Historic Newspapers: Boxing

THE MORNING POST & DAILY ADVERTISER, London, July 23, 1788  The bottom of pg. 2 has: "Doyle, the famous boxer, was yesterday committed by the Magistrates at Bow St. for assaulting a gentleman in Covent Garden...". Other news of the day & a wealth of ads.
Four pages, nice condition.

Diseases of the teeth...

THE MORNING POST & DAILY ADVERTISER, London, December 26, 1788.  Page three has content related to boxing (see images).  Four pages, folio size, very nice condition.  Also included on the back page is a lengthy discussion on "A Practical Treatise on the Diseases of the Teeth" - nice for dentistry interest. Partial red-ink stamp on page one.

THE MORNING POST & DAILY ADVERTISER, London, Aug. 28, 1789 

* 18th century boxing

Page 3 has an early item on a boxing match, noting: "A boxing match is to be fought...between Bullard and Brighton, two Suffolk men, for 50 pounds a side, in which it is expected many hard blows will be given as they are very powerful men & upwards of six feet high."
Four pages, full red tax stamp on the front page, very nice condition.

THE MORNING POST & DAILY ADVERTISER, London, Oct. 21, 1789 

* Isaac Perrins vs. Tom Johnson
* English boxing championship

Page 3 has an article headed: "Boxing" concerning: "...the battle between Johnson and Perrins..." with some details (see).
Four pages, partial red tax stamp on the front page, very nice condition.

wikipedia notes: Isaac Perrins was an English bareknuckle prizefighter and 18th-century engineer. A man reputed to possess prodigious strength but a mild manner, he…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 2, 1790  

* Daniel Mendoza - The fighting Jew

The back page has: "...Sir Sampson compelled Mr. Mendoza to give bail for his good behavior in future, which he did, himself in a penalty of 200 pounds...Thus the rage for boxing has received a very proper check...to be hoped the magistrates throughout the kingdom will be no less vigilant in their endeavors to suppress this practice, which has for some time operated to the disgrace of society & to the…

THE MORNING POST, AND DAILY ADVERTISER, London, April 13, 1790

* 18th century boxing

A very nice full folio-size newspaper of 4 pages with the entire front page taken up with ads. Pages 2 & 3 have various news of the day with the back page having mostly ads.
Page 2 has a report on a upcoming boxing match. See image for text.
Nice condition.

THE MORNING POST & DAILY ADVERTISER, London, June 24, 1790 

* Early boxing match
* One arm tied up

Page 3 has an early article on: "Boxing" concerning: "...the one-armed soldier...and a chimney-sweeper, who differed a little with each other in politics & parties...agreed to decide their dispute by a pitched battle in Bedford Bury at sun-set...tied up his left arm...they let to & having fought as hard a battle for 37 minutes...the soldier gave in; both were severely bruised..." with a…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, October 30, 1790  Page 2 has an article: "Boxing" which is a very early report of the sport (see photos). Other items including a page 3 article on: "Duelling", "King of France's Demand", "the Art of Joking", "King of Sweden" and other items.
Complete in 4 pages, never-trimmed margins, great condition. The back page has 7 illustrated ship ads.

THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, Feb. 23, 1792  

* President George Washington
* "Wallace Oak Box" presentation 

The back page has a report of a gift to President Washington from Scotland, mentioned in a letter from Philadelphia. It notes: "...was presented to the President of the United States a box, elegantly mounted with silver & made of the celebrated oak tree that sheltered the Washington of Scotland, the brave & patriotic Sir William Wallace after his defeat at the battle of…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 2, 1792

* 2nd - Second Militia Act of 1792 
* President George Washington signs
* Fort Lafayette - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Major General Anthony Wayne 

Most of the front page is taken up with a Act of Congress now known as the Second Militia Act, signed in script type by the President, Go. Washington on May 8, 1792.
It is officially entitled: "An ACT More Effectually to Provide for the National Defense by Establishing a Uniform Militia Throughout…

THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Aug. 27, 1796  Page 2 has a curious article headed: "Amorous Fracas!" beginning: "The boxing match which lately happened between two elderly maiden ladies of fashion in the vicinity of Merrion Square..." with the details.
Four pages, very nice, clean condition.

THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Aug. 27, 1796  Page 2 has a curious report: "Amorous Fracas!" The report from Ireland begins: "The boxing match which lately happened between two elderly maiden ladies of fashion...having made some noise....we are happy to lay the cats and the consequences before our readers..." which is what follows.
Four pages, a few stray ink marks, nice condition.

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, July 30, 1811

* Tom "The Moor" Molineaux
* African-American bare-knuckle boxer

Page 3 has a one paragraph report about a boxing match near London between Molineux, the famous black man from New York, and a young Englishman named Rimmer. The report states in part: "...In the course of 15 minutes the black pounded his antagonist most tremendously..." with mention that various spectators: "...from pique or sympathy, crowded in the ring and fought…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Oct. 30, 1849  Page 2 has a nice article: "Great Fight With The Apaches"  which is mostly taken up with an account of a battle headed: "American Guerrilla Company of Capt. Box, Santiago, Sept. 3, 1849". Nice detail in this letter.
Four pages, very nice condition.

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Oct. 9, 1855  Page 2 has an interesting "$15,000 Reward" ad in the "Lost and Found" section of the paper, offering much detail on the theft. A few details include: "...the 17th of Sept. last two Boxes were delivered at the office of the American Express Co. in Dubuque, Iowa...Said boxes, on their arrival at the Sub-Treasury in New York were found to contain buck-shot..." with much more. The notice is signed: Wells, Butterfield & Co., and also by Livingston, Fargo &…

PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Jan. 24, 1857  A rather famous sporting newspaper, with a sporting-themed masthead, calling itself: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage". This is a volume one issue.
Reports are headed: "The Turf" "Draught Of The Seine" "Our Chess Department" "Out Door Sports" "Fistiana" (boxing) and more.
Sixteen pages, 11 y 16 inches, good condition.

PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Feb. 14, 1857  Under the heading: "Out-Door Sports" are two letters to the editor from Troy, N.Y., concerning the "old game of wicket". It includes a quite small diagram of the "ground plan" of the game.
Under "Fistiana" (boxing) is a detailed report: "Hard-Fought Fight In England, Between Tom Sayers & Aaron Jones, For $1000."
Also has a letter: "Life In Nebraska".
Sixteen pages in nice condition.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, February 21, 1857  Includes small illustrations of: "Henry Jenkins" and "Old Parr." Many illustrations pertaining to Peru including: "Revolution in Peru-Arica Bombarded by General Vivanco," "Jesuit Church," "Palace of Manco Capac, Cuzco," "Church at Cuzco," "Revolution in Peru-Islay, General Vivanco's Headquarters," "Indians at Cuzco," "An Inca of Peru," and "Bridge Over the Apurimac."
Complete in 16 pages, in good condition as shown and contains additional prints…

PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, March 14, 1857  Various literary content but there is also sporting reports near the back, including: "Trotting at Fairs" "Fistiana" which is boxing; "Our Chess Department" "Out-Door Sports" including cricket and a "ball match". I believe the latter to be baseball, and reports: "A great match at 'corner ball' came off...After a spirited contest...victory perched o the banner of Lampeter...We are glad to notice the introduction of this healthy pastime &…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 21, 1857  An article entitled "Welcome to Horace Vernet" features a small illustration of him as well as a drawing by him which contains his autograph with date. Contains ten illustrations of Bermuda and its people in this article headed: 'A Cruise To the Somers Islands'. Few other illustrations, still being an early volume one issue.
Complete in 16 pages, in good condition as shown and contains additional prints and/or related text.

PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, March 28, 1857.

