Is This the Earliest Documented Professional Prize Fight Held in the Town of Pelham?

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Though difficult to imagine, the Town of Pelham once was one of the most popular havens for prize fights in the New York City region.  Bare-knuckled brawls were held in Pelham because it was so desolate, so difficult to reach at the time, and had no meaningful police force -- only a handful of Town Police Constables.  Consequently, a number of nationally-renowned prize fighters fought for large cash purses in the midst of crowds of gamblers, often in hotels or barns near Pelham Bridge on Shore Road.  

I have written about such prize fights on a number of occasions.  See, e.g.:

Mon., Jul. 17, 2017:  Rode a Horse to Death Getting to and From the Famous Yankee Sullivan Prize Fight in Pelham on August 29, 1842.

Fri., Mar. 17, 2017:  "One of the Fiercest" Prize Fights On Record Between Tommy Flannigan and Pete McCabe in Pelham on November 1, 1888.

Tue., Apr. 26, 2016:  Another Pelham Prize Fight: American Jim Larkin Defeated Englishman Bill Hook on June 27, 1889.

Wed., Jan. 27, 2016:  Yet Another Illegal Prize Fight in Pelham in 1887.

Wed., Jan. 20, 2016:  Another Exciting Account of 1884 Pelham Prize Fight Between Jim Murray of New York and Tom Henry of England. 

Wed., Nov. 04, 2015:  The Famous Nineteenth Century Prize Fighter Yankee Sullivan Fought in Pelham in 1842. 

Thu., Jul. 10, 2014:  Illegal Prize Fight in Pelham in 1902. 

Wed., Feb. 12, 2014:  Pelham Was the Scene of Illegal Prize Fights During the Early Days of the "Sweet Science" of Boxing. 

Wed., Mar. 23, 2005:  Prize Fighting At Pelham Bridge in 1884. 

Tue., Oct. 04, 2005:  Front Page of the May 12, 1902 Issue of The Pelham Republican (describing the fight between Joe Gleacher and Joe Kerwin held in the spring of 1902; Gleacher was found in Mt. Vernon after the fight and was arrested, although Kerwin apparently escaped to Philadelphia before his arrest).

When was the earliest organized prize fight held in Pelham?  Though it is not known with certainty, the earliest seems to have been a major fight between James Reed of Philadelphia and Thomas Barrett of New York City (known as "Long Tom") on June 8, 1835.  (Some accounts erroneously identified Barrett as "Samuel Barrett," his brother's name.)  The fight was a brutal bare-knuckled affair that lasted forty-seven or forty-eight rounds (depending on the account) and stretched for one hour and ten minutes.

The Queensbury Rules for prize fighting did not yet exist.  They were devised more than thirty years later in 1867 by John Graham Chambers of the Amateur Athletic Club in England.  The London Prize Fight rules established by the British Pugilists’ Protective Association did not yet exist either.  They were devised three years later in 1838 (and were revised in 1853).  Thus, the Reed-Barrett prize fight fought in Pelham likely was fought under the original set of prize fight rules devised by Jack Broughton in 1743.

The Broughton rules were fairly simple.  The rules were intended to protect fighters in the ring from death.  If a man went down during the fight and could not continue after a count of 30 seconds, the fight was over.  Hitting a fighter who was down was prohibited.  Although wrestling holds above the waist were permitted, grasping below the waist was prohibited.

The fight between "Long Tom" Barrett and James Reed was held on Hart Island just off the shore of City Island.  (Both islands were part of the Town of Pelham at the time and remained so until annexation by New York City in 1895.)  At the time Hart Island was virtually uninhabited.  Adjacent City Island had only about 400 to 500 residents.

Newspapers throughout the nation reported accounts of the fight, describing it as "a gallant and severe one."  Each of the fighters brought a large entourage including seconds.  

Immediately before the fight, there was a parlay during which those in attendance exchanged bets on the two prize fighters.  When the fight commenced, the two athletes immediately began pummeling each other.  Though the fight went either 47 or 48 rounds (depending on various accounts), it lasted an exhausting one hour and ten minutes.  One of the few descriptions of the progress of the fight stated:

"The fight commenced with a parley, was followed by blows, afterwards a smasher followed by claret, both went down -- afterwards rallied -- one caught a cross buttacher -- to'ther planted a knowing one -- Reed threw a somerset over the ropes -- both lost their wind -- Reed got a smasher in the bread-basket -- he also got a winder. . . ."

At the close of the 47th round, a dispute erupted between the entourages of the two fighters.  Some claimed it originated with the entourage, including seconds, of James Reed who seemed to be more worse off than his opponent, Long Tom.  The implications of the reports were that Reed was struggling and needed time to recover sufficiently to resume the fight.  In any event, the dispute devolved into a brawl between the two sides.  As the crowd brawled, they broke down the ring within which the fight was staged.  Cooler heads eventually prevailed.  Once order was restored and the rink was rebuilt for the completion of the fight, it was discovered that James Reed was "unable to come to time."  Long Tom Barrett was declared the victor.  

It may be hard to imagine Pelham as a center for the sport of prize fighting.  Yet, for decades during the mid- to late 19th century, the little town was precisely that.  It was desolate and dark with little law enforcement protection to interfere.  It was immediately adjacent to New York City but also outside the jurisdiction of New York City police.  Thus, Pelham repeatedly was the scene of famous fights including the June 8, 1835 fight between Long Tom Barrett of New York City and James Reed of Philadelphia.  

A Bare-Knuckled Prize Fight, Circa 1880's, Like Many

Prize Fights Held in Pelham Between 1835 and the Early
20th Century.  NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

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"Another Pugilistic Encounter. -- A fight took place yesterday, at Hart's Island, 22 miles from New York, between James Reed, of Philadelphia, and Samuel Barrett, of this city.  The contest was a gallant and severe one, and lasted one hour and ten minutes, during which forty-seven rounds were fought.  At this stage of the affair, a row commenced; originating, it is supposed, with the partizans [sic] of Reed.  This was, however, quelled, after a short period, and the 'business of the day was resumed, when it was found that Reed was unable to come to time, and Barrett was declared the victor."

Source:  Another Pugilistic Encounter, N.Y. Transcript, Jun. 9, 1835, Vol. II, No. 108, p. 2, col. 2.  

