The Sun.
London, England, 1824-06-09 00:00:00

PUGI S M.

THE FIGHT BETWEEN SPRING AND LANGAN.
Nothing has occurred in the Ring for many
years, not even the fight between Randall and Turner, that ex-
cited so much interest as this affliir between the Champion of the
Fist and Langan. Since the first battle fought by these heroes
all the tap-rooms in London, and even places of better resort,
have been familiar with their names, and this second trial for
victory gave birth to as many hopes and fears, as any man of
moderate propensities in the way of fame need desire to be con.
nected with his history.
Biographical sketches are useless. Every hotly knows, or at
least ought to know, that Toni Spring is the Champion of
England, a title transmitted to him by Cribb. The casuists in
milling may have some scruples as to the legality of his succes-
sion. At all events he' does not hold the place by right of con-
quest; but as Cribb thought proper to cover him with all his
own laurels, it is right that he sheuld wear them as long as he
can. Langan determined to transplant them to his own brows.
Ile made one attempt anti failed, but the prize was too glorious
la be given up without a second.
The colonists of St. Giles's, " those bowers of innocence and
ease," never closed an eye on Saturday night, or if they did, it
was only to dream of Langan. Wagers of all sorts and sizes,
from one pound to fifty, from a pot of heavy to a rump and
dozen; flew round at the usual places of resort, but though
Spring's admirers were MI of confidence, they seemed rather
ally of backing him at the high odds that imply a certainty of
success.
Early on Monday morning the road to Winchester began to
exhibit an appearance of business. The usual vehicles,
though not in such numbers as when die scene of action is
nearer to town, were driving along in all directions towards
the ground. The taverns ar.l public houses along the
road had received some intimation of the event, anti were
prepared as usual with a great quantity of second-hand eat.
ables, bad liquors, and high prices. In consequence of the
disappointment at Warwick, even those in the secret of the
ring were apprehensive that no fight would take place. As much
as twenty-five pounds to ten were offered in some instances
on Sunday, that it would be no go. This• gloomy impression
was on the minds of many of the fight-going people so late as
one o'clock on Monday ; hut just about that time, when it was
'supposed that Langan could not be up from Leamington soon
enough to prepare for the contest, a barouche and four drove
into Chichester with Langan, Tom Belcher, and other friends.
As it was IVhit Monday, when the different clubs, as they
are called, exhibit themselves in their finery, the farming
labourers crowded all parts of the road, with bunches of ribbons
in their hats. and seemed rather amazed at the unexpected in- ,
trusion of so many suspicious looking characters upon their
amusements.
At five o'clock Chichester presented a scene of bustle which
the inhabitants say was not equalled even at any election within
their memory. It had never before, at least not for many years,
been the scene of pugilistic warfare, except perhaps trifles un-
worthy of history, and the novelty of the attraction did not lose
its effects. The inhabitants, men, women, children, servants
and all, seemed to have quite deserted the interior of their dwel-
lings, and taken post either at the windows or before the doors.
It was a matter of some risk and difficulty to gain admittance
into the Swan, the head Inn, around which the crowd was prin-
cipally collected, expecting the arrival of the combatants or
their friends. It being fair-time, and a large party of the
marine artillery having just arrived in town, these circumstan-
ces tended to confuse more what was before sufficiently con-
founded.
The balcony that was along the whole front of the Swan was
crowded with Officers and Corinthians enjoying the scene below.
—A few minutes after seven, Spring, appearing rather in calm
than high spirits, made his apearance in an open bavouche.—
Ile was received with three cheers by the crowds who sur-
rounded the doors, among whom was a great number of the
98th regiment of foot, a party of whom are quartered in the
town

