Wrestling at Devonport: THE RIVAL CHAMPIONS, CANN and POLKINHORN.

Anxious at all times to give the fullest satisfaction to the multitude of all public events, our Reporter was sent specially to Devonport for the purpose of witnessing and reporting the Wrestling between the Rival Champions at that place,—the following is a correct account of the whole proceedings:—

This long-talked-of match took place on Monday last, at Morice Town, Devonport. The ring that has usually borne the name of Tamar Hatt, in a level piece of ground surrounded by houses, in south, and was admirably adapted to the purpose; the ring was parabolical, 100 feet by 70, at the east and west ends over two arithmetical erections extending about 50 feet in length, and about 30 feet high, on the north side a small portion of inclosed garden, and on the south side the seats of spectacle, the seat of the ring was broken by small buildings, a small portion of these 10 tiers of seats, the remainder 7 tiers; in front of these erections did seat crowds of spectators, varying from 7000 to 9000, in the five manner in which they were put together, being framed with scaffold poles, and ten-foot-planks made for the support of, and evidently capable of sustaining the weight of the greatest number of persons that could sit on them, with the rising so well graduated, as that every person standing or sitting had a perfect view of the contending parties; a building at the east, in the shape of an antique royal box, was raised by Mr. Elliott, of the Royal Hotel, for the sale of refreshments.

The principal part of the Gentlemen forming the Devon and Cornwall Committee reached Devonport on Saturday; at one, Mr. Polkinhorn, the latter came in his gig from St. Austell; he is a native of Polkinhorn: his appearance is decidedly athletic. Mr. P. was born in the parish of St. Kevern, is fine looking, well-behaved man, 26 years of age, 5 feet 10½ inches in height, and weighs 14 score 6 lbs.; his well-conditioned limbs, and his head was thrown off, 30 lbs., his chest is 42 inches round, his belly 39 lbs., and he is a married man; his head, neck, and shoulders, were that of a bull, there was an appearance of immense strength, and his limbs downward fully corresponded with the upper works, his arm and hand were fine, exhibiting considerable muscular power; his countenance was fair, and strongly marked, but there was a great disparity in the size of the two men. Mr. C. is a native of the parish of Colbrenoe, nearly 21 years of age, 5 feet 6¾ inches in height, weighs 9 score 12 lbs., and is a light well-made man. Notwithstanding the manifest difference between them, at 11 o’clock on Sunday evening, and Monday morning at 2 was freely offered, with no takers.

It was evident from the appearance of the town of Devonport, that there had been a considerable influx of strangers, and the peculiarity of dialect evidently showed that the scene of action were spread soon after nine o’clock, at first the number of persons that attended was small and in detached parties, but as the forenoon advanced they poured in in immense masses, and as in almost every party each had his choice—the posts at the north-east angle were unoccupied, but there were, our reporter judges, from 6,000 to 7000 persons present. The admittance to the seats with an awning in the south wing was 2s. and 2s. 6d. to those without.

At 20 minutes to one, Cann entered the ring, and set his foot on the ground, and was greeted with applause by his countrymen. Cann had been lifted by several most respectable females for the purpose of wishing him success, and did not arrive on the ground till 20 minutes to 1; he was then greeted as he came in amidst continuous shouting to the extent of nearly a full ring; and was followed by Cann; a general cheer took place, but not a revesite, any odds being offered to name the winner.

The triers seemed to be a customer to be had. The conditions of play were now read, each party having two friends in the ring. The match was to be decided between them, on the Cornish side, the best of three fair back falls. The stake had been increased to the lander lender of 100l. a-side, and were to be given to the person to whom the best of three falls should be awarded by the triers. The conditions further provided, that if either party declined continuing the play after having once set to, or wilfully struck off, his opponent, the stakes should be forfeited to the other.—It was to be 1 minute time after a fall, and 15 minutes between the falls,—each was to take his hold as he could above the waistband; nor was there any restrictions from kicking, each being at liberty to guard his feet with padding as he pleased. Two triers were appointed for each county, who were to decide on the falls, and in case they were not unanimous the umpire to play again. The umpires for Devon were Mr. Wm. Snell, a respectable farmer of Coldford, in Colebrooke, and Mr. —- Rendell, auctioneer, of South Zeal, in South Tawton. For Cornwall, Mr. Nicholas Cross, of Landrett, and Mr. Jonathan Higgs, of St. Kew, both respectable farmers.

