Pugilistica: The History of British Boxing, Volume 1 (of 3) / Containing Lives of the Most Celebrated Pugilists; Full Reports of Their Battles from Contemporary Newspapers, With Authentic Portraits, Personal Anecdotes, and Sketches of the Principal Patrons of the Prize Ring, Forming a Complete History of the Ring from Fig and Broughton, 1719-40, to the Last Championship Battle Between King and Heenan, in December 1863

by Henry Downes Miles

CHAPTER VIII.

JACK MARTIN (THE “MASTER OF THE ROLLS”)—1813–1828.[^[160]]

Jack Martin, on whom the ring reporters conferred the punning title of “Master of the Rolls,” from his calling as a baker, was born on the 10th of July, 1796, near Kennington Church.

“Boxiana” contains the usual preliminary narrative of a “big coal-heaver,” “a sheriff’s officer, a well-known good man,” “a butcher,” etc., whom Martin disposed of while “a boy.” We shall pass these, and come to young Doughey’s first reported battle, which was with Tom Oliver’s brother George, at Ilford, in Essex, for 20 guineas, on Thursday, July 18, 1816, in a twenty-four feet ring, after the fight between Ford and Harry Lancaster. George Oliver was seconded by his brother Tom and Jack Clark, Martin by Harry Harmer and Bill Richmond. Five to four on Oliver.

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—The attitude of Martin was free and good; it spoke more of the sparring school than that of his opponent, which was by no means that of a scientific boxer. Martin immediately went to work and nobbed his opponent without ceremony, till they got into a close, when, after hugging and pummelling each other for a few seconds, they broke away, and some hits were exchanged at arm’s length. They again closed and a violent struggle took place against the ropes, when they both went down. This round occupied one minute and a half.

2.—Both full of activity, but the flurried manner of Oliver was evident to every one, and his fists crossed each other with the celerity of a smoke-jack. He presented no security from attack, and his mug got pinked in style. In closing, they both went down.

3.—The Master of the Rolls put in two severe facers, and beat his opponent down against the stakes. On commencing this round Oliver tried to trip up his adversary, but his brother told him it was wrong.

4.—Oliver, although brought into the ring by his brother, really seemed to have no notion of fighting. He hit at random, and did but little execution. The baker again milled his face, and ultimately threw him.

5.—This was a dreadful round for punishment. In closing, some heavy hits passed between them, and they broke away. The blood was running down Oliver’s face; notwithstanding, he fought his way into a desperate rally, in which his nob received a couple of desperate blows. In closing, they both got suspended on the ropes, and a violent struggle took place before they went down.

6.—Some sharp milling; and, in closing, both fell out of the ring.

7.—Oliver displayed no science whatever; his chief aim seemed to be struggling with his opponent; but even in closing he failed, as Martin generally brought Oliver down.

8.—The right hand of Martin again punished Oliver’s nob, and the claret flowed in abundance. In closing, both down.

9.—The hugging system again prevailed. Both down, but Oliver fell completely over the ropes.

10.—Martin went in with great spirit and bored his adversary to the ropes. In closing, both down.

11.—Oliver appeared rather distressed, and came slowly up to the mark. The right hand of the baker was again at work, and Oliver’s mug was getting fast out of shape. Both down.

12.—In this round Martin showed he possessed scientific knowledge, had completely the best of it, and sent his opponent down.

13.—Oliver seemed anxious to do something, and went sharply up to his man, when they closed. In struggling they broke away, and several heavy blows were exchanged. They again closed, and both went down, Oliver bleeding profusely.

14.—The movements, in general, of Martin were scientific, but they were soon lost sight of in the overpowering close of Oliver, who always endeavoured to force his adversary to the ropes, and tire him out by struggling. Both down, and their backs and loins were much marked by their suspension on the ropes.

15.—Martin, upon setting-to, nobbed Oliver with effect, when they again closed, and both fell out of the ring. Oliver required the assistance of his second to get him off the ground.

16.—The strength of Oliver was leaving him fast, and in this round he got dreadfully punished. The baker hit him in every direction; Oliver was thrown completely over the ropes. (Seven to four upon Martin.)

17.—No chance for Oliver, except closing; he caught hold of Martin, and both went down.

18.—More hugging, and both on the ground.

19.—It was all up with Oliver; the fight was taken out of him, and he had not strength to close with his opponent. In fact, he only stood up as a mark for punishment; and the baker put in some severe hits till Oliver dropped like a log.

20.—Oliver could scarcely stagger to the scratch. He immediately went down from a punishing hit.

21 and last.—Oliver had had quite enough of milling, and turned away from his adversary to avoid. The baker lost no time, he saw victory was certain, and with two hits completely finished his opponent. Twenty-nine minutes had elapsed.

Remarks.—Oliver, as a scientific boxer, had no resemblance to his brother except his name. In fact, he was a complete novice in every sense of the word; relied entirely upon main strength for victory, and pulled and hauled his opponent about. It was widely different on the part of Martin: he exhibited those promising traits of science that appear only to want practice to improve, and which, at some future period, may develop themselves in a more conspicuous manner. Martin is in height about five feet nine inches, and eleven stone in weight. He is extremely active, and possesses a decisive mode of hitting.

This promising debut inspirited Martin to issue a challenge at eleven stone, but two years elapsed before he got suited with a customer in “Paddington Johnson,” for 50 guineas a side. The battle came off at Coventry Farm, the Hale, Middlesex, on Tuesday, September 15, 1818. Johnson was well known to the ring, from his conquests over Roe, Harry Lancaster, and Purcell, also as a right-handed hitter, and an acknowledged game man. Martin was better known for theory than in practice, and more as a sparrer than a pugilist. In consequence Johnson was the favourite, six to four. The latter first showed, and threw his hat in the ring, and Martin soon followed the example in a very modest unassuming manner. Johnson was seconded by the veteran Joe Ward and Paddington Jones; Martin was waited upon by Ben Burn and Spring. The Baker, it seems, disdained the ordinary mode of milling in drawers, and appeared in a loose fashionable pair of white trowsers. This change was generally considered an improvement. Five minutes to one o’clock the men set-to.

JACK MARTIN (The “Master of the Rolls”).
From a Drawing by A. Wyvill, 1824.

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—On stripping, Johnson appeared the rounder and bigger man. His face was full of colour, and he looked well; but the judges of training thought him too bulky; however, he was considered generally to be in excellent condition. Martin, on the contrary, looked pale; but in other respects his canvass was as sleek and as smooth as a thorough-bred greyhound. Upon the combatants taking their attitudes, Johnson exhibited the highest confidence, and made a sort of springing run to mill his opponent in his usual rushing style; but the leariness of Martin stopped him by a slight muzzler. The latter almost instantly surprised Johnson with another header, that not only operated on his vision, but tapped the claret. Johnson endeavoured to feel for the alimentary reservoir of the baker, when a close took place, and Johnson tried to fib his crusty foe without effect. In struggling, Martin appeared the stronger man, as Johnson was undermost on the ground. The “dead men” smiled at this favourable commencement of their hero, but the six to four blades did not half like it.

