CHAPTER IV.
GEORGE COOPER—1812–1825.
The pugilistic position of George Cooper at one period placed him in the very first rank. He was a pupil of Paddington Jones, and afterwards a particular favourite with Bill Richmond, who declared him “the best natural fighter” he had ever met with.
Cooper was a native of Stone, in Staffordshire. His height, five feet ten inches; his weight, twelve stone. On the other hand, his constitution did not come up to his other qualifications. He trained badly; and, being a temperate man, seemed really better in his physique when left alone than when subject to systematic diet and discipline. In fact, George Cooper, as Captain Barclay most expressively termed it, “trained off,” instead of “on.”
Cooper’s first appearance in the prize-ring ropes was on the 15th of December, 1812, at Combe Warren, with Harry Lancaster, for a subscription purse of 85 guineas. On this occasion George was seconded by his tutors, Paddington Jones and Bill Richmond; Lancaster was waited upon by Jack Lancaster and Cropley. From the superior boxing capabilities of Cooper, the contest was over in seventeen minutes and a half. Lancaster had, however, not only the length of his opponent, and equal weight, but possessed the advantage of standing over him. Lancaster commenced milling with much gaiety, and endeavoured to nob Cooper in a sharp rally, but the latter stopped his onset with great neatness, and ultimately floored him. In short, throughout the fight, Harry had but little chance of success, although he planted several severe blows on Cooper’s head. The steadiness of Cooper, the excellent use he made of both hands, the science he portrayed in stopping, and the quickness and severity of his returns, were the admiration of all present. Lancaster could not once take the lead, and retired from the ring with heavy marks of punishment.
GEORGE COOPER.
Cooper derived considerable fame from this first attempt, and he was next matched as a competent competitor for Tom Oliver, for a subscription purse, at Moulsey Hurst, on May 15, 1813. It was a truly determined battle (see life of Tom Oliver, Period V.), and at one period of the fight, his superiority was so great, that it was thought almost impossible for Cooper to lose it; however, one tremendous blow defeated him. The victory seemed as if stolen from Cooper, so nearly did it appear within his grasp.
Cooper now entered the lists with Jay, on the termination of the battle between Painter and Oliver, at Shepperton Range, on Tuesday, the 17th of May, 1814, for a purse of 25 guineas, given by the Pugilistic Club.
On the first appearance of Jay, at Rickmansworth, when he defeated Fuller, it was thought that he bade fair to obtain a high position on the roll of pugilistic fame. His unquestionable strength, firmness of position, and severity of hitting, were great traits in his favour; and, even in his second contest with Fuller, when he experienced a reverse of fortune, and was compelled to yield to superior science, he claimed respect for his great gameness. In the hands of Cooper, however, Jay appeared a mere commoner, and few traces of his former milling were visible. In the short space of eight minutes he was punished out of all conceit of himself and the purse, declaring he had had enough, while Cooper retired from the ring with scarcely a scratch on his face. The spectators were completely astonished at the finishing qualities of Cooper. It should, however, in fairness, be stated that Jay felt so much depression at his defeat by Fuller, that he took no care of himself, and was never afterwards in anything like condition to enter the prize ring.
Shortly after the above battle Cooper went to Scotland, where he opened a school for teaching the art of self-defence. At Edinburgh, in particular, his conduct was much praised: it not only gained him many patrons and backers, but his school was well attended.
A match was proposed between Cooper and Carter for £100 a-side, both being at Edinburgh; but it went off in consequence of the bad state of health of the former. It was generally supposed that this would have proved a fight of great equality.
The patrons of pugilism, anxious to witness a prize battle in Scotland, entered into a subscription purse for that purpose, to be fought for by Cooper and Molineaux. This mill took place at Corsethill, Lanarkshire, March 10, 1815. Early in the morning the fancy were on the alert, and not a drag or a nag was to be had in Edinburgh by nine o’clock. Thousands pedestrianised it before daylight, so as to arrive in time, and numbers, it seems, went on a wrong scent and sailed for Inchkeith. At half-past twelve Cooper and Molineaux appeared in the ring, and at fourteen minutes before one, shook hands and set-to. Oliver and a Yorkshireman seconded Cooper; and Joe Ward and Richmond picked up Molineaux. Six to four on the black.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—Silence prevailed, and the Caledonians appeared anxiously interested to witness the opening attack. Considerable sparring took place, both being aware of the milling talents possessed by the other. Molineaux commenced offensive operations right and left, and Cooper, in return, put in a sharp bodier, but, in slipping, received a hit which sent him under the ropes.
2.—Milling without ceremony, and both the combatants on their mettle. Molineaux planted a sharp nobber, but received for this favour two tremendous rib-roasters, that made him wince again and gasp for breath. Some blows were exchanged; in closing, both down.
3.—Molineaux, with the most determined spirit, kept fighting at his opponent’s head; while Cooper directed most of his blows at the body. Some heavy hits passed, and, in a desperate rally against the ropes, the claret was first observed upon Cooper; however, the round was finished to his advantage, for he hit the man of colour through the ropes. (Seven to four upon Cooper.)
4.—Molineaux appeared at the scratch rather distressed from the last round. Cooper, full of gaiety, took the lead, and floored Molineaux in grand style. (Two to one on Cooper.)
5.—The superiority of Cooper was conspicuous. He stopped the fury of the Black with skill, nobbed him at will, and again hit the man of colour down. (Any odds on Cooper.)
6.—Molineaux was growing weak. Cooper having the best of him, eventually put in a tremendous facer, which floored the Black like a shot.
7 to 9.—In all these rounds the best of the fighting was decidedly on the part of Cooper. Molineaux was hit down every round.
10.—The Black, still determined, rallied Cooper against the ropes, and some hard fighting followed; but Cooper planted so desperate a blow on his opponent’s body, that he went down quite rolled up, his head falling against the stake.
