A comparison of accounts of the first battle between Tom Cribb and Tom Molineaux

This battle, along with Molineaux himself, has been the subject of much controversy. To best understand what happened in this match, I think it would be useful to compare to accounts, one from the London Courier of Monday 24 December 1810, one from Pancratia (1812), and one from Pierce Egan's Boxiana (published between 1813-1829).

London Courier - Monday 24 December 1810
The following account of the battle between Molineux the black and Crib, on Tuesday last, is written by an amateur:−
Molineux is a man of robust stature, weighing 14 stone 8Ib, and therefore deemed competent in point of strength to face any man in the united kingdom. From the specimen he gave of his powers and bottom in the combat with Tom Blake, some time ago, he was deemed the best match for Crib of the present day (it having been understood that Jack Gully had declined all contests as a prize fighter). It was accordingly agreed they should fight for 200 guineas aside.

A more unfavourable day for the sport could not possibly have been selected, as it rained in torrents the whole day, and notwithstanding the great distance from town at which the battle took place, the spectators were numerous: and those who were not provided with covered carriages, were literally drenched. The last three miles of the road were almost knee-deep with clay; so that it can excite no surprise to learn that many horses were knocked up, and the riders, as well as a number of pedestrians, never reached the scene of action. At twelve o'clock Mr. Jackson, who did, and does, on all occasions of the kind, officiate as Master of Ceremonies, had the outer circle formed of the various vehicles, which had served to transport from the metropolis several thousand amateurs, who had arrived on the ground in spite of difficulties and bad weather.

The ring in the centre of the large one was strongly constructed of stakes and ropes; and, according to the terms of the fight, measured twenty-four feet every way. The spot was situated nearly at the foot of a hill, which protected the combatant from the chilling wind and rain from the eastward.

Now the champions appear, "armed cap-a-pee, and eager for the fray:" no more snivelling; every spectator felt himself a hero; and the lads of the fancy seemed by their counteuauces to say, "What a glorious thing's a battle?"

Molineux, the Moor, was the first so enter the ring: he made a graceful congee to the amateurs, hurled up his cap, in defiance of his adversary, then retired to strip for the battle. Crib followed so bright an example, except the gracefulness of the bow, and in that Molineux had the art of his side.

Gully, the second of Crib, and Richman, that of Molineux, entered the ring with their champions.

Pancratia

The greatest degree of expectation was excited in the public mind, with respect to the issue of this con test, and the natives felt somewhat alarmed that a man of colour should dare to look forward to the championship of England, and threaten to decorate his sable brow with the hard-earned laurels of Crib ; Tom, however, swore, that for the honour of old England, " he'd be damned if he would relinquish his claim to a single sprig but with his life." The day appointed for the decision of this combat was Tuesday, Dec. 18, 1810, at Copthall-common, in the vicinity of East Grinstead, Sussex, distant about 30 miles from London. A more unfavorable day could not have been selected, it rained in torrents almost incessantly ; but notwithstanding this, and the distance from town, and the five last miles of the road being knee deep with clay, the concourse of spectators who arrived at the scene of action was immense. At twelve o'clock Jackson, who generally officiates as master of the of the ceremonies, formed an outer circle of the various vehicles which had transported so many thousands from the metropolis, at the foot of a hill, in order to shield the combatants as much as possible from the chilling rain and wind from the eastward. A 24-feet ring, according to preceding arrangement, was constructed within this circle, with stakes and ropes, and as soon as completed Molineux came forward, bowed to all around, hurled up his cap in defiance, and then withdrew to strip ; Crib followed his exam ple, and both soon returned, " armed cap-a-pee, and . eager for the fray," amid the plaudits of the populace, whose animated countenances seemed to express the passing thought, " What a glorious thing's a battle." Gulley and Joe Ward seconded Crib, and Richmond and Jones officiated for Molineux.

