The Sun.
London, England, 1836-08-29 00:00:00

AQUATICS.

THE GREAT SCULLERS' CONTEST.--The crack match be-
tween Watts, Phelps, and Bartlett, was decided on Saturday
in the presence of the most distinguished patrons of aquatic
sports. It has been got up to decide who was the next best
to Charles Campbell, but the result has left the gentlemen as
wide of the mark as before. So even were the men consi-
dered on making the match that Gentlemen were a little
posed how to lay their money out, but as the time of starting
drew near Watts was taken for choice at even money. At
half-past two the men were at their posts. They drew for sta-
tions in a hat, and Phelps got No. 1 on the north shore,
Barlett was at No. 2, and the crack man right out in the
draught of the tide. The wind was very high and the swell
so heavy that many were afraid to venture out. It was nearly
a dead noser. There were as many as four false starts, and it
was high water before the men got off. Phelps had rather
the lead in the start, but he was in smooth water in comparison
to the others, and from his station went right a head within
Lucas's road. The others of course did not attempt to row
athwart the tid in order to follow his course, and went outside.
Facing the Speaker's house Watts shipped a little water. He
and Bartlett were at that time scull and scull, but at the
Horseferry Watts rowed by Bartlett, and came up level with
Phelps, but considerably outside, and in the swell of the water.
Facing Chandler's Watts again shipped some water, and
Phelps laid down wonderfully to his work, went a head, and
gained in each successive stroke. Aviss's artillery announced
him the winner by four minutes and 30 seconds. Watts in
shooting over the water from Battersea-bridge was nearly
swamped, and from there to Putney the water in his boat was
even with his stretcher. Mr. Layton was the umpire, and
started the match from the Leander. The rowing throughout
was good. It certainly proved one thing, that Bartlett does
not stand a shadow of chance with either of the other men.
Watts bad " shaken hands with himself" on the occasion, but
when he found Hunt's new boat too light he began to discover
that the others might have a chance. He rowed wonderfully,
and has established himself as one who, amidst the difficulties
he had to contend with, is deserving of the encouragement the
Noblemen and Gentlemen have honoured him with. He drew
the handles of his sculls too high, they did not escape the surf,
nor did he lay hold tight enough. Phelps rowed in a very lofty
boat of Mr. Layton's, and in that respect had a considerable
advantage. Phelps had everything in the station, but judging
from the rowing of Saturday we should say that Watts is a
better man. Phelps is really a very awkward miller. Watts
has challenged him for any amount.
Frank Godfrey, the opponent of the champion, and winner
of Lyons's sovereigns, gives a pair of sculls for landsmen to
contest. They are of silver, and similar to those won by Mr.
Wood.

The Duke of Norfolk having been for the last five or six
weeks yachting at Cowes, has now returned to Arundel. We
regret to hear that his Grace intends to give up this amuse-
ment, and that his beautiful vessel, the Arundel is for sale.