The Sun. — 1838-03-20 (London, England)

THE LATE FATAL FIGHT.—A pugilistic encounter, which has led to the death of one of the combatants, came off on Tuesday last, on Melbourne Common, two miles f-om Royston, in Cambridgeshire. The parties were Owen Swift and Brighton Bill, both light weights, and the stake for s:iiich they contended was 50/. The fight lasted one hour im'l 35 minutes, in which time no fewer than 80 rounds were I se&-ht. Both of the men received extremely severe punish], et, and the frequent visitations of Swift's hits on the fore-1 ,•,,,e. of the Brightonian may, to some extent, be regarded as tie- en:se of his death. The moment the fight was over the seen were eiteried to their carriages in an unconscious state, and immediatei; removed to their respective quarters, where the best surg,iz'al end medical aid was summoned to their assistance. The iejel ics to the left side and back of Swift's head were extensive. The misci:ief was principally done by II;il's right hand, whicis was cons!antly at work, and he complained severely of the consequenees. After he had rallied, however, and taken rest, he was bled, and every possible earn taken of him ; and indeed he was so far recovered the next day as to be able, at his own desire, to be brought to town ; where, however, it became necessary to summon additional medical attendance of the most eminent character, under svhose judicious treatment he improved ; and on Saturday, though still suffering, was pronounced free from danger. Ile confesses he never had a harder task, nor met with an antagonist whose powers of punishment were more powerful in their effects. Brighton Bill was re-conducted to the White Hart, at Bark Ivey, where a very eminent surgeon was immediately in requisition. He continued insensible the whole of the next day. He rallied a little, but seemed deeply mortified at the result of the contest. Blood was then taken from him by lancing, leeching, and cupping, while proper medicines were administered. On Thursday evening tie was better, and all looked well. His mind, however, still seemed depressed, while the state of his forehead, from the repetition of the blows he had received, proved that his condition was still precarious. The surgeon and a physician who was called in, nevertheless entertained sanguine hopes that he would yet recover. Unhappily, however, on Friday morn_mg, about seven o'clock, he breathed his last, without a strugg.:o—an event caused, no doubt, by an effusion of blood on the brain. On the previous night he seemed cheerful, and spoke with resignation to those about him, and was grateful r the attention he had received. Intelligence of the event lace to-day. On Thursday last two patients at the York unatic Asylum, of the names of Parker and Ward, were nfined in the day yard, along with several other patients ; they both had their arms secured, to prevent them from doing mischief. Parker, who is a young and powerful man, suddenly jumped upon Ward and threw him down, and then kicked him with the greatest violence on the head, producing the most serious injuries, which terminated his life on the following day. Notwithstanding there were many other patients in the yard, and alarm was given, yet so suddenly and rapidly was the act committed, that the mischief was effected before assistance could be rendered. Parker comes from Storwood, about 10 miles from York, and Ward from the neighbourhood of Whitby. An inquest was held on Saturday last, before Mr. John Wood, coroner, when the jury returned a verdict of " Wilful Murder" against Parker, and the coro-1 ner issued his warrant for his committal for trial on Thursday.