The great object of inquiry now was the immediate scene of
action. Pierce Egan had been commissioned by the Corn-
enander-in-Chief to make a movement on Winchester as early
as Saturday, for the purpose of selecting a proper situation.__
He fulfilled the important trust committed to his charge with
.the ability of an experienced tactician, and pitched upon a spot
called Birdhambridge, every way adapted to the purpose, and
about three miles from Chichester.
The landlord of the Swan had contracted for the erection of
a stage of sufficient solidity to prevent accidents, of 24 feet
hat towards evening it was nearly
and
the men were set to work 1
square and six feet high, according to the terms ate articles.
hupe n sums
oagearrel
;dollen
Monday
completed. Ot
ill.
a,
completed. Th. visitors to witness these preparations were'
numerous, and the whole of the arrangements were such as to
reflect credit on the taste for pugilistic architecture a those who
got them up.
Langan and his friends put up at the Dolphin, and Spring
at the Swan. The inquiries after both were numerous, and
continued to a late hour. Spring took a promenade about
eleven, just to breathe a little fresh air before retiring to his
pillow. • Langan, having been fatigued after an uninterrupted
journey of nearly two hundred miles, sought the arms of 1
elfropay at an earlier hour. His attendants reported him well
and in high spirits, fully prepared for the conflict, and confi-
dent of success.
A circumstance that took place soon after Langan's arrival
gave an air of chivalry to the business, which seldom occurs to
grace such achievements as this. A lady of some distinction,
the bride of an Irish gentleman, had arrived in town, without
any previous knowledge of what was in preparation. U_pon in-
quiry it was found that a countryman was to enter the lists to
contend for the Championship, and she immediately sent to in-
quire under what colours he meant to fight, expressing her de-
sire to present him with a green /ogle. Langan sent a courteous
message, saying, that he wished to exhibit no colours that would
give the slightest intimation of party feeling; that his only
object was to be imperial as a pugilist, and that lie would fight
in black, the colour he had worn on his first appearance in the
London Ring, and he was accordingly furnished with an article
to his own taste.
• The Theatre was opened at night, for the general benefit of'
the corps. There was an overflowing house; and some good
sport took place.
TUESDAY.—At so early an hour as eight o'clock, vast num-
bers of people of all classes began to repair to the scene of ac-
tion, on foot, on horseback, in chaise., carts, barouches, and
every species of vehicle that has been sent out of Long-acre
for the last half century. On arriving on the field it was found
that a ground of quarrel existed, which it was apprehended,
for some time, would prove fatal to the expected amuse-
ments of the day. It arose from this circumstance. The
landlord of the Swan had promised to give 140/. to be divided
1 among the combatants, on the condition of being allowed
'to receive the money arising from the waggons and stands
Ithat surrounded the ring. He accordingly stationed his
receivers at the gate leading into the ground and at the dif-
ferent waggons. The fighting men, however, who are in the
habit of converting exhibitions of this kind to their own pro-
fit, opposed the arrangement with the conclusive argument
of a few knock-down blows to the money-takers, who soon
relinquished their pecuniary concerns and retired from business
in disgust. The landlord, who had given a checque for the
1501. hurried back to Chichester with the disastrous intelligence, i
threatened to stop payment of the checque, to call for the nter-
ference of a Magistrate, and thus to put an end to all further
proceedings. Fortunately, however, the Commander-in-Chief
soon arrived, and by his interference, joined to that of others
whose support of the Ring gave them influence, all existing
difficulties were got rid of.
The men were to be on the ground between twelve and one,
and as the hour approached it was a matter of great difficulty
to make way along the road, so great were the crowds. What
we seldom witnessed upon such an occasion, there were many
well-dressed females upon the scene of'action, and some calcu-
lated so boldly on their strength of nerve as to take a seat in the
waggons. A sovereign was the price demanded and freely paid
for places in the best stand, and nothing less than five shillings
would be accepted for any seat.
A few minutes before one o'clock the ring was completely
formed, and every thing placed in the best order. The Com-
mander.in-Chief then made his appearance; and in a short
address to the spectators, requested that whatever might take
place they would not call either foul or fair, but leave the mat-
ter to the decision of the umpires. This intimation was re-
ceived with applause, and the Commander was warmly greeted
from all parts of the ring.
The silence of expectation now that the ring was formed,
and that the guardians of good order began to smack their
whips, succeeded to the contused uproar of Corinthians, flash_
men, bullies, and pickpockets; of the latter, however, the
number was small, the distance being too great from Town.
Cries of " Here comes Spring !" " There comes Langan !"
drew all eyes occasionally to every point of the ring; when lo !
in the midst of his Staff appeared Spring. Ile ascended the
steps with great agility, and instantly his castor was seen
cleaving the buxom air." He was attended by Cribb and
Painter. Langan soon followed, in the care of Neil and. Toni
Belcher, and up went his beaver in similar style.
People may talk of Olympus and its game& Upon this
occasion it was only Primrose-Hill compared to Birdhambridge.
There could not have been less than between twelve and fbur-
teen thousand persons present.
The umpires, and the gentlemen who held the watch, were
placed on a small platform at one corner of the stage. Both
men looked well. Even betting that Spring would win it in
an hour, and two and three to one on the result.
On mounting the platform, Langan's traps were soon off,
and as Spring was rather slow. in unbuttoning, his antagonist
seated himself at one, corner of the stage, sucking an orange

