THE FIGHT.Round 1.—Precisely at six minutes past one the onslaught commenced. Broome, to the astonishment of all, did not assume the elegant attitude we have seen in former battles, but feinted and dodged about without gathering himself together in the least. Tom was evidently surprised, and thought he must be “kidding;” he therefore assumed a defensive position, and bided his time. He had not long to wait. Harry was bent on forcing an opening, and dashed in, feinted with his left, ducked his head, and lodged his left heavily on Tom’s breadbasket. His nut was laid open to a severe upper cut, but Tom, bewildered, did not see, and therefore did not take the advantage of his opening. Broome now came again, let fly his left at the forehead, inflicting no damage, napped a little one on the left brow, and slipped down.2.—Paddock at once rattled in, let go his left with great quickness on the proboscis, drawing first blood. Broome returned on the left cheek, and also elicited a supply of the ruby. Harry then closed, and tried to throw his man, but, after a short struggle, in which Tom was very busy with his right at close quarters, Tom slipped from his grasp and fell.3.—Broome, out of all form, tried to take a lead, but in vain. Paddock was too quick for him, and pegged away heavily left and right on the conk, inflicting a cut on the bridge thereof, drawing more fluid. Broome again closed, and Tom resorted to his fibbing system with both hands heavily on the side of Harry’s nut, and on his ribs. This effectually put a stop to any chance of his being thrown, and in the end both fell side by side.4.—Broome dashed in, let fly his left, which missed; slight exchanges with the same hand followed, and Paddock slipped down. He jumped up immediately to renew the round, but Jemmy Massey squeezed him in his arms as if he were a child, and carried him struggling to his corner.5.—Broome came up puffing, and evidently out of sorts. Paddock, fresh as a daisy, grinned a ghastly grin, and awaited the onslaught. Harry tried his left, when Tom countered him heavily on the snout, drawing more of the crimson. Tom attempted to follow up his advantage, but Harry turned and ran away, Tom after him. On Broome turning round, Tom again planted a little one on the snuff box, and they once more closed, and some infighting took place, in which Broome received heavily on the body, and Tom got a little one behind his left ear. In the end Paddock slipped down.6.—Tom came up smiling. Broome at once rushed in, and closed with his head under Paddock’s arm. Here Tom held it and pegged away at the ribs until both were down, Broome blowing and apparently distressed. The layers of odds even thus early began to look excessively blue at the want of precision of their pet, and his evident lack of lasting powers.7.—Broome slow, tried a feint, when Tom nabbed him with the left on the cheek, and then with the same hand on the snout. Harry at once closed, when Tom, as usual, resorted to his fibbing, at which game Harry joined issue, and each got it on the nose and left cheek. In the end both again down.8.—Tom led off with his left, a straight’un, on the snuff box. Some rambling, scrambling exchanges followed to a close, in which both fell.9.—Tom steadied himself, and let go his left, but Harry countered him heavily on the right cheek. Tom returned on the jaw with his right, and in his hurry to get away slipped down. Harry drew back his hand, as if intending to deliver a spank, but prudently withheld the blow.10.—Broome let go his left, but open-handed, on Tom’s left peeper. Tom returned on the sneezer, increasing the supply of the carmine, and slipped down.11.—Tom feinted, but found Broome ready for a shoot, and stepped back, Harry after him. Tom now let fly his left well on the nose. Harry rushed in to close, and Tom resumed his fibbing on the dial and ribs. In the end he slipped down to avoid the fall.12.—Tom tried his left, but Harry stepped back, and as Tom followed, delivered a heavy right-hander on the mark, and then his left heavily on the mouth, drawing the Falernian, but fracturing one of the small bones of his hand. Paddock at once got down, and Harry walked to his corner.13.—Tom tried his left twice in succession, but Harry jumped away, Tom, however, persevered, and having got another little one on the mouth, went in to close, but on Broome grasping him slipped down.14.—Harry now tried it on, but Tom kept away, and as Harry followed, gave him a touch on the ribs with his left, and getting a little one in return on the chin, dropped.15.—Paddock dashed in without precision, and after a scrambling rally, in which there was more bustle than damage, he got down.16.—Tom once more steadied himself, and let go his left, but Harry cross-countered him on the forehead. Tom now crept close, and feinting with his left, drew Broome out, and then knocked him off his pins by a slashing right-handed cross-counter on the jaw. (First knock-down blow for Paddock.) The cheers of those who had taken the odds were now vociferous.17.—Harry did not seem much the worse for the crack in the last round, but came up good humouredly, and at once dashed to a close. Some sharp infighting took place, followed by a break away. Tom came again, and Harry nailed him very heavily on the snout with his right, staggering him, and drawing a plentiful supply of home-brewed. Paddock quickly sought mother earth.18.—Tom showed a slight mark on the left side of his beak, which was also swollen and bleeding. He rushed in, when Harry caught him on the left cheek, drawing more blood. Tom returned the compliment with interest on the smeller, a very heavy spank, which once more knocked the gallant Harry off his perpendicular.19.—Paddock feinted and let go his left on the nozzle, got a little right-hander on the left cheek in return, and slipped down, grinning. He jumped up, however, and said, “Have another round, Harry.” Harry was ready, but Tom was once more borne off by “the stunted Life Guardsman” (Massey).20.—Tom rattled in again, caught Harry on the nose, just between his eyes, removing more bark, and drawing more claret. Broome returned on the left cheek, and a close followed, in which both pegged away, until Tom fell on his knees, bleeding from his scent-bottle. (Time 28 minutes.)21.—Paddock let go his left once more at Harry’s proboscis, and some rapid but wild exchanges followed, Harry hitting open-handed, and Tom without judgment, and in the end Tom slipped down.22.—Harry came up panting and bleeding from the nose. Tom feinted, and Harry turned away, but Tom, when he got near enough, dashed out with his left very straight and heavy on Harry’s mouth, inflicting a severe cut, and turning on the tap. Harry missed his return, but tried to make a plant upon Tom. It was a failure, however—he seemed to have no steam in him—and Paddock once more dashed out his left on the mug, increased the wound, and again floored his brave antagonist.23.—Harry, although distressed, attempted to take the lead with his right, his left being apparently useless. He, however, missed a terrific right-hander, and napped a hot one on the nozzle in return. Harry then got in a little one on the jaw, and Tom got down cunning.24.—Paddock led off with his left slightly on the nose, which led to exchanges, Tom again being at home on the snuff box, renewing the stream. He got a right-hander on the left listener, drawing the ruby, and fell.25.—Harry’s mug, on coming up, was much altered for the worse. His mouth was much swollen and cut, and his nasal organ was in not much better condition, while a swelling was perceptible under his left eye. Paddock had few marks of punishment, and was as fresh as ever. Massey offered to lay odds on him, but did not find a response. Paddock made a feint, when Harry turned and ran round the ring, Tom after him. Harry then turned round, and a close took place, in which, after some slight fibbing, Paddock fell, receiving a right-hander on the nut as he reached the ground. (A claim of “foul,” which was not allowed.)26.—Harry sparred a little for wind, and Tom let fly his left, which was stopped. He then closed, and Tom, as usual, pegged away with both hands right merrily, thus preventing any chance of a heavy fall. His blows fell on Harry’s damaged kisser and ribs. In the end Paddock slipped out of Harry’s grasp and fell.27.—The men feinted until they got close, when tremendous right-handed counters were exchanged, Tom getting home on the snout, and Harry on the left cheek, and Paddock down.28.—Tom came up wild, and rushed in, when Broome countered him again heavily on the right peeper. Exchanges followed, Harry getting another tap on his cutwater, and, in the end, falling on his seat of honour.29.—Harry’s phiz was changing its appearance every round. It was now much out of shape in every way. Still, he persevered against hope. He went in feinting and dodging, whereupon Paddock went to him, but Harry retreated, and, as Tom rushed after him, nailed him with his right on the ribs, and then with both mawleys, the left open-handed, on the side of the nut, and Tom slipped down.30.—Harry rushed in to a close, and after a sharp but short struggle, they fell side by side. (Another claim of “foul,” on the ground that Broome had hit his man when down. Not allowed. Time, 40 minutes.)31.—Tom went in with ardour, dropped his left on the nozzle, and, after some wild exchanges, fell.32.—Tom again rushed in, and missing his delivery, Broome closed, and Paddock got down to avoid the fall.33.—Paddock still on the rushing suit, went in without judgment. Harry closed, and some more sharp fibbing took place. It was all in favour of Paddock, however, who was evidently the more powerful man, and punished poor Harry’s dial severely. In return he got a few touches on the ribs, and that was all. After a severe struggle they rolled over, and a claim was made that Paddock had kicked Broome while on the ground. This claim, like those on the other side, was justly declared by the referee to be groundless, and the mill proceeded.34.—Tom feinted, and Harry bolted, pursued by his opponent, who let go both hands with quickness on the left ear, from which blood was drawn, and on the mazzard, and Harry fell through the ropes.35.—Broome once more tried a lead, and got well on Paddock’s jaw with his right; he then closed, and, after a long struggle, in which he could get no good hold, both again fell together.36.—Tom essayed a rush, and Harry, in getting away, caught his heel and fell.37.—Paddock went to Harry almost in his own corner, and, after one or two feints some sharp exchanges took place, each getting it on the chin. Paddock slipped on his knees, and while in that position Harry gave him a severe crack on the smeller, drawing a tidy supply of the small still. (A claim of “foul” was once more made, which was overruled by the referee, who considered that Broome’s hand had started on its journey before Tom reached the ground.)38.