Boxiana

The day selected for this grand milling exhibition was Dec. 10, 1810, at Copthall Common, in the neighbourhood of East Grinstead, Sussex, within 30 miles of the Metropolis. Notwithstanding the rain came down in torrents, and the distance from London, the Fancy were not to be deterred from witnessing the mill, and who waded through a clayey road, nearly knee-deep for five miles, with alacrity and cheerfulness, as if it had been as smooth as a bowling-green, so great was the curiosity and interest manifested upon this battle. About twelve o'clock, Mr. Jackson, with his usual consideration, had the ring formed at the foot of a hill, (twenty-four feet roped,) surrounded by the numerous carriages which had conveyed the spectators thither, to ward off the chilling breezes and rain which came keenly from the eastward.' Immediately upon this being completed, Molineaux came forward, bowed, threw up his hat in defiance, and retired to strip; Cribb immediately followed, and they were soon brought forward by their seconds; Gulley and Joe Ward for the Champion, and Richmond and Jones for Molineaux.

London Courier - Monday 24 December 1810

The awful moment is arrived for setting to, and the heroes threw off their upper Benjamins as the signal. They shake hands, retire two steps, put themselves in attitude, then eye each other with the most penetrating looks, at the same time each attentive to his guard.

A solemn pause for the moment ensued, and then commenced the


First Round.−Molineux commenced hostilities, by placing a right hand blow on the left side of Crib's body; but which was attended with trivial effect. The native champion smartly returned the hit, with a right and left at the head, and one for luck in the body; the Black then closed, and was thrown by his adversary. Thus terminated the first round without bloodshed or injury.

Pancratia

1st round — The combatants shook hands, retired two steps, put themselves in attitude, eyeing each other with the most penetrating look, and each highly attentive to his guard ; for a moment a solemn pause ensued ; a little sparring, and Molineux put in the first hit by a right-handed body blow on the left side of his opponent ; Crib smartly returned right and left on the head, and one for luck on the body; Molineux closed, and Crib threw him. Thus the round ended without bloodshed.

Boxiana

First round.— The first appearance of the young Roscius excited not greater attention than the selling-to of the above pugilists; the eyes of the spectators were stretched to their utmost, waiting for the first blow, when, after a few seconds of scientific display, the Moor put in a left-handed hit, but which did no execution. Cribb returned, but his distance was incorrect; however, he made a good stop, and planted a blow with his left hand under the eye of his opponent. A rally now ensued; a blow was exchanged by each of them, but of no import, when they closed, and Molineaux was thrown.

London Courier - Monday 24 December 1810

Second Round.−The combatants set to very sharp, and seemed to verify the opinion which had gone abroad, that they were both fully determined on a manly stand-up fight, to the exclusion altogether of sparring or shifting. A furious rally took place, several hard blows were exchanged on both sides. Crib's did the most execution; his blows having been directed straight forward, whilst those of Molineux were hand over head, given with miraculous power and resolution, but without judgment, insomuch that Crib was enabled to parry them or spoil their effect, by planting the first hit. Crib, on the whole, had the advantage of this round, although he exhibited the first blood.

Pancratia

2d — Both set to with great avidity, apparently fully determined on a manly stand up fight, seeming to exclude sparring and shifting altogether; a furious rally, excellent blows exchanged; Crib's did most execution, being thrown in straight forward, while Molineux struck hand over head with most astonishing power, but devoid of judgment, and Crib either parried or spoilt the effort, by planting the first hit; Crib, although he shewed first blood by a cut on the lip, evidently had the best of the round.

Boxiana

Second.— The Moor rallied with a left-handed blow, which did not tell, when Cribb planted a most tremendous one over his adversary's right eye-brow, but which did not have the effect of knocking him down; he only staggered a few paces, followed up by the Champion. Desperation was now the order of the round, and the rally re-commenced with uncommon severity, in which Cribb showed the most science, although he received a dreadful blow on the mouth that made Lis teeth chatter again, and exhibited the first signs of claret. Four to one on Cribb.