"Pugilism.  --  Last week a regular match fight took place at Hart Island near Hell-gate, between Reed and Barrett, who by description must have been experienced prize fighters.  The fight is described in detail in some of the N. Y. papers.  They had 48 rounds, occupying one hour and ten minutes.  The fight commenced with a parley, was followed by blows, afterwards a smasher followed by claret, both went down -- afterwards rallied -- one caught a cross buttacher -- to'ther planted a knowing one -- Reed threw a somerset over the ropes -- both lost their wind -- Reed got a smasher in the bread-basket -- he also got a winder.  Barrett came off victorious.  At the close the ring was broken, and the seconds and all were fighting.  This prize fighting is a foreign fashion, lately introduced among us."

Source:  Pugilism, The Long-Island Star [Brooklyn, NY], Jun. 18, 1835, p. 2, col. 4 (NOTE:  Paid subscription required to access via this link).

"REED AND BARRETT.  --  In the same year, Jem [sic] Reed and Tom Barrett, alias Long Tom, of Philadelphia, fought at Hart's Island, but after some hard work, the ring was broken in, and a row ensued, which terminated the fight.  There was but little difference between them at the close of the fight."

Source:  "CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL PRIZE FIGHTS IN THE UNITED STATES" in The American Fistiana:  Containing a History of Prize Fighting in the United States, with All the Principal Battles for the Last Forty Years, and a Full and Precise Account of all the Particulars of the Great $10,000 Match Between Sullivan and Hye With Their Method of Training for the Fight, as Described by Patrick Timony, Esq., p. 29 (NY, NY:  H. Johnson, 1849).  

"THOMAS BARRETT THE BOXER -- Philadelphia, Nov. 12, 1858.  Frank Queen.  --  Dear Sir:  Although a careful reader of your paper, I recollect not seeing much about a gentleman whose rank as one of the best sparrers in the United States is unquestionable.  --  I allude to Thomas Barrett, Esq. of this city.  This omission may have proceeded from the fact that he now belongs to the olden time, and won his fame before the CLIPPER was instituted.  Permit me, therefore, to say something of him.  

Mr. Barrett, a native of London, came to Philadelphia, about the year 1832, and established a gymnasium in Market street near [illegible].  Soon after that I paid a visit to the establishment, then a novelty, to see 'the English [illegible].'  With his light complexion and ruddy cheeks, he looked at you; his stature was very tall, and he seemed an ox in strength.

The gymnasium became popular, was patronized by persons of high respectability, and recommended by a lot of physicians as the best medicine.  Samuel Barrett, an older brother, an excellent sparrer [remainder illegible]

Source:  THOMAS BARRETT THE BOXER, N.Y. Clipper, Nov. 26, 1858, Vol. VI, No. 31, p. 3, col. 2.  

"THE AMERICAN PRIZE-RING.
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Its Battles, Its Wrangles and Its Heroes.
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An Interesting Record of Fistic Sport in the Past.
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A Fight Which Lasted Two Hours and Fifty-Five Minutes and Embraced 1010 Rounds.
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COUNTRY M'CLOSKEY'S PLUCK.
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WRITTEN EXPRESSLY FOR THE NATIONAL POLICE GAZETTE, BY W. E. HARDING.
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(Continued.)

Abe Vanderzee and Frank Speight fought at Fort Washington, on the Hudson, near New York, on Sept. 26, 1837.  Fourteen rounds were fought in twenty minutes, and Abe was declared the winner.

George Owens, the Manchester Pet, an English pugilist, arrived from England in September.  He was matched to fight Jim Reed, of Cincinnati, who had defeated McLane and fought a draw [sic] with Tom Barrett.  The fight took place at Fort Washington, N. Y.; on Nov. 10, 1837.  Owens proved to be a first-class pugilist, and he whipped Reed in thirty-nine rounds, lasting one hour, forty minutes. . . ."

Source:  Harding, W. E., THE AMERICAN PRIZE-RING -- Its Battles, Its Wrangles and Its Heroes -- An Interesting Record of Fistic Sport in the Past -- A Fight Which Lasted Two Hours and Fifty-Five Minutes and Embraced 1010 Rounds -- COUNTRY M'CLOSKEY'S PLUCK, The National Police Gazette [NY, NY], Jun. 12, 1880, Vol. XXXVI, No. 142, p. 15, col. 1.  

"The men who competed in combative, 'ritualized, rule-bound, respectable spectacles' of bareknuckle boxing were likely workingmen of the traditionalist variety, demonstrating 'no fast and hard distinction between work and play.'  Unlike their revivalist counterparts, Philadelphia's traditionalist workers refused to label 'certain amusements as sinful,' indulging in a wide range of sporting pursuits, from hunting and fishing, to balloon launchings and cockfighting.  Spectator sports were particularly appealing to traditionalist artisans, permitting large groups of men to exercise communal masculinities vicariously by supporting a representative -- human or animal -- of their group.  Although cockfighting and dogfighting were popular amongst traditionalists, prizefighting was their spectator sport of choice.  Andy McLane was one of Philadelphia's earliest pugilistic heroes.  McLane's first recorded prizefight was his 1832 defeat of Jim Sanford on the outskirts of Philadelphia.  On May 7, 1833, McLane continued his pugilistic exploits, facing William 'Boss' Harrington, a New York City butcher, on neutral ground in Baltimore, Maryland, for one thousand dollars.  When it became apparent that Harrington would defeat McLane, however, the latter's followers tore down the ring, drawing their knives and pistols, to end the bout before Harrington could earn a decisive victory.  The violence surrounding the McLane-Harrington bout was exactly the sort of behavior that led many Philadelphians to demonize the prize ring, labeling it a source of immorality and vice.  While Lane's popularity in Philadelphia waned, sibling English boxers Tom and Sam Barrett were incorporating sparring into the activities offered at their local gymnasium.  When one of the Barrett brothers -- sources differ on which -- attempted to parlay his sporting popularity into a prizefight with Jim Reed of Cincinnati in 1836 [sic], however, the outcome was strikingly similar to the McLane-Harrington debacle, resulting in the destruction of the ring and a general brawl before a winner could be determined. 53  [Endnote 53, p. 250, states:  "Most historical works claim it was Tom Barrett who fought Jim Reed.  See, Timothy, American Fistiana, 29; National Police Gazette, June 5, 1880.  A resident of Pittsburgh, however, wrote the New York Clipper in 1858 claiming it was in fact Sam Barrett that fought Reed.  See, New York Clipper, November 20, 1858."]