These preliminaries being settled, at 3 minutes to 1 Polkinhorn drew from a circle and presented it to his opponent, who having pledged him they shook hands and set to. The feelings of the assembled multitude had been wrought to the highest pitch—it was now painfully anxious. The disparity in size as the men stood opposed was very great, as the comely deer to the huge bison—notwithstanding which Cann was still the favourite, and 20 to 10 was offered from a dozen points without a single taker.—Polkinhorn wore a thick pair of stockings, over which was buttoned a pair of stout leather leggins; these were again covered with thick stockings, and over the whole a pair of loose trowsers—he was without shoes. Cann wore a thin pair of white stockings, and had a shoe on his right foot only—he stood erect, his face was pale, and he had the appearance of not being in good condition. The jackets were of strong canvas, and had the letters C. and D. in large characters each painted on the back.

First Turn.—Both cautiously manœuvred—at last, to I Cann got a firm fastening on the collar of Polkinhorn with one hand, and immediately made his hold good with the other, at which time, being of Cann found a tremendous height and strength of his opponent beneath him, and in attempting the flat foot and wresthe was foiled and nearly thrown—3 minutes past I—Cann again made play and got his antagonist to the collar, who rushing from Cann round the high, it was an exhibition of animal presence of Cann’s immense weight and making the slender limbs of his rival vain attempted his locks, first of the left and then of the right leg, or to break the hold of his antagonist, who hugged as if he would have crushed him in his grasp; still Polkinhorn in every effort, the struggle was tremendous, the Cornishmen shouted as from one voice.

A general shout proceeded from the men of Cornwall, who waited from their places in large numbers into the ring. On the part of Devonshire the fall was disputed, it was contended that he had not been thrown on his back—great confusion followed by the Devon men, and louder than fever, the shouts of the men of Cornwall, in which decision Cann & his countrymen testified implicit obedience, and the men of Cornwall shouted for joy.—Even betting offered by the Devonians but not taken.

Second Turn.—Order being restored, at 20 min. past 1 Polkinhorn made the scratch, and after him followed the shorter of the two, his opponent, in a most scientific manner—the struggle was long and dreadful—again and again some home, Cann under his foe.—Recovering their legs, they looked warily at each other for several seconds, when Polkinhorn again rushing his improved and better form. They then made a most terrible grip, but both seized Cann with a most terrible grip, but both improved and better form. They then made a most terrible grip, but both seized Cann with his left and got hold of Cann’s collar, while he worked with his left and got hold of his jacket behind, this he carried round the waist, forcing his head at the same time against the breast of Cann, and while endeavouring to bend him with his immense weight—at Cann’s feet began to slip, and his left pressed his antagonist’s shoulder—he seemed fully alive to the situation, and aware of the danger he had to do, his opponent making no play whatever, but hanging on in such a manner as to render his situation the rather a dangerous one; he was holding his burthen over his shoulder, and was bearing Cann fast to the ropes, when the latter at all risks planted some most tremendous kicks, under which his huge opponent recoiled, evidently much punished, and ran from Cann with the utmost velocity, whilst those of Devonshire cheered most lustily. The remainder of this turn was so decidedly in favour of Polkinhorn who had been acting solely on the defensive an advantage he instantly seized, and laying in his grasp Cann once more round the body—another terrible struggle ensued, and both went down, Cann under all the time—5 minutes past 1.— with an even hand Cann caught at the utmost of his power the advantage, but Cann not improving it, broke away;—both again made play, and having wasted their hold Polkinhorn more again resorted to the hugging system—Cann withstood all his efforts to bear him down, and displayed the finest science, and the most excellent tactics imaginable. Polkinhorn was evidently acting on the defensive; but Polkinhorn’s immense weight and superior strength still baffled his efforts, though it was evident he was distressed under the punishment Cann inflicted on this. The Cornishmen displayed their impatience with loud cries of “set-up play,” and decided the Devon system of kicking; Cann did not suffer himself to be influenced by this but cautiously and steadily pursued his work, and at 20 minutes to 2, he had his right leg firmly in his opponent’s; the struggle was again tremendous, it was like the elephant’s armlock, when it had a grasp of man in its proboscis, for although the night was beautiful, the men with their bodies entwined to each other were gleaming—shouts of applause came from all quarters, and after a most terrible short bout with most frightful fury they were now literally struggling their best, and apparently had not been struggling for ten minutes, when Polkinhorn let loose his left hand, and instantly making good his hold, planted some most tremendous kicks in rapid succession, the wrestler’s only object was evidently to keep Polkinhorn up to his work whilst Mr. P. as evidently trusted to his immense weight and strength, and evidently trusted to his immense weight and strength, and hung off to avoid Cann’s punishing shoe, which he did not at all seem to relish; accordingly the head was now worked into Cann’s breast, the hugging system again practiced, and the greatest efforts made to drive him to the ropes—it was more than herculean labour, and Polkinhorn displayed a degree of strength that can never be forgotten by those who witnessed it. Cann also made great efforts, his conduct was at this time most manly, he stood erect, though it was in being borne down in the rush, every instant to the danger of being borne down in the rush, or enclosed and crushed in the hug of his powerful adversary, on whose legs his shoe was continually planted with the force of a sledge, evidently producing the greatest effect, and at one period both were on their knees. This state of things continued with varied success for many minutes, when precisely at 2 o’clock, 30 minutes from the commencement of the turn, Cann locked himself firmly in his antagonist,—the sight was almost fearful to look at, all were in breathless anxiety, it was evident either the limb of Cann must be torn off, or the body of his opponent answer the purchase he had on it.—Cann prevailed, and Polkinhorn was carried with tremendous force to the ground.

