Letter from a Friend of Heenan. Buffalo, March 28.

_ MR. WILKES; Dear Sir: I see there is much speculation about the coming "international fight" between Heenan and Sayers, and various are the opinions expressed as to who will be the victor. For my own part I regard their speculations of but little real importance, only so far as they affect bets. _ Many of your correspondents, however, in speaking of Heenan's chances to win, refer to his great fight with Morrissey, and because he lost that, take it for granted that he might also lose this. As to that fight, I was and eyewitness, and also know what was Heenan's real condition when he shied his castor into the ring. _ Now, I wish to tell some of your correspondents, who show such a disposition to underrate Heenan in that fight, that I know that he was under medical care in this city, and was not in the least condition to make a fight on the day he fought Morrissey. This I have from on of the physicians that attended him, and he was advised not to think of fighting as he then was. No one who saw that fight can deny but what Heenan not only showed game, but also science, for a novice of no ordinary character. His ability to whip Morrissey remark, on the bench, just after the fight, that Heenan was an "awful boy," and could whip any such man known as a fighter in the world. In regard to his "coming mill" with Sayers, all I can say in that, in my opinion, if Sayers whips him, he will have the hardest job to do so, that he has yet undertaken in the ring.

Heenan's Gameness considered by a Friend. PITTSBURG, March 21.

_ MR. EDITOR: Allow me, through the columns of your interesting jour- nal, to reply to the letter of "Alleghany," concerning the game of the Benicia Boy. He says he is a friend of Heenan's, but don't want to see Morrissey underrated. He says the boy was whipped in twenty-two minutes, and asks what improvement has he shown since that time. Any friend of Heenan's must know that he displays much better science since the fight than before. He has certainly not been idle since that event, and flying at such game as he is after. He says that Morrissey has done everything that is honorable towards Heenan. Now this is false, and "Alleghany" knows it. What caused Morrissey to boast, in a saloon in Albany, that he could whip any man in the world, and Heenan in particular? Was this in accordance with his former declarations and never again to appear in the ring as a principal? It was done without any just cause or provocation whatever at the time. Heenan was astonished to hear such news as this, but immediately took up the bold deal. Morrissey answers this, and agrees finally to fight Heenan should he whip Sayers. This was the only chance of escape for Morrissey, as he was aware the Boy was unable to carry on both matches at once. Heenan offers to waive his fight with Sayers, in order to accommodate Morrissey, which he declines. Now, if that was not a clean back down, we cannot image what is. All the sporting journals of the country award the championship to Heenan, and this alone should satisfy everybody who is properly entitled to the office. _ All honorable men who witnessed the fight at Long Point, should concede one fact at least, that the Boy is dead game. Could any man on earth do more to satisfy his friends? Although advised and urged to forfeit, he strenuously refused, and entered the ring when he should have been in bed. Why did Morrissey not accept the $1,000 offered, to postpone the fight twenty days, in order to give the Boy a chance? Oh no, he might get licked should the Boy recover. Morrissey had him foul, and kept the advantage. _ We have never yet seen anything to show or convince us that Heenan is not dead game. We feel perfectly satisfied that the coming fight will convince all who are in doubt on the point. He may possibly be defeated, but not disgraced for want of courage. Let him win or lose with Sayers, we want to see him and Morrissey fight once more, and both men in good condition. We know many men who won on Morrissey are now ready to back Heenan. We have no fears as to the result, should there be a clear stage and no favors. __________                Yours truly, _ Sam

WILKES SPIRIT OF THE TIMES APRIL 7, 1860

TOM HYER AND YANKEE SULLIVAN
LETTER FROM TOM SAYERS
LETTER FROM A FRIEND OF HEENAN
LETTER FROM BIRTHPLACE OF HEENAN
HEENAN, IRELAND'S PRIDE (LYRICS)

Fight between Tom Tyler and Jack Sullivan
Historic boxing newspapers and articles.