Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-08-16
GRAND HRRNAN FESTIVAL IN NEW
i Mi YORK.


FVfy Thousand Persons AssembIsd - The
Benicia Boy Presented Oith SIC, ,oco-- Honors |
10 his Seconds.
The much-talked-of grand demonstration |
10 John O. Heenan took place in Jones's
Wood, near New York, on Monday last and
was attended by vast concourse of people,
estimated as high as $4,000. Tuesdays
Tribune thus describes the affair: ft rh
The crowd was such one as even New
York can assemble but unfreduently. To the
managers the result was delightfully."- pleasant.
The number Of tickets sold was not far from
$1,000; and such Is the wretched depravity Of
human nature, that doubtless several thou
sand surreptitious persons scaled the walls,
and saw the fun without pecuniary disburse-
ment. ~. 4Ht
The band having achieved their utmost,
and the multitude having endured all that
compressed human nature can bear and sur
vive the principals appeared. To their
credit be il said, they were punctual. In fact
they were ten minutes before the time. AT
precisely ten minutes before three P. M. a
carriage approached--the far-of multitude
recognized the inmates, and cheered; and the
nearby crowd took up the cry and howled.
The carriage contained Mr.. Macdonald and
Mr.. Cusick, both known as the trainers Of
Mr. Heenan at different stages Of his prep
aration for the Marlborough fight. This
set-to was not Of special interest," both men
being light-weights, and neither being in
condition to do his part.
After these two men came Mr.. Ed. Price,
of Boston, and Mr.. Aaron Jones, of Philadel-
phia- This was purely scientific affair, and
would have left nothing TO be desired, as an
exhibition of true science and grace, but for
one circumstance. Mr.. e. Price had met
with an accident the day before that had dis
abled his right hand, which was swollen to
an enormous size. Nevertheless, he fought
so manly as to bring down the applauding
shouts Of all the crowd. This was truly
beautiful exhibition.
After these combats, and during the per-
formance OF an appropriate piece of music,
carriage appeared containing the distin-
guished Champion. Three times he drove
round the ring, and then ascended the stage.
| Then another vehicle of aristocratic preten-
sious appeared with Charles 0ttignon, the
| opponent of Heenan in the mimic fight.
Heenan was dressed in tight silk shirt,
flannel breeches and fighting shoes. Ottig-
non was similarly attired. These two
mighty mortals having stepped into the ring
| all preparations were made as If the combat
was to be with the naked fist, instead of with
! the einnocuousgloves. Seconds, umpires and
bottle-holders were appointed after the
usual requirements For the Champion,
Messrs. Macdonald and Cusck officiated in
the capacity of seconds; on the part of Of
| tignon, Messrs. Ed. Price and Aaron Jones
presented themselves. The colors of Heenan
| and Sayers were tied to the proper posts, and
| girded about the enthusiastic waists by the
eager seconds. The seconds and the princi-
pals, at the call Of "all ready" shook hands
| In the customary formal manner. Then
came the set-to, consisting of seven rounds,
occupying seventeen minutes. The battle
was of varying success, but the people
seemed well satisfied with the Champion.
Then an adjournment to the hotel, drink
| ing of wine, and finally a presentation to
| Heenan of purse containing a certified
check for $4,000. In presenting this hand
some present. Mr.. Edmond Blankman said:
"My Friends and Fellow Citizens: have
been selected by the Committee to present To
Mr.. Heenan, in token of the high apprecis-
tion in which our Champion-I may say the
| worlds Champion is held--by his country
men, this testimonial of esteem and regard to
| John G. Heenan for his manly courage and
spirit in going across the Atlantic to contend
for the CHAMPIONS Belt; and although, my
friends, he did not bring back that particular
belt, yet he left great deal of betting behind
him. tCheers and laughter.] Although he
did not brlng that particular belt, neverthe-
less, the unanimous verdict not only of his
own countrymen, but of every honest and
air-mnded man in the world, is that he was
the real conqueror in the battle of the 18th
of April. [Cheers.l
TO mr.. HeendR In the first place, Sir
l have to present to you this ring with the
accompanying letter. Let this ring always
remind you Of the unbroken circle of friends
around you to-day. [Cheers.l have, in
the second place, to present you this inclos
ure, containing check representing tn,
proceeds of the voluntary contributions o
your friends and admirers, amounting alto
gether to ten thousand and thirty odd dollars
Immense cheering.] And now, in behalf o
the Committee, and Of this vast assembly,
have great pleasure in welcoming you Il
your native shores. Tremendous cheers.
Ten thousand welcomes to you, and may
curse begin at the root of his heart who /
not glad to see you" prolonged cheers.]
Heensn made a modest and suitable reply
Two beautiful rings were also presented b
Ousick and Mcdonald, with speeches, b
which they replied in person.
The whole affair was most completely sue
ceesful, and will net to Messrs. Nixon an