2.—Martin seemed perfectly prepared for his enemy, with the skill and caution of an experienced tactician. He planted his hits upon the nob of Johnson with as much sang froid as if he had been aiming at a sack of flour. The “Paddington boy,” rather enraged at this sort of treatment, tried again to rush into doughey’s victualling office, but the latter got away, and in return mugged him so severely, that Johnson went half round in a singular style, and in a struggle Johnson was again undermost. The odds were now completely turned, and the Baker was the favourite; in some parts of the ring two to one.

3.—The handywork of Martin upon his opponent’s title-page was now apparent; one of his peepers was already in mourning, and the other had been taken measure of for black drapery, added to the claret trickling down his face. The rushing of Johnson was also stayed, and some long sparring occurred before any work was attempted; the latter, however, tried to body the Baker, but the science of Martin prevented any serious effect; and in return he gave him one, two, severely. In closing, Johnson also napt upon the fibbing system, and, in struggling to obtain the throw, he was compelled to yield to the superior strength of the “Master of the Rolls.” The batch lads were roaring with delight, and “Bravo!” was echoed through the fraternity at the talent displayed by Martin.

4.—This round decided the fight; the execution done by Martin positively made the odds the monument to a bodkin. On setting-to, the Baker gave his opponent three staggering facers. Johnson turned round from the force of the last hit, but his game never deserted him, and he returned to the attack like a trump. Johnson’s right hand told slightly on Martin’s side, but as to anything like punishment he could not administer any. It was a long round, occupying five minutes, without any closing, during which time, notwithstanding Martin hit frequently short, he planted twelve facers with ease and dexterity. Martin followed Johnson so closely up, that he was at length hit down on his knees, and measured his length on the grass quite exhausted. The “dead men” were all upon the qui vive, and, in the pride of the moment, offered to the hitherto confident Westminster and Paddington costermongers, a peck loaf to a halfpenny roll; but the donkey proprietors shied it.

5.—Johnson’s nob now exhibited a Fuseli aspect—it was so changed, as to call forth the observation of “an old friend with a new face.” Martin went to work with both hands so quickly, that his opponent’s sensitive plant rolled about like a humming-top, and he fell out of the ring. (Great shouting, and any odds offered.)

6.—Johnson was quite abroad, gasping for breath. He could not get at Martin; but was compelled to act as receiver-general till he could no longer stand to take it.

7.—Johnson only came up to take, and one, two, and three, were put in so terribly upon his already damaged mug, that he reeled in all directions. He was also punished round the ring, and Martin lost his balance in hitting Johnson as they were both going down. Loud cries of “Foul” and “Fair” took place; but this attempt to create a diversion would not do, and the fight proceeded.

8.—Martin missed several hits, although he nobbed his opponent grievously; Johnson, from a desperate effort, got Martin down. Hats were now thrown up, “Well done, Johnson; now you’ll see him go to work,” etc., and loud applause followed.

9.—This was but a momentary triumph for poor Johnson, who commenced the round with much spirit, and fought away like a truly game man. Martin, however, cautious and collected, put in one, two, straight shoulder-hits upon Johnson’s distracted upper works that must have operated stunningly upon his senses. The Baker broke away from his opponent with surprising agility, and ultimately gave Johnson so tremendous a nobber, that he went down as if shot, and rolled over upon his face. (Twenty to one, but scarcely any person would take it.)

10.—It was all up with Johnson, and he again received so much nobbing that he laid himself down.

11.—Martin, eager to finish the contest, gave Johnson no chance of recovering from his puzzled state, but ran in to him, and floored him sans ceremonie.

12.—Johnson, who had hitherto been cheered with the smiles of conquest, still endeavoured to protract the contest. Martin again nobbed him with scarcely any return, and Johnson went down.

13th and last.—It was expected Johnson would not again show at the scratch; but it appeared that while he could lift up his hands he was determined to fight. He was, however, soon milled down; and, upon being placed upon his second’s knee, it was communicated to Martin he had no longer any foe to contend against. Johnson, with true manliness, shook hands with Martin; when he became so exhausted that he was carried out of the ring, and put into a coach. Martin immediately ran and got into a postchaise, and drove off the ground. It was over in thirty minutes.

Remarks.—No pugilist ever left the ring less punished than did Martin; and, except a trifling mark on the side of his head, there was not the slightest trace that he had been engaged in a prize contest. He won the battle with ease, science, and execution, equal to any boxer upon the list. Johnson had not a shadow of chance with Martin; and, however the admirers of the former may urge that his constitution was broken up, yet in his prime he could never have defeated the baker. It is two to one against any puddling fighter, however game he may be, when opposed to a real scientific two-handed boxer. To judge impartially of Martin’s talents, it was thought that he must be tried with a real good one, where science is opposed to skill, wariness contrasted with caution, and when in the pinch of the game bottom is exhibited to make up the grand climax. The attitude of Martin, in one or two instances, resembled Spring’s; he leant his body too much upon his loins.

The above contest and two others proved a rare day’s sport, and, notwithstanding the torrents of rain, which never ceased during the fights, the amateurs proved themselves game as pebbles, and kept their ground with indifference. Some funning took place amongst a few swell pedestrians, who were induced to marrow bone it, in consequence of the fineness of the weather, chaffing that they were transformed into clodhoppers from the heavy pieces of clay clinging to their feet.

As Martin, it appears, could not get any immediate employment for his fists, he felt determined that his legs should not stand idle, and therefore backed himself in a pugilistic foot race, a few days after this battle. On Monday, September 28, 1818, in Hyde Park, at eight o’clock in the morning, a muster of amateurs assembled to witness a race for a rump and a dozen, between Spring, Ben Burn, Martin, and a novice. The distance 200 yards. The latter declined previous to the time of starting. The race was spiritedly contested, but Martin took the lead, kept it, and came in first. Spring was second at the winning post; Ben Burn, though last, ran in good style, and was but a little distance behind Spring. The 200 yards were run in 25 seconds.

The Master of the Rolls having now made progress towards celebrity in the prize ring, was, from the following unexpected circumstance, again brought before the judgment of the amateurs, in opposition to a boxer who, notwithstanding his defeats by Turner, still stood high in the opinion of the fancy in general. At Parish’s benefit, held in a large room at the Coal Exchange, near Billingsgate, the principal feature of the evening was the bout between Martin and Scroggins, which was interesting as a test of the capabilities of the crusty hero. The length and height of the Master of the Rolls over his opponent was evident to all. Scroggins in this combat proved himself a tragi-comic performer of talent; and, under the mask of fun, he not only produced roars of laughter, made his audience frequently look serious, and worked upon his adversary’s feelings, but concluded by exciting their utmost astonishment. In short, if the conqueror of Johnson did not gammon it, and it was a real thing, the fact then is that neither the length nor the science of the Baker could prevent the boring qualities of Scroggins from doing heavy execution (so well known and felt by all his opponents, except Turner), and ultimately sending Martin down. Upon Scroggins quitting the room, with the best of the bout, “another round” was loudly called for by the partizans of the Baker. Scroggins immediately returned, went to work again without delay, and, as the grand climax, hit Martin down with the celerity of a shot, then turning round, said, with much naiveté, “Gentlemen, are you now satisfied?” “Quite, quite,” were the replies; and the little tar left the room overwhelmed with peals of applause.