—Tom came up bleeding from his sneezer, and dashed fiercely in; he planted his left heavily on the throat, closed, and fibbed his adversary with his left hand, while he held him with his right; he then neatly changed him over into the other arm, and gave him a dose with his right daddle on the nose and mouth, and Harry was eventually down, the main being on at the high service from both taps. Harry now laid himself on his stomach, in the hope of easing his distressed bellows, and was very slow to time; and no wonder either, seeing the quickness with which they had fought.39.—Tom dashed in, when Harry instantly closed, but Tom gave him no peace; he pegged away with both hands, administering heavy pepper on the ribs without a return; he then nailed poor Harry on the proboscis and mouth very heavily, and Harry fell. (Cries of “take him away,” but Harry would not hear of it.)40.—Tom came up smiling, and scarcely marked; he at once went to work, and followed Broome all over the ring, giving him no breathing time. He got a little one on the nose without a return, and Broome got down, blowing like a grampus. (51 minutes had now elapsed.)41.—Harry made a feint, but it was long out of distance, and Paddock quickly returned on the left optic. Broome now put in a little one on the mouth; after some merry little exchanges, they closed. At infighting Paddock got it heavily on the throat, and in the end he slipped down.42.—Paddock let fly his left, but was short, when Broome returned open-handed on the nose, and immediately closed. Paddock fibbed him heavily and effectually, prevented his obtaining any hold, and in the end, after Paddock had received a rattler from the left on the side of his nut, he slipped down.43.—Paddock, bent on finishing his job offhand, dashed in, got heavily on Harry’s ribs with his left, and Broome fell.44.—Tom once more dashed in, let go his left on the beak, and on getting to close quarters some heavy fibbing ensued, and another struggle for the fall, which neither got, and they fell together.45.—Tom went at his man with determination, delivered his left on the side of the nut, when Broome closed, but Tom proving much the stronger man, Harry got down.46.—Harry attempted a rush, but it was only an attempt. Tom came to meet him, delivered his one, two, with quickness on the front of the dial, and Harry fell, again lying on his back in the hope of recovering his wind.47.—Tom dodged his adversary, and then popped in a rib-bender with his right; Harry missed his return, and Paddock then made another visitation on Harry’s temple, and the latter fell.48.—The left side of Harry’s nut was terribly swollen, and his left peeper all but closed, while Paddock had still two good eyes, and was as strong and active as ever. Harry was extremely weak, and it was perceptible to all that nothing but an accident could give him a chance. He came up boldly,however, and stopped Tom’s first lead. A second time he was not so successful, and received a smasher on the whistler and fell.49.—Tom led off, but Harry cross-countered him on the proboscis rather heavily, Harry then closed, but was fibbed very severely on the left ear until he fell. (One hour had now elapsed.)50.—Harry came up bleeding from his left ear, nose, and mouth. Tom rattled in, dashed a heavy hit with his left on the nose, and then his right on the mouth. Harry seemed to wake up a little at this, and some heavy jobbing hits were exchanged, but in the end Harry fell, extremely weak. His brother (Fred) wished him to give in, but he seemed bent on another round.51 and last.—Harry, very slow to the call of time, came up unsteady and tottering; he made a blow at Paddock, but missed, and Tom let fly a vicious right-hander at the side of his nut—it missed its destination and alighted on Harry’s chest, where it left a tremendous bruise. It was a settler, however; it floored the gallant Harry, who, on time being called, got up, but instantly sank exhausted on his second’s knee, and Tass Parker, seeing that it was all over, threw up the sponge, Paddock being proclaimed the winner, after a bustling affair ofone hour and three minutes. An attempt was made by some few outsiders to bring the affair to a wrangle. They declared the sponge had not been thrown up by Tass Parker, and that Paddock, who had left the ring immediately after that act, had forfeited by so doing before a decision had been come to. This attempt was, of course, scouted by all the respectable spectators, and was especially discountenanced by Harry Broome himself, who owned that he had been fairly vanquished, and that Tom Paddock was now at any rate a better man than himself. The proceedings over, the company at once betook themselves to a station, about a mile distant, whither the special had been removed, and whither they were followed by Tom Paddock, who, with the exception of a few very trifling bruises, appeared unscathed. Harry Broome was too much exhausted to walk the distance, and, therefore, in company with Nat Langham, Jem Burn, and a few others, awaited the arrival of the train at the field of battle. These invalids were quickly embarked, and nothing now prevented the expedition from returning with all speed to the Metropolis. The word was therefore given, and good way being made, Shoreditch was gained by half-past six. Here the excitement was infinitely greater than it had been in the morning, and there was a general rush of the crowd to ascertain the result of the tournay. The news of the easy victory of Tom Paddock was received with universal astonishment; and though the general feeling appeared to be one of pleasure, still, even the largest winners could not help expressing their pity for the downfall of Harry Broome. Harry arrived at home about seven, and was at once put to bed. He did not appear to suffer so much from bodily pain as from mental affliction. His defeat was as unexpected as it was easy, and, of course, convinced Broome that his day had gone by for figuring in theP.R.Tom Paddock proceeded in triumph to the house of his kind friend, Alec Keene, “Three Tuns,” Moor Street, Soho, where he was received with enthusiasm, and where he remained until far into the small hours, receiving the hearty congratulations of his backers and friends.Remarks.—Our readers, doubtless, have, ere this, drawn their own conclusions as to the conduct and issue of this eventful battle, and it is at the risk of being thought tedious that we venture to offer our own comments thereupon. Harry Broome is no longer the man he was, and this remark applies not merely to his inability to train, but also to his falling off in that quickness and judgment for which heretofore he had distinguished himself. He admits that he cannot train, that he feels his own weakness, and that on Monday all his fighting qualities appeared to have left him directly he held up his hands. It certainly did seem extraordinary to see a well-known good general at the very outset rattle in and lead off at the body, throwing open his head to the attack of his adversary; and when it was seen afterwards that he could neither stop nor hit with anything like vigour, there was a general exclamation of astonishment. Some persons said he did not intend fighting; but any one with half an eye could see that this was not the case, and that all his mistakes were the result of physical incapability. Even his wrestling powers appeared to have left him; but then, it must be remembered that the way in which all his attempts for the fall were met by Paddock,viz., by fibbing at his nut until he loosed his hold, was well calculated to distract even a more powerful man. The only thing that reminded us of the Harry Broome of old appeared to be the gift of occasionally delivering a straight hit with his left; but even this power was taken from him by the accident to that hand early in the fight, which entirely deprived him of its use, as might be seen by his continually hitting open-handed. The want of vigour in his right hand was sufficiently obvious from the almost entire immunity from punishment of the winner. Harry still resorted occasionally to his old trick of turning round and running from his opponent—a plan of fighting which, in our opinion, is neither commendable as a method of escaping punishment, or judicious as a means of drawing an adversary off his guard. Of game and determination Harry displayed no lack, and it was not until perfectly exhaustedand incapable of renewing hostilities that he consented to be taken away. Of Tom Paddock we do not feel that we are called upon to say much, but the little we do must be all in the highest terms. At first he was evidently cautious, and a little thrown off his guard by the extraordinary tactics of Broome, thinking, as he did, that the latter was merely “kidding him,” in order to induce him to throw away a chance. Tom however, was steady, and bided his time. He was now and then a little wild, and lost his precision; but this cannot be wondered at, seeing the pace at which they fought—not one round lasting above a minute. He took what little punishment he received, as he always does, without a murmur; and we must do him the justice to say, that he fought throughout with great good temper. In point of science and coolness, we consider that he has improved every time we have seen him enter theP.R., and on this, his last appearance, his advance in the noble art was more than ever perceptible. He hit straight and heavily with each hand. When at close quarters, he fought as one possessing a clear head, and a just appreciation of what was best to be done, and occasionally displayed a presence of mind which was most astonishing, being quite unexpected from his reputed “hasty” character. The performance of changing Broome over from one hand to the other, and giving him a dose from each pepper-box, described above, was one of the best instances of this presence of mind. Tom is now within one of the goal of his wishes, and we doubt not will find plenty of friends to back him against the veteran Tipton Slasher, who, although he vanquished our hero five or six years ago, will, in the event of their again meeting, find that he has cut out for himself a task the satisfactory completion of which will be easier imagined than completed. Tom has now the ball at his foot; every one wishes him well, and by steadiness and good conduct he has every chance of obtaining a position which will render him comfortable for the remainder of his days. We cannot conclude these remarks without paying a compliment to the seconds for the careful manner in which they nursed their men. Alec Keene’s excellent judgment no doubt proved of considerable utility to Tom Paddock, and the herculean strength of the “stunted Lifeguardsman,” as he bore his charge in his single arms to his corner, elicited the applause, and, we may say, the astonishment, of the surrounding throng. Tom Sayers and Tass Parker did their duty most ably by Harry Broome, and by their careful nursing enabled him to prolong the encounter quite as long as was