Randall generously volunteered to attend and set-to at Martin’s benefit at the Fives Court, which took place only a week before their fight, and did so. This is a little trait that speaks volumes for the manly character of the Nonpareil. We copy the contemporary report, as a specimen of the “road to the fight” some sixty years ago.
“The fancy were upon the alert soon after breakfast, on Monday, May 4, 1819, to ascertain the seat of action, and as soon as the important whisper had gone forth, that Crawley Downs was the place, ‘the toddlers’ were off in a twinkling. Gigs were brushed up, the prads harnessed, and the ‘boys’ who intended to enjoy themselves on the road were in motion. Heavy drags and wagons were also to be witnessed creeping along full of people, with plenty of grub. Between the hours of two and three o’clock in the afternoon, upwards of 100 gigs were counted passing through Croydon. The bonifaces chuckled with delight, and screwing was the order of the day. Long before eight o’clock in the evening, every bed belonging to the inns and public-houses in Godstone, East Grinstead, Reigate, Bletchingly, etc., etc., were doubly and some trebly engaged. The country folks also came in for a snack of the thing, and the simple Johnny Raws, who felt no hesitation in sitting up all night if they could turn their beds to account, with much modesty only asked £1 and 15s. each for an hour or two’s sleep. The private houses were thus filled. Five and seven shillings were charged for the stand of a horse in any wretched hut. But those customers who were ‘fly’ to all the tricks and fancies of life, and who would not be nailed at any price, preferred going to roost in a barn; while others, possessing rather more gaiety, and who set sleep at defiance, blew a cloud over some heavy wet; devouring the rich points of a flash chaunt, and thought no more of time hanging heavily than they did of the classics, chaunting and swiping till many of the young sprigs dropped off their perches; the ould ones who felt the influence of ‘the Dustman,’ were glad to drop their nobs to obtain forty winks. Those persons whose blunt enabled them to procure beds, could not obtain any sleep, for carriages of every description were passing through the town all night. Things passed in this manner till daylight began to peep. Then the swells in their barouches and four, the swift trotting fanciers, hurried from the metropolis; and the road exhibited the bustle of the great day of Epsom Races. The ‘brilliants’ also left Brighton, Worthing, etc., about the same period, and thus were the roads thronged in every direction. The ‘pitiless pelting shower’ commenced furiously at six o’clock on the Tuesday morning, but it damped nothing but the dust. The ‘fancy’ are too game to prevent anything like weather interrupting their sports. The ogles of the turnpike men let not half a chance slip through their fingers, and those persons who, either from carelessness or accident, had not preserved their tickets, were physicked by paying twice at the same gate. The weather at length cleared up, and by twelve o’clock the amphitheatre on Crawley Downs had a noble effect, thousands of persons being assembled. It is supposed if the carriages had all been placed in one line they would have reached from London to Crawley. The amateurs were of the highest distinction, and several noblemen and foreigners of rank were upon the ground. The short time previous to the combat taking place was occupied in betting and descanting upon the merits of the pugilists. The high condition and strength of Martin made a considerable impression upon the waverers, and some little hedging occurred, though seven to four was the current price with Randall’s friends.” Martin first appeared in the ring, and threw up his hat, accompanied by his seconds, Burn and Harmer. Randall immediately followed, attended by Oliver and Jones. The combatants, upon meeting, shook hands with each other in the most friendly manner. The signal was given for stripping, and a most extensive ring was immediately beat out. At thirteen minutes to one the men set-to:—
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—Upon the combatants meeting at the scratch, the fine condition of Martin claimed the peculiar attention of the amateurs. The human frame could not possibly have attained a higher degree of perfection. He wore elastic drawers, and, from his hips downwards, the symmetry was so complete, that a sculptor could not have wished for a finer model. Randall was equally prime; but from comparison of height and weight the chance appeared against him, if it had rested upon these points. Reports had gone abroad that Martin meant to risk his fortune in the first two or three rounds; also that Randall could not bear punishment, and the baker was determined to smash him on the outset. The confidence of Martin rather alarmed a few of the amateurs; but the steady calculators were not to be moved; and the recollection that Randall had won eleven battles in succession—that he had never been defeated—and had likewise gained a victory over the skilful Turner, heightened their opinion, and induced them to lay it on thicker. The vast multitude seemed in breathless suspense on the men making their attitudes. Martin was cautious, and some time occurred in sparring for an opportunity to make a hit, when he at length let fly with his right hand, which reached his opponent’s body slightly. Randall made a hit, but the baker’s length of arm stopped it, when the latter in endeavouring to make a return, received a one-two on the right and left side of his face, which instantly created a pinky appearance. Long sparring occurred, and both on the look out to obtain a favourable opportunity. Martin made a hit, but Randall got away in style, when the latter was not long in planting a blow on the body. Counter hits took place, and Martin, rather encouraged from this circumstance, pursued Randall to the corner of the ropes. The Nonpareil, as heretofore, when placed in this perilous situation, extricated himself with promptness. He put in two facers; Martin went staggering away, and the claret was seen issuing from his mouth. He now raised himself upon his toes, when Randall, finding that the length of the baker’s “peel” was not yet practicable to get over, planted a severe bodier. Martin went a little to work, and in closing some sharp blows passed, and both went down, Martin uppermost. (Loud shouting, and “Well done, Martin.”)
2.—Randall’s left ear was slightly bleeding from the last encounter. Martin made a hit on Randall’s shoulder; and he also stopped the latter in making a return. Randall, however, was not long in putting in a bodier, that left the marks of his fingers as strongly imprinted as if they had been painted with vermilion. In closing the Nonpareil fibbed Martin severely, but the baker obtained the throw and was uppermost. (Two to one was now current upon Randall; and several took it, relying upon the length and strength of the baker.)
3.—Martin made a good nobber, and smiled at the event; but it was only temporary. Randall put in some bodiers with great dexterity, these affected the wind of Martin, and, in closing, Randall not only fibbed his opponent tremendously, but fell upon him.
4.—Martin’s face was bleeding and flushed all over; distress was coming fast upon him. He, however, made a hit which was stopped, when Randall, like lightning, put in so severe a facer that Martin’s head went with great force against the stakes. He appeared quite stunned, but did not go down, and came up tottering to fight with his opponent. In closing he again received terribly, and was undermost.
5.—The “upper crust” of the baker was now cracked, and Randall went in sharply to gain another point, adding more punishment, but in closing he was undermost. (Four to one).
6.—Martin got away from a tremendous hit; and some long sparring occurred. This was a severe round; but Martin was punished down, and Randall fell heavily upon him.
7.—The Nonpareil had now commenced his work, and satisfied the amateurs that he meant to finish it at his leisure; he had “got him,” as it is termed; but yet this safe hero to back thinks the battle is not over till it is positively won, and never gives the slightest chance away. This was a short round; when Randall again spoiled the upper crust, and got his opponent down.