TOM CANNON, “THE GREAT GUN OF WINDSOR” (CHAMPION)—1824–1827.
For a short time the name of the hardy Tom Cannon was a word of strength
in the annals of the ring. Tom, however, came out too late in life as a
public exhibitor of the art pugilistic; his first great victory being
over Josh. Hudson, in June, 1824, his last a defeat by Ned Neale, in
February, 1827; a career of little more than two-and-a-half years,
throwing out his victory over Dolly Smith, in 1817.
Eton, renowned for its College and the classic memories which surround
it, gave birth to our hero, but it does not appear that Master Tommy
profited much in the _literæ humaniores_ by the accident of his birth
under the shadows of the pinnacles of “Henry’s Sacred Fane.” On the
contrary, the son of a “Windsor Bargee,” he grew up an athletic
uncultivated young colt, distinguished for his speed as a runner, his
activity as a jumper, his strength as a wrestler, and was known as “a
lad who could box a bit.” The only parts of Gray’s “Ode” which could
apply to the young Cannon being, that he could—
“Ply the oar,
And urge the flying ball.”
Indeed, his rowing and cricketing qualifications endeared him to the
youngsters who practised on the silver Thames and verdant Brocas; as a
quoit thrower and a single-stick player, at “the Revel” in Bachelor’s
Acre, young Cannon distinguished himself, and was known throughout the
neighbourhood as “good at any game.” Tom followed alternately the
calling of a fisherman and a “bargee,” or rather mixed them both, _more
majorum suum_, and “the Merry Wives of Windsor” often relied on Tom’s
net or tackle for the delicacies of speckled trout, glittering umber, or
slippery eel, from “Thames’ silvery flood.” Apropos of this, we find
from contemporary records that Tom, acting in the spirit of Charles
Dibdin’s song,
[Illustration:
TOM CANNON (“THE GREAT GUN OF WINDSOR”).
_From a Portrait by_ WAGEMAN.
]
“I be a jolly fisherman, I takes all I can get,
Still going on my betters’ plan, all’s fish that comes to net,”
forgot one night—if ever he knew them—the privileges of the corporation
of Windsor. He was detected, with a companion, fishing, contrary to Act
of Parliament, within the preserved waters of the corporation, whereby a
fine of £5 to “our Lord the King” was incurred. Tom demurred to swelling
the royal exchequer by impoverishing his own: he put in “leg-bail,” and
for a time migrated from ungrateful Windsor to live an exile at Newbury,
whither he does not appear to have been pursued, for he was here known
as the “milling bargee.” This was in 1814. We will therefore “hark
back.”
Thus, in his early manhood, our jolly bargeman lived a life of labour,
independence, and humble competency, and like
“The jolly miller who lived on the river Dee,
He work’d and sung from morn till night, no lark more blithe than he.”
Tom’s earlier practice with his bunch of fives appears to have been at
wake, fair, race, or revel, with the military always abounding at
Windsor and its vicinity, and with such “rough chawbacons” as, feeling
strong in the spirit of fight, might offer themselves to his notice.
Tom’s first recorded engagement was with one Tom Anslow, a grenadier
belonging to the Staffordshire militia, in the year 1809. Anslow was the
crack boxer of his regiment, and the audacity of young “bargee” (Tom was
nineteen years of age) was laughed at by the red-coats, for Anslow was
fourteen stone in weight, and all six feet in height. The battle-money
was three guineas a-side. Cannon, on the day, was a little under twelve
stone, and stood five feet nine inches and a half. It was a desperate
battle for thirty-two minutes, when the soldier gave in, and Cannon was
carried off in triumph by his fellow-townsmen. “Boxiana” fills some
pages with notices of casual fights with nameless men, on Eton Brocas,
at Maidenhead, at Egham Races, and elsewhere, embellished with the usual
lively skimble-skamble of the inventive author. The first time Cannon
had to do with a “professional” was in this wise. At a raffle in Peascod
Street, Windsor, Dolly Smith,[41] of Hammersmith, was present, and
threatened to chastise Cannon for interfering in a dispute. “Although I
know you’re a fighting man,” said Tom, “I will not be frightened into
submission.” Dolly threw off his coat, and they adjourned to the street.
After a smart turn-up, in which Cannon claimed best, they were
interrupted. This led to a match for twenty guineas a-side, which came
off in a field contiguous to Shirley Common, near Windsor, May 6, 1817.
The battle proved a most determined one. The swell stage-coachmen—for
Dolly was a horse-keeper, known on the Great Western road—sported their
gold freely on their man, though there was a remarkable disparity in
size and weight. Smith, who was a round-built sturdy fellow, measured
only five feet five inches, and weighed eleven stone four pounds. Cannon
stood five feet ten inches, and weighed thirteen stone. The men were in
the ring as early as eleven o’clock, Dolly being esquired by the veteran
Caleb Baldwin and Dick Whale; Cannon attended by a couple of stout
countrymen. The battle was half-minute time. Six to four on Smith
offered.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—Neither combatant seemed disposed to waste much time in
sparring, and they went to work _sans cérémonie_. Cannon from his
height, length, and strength, seemed completely to overshadow his
opponent, but “Dolly,” not in the least dismayed, planted two heavy
body hits, and fought at half-arm gaily, till in closing both were
down.
2.—Both on their mettle, and some sharp blows exchanged. Dolly
manœuvred cleverly till he hit up through Cannon’s guard, and gave
him such a teazer on the side of the head, that it seemed to
electrify the “bargee’s” upper works. He seemed confused for a few
seconds, then went in a rattler, and fought till both were down,
Dolly first to earth.
3 to 17.—During the whole of these rounds the combatants were far
from being idle, and much severity of milling occurred. The claret
had long made its appearance upon both their nobs, and their mugs
had undergone some little change, from the repeated thumps they had
reciprocally and liberally bestowed upon each other. Upon the whole,
Dolly as yet might be said to stand forward in the most favourable
point of view, and betting continued on him.