consistent with humanity or prudence.The battle money, £400, was paid over to Paddock, at Alec Keene’s, on the Friday of the following week. After some deserved complimentary remarks on the conduct of the winner, the Stakeholder expressed his condolence with the defeated man, to which Paddock immediately responded, amidst some applause, by placing a £10 note in our hands towards the collection already made for the losing man; to this two gentlemen present added the like amount, and the collection for the losing man was announced to be £62 14s., a sum subsequently increased. Broome, in a neat speech, expressed his grateful sense of the support he had met with from friends, and the kindness of those who had opposed him. He further declared his intention to “stick to business,” and never again tempt fortune in the Prize Ring, for which he felt his day was past. The evening thereafter passed in harmony and good fellowship.The Tipton Slasher, whose match with Aaron Jones had gone off in the interval preceding the event just narrated, now came again to the front, and, Harry Broome having retired from the “the tented field,” made proposals to Paddock. Tom was now certainly another man from the time when he was knocking about two or three years previously. Meeting on Worcester Race-course, at the July races, Paddock being now in a sort of partnershipwith his late opponent, Harry Broome, as booth-keepers and purveyors, the “Old Tipton” being also in the same line, the “two-of-a-trade” proverb was verified, and a couple of “fivers” were popped down for the old opponents to face each other for £200 a side, and meet at Alec Keene’s in the next week, and settle particulars. Great was the muster on Tuesday, July 15th, at the “Three Tuns,” when the articles were drawn, and another £20, in addition to the first £10, provisionally placed in the hands of Alec, and the remainder of the deposits dated and settled. Not a little surprise, however, was occasioned by the fact that Harry Broome appeared as the backer, friend, and adviser of the Slasher, and declared himself responsible for his training expenses, colours, &c.; the date fixed being November 15th. At the second deposit, however, which was appointed for the succeeding Tuesday, at the Slasher’s own house, “The Champion” Inn, Spon Lane, Tipton, “a scare” was occasioned; neither Paddock nor any representative was present, and the Tipton claimed forfeit. Inquiry proved that the seldom-failing post office was the innocent cause of the non-delivery; Paddock’s £10 having been duly forwarded from Brighton two days before, but returned to the post office, marked “Address not known;” “Spon Lane,” being written thereon, but the important word “Tipton” accidentally omitted. All which was explained, and the envelope produced, at the next deposit, at Jem Burn’s, “Rising Sun,” in Air Street. From this time things went on regularly until £80 were down, when, to the general disappointment of all parties, Tom presented himself at the appointed place—Jem Ward’s “Champion Stores,” Oxford Street—and quietly stated that, owing to “want of friends,” and his own losses “at racing,” he “must submit to a forfeit.” Hereupon Broome declared that Slasher should fight for £50, rather than there should be “no fight;” to which there was no response, and the whole of the money was handed over in due time to the lucky Tipton Slasher, at a “Champion’s” dinner, at “The Coal-hole,” presided over by the facetious Chief Baron Nicholson. How this short-lived Championship was “done for,” in 10 rounds, by little Tom Sayers, on the 16th of June, 1857, at the Isle of Grain, must be read in the Life ofTom Sayers, hereafter.In the month of February in the following year, after Sayers’ second defeat of the unlucky Aaron Jones, we could not help remarking that the little Champion had mentioned to us privately, though certainly not under the seal of secrecy, that he thought his next venture would be either Tom Paddock or the Tipton. It proved to be the latter. Tom, chafing at thedelay, called on the Editor ofBell’s Life, on the 17th of June, the day after the battle between Sayers and “The Tipton,” and on the 21st we read:—“Tom Paddock again in the Field.—Paddock is by no means satisfied that Tom Sayers should wear the Champion’s belt undisputed. He has, therefore, called upon us to state that he can be backed against Sayers for any sum from £100 up to £500. To fight within five or six months at Sayers’ option. He will be at Alec Keene’s, Moor Street, Soho, on Wednesday next.”A comical episode intervened. “Big Ben” actually left £10 with “the Editor” to make a match with Sayers, who, thereupon, promptly covered it, informing Paddock that if his “engagement” with Ben went off he should have the preference. The “little game” of the Big One was next week displayed most transparently. Caunt declared it “to be understood that the articles were to be drawn up, and further deposits made, athishouse;” and “he should expect Sayers to attend there,”&c., &c.; adding, that “of course the date must be beyond my affair with Langham,” (nearly two months later!) Tom was not “drawn” by or to the “Coach and Horses,” and the negotiations were suspended. In the same paper we find the subjoined letter from Alec Keene, relating to Sayers’ reply to Paddock:—“Three Tuns, Moor Street, Soho, July 9, 1857.“Mr. Editor,—I have very strictly observed the results of Tom Sayers’ recent career, and certainly did expect (taking into consideration the many warm interviews between Sayers and Paddock on former occasions), that the first-named gentleman would have been only too glad to accommodate Paddock with a ‘merry meeting.’ I cannot understand why Sayers does not accept Paddock’s offer, for should Sayers be permitted, there is just a possibility of abortive matches being continually made, forfeits taken, ultimately the prescribed time for legitimate possession or the belt elapse, and then Sayers becomes its lawful possessor. Let it be distinctly understood, sir, that I do not say suchwillbe the case; but matches like Caunt’s (that personage being preoccupied with Langham) must necessarily occupy needless time; and gentlemen connected with theP.R.have lately become so learned that it behoves me (as Paddock’s deputy) to regard every move in the camp of the enemy with jealous watchfulness. I see no other person really capable to fight Paddock, therefore it will be useless for the opposite party to dissemble;we must meet, and I hope Sayers will think with me, that the sooner we conclude terms the more satisfactory to the public, as it is but just that Tom should be accepted after being so long ‘an expectant.’ I nearly omitted to mention that Sayers never meets Paddock without distributing a quantity of that chaff for which he is famous. We do not want this, we wish business; and I conclude by earnestly hoping your kind insertion of this will assist us.“Yours, &c., “ALEC KEENE.”There is, indeed, “many a slip ’twixt the cup and the lip.” The very week in which Alec Keene penned his friendly note, Paddock was laid prostrate by a severe attack of rheumatic fever, his state being declareddangerous when admitted to the Westminster Hospital, on the recommendation of the medical man called in.And here we must interpose what a parsonic biographer would call a “refreshing” incident, showing that there is that “touch of nature which makes the whole world kin” even in the hearts of “those degraded wretches who engage in brutal prize-fights” (as we heard a very Reverend Dean, the Vicar of Cheltenham, charitably characterise this very pugilist and hisconfrères). Tom Sayers called in Norfolk Street, in the next week, to accept Paddock’s challenge and cover his deposit, when he was informed of his namesake’s illness. He was himself that very day going North, and he not only expressed his earnest sympathy with his adversary’s affliction, but at once left £5 for his use, with a promise to use his best endeavours to collect a fund among his friends for the same purpose; and he did so. We find no such practical Christian charity among the “refreshing” passages in “the Memoirs” of the vice-suppressing clergyman.In the October following, Paddock, recovering from his long and painful illness, looked up his friends, and wrote from Brighton (inclosing £10) to say that he was “ready to meet the winner of the fight between Tom Sayers and Bill Benjamin for £200 a side; to come off within four months after the 5th January, 1858,” the fixture for that fight.The disposal, by the “coming man,” in 1856, of Harry Poulson, in February, 1857, of Aaron Jones, of the Tipton Slasher in June of the same year, and of Bill Benjamin (Bainge), in January, 1856, seemed to have failed to convince “the knowing ones” of even the probability of a 10½ stone beating 12 or 13 stone; so the anti-Sayerites readily backed Paddock to do battle with the “little” champion. Sayers, on hearing that Paddock had a difficulty (he had quarrelled with Alec Keene, his money-finder) in raising the £200 required, showed his accommodating temper by lowering the stake to £150, thus making the total £300 instead of £400. The 15th of June, 1858, was appointed for the battle.The public interest was intense, and the crowd at London Bridge station on the eventful morning was immense. Paddock never looked better; he was red as a beetroot, and as strong and healthy as if he never had witnessed the sight of “turning off the gas.” He was credited, on the authority of his trainer, with doing fifty miles of walking a day at one period of his training, and weighed exactly 12 stone, at which he was supposed to be at his best. How all these qualifications, backed by perfect confidenceunflinching game, and desperate courage, failed in the trial, and he struck his flag to the victorious “Champion,” who, on this day, proved himself the stronger though the lighter man, will be found in the first chapter of the next “Period” of our History.Once more, and for the last time, our hero appeared in theP.R.This was in combat with the gigantic Sam Hurst, who, in 1860, put forth a claim to the Championship. Hurst, who weighed 15st., and stood 6ft.2½in., was renowned as a wrestler. Hurst, of whom the reader may know more by a reference to the Memoir ofJem Mace, in a future chapter of the present volume, was, of course, formidable from his strength, weight, and bulk; his boxing pretensions were of a mediocre quality. Paddock lost the battle by a chance blow from the Colossus, in the fifth round, at the end of nine and a half minutes; and thus closed an active, chequered, but not inglorious Ring career as a defeated man.From this time Paddock no further occupied a position of prominence in pugilistic circles. He had but few of the qualifications necessary to impart the principles or demonstrate the practice of boxing to learners, and except an occasional appearance with the gloves, he was unheard of by the public, until his demise, from a somewhat lingering illness, on the 30th June, 1863.
