2.—A good rally, and both the combatants upon their mettle. Ford most conspicuous, but did not like the right hand of Harmer. Strength on both sides was resorted to in falling; but the advantages in this round appeared on the side of Ford.
3.—The right hand of Harmer got into work, and the forehead of Ford received a severe taste of his quality. The game of the latter, however, was not so soon frightened as to deter him from attempting to adopt his favourite mode of in-fighting; and several teasers did not frustrate Ford from boring in upon his adversary, yet he still lost by comparison, and was thrown.
4.—The truth must be told: the bad training of Ford could no longer be concealed. His wind was treacherous, and he was sparring to gain time; but he guarded himself so scientifically, that a short time elapsed before any opening occurred whereby Harmer could derive any advantage, when he at length put in a heavy body blow on his opponent, and Ford, with considerable dexterity, returned a “sender” on the head of Harmer. Equality was preserved in this round; but Ford went down from a terrible blow. (Brisk betting upon Harmer two to one.)
5.—Ford, full of pluck, rallied with spirit, slashing away without any care respecting himself; and Harmer was no ways behind hand in hammering his opponent. Their hitting told, and the round was not terminated without considerable execution being manifest. Harmer threw Ford. Weakness now appeared on both sides.
6.—Harmer received a severe hit in the body and went down.
7.—In going in to rally, Harmer was repulsed by Ford, when the latter for a short period had the best of the milling. On getting near the ropes, Harmer got Ford’s nob under his left arm and fibbed him so terribly that he was glad to put an end to it by falling through his hands. Harmer was now the favourite in every point of view.
8.—Ford, always brave, showed he was determined not to lose his character, and the fortitude he exhibited in this round claimed universal praise. Punishing without ceremony took place upon both sides; and the right hand of Harry, from a terrible hit he planted upon Ford’s eye, was much injured. The combatants stuck to each other hard and fast, pelting away in all directions; but the strength of Ford was leaving him, and he held by the ropes, where the mastery of Harmer was evident, by holding up his opponent with his left hand and with his right putting in some weighty blows. The betting amateurs were now satisfied it was all their own way, and offered to lay any odds upon Harmer.
9.—Ford had now received so much severe punishment that it was evident he was losing ground rapidly. He had given such decided specimens of game in his other contests, that it was well known he would not relinquish fighting while anything like a chance remained. He therefore summoned all his courage to get a turn in his favour, but was reduced to that state where superior science and strength must be served. Ford, from one leg being shorter than the other, fought under peculiar disadvantages in this respect, and when retreating, it appeared very conspicuously. It now appeared that he fell without a blow, but it was owing to this defect.
10.—Humanity of character should never be forgotten, and it ought always to be recorded as an example to other pugilists. Ford was in an unfortunate situation against the ropes, where a blow must have finished him; but Harmer nobly disdained to take any advantage of a brave competitor while a more manly path presented itself; and he never could show manhood in a finer style than in walking away and leaving Ford to go down himself.
11.—Harmer now punished his antagonist with ease and address till he went down, and Ford was more enfeebled every round; but, notwithstanding the milling he met with, he could not be prevailed upon to give in until the twenty-third round, when he was completely told out.