 

London Courier - Monday 24 December 1810

Third Round.−Molineux, not the least dismayed at the taste he had had, faced his antagonist courageously this round, who met him with corresponding resolution, and coming in contact with the Black's head, at arm's length with his left hand, made him oy the blow measure his full length on the ground; the lusty Moor was on his legs in a second, and it was "Mungo here, Mungo there, and Mungo everywhere," who anxiously looked round for his customer, who he was prevented meeting until the Fourth Round

Pancratia

3d — Molineux faced his antagonist with great courage; Crib met him with equal resolution, and after a little sparring brought his left fist in contact with his antagonist's head at arm's length, with such tremendous force, that he laid him to measure his full length on the earth.

Boxiana

Third.— After a short space, occupied in sparring, Molineaux attempted a good blow on Cribb's nob, but the Champion parried it, and returned a right-handed hit under the Moor's lower rib, when he fell rapidly in the extreme. Still four to one.

London Courier - Monday 24 December 1810

Fourth Round.−In which, after an ineffectual attempt to rally down Crib, the Black received a knockdown blow.

Pancratia

4th — Molineux immediately jumped on his legs, and commenced a desperate rally, in which Crib again brought him down.

Boxiana

Fourth. — On setting-to Molineaux rallied, when the Champion stopped his career by a severe hit in the face, that levelled him, the ground being wet and slippery.

London Courier - Monday 24 December 1810

Fifth Round.−Consisted of straight forward fighting: they both rallied in good style. Molineux persevering in the system of boring down his opponent by main strength, whilst Crib evinced a determination-to prevent him by repeated blows on the head, which failed to have that effect. Towards the finish of this round the Black closed, when it was discerned he was the strongest man, and was as expert in the art of fibbing as Dutch Sam, who was the first that rendered that practice cognizable as part of the science. The Black, by this new manœuvre, obtained the best of this round.

Pancratia

5th — An excellent round, good straight-forward fighting, and both rallied in great style ; Molineux bored down his opponent by main strength ; Crib seemed determined to prevent him if possible by repeating sonic. desperate blows on the head ; they closed and Molineux fibbed very dexterously in Dutch Sam's style, but at length fell.

Boxiana

Fifth. — The amateurs were uncommonly interested in this round, it was a display of such united skill and bottom, that both the combatants claimed peculiar notice from their extraordinary efforts. Molineaux rallied with uncommon fortitude, but his blows were short. Cribb returned with spirit, but the Moor knocked them off, and put in a tremendous hit : on the left eye of the Champion. A rally, at half-arm's length, now followed, which excited the utmost astonishment from the resoluteness of both the heroes, who hit each other away three times, and continued this desperate milling for half a minute, when Molineaux fell from a feeble blow. The knowing ones were lost for the moment, and no bets were offered.

London Courier - Monday 24 December 1810

Sixth Round.−Was begun by a furious onset, but Crib being over anxious to compliment the Black for a hit he had received, fell, partly from a slip and a blow.

Pancratia

6th— Molineux commenced furiously ; Crib slipped but partially recovered, and by a blow brought down Molineux.



Boxiana

Sixth. — The Moor planted a blow upon the nob of the Champion, who fell from the bad state of the ground.

London Courier - Monday 24 December 1810

Seventh Round.−Crib had his revenge this round; the Black rushed on his adversary, according to custom, when he caught a violent blow on the forehead, by which he picked up a handsome rainbow. His cauntenance, however, was not the more clouded on the occasion, and he was the first to come to his time.

Pancratia

7th — Moliueux rushed in as before, and Crib put in a violent blow on the forehead, by which he picked up a handsome rainbow ; his countenance was, how ever, not the more clouded, and he was first to the time.

Boxiana

Seventh.— Cribb in a rally gave Molineaux a hit on the side of his head, when he went down.

London Courier - Monday 24 December 1810

Eight Round.−If it were not invidious to single out any particular round, I would say, that this was the best contested round in the battle; the combatants were still in possession of their full vigour, and had been taught discrimination; they had discovered, also, the weak and strong parts in each other. Crib found out that, if the resolute Moor got him into so reduced a state as make his sledge hammer blows tell, that he should not like his head to be the anvil, and from the determined conduct of his tawney antagonist, things were fast approximating that way.

