hit.
10.—Notwithstanding the shy fighting of Davis,
he hit Turner on the jaw so tremendously with
his right hand, that he went down like a shot,
and seemed almost in a state of stupor. “Go
it, Davis,” from his partisans; “that’s the
way to mill; you’ll win.” Turner was quite
abroad; another such a hit, had it been quickly
repeated, must have proved a _quietus_. This
dreadful hit operated seriously on Turner’s
backers. Long faces were seen in all directions,
and even Randall shook his head, scarcely
knowing what to think of it. Indeed, it was all
but over with Turner. Great applause was here
given to Davis, and the Bristolians were all as
gay as larks.
11.—Davis did not follow up his success. Some
sharp exchanges took place, and Turner’s face
was clareted. Davis turned round from the
hitting, and it was thought that Turner hit him
when he was down. “Foul, foul,” was cried.
“Never mind; they’re only even,” said a sly old
sportsman.
12.—Turner stopped most of his opponent’s blows,
and sent him down. This almost jaw-breaker waked
Turner to the dangerous intent of his opponent’s
right hand. However singular it may appear,
it might almost be urged, that this blow gave
victory to Turner. He now became down to it, and
stopped it with great judgment.
13.—This was a good round; and Davis showed
like a boxer till he was hit down. If he had
possessed any sort of fear, it seemed now
removed; and his conduct at this juncture
claimed praise. An excellent judge exclaimed,
“Davis may win it now.” The Bristol Boy here
received a great deal of applause from various
parts of the ring.
14.—The right hand of Davis was very dangerous,
and he nobbed Turner staggering away; but the
latter, game-cock like, returned to the attack,
and sent Davis down.
15.—In this round Turner beat Davis to a
complete stand-still. “What’s o’clock now?”
cried Cribb. “It’s all up, I believe.”
16 to 19.—Turner stopped with great skill most
of Davis’s blows; but Turner received a dreadful
hit over his right eye, that made him almost go
down from its severity. The claret flowed again;
but Turner, undismayed, followed his opponent,
who again got down in the quickest manner he
could, seemingly to escape hitting.
20.—In this round Turner got Davis in a corner,
when Randall said, “Ned, do as I do; keep that
in your eye, my boy, and you’ll soon fetch him
out.” Davis turned aside from the severity of
the hitting, and went down.
21, 22.—This was a singular round, from the
following circumstance:—Belcher stooped down
and picked up a piece of paper, and put it in
Davis’s left hand, to keep it close. Turner
thought it was a stone, and said, if that was
the way he was to be used, he would not fight.
Randall rushed in to see what it was, anxious to
do his duty as a second, and almost tore the
paper out of Belcher’s hand, who had now got
hold of it, openly showing it, that nothing
unfair was meant, and that it had been used
merely for the purpose described. Some words
ensued. The umpires inquired the cause of the
disturbance. Belcher explained. It caused some
little agitation round the ring, many of the
amateurs thinking it was a bank note, and that a
wager had been proposed, and that staking was
attempted as a sort of _ruse de guerre_, to give
Davis time. The umpires appeared satisfied that
nothing “unfair” had been attempted. This was
a sharp, well-fought, short round, and both
the men went down. Davis had now retrieved his
character in a great degree with the spectators,
who asserted that when he was at work he did not
mind it, but that it appeared he did not like to
begin to hit.
23 to 26.—Some good rounds, Davis fighting
better than he had done; but in the latter he
received a body hit that made quite a dent
upon his frame. Turner, in closing, slung him
round like a cat. This wisty-castor on the
body occasioned a complete revolution, and
“bellows to mend” was the true feature.
27.—Turner put in a dreadful blow under the ear
of Davis, or rather at the back part of his
head. It occasioned a large gash, and he went
down in a pitiable state.
28 and 29.—Good rounds and sharp hitting. Davis
determined to let the amateurs see that he could
fight a bit. Both the eyes of Davis had now been
measured for a suit of mourning; and, on his
forehead, he had got a lump like an egg. It
was evident that after all he did not want for
bottom in regard to taking.
30.—Davis, it was asserted, fell without a blow,
and Turner fell heavily on him.
31.—This round might be termed the finisher.
