Explaining Primus Fisticuffs. Sullivan, Lane, Hyer, Lilly, and McCoy.

If you want a summary without all the reading just skip to the

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bit.

Primus is a band, Fisticuffs is a song on their Brown Album. It'd be difficult, for me, to place the genre but it's somewhere in the world of psyche or prog rock I think.

This is my second attempt at this thread. I'm not sure what happened to the first, but if you read the first and noticed something I missed in this version please let me know and I'll vet and edit. Unfortunately I hadn't saved the post prior to it being removed just some notes so this one may be slightly different.

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They found James Ambrose dead in his cell,
A gaping gash in his arm had drained him down to hell.
No one knew for sure if Ambrose was his name.
They called him Yankee Sullivan in early days of fame.
He'd known the game of fisticuffs had always treated him right.
But no one knew the men who came and took his life that night.




Yanke Sullivan a.k.a. James Ambrose a.k.a. Frank Murray was arrested and jailed without reason by the San Francisco Vigilance Committee on May 26th 1856 and was found dead in his cell from a knife wound the arm that severed his brachial artery. Curiously I never found a report that said which arm. It's not very important I just always thought it was interesting the records show exactly where he was cut, just above the elbow, and how deep with the aforementioned artiry, but not which arm. There would be public speculation about the motive for Sullivan’s death. Speculation included suicide believed to be caused by a fear that he would be deported to Sydney, Australia where he escaped in 1838, or that he had confessed to elections fraud with ballot stuffing and feared reprisal from those he implicated, or that he thought his nightmares about being hanged would come true by morning, or that he had been murdered by Vigilance Committee guards in a cover-up. While there was never any official reason given for the arrest The 1842 killing of Thomas McCoy always tainted and followed Sullivan who had been convicted of manslaughter for the death and He was sentenced to two years in state prison for his involvement in the promotion of the fight before being pardoned by the governor on the understanding that he would not fight again in his natural life and would pay a $200 fine. The fight between Billy Mulligan and Sullivan must have been a factor since both were seized the same day by the vigilantes. The Daily Alta mocked that both were detained for being fighters with little other reason. More on the death of of McCoy in a bit.




He'd spent some time in botany bay atoning for his sins.
He fought a bout with hammer lane and took a tainted win.
He was the hero of the Bowery, a prince of lawless times.
Then was battered by the butcherman in 1849.
He knew the game of fisticuffs, he knew the game of might.
But no one knew the men who came and took his life one night.
He knew the game of fisticuffs.



In Yankee's early days he was sent to Botany Bay Australia. Reports are very vague only saying he caused political trouble in his native Ireland with his fists. 1838 he escaped and arrived in America on a ship called Hamilton making his home in a district of lower Manhattan in New York City associated with flophouses and rowdies. ... I know ****in' rowdies wtf, but the source word play was so funny to me I had to leave it. He made his living as a prizefighter and a political enforcer.

James Sullivan vs. 'Jack' Hammer Lane 2/2/1841 LOCATION: London, England – PRIZE: 50 pounds a side – ODDS: they began 2-1 on Lane; 3-1 on Lane at fight time.

James Sullivan became “Yankee” Sullivan following this fight. It appears he gained the nickname because he claimed to be an American so the English media began referring to him as ‘Yankee’ instead of James. Bell’s Life (2/7/1841): “With regard to Sullivan, he is unknown in the pugilistic circles; but he is stated to be a Yankee; but we are inclined to believe he is an Easterner; like Jim Ward, of Irish parents…. Lane displayed a playful Devil-may-care confidence, while Sullivan was as grave as a mustard pot, and looked as fierce as a Deviled kidney.”

Before I begin I should point out for any reading who doesn't know, in London Prize Ring Rules rounds are downs not timed. A common tactic to end a round without getting injured was flopping which is what it sounds like. Some floppers would even kick their legs around in a flailing sort of fashion to cause gashes in their opponent's legs with their steel cleeted footware. I should also point out I'm not skipping rounds on purpose I've just never found a source for some of them. Not even an unreliable source. Boxing was largely informal in America and very much illegal. Finally seconds are what you'd imagine; trainers, bottle holders, cutman, ectera, but not necisarily the fighters head trainer or main coach.