It was here, that it would seem, then, the grand push was to be made, in order to give a decided turn to the battle. Crib brought into the struggle his courage, strength, and science, which were not more than sufficient to cope with the persevering and invulnerable Moor. The rally was desperate; success was alternately on the one side and the other; the Black at length fell; but the extraordinary efforts of Crib rendered him more feeble at the end of the round than his adversary.

Pancratia

8th— -Both combatants by this time had been taught discrimination, and had discovered each others physical powers ; Crib found out that his notion of beat ing Molineux off hand was truly fallacious, as he . really was an ugly customer, and he also became sensible that if Molineux could so reduce him as to make his sledge hammer hits tell, he should not • willingly lay his head for the anvil he therefore now brought forward all his science, and began to adopt his usual and famous retreating system ; they rallied desperately ; success was alternate ; at length Molineux fell ; but Crib from his violent exertion appeared more feeble than his opponent.

Boxiana

Eighth. — Cribb showed himself off in good style, and dealt out his blows with considerable success and effect, but experienced, from the determined resolution of the Moor, that he was somewhat mistaken in his ideas of the Black's capabilities, who rallied in prime twig, and notwithstanding the severe left-handed hits which were planted on his nob — the terrible punishment he had received on his body, directed by the fine skill and power of the Champion — still he stood up undismayed, proving that his courage was of no ordinary nature, in exchanging several of the blows, till he fell almost in a state of stupor, from the milling his head had undergone. This round was equal to any that preceded it, and only different in point of duration.

London Courier - Monday 24 December 1810

Ninth Round.−Was gallantly contested, but Crib was compelled to make play, by the Black following him up, and giving him no quater; neither would he take any, for his head was always at the service of his adversary. He never shrunk from a blow, and his great anxiety was always to return it. Crib evinced weakness, and fell from a hit. The knowing ones exchanged look with each other round the ring, as much as to say, "things look a little *****, master."

Pancratia

9th — Gallantly contested ; Crib made play ; Molineux followed courageously, giving no quarter, put in a severe hit, and Crib fell, evidently much exhausted. The knowing-ones looked *****.

Boxiana

Ninth. — The battle had arrived at that doubtful state, and things seemed not to prove so easy and tractable as was anticipated, that the betters were rather puzzled to know how they should proceed with success. Molineaux gave such proofs of gluttony, that four to one now made many tremble who had sported it; but still there was a lay of hope remaining, from the senseless state in which the Moor appeared at the conclusion of the last round. Both the combatants appeared dreadfully punished; and Cribb's head was terribly swelled on the left side; Molineaux's nob was also much worse for the fight. On Cribb's displaying weakness, the flash side were full of palpitation — it was not looked for, and operated more severe upon their minds on that account. Molineaux rallied with a spirit unexpected, bored in upon Cribb, and by a strong blow through the Champion's guard, which he planted in his face, brought him down. It would be futile here to attempt to portray the countenances of the interested part of the spectators, who appeared, as it were, panic-struck, and those who were not thoroughly acquainted with the game of the Champion, began hastily to hedge-off; while others, better informed, still placed their confidence on Cribb, from what they had seen him hitherto take.

 

London Courier - Monday 24 December 1810

Tenth Round.−By this time the conceit was pretty well taken out of both the heroes,, and it was not to be wondered at, considering how hard they had fought, and how severly they had been punished. The head of Molineux was predigiously swollen; and if the Moor had been an artist he could not have laid on the black and red with a more regular hand on Crib's face, although Crib might think it might have been down with a more delicate touch. In this, as well as the seven successive rounds, Molineux appeared much the strongest man; he went into Crib, pell well, without standing for repairs, and rallied him at every part of the rin; and when he got him against the ropes, he either threw him, or encircled his neck with his left arm while he fibbed him with his right hand. If this could not be called murder, it was something like manslaughter; for Crib seemed all the same as in a blacksmith's vice. It was here where there was shown a little national prejudice against the Black; but being of a passive nature, he could derive no injury from it; and, to speak inpartially, and for the honour of pugilism, the strictest fair-play was shown to both parties throughout.