with great composure. As soon as Spring was in readitle9g,'
Langan opened the waistband of his smanclothes to shew
he was not belted, and Spring followed the example. lig
men immediately shook hands and took their position, Langer
having previously won the toss. For a few minutes not a sl'e
tator round the stage breathed more than was absolutely nee-7,1
sary to preserve life, and every tongue was as silent as if it ,
been dried and salted for six months.
Rourn 1. The men took a steady view of each other, as r' to see the quantity of strength and muscle that each had to con,
tend against. It was a moment of anxiety in the ring. Lar,oa
0,
made play for it moment, and then hit out right and left,
without producing effect. Spring returned in similar style, bul
more effectively. They closed, and after a struggle for the f 3;
separated again, when Spring with great quickness put in t,'°
severe blows right and left on Langan's head. A second Clog;
and a long struggle for the fall, both went down, Langan.under,
most. Both shewed some fine science in the round.
2. Langan shewed first blood ; but, except by the =Fir':
who were close to the stage, it was-hardly perceptible. Lankala
as in the first round, put in the left ineffectually, and recOved
a slight body blow. Langan immediately closed. He seeme.
from the outset to rest his hdpes of victory on wrestling.
long struggle for the throw, and Spring under.
3. This round was commenced with great caution on both
shies, and was a fine display of defensive warfare. LanganP``t
in a blow that told slightly on Spring's nose, but the debt wo''
instantly paid oil' with interest, a close and Langan under.
' 4. Spring bleeding a little at the nose. Langan made a Jel
Aerate hit, right and left, but did not produce all the miscive
he intended. They closed, and there was something appallia,
in the struggle. It was doubtful for a moment whether one (4
the other would not be dashed from the stage and the contest. brought perhaps to a fatal close; it ended, however, more Pr'
tunately ; both down, find Spring under, after a heavy
b. Spring, though one of the steadiest fighters in the rig'
seemed a little irritated after the last round, and let fly at
gan's head. An attempt to return on the part of Langan s'O'
stopped in fine style. Counter hits in the face. The Wren
closed, and separating soon again Langan was hit down, an't
his distresses here commenced. •
6. Langan received some severe punishment in this roto'l
about the head, a part to which Spring directed particular at'
ten tion.
7. Spring, encouraged by success, was not dilatory in going
to work as before. He hit his antagonist on the right and le
side of the head, when Langan hit short and got to the railing.
—Spring repeated his blow on the ear, jobbed his man most
piteodsly about the nose, and got away with a laugh from
lounge that Langan made at his wind. Counter hits, but with
little effect on Langan's part, who towards the close of the
round received two blows that brought him down quite feeble,'
Cries of "All is over!"
8. After some sparring Langan put in a ,hit that told on
Spring's left eye, and slightly altered the colour. Langan went
down exhausted.

9. Langan struck out in his favourite style with the left, A
plan of attack that was unsuccessful from first to last. Auer
some slight punishment he went down without a blow.
10. Spring stopped, and got away with great dexterity.
Langan also chewed some science, but received a facer that
made him look very serious. He closed however with bold-
ness. In the struggle Spring was thrown. Langan's friends A
little encouraged.
11. Both appeared somewhat feeble, but Spring rather frsch
the heat of the day than the punishment he received. A struggl°
at the rails, and Cagan nearly going over.
12. Langan made an effort to put in a blow right and left,
but Spring's great science and steadiness rendered all his ef-
forts ineffectual ; a close, and both down, Langan under.
13. Both made play, but little mischief was done; Langah
thrown.
14. A close ; in which, after some severe fibbing, Langur'
dropt on his knee, and as he was going down received a facer
' that produced some Murmurs from part of the ring.
15. After some counter hits both went down.
16. Langan made an ineffectual attempt to bit a body blow;
went in and with a cross buttock threw Spring in a masterly
stile. Spring's- friends rather melancholy.
17. Langan hit short with right and. left, and was returned
upon on the bridge of the nose, and slightly on the head. A
close ; Langan under.
18 Spring's left hand seemed quite on the peace establish-
ment. A close, and some fibbing, in which Langan had much
the worst of it. He was thrown from Spring's arms with grew;
violence, and came to the boards as suddenly as if he ha
been shot.

19. Langan put in two blows right and left, one of which
reached its destination, and produced visible effects on Spring's
face. , A close, both down, and Langan under.
20. Langan very feeble.--" He'll not fight a quarter of au
hour more," was the whisper round the ring. A close, in which
Spring again threw his man with great violence.
21. Spring's left eye, from the effects of a former round.
looked a little the worse for the wear. Little business done la
this round. A close and Langan under.
hard 2.stlr.aungggalen aLaitnheptitltdiln. dite,alnegftanineirbeeb,,tuditslelyve.reAly,ealonsde,wailjt
down much distressed.
23. The men suddenly closed, and separated again. Spring
measured his antagonist for a Moment, anti put in a tremendoo
facer that brought him to the boards.—All is over, was the word.
24. Spring put in another facer, which was returned slightly
by Langan. After some sparing Langan was hit down by A
blow on the side of the head.
25. some counter hits not very effective. A close in which
Langan received a severe fall.