11.—Molineaux, despite his defects and falling off, astonished the ring from the gallant manner he fought this round. Some terrible exchanges of blows were witnessed, when the Black again rallied Cooper to the ropes. In closing, Molineaux was severely fibbed, but broke from his antagonist cleverly, and ultimately floored Cooper by a heavy blow upon his face. From great exertion, however, Molineaux fell exhausted. This rather reduced the odds.
12.—Cooper appeared at the scratch eager to finish the Black, whom he nobbed repeatedly, and completely hit off his legs. The man of colour was sick, and brandy was given him to recruit his declining spirits. (Any odds, but no takers.)
13.—Molineaux was sent down as soon as he toed the scratch.
14 and last.—The Black could scarcely leave the knee of his second, and, upon meeting his man, he was again floored. The battle was thus at an end, twenty minutes only having elapsed.
From the superior style of Cooper in this battle, he rose high in the opinion of the Scotch fancy, and, on this occasion, he entered the ring in good condition. Molineaux trusted principally to his weight and length, neglecting any preparatory care of his health, so that the right-handed body blows of Cooper proved irresistible. The tourney was well conducted, and afforded a high treat to the northern admirers of boxing.
A few months after the above battle, while on a sparring tour in Ireland, a match was made between Cooper and Dan Donnelly, the champion of Ireland, which took place on the Curragh of Kildare, on the 13th December, 1815, as noticed in the memoir of Donnelly. Cooper, after a desperate struggle, was defeated. The advantages of size and weight were much on the side of Donnelly.
In June, 1816, Cooper returned to England, when it was expected a match would have been made between him and Harry Harmer, but, in consequence of not meeting with a customer of any description, he once more directed his steps towards his patrons in Scotland, where he was again well received and liberally patronised. He was at length matched with Robinson (a man of colour) who had gained considerable notoriety from two contests with the Lancashire hero, Carter—particularly the latter one, a match against time (half an hour)—although defeated in both instances. The Caledonian fanciers, like the metropolitan high-bred swells, were all in motion at an early period to witness this black and white game, and an unusually strong muster of amateurs of all pedigrees, from the laird of broad acres to the more humble “bonnie chiel,” were seen “trotting along the road,” so great was the anxiety to view these heroes of the “London ring” exhibit their acquirements in self-defence. Considerable betting took place previous to the fight; but whatever opinions might have been entertained by the patrons of pugilism in Scotland respecting the milling qualities of Robinson, it should seem the more experienced ones in England viewed the match in question as a certainty, and booked it Cooper must win in style. They asserted that Robinson had no peculiar boxing trait to rely upon, nor even a shadow of chance, except from superior strength. Anticipation, in this instance, was justified by the event; for Robinson was beaten off-hand, with the same ease that Cooper disposed of Jay.
On Monday, the 24th of February, 1817, the men entered the ring, at one o’clock, attended by their respective seconds, in a twenty feet ring, at Costerton Houghhead, about fourteen miles from Edinburgh, for a purse of fifty guineas.
The style of Cooper proved a perfect treat to the Scotch admirers of boxing. His superiority was evident upon lifting up his hands, and putting himself in attitude; before the first round was finished all the spectators were perfectly satisfied what must be the result of the battle. It would be superfluous to detail the minutiæ of the rounds, short even as they proved, being only seven in number. Robinson, in the hands of Cooper, appeared no more than a fresh-caught novice,—indeed, George treated the capabilities of the man of colour with the most mortifying contempt; punished him severely in all directions, put in hits on every part he aimed at, and concluded every round so finishingly as to receive loud and repeated applause. Poor Robinson could only stop his opponent’s blows with his head or carcase, and only in one instance did he make anything like a successful return. He was floored every round; and it was universally admitted, that if Cooper had possessed that primary requisite for a fighting man, sound stamina, he would have been an equal competitor for anything either upon the Scotch or English list. From this elegant display of Cooper, the gentlemen composing the fancy, both south and north of Carlisle, felt anxious to back him against any one of his weight. It was remarked as somewhat curious, that Oliver beat Cooper, and Carter defeated Oliver; and again, Cooper conquered Molineaux, and Molineaux proved the victor in his contest with Carter.
Cooper, from the union of his superior practical knowledge of the art of self-defence and civil deportment, rendered himself an object of attraction in Scotland. As a teacher, he was well patronised; and, in consequence, fixed his residence for a time in that part of the kingdom.
Cooper, not meeting with any professional adversaries in Scotland or England, thought he might as well endeavour to pick up a little blunt in foreign parts; but whether George received his mission from the Champion, Tom Cribb, who took the chair[[150]] at the meeting to take into consideration the propriety of sending representatives of the fancy to “Congress,” we have not been able to ascertain.
“‘Gemmen,’ says he—Tom’s words you know,
Come, like his hitting, strong but slow—
‘Seeing as how those swells that made
Old Boney quit the hammering trade
(All prime ones in their own conceit),
Will shortly at the Congress meet—
(Some place that’s like the Finish, lads,
Where all your high pedestrian pads
That have been up and out all night,
Running their rigs among the rattlers,
At morning meet, and, honour bright,
Agreed to share the blunt and tatlers!)
Seeing as how, I say, these swells
Are soon to meet, by special summons,
To chime together, like ‘hell bells,’
And laugh at all mankind as rum ones,
I see no reason, when such things
Are going on among these kings,
Why we, who’re of the fancy lay,
As dead hands at a mill as they,
And quite as ready after it,
To share the spoil and grab the bit,
Should not be there to join the chat—
To see at least what fun they’re at—
And help their Majesties to find
New modes of punishing mankind.
What say you, lads, is any spark
Among you ready for a lark
To this same Congress?—Caleb, Joe,
Bill, Bob, what say you?—yes, or no?”
Of course we have a right to suppose that Cooper, Carter, and Gregson, were among the “Ayes,” on this motion of the Champion’s, as appears from the following account:—
“In the Great Hall, at Aix-la-Chapelle, Cooper, Carter, and Gregson, in the month of October, 1818, exhibited before Prince Metternich, Prince Charles of Prussia, the Prince de Solms, and a number of Russian and Prussian general officers and foreign noblemen, who repeatedly cheered the ‘assaults’ between Carter and Cooper, and Gregson and Carter.” These heroes also went to Liege, in their way to Cambray and Valenciennes, and thence to Paris.