ROUNDS 1-5: There are no knockdowns. Every round concludes with Lane throwing Sullivan to ground or slipping to the ground himself. Sullivan has surprised the spectators with the better blocks and a left that repeatedly lands…. “Loud cheers for the Yankee.”…. Lane injured his right arm in the 3rd round which appears to be an increasing disability. ROUND 6: Lane has been smiling and laughing throughout. Sullivan blocks a left punch…. “(Lane) made a feint with his left, and succeeded in planting slightly with his right on Sullivan’s pimple, which he followed up, after another cunning dodge, by his visitation from his left. Sullivan, nothing daunted, followed him up to the corner, caught his left hand with his right, and with his left gave him a whack on the chops.”…. Lane replies with punches blocked by the point of Sullivan’s elbows. These are the sort of punches that injure the offensive aggressor. Sullivan has been ordered to stop with open hand blows. With Lane’s closed right fist, injured, hitting the sharp elbow point exasperates the pain and injury…. Lane continues with left jabs. The round concludes with Sullivan throwing Land to ground and falling atop him.

ROUND 7: Lane’s right arm remains limp at his side…. “And at once commenced fighting with his left. He jobbed Sullivan dreadfully on the snout, from whence he drew lots of claret; he repeated the same dose in quick succession three or four times; from the rapidity, force, and straightness of the blows (Sullivan unable to stop them), the hits were terrific, and severe cuts on the brow and cheeks followed the previous visits on the nose, the Yankee exhibiting a woeful spectacle, bleeding most profusely.”…. Sullivan has been encouraged to be more aggressive. Sullivan must be displaying creative footwork because he sort of stalks and retreats with great caution. The round concludes with Lane slipping to ground. Lane continues to laugh while insisting he can win with one arm.

ROUND 8: Lane continues to land with his left jab to face and body. The hand speed is too much for Sullivan to defend. Lane continues to laugh, and once again, slips to ground.

ROUND 10: The tide is slowly turning toward Sullivan. His defense is to patiently wait while blocking the left jab. Lane appears to be tiring. He must throw a single left jab and back.

ROUND 12: The advantage is with Sullivan as he waits for his one one-armed foe to wear down. Sullivan would be losing a 21st century 12 round ‘points’ boxing contest. But a 19th century bare-knuckle fight-to-the-finish has Sullivan slowly dominate. Lane is beginning to ‘slip’ to ground intentionally.

ROUND 17: Lane’s strategy of one left jab, backing with an intentional fall to ground receives shouts of “Foul” from Sullivan’s seconds.

ROUND 19: Lane warily, tentatively begins the round. Sullivan becomes the offensive aggressor. Lane lands a left jab. Sullivan anticipated as he counters with a hard punch “in the old spot” which knocks Lane to ground…. Sullivan bounces on fresh legs to prove he can continue many rounds. Lane’s seconds concede defeat after 34 minutes. Bells’ Life: “Sullivan proved himself a greater adapt than was anticipated, and from the patience with which he sustained the severe punishment which he received, he is entitled to the character of a perfect ‘glutton’; and considering it was his first appearance in the English ring, he is entitled to every praise.”

 

Yankee Sullivan vs. Tom "The Butcherman" Hyer 2/07/1849 LOCATION: Kent county, Maryland. RULES: 24 foot roped ring. 30 seconds between rounds. Sullivan is 35 years-old, 5 ’10 ½, 155 pounds. Hyer is 29 years-old, 6’2 ½, 185 pounds.

ROUND 1: Hyer stands tall with upper region slightly bent forward. Hyer is defensive and patient. Sullivan aggressively rushes forward with a left to head – misses. Hyer deceives with a short, feint left. Hyer follows with a hard right that lands to forehead. Sullivan attempts to counter with punches – ineffective. Sullivan rushes Hyer with a clinch. To the surprise of everyone the smaller Sullivan cannot throw Hyer to the ground. Sullivan exerts his wrestling throw more than once as Hyer stands firm…. New York Police Gazette (2/10/1849): “In its fierce agitations, the spectators, who stood in an outer ring of plank laid over the snow some feet distance from the ropes of the arena, involuntarily rushed forward and swarmed against the ropes.”Hyer gains an upper wrestling hold – throws Sullivan to the ground and falls a top his foe…. “Shouts of the most terrific joy went up for Hyer. The depression of Sullivan’s friends was equal in degree, and they began to get an inkling they had underrated their opponent.”

ROUND 2: Sullivan slightly bleeds from the earlier forehead punch. Hyer cleverly steps to an upper area slope that blinds the sun into Sullivan’s eyes. Sullivan steps forward and lands a hard right to Hyer’s left eye. The pugilists exchange punches…. The pace slows a bit with Sullivan feints while Hyer steps away…. Sullivan steps forward with a couple body shots that land. Hyer lands a half-uppercut right to eye. Hyer lands another right punch to Sullivan’s left eye – blood spurts. Sullivan rushes Hyer to clinch but is unable to throw his larger opponent. Hyer slowly twists Sullivan to ground – falls a top foe with full weight…. “The hopes of Yankee’s friends were now fading fast, and indeed he seemed impressed himself with the idea that he was overmatched.”

