Leeds Intelligencer, Cornishman’s letter on wrestling rules for Leeds (1828)

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LEEDS INTELLIGENCER. SIR,—As far as the prizes and offer to pay the expenses of the wrestlers go, I cannot sufficiently admire the liberality of the promoters of the approaching wrestling at Leeds; but there is a condition of play, which will I think destroy all chance of deciding in a satisfactory manner, the superiority of strength and skill. The play it seems is to be “hand and collar.” I cannot think that either Cornish or Devonshire wrestlers of any reputation will attend. To be in accordance with the great liberality of the prizes, each man should be allowed to play in the manner of his country. I should think Cann, provided he might be at liberty to take his opponents as he could catch them, would consent to wrestle with a very moderate shoe. And as for my countrymen, they only desire to be turned into the ring with a canvass jacket on, and no shoes; and to be allowed to take hold any where above the waistband, and to shift their hold when they please. The variety of these changes and the rapidity and effect with which they are made, are the great beauties of the Cornish wrestling. A CORNISH MAN. March 4th.

A correspondent suggests that this is a favourable opportunity for Polkinhorn to meet Abraham Cann, and, upon neutral ground, to decide which is the best man.