Exeter Flying Post, Cornwall challenges Devon: Polkinghorne correspondence (1825)

WRESTLING.—We have before had occasion to advert to the false 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.

(COPY.) 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. To Abraham Cann.

(COPY, ANSWER.) 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. To John Darke, Esq. Solicitor, Launceston, Cornwall.