26. Langan attempted to -Put in a blow on Spring's bead
and went down from distress.

27. After some ineffectual attempts at punishment both went
down. Langan going fast.
20. Spring got away from a body blow aimed at the mark bl
Langan. A close ; Langan under.
29. Good fighting on both sides ; some heavy hits exchangfd.
Langan's bottom began to excite surprise. A close, in which
Langan received a severe fall ; Spring on him.
30. Langan was much punished in this round; but still,
after a close in which he was thrown, put on a look of gaiety
while on his second's knee that excited the admiration of the
Ring.
31. Spring hit out with the right and left, which told on Lan-.
gan's body and head. Spring got away in fine style from hie•
opponent's left hand, who went down quite bewildered.
32. Spring, in retiring, came violently with his back against
the railing. Some hitting in favour of Spring. A close, in
which Langan came down with his head against the edge of the
stage.

33. A close, and after a slight struggle Langan was eased
down by his antagonist.—(Applause.)
34. Langan received such punishment in this round that it
was thought he could not come to time.
35. Langan piping and quite at sea. Ile still went in as game
as ever, but was soon down from a severe blow in the face and
body.—" It's all up !" was the cry.
36; Spring put in two blows, similar to the former, from the
effects of which Langan went down suddenly. Twenty to one
on Spring.
37. Langan went in game, and was again hit down; Cribb
dancing from the certainty f victory.
38. Langan went down withare a blow.
39. Langan down as before, but still not broken in
Keep the brandy cold ! said he to his second.
40. After some feeble attempts at hitting, Langan dropt down
without a blow.

41. Langan again down, when Spring tapped him on the
shoulder with great kindness.—(Applause.)
42. Langan seemed to recover a little, but the game was up•
Both his eyes were quite insolvent his nose as leaky as a funnel,
and every feature frightfully disfigured. A close, Langan under.
43. and 44. Langan down.

45. Langan's spirit still bore him up. He hit out at Spring,
and it was yet thought possible that he might get second wind.
46. and 47. Langan dreadfully punished. " You'll be bon-
bend for this," cried Josh. Hudson to Belcher. A close, Lan-
gan down._

48 and 49. Langan came to the scratch as undismayed as in
the first round. He hit out short with the right and left, and
succeeded in planting a slight body blow. " Hc's no:hing
else but a trump," was the ejaculation of the Fancy.
50. An exchange of hits right and left. Langan will beat
him yet," cried some from the ring. Both down. Langan
under.

51. Langan in retiring came violently with the back of his
head, against the railing. Some struggling in a close and Langan
thrown.

52. Spring received a touch under the left eye, which he
returned with interest on Langan's olfactory organ. Langan
slipped down.
53. Langan put in his left ineffectually, but was more suc-
cessful with the right on Spring's face, who liquidated the debt,
and Langan went down.
54. Spring put in a facer; a close, in which Langan, by II
dexterous twist threw Spring a severe fall.
From this to the 77th round Langan had not the slightest
chance: ho only rose to be hit down again, or to slip down with-
out a blow; but to the very last he shewed pluck of the first order.
Give it up, Jack," says Cribb, at the close of the last round,
" You are a game fellow. Give it up. So help me God, yott
cannot win." Langan, though nearly insensible, reluctantly
gave'up the contest, and Spring was declared the conqueror.
The battle commenced three minutes after one, and lasted
until nine minutes before three, being an hour and 43 minutes.
No man ever displayed more pluck than Langan, but he had no
chance from the beginning. From the fourteenth or fifteenth
round, any person with the superior size, weight, experience,
and science of Spring, but with more intrepidity in following
up his advantage, must have settled the business in a short
time. But Spring is a cautious fighter,, and never for a me.

readines4,
o shew that
nple.
Langan
not a spec•
►tely necs•
as if it had

r
other, as /'
had to con•
r. Lang°
d left, 10
r style, bt ~
for the fa,
Put in two
con d close,
gan.undev

PRICE OF STOCKS TILLS
!lank stock "37k 238 A
a per Cent. Red. 943/4ii
3 per Cent. Cons shut
3i Per C.'ent. 101}i•
{ Dissented ...101
4 per Cent. A ssd. 100 ii
New
Blink Long Ann. 2 7-16t11s i
imp. 3'per Cents.
haliat Stock shut

C uMpfrell
Langal
tlt recOY'A
Re seeMP,
stling..

PRICES OF FOREIGN Ft
A taStrian lids, .5 per et. ~. 95i
thilian, lids, 6 per et. ..
toloinliian lids, 6 per et. 86.. a 7
pr.
banish, s.percent.
Greek Scrip
Alerican Scrip .
Neapolitan, 5 per cent: —
Peruvian Bonds 76
Scrip at Pr'
Portuguese Bonds

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rnent allowed his courage to interfere with a prudence, which
even his greatest admirers-think he sometimes carries to unne-
cessary lengths. The spectators soon cleared - off from the
Wound, and every access to the town was soon crowded' td ex-
cess by the vast multitudes on their return home.