The deafening shouts on one side and the clamour of the other, that immediately succeeded this fall, is indescribable, the Cornishmen rushed into the ring for vast masses, the men of Devon followed the example, and in a few minutes the seats were nearly deserted,—all order was lost,—and the triers were unable to agree. In the midst of this scene of confusion, Cann stood erect,—his was the picture of patience,—his mild and placid features were lighted up by this scene of excitement, and looked to far greater advantage than at the commencement. Polkinhorn retreated, & sat himself down by his brother and some friends; he was evidently distressed,—he seemed to feel the effect of his exertions most sensibly, & his punishment had been very severe; his left shoulder, when he fell, appeared to have been literally driven into the earth, from the immense force with which he came down; his friends were exceedingly attentive to him, & he partook freely of the refreshments they brought.—Fifty-five minutes of most valuable time was lost in this discussion, during which the gentlemen of the Devon Committee made a proposition, that as there seemed no likelihood of agreement with H. was “without a question that the second fall was as fair as the first, both of them should be waved and the men begin anew.” The Cornishmen would not listen for an instant to this proposition, they stuck like leeches to the first fall in favour of their hero, but would not allow the second against him. As the afternoon was wearing fast, the prevalence of angry tones and the confusion gave reason to fear something unpleasant; it was finally decided to settle it by a toss, which was lost by Devonshire, and the decision, though thought very unjust, quietly acquiesced in by Cann, but so much of angry feeling had been excited during the discussion that Mr. Jonathan Higgs, one of the triers for Cornwall, refused to enter the ring again, the Devon Committee in consequence withdrew Mr. Rendell, and it was agreed to go on with one on each side.

Third Turn.—The men again took their station within the ring, the spectators retiring to their seats. Polkinhorn had evidently made the best use of his time, he appeared much refreshed and paced the ring with a firm step, loudly cheered by his countrymen, Cann preserved his improved appearance, with the exception that a little of the flesh was abated, and there was a thoughtfulness in his manner, he was still evidently a great favorite and the cheers for him were loud and incessant, indeed his very opponents (the Cornish) expressed their astonishment that with such a difference in weight he should have been able to contend so long with their Champion.—At 3 minutes past 3, Cann advanced to his opponent, and instantly seized him by the collar; Polkinhorn was not slow in returning the compliment; the advantage of the latter’s rest was instantly apparent, his efforts were prodigious, every body was astonished that another human being could be found to stand for one instant against them, and after a display of strength on one side, and skill on the other, which must have been seen to be adequately conceived of, both went down.—12 minutes past 3.—They instantly regained their feet, and Cann again boldly seized him; Polkinhorn made most desperate efforts, and pressed so firmly on the throat of Cann that the latter appeared in danger of strangulation—it was choking work, in the midst of which the door of Cann worked with the regularity of a pendulum, telling with most terrible effect on the legs of his adversary, and in the latter attempting the rush both went down, Cann under.—14 minutes past 3.— (Immense shouts from Cornwall.)—Both men were piping, but not an instant was lost, they seized each other and went to work most resolutely, amidst cheers from all sides, never probably was the difference of play between the two counties so manifest, and never had Cornwall greater reason to be proud of any one of her children than of Polkinhorn at this moment, his efforts were prodigious and tremendous. Cann seemed the further he went to become more and more himself, his coolness and prudence at this time was above all praise, and the peculiar play of Devonshire was never known to greater advantage,—he baffled all the efforts of Polkinhorn to hug him or bore him down, his sledge battery was continued at work, and taking his opportunity he locked himself firmly in his opponent, and after a dreadful effort both went down, Polkinhorn under.—17½ minutes past 3.—(Shouts that rent the very welkin ring.)—It was evident no human beings could go on at this rate very long, gigantic as was the strength of both, and Polkinhorn seemed as he advanced to have prepared himself for an effort more desperate than any he had hitherto exhibited, he appeared determined to bear down every thing before him, and rushing with a force that is indescribable on his opponent, broke down all his guard and seized him round the middle, Cann instantly locked himself firmly in him, but all his efforts to lift him were fruitless, and after another tremendous and terrific struggle Polkinhorn threw him to the ground, on his side, and instantly left the ring.—22 minutes past 3.—It is impossible to give an adequate idea of the confusion that followed, Cann kept the ring till near 4 o’clock, and appeared as little fatigued as when he made for preparation, but his opponent had retreated with some friends to the back of the Committee booth, and contending that he had won the prize, in which opinion he was supported by his friends, refused again to appear; and as additional proof of this determination his jacket was flung into the ring; Cann’s friends perceiving this, and observing that his slender fook was got wet, folded the jacket and made it his footstool. Polkinhorn displayed symptoms of great exhaustion and severe punishment. Cann had suffered scarcely any thing, indeed, he seemed much more himself than at the commencement, and finding his endeavours to bring Polkinhorn again to the scratch fruitless, his friends claimed the prize in virtue of his not having quitted the ground, the hero walking between them, with a firm step up the steep hill to the Royal Hotel.—The Committees met the same evening at dinner, but not being able to agree as to the disposal of the prize, which was claimed by each, came to the resolution of adjourning the discussion of the subject to Tuesday morning at 9 o’clock.