Pancratia

10th — The conceit by this time was tolerably well taken out of both combatants ; their heads and faces were hideously disfigured ; Molineux again displayed superiority of strength ; for full two minutes hits were exchanged greatly to the disadvantage of Crib; he, however, at length brought down his opponent.

11th — Courageously contested ; Molineux brought Crib down.

12th — Crib put in a severe hit in the body ; Molineux returned on the head and fell. 17th — Crib still continued his shy plan, and Molineux, evidently had the advantage.

Boxiana

Tenth. — Molineaux now showed symptoms of weakness; but yet rallied and bored his opponent to various parts of the ring. Cribb kept knocking him about the nob, but he seemed to disregard it, and kept close to his man till they both went down. The Champion now perceived what sort of a customer he had to deal with, and that to win, judgment and caution must be resorted to; he therefore adopted his favourite and successful system of milling on the retreat.

Eleventh. — The Moor, still partial to rallying, planted se veral blows, but they appeared rather feeble, and did not have the desired effect ; but, notwithstanding, he evinced strength enough to give Cribb a heavy fall.

Twelfth. — Molineaux, immediately on setting-to, commenced another rally, when the Champion put in a severe body blow, but the Moor treated it with indifference, and in return not only milled his head, but in closing threw him.

Thirteenth. — Molineaux, in baring in upon his adversary, received a severe facer from him, but who went down from the force of his own blow. To show the uncertainty of betting, it is necessary to state, that the odds had changed six to four on the Moor, to the no small chagrin of those who had sported their money, that Molineaux would not become the favourite during the fight.

Fourteenth. — The Moor went furiously in, and ran down Cribb without striking a blow, or without the latter being able to return one; however, on disengaging, the Champion was levelled.

Fifteenth. — Cribb, on setting-to, planted a blow over the guard of the Moor, which occasioned a most determined rally, and those persons who were fond of viewing milling, might now witness it in perfection ; no shifting, but giving and taking were displayed on both sides, till Molineaux was knocked down from a severe hit he received in his throat.

Sixteenth. — Rallying still the most prominent feature, but Molineaux went down through fatigue; Cribb appearing to the best advantage, the odds changed about till they became even, and that the Champion would win.

Seventeenth. — Both the combatants, determined to do their best, entered most spiritedly into another sharp rally, when they closed, and Molineaux not only gave Cribb a desperate fell, but fell upon him. Betting very shy, if any, it appearing to be anybody's battle.

Eighteenth. — The Champion made play, and planted with his right hand a severe blow on his opponent's body ; when Molineaux returned a hit on the Champion's head, who, by a blow on the forehead, hit the Moor off his legs, but after wards fell from the strength of his own blow. Both in an exhausted state.

Nineteenth. — To distinguish the combatants by their features would have been utterly impossible, so dreadfully were both their faces beaten — but their difference of colour supplied this sort of defect. It was really astonishing to view the determined manner in which these heroes met — Cribb acting upon the defensive, and retreating from the blows of his antagonist, though endeavouring to put in a hit, was got by Molineaux against the ropes, which were in height about five feet, and in three rows. Molineaux with both his hands caught hold of the ropes, and held Cribb in such a singular way, that he could neither make a hit or fall down: and while the seconds were discussing the propriety of separating the combatants, which the umpires thought could not be done till one of the men fell down, about two hundred persons rushed from the outer to the interior ring, and it is asserted, that if one of the Moor's fingers was not broken, it was much injured by some of them attempting to remove his hand from the ropes: all this time Molineaux was gaining his wind by laying his head on Cribb's breast, and refusing to release his victim; when the Champion, by a desperate effort to extricate himself from the rude grasp of the Moor, was at length run down to one corner of the ring, and Molineaux, having got his head under his arm, fibbed away most unmercifully, but his strength not being able to the intent, it otherwise must have proved fatal to Cribb, who fell from exhaustion, and the severe punishment he had received. The bets were now decided that Molineaux did not fight half an hour; that time having expired during this round.

