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_ Fight
between Jem Burn and M'Gee, for Fifty Sovereigns a side. In the present
'pecuniary crisis' of public and pugilistic concerns, the lovers of the
P. R. are all alive when there is any probability of a good day's
sport; and although Langan's occupation's gone, and spring is snugly
cribbed among the cider barrels of his native county - although
Cannon's good report is heard no more, and our facetious friend Josh
Hudson finds it more profitable to draw porter than caret - yet we have
a host of real good fighters who could keep the game alive, if the
patrons of the ring would only extend their feelers, and the fair
profile of our Sovereign would countenance such men as Ward, Sampson,
Crawley, O'Neal, and others. However, the assemblage collected
yesterday to witness the set-to between Burn and M'Gee was uncommonly
cheering, there being present all the members of the P. C. and all the
hardware of Brummagem, Burn was the favourite generally; for he is, as
Uncle Ben says, 'Not merely a chip of the old block, but a bit of the
block itself.' M'Gee is nothing but a good one; and the Liverpool
blades have ventured large bets in his favour, and nothing but
legitimate milling was expected. Oliver is the friend of Burn, and
Langan supports his brave countrymen. The stakes were 50 L. aside, and
the scene of action was Litchfield race-course, being about midway
between London and Liverpool.
_ The
men arrived in the neighborhood on Sunday night, and early yesterday
morning advanced towards the field, equally confident in their powers,
and in high condition and spirits. A little before one the men entered
the ring, and gave the customary signal. The necessary arrangements
being completed, the men came to the scratch in a manner which
convinced the spectators that no child's play was intended.
_ Round
1._The
fight commenced with spirit; M'Gee seemed to be desirous of making sure
of the first blow; but Burn was awake, and with uncommon dexterity
parried the blow, and planted a nice one on the frontis of his man; Pat returned - one, two; stop - a
close, and in the struggle, Pat was second best - (Bravo! 6 to 4 on Jem.)
_ 3.
M'Gee not hurt, rushed at his man, and had nearly thrown him - Jem
recovered himself, and seemed determined for slaughter; Pat was not
afraid, and both peppered beautifully; Jem, to guard against the rush
of his opponent, waited for him, and received him with a punisher on
the vicualling office, which had great effect.
_ 4
and 5._Jem
liked his customer, and Uncle Ben thought it secure; Pat seemed desirous to bore his man to the ropes, but was floored.
_6
to 10._were
all in Burn's favour; Pat lost his wind and temper, and fought against himself.
_11
and 12._Pat's
only aim seemed to be to get his man to the ropes; he fought well, and
the coolness and temper of Jem were admirable, although his head was
most dreadfully punished.
_13
to 19._Uncle
Ben and Oliver complained of having nothing to do, while their brothers on the other side were toiling to no purpose.
_20._Nothing could save
M'Gee - he vainly endeavored to bore at his man, but was almost instantly floored.
_21
to 28._Jem,
anxious to finish, gave a tremendous blow, which told on the pumpkin of
Pat, and made him reel to the ground, both the men were severely
punished, and Pat showed he was good stuff.
_29._'Take
him away,' was
the universal cry; he; however, made a last effort, which was quite
ineffectual; Jem gave the decisive blow and poor Pa was deaf to time.
_It
was certain M'Gee had over-rated his own, or under-rated his man's
abilities; he may conquer a good countryman, but he has no chance with
my Nevey.'
_The
battle lasted twenty-three minutes.
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