Exeter Flying Post, ‘Lion hearted Cann’ (22 Sept 1825)

WRESTLING.—We have before had occasion to advert to the idle stories, which have found their way into the London prints, relative to a challenge given from Cornwall, to back Polkinhorn and Parkin, against the champion A. Cann, and Jordan, to wrestle for 100 guineas,—but we now find the same system of deception is practising nearer home, as we read under the head “Cornwall,” in a contemporary print—”Mr. James Polkinghorne, the present champion of Cornwall, anxiously waits Mr. Abraham Cann’s appointment as to place and means of stake, to decide the long intended match of wrestling between the champions of Cornwall and Devon.” Now nothing can be more false than the whole of this paragraph, and which the annexed correspondence will make clearly appear to the whole of our readers,—and we do hope, for the honor of the press, that by this occasion our contemporaries in Cornwall will do us the favour to copy this article, so that the public mind in that county may be disabused, and our lion hearted and successful countryman have strict justice done to him,—but that man, as to himself, met the challenge more readily or fairly, his answer was prompt, and consigned p’r post to the address pointed out to him, but to which up to this hour, he has never received any answer,—which then, we triumphantly ask, is waiting?—and further we will add from authority, that the Devonshire champion, A. Cann, can be backed not only for 100, but for 1000 guineas against those Cornish heroes.

(COPY.)

To Abraham Cann.
TRULL,* 11th August, 1825.

SIR,—A challenge having been given by a gentleman of Saint Columb, for Parkin and Polkinghorne, to play a match at wrestling for 100 guineas, the best of three back falls, against you and Jordan, the same sum is accepted provided you and him will take them, which if so reply answer is desired, addressed to John Darke, Esq. Solicitor, Launceston, Cornwall.

I am your obedient servant,

T. H. LAKEMAN.

*This letter bears the Tavistock post-mark.

(COPY, ANSWER.)

To John Darke, Esq. Solicitor, Launceston, Cornwall.
ST. THOMAS, NEAR EXETER, 23rd August, 1825.

SIR,—In reply to a letter I have received from a Mr. T. H. Lakeman, dated Trull, the 11th instant, offering a challenge in the persons of Parkin and Polkinghorne, to wrestle with myself and Jordan for 100 guineas, and in which I am referred to you in answer; I take leave to say that I have nor will I join a second person to play any two, but will play both the men named myself for 50 or 100 guineas each as may be most convenient to them and their friends.

And am, Sir, respectfully your obedient servant,

ABRAHAM CANN.

Another of our contemporaries has been hoaxed with a copy of a Northmolton challenge messenger, in order to match the Champion A. Cann against some Irish Giant, for 200 Guineas—there is of course no truth in this; but we again state, our brave countryman will be found at home, by any man who has an inclination to try a fall with him, for a proper sum and money down.