The following is a literal translation of their advertisement, which appeared in a French paper, published at Aix-la-Chapelle:—
“MM. Carter (Champion of England), Cooper, and Gregson, the first English boxers, being now at Aix-la-Chapelle, have the honour of informing the public that, on Wednesday, the 7th of October, 1818, at eleven in the morning and three in the afternoon, and on Thursday, at the same hours, they will exhibit two grand sets-to, in boxing, in the Hall of Vieille-Redoute, rue Compesbad, in this city.
“They have had the honour of exhibiting themselves before the first personages in Europe.
“Price of admission 5 francs each.
“N.B.—Messrs. Carter and Gregson at the same time offer their services to those amateurs who wish to be instructed in their art. Terms: 5 francs per lesson, 20 francs entrance.”
THE ORIGINAL IN FRENCH.
“MM. Carter (Champion d’Angleterre), Cooper, et Gregson, premiers boxeurs Anglais, se trouvant à Aix-la-Chapelle, ont l’honneur d’informer le public qu’ils donneront, le Mercredi, 7 Octobre, 1818, a 11 heures du matin et à 3 de l’aprèsmidi, et Jeudi, aux mêmes heures,
“Deux grands Assauts de Boxe,
dans la salle de la Vieille-Redoute, rue Compesbad, en cette ville.
“Ils ont eu l’honneur de représenter devant les premiers personnages de l’Europe.
“Prix d’entrée cinq francs personne.
“N.B.—Messieurs Carter et Gregson offrent en même temps leurs services aux amateurs qui voudraient se faire instruire dans leur art, à raison de cinq francs par leçon, sauf à payer 20 francs l’entrée.”
The editors of continental papers, then, as now, knew very little of the principles on which British pugilistic contests are conducted. In one of the Paris journals the following description of the pugilists at Aix-la-Chapelle, is given:—
“Aix-la-Chapelle, Oct. 8.—Yesterday there was a grand exhibition made by the English boxers. This hideous spectacle attracted but few spectators. The two champions, built like Hercules, and naked to their waists, entered the lists, their hands guarded by huge wadded gloves. One might imagine that he beheld the ancient athletic games of Greece and Rome. After a severe contest, one of the boxers, more adroit than his rival, struck him so violent a blow on the breast that he fell, and victory was thus decided.”
On Cooper’s return to London, a benefit was given him at the Fives Court, but no customer offering to enter the lists with him, he left the metropolis for Edinburgh. The heroes of the ring viewed Cooper with considerable jealousy, and murmured much at his having the court granted to him, observing that he went about sparring, and such a privilege as a benefit at the Fives Court should only be granted to fighting men. In reply to this ill-natured assertion, Cooper urged that no one would fight him.
A few months after the above-named benefit Cooper again visited the metropolis, when he quite unexpectedly had a tremendous turn-up with a new black, under the following circumstances, to which the remarks already made on the affair between Richmond and Power are equally applicable. “We condense from “Boxiana:””
For the purpose of making a match between Oliver and Dan Donnelly, a sporting dinner was got up, among a select few, at Tom Oliver’s house, in Peter Street, Westminster, on Tuesday May 11, 1819. The head of the table was graced by warriors, both naval and military, whose country had felt and has acknowledged their services. At the bottom, the gay little Scroggins was placed in the chair, supported on his right by Spring, Donnelly, and Cooper; on his left appeared Turner, Oliver, and Carter. The latter was in mourning for his recent defeat by Tom Spring, at Crawley Down. On the removal of the cloth, the “gaily circling glass” was passed round with bumpers; and the patrons of pugilism and pugilists, were toasted with due spirit. Things were going on in this pleasant manner, when Oliver entered, and informed the chairman that a gemman of colour was below, and wished to be introduced to the company; but having “no card,” to send up in due form, he begged it might be announced that “Massa Kendrick, of St. Kitt’s, by way of dessert, offered his services to any of the milling heroes present.” The chairman, with the concurrence of his friends, agreed he should be accommodated, and ordered him to wait, and hold himself in readiness. Donnelly was asked if he would take the job in hand for ten guineas, but he seemed to think that the first essay of the Champion of Ireland ought not to be hid in a room, and that the prize ring only would satisfy the amateurs at large, and prove suitable to his own character. This objection was considered valid. Carter said he could “lick all the blacks,” and was anxious to put the blunt into his pocket, but it was thought somewhat too early for him to have another combat. A noble lord requested Cooper to give them a “taste of his high quality,” but the latter did not wish to soil his mawleys for less than a purse of 25 guineas. Scroggins now begged to be heard, saying “as how, if Cooper fought this here black, he being such a good fighter, it would not last five minutes; whereas he would do it for the ten quid, and with him and Massa it must prove a sporting fight” (bravo! and laughter). In the true sportsmen’s style, a handicap purse was made, and the £26 5s. of soft, etc., was produced on the table in a twinkling. The purse being ready, tables, glasses, decanters, and the good things of this life, were removed with the celerity of a pantomime transformation, and a clear stage and fair play announced. Everything being ready, Massa Kendrick was introduced. He grinned with delight at the thought of the 25 guinea prize. He was a tall, bony, athletic chap, possessed a furious nob, young and strong, about 13 stone weight, and by no means deficient in pluck. He proved to be the same man who threatened, at Randall’s benefit, to mill all the “big ones,” at the door of the Fives Court, and attacked Richmond in the street. He was told if he won he would have 21 guineas, and if he lost, four. “Berry well,” replied the sable champion, “see how him’ll win it.” The man of colour was seconded by Carter and West Country Dick; Oliver and Donnelly attended upon Cooper. Betting now commenced in this little circle of first-rates, and ten to five was offered upon Cooper. A gentleman, whose conduct upon all sporting occasions has been the theme of panegyric, held the watch. The fight commenced about eleven o’clock, p.m.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On setting to the Black looked formidable; but, in the opinion of the amateurs, from the well known excellence and finishing qualities of Cooper, it was thought a few rounds would completely satisfy the ambitious spirit of Massa. The Black, however, rushed in and hit Cooper, and in closing, had the latter down, and undermost.