The Barrett-Reed prizefight, staged at Hart's Island, New York, was likely facilitated by the advent of rail transportation between Pennsylvania and New York City.  In 1833, the Camden and Amboy Railroad provided relatively quick travel -- about nine hours, including a ferry and stagecoach -- between the Quaker and Empire cities.  While this new rail connection presented prizefighters with an array of potential fighting grounds, it also accelerated the formation of a more thoroughly class-based society in Philadelphia, dividing the population sharply between a working class of manual laborers and a middle class of non-manual workers.  Although the new railway connecting Philadelphia to New York increased demand for Philadelphian products domestically, the locomotive also ushered in an era of considerable industrialization. . . ."

Source:  Ross, Greggory M., Boxing in the Union Blue:  A Social History of American Boxing in the Union States During the Late Antebellum and Civil War Years, The University of Western Ontario Western Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies:  Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository, pp. 209-10 & n. 53 (Ontario, Canada:  May 2014) (certain endnotes omitted).  

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Rode a Horse to Death Getting to and From the Famous Yankee Sullivan Prize Fight in Pelham on August 29, 1842

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As one might expect given the 363-year recorded history of Pelham, there have been thousands of lawsuits between and among Pelhamites (or that involved Pelham in some fashion).  Records of such lawsuits are a rich source of information about the history of our town.  Then, there are some such lawsuits that are simply so unusual that they scream for attention.  The lawsuit that is the focus of today's Historic Pelham article is, well, both.  Indeed, considered through the lens of this particular lawsuit, the Town of Pelham can be said to have played a small role in the development of 19th century "horse law."

Monday, August 29, 1842 was a very hot day in Pelham.  Indeed, many accounts of the events of that day note how hot it was and how bright the summer sun seemed.  One account called it the "hottest day of the season."  The day also was a highly-anticipated and special day.  In the early afternoon, famed nineteenth century prize fighter Yankee Sullivan battled William "Billy" Bell in a brutal bare knuckle brawl that was fought on Hart Island.

The crowd that witnessed the fight was incredibly large.  In 1842, the Town of Pelham included today's Pelham Bay Park, Hart Island, City Island, and other nearby islands.  Despite its geographic size, the entire town had a population of only about 790 people.  On August 29, however, an estimated five to six THOUSAND people traveled to the little town of Pelham to watch the fight.  Many took special steamships from New York City to Hart Island.   Others walked, rode horseback, or drove carriages to Pelham Neck where small craft ferried them to Hart Island (for a fee, of course) to watch the most famous fighter in the country, Yankee Sullivan, fight Billy Bell for a $300 prize (about $14,000 in today's dollars).

I have written before about the Sullivan - Bell prize fight in Pelham on August 29, 1842.  See Wed., Nov. 04, 2015:  The Famous Nineteenth Century Prize Fighter Yankee Sullivan Fought in Pelham in 1842.  Yankee Sullivan won the brutal battle that day when Billy Bell was unable to stand up and resume the battle at the ringing of the bell to begin the twenty-fourth round.  The fight lasted about 38 minutes.

Pelham, of course, simply did not have the infrastructure to deal with a crowd of that size.  
That fact became an issue in a strange lawsuit that followed the prize fight and that is the subject of today's Historic Pelham article.  

By 11:30 a.m. that morning, nearly two-and-a-half hours before the Yankee Sullivan fight, all nearby stables and sheds were completely filled with the horses of spectators who came to watch the fight.  There was no available shelter on that hot day for horses that arrived any later.  This became an issue for Benjamin T. Waring and others of New York City who traveled to Pelham that day to watch the fight.

A little before 10:00 a.m., the Waring group hired "a fine and favorite gray mare from William T. Mackerel's livery stable on East Broadway in New York City.  At about 10:00 a.m., the group -- presumably in some form of carriage or conveyance pulled by the mare -- left the livery stable for Pelham Neck with plans to ferry to Hart Island and watch the fight.

It took them about two-and-a-half hours to travel the seventeen miles from the livery stable to Pelham Neck.  Arriving at about 12:30 p.m., the men discovered that there was no stable or shed available to shelter the mare they had hired.  Everything already was filled to capacity with spectators' horses.

The men secured the mare and crossed to Hart Island where they witnessed the famous prize fight.  It took them some time to get off the island and back to Pelham Neck, but by about 3:30 p.m. they were behind the mare and on their way back to New York City.  

Once again, it took them about two-and-a-half hours to make the seventeen-mile return trip to the livery stable.  When they arrived, however, the poor mare was "terribly distressed."  That night the mare was "taken sick."  The next day, the poor creature died.

The owners of the livery stable filed a lawsuit against the men who hired the mare.  The owners alleged that the horse had been driven at an "excessive rate" to and from Pelham and that the horse suffered from a "want of proper care."  The owners sought $150 in damages for the value of the horse.

A jury trial was conducted in The Court of Common Pleas for the City of New York (a court that was abolished in 1895).  Trial was held in January, 1843.  On January 25, 1843, the Morning Courier and New-York Enquirer reported on the proceedings.  

Counsel for the defendants denied that the horse had been driven at an "excessive rate" and offered evidence that "other horses had gone out the same distance within the same time or even less on that day" and "were seen driving at a very moderate pace."  No enlightening evidence was presented regarding how the horse was cared for while the men were watching the fight on Hart Island.  Indeed, according to one account "It did not appear that any care was taken of the horse while at Pelham's Point, nor did it appear that there was any lack of care."  

Judge Ingraham instructed the jury that "a person hiring a horse though not restricted to any particular rate of going, should exercise proper discretion and care, and that a rate of travelling which might be warranted at one time, would not be so at another."  The Judge also instructed that the jury would have to decide whether "the horse had died in consequence of injuries received at the hands of the defendants, by over-driving, or by a want of proper care."  The Judge further instructed the jury that if they found that the horse had died in consequence of injuries received at the hands of the defendants, then plaintiffs "were undoubtedly entitled to recover the full value of the horse."  