London Courier - Monday 24 December 1810

At the termination of the seventeenth round Crib was so completely exhausted as to be termed dead beat; but it must not be forgotten, that in reducing Crib to this state, Molineux himself was in a tottering condition, but appeared more animated, more gay, and was the first to appear to his time.

From the seventeenth to the twentieth rounds, Crib appearing to be convinced that he over-shot his mark in supposeing that he could beat Molineux off hand, as he had endeavoured to do, had therefore recourse to his favourite mod of retreating or fighting shy, without which, it appears to me, he must have been compelled to have given in the battle. The Black, naturally presuming this was Crib's forlorn hope, followed him up, and never quitted him until the Twenty-third Round

Pancratia

17th — Crib still continued his shy plan, and Molineux, evidently had the advantage

Boxiana

Twentieth. — Molineaux made the most of himself, and brought his opponent down by boring and hitting.

Twenty-first. — Cribb planted two blows upon the head and body of his opponent, which Molineaux returned by a desperate blow in Cribb's face ; when they closed, and the Champion was thrown. The well-known bottom of Cribb induced his friends to back him six to four.

Twenty-second. — Of no importance.

London Courier - Monday 24 December 1810

Twenty-third Round−When seeing a falling off in the Black, and feeling himself somewhat recovered, he made play and knocked his man down for the first time for several rounds.

Pancratia

23d — In this round Crib perceiving Molineux was falling off, made play and brought him down, the first time for several rounds.

Boxiana

Twenty-third. — The wind of both the combatants appearing somewhat damaged, they sparred some time to recruit it, when Cribb put in a blow on the left eye of Molineaux, which hitherto had escaped milling. The Moor ran in, gave Cribb a severe hit on the body, and threw him heavily.

 

London Courier - Monday 24 December 1810

From the twenty-fourth to the 28th round, bets were considerably reduced; they had been about 4 to 1 on the Black, and now the bets were even.

Pancratia

24th to 28th—Bets considerably reduced; they had been four to one on Molineux, but were now even.

Boxiana

Twenty-fourth. — Molineaux began this round with considerable spirit, and some hits were exchanged, when Cribb was thrown. The betting tolerably even.

Twenty-fifth. — The effects of the last fall operated in some degree upon the feelings of Cribb, from its severity ; yet the Champion endeavoured to remove this impression by making play, and striving (as in the former round) to put in a hit on Molineaux's left eye, but the Moor, aware of the intent, warded it off, and in return knocked down Cribb.

Twenty-sixth. — Both the combatants trying to recruit their wind and strength by scientific efforts. The Champion now endeavoured to hit the right eye of Molineaux, the left having been darkened for some time ; but the Moor warded off the blows of Cribb with agility and neatness, although he went down from a trifling hit.

Twenty-seventh. — Weakness conspicuous on both sides, and, after some pulling and hauling, both fell.

Twenty-eighth. — Cribb received a leveller in consequence of his distance being incorrect.

London Courier - Monday 24 December 1810

Twenty-ninth round was ominons for the Black; he made an effort to get Crib against the ropes, but without effect; neither could he throw him as he had done; after a short rally, he was knocked down by Crib, who seemed more alive and full of confidence than he had been for many rounds before.

Pancratia

29th—Molineux ineffectually endeavoured to get Crib's head under his left arm, and also to throw him, but failed in both ; they rallied, and Crib, who now ap peared to possess more confidence than he had for some rounds, knocked his opponent down.

Boxiana

Twenty-ninth — The Moor was running in with spirit, but the Champion stopped his career by planting a hit upon his right eye, and, from its severe effects, he went down, which materially damaged his peeper. The fate of the battle might be said to be decided by this round.

London Courier - Monday 24 December 1810

Thirtieth Round.− Crib had not certainly the lead, and finding his antagonist could not keep his legs well, stuck to him until he invariably rallied him down.

Pancratia

30th—Crib now again got the lead, and stuck up to his opponent until he fairly rallied him down.