18.—In this round Dolly gained great applause, he fought his
opponent in the most gallant style, and milled him in all
directions, and, by way of finishing, planted such a tremendous hit
in Cannon’s “middle piece,” that he went off his pins in such
quickness of style, resembling more the celerity of a cannon shot
than being floored by the fist of a man. (Loud shouting, and seven
to four on Dolly.)
19 to 60 and last.—Punishment was the order of the day in all these
rounds. The gaiety of Dolly never forsook him, and he contended
against an opponent every way so superior with the most determined
courage and manhood. It was a good fight throughout, and both men
displayed true resolution. The claret flowed profusely, and both
were so equally painted that it was remarked by a spectator they
both belonged to one flock of sheep, they were so regularly
“ruddled.” Their peepers were nearly obscured, and such a punishing
mill has not been witnessed for a long time. One of Dolly’s arms was
so much beaten, and his wrist so terribly sprained and puffed up,
that he was reluctantly compelled to relinquish the contest at the
expiration of an hour and four minutes.
REMARKS.—Cannon was so much exhausted that, on his being declared
the winner, he was led out of the ring, and upon being lifted into a
coach by three men immediately fainted. The battle had scarcely
finished one minute when a magistrate appeared to put an end to the
sports; but his worship was politely informed there was no necessity
for his functions then to be brought into action, as it was all over
for that day. A great number of sporting men from the neighbouring
counties and from London witnessed the encounter, and much money
changed hands.
As this is not a record of sack-jumping, quoits, foot-racing, jumping,
and cricket playing, we shall omit the contents of some pages of
“Boxiana,” with the remark that Tom, who was good at all these, has
numerous victories for small sums placed to his account during the seven
years between 1810 and the mill with Dolly Smith just reported. For
several years Cannon remained a spectator of prize battles, until fired
with pugilistic ambition on witnessing the fight between Josh. Hudson
and Jem Ward (November 11, 1823), he publicly announced his readiness to
enter the ring with either of those boxers. The “John Bull Fighter”
hearing of the circumstance, on meeting Cannon, asked him if the report
was true. Tom replied in the affirmative, when Josh. instantly produced
a “fiver,” which was covered by Cannon, to make a match for £200. At
this period Mr. Hayne (known by the _sobriquet_ of “Pea-green,” and his
breach of promise with Miss Foote, Dowager Countess of Harrington) had
just returned from the “grand tour,” and recollecting the numerous
sporting feats of Cannon during the time he, the “Pea-green,” was one of
the _alumni_ of Eton, he became Tom’s patron and backer. Articles were
drawn up at Mr. Clode’s New Inn, Windsor, April 26, 1824, in which
Cannon agreed to fight Josh. for £100 a-side, on Wednesday, June 23,
1824, within forty miles of London. The match was laughed at by the
fancy, as “a good thing” for Hudson, and the £100 looked upon as a
“sweetener” to “keep his hand in” till he should grasp the championship.
On the appointed morn the Western road displayed a thick sprinkling of
swells and equipages, the place selected being Yateby, in Hampshire,
thirty-three and a half miles from London, on the borders of the
counties of Berks and Bucks, in a field near Everfield Churchyard.
Everything being ready, at a quarter to one Cannon entered the ring, in
a dark drab great coat, and threw up his hat, followed by Tom Cribb and
White-headed Bob as his seconds. He walked about with the utmost
composure, and was loudly cheered by the audience. His legs were
decorated with white silk stockings. In a few minutes afterwards Hudson
appeared, supported by the President of the Daffy Club and “the
Nonpareil,” threw up his “castor,” and rolled himself into the ring.
Oliver and Randall were his attendants. During the time the combatants
were preparing for action the backers of Hudson went round the ring
offering two and a half and three to one; but the friends of Cannon were
shy, and no takers were to be found. The colours, pink for Cannon and
chocolate for Hudson, were tied to the stakes. The office was then
given, and the men set-to.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On peeling, Cannon appeared so highly improved in condition
as to excite the astonishment of every person present. He was cool
and confident, and looked firm and “all right.” The “John Bull
Fighter,” always “big,” in spite of the most rigid rules of
training, was now bigger than ever; indeed, to use the words of a
wag, who laughingly observed to his companion, “My dear fellow, you
are mistaken as to Josh. Hudson going to fight; it’s Sir John
Falstaff in buff.” On placing himself in attitude, Josh. smiled at
his opponent, but still was cautious. Cannon tried to go to work,
and let fly at Hudson’s victualling office, but the latter hero, to
prevent a row in the interior, got away. The “Popper,” full of
bustle, again tried it on, but, in a counter-hit, received an ogler
that made his pimple shake again, and put him on the winking system.
Hudson was anxious to administer pepper; but in rushing in he
received a slight topper, and slipped down on one knee. Cannon lost
no time, convinced the amateurs by his conduct that he was not the
novice he had been previously represented, and kept hitting away
_sans cérémonie_. We were surprised that Hudson did not finish the
round by going down; as on his getting up he received a severe
facer. A short pause. Cannon aimed a tremendous blow at his
opponent’s nob, but he missed. (“Never mind that,” said Richmond;
“he means to win it, and nothing else.”) Cannon showed he was not
destitute of science; he got away from a slogger, but immediately
commenced an exchange of blows, and had none the worst of it. Josh.
stopped well, and also planted an ear-wigger, that rowed the upper
works of Cannon. (A pause.) The bargeman went boldly up to his
adversary to commence mischief, when Josh., in retreating, ran
against the stake. Both the combatants found their way into the
corner of the ring. Here a little fibbing occurred, and Josh., after
a desperate struggle, succeeded in placing the Popper on the ground.