Following deliberations, the jury returned a verdict for plaintiffs and, presumably, an award of $150 (the damages sought for the death of the horse).  That day, it seems, Pelham played some small role in the evolution of the niche legal area of "horse law."

Title Page of Book About Yankee Sullivan

With An Image Believed to Depict Him.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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Below is the text of an account of the trial of William T. Mackerel, et al. v. Benjamin T. Waring, et al. in The Court of Common Pleas for the City of New York.  It is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"Reported for the Courier and Enquirer.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS.
Before Judge INGRAHAM.

William T. Mackerel et al vs. Benjamin T. Waring et al. -- This action is brought to recover the value of a horse, $150, which was killed as is alleged by the defendants, who overdrove the animal, and neglected to take proper care of it.  The defendants hired the animal in question, a fine and favorite gray mare, of the plaintiffs, who are livery stable keepers in East Broadway, on the 29th August last, to go to Pelham's Point in Westchester county, for the purpose of crossing over to Hart's Island to see the fight which was to come off that day between Sullivan and Bell, at that place.

They started from this city about ten o'clock in the morning, and reached Pelham's Point, a distance of 17 miles in two hours and a half, although the day was one of the hottest of the season.  It did not appear that any care was taken of the horse while at Pelham's Point, nor did it appear that there was any lack of care, the only evidence on this point, being derived from two witnesses, who testified that when they reached Pelham's Point at half past 11 in the morning, all the stables and sheds about were filled, and they had difficulty procuring shelter for their horse.

The defendants leaving the horse at Pelham's Point, crossed over to Hart's Island, and witnessed the fight, and started on their return to the city about half past three, arriving here at 6 P. M.  When the horse came in she was terribly distressed -- was taken sick during the night and died the next day, as is alleged, from the excessive rate at which she had been driven, and want of proper care.  On the part of the defence, evidence was offered showing that other horses had gone out the same distance within the same time or even less on that day, and it was proved that on their return they were seen driving at a very moderate pace.

Judge Ingraham charged that a person hiring a horse though not restricted to any particular rate of going, should exercise proper discretion and care, and that a rate of travelling which might be warranted at one time, would not be so at another.  It was for the jury to say if the horse had died in consequence of injuries received at the hands of the defendants, by over-driving, or by a want of proper care.  If so, the plaintiffs were undoubtedly entitled to recover the full value of the horse.  Verdict for plaintiffs.

For Plaintiffs, W. K. Thorne,
For Defendants, H. A. Fay."

Source:  Reported for the Courier and Enquirer -- COURT OF COMMON PLEAS -- Before Judge INGRAHAM, Morning Courier and New-York Enquirer, Jan. 25, 1843, Vol. XXVII, No. 4872, p. 2, col. 3.

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"One of the Fiercest" Prize Fights On Record Between Tommy Flannigan and Pete McCabe in Pelham on November 1, 1888

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The illegal prize fight had been scheduled once before, but was discovered by police and broken up.  Thirty "club men" who funded and patronized these sorts of illicit sporting contests, however, wanted to see famed fighter Tommy Flannigan of Cincinnati battle up and coming pugilist Pete McCabe of Albany.  Each of the thirty paid $10 for admission to create a $300 purse for the fight.  It was arranged in the dead of night, beginning at 3:00 a.m. in the dining room of an unidentified City Island hotel in the Town of Pelham on November 1, 1888.

Once the fight ended, dozens and dozens of newspapers throughout the United States reported the results with descriptions such as:  "one of the fiercest fights on record;" "blood flowed like water;" "spectators turned away;" "one of the fiercest and bloodiest battles in the annals of the prize-ring;" "a miracle that it did not result in sending one of the pugilists to his grave;" "each blow sent a thrill of horror through the spectators;" "the fight . . . was one of the gamest on record;" and "ten bloody rounds."  

During the fight one of the oddest interludes that could be imagined took place at the end of the sixth round.  After scoring the first knockdown and drawing the first blood of his opponent, Pete McCabe was seated in his corner awaiting the bell to start the seventh round.  He was being rubbed down.  He called for a drink of brandy to fortify him.  One of his seconds handed him a bottle and he took a swig.  McCabe screamed and fell to the floor yelling that he had been poisoned.  The bottle, it turned out, contained ammonia, not brandy.  McCabe rolled on the floor screaming in agony but struggled to his feet and came out his corner when the bell for the seventh round rang.  With a look of sheer agony on his face, he began the battle anew.  Was the fix in?

As I have noted on a number of occasions, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, Pelham was an important center for illegal prize fights.  The tiny little town was near New York City.  At the time, it lacked a large, modern police force.   Additionally, the population of the town was small, so vast portions of the town were unimproved, unpopulated, and desolate.   Yet, travel between Pelham and New York City was easy via two rail lines:  the main New Haven Line to Pelhamville and the New Haven Branch Line to Bartow Station and Pelham Manor.  Additionally, steamships and all sorts of marine traffic served the area via the East River and Long Island Sound.   Thus, Pelham was the perfect place for crowds to gather and bet on quietly-arranged illegal prize fights -- and then to disperse quickly before police or Constables arrived.

I have written about illegal prize fighting in Pelham on numerous occasions.  For examples, see:  

Tue., Apr. 26, 2016:  Another Pelham Prize Fight: American Jim Larkin Defeated Englishman Bill Hook on June 27, 1889.

Wed., Jan. 27, 2016:  Yet Another Illegal Prize Fight in Pelham in 1887.

Wed., Jan. 20, 2016:  Another Exciting Account of 1884 Pelham Prize Fight Between Jim Murray of New York and Tom Henry of England.

Wed., Nov. 04, 2015:  The Famous Nineteenth Century Prize Fighter Yankee Sullivan Fought in Pelham in 1842.

Thu., Jul. 10, 2014:  Illegal Prize Fight in Pelham in 1902.  

Wed., Feb. 12, 2014:  Pelham Was the Scene of Illegal Prize Fights During the Early Days of the "Sweet Science" of Boxing. 

Wed., Mar. 23, 2005:  Prize Fighting At Pelham Bridge in 1884. 