Boxiana

Thirtieth. — If any thing could reflect credit upon the skill and bottom of Cribb, it was never more manifest than in this contest, in viewing what a resolute and determined hero he had to vanquish. Molineaux, in spite of every disadvantage, with a courage and ferocity unequalled, rising superior to exhaustion and fatigue, rallied his adversary with as much resolution as at the commencement of the fight, his nob defying all the milling it had received, that punishment appeared to have no decisive effect upon it, and contending nobly with Cribb right and left, knocking him away by his hits, and gallantly concluded the round by closing and throwing the Champion. The Moor was now convinced that, if he did win, he must do.it off hand, as his sight was much impaired.

London Courier - Monday 24 December 1810

Thirty-first Round, after a short rally, was finished by the Black throwing Crib, but he fell over him in the struggle, by which means he pitched upon his head; and I have heard it from a friend of his, that the hurt he received on this occasion affected him with a giddiness, that he could not stand, and induced him to comminicate to his second (Richman), that he could not longer continue the contest. Richman, however, finding that Crib was also so much exhausted that he could scarcely support himself, encouraged Molineux to try a round of two more; he did so, and, on the termination of the 33d round he fell by an effort to keep his legs; which being termed by Crib's party falling without a blow, the victory claimed in favour of Crib, which would have originated a dispute, had not Molineux again repeated, "I can fight no more."

Crib, no doubt, was delighted at the declaration, but did not treat the spectators with a Somerset, according to custom. No, indeed, all the strength he had left, was insufficient to support him off the ground without assistance.

Pancratia

31st—A short rally; Molineux threw Crib, but in the struggle fell over him and pitched upon his head, which so severely afflicted him, that he could hardly stand ; Richmond, however, prompted him to go on in hopes of Crib's being exhausted.

33d—Molineux fell by an effort to keep his legs; this by Crib's party was called falling without a blow, and a squabble would have ensued, had not Molineux exclaimed, “I can fight no more.” - Crib was greatly elated at such a sound, but was too weak to throw his usual SUMMERSET. The contest lasted 55 minutes.

Boxiana

Thirty-first. — The exertion of this last round operated most forcibly upon Molineaux, and he appeared much distressed on quitting his second, and was soon levelled by a blow in the throat, which Cribb very neatly put in.

Thirty-second.— It was almost who should — strength was fast leaving both the combatants — they staggered against each other like inebriated men, and fell without exchanging a blow.

Thirty-third. — To the astonishment of every spectator, Molineaux rallied with strength enough to bore his man down ; but both their kits were of more show than effect.

Thirty-fourth.— This was the last round that might be termed fighting, in which Molineaux had materially the worst of it; but the battle was continued to the 39th, when Cribb evidently appeared the best man, and, at its conclusion, the Moor for the first time, complained that "he could fight no more!'' but his seconds, who viewed the nicety of the point, persuaded him to try the chance of another round, to which request he acquiesced, when he fell from weakness, reflecting additional credit on the manhood of his brave conqueror, TOM CRIBB.

London Courier - Monday 24 December 1810

Thus terminated a battle which has not been excelled, in point of hitting and execution, for many years; and while the courage and resolution of the lusty Moor have been extolled to the utmost, the merits of Crib, as a bruizer, will not fail to be duly appreciated by the victory he has gained over so inculnerable an opponent. In this last contest, the struggle, I conceive to have been between science and strength. The advantage that Crib had, by his excelling in the former, the Black had, by superiority in the latter. With respect to coolness and bottom, it is but justice to place them on par. Before I saw the Black set to in this last rencontre, I thought him too irritable and hot; but I am convinced that his impetuosity is only a part of that principle upon which he fights, and which, no doubt, would have proved successful against most men. To be a finished boxer, a man must be possessed of a large portion of natural muscular powers, besides other acquirements, the chief of which is, to learn to hit straight, and with a jerk from the shoulder, without which, as Liston would say, "It is all my eye and Betty Martin." The Black is only deficient in this accomplishment. His style of fighting comes near to that of Bully Hooper of Ruffian memory. That battle lasted 55 minutes.