Several amateurs were so decidedly in favour of Scroggins, that a deposit was immediately put down to make it a match for £100 a side, and a purse of £50 for the winner. But in consequence of the amateurs withdrawing the purse of £50, this match was off, and the friends of Scroggins forfeited their deposit of £5. However, a few days afterwards a new match was made, and the following articles agreed to:—

“Castle Tavern, November 3, 1818.

“T. Belcher on behalf of Scroggins, and B. Burn on the part of Martin, have deposited £20 a side for the above men to fight on Tuesday, the 8th of December, within thirty miles of London, in a twenty-four feet ring, for £100 a side. To be a fair stand-up fight; half minute time. £50 a side to be made good at Belcher’s on Tuesday, November 24; and the whole of the stakes to be completed at B. Burn’s, the Sun, in Windmill Street, Haymarket, on Thursday, December 3. If not, the above deposit to be forfeited. The £200 to be placed in the hands of Mr. Jackson, who will name the place of fighting. The above deposit of £40 to be lodged in the hands of Mr. Franklin. One umpire to be chosen by each party, and the referee by Mr. Jackson.

“(Signed)       “T. BELCHER.

“B. BURN.

“Witness, T. Cribb.”

The odds were immediately five to four on Martin, and in some instances higher.

This mill took place at Moulsey Hurst, on Tuesday, the 8th of December, 1818, where the amateurs met more numerously than could be expected, considering this battle was only two days after that of Randall and Turner. The name of Scroggins still made some impression on the fancy; but the odds were six to four and two to one against him. It was four years previous (December 8, 1814), on the same spot of ground that the celebrated Dutch Sam lost his laurels with Nosworthy; and it was also on the same piece of turf that Scroggins conquered Nosworthy, in the short space of eighteen minutes. The little hero seemed as if animated by the recollection of this affair, and looked more than cheerful. Martin appeared in the ring first, and threw up his hat, attended by Oliver and Ben Burn as his seconds; Scroggins, attended by Belcher and Richmond, soon followed. Both men were in good condition, particularly Martin. Randall was present, and frequently encouraged Scroggins by offering to bet upon him. At one o’clock the men shook hands, and the battle commenced. Mr. Gully was the umpire.

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—Scroggins with smiling confidence set-to, but Martin did not seem eager to go to work. Some long sparring occurred, when Scroggins hit first, which was returned by Martin. Some exchanges; the men closed, and Scroggy got Martin down. (Shouts of applause, and “Bravo Scroggins!”)

2.—The forehead of the Baker appeared rather raised, and Scroggy gave him another nobber with his right hand. The latter endeavoured to make a rush, but was stopped by a facer. The round was finished by some sharp fighting; both went down, Martin undermost.

3.—The Baker did not take the lead in that high style which had been anticipated. Scroggins, with much dexterity, planted a desperate hit on the side of the Baker’s right ear. Martin returned upon him, and they fought sharply at the ropes till both went down, and Martin undermost.

4.—Martin endeavoured to put in a sharp nobber, but Scroggy, smiling at his efforts, stopped it cleverly. In closing, both down, when Scroggins again got his opponent undermost. (Loud shouting, and “Go it, Scroggy.”)

5.—Martin put in some good hits, and followed Scroggins to the ropes, when the little one, with lion-hearted resolution, returned upon him and drove him back, planting some sharp blows. In struggling for the throw, Scroggins was undermost. (The high odds on the Baker had changed, and in many parts of the ring it was even betting.)

6.—Scroggins showed good science, and appeared not so easy to be got at as Martin had anticipated. The latter paused a good deal before he attempted to hit. After some milling on both sides, Scroggins got Martin down in the close, and undermost.

7.—Scroggins hit Martin twice, and sent him out of the ring. (Thunders of approbation, and “The little hero is as good as ever,” was the cry.)

8.—Although Martin did not perform what was expected, or smash his opponent off hand, yet ultimately it was thought he would be victorious. Scroggins hit and got away in good style. Martin again paused. At length they commenced fighting, and Scroggins’ nose was severely pinked. Both down, Scroggins undermost.

9 to 12.—Displayed no particular points, reciprocal in most instances; the youth and strength of Martin the principal advantages.

13 to 16.—The former three rounds displayed little variation; but the latter was excellent. Scroggins got Martin at the ropes in such a peculiar situation that he might have severely punished him with ease and effect, but disdained to take any advantage, holding up his hands and walking away. (Tumultuous applause from all parts of the ring at his manly conduct. But it was observed by the judges of pugilism that Scroggins had given a chance away, and this generosity might eventually lose him the battle.)

17 to 24.—In all these rounds it would be difficult to assign the “best” to either. Scroggins was rushing in to make a hit, when Martin stopped him, but the latter fell from weakness.

25.—This was a good round. Martin hit and got away; and Scroggy also stopped with judgment. In closing, Scroggins threw Martin out of the ring. (Shouts of applause.)

26 to 28.—Scroggins laughed at Martin, when the latter ran in and gave him a nobber for it. Both down.

29 to 32.—These were milling rounds, and good on both sides. Counter hits passed. The nose of Scroggy looked rather queer, but he made some excellent stops. Martin’s right eye was damaged. In closing, Scroggins acted again with much manliness, disdaining to fall upon the Baker, which he might have done. (Applause, and two to one was offered in some places by the friends of Scroggins.)

33, 34.—The amateurs felt rather astonished that nothing decisive had as yet been effected. Scroggins showed good science, good pluck, full of laughter, and proved an ugly customer for the Baker. Martin in this round met Scroggins well as he was coming in by a facer; but the latter returned, and in closing, fell upon him heavily. He said to his second. “It is as right as the day,” meaning he should win it.

35 to 37.—Martin bled in the latter round from severe facers. Both down, but Martin undermost.

38.—Cautious sparring, during which time Scroggins smilingly observed to Martin, “I am not so easy a customer, Jack, as you expected.” “Never mind,” replied Martin; “how are you to win it?” Both down.

39.—Scroggins hit down just above the mark.

40 to 45.—Scroggins began playing some antics with his feet, not unlike his displays of fun at the Fives Court. He seemed quite at ease, and some parts of the ring took him for choice as an old favourite. One hour and thirty-two minutes had elapsed, and nothing decisive done, excepting that the youth of Martin was likely to serve longest.

