On the same day we find a very good bye-battle was fought between Buckhorse and Harry Gray, the clogmaker (see Buckhorse, post).
The advertisements and challenges of the boxers of this period are matters of curiosity, as illustrating the manners of another age; we therefore insert a few which have been preserved in connexion with this period of Taylor’s career
From the Daily Advertiser, April 26th, 1742.
“At the Great Booth, Tottenham Court, on Wednesday next, the 28th instant, will be a trial of manhood, between the two following champions:
“Whereas I, William Willis, commonly known by the name of “the fighting Quaker,” have fought Mr. Smallwood about twelve months since, and held him the tightest to it, and bruised and battered him more than any one he ever encountered, though I had the ill-fortune to be beat by an accidental fall; the said Smallwood, flushed with the success blind Fortune then gave him, and the weak attempts of a few vain Irishmen and boys, that have of late fought him for a minute or two, makes him think himself unconquerable; to convince him of the falsity of which, I invite him to fight me for One Hundred Pounds, at the time and place above-mentioned, when I doubt not but I shall prove the truth of what I have asserted by pegs, darts, hard blows, falls, and cross-buttocks.
“WILLIAM WILLIS.”
“I, Thomas Smallwood, known for my intrepid manhood and bravery on and off the stage, accept the challenge of this puffing Quaker, and will shew him that he is led by a false spirit, that means him no other good than that he should be chastised for offering to take upon him the arm of the flesh.
“THOMAS SMALLWOOD.”
“Note.—The Doors will be opened at Ten, and the Combatants mount at Twelve.
“There will be several bye-battles, as usual; and particularly one between John Divine and John Tipping, for Five Pounds each.”