THE FIGHT.Round 1.—Precisely at six minutes past one the onslaught commenced. Broome, to the astonishment of all, did not assume the elegant attitude we have seen in former battles, but feinted and dodged about without gathering himself together in the least. Tom was evidently surprised, and thought he must be “kidding;” he therefore assumed a defensive position, and bided his time. He had not long to wait. Harry was bent on forcing an opening, and dashed in, feinted with his left, ducked his head, and lodged his left heavily on Tom’s breadbasket. His nut was laid open to a severe upper cut, but Tom, bewildered, did not see, and therefore did not take the advantage of his opening. Broome now came again, let fly his left at the forehead, inflicting no damage, napped a little one on the left brow, and slipped down.2.—Paddock at once rattled in, let go his left with great quickness on the proboscis, drawing first blood. Broome returned on the left cheek, and also elicited a supply of the ruby. Harry then closed, and tried to throw his man, but, after a short struggle, in which Tom was very busy with his right at close quarters, Tom slipped from his grasp and fell.3.—Broome, out of all form, tried to take a lead, but in vain. Paddock was too quick for him, and pegged away heavily left and right on the conk, inflicting a cut on the bridge thereof, drawing more fluid. Broome again closed, and Tom resorted to his fibbing system with both hands heavily on the side of Harry’s nut, and on his ribs. This effectually put a stop to any chance of his being thrown, and in the end both fell side by side.4.—Broome dashed in, let fly his left, which missed; slight exchanges with the same hand followed, and Paddock slipped down. He jumped up immediately to renew the round, but Jemmy Massey squeezed him in his arms as if he were a child, and carried him struggling to his corner.5.—Broome came up puffing, and evidently out of sorts. Paddock, fresh as a daisy, grinned a ghastly grin, and awaited the onslaught. Harry tried his left, when Tom countered him heavily on the snout, drawing more of the crimson. Tom attempted to follow up his advantage, but Harry turned and ran away, Tom after him. On Broome turning round, Tom again planted a little one on the snuff box, and they once more closed, and some infighting took place, in which Broome received heavily on the body, and Tom got a little one behind his left ear. In the end Paddock slipped down.6.—Tom came up smiling. Broome at once rushed in, and closed with his head under Paddock’s arm. Here Tom held it and pegged away at the ribs until both were down, Broome blowing and apparently distressed. The layers of odds even thus early began to look excessively blue at the want of precision of their pet, and his evident lack of lasting powers.7.—Broome slow, tried a feint, when Tom nabbed him with the left on the cheek, and then with the same hand on the snout. Harry at once closed, when Tom, as usual, resorted to his fibbing, at which game Harry joined issue, and each got it on the nose and left cheek. In the end both again down.8.—Tom led off with his left, a straight’un, on the snuff box. Some rambling, scrambling exchanges followed to a close, in which both fell.9.—Tom steadied himself, and let go his left, but Harry countered him heavily on the right cheek. Tom returned on the jaw with his right, and in his hurry to get away slipped down. Harry drew back his hand, as if intending to deliver a spank, but prudently withheld the blow.10.—Broome let go his left, but open-handed, on Tom’s left peeper. Tom returned on the sneezer, increasing the supply of the carmine, and slipped down.11.—Tom feinted, but found Broome ready for a shoot, and stepped back, Harry after him. Tom now let fly his left well on the nose. Harry rushed in to close, and Tom resumed his fibbing on the dial and ribs. In the end he slipped down to avoid the fall.12.—Tom tried his left, but Harry stepped back, and as Tom followed, delivered a heavy right-hander on the mark, and then his left heavily on the mouth, drawing the Falernian, but fracturing one of the small bones of his hand. Paddock at once got down, and Harry walked to his corner.13.—Tom tried his left twice in succession, but Harry jumped away, Tom, however, persevered, and having got another little one on the mouth, went in to close, but on Broome grasping him slipped down.14.—Harry now tried it on, but Tom kept away, and as Harry followed, gave him a touch on the ribs with his left, and getting a little one in return on the chin, dropped.15.—Paddock dashed in without precision, and after a scrambling rally, in which there was more bustle than damage, he got down.16.—Tom once more steadied himself, and let go his left, but Harry cross-countered him on the forehead. Tom now crept close, and feinting with his left, drew Broome out, and then knocked him off his pins by a slashing right-handed cross-counter on the jaw. (First knock-down blow for Paddock.) The cheers of those who had taken the odds were now vociferous.17.—Harry did not seem much the worse for the crack in the last round, but came up good humouredly, and at once dashed to a close. Some sharp infighting took place, followed by a break away. Tom came again, and Harry nailed him very heavily on the snout with his right, staggering him, and drawing a plentiful supply of home-brewed. Paddock quickly sought mother earth.18.—Tom showed a slight mark on the left side of his beak, which was also swollen and bleeding. He rushed in, when Harry caught him on the left cheek, drawing more blood. Tom returned the compliment with interest on the smeller, a very heavy spank, which once more knocked the gallant Harry off his perpendicular.19.—Paddock feinted and let go his left on the nozzle, got a little right-hander on the left cheek in return, and slipped down, grinning. He jumped up, however, and said, “Have another round, Harry.” Harry was ready, but Tom was once more borne off by “the stunted Life Guardsman” (Massey).20.—Tom rattled in again, caught Harry on the nose, just between his eyes, removing more bark, and drawing more claret. Broome returned on the left cheek, and a close followed, in which both pegged away, until Tom fell on his knees, bleeding from his scent-bottle. (Time 28 minutes.)21.—Paddock let go his left once more at Harry’s proboscis, and some rapid but wild exchanges followed, Harry hitting open-handed, and Tom without judgment, and in the end Tom slipped down.22.—Harry came up panting and bleeding from the nose. Tom feinted, and Harry turned away, but Tom, when he got near enough, dashed out with his left very straight and heavy on Harry’s mouth, inflicting a severe cut, and turning on the tap. Harry missed his return, but tried to make a plant upon Tom. It was a failure, however—he seemed to have no steam in him—and Paddock once more dashed out his left on the mug, increased the wound, and again floored his brave antagonist.23.—Harry, although distressed, attempted to take the lead with his right, his left being apparently useless. He, however, missed a terrific right-hander, and napped a hot one on the nozzle in return. Harry then got in a little one on the jaw, and Tom got down cunning.24.—Paddock led off with his left slightly on the nose, which led to exchanges, Tom again being at home on the snuff box, renewing the stream. He got a right-hander on the left listener, drawing the ruby, and fell.25.—Harry’s mug, on coming up, was much altered for the worse. His mouth was much swollen and cut, and his nasal organ was in not much better condition, while a swelling was perceptible under his left eye. Paddock had few marks of punishment, and was as fresh as ever. Massey offered to lay odds on him, but did not find a response. Paddock made a feint, when Harry turned and ran round the ring, Tom after him. Harry then turned round, and a close took place, in which, after some slight fibbing, Paddock fell, receiving a right-hander on the nut as he reached the ground. (A claim of “foul,” which was not allowed.)26.—Harry sparred a little for wind, and Tom let fly his left, which was stopped. He then closed, and Tom, as usual, pegged away with both hands right merrily, thus preventing any chance of a heavy fall. His blows fell on Harry’s damaged kisser and ribs. In the end Paddock slipped out of Harry’s grasp and fell.27.—The men feinted until they got close, when tremendous right-handed counters were exchanged, Tom getting home on the snout, and Harry on the left cheek, and Paddock down.28.—Tom came up wild, and rushed in, when Broome countered him again heavily on the right peeper. Exchanges followed, Harry getting another tap on his cutwater, and, in the end, falling on his seat of honour.29.—Harry’s phiz was changing its appearance every round. It was now much out of shape in every way. Still, he persevered against hope. He went in feinting and dodging, whereupon Paddock went to him, but Harry retreated, and, as Tom rushed after him, nailed him with his right on the ribs, and then with both mawleys, the left open-handed, on the side of the nut, and Tom slipped down.30.—Harry rushed in to a close, and after a sharp but short struggle, they fell side by side. (Another claim of “foul,” on the ground that Broome had hit his man when down. Not allowed. Time, 40 minutes.)31.—Tom went in with ardour, dropped his left on the nozzle, and, after some wild exchanges, fell.32.—Tom again rushed in, and missing his delivery, Broome closed, and Paddock got down to avoid the fall.33.—Paddock still on the rushing suit, went in without judgment. Harry closed, and some more sharp fibbing took place. It was all in favour of Paddock, however, who was evidently the more powerful man, and punished poor Harry’s dial severely. In return he got a few touches on the ribs, and that was all. After a severe struggle they rolled over, and a claim was made that Paddock had kicked Broome while on the ground. This claim, like those on the other side, was justly declared by the referee to be groundless, and the mill proceeded.34.—Tom feinted, and Harry bolted, pursued by his opponent, who let go both hands with quickness on the left ear, from which blood was drawn, and on the mazzard, and Harry fell through the ropes.35.—Broome once more tried a lead, and got well on Paddock’s jaw with his right; he then closed, and, after a long struggle, in which he could get no good hold, both again fell together.36.—Tom essayed a rush, and Harry, in getting away, caught his heel and fell.37.—Paddock went to Harry almost in his own corner, and, after one or two feints some sharp exchanges took place, each getting it on the chin. Paddock slipped on his knees, and while in that position Harry gave him a severe crack on the smeller, drawing a tidy supply of the small still. (A claim of “foul” was once more made, which was overruled by the referee, who considered that Broome’s hand had started on its journey before Tom reached the ground.)38.—Tom came up bleeding from his sneezer, and dashed fiercely in; he planted his left heavily on the throat, closed, and fibbed his adversary with his left hand, while he held him with his right; he then neatly changed him over into the other arm, and gave him a dose with his right daddle on the nose and mouth, and Harry was eventually down, the main being on at the high service from both taps. Harry now laid himself on his stomach, in the hope of easing his distressed bellows, and was very slow to time; and no wonder either, seeing the quickness with which they had fought.39.