46.—The face of Scroggins was the worse for the fight; Martin was piping—his mug, too, rather changed, but he scarcely bled.

47 to 50.—They both got weak, and Martin went down from some hits, each frequently gave a “hem” for wind. Scroggins received a dreadful floorer on the nob that appeared to make him so groggy that he did not know where he was, and the cry was, “It is all up.” Oliver took off his hat—the spectators run from the outer ring towards the ropes; some confusion ensued, and the horsewhips went to work to clear the ground; the time-keeper found himself pressed upon by the crowd, and for safety got into the roped ring; order was at length restored; but it is thought a minute and a half elapsed before “Time” could be or was called. Great murmurings occurred from the friends of Martin. Belcher here showed his excellent qualities as a second.

51.—Scroggy recovered, to the astonishment of the ring; the 51st, 52nd, 53rd, and 54th rounds were downright milling, and Scroggins was as good as his opponent.

55.—Scroggins floored Martin, and took the bottle to drink himself.

56 to 66.—To describe these rounds would be impossible; both men fought in the most distressed state, yet more execution was done in them than in the whole fight put together. The men continued fighting till they absolutely rolled against each other; in fact, till the hitting had left them both, and it was thought once Martin had lost it, it being difficult to get him off the ground, but he revived a little and sent Scroggy down, when he could not come again. It was anybody’s battle at last—the toss up of a halfpenny. As a proof of the nicety of the thing, in the 63rd round Martin was hit down. 64th, Scroggins down. 65th, both down. Two hours and two minutes had elapsed, Scroggy in a state of stupor, and Martin little better. The latter, however, walked to a post-chaise, and received loud cheers from the spectators.

Remarks.—In point of fame, Scroggins did not lose one inch of ground, although the decision of the fight was against him. He was, however, more punished than in any other of his battles; he also showed more science, and evinced game of the first quality. Martin is nothing else but a good and a game man; but in taking two hours to beat a stale one, and that too merely from chance (excepting the 50th round, when the ring was broken, which, in point of truth, was in his favour), operates as a considerable drawback towards establishing a character as a first-rate finishing fighter. It was the constitution of Martin that won it. With a man of fine science it becomes a question as to what place on the list he might claim. The amateurs expected much more from him. Martin also was severely punished.

Scroggins showed in town on the Friday following, but not in an exact state to sit for his likeness, when the little hero observed, “that Martin was the best man he had ever been opposed to.” Martin was very ill, and did not arrive in town for several days.

The success of Martin now prompted him to obtain a higher situation among the milling heroes; he therefore entered the lists with Randall. (See Randall, ante, p. 346.) In this contest his enterprising spirit received a check, and he was doomed to experience defeat.

Martin, it seems, was not dismayed at the above reverse of fortune, but endeavoured to recover his lost laurel with the game and scientific Turner. (See Turner, ante, p. 387.) In this battle Martin also experienced defeat. To use his own words upon this occasion, Martin observed, “he should not have been satisfied in his own mind if he had not fought with Randall and Turner.” He also, with great candour, stated “that these heroes were too good fighters for him, and he therefore acknowledged, with the utmost sincerity, they were his superiors.”

Martin, in addition to his milling capabilities, was also a good pedestrian. Previous to his battle with Scroggins, he offered to make the best of his way to Brighton, a distance of fifty miles, in eight hours, for a wager of fifty guineas.

The Master of the Rolls, always ready to fight, accepted a challenge from Joshua Hudson for fifty guineas a-side. This affair took place on Tuesday, December 14, 1819, at Colnbrook, in Buckinghamshire, eighteen miles from Hyde Park Corner. Hounslow Heath originally was the appointed place, but the beadle of the parish gave the hint it would be stopped, and “a beak” shortly afterwards confirmed the injunction. The motley group then pushed forwards to Colnbrook, where a field was soon procured, and at three o’clock Martin, followed by Spring and Randall, threw up his hat. Hudson shortly afterwards appeared, accompanied by Tom Belcher and Clarke. The parties soon shook hands and set to. Six to four on Hudson.

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—Hudson appeared in the highest condition—good humour, manliness, and confidence seemed smiling on his brow. Martin looked equally well, and there was a steady composure about him, as if victory was his sole intention. It was generally expected that a slashing fight would be the result, from the well-known bull-dog qualities of Hudson; but, upon the combatants placing themselves in attitudes, a minute elapsed in manœuvring, both anxious to obtain the first advantage. At length Martin let fly, hit Hudson’s left shoulder, and also got away. The latter endeavoured to plant a severe right-handed blow, which Martin stopped cleverly. Sparring was again resorted to, and caution used on both sides. Some trifling exchanges took place, when Hudson put in a tremendous hit under Martin’s left ogle, that not only measured it for a suit of mourning, but the claret instantly followed. This conduct rather surprised Martin, but he endeavoured to return with his left hand. More sparring. The combatants now made counter hits on the mouth, but the blow from Hudson seemed most effective. Martin tried to make one of his severe right-handed hits, which was stopped, when Hudson, in return, put in so severe a facer, that Martin went staggering away two yards towards the ropes, and it was expected he must have gone down. The blood was now seen trickling from his nose. Some more cautious manœuvring occurred, when the men fought their way into a close, and both went down, Martin undermost. Loud shouting, “Bravo, Hudson—£100 on Josh.”—Six and seven to four were currently offered. This round occupied upwards of seven minutes and a half.

2.—The appearance of Martin was much against him; in fact, he looked rather exhausted. The blow he had received on his eye was on the same that Randall and Turner had so severely peppered. Martin got away from a well-directed facer meant by Hudson, and, in return, put in a severe blow on the ribs of his opponent. Some little sparring, but fighting was the order of this round. Martin soon received a severe “snorter” that produced the “pink” instantly; but after this blow he had it all his own way. With his right hand he planted a blow just above the temple of Hudson, which looked red, and also put in a sharp hit under the left ear of his opponent. Josh seemed rather staggered, but he returned manfully to the charge, and some exchanges took place in a partial close, till they got out of it, when Martin made himself up, and a tremendous hit, which he put in upon the point of Hudson’s left shoulder, operated so powerfully that, he turned pale, and staggered towards the ropes in a confused state, and Randall bid Martin follow up his success. The accident was not known at this period, and Hudson was too good to fall. Martin now approached him, and, with a slight left-handed blow on Hudson’s head the latter went down.—“Well done, Martin; that’s the time of day to win.” During the time Hudson sat on his second’s knee he communicated to them that his shoulder was dislocated; and on “Time” being called victory of course was declared in favour of Martin. The fight was over in nine minutes.