Tue., Oct. 04, 2005:  Front Page of the May 12, 1902 Issue of The Pelham Republican (describing the fight between Joe Gleacher and Joe Kerwin held in the spring of 1902; Gleacher was found in Mt. Vernon after the fight and was arrested, although Kerwin apparently escaped to Philadelphia before his arrest).

A Bare-Knuckled Prize Fight, Circa 1880's,

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Clearly the fight between Tommy Flannigan and Peter McCabe on November 1, 1888 was brutal.  The men wore only "skin-tight gloves" and Queensberry rules governed the battle.  The prize fight began with a "hurricane" of blows by both fighters.  In the second round, Pete McCabe scored a knockdown and drew first blood from Flannigan.  Each round became bloodier and bloodier until the strange interlude of the bottle of ammonia after the close of the sixth round. 

As one might expect, things seemed different beginning in the seventh round.  McCabe was in agony after claiming, between rounds, to have been poisoned.  Flannigan pounded away at his face, body, and side.  McCabe may not have given as "good as he got," but he "gave" well, and pounded away on Flannigan's face.

The fight wore on through ten rounds and forty minutes.  During the ninth and tenth rounds, both fighters could barely stand while trying to pummel each other.  At the close of the tenth round, the fighters went to their respective corners.  At the bell for the eleventh round, only Flannigan could stand up.  McCabe could not even stand up.  His left eye was entirely closed.  His cheekbone was plainly visible through a massive two-inch cut on his cheek the extended all the way to the bone.  Flannigan's face was grotesquely swollen and he also was bleeding.  The referee walked to Flannigan, raised his arm and declared him the victor.

Pelham, it seems, had been the scene of yet another illegal prize fight.  This one, however, was one of the most horrifying prize fights up to that time.

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News of the fight between Tommy Flannigan and Pete McCabe was telegraphed throughout the nation.  Dozens and dozens of newspapers reported on the fight in the dining room of a City Island hotel.  A few of the news reports have been selected with their text, and citations and links to the sources, presented immediately below.

"FOR TEN BLOODY ROUNDS
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TOMMY FLANNIGAN AND PETE McCABE STOOD IN THE RING
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The Albany Man Knocked Out in One of the Fiercest Fights on Record -- Blood Flowed Like Water and Spectators Turned Away -- One of the Fighters Given Ammonia in Mistake for Brandy.

Tommy Flannigan, of Cincinnati, and Pete McCabe, of Albany, early this morning fought one of the fiercest and bloodiest battles in the annals of the prize-ring.

It was really a miracle that it did not result in sending one of the pugilists to his grave.

In the sixth round, as McCabe was being rubbed down by his second, he called for a drink.  His other attendant reached for a bottle supposed to contain brandy.  McCabe grasped the bottle and swallowed some of the contents.  Then with a scream of pain and cry that he was drugged, he rolled over the floor.

When the bottle was examined by the referee it was found to contain ammonia.

The match between McCabe and Flannigan was to have been fought some time ago, but was interrupted by the police, who arrested McCabe and his backer.

Before going to the fight the principals and their seconds agreed to have Johnny Eckhardt act as referee and stakeholder.  The stakes amounted to $300.

The battle was fought with skin-tight gloves and Queensberry rules governed.

McCabe is 19 years old, and weighed 126 pounds.  He was attended by Jack Toohey and Jack Dunlap.  His height is 5 feet 4 inches.

Flannigan is of the same age as his opponent, but six pounds heavier.  He was attended by Job Higgins, the middle-weight wrestler, and Ruby Collins, of England.  

Tom Henry and Jack Barnett acted as timekeepers.

The ring was pitched in the dining-room of a hotel at City Island.

It was 3 o'clock when the men stepped into the ring and no time was wasted by sparring, but they flew at each other and soon the blows were falling so fast that it looked as if the fight was to end in the first round.

The fighting kept on, in hammer-and-tongs style, and in a short time both men were covered with blood.

The spectators became excited and the men settled down for a long fight.

Neither man gained any advantage, and honors were even until the sixth round, when the tide began to turn in Flannigan's favor, and from this to the finish he simply made a punishing bag of McCabe's face and body.  He landed some terrific blows on McCabe's side.  Each blow sent a thrill of horror through the spectators, and many left the ring side.

McCabe was begged by his seconds to give in, but said he would fight as long as he could stand.

In the last two rounds the men could hardly stand and the blows were almost powerless.

At the call of time for the eleventh round McCabe could not rise out of his corner, and the referee declared Flannigan the victor.

Time of battle, forty minutes.

Flannigan will be matched against Mike Cushing.  Joe Higgins, his backer, declares he has a world-beater."

Source:  FOR TEN BLOODY ROUNDS -- TOMMY FLANNIGAN AND PETE McCABE STOOD IN THE RING -- The Albany Man Knocked Out in One in One of the Fiercest Fights on Record -- Blood Flowed Like Water and Spectators Turned Away -- One of the Fighters Given Ammonia in Mistake for Brandy, The Evening World [NY, NY], Nov. 1, 1888, p. 1, col. 7.

"FORTY MINUTES' FIGHTING.
-----
Terrific Battle Between Tom Flannigan and Pete McCabe.

NEW YORK, Nov. 1.  --  Tommy Flannigan, of Cincinnati, and Pete McCabe, of Albany, fought a desperate battle, lasting ten rounds for a purse of $300, in the dining room of a hotel at City Island.  The battle was witnessed by thirty club men, who paid $10 a head for the privilege.  Flannigan was declared the victor at the close of the tenth round, after almost demolishing McCabe.  An accident occurred in the sixth round which might have terminated in the death of one of the principals.  McCabe, while being rubbed down, asked his seconds for a drink of brandy.  One of his attendants handed him a bottle, containing ammonia, instead of the brandy bottle.  McCabe raised the stuff to his mouth and took a swallow.  He sent up a yell, dropped to the floor and rolled around in intense agony.  On the call of time for the seventh round McCabe was upon his feet and continued the fight, although his face bore an agonizing look, that told of the pain the fellow was enduring.  McCabe is twenty-two years old, five feet six inches high and weighs 128 pounds.  Flannigan is the same age, five feet six inches high and weights 130 pounds.  The fighting was of the hurricane order and was bloody from start to finish.  Flannigan showered blow after blow on the face and neck of his opponent, while in return he received terrible punishment about the chest and face.  McCabe was awarded the first blood and first knockdown, in the second round.  The battle became so wicked toward the finish that many of the spectators turned their heads away to avoid the sickening sight.  At the end of the battle McCabe's left eye was completely closed, and his right cheek bone was laid bare from a two-inch cut.  Flannigan's face was also a sorry sight, his face being badly swollen and bleeding.  The fight, which was one of the gamest on record, lasted forty minutes."