ROUND 3: Sullivan steps forward as he utilizes boxing experience with a feint. Sullivan follows with a right, left that lands to upper region – Hyer knocked backward onto his butt.

ROUND 4: Sullivan the aggressor as he charges forward with a rushed punch that misses. Hyer counters with an open hand slap that misses. Both pugilists have open hands and are ordered to close them into fists…. Hyer misses with a right. Hyer follows with a left which lands to face. Sullivan lands a body punch as he rushes to clinch – Sullivan unable to throw Hyer, and is thrown instead. Hyer falls atop Sullivan with his full weight. Hyer remains a top Sullivan several seconds. Sullivan’s people shout “foul”, but the referee determines Hyer’s behavior is fair.

ROUND 5: Sullivan remains the aggressor with wild, rushed punches to head that are stopped. Sullivan is careless and leaving himself exposed as he attempts a body punch. Hyer easily lands a hard right punch to left eye that knocks Sullivan to one knee…. “Hyer rushed forward to hit again, but checking himself, he raised his hands as if being afraid of being tempted to a foul blow, and moving backwards, turned towards his corner.”…. Sullivan unexpectedly rises and rushes Hyer’s back. Hyer turns and grabs Sullivan while forcing him to ground. Hyer believes he has been fouled, but withdraws his complaint.

ROUND 6: Sullivan remains the aggressor on slightly shaky legs. Sullivan rushes with both pugilists trading punches. Hyer’s physical strength dominate as his punches knock Sullivan backward onto the ropes. Hyer twists Sullivan backward over the ropes. Sullivan desperately attempts to punch, but Hyer throws him to ground. Hyer falls onto Sullivan with his greater weight – presses his arm to neck – lays on the pinned Sullivan several seconds. Hyer rises while pushing off Sullivan’s neck. Sullivan’s seconds unsuccessfully shout, “Foul.”

ROUND 7: Sullivan is exhausted with heavy breaths. Blood flows from Sullivan’s left eye. Hyer patiently places himself on upper slope as he defensively awaits his foe. Sullivan is not learning his lesson – foolishly steps forward with aggressive, weak punches until Hyer throws him to ground.

ROUND 8: Both pugilists have swollen eyes. Sullivan presses forward as the aggressor. Hyer feints with left and lands a hard right – blood spurts from Sullivan’s left eye. Sullivan attempts to rush forward. Hyer easily throws Sullivan to ground – falls on his smaller, tired foe – forces his upper body onto Sullivan’ face as both lay on ground. Sullivan’s seconds shout “foul” again with their pugilist pinned and unable to move…. “ ‘Time’ came round quick at this ‘call’ as much of the thirty seconds was consumed while the men were on the ground.”

ROUND 9: Sullivan’s face and eye is grotesquely distorted. Hyer senses victory and for the first time is the aggressor. Sullivan fairs better as the defender, but the results are the same. Hyer throws Sullivan to ground and falls onto him.

ROUND 15: “As Sullivan came up and attempted to hit out, he slipped; Hyer rallied him to the ropes, hitting him right and left in the pursuit, and bending him again over the ropes. During this struggle (Hyer) caught (Sullivan’s) arm, and bending it backwards in its socket, gave it a wrench that must have caused the most amazing pain; (Hyer) then clinched and threw (Sullivan) to the ground and fell upon him as before.”

ROUND 16: Sullivan is a beaten man that should not continue. Sullivan limps forward with a trembling left arm raised. Hyer ignores defense and steps forward with a right, left combo that lands to face. Hyer aggressively pushes Sullivan backward into ropes. Sullivan attempts to struggle, but Hyer overpowers with a wrestling throw to ground. Hyer falls onto his defeated foe. Sullivan attempts to wrap with his left leg. Hyer rises to feet. Sullivan is assisted to feet, but staggers backward onto ropes and falls to ground. Sullivan cannot rise as his seconds surrender their fighter. Shouts then went up for the victor, and the party commenced unthreading the stakes of their halyards, for the voyage back.