Remarks.—There is scarcely room for observation, in consequence of the shortness of the contest, but the general opinion of the ring was that Hudson would ultimately have proved the conqueror. Fortunately, a medical man was upon the spot, and Hudson’s shoulder was set in less than five minutes afterwards. The accident he thought little about; but he shed tears on losing the victory. Hudson walked about the ring afterwards, and appeared at the Castle Tavern in the evening with his arm in a sling.

Martin, it seems, determined to keep the game alive, made no hesitation in entering the ring against the “iron-hitting Cabbage,” as the latter was termed. This battle was for one hundred guineas a-side, and took place on Tuesday, March 28, 1820, at Farnham Royal, near Dawney Common, contiguous to Stoke House, near Stowe, Buckinghamshire, twenty-four miles from London. Maidenhead Thicket, in Berkshire, a distance of twenty-nine miles from the Metropolis, was the spot fixed upon for the day’s play, and the length of road made it necessary for the amateurs to start as soon as daylight peeped. The “toddlers” were quite out of it, as nothing but good “prads” could attempt a distance of sixty miles. The stage-coaches made out well upon the occasion; and, notwithstanding the numerous vehicles of this sort upon this great road, many amateurs were disappointed. There was considerable attraction about the contest, and a greater sprinkling of Corinthians than usual adorned the ring with their presence. Cabbage had derived great notoriety from being the champion of the light weights in Bristol, and also for being one of the most determined boxers on the list. A large company mustered at an early hour in the town of Maidenhead; but one of the beaks, it seems, got hold of the scent, and a warrant was issued against Cabbage. This circumstance alarmed the milling coves; it was soon communicated to the motley throng that “it wouldn’t do;” so Gibbons brushed off with the stakes, and formed the ring at Farnham Royal, in a field of private property, without delay; and thither he was followed by horse and foot in rapid confusion.

At thirty-seven minutes past one o’clock Martin appeared and threw his hat in the ring, followed by Oliver and Randall as his seconds; Cabbage soon appeared, attended by Cribb and Clarke. Randall tied the blue colours to the stakes, and Cribb covered them with the yellow-man belonging to Cabbage. It was seven to four current betting in favour of the latter—in many places two to one.

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—The condition of Cabbage was tiptop; he was as fine as a star, and his frame compact and firm as an oak. Not so Martin, he did not look well, was not fit to fight, and had also had a recent attack of rheumatism. Some trifling sparring, when Martin made a hit, which was well stopped by Cabbage. The Master of the Rolls appeared clever compared with the rough customer before him, availed himself of the science he possessed, and put in two nobbers, but not heavily, when Cabbage rushed in, and both went down. Two to one on Martin.

2.—Both combatants made offers, but retreated sparring. The right hand of Martin again nobbed his opponent, and Cabbage in return attempted to be busy. Both down, but Martin undermost.

3.—Although Cabbage was decidedly the favourite, it was evident he was no fighter, but showed amazing strength and resolution. Martin got away from him, and attempted to put in a severe bodier, and also one on the head; but the rushing qualities of the latter bored Martin to the ropes, where, after a severe struggle, both went down.

4, 5.—Martin showed science, still the odds were getting up against him, and Richmond observed he would not take ten to one and stand it.

6 to 10.—A slight tinge of the claret was seen on Martin’s face, and he appeared weak. It was almost booked that he would be tired out, as his strength seemed fast leaving him.

11 to 24.—In all these rounds, notwithstanding Martin put in repeated facers, little impression appeared to have been made on the iron mug of Cabbage until this round, when his right eye received a severe hit upon an already damaged place, and bled.

25 to 41.—The amateurs expressed themselves much disappointed in Cabbage, and the Commander-in-chief[^[161]] declared “he saw no choice between them.”

42 to 48.—Cabbage was now so much the favourite that three to one was laid upon him.

49 to 60.—Martin still kept nobbing his opponent, but he could not reduce his strength. The Master of the Rolls was also getting very weak, and fell down at times exhausted. It was a manly, good-natured contest, and the combatants behaved to each other fairly in the extreme.

61 to 70.—It was thought by a few that Martin was now getting the best of it, and Randall said it was all right. But this was not the general opinion.

71 to 73.—Martin, encouraged, took the lead, and Randall again assured him “It was as safe as the Bank.”

74.—Martin stopped Cabbage, gave him a facer, and ran him down.

75th and last.—In this round, in struggling together, Cabbage got a sudden jerk or twist on the neck, that totally disabled him from showing at the scratch when time was called. A medical man immediately rendered him his assistance, and he was taken from the ring. The fight lasted one hour eleven minutes and a half. Great danger appeared, and it was thought Cabbage would not recover.

Remarks.—Few, if any, remarks are needed upon the above contest. Cabbage belonged to the same school as Scroggins, depending upon rushing forwards, and was positively a chance hitter. His left hand was always open, and he continually hit round the neck of Martin. It was thought that Cabbage would never be able to cut any figure amongst the London boxers, and it was also urged, from the above specimen, that he was the worst pugilist from the renowned Bristol nursery. Martin, in winning this fight, raised himself considerably in the estimation of the fancy. He was extremely ill, very weak, and not fit to fight.

One evening, in the month of June, 1820, it appears that six well-dressed blackguards were returning from the Coburg Theatre,[^[162]] about eleven o’clock, and for a “bit of a lark” endeavoured to take a respectable young woman from her husband, when the latter in the most manly way resented the insult, but was overpowered by numbers. The Master of the Rolls was accidentally passing at the time with a friend. The latter immediately remonstrated with the “dandies” upon the impropriety of their conduct, but he received a facer for his interference, and one or two of the party also struck at the Master of the Rolls. This was enough, or rather too much, for Martin. He let fly his right on the nob of the first that approached him, and the dandy went down as if he had been shot; the second shared the same fate; the third was no better off; the fourth came in for “pepper;” the fifth got a severe “quilting;” and the sixth received for his insolence so severe a blow on his mouth as to dislodge some of his ivory. It was truly laughable to see the ridiculous pickle these bullies were in, the claret trickling down their cheeks, and holding their hands up to their heads. When Martin’s friend exclaimed, “Go it, Martin, give it them,” the name operated like a thunder-clap upon their nerves, and they bolted like race-horses in a sauve qui peut. Martin lost part of his coat in the scuffle, but did not receive a scratch upon his person.

The charms of a purse of £50, given by the Pugilistic Club, at Norwich, and also £25 a-side, induced Martin to enter the ring with Sampson (denominated the Birmingham Youth), at North Walsham, sixteen miles from the above city, on Monday, July 17, 1820, immediately after the battle between Oliver and Painter. Sampson was seconded by Turner, and Paul from Manchester. Martin was attended by the Champion of England and Spring. The odds were six to four on Martin; in fact, it was almost booked that he must win.