Davis was so stupid that he stood quite still,
while Turner hit him down. He could not lift his
hands. Nature had deserted him—his eyes had lost
their fire, and he was viewed by the amateurs
as an object of pity rather than ill-natured
remarks.
32 and last.—It is true Davis made his
appearance at the scratch, but he turned away
from the blow and fell down. The contest was
over in forty-five minutes.
REMARKS.—If any observations can be made a
nut-shell might contain them. In a word, too
much praise had been previously bestowed on
the prime qualities said to be possessed by
Davis. Owing to his decisive fight with Belasco,
senior, anticipation was on tiptoe to behold
another pugilist from Bristol—a soil that had
given birth to Big Ben, Jem and Tom Belcher,
the Game Chicken, Tom Cribb, Gulley, Nicholls,
Bob Watson, etc.; names familiar whenever
comparisons are made respecting the goodness
of a boxer. Davis’s right hand was very
dangerous. From his youth, weight, freshness,
and strength, he ought to have won it. It was
urged by his friends that his going down so
often was owing to a weakness in his knees—a
rheumatic affection, which had seized him a few
days previous to the battle. It is only common
justice to Davis to state that he was terribly
beaten about the head, and one of his hands,
arms, and shoulders exhibited heavy punishment;
more experience, and another trial, perhaps, may
recover him his lost laurel. It is no new case
that some men are “half beat” before they enter
the ring; and that young soldiers wink on first
smelling powder. It should also be remembered
that only one Randall and one Turner at present
stand upon the list. The talents of the latter
are so well known that it would be superfluous
to state them. Upon this occasion, however, he
became the offensive instead of the defensive
pugilist. He might have been better in condition
had longer time been allowed him; at all events,
it must be a second Randall to defeat Turner.
Such was the opinion of some of the best judges of the time, and it
certainly was not prudent at any rate to match young Cy. against so good
a tactician as Turner for a first trial.
The sporting world now looked forward to a match between Turner and
Martin, more especially as Turner, after his defeat by Randall, had been
challenged by Martin, who had about the same time disposed of the hardy
Scroggins; both men too had succumbed to Randall, and the different
styles of their defeats had been the topic of much critical discussion.
The match was at length made, neither man being loth, at Tom Spring’s
(Tom then kept the Catherine Wheel, Little St. James’s Street, Pall
Mall). Five to four on Turner was the first offer, but these odds were
thought too small. Master Scroggins, who was an original in his way,
being present, submitted the following remarks for the consideration of
the amateurs: “He would not give tuppence for choice—he had tried both
the men: Turner was the awkwardest man alive to get at; but Martin was
the hardest hitter. Two gamer coves never entered the ring, and when
either of the men said ‘No,’ the other would be very glad of it.” The
opinion of Randall was diametrically opposite. He had also entered the
lists with Martin and Turner. Scroggins was defeated by the latter in
one hour and twelve minutes in good style; while, on the contrary,
Martin, after a desperate contest, with Scroggins, of two hours and two
minutes, only gained it, as it were, by the toss up of a halfpenny.
Calculations were made accordingly, and Turner rose to seven to four,
with evens offered that the fight lasted over an hour, and two to one
that Turner was not beaten in one hour and a quarter.
This battle took place on Tuesday, October 26, 1819, for 100 guineas a
side, at Wallingham Common, Surrey. Little betting occurred on the day
of fighting, as it was booked to a certainty that Turner must win. The
road, however, on the morning of fighting, exhibited the usual features
of fun, frolic, and disaster. At one o’clock Turner threw his hat within
the ropes, followed by Tom Belcher and Randall; Martin quickly replied,
having the assistance and advice of Tom Cribb and Tom Spring.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On stripping, both combatants appeared
in the highest condition. Martin was as fine as
the human frame could be trained; true, he
looked big, but there was nothing gross about
him; his form, however, seemed more calculated
for a successful pedestrian than a pugilist, in
consequence of the heavier half of him being
from his hips to his feet. Turner was all that
could be wished; indeed, he was never in such
good trim before, and, excepting the weakness of
his knee, there was not the slightest uneasiness
by his friends as to the result. Much cautious
sparring for an opening occurred before a blow
was struck. Martin kept retreating a little, but
at length he made a hit, which was stopped
cleanly by Turner. Another pause, when Turner
made a slight hit, and Martin kept getting away.
