[44]. Jack Ford, in his day, fought some of the best men. He was defeated by Tom Oliver and Harry Harmer (see Life of Oliver, vol. ii.); but beat Harry Lancaster, George Weston and Josh. Ebbs. His weight was twelve stone.
[45]. This would now be objected to as an improper interference on the part of a second.—Editor.
[46]. As a sample of what our fathers thought smart writing, we give a contemporary specimen or two of les impromptus fait à loisir which appeared in the leading papers of the day:
“IMPROMPTU ON SAMPSON AND HUDSON’S MATCH.
“If what the ancients say be true,
That Samson many thousands slew,
And with a single bone;
How can Josh. Hudson’s skill in fight,
Avail ’gainst modern Sampson’s might,
Who carries two ’tis known?”