Pancratia

Molineux in this contest proved himself as courageous a man as ever an adversary contended with, and Crib's merits as a pugilists cannot but be duly appreciated by a victory over so tremendous an opponent.

Boxiana

Great events are generally judged of by comparison; and, however severe the conflict might have been between Johnson and Big Ben — this battle betwixt Cribb and Molineaux was not only more formidable in its nature, but more ferocious and sanguinary. Fifty-five minutes of unprecedented milling, before the Moor thought he had had enough!!

 

Pancratia seems to be based on the London Courier account, or from the same source, but Boxiana appears to be an independant account. I find it rather strange that the accounts seem so similar, apart from the controversial part, and the ending. If there are other contemporary accounts it would be great to add them too.
Bareknuckle history meta-thread

 

By some accounts, such as the one on the boxrec wiki, Molyneux knocked out Cribb, and they accused Molyneux of holding a bullet in his hand, and by the time they established he hadn't Cribb was able to fight on, and allowed to do so. But I've not seen this in any contemporary account.

 

24th is when the report was printed, it said it was Tuesday last, or the 18th, Pancratia says it was Tuesday the 18th, though Boxiana claims it was Monday the 10th.

I'm inclined to assume the newspaper is correct, and Egan got the dates mixed up.

Weirdly this says it will happen on Wednessday, but it also says it's yet to happen on the 15th, so it still sorta supports the other paper
The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser 15th December 1810
The great battle betwixt Crib and Molyneux, the American Black, on which the whole sporting attention is devoted, will take place on Wednesday se'nnight, aout 30 miles from London. The pugilists have both been several weeks in training, Crib in Kent, and Molyneux in Hertfordshire.— Crib has been reduced a stone. So great is the attention paid to the objects of this approaching contest, that they are daily visited by patrician bands. Molyneux has received an invitation to shoot and course on a gentleman's park, where he encountered the gamekeeper on Monday last. The latter not being aware of the indulgence given to Molyneux, attempted to take away his piece, but he was saluted with a somerset over the park paling. Molyneux has much improved in training, and he expreses confidence of vanquishing the sturdy champion his adversary.—It is generally allowed that Crib never had a more ugly customer, but there is little doubt that he will give the d—l his due!

 

The accounts of the 10th round still bug me. I dunno, there seems something odd about the mention of national prejudice in one of the accounts, which isn't even mentioned in the others, it also seems oddly vague and defensive.

Tenth Round.−By this time the conceit was pretty well taken out of both the heroes,, and it was not to be wondered at, considering how hard they had fought, and how severly they had been punished. The head of Molineux was predigiously swollen; and if the Moor had been an artist he could not have laid on the black and red with a more regular hand on Crib's face, although Crib might think it might have been down with a more delicate touch. In this, as well as the seven successive rounds, Molineux appeared much the strongest man; he went into Crib, pell well, without standing for repairs, and rallied him at every part of the rin; and when he got him against the ropes, he either threw him, or encircled his neck with his left arm while he fibbed him with his right hand. If this could not be called murder, it was something like manslaughter; for Crib seemed all the same as in a blacksmith's vice. It was here where there was shown a little national prejudice against the Black; but being of a passive nature, he could derive no injury from it; and, to speak inpartially, and for the honour of pugilism, the strictest fair-play was shown to both parties throughout.

10th — The conceit by this time was tolerably well taken out of both combatants ; their heads and faces were hideously disfigured ; Molineux again displayed superiority of strength ; for full two minutes hits were exchanged greatly to the disadvantage of Crib; he, however, at length brought down his opponent.

Tenth. — Molineaux now showed symptoms of weakness; but yet rallied and bored his opponent to various parts of the ring. Cribb kept knocking him about the nob, but he seemed to disregard it, and kept close to his man till they both went down. The Champion now perceived what sort of a customer he had to deal with, and that to win, judgment and caution must be resorted to; he therefore adopted his favourite and successful system of milling on the retreat.

 

I just wish there was another source, like the diary of someone who went there or something.