—Tom dashed in, when Harry instantly closed, but Tom gave him no peace; he pegged away with both hands, administering heavy pepper on the ribs without a return; he then nailed poor Harry on the proboscis and mouth very heavily, and Harry fell. (Cries of “take him away,” but Harry would not hear of it.)40.—Tom came up smiling, and scarcely marked; he at once went to work, and followed Broome all over the ring, giving him no breathing time. He got a little one on the nose without a return, and Broome got down, blowing like a grampus. (51 minutes had now elapsed.)41.—Harry made a feint, but it was long out of distance, and Paddock quickly returned on the left optic. Broome now put in a little one on the mouth; after some merry little exchanges, they closed. At infighting Paddock got it heavily on the throat, and in the end he slipped down.42.—Paddock let fly his left, but was short, when Broome returned open-handed on the nose, and immediately closed. Paddock fibbed him heavily and effectually, prevented his obtaining any hold, and in the end, after Paddock had received a rattler from the left on the side of his nut, he slipped down.43.—Paddock, bent on finishing his job offhand, dashed in, got heavily on Harry’s ribs with his left, and Broome fell.44.—Tom once more dashed in, let go his left on the beak, and on getting to close quarters some heavy fibbing ensued, and another struggle for the fall, which neither got, and they fell together.45.—Tom went at his man with determination, delivered his left on the side of the nut, when Broome closed, but Tom proving much the stronger man, Harry got down.46.—Harry attempted a rush, but it was only an attempt. Tom came to meet him, delivered his one, two, with quickness on the front of the dial, and Harry fell, again lying on his back in the hope of recovering his wind.47.—Tom dodged his adversary, and then popped in a rib-bender with his right; Harry missed his return, and Paddock then made another visitation on Harry’s temple, and the latter fell.48.—The left side of Harry’s nut was terribly swollen, and his left peeper all but closed, while Paddock had still two good eyes, and was as strong and active as ever. Harry was extremely weak, and it was perceptible to all that nothing but an accident could give him a chance. He came up boldly,however, and stopped Tom’s first lead. A second time he was not so successful, and received a smasher on the whistler and fell.49.—Tom led off, but Harry cross-countered him on the proboscis rather heavily, Harry then closed, but was fibbed very severely on the left ear until he fell. (One hour had now elapsed.)50.—Harry came up bleeding from his left ear, nose, and mouth. Tom rattled in, dashed a heavy hit with his left on the nose, and then his right on the mouth. Harry seemed to wake up a little at this, and some heavy jobbing hits were exchanged, but in the end Harry fell, extremely weak. His brother (Fred) wished him to give in, but he seemed bent on another round.51 and last.—Harry, very slow to the call of time, came up unsteady and tottering; he made a blow at Paddock, but missed, and Tom let fly a vicious right-hander at the side of his nut—it missed its destination and alighted on Harry’s chest, where it left a tremendous bruise. It was a settler, however; it floored the gallant Harry, who, on time being called, got up, but instantly sank exhausted on his second’s knee, and Tass Parker, seeing that it was all over, threw up the sponge, Paddock being proclaimed the winner, after a bustling affair ofone hour and three minutes. An attempt was made by some few outsiders to bring the affair to a wrangle. They declared the sponge had not been thrown up by Tass Parker, and that Paddock, who had left the ring immediately after that act, had forfeited by so doing before a decision had been come to. This attempt was, of course, scouted by all the respectable spectators, and was especially discountenanced by Harry Broome himself, who owned that he had been fairly vanquished, and that Tom Paddock was now at any rate a better man than himself. The proceedings over, the company at once betook themselves to a station, about a mile distant, whither the special had been removed, and whither they were followed by Tom Paddock, who, with the exception of a few very trifling bruises, appeared unscathed. Harry Broome was too much exhausted to walk the distance, and, therefore, in company with Nat Langham, Jem Burn, and a few others, awaited the arrival of the train at the field of battle. These invalids were quickly embarked, and nothing now prevented the expedition from returning with all speed to the Metropolis. The word was therefore given, and good way being made, Shoreditch was gained by half-past six. Here the excitement was infinitely greater than it had been in the morning, and there was a general rush of the crowd to ascertain the result of the tournay. The news of the easy victory of Tom Paddock was received with universal astonishment; and though the general feeling appeared to be one of pleasure, still, even the largest winners could not help expressing their pity for the downfall of Harry Broome. Harry arrived at home about seven, and was at once put to bed. He did not appear to suffer so much from bodily pain as from mental affliction. His defeat was as unexpected as it was easy, and, of course, convinced Broome that his day had gone by for figuring in theP.R.Tom Paddock proceeded in triumph to the house of his kind friend, Alec Keene, “Three Tuns,” Moor Street, Soho, where he was received with enthusiasm, and where he remained until far into the small hours, receiving the hearty congratulations of his backers and friends.Remarks.—Our readers, doubtless, have, ere this, drawn their own conclusions as to the conduct and issue of this eventful battle, and it is at the risk of being thought tedious that we venture to offer our own comments thereupon. Harry Broome is no longer the man he was, and this remark applies not merely to his inability to train, but also to his falling off in that quickness and judgment for which heretofore he had distinguished himself. He admits that he cannot train, that he feels his own weakness, and that on Monday all his fighting qualities appeared to have left him directly he held up his hands. It certainly did seem extraordinary to see a well-known good general at the very outset rattle in and lead off at the body, throwing open his head to the attack of his adversary; and when it was seen afterwards that he could neither stop nor hit with anything like vigour, there was a general exclamation of astonishment. Some persons said he did not intend fighting; but any one with half an eye could see that this was not the case, and that all his mistakes were the result of physical incapability. Even his wrestling powers appeared to have left him; but then, it must be remembered that the way in which all his attempts for the fall were met by Paddock,viz., by fibbing at his nut until he loosed his hold, was well calculated to distract even a more powerful man. The only thing that reminded us of the Harry Broome of old appeared to be the gift of occasionally delivering a straight hit with his left; but even this power was taken from him by the accident to that hand early in the fight, which entirely deprived him of its use, as might be seen by his continually hitting open-handed. The want of vigour in his right hand was sufficiently obvious from the almost entire immunity from punishment of the winner. Harry still resorted occasionally to his old trick of turning round and running from his opponent—a plan of fighting which, in our opinion, is neither commendable as a method of escaping punishment, or judicious as a means of drawing an adversary off his guard. Of game and determination Harry displayed no lack, and it was not until perfectly exhaustedand incapable of renewing hostilities that he consented to be taken away. Of Tom Paddock we do not feel that we are called upon to say much, but the little we do must be all in the highest terms. At first he was evidently cautious, and a little thrown off his guard by the extraordinary tactics of Broome, thinking, as he did, that the latter was merely “kidding him,” in order to induce him to throw away a chance. Tom however, was steady, and bided his time. He was now and then a little wild, and lost his precision; but this cannot be wondered at, seeing the pace at which they fought—not one round lasting above a minute. He took what little punishment he received, as he always does, without a murmur; and we must do him the justice to say, that he fought throughout with great good temper. In point of science and coolness, we consider that he has improved every time we have seen him enter theP.R., and on this, his last appearance, his advance in the noble art was more than ever perceptible. He hit straight and heavily with each hand. When at close quarters, he fought as one possessing a clear head, and a just appreciation of what was best to be done, and occasionally displayed a presence of mind which was most astonishing, being quite unexpected from his reputed “hasty” character. The performance of changing Broome over from one hand to the other, and giving him a dose from each pepper-box, described above, was one of the best instances of this presence of mind. Tom is now within one of the goal of his wishes, and we doubt not will find plenty of friends to back him against the veteran Tipton Slasher, who, although he vanquished our hero five or six years ago, will, in the event of their again meeting, find that he has cut out for himself a task the satisfactory completion of which will be easier imagined than completed. Tom has now the ball at his foot; every one wishes him well, and by steadiness and good conduct he has every chance of obtaining a position which will render him comfortable for the remainder of his days. We cannot conclude these remarks without paying a compliment to the seconds for the careful manner in which they nursed their men. Alec Keene’s excellent judgment no doubt proved of considerable utility to Tom Paddock, and the herculean strength of the “stunted Lifeguardsman,” as he bore his charge in his single arms to his corner, elicited the applause, and, we may say, the astonishment, of the surrounding throng. Tom Sayers and Tass Parker did their duty most ably by Harry Broome, and by their careful nursing enabled him to prolong the encounter quite as long as was consistent with humanity or prudence.
THE FIGHT.
Round 1.—Precisely at six minutes past one the onslaught commenced. Broome, to the astonishment of all, did not assume the elegant attitude we have seen in former battles, but feinted and dodged about without gathering himself together in the least. Tom was evidently surprised, and thought he must be “kidding;” he therefore assumed a defensive position, and bided his time. He had not long to wait. Harry was bent on forcing an opening, and dashed in, feinted with his left, ducked his head, and lodged his left heavily on Tom’s breadbasket. His nut was laid open to a severe upper cut, but Tom, bewildered, did not see, and therefore did not take the advantage of his opening. Broome now came again, let fly his left at the forehead, inflicting no damage, napped a little one on the left brow, and slipped down.
2.—Paddock at once rattled in, let go his left with great quickness on the proboscis, drawing first blood. Broome returned on the left cheek, and also elicited a supply of the ruby. Harry then closed, and tried to throw his man, but, after a short struggle, in which Tom was very busy with his right at close quarters, Tom slipped from his grasp and fell.