* Chess

As noted in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage", this is a volume 1 issue of a very early sporting publication. Near the back of the issue is a column entitled:  "Our Chess Department", which includes a chess "problem of the week" in addition to the solution to the problem from the week prior.

This issue also has other sporting reports including boxing (Fistiana), Equestrianism,…

PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, April 4, 1857.

* Chess

As noted in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage", this is a volume II issue of a very early sporting publication. Near the back of the issue is a column entitled:  "Our Chess Department", which includes a chess "problem of the week" in addition to the solution to the problem from the week prior.

This issue also has other sporting reports including boxing (Fistiana), Equestrianism,…

PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, April 11, 1857  As noted in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage", this is a volume II issue of a very early sporting publication. An article "Base Ball" has the announcement of the elected officers for the Excelsior Base Ball Club of Brooklyn. Another page features an article on "Elephant Hunting in Africa" which was presented by Dr. Livingston. The original of Cockfighting is also included in this issue.

…

NEW YORK DAILY TIMES, August 4, 1857

* Pre-Civil War boxing - prize fight
* Dominick Bradley vs. S.S. Rankin
* Buffalo, New York

Page 5 has an article headed: "The Great Prize-Fight Between Bradley and Rankins". See images for text.
Other news of the day. Complete in 8 pages, minor spine wear, otherwise nice.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, October 3, 1857  The front page article: "Thrilling Narrative of a Ship-Wrecked Passenger on Board the 'Central America" features the nearly half-page illustration 'Wreck of the Central America, Adrift on the Ocean'. Five nice illustrations on two pages regarding: 'Mining Life in California', two showing gambling: 'Faro' and 'Monte'. 'Travel Notes in Bible Lands' features the illustrations of 'Great Rhan in Damascus' and 'Court of a House in Damascus'.
Complete in…

SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Oct. 10, 1857  It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Agriculture, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage". 
Almost half of page 7 is taken up with: "Cricketer's Chronicle" which reports on four cricket matches, with the "box score" for each. Considerable coverage on this sport from before the Civil War.
Twelve pages, 12 1/4 by 17 3/4 inches, a sporting-themed engraving in the masthead, great condition.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, October 24,1857  The front page features 1/2 page illustration of "Militia-Day" with accompanying article. Inside illustration of "Sreenath alias Nena Sahib" and "The Latest Paris Fall Fashions" (dresses). Inside almost double page map of "A Chart in Relief of British India" with the accompanying article "History of the East India Company". Many small inside illus. of: "Washington at Forty Years of Age," "Mrs. Washington," "Louis Paulsen," "Paul Murphy," and…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, November 7, 1857  The front page features an article "Peace and War" and has two illustrations "What the United States Soldiers are Doing" and "What the British Soldiers are Doing". A full page shows six different Shawl fashion illustrations.  Full page: 'At The Polls' shows a scene at the election polls. Two half page scenes of election day on the streets. "The War in India" features two illustrations.
"The Lazy Tour of Two Idle Apprentices" by Charles Dickens, the…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, November 14, 1857  Front half page illustration of "The Sovereigns at the Theatre at Stuttgardt" with an accompanying article.
Inside contains two large illustrations of "Rev. Charles Haddon Spurgeon" and "Rev. Charles Haddon Spurgeon Preaching to Thirty Thousand People at the Crystal Palace, England." Also inside, two illustrations pertaining to "Travel Notes in Bible Lands" including "Doorway to the Great Temple at Baalbec" and " Ruins of Baalbec, the City of the…

SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Dec. 5, 1857  

* Pre-Civil War sporting - hunting publication

"A Chronicle of the Turf, Agriculture, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage" which features an engraving of a horse racing scene in the masthead.
Although this eclectic title covers all the fields noted in the masthead, horse racing seems to be the greater focus.
Sixteen pages, 12 by 18 inches, very nice condition.