Turner cool, and on the look-out, with his left
hand felt for the body of his opponent, and, in
returning, Martin threw his blow away. The
latter seemed rather tired with holding up his
hands, and on his looking down to the ground,
the good generalship of Turner was visible to
all the ring, as he immediately let fly on
Martin’s nob. The baker, however, disengaged
himself from a short rally, but in this spirt
one of his ogles got severely damaged, and the
claret was oozing out of the corner. Martin
retreated from the attacks of his opponent to
the corner of the ring, when some blows were
exchanged, and, on Martin’s going down, he
thought he had been hit improperly, as he
exclaimed, “Isn’t that foul?”
2.—Turner soon put in a bodier, and repeated
it without any return, but on attempting it a
third time Martin stopped him. Turner, with much
dexterity, put in a severe facer with his left
hand, and also a winder, but Martin made some of
his blows tell, and, in a severe struggle for
the throw, both went down.
3.—Martin did not attempt to hit first, or to
smash, as was anticipated, but kept retreating
till he was compelled to hit as it were in his
own defence. He again got into the corner of the
ring, pursued by his opponent; but, unlike the
Nonpareil, when in this perilous situation, he
did not appear to know how to extricate himself,
and went down from a hit.
4.—This was a manly round, and Martin made an
exchange of hits, and also endeavoured to fib
Turner. It was a sharp struggle, and both down,
but Turner undermost. “Well done, Martin;” and
the floury coves took a little courage, and
sported a dead man or two, as they thought upon
the improved suit.
5.—This round was a most mischievous one to
Martin, and materially reduced his strength. He
received a dreadful jobber right on his nose,
and some other ugly hits, and, after a severe
struggle, in going down Turner fell heavily upon
him.
6.—Martin came up to the scratch distressed, but
he commenced fighting, and hit Turner on the
nob. The latter received it with the most
perfect _sang froid_, and soon after put in a
throttler that almost deprived the baker of
breath. Turner followed it up by a bodier.
Martin tried to make a return but without
effect; and, in getting away from his opponent,
he staggered and fell from weakness.
7.—Martin made a good stop, but he soon went
down quite exhausted.
8.—The baker, with much courage, endeavoured to
plant two good hits, but Turner stopped them
with scientific excellence. Martin was very
weak, and kept getting away, till he got a facer
that sent him down, and his head rolled about
like a top. Twenty to five was now offered.
9.—Martin came staggering to the scratch, and it
was not long before he again found himself upon
the ground.
10.—The fine stopping of Turner put all the
well-meant efforts of Martin at defiance. This
was a good round, and Martin fought manfully
till he was fibbed down by Turner, who walked
away.
11 to 15.—Martin was getting better in the last
round, and threw his opponent.
16.—Turner not only had the best of the hitting,
but fell heavily upon Martin.
17 and 18.—Turner put in a severe blow on the
chest, and, in struggling for the throw, he
slung Martin round and round till he went down.
19.—The science of Turner, in stopping nearly
all the blows of Martin, convinced the good
judges that, without an accident, he was winning
cleverly. Martin, however, got Turner down in
this round, and it was a bad fall for the
latter.
20.—This was a sharp round, but nothing could
keep Martin from retreating to the corner of
the ring. Randall ordered the bottles to be
moved, and both of them went down from a sharp
struggle.
21 to 23.—It is true Martin was much better, but
he could not take the lead. Turner, however,
showed symptoms of weakness, and a little brandy
was given him to recruit. Both down in all these
rounds.
24 to 26.—The friends of Martin thought his
chance improved; and in the last round, in
throwing Turner, the bad knee of the latter
narrowly escaped the post as his leg came in
contact with it.
27 to 30.—Turner still fought cautiously, put in
a good one now and then, reducing the strength
of his opponent with ease to himself, and
certainty as to the event. The majority of these
rounds were in favour of Turner.
31.—Martin put in a sharp nobber, and also a
body blow, and had altogether the best of this
round, till they both went down.
32.—The baker felt elated with his success, and
went sharply to work, and put in another heavy
facer, and also some hits, till Turner went down
weak.
33.—Turner let fly on setting-to, and a dreadful
blow under the ear seemed almost to deprive
Martin of his recollection. He, however, got
away, and, upon endeavouring to make a stand, he
fell down exhausted.