2.—Massa made play, and hit Cooper bang in the head. In closing, some slight milling occurred, and both down, Massa undermost.
3 to 8.—The Black got some ugly props, but he would not be denied, and rushed in; both down every round.
9 to 11.—In the last named round, Cooper put in a rare stopper on the head, and had Massa undermost.
12 to 14.—Massa hit Cooper down in the first and last of these rounds. “It’s not so safe,” was the cry; the courage of Massa excited some interest, and procured him friends.
15 to 26.—In all these rounds the Black appeared a troublesome customer, and the narrowness of the room gave him the advantages of rushing in and getting Cooper down. The latter put in some good hits, but the courage and fighting of the Black were not reduced; in fact, six to five was offered upon Massa.
27 to 30.—It was evident the powers of Cooper were under the influence of wine. His fine science was not seen; his heretofore desperate hitting not witnessed; and the rushing blows of the Black, at times nobbing him, Cooper went down very weak.
31 to 34.—The right hand of Massa was continually at work, and he punished Cooper considerably about the head. This last round was severely contested. Cooper could not get his distance to make a hit, the Black bored so much upon him. The claret was now running down Cooper’s face; he, however, got a turn, and sent Massa down.
35.—Cooper made some hits; but the Black sent him down.
36 to 40.—In some of these rounds Cooper planted a few hits, but they were not effective. The Black disregarded them and took the bottle to drink. Cooper fell from a blow much exhausted. Some long faces were to be seen; indeed, so confident were some of the amateurs present, that Cooper was backed at odds that he won it in a quarter of an hour, but these bets had long been decided. The Black was now taken, that Cooper did not beat him in fifty minutes.
41.—The Black put in a tremendous smasher on Cooper’s nose, the claret appeared, and he went down distressed.
42 to 50.—Massa was yet strong; and the encouragement of “Bravo!” and “The Black must win it,” and “I’ll have the Black for £100,” gave him greater confidence; and he not only continued rushing, but had the best of it. He hit Cooper down severely.
51 to 53.—These were sharp rounds, but Cooper could not turn the chance against him, and great alarm was felt by his friends that the man of colour would, ultimately triumph. Both down.
54.—The Black was severely thrown.
55.—Massa confidently went up to his opponent and paid away with his right hand. Some sharp exchanges followed: but Cooper received so severe a nobber, that he fell down and turned on his face. The Black was now decidedly the favourite.
56.—Cooper had scarcely been seated on the knee of his bottle-holder ten seconds, when a gentleman who had backed Massa, called out, “Time, time.” The umpire, with much animation, demanded to know his reason for so doing, as well as pointing out to him the impropriety of such conduct. It caused no further interruption. In closing, Cooper was down.
57 to 60.—In one of these rounds Cooper was heavily hit down. The cognoscenti were utterly astonished; and the pugilists present could scarcely believe that the scientific Cooper was fighting. A novice, completely unknown to the ring, was positively getting the best of him, and, to all appearance, winning the fight. “What are you about, Cooper?” was the cry.
61.—Cooper, it appeared, could not get away; but he now drew back, and with his right arm met Massa right in the middle of his canister as he was furiously coming in, and the Black was floored. “That’s the way to win it, Cooper!”
62.—The fumes of the wine were slowly evaporating, and the film removing from Cooper’s eyes. In fact, he appeared to recollect himself, and mentally to exclaim, “Cooper’s himself again!” The last nobber seemed rather to have spoilt the Black’s distance, and he now hit short. Cooper again canistered him, and the ogles of Massa rolled with astonishment. It was a small touch of electricity, and the Black was not proof against the shock. In closing, both down.
63 to 65.—Cooper’s quality now began to peep out a little; and Massa appeared not quite so lively, from the severe hits he had received in these rounds. The Black did not relish this change in his fortune; and he indicated to his seconds something like “enough!” Both down.
66.—The Black made a miss, and napped a facer; he missed again and again, and his nob paid for it. The campaign had now changed, and “Cooper for £100,” was the cry.
67.—Massa was hit down.
68.—Cooper began now to recover the use of his arms, and he exerted them to some purpose. The Black was met at every point, and finally sent down.
69 and last.—The Black still showed fight; but got such a bodier, besides punishment upon his upper works, that when time was called he did not answer the sound, and victory was declared in favour of Cooper. Massa tried to leave his second’s knee, but dropped exhausted. The Black did not show much punishment, except one of his eyes, which was rather damaged; but Cooper was heavily damaged about the head. It occupied an hour and five minutes.
Remarks.—The Black was certainly a troublesome customer, and weighed above a stone heavier than his opponent. Indeed, the event was doubtful for a long time; but, in all probability, had the combat taken place in the ring, and with the advantages of training, Cooper would have made a short reckoning of it. It should be recollected, Massa came prepared, and Cooper was taken by surprise from the table, late in the evening, and primed with wine. Massa put on his clothes, received the four guineas, and walked home. The Black hit well with his right, and it was thought this turn up might have led to a regular match, Massa being rather fancied by some of the amateurs present, who urged that if he was sent out to nurse, his victualling office put into commission, with the advantages of patronage, and the improved effects resulting from training, he might then be capable of making a good stand against any one of his weight. The previous fame acquired by Cooper suffered considerably by this hasty combat.