(The East-enders in high spirits, cheered their hero, and offered
five to two.)
2.—Hudson came piping to the scratch; his bad condition was visible
to all the ring. He was no longer the smashing hero as to effective
quality, and a pause was the result. He was now aware, but too late,
that he had treated his adversary too lightly, and also that Cannon
was not a novice as to prize milling. But, like a trump, acting upon
the good maxim that “dangers retreat when boldly they’re
confronted,” he stood up to his man with the true courage of a lion.
Cannon, extremely active, endeavoured to take the lead; but Josh.
made two good stops. The bargeman received a heavy topper; but he
would not be denied. A desperate rally occurred, and the claret
first made its appearance on Hudson’s lip. Josh. tried milling on
the retreat; but the bargeman rushed upon him, bored Hudson to the
ropes, and, after having the best of the hitting, got Josh. down,
and fell heavily on his abdomen. (The Windsor folks and Johnny Raws
now gave a loud shout for joy. “Why, Cannon, you fell on a soft
place, didn’t you? a feather-bed, wasn’t it?”)
3.—The last fall distressed Hudson so much that he appeared scarcely
to have a puff of wind left in his body; his face was also covered
with claret. The mind of Josh. was eager to administer punishment;
but his energy was leaving him fast. Cannon was determined to bustle
the John Bull boxer, and attacked him gaily. The bargeman saw the
exhausted situation of his opponent, and would not allow Hudson to
recover himself. Josh. retreated, but fighting all the time, till he
was bored to the ropes, when Cannon obtained the superiority so
clearly, that Josh. was fibbed severely down. The East-enders were
now on the funk: hopes and fears alternately succeeded; but
disinterested spectators were satisfied that Cannon must win.
4.—This was a good round. The blows of Hudson were heavy; and Cannon
found out, if not stopped, they were likely to prove dangerous. The
bargeman put in a sharp hit in the wind which made Josh. blow again;
however, Cannon’s mug showed the handiwork of Josh., and the claret
was conspicuous about it. Another rally, hit for hit, but which
ended to the advantage of Cannon, who again got Josh down. (The
Windsor folks were full of joy, and opened their mouths as wide as
barn-doors, vociferating, “You have done the job.”)
5.—Hudson, game as a pebble, stuck to his man like glue, and a
terrible rally was the finishing stroke of the round. Both down; by
a sudden effort of Hudson he threw Cannon over him.
6.—The bargeman was piping a little, but nothing in comparison to
his opponent. Some ugly thumps passed on both sides. In struggling
for the throw, Cannon was undermost. (“Well done, Josh.!”)
7.—Cannon found he had his work to do, although his adversary was so
fat and out of condition. Josh. stopped his attempts; but Cannon
bored in and nobbed Hudson. The latter in turn administered pepper;
however, in closing, the strength of the bargeman gave him the best
of it. He fibbed Hudson, got him across the ropes, and punished him
down. (“Foul, foul!” “Fair, fair!”)
8.—This was a fighting round altogether; but if Josh. put in a heavy
blow Cannon planted two for it. The John Bull boxer was punished
terribly till down. Twelve minutes and a half.
9.—In this early stage of the fight the backers of Hudson saw, with
tears in their ogles, that the chance was against him, therefore
they now had only his game to stand upon. In closing, both down.
10.—In all the previous battles of Hudson he was never so roughly
handled before, without returning the compliment. Josh. now felt
that his own weight was too much for his legs, and he staggered
about and missed two well-intended nobbers. Cannon, in a most
determined and clever style, floored the John Bull Fighter like a
shot. This blow operated like the shock of an earthquake upon the
nerves of the backers of Josh.; their peepers seemed too big for
their heads, and they stared like stuck pigs. (The odds were
dropped, and Cannon decidedly the favourite.)
11.—Hudson had not strength enough to follow up his wishes; indeed,
it was Sir John Falstaff in trouble. “Go it, my Joshy; it’s all your
own.” “You can lick twenty countrymen yet.” “When you say ‘No,’ it
will be a fine treat for Cannon;” and a thousand other things were
uttered to inspire the John Bull Fighter with new ardour for
conquest. But Josh. seemed to have lost all his chaffing—the
customer before him was rather too serious for a joke, and his time
was too much occupied to attempt to be funny. Hudson, full of pluck,
endeavoured resolutely to take the lead, and certainly was
mischievous; but the bargeman was too good: he had the best of it,
and threw Josh. across the ropes.
12.—This round was unimportant. Cannon slipped, and fell down while
attempting to plant a hit. (“He’s getting weak, Josh.; Cannon will
soon cut it.” “Walker,” replied Tom Cribb. “Cut it, indeed; why,
he’s won it. But never mind; go on, and you’ll soon find it out.”)
13.—This was a bang-up round on both sides, and Cannon full of
mischief. A terrible rally; no favours asked; hit for hit given,
till Hudson was almost abroad. In this rally Josh. put in a
tremendous facer, that for an instant Cannon seemed almost at a
stand-still, and in a state of stupor. He, however, recovered, and
got Hudson down. The Windsor folks were now all happiness, laughing
at the poor Cockneys and the knowing ones. During the time Cannon
was on the ground he also showed great distress; and if Hudson had
possessed anything like his strength in former battles, he might
have gone in now with a great chance of winning. But poor Josh., on
leaving the knee of his second, was twice as much exhausted as
Cannon; the chance and betting was now six to four against him.
14.—Nothing else but hammering on both sides. Hudson tried the
pepper-box, but the Cayenne was wanting. Josh. retreated from
wisty-castors, but Cannon would not be denied. Hudson received a
tremendous nobber that made his peepers roll again, and the upper
works of Master Cannon were a little disordered. In closing, Hudson
got his nob through the ropes, and in this unfortunate situation
Cannon played upon it as on a drum till he was tired, and then let
him down in a state of distress truly piteous.
