The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-12-07
For tho Union and Journal

NORTH Berwick, Dec. 4, 1850.
Nh. EDIroR:--The staid old town OF North
Berwick was considerably surprised this (Tues.
day. morning, upon witnessing an extra train
of cars pass swiftly by flled with men; surprise
deepenei into wonder as that same train stopped
about mile from the depot east, and upon n
multitude Of men, boys, roughs emerging from
the crowded cars, wonder changed To down.
right curiosity but when the train. now empty,
came back to the depot, and the wondering
crowd there learned that this town was to wit
ness the first prize fight ever fought in this
State, their Indignation was immense. But
slowly Us the conviction forced itself upon our
minds, that four carloads of''roughs" were
too much for us. we concluded to witness the
mill" anyway. and consequently in struggling
parties set out for the fighting ground. Your
correspondent beng rather cautious Of those
sort OF people, waited reasonable length Of
time for those who started first to DO disposed
of in some way before he placed his own heal
In danger, but finding they did not return, nor
run as they nearei the ground followed speedi-
IL after and arrived in season to witness twenty
four rounds
In space about fiiteen feet square, were two
men, nakei with the exception Of a pair OF
drawers and blue belt round their waist
Their faces were horribly mutilatcl and distort-
cd and blood was dropping from the wounds
about their face and shoulders. The names Of the
prize fighters I ascer,ained to be Jimmy O'Neil
of Worcester. and - Fitzpatrick of Proyi
dence. Both Of about the same size, and even
ly matched in muscle should judge. II was n
painful sight to be sure, but Unjust acknowledge
here that soon chose my fayorite. GLOW natu.
raj to side with the weaker) and honestly hoped
he would whip his antagonist. Fitzpatrick, ire
mendously. They had fought foriy.two rounds
when arrived. Fitzpatrick Mt this time ,half
past eleven) Was bruised awfully about his
breast. his nose and mouth were awry, his right
eye closed and his face altogether swollen ter
ribly, yet think his breast Was most painful.
O'Neil was swollen aud bleeding about tbs nose
and mouth. and IN ugly swelling upon his neck
bothered him some. Their respective seconds
would rub them down and wash their wounds,
and rs O'Neil's nose filled with blood his atten.
tive second, finnegan, one Of the best proper.
toned men ever saw, who has fought in the
ring several times, would apply his mouth tc
IO'Neil's wounded nose and draw the blood
therefrom, and this he was obliged 70 repeat nj
every round. ....
Their second would apply their most tender
Expressions Of praise to every lucky hit or fall
such rs "bul;y for you Jimmy" zone NOR
like that on his snotter. Pitz, aud you'll do. ;
had rs intimated before already taken side,
and for every tremendous punk OF fall fol
0'Neil Il couldn't help ny I'd yell and screael
to the top Of my voice; but as was not un'
mindful of pickpockets kept one hand upor
my pocket-bood. wherein was four postag'
stamps and sixty-two cents In change, and the
other upon my watch. .-....
At about half past twelve 0'Niel began Il
grow weak In his knees. snd Fitzpatrick knocked
him of his pins several times, though not with.
out getting punished some on his damaged
mouth. Once Fitzpatrick cane slow 10 time
and O'Neii rushed 70 his corner and striking
him tremendous blow over bis CLOSED eye'
knocked him over the ropes. falling heavily up
ON him-st quarter TO one 0'Neil began 70 MI
and n victory seemed now certain. fitips'''eA
would smile. II yos could call . horrible con.
tortion Of . horribly distorted eoan'en.n., ;
smile. Now. .. every round o'Nsii would hi,'
whether purposely, TO gain BREATH or too weak