When the two Heroes had left the ground, notice was given of a Match for 15 sovereigns to be played by 5 men from each county, and James Bickford, respectable farmer of St. Mary Down, Devon, immediately threw up his hat, and prepared for the contest,—he kept the ring for about half-an-hour, but no Cornishman appearing, the spectators began to depart in large numbers, and the business was adjourned to Tuesday morning.

Second Day

The indecision of the Committees as to the prize, in the grand match between the Champions, threw a damp on the proceedings of the morning, until half-past 1 o’clock, and then with a very slight company, before the play commenced,—Rogers was again first in the ring, but no one from the sister county appearing to oppose him, Rogers, a South Devon, entered and was thrown; in his next the place was occupied by a sailor named Scott, an Irishman, a poor match for the formidable Stoney, and soon thrown.—Seeing this the men were shy, and half-an-hour elapsed before any one entered the ring, when Wilson and Cleve had a Devonshire appeared, they are known to all lovers of the sport, and played as well as ever; they held out,—John James succeeded, and a Cornish customer was at last procured in the person of Simon Linn,—the play was held out.—One took the ring, he was opposed by George Avery, of Cheriton, a young chicken, who improved every time he plays, and threw his man; but the fall being disputed they turned to again and held out. Avery keeping the ring; he was opposed by a Cornishman, whose name could not be learned,—during the turn Avery’s padding getting loose, the Devonshire triers, according to custom, proceeded to rectify it, this was objected to on the other side, a dispute arose, the ring was broken in, and a violent scuffle ensued, which settled this turn, the Cornishman throwing up. This affair seemed likely to terminate the Tamar Green wrestling, but after a short interval Jordan again made his appearance and challenged the ring; a gentleman offered to procure him an immediate customer and for any sum he might choose to name if he would play without shoes; this Jordan declined.—Wreford, Webber, J. Dacomhe, James Cann, Jas. Frost, Avery, &c. &c. were on the ground, and waited up some sailors and porters; but they were no matches and excited little interest.—The Cornish appeared dissatisfied and shy, and the nobility getting weary, it was deemed prudent to close the business, the Committee dividing about £2. among the players.

Wednesday, 4, P. M.—Authentic Intelligence has just reached our Office, that the Committees at 9 o’clock this morning came to the resolution of returning the stakes to each party, making it a drawn Match.

Observations.— In the same degree in which the public expectation had been excited, will be the disappointment at the issue of this match, dissatisfaction is imprinted on every face in either county, and all naturally ask if rules were made, why they were not abided by?—This certainly would have been the fairest, the most straight forward—the best course,—if the triers were not unanimous the men were to play again, and at no part of the proceedings shall this principle have been departed from. As to the men, those who saw this match will never forget them, and few probably who were strangers to Polkinhorn could have supposed such a man existed; his strength is immense; Cornwall will naturally be proud of him; still it is hardly the rival Champions will ever meet more, or that in future present the opponent will not decline, in the room of skill, science, dexterity, and strength, simply be had the advantage of Cann, but the latter’s quickness, science, and excellent stamina, renders it matter of little doubt who would ultimately be the master, as very rare anything has occurred to cause one leaf of the laurel wreath which Devonshire has so honorably awarded to be taken from him,—few that saw him at the close of the day on Monday, even though they reside west of Tamar, will deny that he would have such a chance the next time that he would retain the Champion’s Belt.