15.—The exhausted state of Josh. at this period beggared
description. A gasp of breath seemed worth “a hundred” to him, so
dreadfully was he distressed. He was like a man almost suffocated
with asthma. Yet, anxious for victory, in opposition to the powerful
effects of nature against his mind, he came to the scratch full of
pluck. Cannon determined to turn everything to good account, again
put Josh. on the bustle. He closed with the John Bull Fighter, and
fibbed him down till nearly all the wind in his body had deserted
him. (Two to one on Cannon.)
16.—The bargeman had taken several good doses, and was a little
sickish; but, nevertheless, he was the best man now—a guinea to a
shilling. Hudson’s bottom was good to the end of the chapter; but it
might be urged he was fighting for breath as well as for glory. It
was impossible he could win: he was almost choked with fat. The
bargeman planted a nobber that made the John Bull boxer quite
abroad; fibbed him till he was tired, and finally floored Josh. with
the utmost ease. The bargemen, the yokels, and the Windsor folk
united in one general shout for Cannon, and offered any odds. It was
Windsor Castle, the Great Park, and all the deer in the bargain, to
a potato patch against Hudson, and no chance to win.
17 and last.—The exit of the John Bull boxer from the ropes was at
hand. He was brought up to the scratch with great difficulty. Hudson
still showed fight, but it was little more than putting up his
hands. Cannon, very unlike a novice, saw there was no time to lose;
he rushed in and administered pepper, then, with a tremendous blow
on the side of the head, he floored his opponent. Oliver and Randall
picked up Josh., but he was nearly insensible, and when time was
called he could not come to the scratch. Some little demur took
place, and also some time elapsed in debate between the umpires on
the subject; but Spring being appealed to as a referee, decided that
Cannon was the conqueror. The bargeman left the ring amidst the
shouts of the populace, and was driven off the ground in the
barouche of his patron, with the colours flying, etc.
REMARKS.—
“Can such things be,
And overcome us like a summer’s cloud,
Without our special wonder?”
The John Bull Fighter defeated by an “outside” boxer in twenty
minutes and a half. Tell it not in the West! Hear it not in the
East! How are the mighty fallen! How will the yokels triumph! and
how will the Cockneys get rid of their grief? It is a severe lesson
for the John Bull Fighter. Want of condition was the ruin of
Broughton. We trust it will not prove the overthrow of Joshua, and
hope he will be remembered for what he has done, and have another
shy to recover his lost laurel. In the above battle the only thing
sound in the John Bull Fighter was his heart; and with all the
dilapidating powers of Messrs. Sherry, Black Strap, and Co., added
to their immense partnerships and overflowing capital of eau-de-vie,
daffy, ginger-beer, heavy-wet, etc., they had not subdued that
invaluable article, the heart of the brave but fallen Joshua Hudson.
But it should seem that his friends, instead of training the John
Bull of the P.R., rather adopted the mode pursued by the members of
the Agricultural Society, in fattening prize animals for the
Smithfield Show. We were told Hudson had nothing to fight against—a
mere novice, a muff, a yokel; in fact, anything but a milling cove.
Under this mistaken notion, the heart of Josh. intimated to him it
was no matter if he was as big and as full of turtle-soup as an
alderman, or possessed the rotundity of abdomen of a Falstaff. He
had only to peel in the ring, show his laughing, jolly face, fight a
few rounds to put the polish on his adversary, and the battle was
his own. Josh. trusted alone to his heart, and if that only had been
wanted, his out-and-out true courage doubtless would have brought
him through the piece. If the truth can be ascertained, we verily
believe he weighed nearly, if not quite, fifteen stone. He is almost
twice as big at the present period as at the time he commenced
fighting in 1816. It is true, Josh. cannot be compared to, or called
a second Daniel Lambert; but it will not be disputed that he bears a
great resemblance to George Colman’s “Two Single Gentlemen rolled
into One.” In a word, want of condition prevented him from having a
chance of winning the battle; but it is the opinion of many judges
of prize-fighting that Cannon is too good a man for Josh. under any
circumstances. This opinion, of course, remains to be decided. After
the first round, it appeared to us that all his former gaiety of
manner had left him; and towards the conclusion of the battle he hit
completely round, scarcely knowing what he was about, and quite
abroad. His fine courage never deserted him, and nature kept up the
desire for glory to the last effort. In the ring Hudson did all that
a man could perform. His backers have no right to find fault with
him for being beaten, however they may feel disposed to quarrel with
him for his neglect of training. Josh. was severely punished about
the head: but all the milling he received in the battle was a trifle
light as air compared to the punishment of his mind. The “Popper,”
in reality, proved himself a Cannon, produced a loud report, went
off well, hit numbers of persons much harder than they expected, and
left the field of battle with the proud title of conqueror affixed
to it. No man has been more mistaken in being termed “a novice” than
Cannon: his conduct in the ring rather showed him master of the
ground than otherwise, and he never let a chance escape him. He will
prove an ugly customer for any antagonist. Cannon hits out, and hard
too, with his left hand, not inferior to Josh. Hudson. The bargeman
ought rather to be praised for his courage and his ambition, as
things have turned out, than sneered at for his presumption. Cannon
selected Hudson as an opponent, notwithstanding the high-sounding
pretensions of the latter, and the great fame he had acquired in the
milling circles, as a boxer worthy of his attack. In obtaining the
victory, his judgment has proved to be correct. It is worthy of
remark, that during the time of the battle between Ward and Hudson,
Cannon loudly observed, “If they call this fighting, I think I can
lick both of them.” And again, when in training at Virginia Water,
he met with Langan, to whom he said, “I wish you was as sure of
winning your fight as I am of beating Josh. Hudson.” Cannon is much
indebted to his worthy patron, Mr. Hayne, for the high condition in
which he entered the ring, and also for some valuable tuition. The
veteran Bill Richmond, we believe, endeavoured to put Cannon awake
to the movements of the ring; and White-headed Bob, who had him
under his care while training, tried to make the bargeman “fly.” It
is said Cannon’s ambition is gratified, and that he does not intend
again to appear in the P.R.