The Black, although defeated, gained a few friends; and a purse of £50 was offered to be given to Cooper and Kendrick to have a ring fight; but the former, much to the surprise of the sporting world, declined it, observing, “It would be of no use to him; it being his wish and intention to fight a boxer of some note, defeating Kendrick would not add to his reputation.” This answer was not well received, it being thought by the amateurs, that the £50 would be like a gift to George Cooper. At Shelton’s benefit at the Fives Court, on Tuesday, June 22, 1819, the set-to between Cooper and the Gas Man, claimed universal attention. It was fine science against confidence and boring, or, in other words, sparring versus fighting. Cooper stopped almost every hit, and gave Gas some severe nobbers in return. His attitude and mode of setting-to were pronounced beautiful. The man of Gas gave in in consequence of “hurting his hand.”
From the superior abilities displayed by Cooper in this glove bout, the minds of the amateurs were made up decidedly in his favour. It was however, afterwards asserted that the Gas Man “gammoned it.”
At the Minor theatre, on Tuesday, May 25, 1819, when Donnelly, Carter, and Cooper, took a benefit, the following circumstance tended to raise the scientific acquirements of the latter still more highly in the estimation of the public.
Upon Randall’s appearing on the stage as a spectator, there was a general cry of “Randall, Randall;” and the Nonpareil immediately gratified the wishes of the audience by entering the lists with the accomplished scientific Cooper. From the well-known excellence of both the men, a great treat was expected, and most certainly an extraordinary trial of skill was exhibited. Cooper was extremely unwell; nevertheless, the elegance of his manner, the admirable stops he made, the peculiar style of bobbing his head aside to avoid the coming blow, his fine position, either to protect himself or to give the assault, and his formidable hitting at out-fighting, claimed the admiration and praise of every one present; and much astonishment was expressed how a novice (the Black) could have mauled him so much in their recent turn-up, without he had been “how came you so,” indeed. This set-to was also a fine opportunity for Randall to show his pugilistic perfection. He was here opposed to first-rate talents, and he proved himself a Nonpareil indeed. In addition to the superior skill of Cooper, Randall had also weight and length against him. Randall, though not so showy and elegant as his opponent, proved equally effective; he stopped with much adroitness, hit with his antagonist, and put in a little one now and then with a nicety of eye that showed he suffered not the slightest opening to escape him. In the last round, Randall exhibited the severity of his peculiar style of in-fighting, with which the combat closed. Thunders of applause compensated the combatants for their exertions. Such an exhibition of the art of self-defence is not often witnessed; for it is only in placing men of similar talent against each other that interesting exhibitions can be made.
In July, 1819, Cooper, in his cards of address, informed the public that in consequence of his not being able to get a customer, to fill up his time he was giving practical illustrations on the art of self-defence, at his rooms, in Cateaton Street, for a short time, previous to his return to Edinburgh.
A match was now proposed, for £100 a-side, between Shelton and Cooper, but owing to some trifling obstacles it went off for that year, when Cooper, in company with Donnelly, set out on a sparring tour to Manchester, Liverpool, Ireland, Edinburgh, etc.
Early in the spring of 1820, George returned to London, and lost no time in communicating his intentions to the amateurs of once more entering the prize ring. Therefore, on Tuesday, March 7, Cooper appeared at the Fives Court, at Shelton’s benefit, when he mounted the stage and thus addressed the audience:—“Gentlemen, I have come from Edinburgh to London, not for the sake of sparring, for I mean fighting, and nothing else (bravo!) I will fight Shelton for from £100 to £200, and give him his own time; and I will also fight any man of my own weight in the kingdom for £50 a-side in three weeks.” Shelton immediately accepted the challenge.
This public declaration of Cooper’s put him “all right” with the amateurs: and betting commenced briskly upon the event. The match for £100 a-side was made on the Friday evening following, at Shelton’s house, the Bull’s Head in Cow Lane, Smithfield, to come off on Tuesday, June 27, 1820, in a twenty-four feet ring; a deposit of £20 a-side being put down.
In consequence of Cooper’s also giving a challenge to any man of his weight in the kingdom, to fight for £50 a-side in three weeks, a match was proposed to Hickman (the Gas Light Man) to enter the lists with Cooper. Both the combatants meeting at the Royal Tennis Court, at Cy. Davis’s benefit, on Tuesday, March 14, Hickman said he had no objection to it, provided Cooper did not weigh more than he did. Upon reference to the scales, it appeared that the Gas Light Man was the heavier by a quarter of a pound. Mr. Jackson guaranteed a purse, the contest was decided upon, and both men went into training.
On Tuesday, the 28th of March, 1820, Hickman and Cooper fought at Farnham Royal, near Dawney Common, contiguous to Stowe House, Buckinghamshire, twenty-four miles from London, immediately after Martin and Cabbage had left the ring. The current betting was two to one upon Cooper on setting-to; but, to the astonishment of the good judges, Hickman proved the conqueror in the short space of fifteen minutes. This surprising contest will be found detailed in the memoir of Hickman, in Period V.
Notwithstanding this unexpected defeat Cooper satisfied the amateurs that his game was as good as his science; and, as a proof that he had not lost the patronage of the sporting world, his benefit at the Fives Court, only two days after the battle, was well attended. Cooper took the money at the door, his head tied up with a handkerchief, and exhibiting marks of tremendous punishment.
It was whispered about, that in consequence of this defeat the match would be off between Cooper and Shelton, and the £20 down forfeited; but as another proof that George had not lost the confidence of his backers, his money, £100, was made good with the greatest alacrity. Shelton, however, was the favourite, at six and five to four, and unusual interest was excited throughout the sporting world.
On Tuesday, June 27, 1820, an intensely hot day, the ring-goers, great and small, again had a sporting day. The attraction to that delightful spot, Moulsey Hurst, to witness two such pugilistic stars as George Cooper and Tom Shelton was indeed great. The weather, it is well known, can never deter the thorough-bred admirers of pugilism and life; who among the fancy in those palmy days of the ring, could miss such a treat? or who could deny himself the sight of the bustling scene of life so graphically described in the lines appended?