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—On stripping, Martin appeared in prime condition, and his legs being decorated in ribbed silk stockings, gave him an attractive appearance. Sampson was also well, but had too much of the greyhound about his loins, to indicate the possession of strength. Sampson did not appear so eager to go to work as had been anticipated, and a considerable pause occurred before any blows were attempted to be made. At length Martin made an offer with his left hand, but Sampson got away. Another long pause, when Sampson put down his hands as if tired. Martin made another attempt to hit, but Sampson again retreated. A sort of rush took place between the combatants; some sharp hits were exchanged, and, in closing at the ropes, Martin fibbed his opponent, and also put in a heavy blow on Sampson’s neck, when both went down. (Loud shouting, and seven to four on Martin.)

2.—Martin now stood to no repairs, but rushed in upon Sampson. Some exchanges occurred, when, in closing, Martin pulled down his opponent, and fell heavily upon him.

3.—This was a sharp round, and something like pepper occurred on both sides. Severe fibbing at the ropes, and, in struggling for the throw, Sampson was undermost.

4.—The claret was now trickling down both their faces, and one of Martin’s peepers appeared rather damaged. The latter run in, and endeavoured to put in a most tremendous facer, but missed his aim, and had nearly slipped down. Martin, however, caught hold of Sampson, and ran him down. (Two to one on Martin; but some marks of disapprobation were expressed by the Johnny Raws.)

5.—Sampson missed a hit, and went round. Martin slipped down in running after him, but got up again, when some sharp blows were exchanged, till both of them went down. Thirteen minutes had elapsed.

6.—Sampson had been very busy, and Martin’s face exhibited some severe punishment. His left eye was bleeding. Both down.

7.—Sampson, with considerable dexterity, broke away from the weaving system. It was altogether a good round, till both measured their lengths on the ground.

8.—Martin missed a hit, and ran himself down.

9.—The Master of the Rolls slipped about all over the ring, as if he had been sliding on a pond, and at length went down.

10.—Martin run Sampson out of the ropes. Both down.

11.—It was complete pully-haully on the part of Martin, and he fell heavily on his opponent. (Disapprobation.)

12.—Sampson fought well, and with great spirit, but he could not resist the strength of Martin. Sampson was severely fibbed at the ropes, till both down.

13, 14.—From superior strength, Martin had the best of these rounds.

15.—Sampson went to work in great style. He nobbed his opponent, fibbed him terribly at the ropes, and ultimately fell upon Martin. (A great burst of applause from all parts of the ring, and to Sampson the cry was, “Another such a round and you may win it.”)

16.—Sampson commenced this round well, and again sharply nobbed his opponent; but Martin run in upon him, and by main strength pulled Sampson down by his thighs at the ropes. “Foul, foul.” “Fair, fair.” But the umpire did not notice it.

17.—At the ropes Sampson was so weak that he could not hit Martin, when the latter kept administering pepper severely, till his opponent went down. It was evident Martin’s strength could now win it.

18.—Martin went down after a few exchanges. (Great shouting for Sampson; and the expressions were, “We wish he may win it, because he has fought so well.”)

19.—Martin now had got his opponent to his wishes; he began to fight well, and nobbed Sampson all over the ring. The claret was running down his face in profusion. The rain too was coming down in torrents. (Two and three to one, but no takers.) Thirty minutes.

20.—Sampson went down from a severe blow in the wind market. He could hardly be got up.

21.—Sampson was much distressed, and soon went down. (“Take him away, he can’t win it.”)

22.—Sampson again down, but he would not give in.

23.—Sampson was going very fast: he had not a shadow of chance.

24 to 27.—All but gone; and a guinea to a shilling was offered.

28, 29, and last.—Sampson, after being hit down, could not come to the scratch when “Time” was called; and Martin of course was pronounced the victor.

Remarks.—This fight did not add to the reputation of Martin; on the contrary, it tended to reduce him in the estimation of the amateurs as a scientific boxer. He defeated Sampson more from pulling and hauling than from severity of hitting.

Martin, who was on a sparring tour, met with a little job on the second day of the Lewes races, Friday, August 11, 1820, in consequence of a Gipsy having boldly offered to fight any man on the ground. A purse of twenty-five guineas was made up, and so confident was the Gipsy of victory, that he begged the money (£6 or £7), collected for the loser, might be added to the fund for the winner, which was accordingly done. Clarke seconded Martin, and Davis the Gipsy. The battle was in a roped ring, and lasted seventeen minutes. It is unnecessary to give the details of the ten rounds. The Gipsy’s strength was foiled by the Baker’s science, and Martin gained an easy conquest. The Gipsy was severely punished. Martin scarcely received a scratch, and afterwards walked to Brighton. Oliver was time-keeper. The greatest order prevailed, and it was quite a treat to many of the fashionable visitors at Brighton, and to the country joskins.

The above fight also, it seems, rather tended to reduce than raise Martin’s character as a pugilist. Indeed, so much so that David Hudson was matched against Martin with the utmost confidence for fifty guineas a side. This match took place at Moulsey Hurst, on Tuesday, October 24, 1820.

Bright Sol put the fanciers all in high spirits, and the swells and kids left their beds with the expectation of having a gay milling day. Moulsey Hurst, that delightful spot for a scientific contest, was again the appointed place to muster, and the Bonifaces along the road, as soon as the office was given, were seen rubbing their hands, their mugs smiling with glee, and upon the look-out to welcome the old faces once more to their houses. The Daffy Club, with its president, gave Bill Just a turn, at the Half-way House, the Waggon and Horses, Kew Bridge, and Bob Lawrence’s, at Hampton, were overflowing with company in every part. The road, at an early period, exhibited lots of vehicles, and when the rain came on the lads were too game even to mention it, except observing one to another, “Push along, keep moving.” In a heavy shower of rain, at half-past one, Martin appeared, and threw his hat in the ring, but the high wind blew it out. Martin did not like this omen; he went and picked it up, and again threw it in the ring. Dav. Hudson appeared soon afterwards, and threw his hat also in the ring. Both the combatants were loudly applauded. Owen and Belcher were the seconds for David Hudson; and Randall and Spring officiated for Martin. The odds were in favour of Hudson; in fact, it was booked to a certainty that the latter must win, and nothing else. Five and six to four against Martin. Hudson tied his colours, the yellow-man, to the stakes, Tom Owen, observing, at the same time, he was the best little man in England; and Spring tied the blue handkerchief for Martin over them.

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—On stripping, both men appeared in the highest condition. Numerous as prize-fights have been, one of the greatest novelties occurred in the first round that had been witnessed. The men stood before each other for upwards of seven minutes in attitude, without making an attempt to hit. The steadiness of Martin was beautiful, and his length was so impressive that Hudson was all caution, and did not like to give the first blow. The latter was at length tired, and put down his hands, saying, “Martin, if you do not give a hit, I shall wait all day.” Hudson, however, made an offer, and Martin got away. Hudson again made a hit, which Martin stopped, and, in return, with his left hand he gave the latter a facer. The combatants closed, but broke away, when Martin nobbed his opponent in style. Another close took place, and, in breaking away, Martin had again the best of his opponent. Some blows were exchanged, and, in closing, both down. The shouting was loud on both sides; but Martin was the favourite ten to seven. This round occupied ten minutes.