We may here note that the same week that witnessed the downfal of Josh.
Hudson saw the defeat of Barney Aaron by Arthur Matthewson, of
Birmingham, and of Phil. Sampson, beaten by Jem Ward, a remarkable
series of miscalculations by the knowing ones.
Hudson met Cannon in the spectators’ part of the Fives Court, at
Richmond’s benefit (June 29, 1824), when he told the Windsor hero he
would fight him in three months for £200 a-side. Cannon replied, “His
master had said he should not fight under £500; but for himself, he
should not mind fighting Josh. for any sum.” In consequence of this
conversation, the following letter appeared in _Pierce Egan’s Life in
London_.
“SIR,—
“In answer to Mr. Hudson’s letter, inserted in your valuable paper
of Sunday last, I have only to observe that my patron and backer,
Mr. Hayne, will not allow me to fight under £500 a-side.
“I cannot conceive how Mr. Hudson should be at a loss to make good
his stakes. Surely, after the chaffing of Mr. Randall at the Fives
Court, where he volunteered to come forward to the tune of £300, and
the calls Mr. Hudson intends making in the northern, southern,
eastern, and western parts of the kingdom, there will be little
difficulty (with the fifty my backer presents to him) in his making
up his money.
“Mr. Hudson expressed a wish that I should name a day and place to
make a deposit for the mill; I therefore name Mr. Cribb’s, in Panton
Street, on Tuesday, the 17th of this month, when I shall be armed
with the ready to any amount that may accommodate Mr. Hudson.
“I beg to take this opportunity of assuring the sporting world that,
should I enter the lists again with Mr. Hudson (and which I heartily
desire may be the case), that it will be my last turn-up in the
prize ring.
“I have to apologize for taking up so much of your valuable paper,
but feeling it essentially necessary that something like a decisive
and perfectly understood answer should be given to Mr. Hudson and
the fancy, I have trespassed thus far.
“And am, sir, your obedient humble servant,
“THOMAS CANNON.
“_August 4, 1824._”
The sporting world at the east end of the town were so confident as to
the success of the “John Bull Fighter,” in his second contest with
Cannon, that, in addition to the liberal gift of £50 by Mr. Hayne, they
made up the remaining £450 without delay, and the battle was fixed for
Tuesday, November 23, 1824. It was proposed by Mr. Hayne that the men
should fight on a stage, a proposal induced by the fact that in the
former fight some friends of Josh. had cut the ropes when they found the
fates were adverse to their pet, and had attempted to create a
disturbance and wrangle. The proposition was at once acceded to by the
real backers of Hudson, who had not been parties to the misconduct of
his admirers; and it was stipulated in the articles that the battle
should come off on a stage, similar to that on which Spring and Langan
fought at Chichester. Matters having been thus amicably arranged, Josh.
went into close training, determined to do all that could be done to get
himself into fitting condition to justify the confidence that had been
placed in him. Cannon, who, from following the calling of a bargee at
Windsor, had been elevated to the dignity of gamekeeper to Mr. Hayne,
also took immense pains with himself. Josh. had to reduce himself to the
extent of about twenty pounds, and this task he manfully accomplished,
and his weight on the day of battle was exactly thirteen stone ten
pounds. His condition was such that his friends backed him in some cases
at five to four, and commonly at guineas to pounds. Cannon, like his
antagonist, was also in prime twig: he had not a superfluous ounce of
flesh, and his weight was thirteen stone one pound.
The nomination of the place of fighting was left to Mr. Jackson, who
received applications from sundry places to bring the mill to certain
districts. Among other towns, Andover, Peterborough, and Warwick were
liberal in their offers of reward to the men. At length the advantages
appeared in favour of Warwick, and thither accordingly Mr. Jackson
ordered that the men should proceed. The race-course was, as in the case
of Spring and Langan at Worcester, preferred as the scene of action, and
an agent was sent down from London, who, in conjunction with the clerk
of the course and a committee of gentlemen, made the requisite
arrangements.
As it was expected that Barney Aaron and Dick Curtis were to fight on
the same stage as the big ones—although in the end this battle did not
take place—of course the spectacle was doubly attractive, and the
attendance proportionably great. For admission to the grand stand the
charge was 10_s._, while to the different wagons round the outer ring
the figure varied from 2_s._ 6_d._ to 5_s._ The proceeds of the
standings in wagons were divided equally between the boxers and the ring
constables. The regulations for preserving order were first-rate, as, in
addition to the knights of the mawley themselves, there were twenty-five
regular constables with their staves of office to assist. The men
arrived on the ground about half-past twelve o’clock, and shortly
afterwards mounted the stage; Josh. attended by Peter Crawley and Phil.
Sampson, and Cannon waited upon by Tom Spring and Tom Cribb. Mr.