“To see the Hurst with tents encamp’d on,
Look around Lawrence’s at Hampton,
Join the flash crowd (the horse being led
Into the yard, and clean’d and fed);
Talk to Dav. Hudson and Cy. Davis,
(The last a fighting rara avis),
And, half in secret, scheme and plan
A trial for Gas Light Man.
“’Tis life to cross the laden ferry,
With boon companions, wild and merry,
And see the ring upon the Hurst,
With carts encircled—hear the burst,
At distance, of the eager crowd—
Oh, it is life to see a proud
And dauntless man step, full of hopes,
Up to the P. R. stakes and ropes,
Throw in his hat, and, with a spring,
Get gallantly within the ring;
Eye the wide crowd, and walk awhile,
Taking all cheerings with a smile:
To see him strip—his well train’d form,
White, glowing, muscular, and warm,
All beautiful, in conscious power
Relaxed and quiet, till the hour;
His glossy and transparent frame,
In radiant plight to strive for fame.
To look upon the clean shaped limb
In silk and flannel clothed trim;—
While round the waist the ’kerchief tied
Makes the flesh glow in richer pride.
’Tis more than life—to watch him hold
His hand forth, tremulous yet bold,
Over his second’s, and so clasp
His rival’s in a quiet grasp;
To watch the noble attitude
He takes—the crowd in breathless mood;
And then to see, with adamant start
The muscles set—and the great heart
Hurl a courageous splendid light
Into the eye—and then—the Fight!”[[151]]
Cooper, since his defeat by the Gas Light Man, had rather lost ground in the estimation of the amateurs; and Shelton was decidedly the favourite, at six and five to four. But the odds were reduced on the night previous to the battle, and the takers had the majority. The Hurst displayed a fine show of the Corinthians. At five minutes after one, Cooper, dressed in a smock frock, entered the ring, and threw up his hat, followed by his seconds Belcher and Harmer. Shortly afterwards Shelton also threw up his hat, he was attended by Randall and Spring. The betting was guineas to pounds.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—On stripping, Shelton appeared in the highest condition; so careful and attentive had he been to the rules of training, that it was asserted a glass of spirits had not passed his lips for the previous four months. Cooper looked pale, and his backers wished that he had had the advantage of one more week’s training; still it was observed that George was never in better fighting trim. On setting-to both combatants appeared equally confident. After eyeing each other for about a half minute, and dodging to obtain a good opportunity to plant the first hit; Shelton tried to put in one, two, but without effect. He then followed Cooper close into the corner of the ring (in the style of the Gas Light Man, but without his execution), and after some exchanges, in appearance rather to the advantage of Shelton, both went down in a close, Cooper undermost. (Loud shouting, and “Go along Shelton; that’s the way, my boy!”)
2.—Cooper, with the utmost dexterity, put in a tremendous hit with his right hand on the ribs of his opponent, and broke away without getting any return. This blow was so terrific as to make Shelton bend like a bow. Cooper repeated the dose, and got away. Shelton now pursued Cooper, and made a hit; but in return received a flooring blow under his left eye, that not only produced the claret, but he turned and fell on one knee. (Cooper’s partizans were roaring with delight, “You’re sure to win it, George.”)
3.—The fine science of Cooper now burst forth, and another ribber was the result, the agony of which was seen in Shelton’s face. The latter, however, administered some severe punishment when in-fighting till both went down.
4.—Caution on both sides marked the commencement of this round. The hits were tremendous; but Shelton at in-fighting had the best of it; he also gave Cooper so severe a nobber, that he in turn went round and fell. (“Bravo, Shelton; it’s all right.”)
5.—Shelton could not protect his ribs, and another dreadful hit upon them was the consequence; he was again screwed up, as it were, and Cooper got away. Shelton, however, in most courageous style, returned to the attack, and planted a tremendous blow on Cooper’s face. Cooper staggered and went down. (Five to three on Shelton, and tumultuous applause.)
6.—The fighting on both sides was excellent, till the men got to the ropes in a close, when fibbing was resorted to by both in turn. Shelton kept punishing his opponent’s nob; while Cooper was giving pepper to the body and ribs of Shelton. Cooper, by a desperate effort, jumped up and hit Shelton in the face. Both went down, their nobs exhibiting severe punishment.
7.—The superior fighting of Cooper in this round claimed the admiration, and obtained cheers from all parts of the ring. He not only ribbed his opponent heavily, and broke ground, but stopped Shelton (excellent fighter as the latter showed himself) in a style that astonished the oldest amateur. In closing, both down.
8.—To say that Shelton did not show game of the first quality, or that the bottom displayed by Cooper was not equal to anything ever exhibited in the prize ring, would not be doing these brave fellows common justice. The latter again hit, stopped, and got away cleverly; still Shelton stuck close to his opponent, and made many good stops. At the ropes more fibbing was attempted, when Cooper held Shelton’s hands, till both went down. (Well done, both sides.)
9.—This round was truly singular. The counter hits were so dreadful and effective, that both of the combatants were beaten to a stand-still. They hit each other away for about two yards, and were so distressed that they kept their situations, looking at each other, without being able to move forward, or to make a blow. They at length recovered a little, being too manly to go down, and scrambled towards each other to the ropes, when both went down. (Great applause, and “They’re out-and-outers,” was the general cry.)
10.—This was also a fine manly round. Hit for hit was exchanged till both were quite exhausted, when Cooper went down. Shelton fell upon the latter, with his knees on his chest.
11.—Shelton, as if determined to spoil the fine science of his opponent, set-to so sharply that he completely out-fought himself, and fell exhausted. (“He’s going, George; you’ve got him.” Fifteen minutes had now elapsed.)
12.—Cooper put in a tremendous facer, and got away. Shelton, anxious to lose no opportunity, followed his man, and exchanged some hard blows. Cooper slipped down, but in losing his balance, he gave Shelton a severe nobber. (The odds had now completely shifted, and Cooper was so decidedly the favourite, that two and three to one were offered with confidence.)