3.—Broome, out of all form, tried to take a lead, but in vain. Paddock was too quick for him, and pegged away heavily left and right on the conk, inflicting a cut on the bridge thereof, drawing more fluid. Broome again closed, and Tom resorted to his fibbing system with both hands heavily on the side of Harry’s nut, and on his ribs. This effectually put a stop to any chance of his being thrown, and in the end both fell side by side.
4.—Broome dashed in, let fly his left, which missed; slight exchanges with the same hand followed, and Paddock slipped down. He jumped up immediately to renew the round, but Jemmy Massey squeezed him in his arms as if he were a child, and carried him struggling to his corner.
5.—Broome came up puffing, and evidently out of sorts. Paddock, fresh as a daisy, grinned a ghastly grin, and awaited the onslaught. Harry tried his left, when Tom countered him heavily on the snout, drawing more of the crimson. Tom attempted to follow up his advantage, but Harry turned and ran away, Tom after him. On Broome turning round, Tom again planted a little one on the snuff box, and they once more closed, and some infighting took place, in which Broome received heavily on the body, and Tom got a little one behind his left ear. In the end Paddock slipped down.
6.—Tom came up smiling. Broome at once rushed in, and closed with his head under Paddock’s arm. Here Tom held it and pegged away at the ribs until both were down, Broome blowing and apparently distressed. The layers of odds even thus early began to look excessively blue at the want of precision of their pet, and his evident lack of lasting powers.
7.—Broome slow, tried a feint, when Tom nabbed him with the left on the cheek, and then with the same hand on the snout. Harry at once closed, when Tom, as usual, resorted to his fibbing, at which game Harry joined issue, and each got it on the nose and left cheek. In the end both again down.
8.—Tom led off with his left, a straight’un, on the snuff box. Some rambling, scrambling exchanges followed to a close, in which both fell.
9.—Tom steadied himself, and let go his left, but Harry countered him heavily on the right cheek. Tom returned on the jaw with his right, and in his hurry to get away slipped down. Harry drew back his hand, as if intending to deliver a spank, but prudently withheld the blow.
10.—Broome let go his left, but open-handed, on Tom’s left peeper. Tom returned on the sneezer, increasing the supply of the carmine, and slipped down.
11.—Tom feinted, but found Broome ready for a shoot, and stepped back, Harry after him. Tom now let fly his left well on the nose. Harry rushed in to close, and Tom resumed his fibbing on the dial and ribs. In the end he slipped down to avoid the fall.
12.—Tom tried his left, but Harry stepped back, and as Tom followed, delivered a heavy right-hander on the mark, and then his left heavily on the mouth, drawing the Falernian, but fracturing one of the small bones of his hand. Paddock at once got down, and Harry walked to his corner.
13.—Tom tried his left twice in succession, but Harry jumped away, Tom, however, persevered, and having got another little one on the mouth, went in to close, but on Broome grasping him slipped down.
14.—Harry now tried it on, but Tom kept away, and as Harry followed, gave him a touch on the ribs with his left, and getting a little one in return on the chin, dropped.
15.—Paddock dashed in without precision, and after a scrambling rally, in which there was more bustle than damage, he got down.
16.—Tom once more steadied himself, and let go his left, but Harry cross-countered him on the forehead. Tom now crept close, and feinting with his left, drew Broome out, and then knocked him off his pins by a slashing right-handed cross-counter on the jaw. (First knock-down blow for Paddock.) The cheers of those who had taken the odds were now vociferous.
17.—Harry did not seem much the worse for the crack in the last round, but came up good humouredly, and at once dashed to a close. Some sharp infighting took place, followed by a break away. Tom came again, and Harry nailed him very heavily on the snout with his right, staggering him, and drawing a plentiful supply of home-brewed. Paddock quickly sought mother earth.
18.—Tom showed a slight mark on the left side of his beak, which was also swollen and bleeding. He rushed in, when Harry caught him on the left cheek, drawing more blood. Tom returned the compliment with interest on the smeller, a very heavy spank, which once more knocked the gallant Harry off his perpendicular.
19.—Paddock feinted and let go his left on the nozzle, got a little right-hander on the left cheek in return, and slipped down, grinning. He jumped up, however, and said, “Have another round, Harry.” Harry was ready, but Tom was once more borne off by “the stunted Life Guardsman” (Massey).
20.—Tom rattled in again, caught Harry on the nose, just between his eyes, removing more bark, and drawing more claret. Broome returned on the left cheek, and a close followed, in which both pegged away, until Tom fell on his knees, bleeding from his scent-bottle. (Time 28 minutes.)
21.—Paddock let go his left once more at Harry’s proboscis, and some rapid but wild exchanges followed, Harry hitting open-handed, and Tom without judgment, and in the end Tom slipped down.
22.—Harry came up panting and bleeding from the nose. Tom feinted, and Harry turned away, but Tom, when he got near enough, dashed out with his left very straight and heavy on Harry’s mouth, inflicting a severe cut, and turning on the tap. Harry missed his return, but tried to make a plant upon Tom. It was a failure, however—he seemed to have no steam in him—and Paddock once more dashed out his left on the mug, increased the wound, and again floored his brave antagonist.
23.—Harry, although distressed, attempted to take the lead with his right, his left being apparently useless. He, however, missed a terrific right-hander, and napped a hot one on the nozzle in return. Harry then got in a little one on the jaw, and Tom got down cunning.
24.—Paddock led off with his left slightly on the nose, which led to exchanges, Tom again being at home on the snuff box, renewing the stream. He got a right-hander on the left listener, drawing the ruby, and fell.
25.—Harry’s mug, on coming up, was much altered for the worse. His mouth was much swollen and cut, and his nasal organ was in not much better condition, while a swelling was perceptible under his left eye. Paddock had few marks of punishment, and was as fresh as ever. Massey offered to lay odds on him, but did not find a response. Paddock made a feint, when Harry turned and ran round the ring, Tom after him. Harry then turned round, and a close took place, in which, after some slight fibbing, Paddock fell, receiving a right-hander on the nut as he reached the ground. (A claim of “foul,” which was not allowed.)
26.—Harry sparred a little for wind, and Tom let fly his left, which was stopped. He then closed, and Tom, as usual, pegged away with both hands right merrily, thus preventing any chance of a heavy fall. His blows fell on Harry’s damaged kisser and ribs. In the end Paddock slipped out of Harry’s grasp and fell.
27.—The men feinted until they got close, when tremendous right-handed counters were exchanged, Tom getting home on the snout, and Harry on the left cheek, and Paddock down.
28.—Tom came up wild, and rushed in, when Broome countered him again heavily on the right peeper. Exchanges followed, Harry getting another tap on his cutwater, and, in the end, falling on his seat of honour.
29.—Harry’s phiz was changing its appearance every round. It was now much out of shape in every way. Still, he persevered against hope. He went in feinting and dodging, whereupon Paddock went to him, but Harry retreated, and, as Tom rushed after him, nailed him with his right on the ribs, and then with both mawleys, the left open-handed, on the side of the nut, and Tom slipped down.
30.—Harry rushed in to a close, and after a sharp but short struggle, they fell side by side. (Another claim of “foul,” on the ground that Broome had hit his man when down. Not allowed. Time, 40 minutes.)
31.—Tom went in with ardour, dropped his left on the nozzle, and, after some wild exchanges, fell.
32.—Tom again rushed in, and missing his delivery, Broome closed, and Paddock got down to avoid the fall.
33.—Paddock still on the rushing suit, went in without judgment. Harry closed, and some more sharp fibbing took place. It was all in favour of Paddock, however, who was evidently the more powerful man, and punished poor Harry’s dial severely. In return he got a few touches on the ribs, and that was all. After a severe struggle they rolled over, and a claim was made that Paddock had kicked Broome while on the ground. This claim, like those on the other side, was justly declared by the referee to be groundless, and the mill proceeded.
34.—Tom feinted, and Harry bolted, pursued by his opponent, who let go both hands with quickness on the left ear, from which blood was drawn, and on the mazzard, and Harry fell through the ropes.
35.—Broome once more tried a lead, and got well on Paddock’s jaw with his right; he then closed, and, after a long struggle, in which he could get no good hold, both again fell together.
36.—Tom essayed a rush, and Harry, in getting away, caught his heel and fell.
37.—Paddock went to Harry almost in his own corner, and, after one or two feints some sharp exchanges took place, each getting it on the chin. Paddock slipped on his knees, and while in that position Harry gave him a severe crack on the smeller, drawing a tidy supply of the small still. (A claim of “foul” was once more made, which was overruled by the referee, who considered that Broome’s hand had started on its journey before Tom reached the ground.)
38.—Tom came up bleeding from his sneezer, and dashed fiercely in; he planted his left heavily on the throat, closed, and fibbed his adversary with his left hand, while he held him with his right; he then neatly changed him over into the other arm, and gave him a dose with his right daddle on the nose and mouth, and Harry was eventually down, the main being on at the high service from both taps. Harry now laid himself on his stomach, in the hope of easing his distressed bellows, and was very slow to time; and no wonder either, seeing the quickness with which they had fought.
39.—Tom dashed in, when Harry instantly closed, but Tom gave him no peace; he pegged away with both hands, administering heavy pepper on the ribs without a return; he then nailed poor Harry on the proboscis and mouth very heavily, and Harry fell. (Cries of “take him away,” but Harry would not hear of it.)