34.—This round might be termed the _quietus_.
Some blows were exchanged, when Turner hooked
his opponent round the neck and hit him in the
body, ditto, ditto, ditto, ditto, and ditto, and
in struggling for the throw, while going down,
Martin received another heavy body blow. “Well
done, Turner,” and loud applause.
35.—The excellence displayed by Turner was of
the highest order. He was never seen to such
advantage before; and Angelo, in the best of his
days, could not have shown greater skill in
fencing than Turner did in parrying off the
attacks of his opponent. The knee of Turner
failed him in this round, and he slipped down
from a slight hit.
36.—This was a good round, and the hitting was
sharp on both sides. Martin exerted his last
effort, and put in some heavy blows, till Turner
slipped and went down.
37.—It was all up with Martin, and he was so
exhausted, that, in endeavouring to get away
from the punishment of Turner, it was said he
fell without a blow.
38.—This was a similar round, when Turner said,
“Jack, if I am to be beat, stand up and win
it like a man.” Martin was in such a state of
stupor as not to be able to reply.
39.—Martin was here so dead-beat that he again
fell down without a blow. Some murmurings
occurred, when the umpire said, “Martin,
recollect this is to be a stand-up fight.”
40 and last.—Martin endeavoured to put in a
blow, and went down from a slight hit. On the
baker being put upon his second’s knee, and time
called, Cribb said, “I believe we may say it’s
all over.”
REMARKS.—Martin was very much punished about the
throat, but particularly about his chest and
body, yet scarcely any claret was spilt on this
occasion. It was urged by some persons present
that it was not a good fight, and that Martin
did not show any pretensions to pugilism. It
should, however, be recollected that Martin was
opposed to one of the first boxers of the day,
and that all his efforts were stopped by the
superior skill of his opponent. Turner also
exhibited great improvement, and fought well
with his right hand. He showed himself a
complete general, for although he lost the toss,
he seldom failed by his manœuvres in the round
to place his adversary with his face to the sun.
The coolness of Turner was also greatly in his
favour; he can receive without being put out of
his course. The Nonpareil has now left the Ring,
but it may be said that Turner is also a
Nonpareil. It was urged that could Turner have
trusted to his knee, the fight would have been
over in fifty minutes instead of one hour and
seven (the time it lasted). He retired from the
contest almost without a scratch upon his face,
and it should be taken into the scale of
calculation that Martin is not to be got at so
very easy, as he is tall, and leans very
backward on setting-to. Turner was considerably
under eleven stone, and Martin eleven stone four
pounds.
Martin, it appears, was by no means satisfied with his defeat at the
hands of Turner, but he resolved to have a little more experience in the
prize ring before he essayed another match with that clever boxer.
Tom Belcher, when _Bacchi plenis_, at Cy. Davis’s opening dinner at the
Bear and Ragged Staff, Smithfield, Wednesday, August 9, 1820, made a
foolish challenge to Turner, and also Randall, to fight each for £500 a
side, and articles were drawn and a deposit made. On the following
Saturday, the fumes of the wine having evaporated, all parties shook
hands in friendship, Belcher acknowledging it was the liquor that was
speaking, and the affair, exaggerated into importance by “the historian”
ended in smoke.
In the interim Martin had defeated, as we have already noted in the Life
of RANDALL, _ante_, p. 351, Josh. Hudson, Cabbage, Phil. Simpson, and
Dav. Hudson, and now challenged Turner to a second contest for £100
a-side. Ned could not in honour refuse, and on the 5th of June, 1821,
our hero was defeated, as will be seen at length in the Life of MARTIN
in the next chapter.
The success of Martin brought forward another old opponent. Cy. Davis,
having beaten J. Bushell at Moulsey, and feeling mortified at his defeat
by Turner, addressed a letter to Turner, and shortly after they met. Six
to four was betted upon Davis, and the result justified the odds. The
gallant Ned was out of condition, and fell before the strength and
freshness of his youthful antagonist. See CY. DAVIS, in Appendix to this
Period.
A new candidate for fistic honours, Peace Inglis, having beaten one
Hamilton, a waterman, at Moulsey (in 1822), then Deaf Davis at Harpenden
(in February, 1823), and lastly George Curtis, brother of the Pet (in
August of the same year), was matched against Turner for £100. The
battle took place, April 20, 1824, and the brave Ned again succumbed to
youth and stamina.
