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,