The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1860-05-16
Letter from John G. Heenan, The
Champion OF the World.

Letter from John G. Heenan, The
Champion OF the World.
A report which was current in London |
that Heenan had died of erysipelas prov
ed to be utterly unfounded. Heenan on
the 22d writes to the Times:
az see by your articles of Saturday that
you misunderstood my wishes, and it does
me great injustice. have no differences
to settle with Sayers, except such as
tried to settle with him on the l7th, and
instead of being called boy ought to
be termed baby, if, after having come so
far, and not having got q settlement, I
should be willing to relinquish my pur-
pose for few good natured pats on the
back and being told am fine fellow
I have received q great many anonymous
letters, asking if am not ashamed of
myself, great fellow like me, to come
over to whip little man like Sayers.-
Under ordinary circumstances should
not think of sending a challenge to man
of Sayers' size, but England thinks him
big enough to defend the Belt. I want
it, and cannot get it, except through him.
The inclosed letter, which sent 10 Bells
Life when I heard that they intended to
call on the surgeon to name the day be-
fore which Sayers could not finish the
pending affair. will show my position; and
as Bellies Life has Eot published it, you
will do me great kindness by letting the
English people hear what I have to
say. If the late battle is not TO be resum-
ed, and the Belt is not to come to me for
what has already taken place, I claim TO
be first on the list to meet Sayers again
for the chance to conquer it. The fol-
lowing is the letter to Bells Life:
"Not having been able to obtain from
you, as referee, the final decision upon the
fight of Tuesday last, I desire to demand
through you a new meeting within the
present week. I make this demand from
being informed that it has been suggested
on your part that should give Sayers
sufficient time to recover from certain in
juries received by him. Now, sir, while l
am willing to accommodate him in any
proper way, must not be unmindful of
my own right. also received injuries, but
I bargained for them; and / put it to you
as man of honor, whether, if I had been
deprived; through the effect of the said
fight, of my eye sight or the use of my arm
as in the case of Brettle when disabled by
} Sayers, you would have made Sayers wait
for me for any length oftime that might be
decided by my private doctor5 When this
matter was made, the date of the battle
) was the 18th, or as soon as we could ge
to fight, and according to the rules, if tn,
$ battle should be interrupted, it was m!
> understanding, and 1 do believe it is tn
q law, that we should fight within the weel
, We did meet according to contract; th
q battle was said to be unfinished, and an
: prepared to renew it any moment within
d lawful limits. IfSayers is not, on accoun
. of injuries received from me, and can no
q meet me according to the rules of mani!
r opposition, 1 demand and claim that b
resign to me the belt, which he is not &C
r cording te the rules ofthe prize ring. en-
;. titled to retain.
S Hoping to receive an answer from yo
o before the week expires, stating your view
y in full, I am, &c.
j. P S. You will please understand
l. don't wish to compel Sayers to Sight, be
l. cause he is represented to be in disable
d state, but wish to obtain what hav
J. already won, and which will cheerful
/. hand back whenever he OF any perso
r. thinks he can take it from me.