Before the curtain finally falls upon the pugilistic career of Turner,
we have a closing scene of triumph to redeem by a bright ray his setting
sun. Challenged by Inglis, Ned at first declined to fight for less than
£200, but was at last prevailed upon to make it £100, and Tuesday,
November 9, 1824, being appointed, the former antagonists met at
Colnbrook. The counter attraction of Lord Mayor’s Day, for it was then a
pageant and a general city festival, thinned the road a little; but the
regular ring-goers were there, and the old fanciers evinced high
interest that the once glorious veteran should repair his recent
reverses. His veteran daddy, “the sage of the East” (Tom Owen), who had
been his companion for the last fortnight, keeping a watchful eye over
Turner’s training at Walton, unfortunately met with an accident, and
sprained his ankle, which prevented him from filling the position of
second to his “darling boy.” Inglis looked well, and was confident of
success, and, from his known bravery, was a fancy article, although the
odds were against him. Turner first showed, attended by Tom Shelton and
Harry Holt, and threw his hat into the ring. Inglis soon followed, but
his castor (_absit omen_) fell outside of the ropes. Jem Ward and Ned
Neale were his seconds. A brave fight was anticipated.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On peeling, the ould one looked like
a new man. The renovating air of the Welsh
mountains appeared to have had the desired
effect upon the frame of Turner. He looked
steadily at his opponent, and made himself up
to do mischief, but Inglis avoided close
quarters. After some little dodging, an exchange
of blows, but nothing the matter. Inglis got
out of the corner well, but, in the middle of
the ring, he napped a hit, which gave him the
staggers. “Beautiful!” exclaimed the boys from
Bermondsey. Turner, on going in, received a
heavy right-handed blow between the ogles that
made him wink again, filling his eyes with
water, but no tears! This blow rather alarmed
his backers, and the face of Jack Randall
betrayed a serious aspect for the safety of
his friend. Turner missed an upper-cut blow,
which, in all probability, might have shortened
the battle. Inglis was very quick upon his legs,
but, although he made several motions to do
summut, the position of Turner was so difficult
that he could not get at him. Turner at length
planted a nobber, and Inglis fell on one knee.
(Huzzas, roars, and clapping of hands,
expressive of the joy felt by the Bermondseyites
at the success of Turner.)
2.—Turner was determined not to give another
chance away; and the hint, “He’s coming with
his right hand,” roared out by the eloquent
Holt, kept Turner awake. Inglis bobbed his
head once or twice; and it was lucky he did
so, as a chancery slice was in readiness for
him. Some heavy blows were exchanged, with
this difference, Turner stopped them, while
Inglis received. The latter got a severe
nose-ender, which not only uncorked the
claret, but left a stupefying quality behind
it. “Bravo, Turner; the ould one is a little
bit stronger than he was last time.” In a
scuffle, two little drops of blood appeared on
Turner’s cheek. In closing, both down.
3.—This was a short round. Ned was the hero
of the tale at this early part of the fight;
but “hopes and fears” were expressed as to his
strength. “If he can but last,” said a knowing
one, “it is as safe as the Bank.” The stops of
Turner were truly excellent; but Inglis bored
him to the ropes, and fell on him.
4.—Inglis got away from several rum ones; but he
never took the lead to do any mischief. Turner
planted in succession two heavy hits—stupefiers;
Inglis never flinched. Turner got Inglis down,
amidst most uproarious thunders of applause.
5.—This round added considerably to the odds in
favour of Turner. After two or three movements
of no effect, the ould one caught Inglis with a
cutting-up, or rather a cutting-down, blow, and
Inglis was floored. An artillery salute, and
seven to four offered freely.
6.—Inglis again napped a staggering blow, and
twirled round in a confused state; nevertheless,
he recovered himself, and fought like a good
one, till both went down, Inglis undermost.
7.—The goodness of Inglis was never doubted,
but there was nothing like winning about his
exertions, provided Turner’s strength did not
leave him. Inglis napped it on the mouth,
succeeded by two severe facers. This was a
long round. Inglis planted a slight body blow,
but he received three blows for one, till Ned
slipped accidentally down.
