The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-01-04
Ifrom the Turf. Field, aud Farm J
xybnstrncL RtIty Patterson

Many OF the readers Of the Turf, Fteid,
and Farm know the identity OF the person
age no struck Billy Patterson, thereby
giving that brulser notorle'y he Wouid
never have obtained otherwise. The nero
Of that memorable feat, IL many now living
can testify, is no other than The genial
"Nicholas Spicer," whose charming c0htli-
buttons 10 the columns OF this journal have
gained for him wide celebrity and hosts OF
admirers.
Several versions OF the famous old query,
"Wbo struck Billy Patterson" have re-
Gently appeared IN the newspapers, but as
all are erroneous il is time that the mystery
should be cleared up, when the public will
give "honor TO whom honor is due" 1he
circumstances attending this adventure may
be brit hs narrated thus:
"Nichoas Spicer," then resident OF OLD
Gotham, where he had gone from The
"sunDy South" 10 complete bis education
in his chosen profession at a leading medl-
cal college, was rapidly gaining golden
opinions from all sorts Of people y; for his
genial manner and spirited anecdotes, both
Of tongue and pen. were everywhere well
come. He was then known, II the writer
he not greatly at fault, under tue nom de
plitne OF - Young America" Al that time
he eXceled as an amateur athlete, ana MS
skill IN the "manlv art OF scii-delehct ~
gave him an enviable position IN athletic
circles. After graduating he Joined the
American Medical Association, and bis
sparkling Wit soon made him bright star III
the galaxy Of NJ. D.'>-meetings being held
annually at some city convenient to IL
members. In 1S4S-"there or there
abou's the Association held lis annua
meeting at Richmond. Va. Nicholas
Spicer" was there IN fuH force. After al
e,enjno session. which had lasted until The
..wee sma' hOur>," The medical fraternity
In solid column, had reached Capitol Hill
when the door of well known restaurant
new ,oen aud out bounded Bully Patterson
noted brui.er--quiei enough when sober
but reckless brayadD when IN his cups
Billy had been drinking heavily, as wa
evident at a glance, and his huge form
barrea ibe course Of the disciples Of Escuil
Mus. whom be mistoOk, doubtless, for
DoSss of police bent on bis capture. lie a
once assumed a belligerent attitude ant
dashed al the head Of the column, who
was thrown ini0 sudden commission
The streets Of Richmond were almOs
understandable, and several OF the ply
siciau< were thrown from tue pave
Ben; into the mud by the force OF Dfl!'
Patieg@OTl's charge. nicholas Spicer,
bringing uptbe rear OF The procession. saw
the eemmoiion in front, and perceiying The
cause. quickly prepared for action. The
others made way right aud left for ibe in'
furisted aesellrr, Leaving "Spicer alone Ia
face the huge Patterson. Assuming de.
fenslve position and cody preparing fol
action, our be,o received his 9ntagO0isi,
d la Yankee sullivan, with heavy bio"
under The a,se, followed instantly 10y an
other bt1neatb thetchin which sent the bel
Hserent back mard as though thrown from
q ca'apuh. NetDing more wasl required
Billy Patterson did not rise again TO the a.
tack, ana the column resumed its way,
leaving tie fallen pugilist 10 the care OF hi
associates, who found no lille difficulty 10
brIni ing bLal to CONSCIOUSNESS. EXamna
ton proved Ibst BILLY had one eye deepl,
draped IN Wearhng ana bddly-contuseC
jqw, w0icb. Ia the 1ords OF an eyewitness
.Iiaid him up Cor Itpairs."
The pext rp0rB1g two policemen were
seen about The toisi where Nicholas Spi
eorv and nu aber .af bis colleagues had
seccred iodgings. ipGusffi0usig inquiring
for Iitbc man wb1 >uGek Billy Patterson
Oof at "Spicei' " fgieDds quietly engaged
two direct gamiBs 10 p&ade the principal
tbcrox htires. asking every man, woman.
and ebgd . Who struck Sbiy Patterson ~
10 less tksu an b0ur ne qsery was caught
no and essoed by every one throughout The
Town. Tks policemen, caagnaed, had fe'
iufd. TIE KichmoDd papers bumorously
published tue sJl.lmponant question, and u
SON spread. Ike gIio.6re, through the coun.
try. The query bsr DOT lost lis interest yet.
rad II any prison should ask IN lbe future
y VINO sirnck Billy f.suersooY" you can
answeg, with oil sssurance, kind reader,