Exeter Flying Post, ‘Challenge letters’ (5 Jan 1826)

WRESTLING—We this week present our readers with verbatim copies of the answer of Polkinhorne to Abm. Cann‘s letter, inserted in our paper of the 25th instant, together with the rejoinder of the latter:—comment from us is almost wholly unnecessary, the letters will bear pride for themselves; but we cannot avoid the strong impression we have, that, notwithstanding Polkinhorne’s letter, that the objection to the articles was the wording, and its author knew exactly,—and it has been more than hinted by old hands in the ring, that the white feather is uppermost—this we give as we hear it; our only wish (and we are sure it is the honest wish of Mr. Cann) is, that if they can match rap his part every thing in fairness will be conceded to bring it about—there will be no squeamishness as to time or place, so that some attention is paid to local circumstances: the objection is to “fair hand to the collar has been taken,” for we had always considered it indispensable to fair play, otherwise it becomes a mere scramble amongst private squabbles;” and we are quite sure the friends of Mr. C. will never permit him to enter the same ring where the business is to be done with a rope! and that to be a struggle with a man acknowledged to be three stones heavier, and with an advantage of three inches in height.— We think, too, there is some shyness about the reality,—Mr. C. was deposited in a conspicuous situation during his letter was sent, of—why has not Mr. Polkinghorn or his friends followed the example?

St. Columb, 7th December, 1825.

To Mr. ABRAHAM CANN, St. Thomas, Exeter.

 

SIR,—I acquainted you that my answer letter of Sept. 26, now near three months past, was laid before the stewards of the Champion Belt, at Bristol, and published in the Bristol Recorder, dated Dec. 3d, wherein you will see I assert your readiness of a try the Championship of the two Counties.

 

As to your proposals of play, I object to the 1st, 2d, and 3d; and propose to meet you as a fair Wrestler to play, at Launceston, Cornwall, where we wrestled to your satisfaction, or at Plymouth, for the Belt, a loose jacket, of which I can get no hold, something else must substitute its place, as the true Cornish Hug, is sure to follow.

 

The sum mentioned by you is quite ready, or even that doubled, which my friends will be happy to deposit. Any time after the 3d of March next. If these particulars suit you, be good enough to say per return of post.

 

I am, Sir, Your Obedient Servant,

J. POLKINHORNE.

 

P.S. I have sent a Copy of this, for insertion, to the West Briton provincial Paper.

St. Thomas, near Exeter, 17th Dec. 1825.

To JAS. POLKINHORNE,

 

SIR,—The receipt of your letter of the 13th inst. wherein you object to the 1st, 2d, and 3d articles of my letter of the 26th of Sept. must astonish me. As to your objection to one fair hold being taken by the Collar, I must observe, I never yet have seen it decided for in all the experience I have had, and my friends think it devoid of fairness:—It is indispensably necessary to fair Wrestling, I feel that article should be adopted, that men when called to enter the ring at a fair Wrestling Match, it should be considered a mere scramble, and under these circumstances I do not feel myself justified in giving it up. To your other objections, I can only say, I was directed to make those proposals, in order that the gratification of the Public should be fully realized, and I am therefore ready to meet you at Tavistock, (as it is a better way as you have no objection to that place,) at such time as our respective friends shall hereafter appoint. The 2d, &c. to be substituted by the same articles as were agreed on and played for at the Grand Wrestling Matches, at Plymouth or Devonport, which, no objections were then raised by your countrymen, I can of course anticipate no reluctance on your part at the present time to accept.—What are to be considered a fair shoe and stocking, the Triers will of course determine, I leave it entirely to them. As to matching a man of 10 stone, when I fully expected the Champion’s belt, rivers fair hold in Wrestling, unless by the jacket! —Your answer immediately will oblige, but should it be in favour of our meeting, I trust, it will at the same time inform me, that the sum of One Hundred Sovereigns shall be deposited in one of your Cornish Banks.—I would beg to say, my friends are disposed to accept any sum that may be offered on your part, but i think as a preparatory measure, the One Hundred Sovereigns should first be made good. Waiting the favor of your Answer.

 

I remain Sir, your most obedient humble Servant,

ABRAHAM CANN.