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.