Source:  FORTY MINUTES' FIGHTING -- Terrific Battle Between Tom Flannigan and Pete McCabe, The Saint Paul Globe [St. Paul, MN], Nov. 2, 1888, p. 5, col. 1.  

"THE BLOODY BRUISERS.
-----
Tommy Flannigan, of Cincinnati, and Pete McCabe, of Albany, Fight Desperately.
-----
Pat Killen and Dominick McCaffrey Sign For a Mill of Fifteen Rounds.
-----

New York, Nov. 1. -- Tommy Flannigan, of Cincinnati, and Pete McCabe, of Albany, fought a desperate battle, lasting ten rounds, for a purse of $300, in the dining-room of a hotel at City Island.  The battle was witnessed by thirty club men, who paid $10 a head for the privilege.  Flannigan was declared the victor at the close of the tenth round, after almost demolishing McCabe.  An accident occurred in the sixty round which might have determined in the death of one of the principals.  McCabe, while being rubbed down, asked his seconds for a drink of brandy.  One of his attendants handed him a bottle containing ammonia instead of the brandy bottle.  McCabe raised the stuff to his mouth and took a swallow.  He sent up a yell, dropped to the floor and rolled around in intense agony.  On the call of time for the seventh round, McCabe was upon his feet and continued the fight, although his face bore an agonizing look that told of the pain that the fellow was enduring.  

McCabe is twenty-two years old, five feet, six inches high and weighs 128 pounds.  Flannigan is the same age, five feet six inches high and weighs 130 pounds.  The fighting was of the hurricane order, and was bloody from start to finish.  Flannigan showered blow after blow on the face and neck of his opponent, while in return he received terrible punishment about the chest and face.

McCabe was awarded first blood and the first knock down in the second round.  The battle became so wicked toward the finish that many of the spectators turned their heads away to avoid the sickening sight.  At the end of the battle McCabe's left eye was completely closed, and his right cheek bone was laid bare from a two-inch cut.  Flannigan's face was also a sorry sight, his face being badly swollen and bleeding.  The fight, which was one of the gamest on record, lasted forty minutes."

Source:  THE BLOODY BRUISERS -- Tommy Flannigan, of Cincinnati, and Pete McCabe, of Albany, Fight Desperately -- Pat Killen and Dominick McCaffrey Sign For a Mill of Fifteen Rounds, The Courier-Journal [Louisville, KY], Nov. 2, 1888, Vol. LXXIII, No. 7247, p. 2, col. 4.  

"BITS BY TELEGRAPH. . . .

New York, Nov. 1.  --  Tommy Flannigan of Cincinnati and Pete McCabe of Albany fought a desperate battle lasting ten rounds, for a purse of $300, in the dining-room of a hotel on City Island.  The battle was witnessed by thirty club men, who paid $10 a head for the privilege.  Flannigan was declared the victor at the close of the tenth round, after almost demolishing McCabe, who proved himself as game a man as ever toed the scratch.  The fight lasted fifty minutes and during one of the rests McCabe drank some ammonia in mistake for whiskey, experiencing terrible agony for awhile."

Source:  BITS BY TELEGRAPH, The Morning News [Wilmington, DE], Nov. 2, 1888, Vol. XVII, No. 103, p. 1, col. 8.  

"A SLUGGER IN AGONY.
-----
During a Fight He Swallows Ammonia for Brandy.

A New York special says:  Tommy Flannagan of Cincinnati and Pete McCabe of Albany fought a desperate battle, lasting ten rounds, for a purse of $300, in the dining room of a hotel on City island.  The battle was witnessed by thirty clubmen, who paid $10 a head for the privilege.  Flannagan was declared the victor at the close of the tenth round, after almost demolishing McCabe, who proved himself as game a man as ever toed the scratch.  An accident occurred in the sixth round which might have terminated in the death of one of the principals.  McCabe, while being rubbed down, asked his seconds for a drink of brandy.  One of his attendants handed him a bottle containing ammonia instead of the brandy bottle.  McCabe raised the stuff to his mouth and took a swallow.  He sent up a yell, dropped to the floor and rolled around in intense agony.  On the call of time for the seventh round, McCabe was upon his feet and continued the fight, although his face bore an agonizing look that told of the pain the fellow was enduring.  McCabe is 22 years old, five feet six inches high, and weighs 123 pounds.  Flanagan is the same age, same height and weighs 130 pounds.  The fight was of the hurricane order and blood from the start to the finish.  Flannigan showered blow after blow on the face and neck of his opponent, while in return he received terrible punishment about the chest and face.  McCabe was awarded first blood and first knock-down in the second round.  The battle became so wicked toward the finish that many of the spectators turned their heads away to avoid the sickening sight.  At the end of the battle, McCabe's left eye was completely closed, and his right cheek bone was laid bare from a two-inch cut.  Flannagan's face was also a sorry sight, his face being badly swollen and bleeding."

Source:  A SLUGGER IN AGONY -- During a Fight He Swallows Ammonia for Brandy, The Galveston Daily News [Galveston, TX], Nov. 9, 1888, Vol. XLVII, No. 196, p. 4, col. 2.

See also:

BRUTAL PRIZE FIGHT -- TOMMY FLANNAGAN DEFEATS PETE McCABE AFTER TEN TERRIBLE ROUNDS, The Daily Graphic [NY, NY], Nov. 1, 1888, Vol. XLVIII, No. 4858, p. 6, col. 2.

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Another Pelham Prize Fight: American Jim Larkin Defeated Englishman Bill Hook on June 27, 1889

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As I have noted on a number of occasions, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, Pelham was an important center for illegal prize fights.  The tiny little town was near New York City.  At the time, it lacked a large, modern police force.   Additionally, the population of the town was small, so vast portions of the town were unimproved, unpopulated, and desolate.   Yet, travel between Pelham and New York City was easy via two rail lines:  the main New Haven Line to Pelhamville and the New Haven Branch Line to Bartow Station and Pelham Manor.  Additionally, steamships and all sorts of marine traffic served the area via the East River and Long Island Sound.   Thus, Pelham was the perfect place for crowds to gather and bet on quietly-arranged illegal prize fights -- and then to disperse quickly before police or Constables arrived.