background: The Spirit of the Times was a New York weekly newspaper…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 2, 1858  The front page features a full page print: "New Year's Visiting in New York". Two other nice full page prints inside: "The Birth of the New Year' and 'A Happy New Year!" and an article "The Life of American Students at Heidelberg" features several small illustrations.
Interesting article with two illustrations: "Plan of a Submarine Railway" between England & France, which has just now become a reality. An article "Pin-Money and Needle-Money"…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 16, 1858  The front page shows: 'Coming Out of a Fashionable Church'. 'Travel Notes in Bible Lands' includes two views of Antioch. "Dogographs" features two comical illustrations of "The Low Dog" and "The Fast Dog" of society. Nice illustration of 'The Central Market at Paris'.
Text article "The End of Walker" begins "It seems to be pretty generally admitted that the President's Message on (Gen.) Walker's arrest -- the main points of which were anticipated…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 23, 1858  The full front page illustration is entitled: 'In The Bitter Cold'. "Hon. Charles O'Conor" with an accompanying article. "The Great Massacre at Cawnpore" also features two illustrations; "The House in Which the Women and Children were Slaughtered at Cawnpore" and "The Arrest of the Missionaries by the Sepoys". Several illustrations on: 'Lt. Gibbon's Explorations of the Valley of the Amazon'. One-third page: 'A Cockfight at Manilla'.
Complete in 16…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, August 14, 1858  The front page features an article and half page illustration of "The Atlantic Telegraph" (England, United States). Inside half page map of "The Gulf of Petielle." Also two illustrations of boats including "The Pei-Ho Forts" and "Victoria, Vancouver's Island." The Great Cricket Match at Hoboken" includes a half page illustration of "Cricket Match Between Canada and the United States, at Hoboken, August 2, 3, and 4 1858." Two full page illustrations…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, October 16, 1858  The front page features a half page illustration of "Gerard Hallock, Esq." with accompanying article. Inside full page illustration of "The Destruction of the New York Crystal Palace by Fire, October 5.1858" and a half page illustration of "The Ruins of the Crystal Palace." 1/4 pg. illus. of "Facsimile of the Turkish Twenty-Piastre Notes, Counterfeited at New York." Two large illustration of "General View of the City of Pekin - South Side." A 3/4…

NEW YORK HERALD, Oct. 20, 1858  Page 4 has nearly a full column report on: "The Prize Fight Today" between Morrissey and Heenan (The Benicia Boy). Column subheads include: "Morrissey and the Benecia Boy--Condition of the Men--Who Will be Champion--How the Betting Ranges--Amount of Money Staked". The result would be reported in the next day's newspaper.
Eight pages, good condition.

THE NEW YORK TIMES, October 20, 1858

* John Heenan "Benicia Boy"
* Pre Civil War boxing w/ police raid
* Jews Hospital - Mount Sinai

The front page has an article headed: "Fight Between the 'Bencia Boy' and 'Dublin Tricks'--The Latter Badly Beaten" See image for text here.
Eight pages, minor spine wear, nice condition.

NEW YORK HERALD, Oct. 21, 1858  The front page has a "Postscript" report on the famous boxing match between Morrissey and Heenan.
The column heads: "The Great Prize Fight" "The Combat of Morrissey and Heenan for the Championship" "Morrissey The Victor" with a half column report. An editorial on the notable boxing match is inside.
Also within is aa report: "The Return of an Intended Slaver" noting in part: "The bark Isle de Cuba...proceeded as far as St. Michaels when Capt. Dobson asked the crew…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, October 30, 1858  The front page features a half page illustration of "Mademoiselle Piccolomini" with accompanying article. Inside two 1/4 page illustration of "The Late Rev. John Sawyer, of Bangor, Maine" and "General Paez, of Venezuela." Half page illustration of "Terrible Explosion at Havana, on September 29, 1858." Half page illustration of "Ruins of the Ancient Church Which was at Pergamos." Half page illustration of "A Fire at Cincinnati." Many illustrations of…

SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Oct. 30, 1858  It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage". 
Page 5 has: "The Great Prize Fight" which provides a round-by-round report of the boxing match between John Morrissey and John C. Heenan.
Page 7 has a brief item: "New Base Ball Club" which begins: "A Base Ball Club has just been formed in Flushing, L.I. The officers are as follows..." with the list.
Twelve pages, 12 3/4 by 18 inches, a…

WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Sept. 17, 1859  It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage". 
Inside has considerable text under: "BASE BALL" "Atlantic vs. Eckford" with the box score as well. Also reports and box scores for 3 other baseball games. Cricket reports as well.
Sixteen pages, 11 by 15 1/4 inches, a sporting-themed engraving in the masthead, very nice condition.

WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Oct. 8, 1859  

* English cricket team in North American tour

It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage". 
Page 4 and 5 have considerable coverage of the historic: "Great International Cricket Matches!" involving the team from England. This was the first-ever overseas cricket tour by a British team & received much publicity at the time. Included within the reports are 3 illustrations, uncommon…

WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Oct. 22, 1859  It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage". 
All of pages 1 and 2 have columns black-bordered for the recent death of: "David C. Broderick", a politician of some note at the time.
Inside has much reporting on: "Cricket" "The International Cricket Match. The All England Eleven and Twenty-Two of the United States at Philadelphia" taking most of the page.
Also much on "Base Ball" with…

WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Nov. 12, 1859  It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage". 
Two-thirds of a page are taken up with reports headed: "Base Ball" with text and box scores for 10 games. Also a report under: "Fistiana" on: "Tom Sayers and the Benicia Boy--Forthcoming Boneset for the Championship of the Hemispheres" which would happen on April 17, 1860 in England.
Sixteen pages, 11 by 15 1/4 inches, a sporting-themed…

WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Nov. 26, 1859  It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage". 
Inside has: "Fistiana - The Championship of the World--Heenan vs. Sayers".
This article was in anticipation of what is considered the first world title international boxing match held on April 17, 1860 between Tom Sayers & John Heenan, lasting 37 rounds and 2 hours 27 minutes, in a bare-knuckle match at Farnborough, England. It was called…

WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Jan. 14, 1860  

* John C. Heenan vs. Tom Sayers
* First World boxing championship match

It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage". 
Inside has most a page taken up with: "Life And Battles Of Tom Sayers--Seventh Fight of Tom Sayers" which is followed by: "Eighth Fight of Tom Sayers".
Additionally, there is much on the coming match with: "The Championship" "Arrival of Heenan's…

WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Jan. 7, 1860  

* John C. Heenan vs. Tom Sayers (pre-fight)
* First World boxing championship match

It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage". 
Inside has more than a page taken up with: "Life And Battles Of Tom Sayers--Sixth Fight of Tom Sayers".
This article was in anticipation of what is considered the first world title international boxing match held on April 17, 1860 between Tom Sayers…

WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Feb. 4, 1860  It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage". 
Various reporting on the historic boxing match of the day between Tom Sayers and John Heenan, 'The Benicia Boy' including "The Coming Fight for the Championship - The Probabilities of Heenan Proving Victor" and more than entire page taken up with: "Life And Battles of Tom Sayers - Tenth Fight of Tom Sayers".
This was in anticipation of what…

WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Feb. 11, 1860  

* John C. Heenan vs. Tom Sayers
* First World boxing championship match

It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage". 
This issue has a great deal of reporting on the historic boxing match of the day between Tom Sayers and John Heenan, 'The Benicia Boy' including coverage of their arrival in London, an article: "The Pugilistic Championship of the World" and: "Life and Battles of…

WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, A consecutive pair of issues for Feb. 18 and 25, 1860  

* John C. Heenan vs. Tom Sayers
* First World boxing championship match

It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage". 
With the world title boxing match scheduled in less than two months, the front page of each issue features prints of: "Tom Sayers--The Champion of England" and: "John C. Heenan--The Champion of America".  Their historic…