Woodward was chosen umpire for Josh., and Captain Radford for Cannon,
and these two gentlemen nominated “the squire,” Osbaldeston, of racing
and hunting renown, to be referee. These were the days when the
patronage of sporting men raised the character of the assemblages at the
ring-side. Mr. Jackson, to fill up the interval of expectancy, called
upon Jem Ward to show his arm to the amateurs. That boxer did so, and an
eminent surgeon of the vicinity pronounced its symmetry to excel any arm
he had ever seen. Tom Oliver also stripped, and Mr. Jackson placed him
in various attitudes to exhibit the action and beauty of the muscles of
the trunk and arms. The arms of “White-headed Bob” (Ned Baldwin) and of
Phil. Sampson were shown, and declared to be studies for the sculptor
and modeller of the highest interest. On stripping, Cannon was obviously
in the better condition. His flesh was hard as ivory, and as clear and
bright. Josh. looked perfectly well, but it was evident he might have
spared a few more pounds with advantage. He was, nevertheless, as we
have said, the favourite at five to four. We have preferred the report
of _Bell’s Life_ to the rhapsodical farrago of “Boxiana,” as more
practical, actual, and life-like.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—The men threw themselves into position; Josh. with a sort
of rolling guard, Cannon with his fists straight before him. Each
eyed the other with a determined regard, and the brows of both
portended mischief.
“With daddles high uprais’d, and nob held back,
With awful prescience of th’ impending thwack,
Both kiddies stood, and with prelusive spar
And light manœuvring, kindled up the war.”
Cannon was clearly resolved to lose no time; he advanced towards
Josh. Josh. retreated, to draw his man; but Cannon was not to be
out-generalled: he was steady, and followed his enemy. He at last
hit out with his right, and caught Josh. on the sneezer. Josh.
countered, but did not make much impression. Cannon then fought with
his left, and a bustling rally followed, in which there were some
straight and forcible returns. Josh. found it was no joke, and
having been followed to the rails, he turned round quickly and met
his man in another direction. Cannon followed him, and caught him
again on the snout, drawing first blood. Josh., nothing abashed, met
his antagonist manfully, and some desperate, but not scientific
hitting followed. At last Josh. went in for the close, and after a
slight struggle both fell, Cannon under. It was again proved that
Cannon was no _petit maître_, and Josh.’s sconce exhibited woeful
marks of his meaning. Cannon, too, had a mark under his left eye.
2.—The men came up with courage, but Cannon appeared most collected.
Little time was lost in sparring. Josh. broke ground with his right,
tipped Cannon on the left eye and got away. Cannon followed him, and
returned the compliment, when a heavy tussle again took place, smack
for smack, and no attempt at stopping. It was regular tuck-mill
hammering, and all head-fighting. Cannon was still busy with his
man, and, in closing, a sharp tussle followed, in which both were
down, Josh. under.
3.—Josh., on coming to the scratch, was observed to pipe, although
not much distressed. He did not wait to gain breath, however, but
rattled in manfully to
“Seek the bubble reputation,
E’en in the Cannon’s mouth;”
and placed a tremendous hit on the Great Gun’s eye, which drew his
cork and produced a general cheer from the Joshuaites. Cannon took
it kindly, and rushed forward with alacrity; he hit Josh. on the
potato trap, which drew forth another purple stream. This led to an
unsparing rally, in which both men gave and took with astonishing
fortitude. Josh., in this tussle, again received heavily on the
muzzle, and was about to return, when Cannon, from the slippery
state of the boards, fell on his knees.
4.—Both came up in true John Bull style, Cannon preserving his
original straight-forward guard, and Josh. working for an opening.
He got it, and caught Cannon on the nob. Cannon took without
flinching, and returned with activity. It was a fine specimen of
unshrinking courage on both sides, and slashing hits succeeded each
other, right and left. In the end, Cannon slipped down, while Josh.
stood firmly on his legs. Some thought this was a knock-down blow,
but the fall was attributable only to the wetness of the stage.
Josh. was loudly cheered by his friends.
5.—Cannon was first on his legs when time was called, but in rising
showed the punishing effects of the last round; still he was fresher
than Josh., and commenced his handiwork, and as he scorned to stop,
Josh. countered terrifically on his right ogle. Another desperate
interchange took place, till the men closed. After a vigorous
wrestle, Cannon threw his man close to the rails. Poor Josh. fell on
his face, and the crimson spurted from his mouth.
6.—Many thought it was all up with Josh. in the last round; but his
seconds were on the alert, screwed his nob to the right bearing, and
he again came up with undiminished courage, although a very ugly
study for an artist. He rushed to his man with true game, and in his
characteristic style planted a heavy blow on Cannon’s left cheek,
close to the eye, on which he inflicted a cut, and nearly shut up
that shop. Cannon was again active, and followed his man to the
stakes, when a rally followed, and ultimately Josh. went down on his
hands and knees. Both were weak.
7.—Both men on reaching the scratch were distressed, but Josh.’s
bellows went the fastest. Josh. retreated, and was closely followed;
he, however, hit straight from his shoulder, and made his mark; but
Cannon, nothing behind, returned the compliment with a terrific
sneezer. A grapple followed, and Josh. was severely hit, and fell
heavily.
8.—It was now manifest to all that Cannon was the strongest man and
in the best condition, and the backers of Josh. began to take an
affectionate farewell of their blunt; in fact, the good judges
thought Josh. had no chance. On coming to the assault, however, both
men were groggy, and although they interchanged blows, the effect
was not very apparent. A gentle tap on Cannon’s old sore assisted in
completing that part of the mark, and the eye was completely closed.
Cannon now bored in with undeniable spirit, and a struggle took
place for the fall. Josh. had the advantage, and threw Cannon, but
afterwards rolled over him. The fall was not of an effective
character.
9.—Cannon came up fresher than Josh., and mutual blows were given,
neither shrinking from their weight. It was all tussle and
punishment. Cannon at last slipped down, and it was still thought
probable that Josh. might come round and win.
10.—Both came up dreadfully punished, Cannon’s remaining ogle
getting the worse for wear, and Josh. distilling the Burgundy in
half a dozen directions. Again did the men show their unshaken
fortitude: there was no retreating, but milling in the first style.
At last they came to a stand-still, and their blows were as
powerless as if they wore the gloves. In the close both went down,
Cannon under.