8.—The young one was piping a little, and the
ould one was none the worse for a pause.
Sparring for wind. In a struggle both went down,
but the feather-bed maker was undermost.
9.—This round booked it almost to a certainty
for Bermondsey. Two facers once more put
Inglis’s nob into chancery. The young one,
however, as good as gold, not only stopped, but
countered well. The nose of Inglis, however, was
at the service of Ned, and the claret followed
as pure as any sample from the bins of Charley
Wright, of the Haymarket. The eyes of Inglis
lost their fire, and his countenance bore the
marks of his mind being abroad. The latter hit
anyhow, till he was floored by a nobber.
(Cheers, noise, and applause. Two and three to
one offered on Turner.)
10.—The chancery suit had performed the task for
Ned, and Inglis was done almost brown. He,
however, endeavoured to rally, but another
cutting-up hit, added to his, already shakey
state, produced extreme grogginess. His game was
so good that he stood up like bricks, till a
hit, almost severe enough to have knocked a
stone out of a wall, again floored the brave but
unfortunate feather-bed maker. (“Take him away,
he has no chance!”)
11.—It was evident to every spectator that
Inglis could not win. He staggered like a
drunken man; but his goodness enabled him to
show fight, and he made blows with the most
determined spirit. The ould one again caught him
with an upper-cut, and, as he went down, Ned
might have added more punishment, but he nobly
disdained taking an advantage, held up his
hands, and walked away, amidst loud shouts of
approbation. (“Bravo! Ned; that is like an
Englishman.” “True courage is always backed by
feeling and generosity—first the lion and then
the lamb,” said a cove in a rusty black suit,
something like a schoolmaster. “Never mind,”
said one of the Partiality Club, “it is good
doctrine, come from whom it may.”)
12.—Short, but terribly severe. Inglis was
floored _sans ceremonie_ by Turner. (“Take the
brave fellow away.”)
13.—When time was called, his seconds bustled
him up; but Inglis was in a doldrum till they
shook him, and, on roaring out in his ear,
“Ned’s coming,” he opened his eyes wildly, and,
as if by instinct, prepared himself to fight. He
rushed towards his opponent, but Turner sent him
down.
14.—“His youth will bring him round,” observed a
few of his friends. “Not this fight,” said a
costermonger; “he’s done brown twice over.”
Inglis again down. A hat was thrown up—
15th and last.—But he came again to the scratch.
Inglis staggered about for a second or two, when
he fell stupefied, Turner merely looking at him.
It was over in forty-six minutes.
REMARKS.—Science must win, if supported by
moderate strength; science will win if a man
is out of condition—that is to say, science
will get a man out of trouble; it enables a
boxer to wait for his man, time him, meet his
opponent, bring him down to his weight, and
ultimately prove the conqueror. It is not
necessary for a long yarn to describe the
beauties of the “ould one” in the ring; suffice
it to observe, Ned is a master of the art; his
stops were interesting to the spectator; his
hits were decisive, and he finished off his
man like a first-rate artist. Excepting a
tremendous right-handed lunge which Ned received
between his eyes in the first round, all the
other hits did little execution. The method
adopted by Turner to lead his opponent into
trouble, and then punishing him for his
temerity, evinced skill and tactics of the
highest order of milling. Inglis proved himself
a game man in every point of view; but, valuable
a quality as endurance must always be considered
in boxing, it is of little use when a man’s
head gets into chancery. Inglis was beaten to a
stand-still, and ought to have been taken away
three rounds before the fight was over. Inglis
was a brave, worthy, honest, well-conditioned
creature. Turner must have won the battle much
sooner had not one of the small bones in his
left hand been broken in the early part of the
fight.
Poor Ned was highly pleased to take leave of the prize ring in the
character of a winner, and dined with his friends at Bill Moss’s, the
Crown, in the Borough, on Monday, November 15, 1824. He was surrounded
by some capital sporting patrons. On his health being drunk, he said,
“It was very likely that he should not fight any more; but if he did
alter his mind, he would always behave like a man.”
Turner gradually began to decline in health: he became lame, and,
labouring under the effects of an asthma, announced his farewell benefit
to take place in April, 1826. His last appearance on any public
occasion, was at Hudson’s dinner, on Thursday, March 31, 1826.