13.—It must be confessed that Shelton was a fine fighter; a good hitter with both his hands, and parried in a masterly style; and in this round he showed great knowledge of the pugilistic art. Cooper received a dreadful stomacher, that almost vociferated “Bellows to mend.” The latter, however, sparred till he recovered himself. Shelton cleverly stopped a mischievous nobber, and a terrific rally ensued at the ropes; Shelton was so much exhausted, that he almost laid himself down. (Great applause, and “Cooper must win it.”)
14.—This round was short, but decisive. Shelton went down like a shot from a blow on the head. The best judge in the fancy, and whose opinion is nearly law, concurred in the general sentiment, that “it was all over.” (Three to one a begging, and no customers to be met with.)
15.—Shelton, in the most tottering, pitiable state, reached the scratch. “His face bespoke a heart full sore.” The heat was at this time 90 degrees in the shade, and Sol’s burning rays seemed positively to pour down liquid heat. Many of the spectators were compelled to quit the ring, to avoid fainting. Let the reader, then, picture to his imagination what must have been the distressed state of the combatants. Cooper was too languid to follow up his success, and the energies of Shelton were spent. A sort of pushing took place, when Cooper slipped down.
16.—Cooper came up to the scratch improved in strength, and had the best of the hitting; in going down, he fell with his whole weight upon his opponent. (The partizans of Cooper opened their mouths, and loudly offered four, and some six, to one, with nearly as much confidence as if the battle had been won.)
17.—Shelton, all but gone, went down quite exhausted.
18.—Cooper’s nob exhibited severe punishment, and Shelton, upon commencing this round, appeared a little better. Two heavy counter hits on the head followed, and it was altogether a sharp round. Cooper was completely turned by a hit. In struggling, both down.
19.—After some sharp exchanges at the ropes, on which Shelton was hanging, Cooper might have finished the battle, but he held up his hands and walked away, and Shelton went down. (“Bravo! that’s noble. Who would not respect true courage, and admire the English character?” were the general observations of the ring.)
20.—Shelton recovering; both down in the corner of the ring, and Cooper undermost.
21.—This was a truly desperate round. The men again hit each other away—stood still for a few seconds, but could not proceed; both were too game to go down. Severe fibbing at the ropes finished the round, till both fell. Cooper had the worst of it.
22.—The nob of Cooper was clareted in profusion. He came to the scratch feeble; and, after two or three blows, nearly laid himself down. (“Here’s a change!” was the cry, and Shelton again the favourite.)
23.—Cooper was soon down. Shelton, from the lead he had taken in the last three rounds, seemed quite an altered man. He took the bottle out of his second’s hand, and drank some water, and, in a scrutinizing manner, turned round to look at the distressed situation of Cooper; he seemed, from the smiling state of his countenance, to think that “it was all right.”
24.—Sharp work; but Cooper down.
25.—The latter made some good hits, but was sent down.
26.—Cooper getting extremely weak, but his science never deserted him, and he made some hits tell before he got down upon the turf. (Four to one on Shelton.)
27.—This round was completely Shelton’s own. Cooper received all the hits, one of which, in the mug, was enough to finish any man in such a languid state; he went down exhausted in the extreme. In consequence of Shelton’s commencing this round rather quickly, in the Gas style, Belcher called out to the umpires to observe that both of the men set-to from the scratch. The umpires immediately attended to the request, and cautioned Shelton. (Shelton for almost any odds, but five and six to one might be had in any part of the ring.)
28.—This round showed the advantages of science in perfection. Cooper was so far gone that he seemed not to have a hit in him. Shelton, like a good fighter, perceiving that the coup de grace was necessary, and no danger to be apprehended, from giving it, went boldly in to pepper his opponent, and put an end to his troubles; when, strange to say, the guard of Cooper was so fine, that he parried off all the force of his opponent’s blows, till he fell from mere exhaustion. (“Bravo! Cooper; you’re an excellent man.”)
29.—Shelton made some good hits, but Cooper stopped “beautifully,” till he again felt the turf. (Seven to one.)
30.—It was expected another round would finish it, from the exhausted state of Cooper. The latter fought like a hero, but received a facer, staggered, and fell. (“It’s all up—he can’t come again.” Ten to one.)
31.—The intense heat of the sun still continuing, so added to the languor of Cooper, that it seemed almost impossible he could appear at the scratch. George, nevertheless, made some hits, and stopped with great skill; yet he got the worst of it, and was sent out of the ropes. (Any odds on Shelton, and “Take him away, he can’t win it!”)
32.—How fallible is often the judgment of the multitude! Cooper, to the astonishment of every one present, lifted up the ropes with his hand, and came into the ring with but little assistance; while on the knee of his second the “water of life” was administered to him, and produced the desired effect. This was a good round, and Cooper still showed fight and science. Shelton, however, made a right-handed hit on Cooper’s face, and immediately afterwards repeated it with the back of the same hand. Cooper went down very weak. Ten pounds to half-a-crown was offered. While Cooper was lying on the ground, and he was ordered to remain in that state by Belcher, Oliver came to the latter, and begged of him to take Cooper away, as he had no chance whatever to win. “Blow my Dickey,” replies Tom; “very pretty advice, indeed! What! take a winning man away? Oh, no! we’ll leave it all to the cook!”
33.—Cooper showed fight, till both went down. (£100 to £5, and £100 to £3, were offered upon Shelton, so strongly did it appear to some old betting men that Shelton must win it.)