40.—Tom came up smiling, and scarcely marked; he at once went to work, and followed Broome all over the ring, giving him no breathing time. He got a little one on the nose without a return, and Broome got down, blowing like a grampus. (51 minutes had now elapsed.)
41.—Harry made a feint, but it was long out of distance, and Paddock quickly returned on the left optic. Broome now put in a little one on the mouth; after some merry little exchanges, they closed. At infighting Paddock got it heavily on the throat, and in the end he slipped down.
42.—Paddock let fly his left, but was short, when Broome returned open-handed on the nose, and immediately closed. Paddock fibbed him heavily and effectually, prevented his obtaining any hold, and in the end, after Paddock had received a rattler from the left on the side of his nut, he slipped down.
43.—Paddock, bent on finishing his job offhand, dashed in, got heavily on Harry’s ribs with his left, and Broome fell.
44.—Tom once more dashed in, let go his left on the beak, and on getting to close quarters some heavy fibbing ensued, and another struggle for the fall, which neither got, and they fell together.
45.—Tom went at his man with determination, delivered his left on the side of the nut, when Broome closed, but Tom proving much the stronger man, Harry got down.
46.—Harry attempted a rush, but it was only an attempt. Tom came to meet him, delivered his one, two, with quickness on the front of the dial, and Harry fell, again lying on his back in the hope of recovering his wind.
47.—Tom dodged his adversary, and then popped in a rib-bender with his right; Harry missed his return, and Paddock then made another visitation on Harry’s temple, and the latter fell.
48.—The left side of Harry’s nut was terribly swollen, and his left peeper all but closed, while Paddock had still two good eyes, and was as strong and active as ever. Harry was extremely weak, and it was perceptible to all that nothing but an accident could give him a chance. He came up boldly,however, and stopped Tom’s first lead. A second time he was not so successful, and received a smasher on the whistler and fell.
49.—Tom led off, but Harry cross-countered him on the proboscis rather heavily, Harry then closed, but was fibbed very severely on the left ear until he fell. (One hour had now elapsed.)
50.—Harry came up bleeding from his left ear, nose, and mouth. Tom rattled in, dashed a heavy hit with his left on the nose, and then his right on the mouth. Harry seemed to wake up a little at this, and some heavy jobbing hits were exchanged, but in the end Harry fell, extremely weak. His brother (Fred) wished him to give in, but he seemed bent on another round.
51 and last.—Harry, very slow to the call of time, came up unsteady and tottering; he made a blow at Paddock, but missed, and Tom let fly a vicious right-hander at the side of his nut—it missed its destination and alighted on Harry’s chest, where it left a tremendous bruise. It was a settler, however; it floored the gallant Harry, who, on time being called, got up, but instantly sank exhausted on his second’s knee, and Tass Parker, seeing that it was all over, threw up the sponge, Paddock being proclaimed the winner, after a bustling affair ofone hour and three minutes. An attempt was made by some few outsiders to bring the affair to a wrangle. They declared the sponge had not been thrown up by Tass Parker, and that Paddock, who had left the ring immediately after that act, had forfeited by so doing before a decision had been come to. This attempt was, of course, scouted by all the respectable spectators, and was especially discountenanced by Harry Broome himself, who owned that he had been fairly vanquished, and that Tom Paddock was now at any rate a better man than himself. The proceedings over, the company at once betook themselves to a station, about a mile distant, whither the special had been removed, and whither they were followed by Tom Paddock, who, with the exception of a few very trifling bruises, appeared unscathed. Harry Broome was too much exhausted to walk the distance, and, therefore, in company with Nat Langham, Jem Burn, and a few others, awaited the arrival of the train at the field of battle. These invalids were quickly embarked, and nothing now prevented the expedition from returning with all speed to the Metropolis. The word was therefore given, and good way being made, Shoreditch was gained by half-past six. Here the excitement was infinitely greater than it had been in the morning, and there was a general rush of the crowd to ascertain the result of the tournay. The news of the easy victory of Tom Paddock was received with universal astonishment; and though the general feeling appeared to be one of pleasure, still, even the largest winners could not help expressing their pity for the downfall of Harry Broome. Harry arrived at home about seven, and was at once put to bed. He did not appear to suffer so much from bodily pain as from mental affliction. His defeat was as unexpected as it was easy, and, of course, convinced Broome that his day had gone by for figuring in theP.R.Tom Paddock proceeded in triumph to the house of his kind friend, Alec Keene, “Three Tuns,” Moor Street, Soho, where he was received with enthusiasm, and where he remained until far into the small hours, receiving the hearty congratulations of his backers and friends.
Remarks.—Our readers, doubtless, have, ere this, drawn their own conclusions as to the conduct and issue of this eventful battle, and it is at the risk of being thought tedious that we venture to offer our own comments thereupon. Harry Broome is no longer the man he was, and this remark applies not merely to his inability to train, but also to his falling off in that quickness and judgment for which heretofore he had distinguished himself. He admits that he cannot train, that he feels his own weakness, and that on Monday all his fighting qualities appeared to have left him directly he held up his hands. It certainly did seem extraordinary to see a well-known good general at the very outset rattle in and lead off at the body, throwing open his head to the attack of his adversary; and when it was seen afterwards that he could neither stop nor hit with anything like vigour, there was a general exclamation of astonishment. Some persons said he did not intend fighting; but any one with half an eye could see that this was not the case, and that all his mistakes were the result of physical incapability. Even his wrestling powers appeared to have left him; but then, it must be remembered that the way in which all his attempts for the fall were met by Paddock,viz., by fibbing at his nut until he loosed his hold, was well calculated to distract even a more powerful man. The only thing that reminded us of the Harry Broome of old appeared to be the gift of occasionally delivering a straight hit with his left; but even this power was taken from him by the accident to that hand early in the fight, which entirely deprived him of its use, as might be seen by his continually hitting open-handed. The want of vigour in his right hand was sufficiently obvious from the almost entire immunity from punishment of the winner. Harry still resorted occasionally to his old trick of turning round and running from his opponent—a plan of fighting which, in our opinion, is neither commendable as a method of escaping punishment, or judicious as a means of drawing an adversary off his guard. Of game and determination Harry displayed no lack, and it was not until perfectly exhaustedand incapable of renewing hostilities that he consented to be taken away. Of Tom Paddock we do not feel that we are called upon to say much, but the little we do must be all in the highest terms. At first he was evidently cautious, and a little thrown off his guard by the extraordinary tactics of Broome, thinking, as he did, that the latter was merely “kidding him,” in order to induce him to throw away a chance. Tom however, was steady, and bided his time. He was now and then a little wild, and lost his precision; but this cannot be wondered at, seeing the pace at which they fought—not one round lasting above a minute. He took what little punishment he received, as he always does, without a murmur; and we must do him the justice to say, that he fought throughout with great good temper. In point of science and coolness, we consider that he has improved every time we have seen him enter theP.R., and on this, his last appearance, his advance in the noble art was more than ever perceptible. He hit straight and heavily with each hand. When at close quarters, he fought as one possessing a clear head, and a just appreciation of what was best to be done, and occasionally displayed a presence of mind which was most astonishing, being quite unexpected from his reputed “hasty” character. The performance of changing Broome over from one hand to the other, and giving him a dose from each pepper-box, described above, was one of the best instances of this presence of mind. Tom is now within one of the goal of his wishes, and we doubt not will find plenty of friends to back him against the veteran Tipton Slasher, who, although he vanquished our hero five or six years ago, will, in the event of their again meeting, find that he has cut out for himself a task the satisfactory completion of which will be easier imagined than completed. Tom has now the ball at his foot; every one wishes him well, and by steadiness and good conduct he has every chance of obtaining a position which will render him comfortable for the remainder of his days. We cannot conclude these remarks without paying a compliment to the seconds for the careful manner in which they nursed their men. Alec Keene’s excellent judgment no doubt proved of considerable utility to Tom Paddock, and the herculean strength of the “stunted Lifeguardsman,” as he bore his charge in his single arms to his corner, elicited the applause, and, we may say, the astonishment, of the surrounding throng. Tom Sayers and Tass Parker did their duty most ably by Harry Broome, and by their careful nursing enabled him to prolong the encounter quite as long as was consistent with humanity or prudence.
The battle money, £400, was paid over to Paddock, at Alec Keene’s, on the Friday of the following week. After some deserved complimentary remarks on the conduct of the winner, the Stakeholder expressed his condolence with the defeated man, to which Paddock immediately responded, amidst some applause, by placing a £10 note in our hands towards the collection already made for the losing man; to this two gentlemen present added the like amount, and the collection for the losing man was announced to be £62 14s., a sum subsequently increased. Broome, in a neat speech, expressed his grateful sense of the support he had met with from friends, and the kindness of those who had opposed him. He further declared his intention to “stick to business,” and never again tempt fortune in the Prize Ring, for which he felt his day was past. The evening thereafter passed in harmony and good fellowship.