I have written about illegal prize fighting in Pelham on numerous occasions.  For examples, see:  

Wed., Jan. 27, 2016:  Yet Another Illegal Prize Fight in Pelham in 1887.

Wed., Jan. 20, 2016:  Another Exciting Account of 1884 Pelham Prize Fight Between Jim Murray of New York and Tom Henry of England.

Wed., Nov. 04, 2015:  The Famous Nineteenth Century Prize Fighter Yankee Sullivan Fought in Pelham in 1842.

Thu., Jul. 10, 2014:  Illegal Prize Fight in Pelham in 1902.  

Wed., Feb. 12, 2014:  Pelham Was the Scene of Illegal Prize Fights During the Early Days of the "Sweet Science" of Boxing. 

Wed., Mar. 23, 2005:  Prize Fighting At Pelham Bridge in 1884. 

Tue., Oct. 04, 2005:  Front Page of the May 12, 1902 Issue of The Pelham Republican (describing the fight between Joe Gleacher and Joe Kerwin held in the spring of 1902; Gleacher was found in Mt. Vernon after the fight and was arrested, although Kerwin apparently escaped to Philadelphia before his arrest).

On June 27, 1889, yet another illegal prize fight was held in the Town of Pelham.  It was a notable fight that attracted national attention.  The fight was highly anticipated.  When it was over, brief accounts of the results appeared in newspapers throughout the United States.

The fight was a featherweight championship "skin-tight gloves" fight between Jimmy Larkin of New Jersey and Bill Hook of England.  This was Bill Hook's first prize fight in the United States.  Hook had a nice pedigree in English prize fights.  He and Fred Johnson fought to a draw after four rounds in a championship fight held at the Blue Anchor Public House, Shoreditch, London on November 6, 1884.  Hook and Johnson had a rematch in another championship competition at the Post Office, Mile End, London on December 16, 1884.  Hook won the championship, on points, at the close of the four-round match.  Only weeks later, Hook defended his championship and won a three-round decision, again on points, against Owen Hannon at the St Andrew’s Hall, Westminster, London on January 12, 1885. 

In 1889, American fight promoter Ed Holske was looking for a fighter to match against Jimmy Larkin of Jersey City, New Jersey.  As one report put it, Holske had looked for months for a fighter to match against Larkin because he wnted to "win the money of the 'Jersey Crowd.'"  Bill Hook came to Holske's attention after Hook had a notable prize fight with Dido Hopwood in London.  Holske came to terms with Bill Hook and brought the fighter to America where Hook trained intensively.

The fight was arranged to take place at night on Thursday, June 27, 1889.  Some accounts say the fight occurred in Pelham Manor.  Other accounts say it occurred "near" Pelham Manor.  Though the precise location of the fight is not known, it almost certainly occurred at Pelham Bridge near City Island where many such prize fights were held.

Each side put up a "prize" of $500.  A purse in addition to the prize was offered to the winner based on ticket sales.  One hundred fifty tickets were sold for $10 per ticket.

The men fought with "skin-tight gloves" to a finish under Queensberry Rules.  Larkin weighed in at 121-1/4 pounds.  Hook weighed in at 123 pounds, one pound over the 122-pound weight limit.  Larkin was a much taller fighter than his English foe.  The two sides decided to proceed despite Hook being over the weight limit.

The fight began at 10:25 p.m.  It immediately became apparent that Larkin's height gave him an immediate advantage over Hook.  Nevertheless, the two fighters pummeled each other brutally from the start.  Larkin had the advantage and had to chase Bill Hook around the ring.  Each time they engaged, however, Hook banged away brutally at Larkin's stomach and head.  Shortly before the first round ended, Jimmy Larkin landed a "hot right hander" on Bill Hook's jaw.  Hook went down, but returned and fought savagely, even drawing the first blood of the night from Jimmy Larkin.  Still, when the round ended, Hook was groggy.

Bill Hook came out for the second round and landed a "savage right hander" on Jimmy Larkin's ribs.  Larkin, however, responded with a terrific blow to Hook's nose "and the blood flowed furiously."  This seems to have staggered Hook.  Larkin then landed a solid punch to one of Hook's eyes and knocked him flat.  Hook staggered to his feet, groggy again.  Larkin seized the opportunity and landed a right hander to Hook's face knocking him flat again.  Hook stood again, but all he could do was stagger.  Larkin finished him off with a right hander to Hook's jaw, knocking him unconscious.  The fight did not go even two full rounds and only lasted five minutes and thirty seconds.  Larkin was declared the victor.

The result was a shock.  Newspapers savaged Englishman Bill Hook, saying he simply was not up to the challenge of American pugilists.  

The Scottish American Athletic Club in New York City took in Bill Hook to allow him to lick his wounds.  He enjoyed the Club's hospitality for the next several weeks while members of the Club tried, unsuccessfully, to secure him another fight for a purse. 

Without a fight, or more importantly, a purse, Bill Hook joined with Alexander Gallagher, a Scottish fighter who recently had beaten Jake Valinski of Hoboken.  Gallagher was affiliated with the Scottish-American Athletic Club.  On August 4, 1889, the two men left for England where Hook promised Gallagher he would help him get some fights.  

Bill Hook's American fighting career began, and ended, during a five and a half minute fight on June 27, 1889 in Pelham, New York.

*          *          *          *          *

Below is the text of a number of articles about the prize fight in Pelham between Jimmy Larkin and Bill Hook.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"THE ENGLISH PUGILIST WHIPPED.
-----
Jimmy Larkin of Jersey City Knocks Out Bill Hook of London.

In a quiet resort on the shores of the Sound, near Pelham Manor last night, was decided the much-talked-of prize fight between Jim Larkin of Jersey City and Bill Hook of England.  Hook was not the equal of Jimmy, and the latter won a quick battle.

