Exeter Flying Post, ‘The Rival Champions’ (8 Dec 1825)

WRESTLING.—The Rival Champions.—The Amateurs of this ancient and truly noble sport, may expect soon to have one of the greatest treats ever experienced in this or any other part of England, in a contest between the renowned Devonshire Champion Abraham Cann, y’clept the Nonpareil, and the no less celebrated Polkinghorn, of Cornwall.—The time and place are not yet decided on, but the following answer to Polkinghorn’s challenge will of course very soon produce the necessary information:—

St. Thomas, near Exeter, 23 Dec. 1825.

Mr. James Polkinghorn,

Sir,—Not having had an opportunity of meeting my friends until this afternoon, I have been prevented from returning an answer to your letter earlier than the present.

I now beg to inform you, that I have this day placed in the hands of Mess. Sanders and Co. (Exeter Bank) the sum of one hundred sovereigns, for which sum I shall hold myself in readiness to wrestle with you on the terms annexed, to meet at such place as shall be hereafter agreed upon. I would beg at the same time to suggest, that as Plymouth, Devonport, or Torpoint, are nearly equi-distant between us, and also on the borders of our respective Counties, one of these places would, in my opinion, be the most eligible to be selected for the contest.

 

The money on my side having been deposited, (the truth of which may be ascertained on application,) I shall, as a matter of course, expect the same sum to be placed in one of your Cornish Banks, and at the time of meeting both sums be handed over to some respectable Gentleman in the ring, to be by him paid over to the conqueror, on the decision of the umpires being pronounced.—I beg at the same time you will believe me when I say, I hope and trust not the least feeling of personal animosity will subsist between us, as on my part I can assure you, the only motive I have in accepting your challenge, is to try the Championship of our respective Counties.

 

I am, very respectfully, Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

 

ABRAHAM CANN.

 

P.S. An answer is particularly requested within ten days from this, as if not received by that time I shall consider you to have relinquished all further intention on the subject.

Mr. James Polkinghorn, Innkeeper, “St. Columb, Cornwall.”

Articles to be observed in the Play.

1st.—Each shall play in a fair jacket, shoe, and stocking.

2d.—No hold to be taken but by the jacket.

3th.—The person who throws the first three back falls to be declared the winner.

5th.—Not more than ten minutes time to be allowed between each turn, and in case either should fail to come forward at the termination of that time, to be given to the person appearing.