11.—Cannon’s left cheek, on coming to the scratch, was bleeding, but
still he was first to the call, and again showed his superiority of
condition by his active readiness. He rushed in to fight, but was
met boldly by Josh., and interchanges followed. Cannon, in getting
away, slipped on his crupper a third time: his shoes were without
spikes or nails, which rendered this accident more frequent.
12.—Both came up steady, but Josh. was “piping all hands.” A longer
spar, or rather stand-still, took place in this round, before
commencing, than had occurred during the fight. At last Cannon let
fly with his right on Josh.’s canister, and Josh. returned heavily
on his smeller. (“Well done, Josh.”) Bustle followed—tap and
tap—when Cannon once more slipped down.
13.—Sparring for breath. Josh. on the retreat. At length Cannon
delivered an ugly compliment with his left on Josh.’s mug. Josh.
returned, and they both fought to the stakes. They here showed their
resolution and their disinclination to “take it easy;” and at length
Cannon slipped down. Both were dreadfully punished, but Josh.’s
physog. exhibited the strongest marks of seasoning—it was peppered
all over.
14.—Cannon hit Josh. with his left, and Josh. countered with his
right. In a rally, Cannon hit and slipped, but brought up before he
reached the boards, and rushing again to his man with thorough game,
evidently showed his heart to be in the right place. Good milling
followed, and both went down distressed. Nothing could equal the
goodness of Josh.’s nature, but he was evidently on the wane. Both
men, in fact, hit till there was not a hit left, and in this round
Josh.’s head came heavily in contact with one of the side stakes.
(The odds were now two and three to one on Cannon, but there was not
much betting.)
15.—Josh, had clearly booked himself for a suit in chancery; but
Sampson exclaimed that he was better on coming to the mark. Both
were anxious for the affray, and, rushing in, they struggled to the
stakes, where several hits were exchanged; but neither of the men
were capable of doing execution. They embraced, not very lovingly,
and struggled hard for the fall. Josh. got it, and fell on his man,
but the exertion did him more harm than good, and Cannon was not
much hurt.
16 and last.—The men fought to the stakes, and here they hit at each
other, change for change, like smiths at an anvil, but they were
both powerless in their blows. Josh., however, was evidently in the
worst state, and was reduced to a complete doldrum. At last they
broke from the stakes, and Cannon, grappling his man, threw him a
tremendous fall, dropping on him as he fell. It was now all UP.
Josh.’s head had come in contact with the boards, and his frame was
shaken to a stand-still. Sampson picked him up, and did all he could
to awaken him to time. It was in vain, however: his time for
fighting had ceased, and he could come no more. Cannon did not seem
conscious that it was all over, and advanced to the scratch. Spring,
however, threw up his hat, and a general shout announced the
termination of the contest, in a few seconds under twenty minutes.
Cannon had some heavy bets on himself, and has cleared upwards of
£1,000 by his exertions, which will tile him for the rest of his
life. All the knowing ones were floored: they made certain of
Josh.’s success, and backed him in large sums. The East-enders were
dreadfully chop-fallen at this second disappointment of their hopes,
and downfal to their pride. Little was said, but the elongation of
faces and shrugging of shoulders afforded sufficient evidence of
what was felt.
REMARKS.—With regard to the character of this fight little is to be
said beyond an unqualified eulogium on the bravery of both the men.
In the first round it was clear that Cannon was the best man, and
that his confidence in himself had not been misplaced. Neither of
them showed science: it was, in the true sense of the word, a John
Bull affair, in which giving and taking was the only study. He who
could give and take most proved to be the best man. Praise is
equally due to the one and to the other; and we consider that
Cannon’s success is attributable solely to his superior condition.
Josh. could not bear to be reduced beyond a certain point; and by
his training at this late season of the year, whatever might be his
appearance at first sight, he had evidently weakened his
constitution. Cannon is not a showy fighter, but he holds his hands
up well before him, and in a rally he is always doing a little. He
was heavily punished, and was removed in the carriage of his backer
to the Regent Hotel, Leamington, and under the medical care of Mr.
Jeffson he recovered from his injuries in a shorter time than could
have been expected. Hudson was taken to the Castle Inn, Warwick, and
put to bed.
On November 29, 1824, Cannon left London with £750 of his winnings, with
the intention of opening a tavern at Windsor, with Mrs. Cannon.
Early in 1825 (February 15), in compliance with a desire of the
amateurs, Tom Cannon gave a sparring exhibition at the Fives Court, in
which Josh. and himself fought their battle of Warwick over again with
the mufflers. Josh. was pronounced, despite his fat, to have the best of
the “science,” but the activity was with Cannon. “Bravo, Josh.!” at each
hit or stop, resounded from all parts of the Court at each manœuvre of
the old favourite. The bills and advertisements were headed “Tom Cannon,
the Champion of England,” and a challenge for £1,000 was given to any
disputant of his title. The door-money was over £100, exclusive of the
sale of private tickets.
Cannon now went on a tour, after winning a foot-race of 200 yards with
“Squire Smith,” at Shepperton, for a stake of £20 a-side, February 19,
1825, in handsome style. In the following month we find him at Brighton,
with his patron, Mr. Hayne, where matches at billiards and wrestling had
been made by Mr. Hayne with a well-known Irish adventurer, Mr. Carney.
At billiards Mr. Hayne had chosen the celebrated Jonathan (Kentfield) as
his representative. It would appear that Mr. Carney caught Mr. Hayne
“upon the bustle” early one morning, and backed himself for 100 guineas,
p. p., 100 up, Mr. Hayne to find a player who should give him (Carney)
70 points! and this without consulting Jonathan on the matter. At the
same time Mr. Hayne backed Cannon to wrestle with Mr. Carney, “collar
and elbow,” for £50 a-side, “best of three falls.” Jonathan, winning the
toss, named his own table in Manchester Street, for the trial of skill.