For months Ed Holske had tried to secure a man to fight Larkin and win the money of the 'Jersey crowd,' and after Hook fought Dido Hopwood in London, Holske made terms with him and brought him to this country.  He was trained to the hour, too, and there was no lack of condition apparent.

The battle was for $500 a side and an added purse, tickets being sold at $10 each, fully 150 being disposed of.  The men fought with skin-tight gloves to a finish under Queensberry rules.  Larkin tipped the beam at 121-1/4 pounds and Hook at 123 pounds, the latter being one pound over weight.

Time was called at 10.25 o'clock.  As the men sparred for an opening the difference in the size was very marked, Larkin standing well over his opponent.  It was one of the hottest punching matches seen hereabout in months.  It was biff, bang, smash from the start, Larkin driving the English lad before him around the ring.  But Hook was busy, and sent in heavy blows on the stomach and head.  He soon got a hot right hander on the jaw and went down.  Both men then fought savagely with left and right, Hook obtaining first blood when a minute had expired.  Hook was groggy when time was called.

Hook was refreshed when he toed the scratch for the second round, and he immediately planted a savage right hander on Larkin's ribs.  Larkin returned the compliment with a hot left on Hook's nose and the blood flowed furiously.  Then the Englishman got a hot one on the eye and he fell flat.  He arose groggy and a right hander on the face sent him to the floor again.  When Hook arose he could only stagger, and Larkin, landing another right-hander on the jaw, knocked him unconscious.  He could not answer the call of time and Larkin was declared the winner.  The fight lasted 5m. 30s."

Source:  THE ENGLISH PUGILIST WHIPPED -- Jimmy Larkin of Jersey City Knocks Out Bill Hook of London, The Press [NY, NY], Jun. 28, 1889, Vol. II, No. 576, p. 1, col. 2.  

"JIM LARKIN WHIPS BILL HOOK.
-----
The Englishman Knocked Out in the Second Round -- A Rattling Mill.

NEW YORK, June 27. -- In a quiet resort on the shores of the sound, near Pelham Manor, tonight was decided the much talked of prize fight between Jim Larkin of Jersey City and Bill Hook of England.  Hook was not the equal of Jimmy, and the latter won a quick battle.  It was biff, bang, smash from the start, Larkin driving the English lad before him around the ring.  Hook was groggy when time was called.

Hook was refreshed when he toed the scratch for the second round, and he immediately planted a savage right-hander on Larkin's ribs.  Larkin returned the compliment with a hot left on Hook's nose and the blood flowed furiously.  Then the Englishman got a hot one on the eye and he fell flat.  He arose groggy and a right-hander on the jaw, knocked him unconscious.  He could not answer the call of time and Larkin was declared the winner.  The fight lasted five minutes and thirty seconds."

Source:  JIM LARKIN WHIPS BILL HOOK -- The Englishman Knocked Out in the Second Round -- A Rattling Mill, Chicago Daily Tribune, Jun. 28, 1889, p. 6, col. 6 (NOTE:  Paid subscription required to access via this link).  

"Fight With Skin Gloves.

JERSEY CITY, N.J., June 27. -- The much talked of fight with skin gloves, for $500 a side, between Bill Hook of England, and Jimmy Larkin, of Jersey City, took place tonight at Pelham, Westchester county.  Larkin had the best of it from the start, and knocked Hook down twice in the second round.  When he got up the last time, Larkin knocked him out with a terrific right-hander on the jaw."

Source:  Fight With Skin Gloves, Los Angeles Daily Herald, Jun. 28, 1889, p. 4, col. 5.  

"We have had a couple of rattling bouts near this city during the past couple of days, and one which proved a great surprise to knowing ones.  I refer to Thursday night's fight between Bill Hook of England and Jim Larkin of Jersey.  The smart people considered Hook a wonder before the fight, but as being no good after it.  I am sorry for Ed Holske, who backed Hook, for he has been in hard luck with his fighters of late, both Matt McCarthy and Hook proving soft jobs for the men they were stacked up against.  But luck will turn, they say, if the money holds out, and I trust Eddie's cash lasts until the turn of the tide.  He will not, I know, rest satisfied with his latest failure, and we may soon hear from him again.  So let it be.

P. JAY."

Source:  [Untitled], The Weekly Press [NY, NY], Jul. 3, 1889, p. 7, col. 4.  

"Larkin Sustains His Record.

JERSEY CITY, N.J., June 27. -- The much talked of fight between Bill Hook of England and Jimmy Larkin of Jersey City, took place to-night at Pelham, West Chester county.  The men entered the ring at 10:15 o'clock.  Hammer and tongs was the order of the fighting.  Larkin had the best of it and knocked Hook down twice in the second round when he got up a second time.  Larkin landed a terrific right hander on the jaw and he went down like a shot.  He ws knocked out.  The fight was with skin gloves for $500 a side.  Larkin has never been beaten."

Source:  Larkin Sustains His Record, Bismarck Weekly Tribune [Bismarck, ND], Jul. 5, 1889, p. 2, col. 4.  See also WENT DOWN LIKE A SHOT -- Larkin the Jerseyman Knocks Out Bill Hook of England, St. Paul Daily Globe [St. Paul, MN], Jun. 28, 1889, p. 2, col. 5 (same text).

"Fighting Notes.

Chappie Moran says he intends to take it easy and will do no more fighting until fall.

Bill Hook, whom Jimmy Larkins defeated so easily a week ago, is still enjoying the hospitality of the Scottish American Athletic Club.  The members are working to secure him a situation.  Hook says he would like a go with some of the other 122-pound men around New York for a purse.  Prof. Hart says Hook will make a good one if placed in charge of a capable trainer."

Source:  Fighting Notes, The Sun [NY, NY], Jul. 8, 1889, p. 3, col. 3.  

"Bill Hook, the English pugilist who was defeated by Jimmy Larkin, the Jersey lightweight, a month ago, started for England yesterday.  Alex. Gallagher, the Scot, who whipped Jake Valinski, the Hoboken lightweight, went with him, much to the surprise of his friends in the Scottish-American Athletic Club.  Alex. expects to get on a match with some crack Englishmen in England, and Hook says he will see that he gets fair play.  Hook will return to this country the latter part of September."

Source:  [Untitled], The Pittsburgh Post, Aug. 5, 1889, p. 6, col. 4.  

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