The Tipton Slasher, whose match with Aaron Jones had gone off in the interval preceding the event just narrated, now came again to the front, and, Harry Broome having retired from the “the tented field,” made proposals to Paddock. Tom was now certainly another man from the time when he was knocking about two or three years previously. Meeting on Worcester Race-course, at the July races, Paddock being now in a sort of partnershipwith his late opponent, Harry Broome, as booth-keepers and purveyors, the “Old Tipton” being also in the same line, the “two-of-a-trade” proverb was verified, and a couple of “fivers” were popped down for the old opponents to face each other for £200 a side, and meet at Alec Keene’s in the next week, and settle particulars. Great was the muster on Tuesday, July 15th, at the “Three Tuns,” when the articles were drawn, and another £20, in addition to the first £10, provisionally placed in the hands of Alec, and the remainder of the deposits dated and settled. Not a little surprise, however, was occasioned by the fact that Harry Broome appeared as the backer, friend, and adviser of the Slasher, and declared himself responsible for his training expenses, colours, &c.; the date fixed being November 15th. At the second deposit, however, which was appointed for the succeeding Tuesday, at the Slasher’s own house, “The Champion” Inn, Spon Lane, Tipton, “a scare” was occasioned; neither Paddock nor any representative was present, and the Tipton claimed forfeit. Inquiry proved that the seldom-failing post office was the innocent cause of the non-delivery; Paddock’s £10 having been duly forwarded from Brighton two days before, but returned to the post office, marked “Address not known;” “Spon Lane,” being written thereon, but the important word “Tipton” accidentally omitted. All which was explained, and the envelope produced, at the next deposit, at Jem Burn’s, “Rising Sun,” in Air Street. From this time things went on regularly until £80 were down, when, to the general disappointment of all parties, Tom presented himself at the appointed place—Jem Ward’s “Champion Stores,” Oxford Street—and quietly stated that, owing to “want of friends,” and his own losses “at racing,” he “must submit to a forfeit.” Hereupon Broome declared that Slasher should fight for £50, rather than there should be “no fight;” to which there was no response, and the whole of the money was handed over in due time to the lucky Tipton Slasher, at a “Champion’s” dinner, at “The Coal-hole,” presided over by the facetious Chief Baron Nicholson. How this short-lived Championship was “done for,” in 10 rounds, by little Tom Sayers, on the 16th of June, 1857, at the Isle of Grain, must be read in the Life ofTom Sayers, hereafter.
In the month of February in the following year, after Sayers’ second defeat of the unlucky Aaron Jones, we could not help remarking that the little Champion had mentioned to us privately, though certainly not under the seal of secrecy, that he thought his next venture would be either Tom Paddock or the Tipton. It proved to be the latter. Tom, chafing at thedelay, called on the Editor ofBell’s Life, on the 17th of June, the day after the battle between Sayers and “The Tipton,” and on the 21st we read:—
“Tom Paddock again in the Field.—Paddock is by no means satisfied that Tom Sayers should wear the Champion’s belt undisputed. He has, therefore, called upon us to state that he can be backed against Sayers for any sum from £100 up to £500. To fight within five or six months at Sayers’ option. He will be at Alec Keene’s, Moor Street, Soho, on Wednesday next.”
A comical episode intervened. “Big Ben” actually left £10 with “the Editor” to make a match with Sayers, who, thereupon, promptly covered it, informing Paddock that if his “engagement” with Ben went off he should have the preference. The “little game” of the Big One was next week displayed most transparently. Caunt declared it “to be understood that the articles were to be drawn up, and further deposits made, athishouse;” and “he should expect Sayers to attend there,”&c., &c.; adding, that “of course the date must be beyond my affair with Langham,” (nearly two months later!) Tom was not “drawn” by or to the “Coach and Horses,” and the negotiations were suspended. In the same paper we find the subjoined letter from Alec Keene, relating to Sayers’ reply to Paddock:—
“Three Tuns, Moor Street, Soho, July 9, 1857.“Mr. Editor,—I have very strictly observed the results of Tom Sayers’ recent career, and certainly did expect (taking into consideration the many warm interviews between Sayers and Paddock on former occasions), that the first-named gentleman would have been only too glad to accommodate Paddock with a ‘merry meeting.’ I cannot understand why Sayers does not accept Paddock’s offer, for should Sayers be permitted, there is just a possibility of abortive matches being continually made, forfeits taken, ultimately the prescribed time for legitimate possession or the belt elapse, and then Sayers becomes its lawful possessor. Let it be distinctly understood, sir, that I do not say suchwillbe the case; but matches like Caunt’s (that personage being preoccupied with Langham) must necessarily occupy needless time; and gentlemen connected with theP.R.have lately become so learned that it behoves me (as Paddock’s deputy) to regard every move in the camp of the enemy with jealous watchfulness. I see no other person really capable to fight Paddock, therefore it will be useless for the opposite party to dissemble;we must meet, and I hope Sayers will think with me, that the sooner we conclude terms the more satisfactory to the public, as it is but just that Tom should be accepted after being so long ‘an expectant.’ I nearly omitted to mention that Sayers never meets Paddock without distributing a quantity of that chaff for which he is famous. We do not want this, we wish business; and I conclude by earnestly hoping your kind insertion of this will assist us.“Yours, &c., “ALEC KEENE.”
“Three Tuns, Moor Street, Soho, July 9, 1857.
“Mr. Editor,—I have very strictly observed the results of Tom Sayers’ recent career, and certainly did expect (taking into consideration the many warm interviews between Sayers and Paddock on former occasions), that the first-named gentleman would have been only too glad to accommodate Paddock with a ‘merry meeting.’ I cannot understand why Sayers does not accept Paddock’s offer, for should Sayers be permitted, there is just a possibility of abortive matches being continually made, forfeits taken, ultimately the prescribed time for legitimate possession or the belt elapse, and then Sayers becomes its lawful possessor. Let it be distinctly understood, sir, that I do not say suchwillbe the case; but matches like Caunt’s (that personage being preoccupied with Langham) must necessarily occupy needless time; and gentlemen connected with theP.R.have lately become so learned that it behoves me (as Paddock’s deputy) to regard every move in the camp of the enemy with jealous watchfulness. I see no other person really capable to fight Paddock, therefore it will be useless for the opposite party to dissemble;we must meet, and I hope Sayers will think with me, that the sooner we conclude terms the more satisfactory to the public, as it is but just that Tom should be accepted after being so long ‘an expectant.’ I nearly omitted to mention that Sayers never meets Paddock without distributing a quantity of that chaff for which he is famous. We do not want this, we wish business; and I conclude by earnestly hoping your kind insertion of this will assist us.
“Yours, &c., “ALEC KEENE.”
There is, indeed, “many a slip ’twixt the cup and the lip.” The very week in which Alec Keene penned his friendly note, Paddock was laid prostrate by a severe attack of rheumatic fever, his state being declareddangerous when admitted to the Westminster Hospital, on the recommendation of the medical man called in.
And here we must interpose what a parsonic biographer would call a “refreshing” incident, showing that there is that “touch of nature which makes the whole world kin” even in the hearts of “those degraded wretches who engage in brutal prize-fights” (as we heard a very Reverend Dean, the Vicar of Cheltenham, charitably characterise this very pugilist and hisconfrères). Tom Sayers called in Norfolk Street, in the next week, to accept Paddock’s challenge and cover his deposit, when he was informed of his namesake’s illness. He was himself that very day going North, and he not only expressed his earnest sympathy with his adversary’s affliction, but at once left £5 for his use, with a promise to use his best endeavours to collect a fund among his friends for the same purpose; and he did so. We find no such practical Christian charity among the “refreshing” passages in “the Memoirs” of the vice-suppressing clergyman.
In the October following, Paddock, recovering from his long and painful illness, looked up his friends, and wrote from Brighton (inclosing £10) to say that he was “ready to meet the winner of the fight between Tom Sayers and Bill Benjamin for £200 a side; to come off within four months after the 5th January, 1858,” the fixture for that fight.
The disposal, by the “coming man,” in 1856, of Harry Poulson, in February, 1857, of Aaron Jones, of the Tipton Slasher in June of the same year, and of Bill Benjamin (Bainge), in January, 1856, seemed to have failed to convince “the knowing ones” of even the probability of a 10½ stone beating 12 or 13 stone; so the anti-Sayerites readily backed Paddock to do battle with the “little” champion. Sayers, on hearing that Paddock had a difficulty (he had quarrelled with Alec Keene, his money-finder) in raising the £200 required, showed his accommodating temper by lowering the stake to £150, thus making the total £300 instead of £400. The 15th of June, 1858, was appointed for the battle.
The public interest was intense, and the crowd at London Bridge station on the eventful morning was immense. Paddock never looked better; he was red as a beetroot, and as strong and healthy as if he never had witnessed the sight of “turning off the gas.” He was credited, on the authority of his trainer, with doing fifty miles of walking a day at one period of his training, and weighed exactly 12 stone, at which he was supposed to be at his best. How all these qualifications, backed by perfect confidenceunflinching game, and desperate courage, failed in the trial, and he struck his flag to the victorious “Champion,” who, on this day, proved himself the stronger though the lighter man, will be found in the first chapter of the next “Period” of our History.
Once more, and for the last time, our hero appeared in theP.R.This was in combat with the gigantic Sam Hurst, who, in 1860, put forth a claim to the Championship. Hurst, who weighed 15st., and stood 6ft.2½in., was renowned as a wrestler. Hurst, of whom the reader may know more by a reference to the Memoir ofJem Mace, in a future chapter of the present volume, was, of course, formidable from his strength, weight, and bulk; his boxing pretensions were of a mediocre quality. Paddock lost the battle by a chance blow from the Colossus, in the fifth round, at the end of nine and a half minutes; and thus closed an active, chequered, but not inglorious Ring career as a defeated man.
From this time Paddock no further occupied a position of prominence in pugilistic circles. He had but few of the qualifications necessary to impart the principles or demonstrate the practice of boxing to learners, and except an occasional appearance with the gloves, he was unheard of by the public, until his demise, from a somewhat lingering illness, on the 30th June, 1863.