Out of respect to an old favourite in the prize ring, the amateurs
mustered strongly at the Tennis Court, on Tuesday, April 18, but it was
not made known to the visitors that poor Ned had departed this life on
Monday (the preceding day) at two minutes before five in the afternoon.
The sets-to, generally, were well contested.
Randall and Scroggins mounted the stage, and having made their bows, the
former came forward, and spoke as follows:—“Gentlemen, I am requested by
the friends of poor Turner to come forward and express their thanks in
his behalf, for the kind and liberal manner in which you have this day
manifested an interest in his fate. Gentlemen, Ned and I have been
opponents in the ring, but we have always been friends in private, and
no man feels more for his situation than I do. That we shall be able to
see him here at any future time, I think is more than doubtful; but let
us hope we may all see him hereafter” (loud applause). Randall appeared
much affected. Jack Scroggins followed. “Gemmen,” said he, “Ned was
always a gentlemanly sort of a man—he is now gone to his long home, and
I hope God will forgive him, as well as everybody else. Let us all live
while we can, and when we can’t live no longer, why, I suppose we must
die; and I don’t see why a fighting man shouldn’t see eternity as well
as anybody else.”
“Well! so I’ve floor’d these ‘fancy’ fighting cocks,
And finish’d them in style! Presumptuous fellows!
They chaff’d of science—and, forsooth, would box
With one whose ‘hits’ are sure to touch ‘the bellows!’
Conceited mortals! thus to ‘spar’ with Death!
The greatest champions that the world e’er saw
By turns have bow’d obedient to my law.
Look back at history’s page,
In every clime and every age,
You’ll find I ‘mill’d’ the mightiest of them all.
No matter how they sparr’d,
My blows were sure and hard,
And, when I threw them, fatal was their fall.
From Alexander down to Emperor Nap,
Whene’er I chose to give the rogues a slap,
Not one could parry off a single rap.
No, no! nor had they each a thousand lives,
Could they have stood against my rattling bunch of fives!”[159]
Turner’s remains were removed on Sunday, April 23, 1826, between the
hours of one and two, from the house of his cousin, Mr. Baxter, hat
maker, in East Smithfield, and deposited in a deep grave in Aldgate
Churchyard. The funeral was of the most respectable description. The
hearse was followed by two mourning coaches. In the first coach were Mr.
Turner (father of the deceased), Mr. Baxter (a cousin of Ned’s), Mr.
Leslie, Tom Owen, and Pierce Egan. In the second mourning coach were Tom
Cribb, Josh. Hudson, Jack Randall, Harry Holt, Harry Harmer, and Mr.
Price Morris.
“From an early hour in the morning,” says the report, “the house of Mr.
Baxter was surrounded by numbers of persons anxious to pay respect to
the remains of a man who once stood so high amongst the admirers of the
art of self-defence. The church and churchyard also were crowded. We
noticed many of the _corps pugilistique_. Scroggins, for the feeling and
respect he paid to the deceased, deserves the highest praise. Forgetting
all former differences; nay, more, following the side of the hearse, and
dropping a tear over the grave of the man who had proved his conqueror,
speaks a volume in his favour, as a generous-minded English boxer. Every
person present appeared sorry for the loss of Turner. In all his battles
he behaved like an honest, honourable man; in fact, throughout his life
he was never known to have committed a dishonourable action—his conduct
was always upon the square. His last moments were marked by resignation
and Christian-like behaviour; and he expired without a sigh in the arms
of his cousin, Mr. Baxter. Turner was in the thirty-fourth year of his
age.”
The reporter adds, “Turner was a most difficult boxer to be got at;
standing with his right leg first, he proved at all times a truly
awkward and dangerous customer. In a set-to with the gloves with Tom
Spring, at a benefit in the city of Norwich, previous to the fight
between Painter and Oliver, the science of Ned Turner was so much
admired, and his blows were so effective, as to produce thunders of
applause.
“In point of true courage, Turner was never excelled in or out of the
ring. He was a most modest, unassuming fellow, and, notwithstanding his
intercourse with various grades of society, he was a ‘bashful’ man. In
company he was cheerful and good-natured, always anxious to serve his
brethren in the prize ring, and throughout the sporting world he was as
much respected for his civility as his high courage.”
[Illustration]