34 and last.—The conclusion of this round operated upon the spectators like a well executed conjuring trick. On setting-to, some little pushing took place, when Cooper appeared as if in the act of going down. Catching the upper rope with his right, he gathered himself well up, and making a firm stand, let fly with his left hand so dreadfully upon Shelton’s mouth, that he instantly fell (slightly touching the stake with his head) upon his side, like a lump of lead. The fight was all out of him. His seconds, Spring and Randall, with the greatest alacrity, dragged him up, as it were, for he had no movement in him. This was a most interesting moment. Cooper sat on Harmer’s knee, and as Belcher was wiping him with the handkerchief, half turned round, watching the appearance of Shelton, and with a part of his eye directed towards the umpires and referee, who had all their stop-watches in their hands, waiting for the decisive moment to arrive. The anxiety of Belcher’s face was a perfect study, and his fingers had almost involuntarily reached his topper, when “Time” was called; but the game, the gallant, and unfortunate Shelton heard not the sound, and victory was proclaimed for Cooper. It was indeed a proud moment for him. He lifted up his hands and waved one over his head, and left the ring, amidst the cheers of the spectators. The battle was over in thirty-four minutes.
Remarks.—Cooper proved himself not only one of the finest fighters on the list, but as game a man as is to be found throughout the annals of pugilism. The intense heat of the sun was enough to annihilate the strength of a giant. Shelton also proved himself a first-rate pugilist, with courage of the highest quality. It was remarked that Shelton’s two last fights were in the extremes—upon the coldest and hottest days in the season. Further comment is unnecessary, as it was admitted by all persons present to have been one of the greatest pugilistic treats witnessed for the previous twenty years. The amateurs were delighted beyond measure, and before Cooper left the ring, a gentleman offered to back him against the Gas Light Man for 100 guineas.
Cooper was severely punished; he, however, did not remain longer in London than was actually necessary to reinstate him in his health, when he returned to Edinburgh to take possession of the Britannia Tavern, in Leith Street.
Cooper’s triumph over Shelton so far restored him in the esteem of his friends, that a second match with the tremendous Gas was loudly talked of in the sporting circles; and in the month of October, 1820, at a sporting dinner at the Castle, Tom Belcher posted a £5 note for a second battle, against the like amount of Hickman’s, to fight for £100 a-side. Cooper at this time was in Edinburgh; but the money was forfeited on Cooper returning the following answer, per post:—“Owing to the distance of 400 miles, which must of necessity be traversed at an inclement season of the year” (less then a week would not then suffice, be it remembered), “his friends in the North had advised him to decline the offer at present; nevertheless, he wished it to be understood that he would increase the sum to £200 a-side, and meet Hickman in April, 1821. If, however, his English backers desired him absolutely to come without delay, he would comply with their wishes, and travel southward immediately.”
An amateur who was present at the reading of this letter observed, with very bad taste, “that Cooper did not dare to fight Hickman;” and Hickman, following suit, said, “that he would sooner have given 20 guineas himself, than such a disappointment should have occurred in the sporting world.” Hickman made sure, according to his own expressions, that he could “beat Cooper in a canter.”
In consequence of the backers of Cooper having forfeited to Hickman upon the second match, as above stated, the interest in the sporting world was much increased when the third match was made for 100 guineas a-side, in December, 1820, and the battle announced to take place on the ensuing 11th of April.
Cooper arrived in London, from Edinburgh (riding the whole of the 400 miles on horseback), on the 1st of March. From the circumstance of a man like Cooper, who had been defeated in the short space of fourteen minutes and a half, leaving a good business at the Britannia Tavern, Leith Street, Edinburgh, again to meet his opponent, subject to the general opinion of the fancy against him, he was justly pronounced to be one of the gamest men alive. The odds were six and seven to four against him. It was, however, thought by several of his friends, that his “fine fighting” would enable him to win it; and Cooper was confident in the extreme. During his training, at Riddlesdown, where he was taken great care of, he had a severe attack of illness, dyspepsia supervening, and boils breaking out upon his legs; a sufficient warning, we should think, that he was unfit for the hardy exercise imposed by training. The battle lasted but two rounds, and in three minutes our hero bit the dust a second time, from literally a chance shot under the ear! (See the details in the Life of Hickman, post.) The following remarks from a contemporary magazine, will show that there was more misfortune than disgrace in this second defeat:—
“It has created considerable surprise among the fancy, that no mark was left from a blow which effected such terrible execution; but that surprise must immediately cease, when it is explained anatomically. Had the blow come in contact with the angle of the jaw, a bruise might have been perceived; but even a slight hit on the jugular vein is capable of shaking the brain, suspending the circulation of the blood to and from the heart, and creating a sort of apoplexy. In like manner a heavy hit on the fleshy part of the neck may not leave a mark. Had Cooper been in proper condition, in all probability it would not have taken so severe an effect. During his training, ten boils came out on one of his legs, which so crippled him for a week, that he was compelled to rest it on a chair; and when that leg got well, boils broke out on the other; in consequence of which an old trainer (old Joe Ward), advised Cooper to take ‘three sweats’—the doctor also physicked him on the evening previous to the battle. If his leg had not been lanced he could not have walked to the ring; and on the morning of the battle his leg was also dressed half an hour before the fight.” Cooper was anxious for another trial, and several gentlemen promised to back him. “If he did not fight Hickman,” he said, “he would not fight any other person,” as he did not feel himself satisfied, as Pat observed, until he got “the value of a good bating.”
After the unexpected termination of this second encounter, Cooper seated himself beside the ring to witness the following battle between Collier and Evans. He was evidently more hurt in mind than body.
Cooper now lay by for nearly four years; he repaired to London in the spring of 1825, where, after a sparring bout, at the Fives Court, with Bill Eales, at Scroggins’s benefit, on Tuesday, April 26th, he was challenged by White-headed Bob (Ned Baldwin), and £50 was deposited, to be made £200 a-side, and to fight the first week in July. The constitutional warnings above noticed should have deterred Cooper from this contest with a game, fresh young man, but his spirit said no, and on the 5th of July, 1825, the scientific George Cooper closed his career in defeat. In this battle nature deserted him, and he broke the small bone of his right leg, in the 18th round, by a mere twist of the foot, consequent on the length of the spikes in his shoes; nevertheless, he came up three more rounds ere he surrendered.
This was Cooper’s last appearance; he deserved and retained the respect of those who knew him best, until his death, which took place at Laughton Gate, near Liverpool, February 14, 1834, in the 43rd year of his age.
