WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES NEW YORK SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1860

Letter from Tom Sayers. NEWMARKET, April 7th George Wilkes, Esq.: Dear Sir: - I have just been told that a report is going about that either I, or some of my friends, have had a hand in having Heenan arrested at Derby yesterday morning, and all I have to say on the subject is, sir, that no one but a very great rascal would ever conceive such an infamous idea. Instead of wanting to put anything in the road of Heenan to prevent the fight, I would render him any service in my power either before or after it. I have not so bad an opinion of myself as to want to keep the belt by any dodge like that. I believe I have always been in the habit of meeting my men manfully, and I assure you and all the rest of Heenan's friends, that I never looked forward to any event inside the ropes, with more tranquility and good will than I do to my coming meeting with him. I do not say this boastfully, but because I do not mind getting a good licking, and would rather have one, and be defeated ten times over in the bargain, than be guilty of so mean and base an act as some of my enemies have in this business just reported on me. Hoping, however, that you will not believe it, I remain, sir, Yours faithfully, Tom sayers

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