2.—The superiority of Martin not only astonished the ring, but Hudson could not reach him; his right hand, in all his former fights, was dreadful, but he now used his left hand with equal facility. He drew the first blood on Hudson’s right cheek; but, in closing, both down. (“Martin for £100.”)

3.—The goodness of Hudson was the praise of the ring, but he was overmatched. Martin was nearly a stone heavier than his opponent. The length of Martin enabled him to put in facers with ease, but Hudson returned, and got Martin down. (Loud shouting.)

4.—This was a short round, and ultimately in favour of Martin. Both down.

5.—Hudson showed he was not deficient in strength, and, in closing this round, he threw Martin with considerable dexterity.

6, 7.—The confidence of the amateurs began to forsake them, and Martin was the hero of the tale; his steadiness and fine fighting quite astonished all present; in fact, he was quite a general, till both down.

8.—Hudson received a dreadful blow on the top of his nose, which produced the claret instantly; but he attacked Martin with all the gameness of a man determined to obtain victory, till the round finished. Both down. (Seven to four on Martin.)

9.—From the situation in which the men were placed, it was evident that Martin must prove the conqueror. Hudson was too short to commence the attack: he could not plant a hit with any degree of safety; in fact, he was beaten at both points—at in and out fighting. Martin went down from a slip.

10, 11.—In straggling for the throws, also, Martin showed improved qualities.

12.—After considerable difficulty at the ropes, Martin went down; but Hudson was severely fibbed by Martin.

13.—This was altogether a fine round on both sides. The courage of Hudson was of the highest quality; but there was a mastery about the science of Martin that astonished the ring, on reflection, that ever Randall or Turner should have defeated him. Martin hit Hudson terribly in the body, and also nobbed him till he went down.

14.—Hudson’s left eye was nearly closed, and he had been much distressed for wind in several of the preceding rounds, but Martin was a little weak, and went down.

15.—Every round was now closing to the disadvantage of Hudson. The length of Martin enabled him to hit his opponent in all directions, till he went down exhausted.

16.—Hudson now appeared like a drunken man, and came staggering to the scratch, when Martin hit Hudson away from him three times, with severe facers and also punished him down. (“It’s all up,” was the general cry.) Martin slipped down.

17.—It was only the goodness of Hudson that could have induced him to continue the contest. His hits were short; in fact, he could not get at Martin, the guard of the latter was so lengthy and firm. Hudson again received some tremendous nobbers on the right side of his head, till he went down.

18 and last.—Hudson was punished in all directions till he went down. He was lifted up by his seconds, but when time was called he could not answer the sound, and victory was of course declared in favour of Martin, in thirty-nine minutes and ten seconds.

Remarks.—Martin, it seems, was held much too cheap. It was expected by the amateurs in general that he would have been beaten off hand. He has, however, raised himself by his superior fighting in this battle to the top of the tree. He has conquered one of the best little men of the day, with a heart like a lion, and considered also a first-rate boxer. This circumstance alone is saying a great deal for him in the sporting world; but he has also conquered in succession, Josh. Hudson, Cabbage, the Birmingham youth, a big Johnny Raw, at the Lewes Races, and, lastly, Dav. Hudson. Martin has only been defeated by Randall and Turner; and the former has also beaten Oliver’s brother, Paddington Johnson, and the hardy Scroggins. Hudson did not hit Martin heavily, while the blows of the latter operated with the severity of a horse’s kick, and he retired from the ring little the worse for blows. Martin could have beaten another Dav. Hudson in the same ring. The latter was severely punished. Martin weighed eleven stone six pounds on this occasion.

We have already noticed Martin’s pedestrian capabilities. On Thursday, March 11, 1819, at Brixton Causeway, Martin cleverly defeated a well known runner, “the Chicken Butcher,” in a half mile race for £10, the professional giving Martin a start of twenty-five yards.

Martin now considered that experience and success in the ring would justify him in calling upon Turner for a second trial of skill. Preliminaries were arranged and Tuesday, June 5, 1821, appointed as the day of battle. The rendezvous was Crawley Hurst. The cognoscenti booked this affair as a “gift” of 100 guineas to Turner; and as he had beaten Martin so cleverly in 1819, in one hour and seven minutes, with a bad knee, it was now betted evens that he won the battle within an hour. Turner was first in the ring, attended by Tom Belcher and Randall; Martin soon after him, waited upon by Tom Spring and a Norwich amateur. Colours—light blue for Martin, and dark blue for Turner, were tied to the stakes by their respective seconds, and the men stood up for

THE FIGHT.

Round 1.—The Master of the Rolls commenced practice without delay, but hit short with the right hand, Turner getting away. Martin, not dismayed, followed Turner so quickly, endeavouring to plant some hits, that the latter was nearly falling, but he recovered his balance, when an exchange of blows occurred. Martin appeared so impetuous in his attack, that Turner sung out, “Hollo! hollo! Go it, my lad!” The Master of the Rolls planted a heavy blow on Turner’s throat. A pause. Turner got away from some blows, and, with his left hand put in a severe hit on Martin’s eye, which almost closed it. Martin, with his left hand, gave a heavy body blow; he also put in a facer. Ned now went to work, sharp blows passed between them, and, in closing, the weaving system was resorted to, till both went down.

2.—Turner hit Martin’s guard down. A pause. Ned’s left hand again told on the nob of his opponent, and he got away. In closing at the ropes, some sharp milling took place, when Turner was down, and undermost.

3.—It was evident that Martin meant nothing but fighting, and they alternately followed each other over the ring. In closing, Martin held Turner fast, and punished him till he slipped or went down from a slight blow.

4.—Martin confidently put in another body blow, and also a facer, when Turner was nearly falling, but he recovered his position. This was a good round; both men fought till they were distressed, and the knees of Turner trembled considerably. Martin bored in, and got Turner down.

5, 6, and 7.—These rounds were well contested, and although Turner fought at points he did not do that execution which had been so decidedly witnessed in his former battles. Martin, however, showed the first blood.

8 to 11.—Turner stood well in the opinion of the amateurs. He had proved himself a game man, a dangerous fighter, and one that would not go away for a trifle; but if Turner put in a hit, he got a blow in return for it. Martin fell very heavy on Turner. Randall cried out to Martin he would bet seven to four. “I’ll take it,” answered Martin, and went to work to win it.

12 to 15.—Martin put in several severe blows about the lower ribs of his opponent, and also some facers. In fact, Martin was now getting the best of it; but the friends of Turner were so much attached to him they could not perceive the fact.

16.—The Master of the Rolls put in a batch of hits—three facers without a return. Turner endeavoured to turn this round in his favour, but, on the contrary, Martin put in a severe body blow, and Turner fell.