There was a great muster of sporting men on Thursday, March 24, 1825,
and ten to one was betted that Mr. Hayne would forfeit. There was little
betting on the play, as it was the general opinion that the odds were
preposterously great. Cannon offered £20 to £15 that Carney won. The
affair was over in eighteen minutes, Carney winning straight “off the
balls,” so soon as he got the cue in hand. Carney played with judgment
and coolness, and won the match with credit to himself. He declined
another match with forty given. With regard to the wrestling, the
following placard was posted in Brighton:
“Ireland’s Royal Grounds will be a scene of great attraction this day
(Thursday). A wrestling match, for a heavy stake, will take place
between Cannon from Windsor (the celebrated pugilist) and a sporting
gentleman amateur from Ireland, at two o’clock; the best of three falls.
In addition to which, the art of self-defence will be exhibited by
White-headed Bob and Gaynor, with other gymnastic sports. Price of
admission, 2_s._ The large room will be appropriated entirely for the
ladies who may honour the above manly exhibition with their presence.
Every attention will be paid to render the amusements highly interesting
to the visitors.”
The crowd at “Ireland’s Ground” was immense, and there was no end of
wrangle as to the true definition of “collar and elbow,” the Carney
division determining to have “the pull” on their side, if possible. Then
arose the question as to whether the game allowed the elegant and humane
practice of kicking each other’s shins. Mister Carney had come with his
legs swathed in woollen list; but at last Cannon took off his boots,
Carney divested himself of his bandages and heavy shoes, and it was
finally settled that the umpires should place the hands of the wrestlers
on each other’s shoulders and elbows, and leave them. Cannon was dressed
in a new jacket and breeches, without any handkerchief on his neck.
Carney wore an old blue dress coat and light pantaloons; his fine figure
was much admired. We remember him well about town, in his fatter and
latter days, when he was a constant frequenter of “Silver Hell,” near
Leicester Square, and perpetually engaged in legal or personal war with
the notorious Barnard Gregory and the _Satirist_ newspaper; his six feet
of height, and fifteen or sixteen stone of weight, still marking him as
an opponent one would rather let alone than challenge.
There was little in the match to call for description. Cannon declared
he did not understand the style of wrestling. After a short struggle,
Carney succeeded in tripping his man, and bringing him almost sideways
to the ground. Cannon denied it was a “back fall.” The umpires
disagreed, but the referee gave it to Carney. £10 to £5, and then £30 to
£10, were offered on Carney. After some play the men were down in a
scrambling fall; Cannon was on his knees, and Carney fell over him. This
was declared “No fall.” The third and deciding bout was more spirited.
Cannon tried to show off, but Carney, with great activity, “heeled” his
man so cleverly, that down went “the Great Gun” clean on his back.
Cannon jumped up, and with the utmost good humour exclaimed that he had
lost the match. He repeated that “he didn’t understand the game.” The
whole was over in eight minutes.
White-headed Bob and Gaynor next made their bows, and set-to. The
talents of the “White-nobbed One” gave him the best of it, although
Gaynor exerted himself to give satisfaction. It was expected Cannon
would have had a turn with Baldwin; but “the Great Gun” immediately set
off for the metropolis. Five-and-twenty pounds were collected at the
doors, which were distributed among the candidates for fame, Mr. Ireland
reserving one-fifth for the use of his grounds. Mr. Carney, however,
generously made the host a present of his share.
Cannon’s pretensions to the championship were not allowed to remain
unchallenged. Jem Ward put in his claim, and, as already recorded,[42]
on July 19, 1825, at Warwick, Cannon was defeated, in ten rounds,
occupying ten minutes only. The heat of the weather was so intense that
several persons fainted and were carried from the ground. Cannon stood
£200 of his own money, and £200 in his backer’s bets. During the dispute
at Tattersall’s about the stakes, Tom publicly said, that as £200 of the
battle-money belonged to him, _that_ should be given to Ward, whatever
might be done with the rest. He added, that he should like another trial
with Ward, but that he had lost all his spare cash.
In August, 1825, Tom Cannon and Peter Crawley “starred” it at the Coburg
(now the Victoria) Theatre in a piece called “The fight at Warwick,”
which, we are told, was attractive and lucrative to the management.[43]
Cannon’s next match was with Ned Neale (see Life of NEALE, _post_), the
Streatham Youth, which was decided in an enclosure at Warfield, Berks,
February 20, 1827. Neale proved the winner in thirty minutes, after
twenty-two hard-fought rounds. The odds were at one time in Tom’s
favour, who attributed his defeat to a severe hurt in the shoulder from
a heavy fall.
This was Cannon’s last public appearance as principal within the ropes.
In November, 1827, Tom seconded Jem Burn in his second fight with Ned
Neale, on the same ground at Warfield. The day was wretchedly damp and
wintry, and Cannon caught so severe a cold that he was laid up with
lumbago, and for several months was a cripple. Cannon still found a
friend in Mr. Hayne. Though that gentleman had retired from “the turf
and ring,” he placed him in the Castle, in Jermyn Street, St. James’s.
Here, through his civility and attention, he was well supported for a
time; but Tom’s friends wore off, and new ones came not. His health,
too, was precarious, and he retired from business, not upon a
competency, we regret to say. For nearly eighteen years Tom disappeared
from an active part in ring affairs, and resided at Strand-on-the-Green,
in the capacity of a swan-watcher for the Corporation. Severe attacks of
the gout and rheumatism disqualifying him from all exertion, he fell
into a state of hypochondria, and on Sunday, the 11th of July, 1858,
terminated his existence by suicide with a pistol, in the sixty-ninth
year of his age, leaving a constant and attentive widow in narrow
circumstances to lament his loss. Jem Burn and some other friends of the
old school kindly strove to alleviate her forlorn condition.
[Illustration]