17.—A long pause. At in-fighting Martin proved himself the best man; he also put in a blow on the nose of his opponent that produced the claret. In closing, Turner went down, undermost. The odds were all used up, and even betting, but Martin for choice.

18, 19.—Turner went down awkwardly. Murmurings, and an appeal to the umpires. Several amateurs insisted Turner went down without a blow, but the fight went on.

20 to 25.—Martin, in the whole of these rounds, if he did not show off in style, had the best of them.

26 to 30.—In the last round, on Turner’s going down, an appeal was made to the umpires.

31 to 36.—Turner could not stop the body blows of his opponent; in fact, he was getting weak, and also getting the worst of it. (“One hour,” said the time-keeper, “has passed away.” Martin answered, “I can fight for six hours.”)

37 to 40.—Two to one in favour of Martin. An appeal was made to the umpires that Turner had again gone down without a blow. “You are mistaken,” said one of the umpires, “I should not like to have had it.” The other umpire appeared to have doubts on the subject, when the referee observed he saw nothing foul.

41.—Martin put in another body blow without any return being made. Some blows were exchanged as Martin followed Turner over the ring, when the latter went down.

42.—Both down after an exchange of blows.

43.—Turner seemed getting second wind, and put in a severe left-handed hit on Martin’s forehead that made the claret follow profusely. “It’s all right now,” said a few of the over-the-water-boys; “give him the Bermondsey screw, Ned.” Martin, although getting the worst of this round, followed up his opponent till he went down.

44, 45.—Turner made some sharp hits, but was down in both these rounds.

46.—Turner hit Martin bang in the head, and got away. Some exchanges were made, and when Martin followed Turner, the latter once more dropped; the former again remarked “That Ned went down without a blow,” and immediately went up to the umpires to complain. “Foul, foul,” and “Fair, fair,” resounded from all parts of the ring. In consequence of so much scandalous dereliction of duty, Martin, in a violent passion, said “he was not used well,” and endeavoured to get over the ropes: in fact, one of his legs was half out, and he would have bolted if Spring had not, with great presence of mind, held him fast, and thus saved him from losing the battle. Mr. Jackson here interfered, and observed to the pugilists in the ring, that neither the fighting men nor their seconds had any right to interfere; nor, indeed, any other person but the umpires, who were appointed to watch the motions of the men, and if they disagreed, then a final appeal must be made to the referee.

47.—Martin still appeared very angry, and it was thought that he was giving a chance away, from the effects of passion. But he cooled upon it, a good round was the result, and Martin sent Turner down. (Loud shouting from the “dead men” party, and exclaiming, “It’s all right again, and Jack’s alive.”) Turner, while sitting on his second’s knee, however, seemed to think he was winning the battle, as he gave the office with a smile to some of his friends, by putting one of his fingers to his tongue.

48 to 50.—Some fighting on both sides, but Turner went down in all these rounds.

51.—Turner put in a sharp facer. Martin followed him and exchanged blows. A trifling pause. Martin, in following Turner till down, again complained that he went down without a hit. “I shall decide fairly, depend upon it,” said Mr. Jackson; “he not only received a hit, but his foot caught in a hole,” pointing to the place.

52 to 54.—The two first rounds were well fought. In the last, Martin again made an appeal to the umpires. Mr. Jackson repeated, that if anything unfair occurred, the umpires would notice it.

55.—Exchanges. Martin put in a severe facer. During a short pause Martin said, “You are a game man, Ned but you must lose it.” Ultimately Turner went down. The latter appeared to hit round, and it seemed as if one of his hands had gone. Martin’s right hand was also in a bad state.

56.—Turner was getting quite weak, but he seemed to have no idea of losing. Martin hit Turner on the head, and he went down terribly distressed.

57.—Both down, Martin uppermost.

58.—Few, if any, persons round the ring had an idea that the battle was so near over. This was a severe round to Ned; in fact, it was the tie-up of the fight. He received a severe blow on the body, and also a sharp one upon his head, when he went down.

59.—Turner endeavoured to make play, but it was all up. Martin fibbed him severely at the ropes, got Turner down, and fell on him with his knee nearly on his throat.

60 and last.—In a struggle Martin fell with all his weight on Turner. Turner was placed on his second’s knee. Martin, who was most anxiously viewing the state of his brave but fallen opponent with one eye, was with the other looking anxiously for the umpires to call “time.” The game Turner did not hear it, and Martin gave a jump on being proclaimed the victor, and ran out of the ring towards his vehicle. After Turner had been taken care of, and led out of the ring, Randall (apparently in great rage) threw up his hat and offered to fight Martin for £300 a-side, in three months. “I’ll bet five to one,” said an amateur, “no one dares to make it.”

The amateur, in offering the above bet, had miscalculated, for Martin, having turned the tables upon one adversary, appeared to think it would be an easy task to do so with another, and very shortly after the above fight reminded Randall of his offer, and declared his readiness to accept it. This was just the proposition that suited Randall, and the match being made, came off, as we have already stated (ante, p. 351), on the 11th of September, ending in the defeat of Martin, in one round and eight minutes and a half.

Martin was matched for £100 a side with Aby Belasco, but the Jew’s friends paid forfeit.

The following matrimonial announcement may serve as a specimen of sporting paragraphs half a century ago.

“Great Ring Match.—None but the brave deserve the fair! A celebrated pugilist, who has twice entered the lists with Randall, made a tie with Turner, disposed of Oliver the second, conquered Paddington Johnson, floored the hardy Scroggins, got the best of Josh. Hudson, polished off a big Gipsy, caused Dav. Hudson to blink and Cabbage to wink, and finally lowered the leek of the gallant Ned Turner—who has lately moreover become known as a first-rate ‘turf-man,’ and at all times as an upright and well-behaved man—appeared a few days since at the hymeneal scratch, at Lambeth, where he duly signed articles (for a match of £2,500 down) with a young lady, no time specified, but understood to be for life.

“Of his feats and his battles he surely may sing,

Whose first and last prizes were gained by the ring.”

Martin, from this period, was well known and universally respected. He became a boniface, and it would have been well had he not been tempted to return to the ring he had quitted as a conqueror.

After a lapse of seven years, diversified only by a match with Jem Burn, to fight in October 20, 1824, which ended in a “draw” of the stakes, Martin was induced by irritated feelings to challenge young Dutch Sam (Samuel Evans). The circumstances of his defeat, which took place November 4, 1828, at Knowle Hill, Berks, will be found under the memoir of the victor in Period VI.

Martin for many years was the landlord of the Crown at Croydon; he subsequently removed to the Horns Tavern, Kennington. He finally retired, first to St. Alban’s, and afterwards to a rural retreat in Devon, where he long resided. He died in the year 1871, aged 75, having become a convert for many years to the doctrines and practice of total abstinence from liquor, and a strict vegetarian.