Did Tom Hyer cheat to defeat Yankee Sullivan? The tactic of Hyer falling a top a fallen foe had been a regular feature of the English Prizering for 100+ years. Italian bare-knuckle separated punching and wrestling as sports. American bare-knuckle tended to follow the lead of England and its rules. Hyer pushed the envelope by remaining a top his foe for an extended period. Hyer had signed onto a “stand up” fight so he may have broken the intent by strategizing much of the physical action from the ground. Sullivan initially ordered no one to pay their gambling losses due to excessive Hyer fouls, but The Tree Sun published a concession several days later: “Sullivan seems to have thought better of the affair, and acknowledged beat. It is claimed that Hyer played ‘foul’ in remaining too long on his man when down, but the judges decided otherwise, and there is no appeal from this court of last resort.”

Tom Hyer was arrested on the morning of February 9th in Philadelphia. A crowd quickly formed around the courthouse where Hyer appeared before Judge Parsons.Hazelhurst was his counsel but Hyer chose to speak for himself. He admitted to the fight but insisted that Sullivan provoked it by insulting his mother among other antics: “I have been followed from city to city by Sullivan, for the purpose of provoking a fight.” Judge Parsons informed the pugilist he was being charged with assault and battery upon Sullivan. Judge Parson ordered trespass arrests for the many spectators surrounding the courthouse if they did not disperse. Hyer agreed to a Maryland extradition. Police had attempted to capture Yankee Sullivan but he proved elusive. By March 3rd it was over as Hyer returned to New York City for a hero’s welcome. A sign was placed on the Park Row tavern in which he was a proprietor proclaiming Hyer as the “American Champion.”

 

Lilly and McCoy were shy of a hundred and forty pounds.
In 1842 they went a hundred and eighteen rounds.
They begged McCoy to cash it in, he said that he would not.
Got up and fought one more round then died right on the spot.
He knew the game of fisticuffs, he knew the game of fight.
But no one knew the game would come and take his life that night



Christopher Lilly vs. Thomas McCoy (9/13/1842) LOCATION: Hastings, New York. Lilly is 23 years-old and weighs 140-145 pound. McCoy is 22 years-old and weighs 137 pounds.

Vermont Phoenix (9/23/1842): “The first time I heard of a call to take him out of the ring, was at round 86, after they had fought (45 minutes)…. Just as round 93 commenced, some person outside the ring cried out,‘Lilly don’t give him any time, strike for his head.’ At round 101 a conversation passed between the two men who were fighting; Lilly said to McCoy, ‘I can start at the same rate one after another, and whip Jim Sandford when I am done.’…. At round 106, someone cried out, ‘Christ! Lilly knock his eyes out – hit him on the nose, that is the spot.’…. At the 116th round, in which McCoy threw Lilly by main strength and fell on him, and while he was down he patted Lilly on the head. At the 117th round both of McCoy’s eyes were nearly closed, but by an effort he opened the left eye and made a pass at Lilly who parried it, and they both fell. Cries of, ‘Shame, shame, take him away,’

Round 119: “McCoy was lifted up heavily from his second’s knee, and stood on his feet for the last time. He was led slowly to the mark, and took his position…. They both sparred cautiously; McCoy leading off, as ever, and making two or three good efforts to get in without success. Lilly then rushed in, closed and threw him very hard, fell with his whole weight upon him, and remained upon McCoy until lifted off. On approaching McCoy he was found to be perfectly inanimate, and sank lifeless in his second’s arms. Time was called. As soon as he had been declared the victor, Lilly jumped up, slapped his hands with an exclamation of joy, and then amid the cheers of his circle, sprang over the ropes of the ring. He was but little marked, and not severely hurt. McCoy lay upon his back, his face and neck one bruised…. Gasping for breath…. His bloated lips far back in his mouth. In the next moment he ceased to breathe.”

Lilly was of course wanted in connection to the manslaughter, but he successfully fled to England, while as you know Yankee was captured, sentenced, and pardoned by gov. William H. Seward.

New-York Daily Tribune (9/15/1842): “After the fateful termination of the fight Lilly, the murderer of McCoy, fled up the hill near the fighting-ground, and thence proceeded up the Hudson on the steamboat Indiana and escaped. Several defendants are on trial simultaneous. With Christopher Lilly having successfully fled to England the most prominent defendant is Yankee Sullivan. It is not obvious, (in?) 1842, if there are rules or conduct involved with this ‘imported’ form of violent sport. It is not true that recent foreigners are responsible for the birth of pugilism in America. The foreigners are presented as mostly Irish, but also other Europeans that arrived in America to commit violent crime. Catholicism becomes an issue since priests want to ensure the rights of the accused – several of whom are from a Catholic background."


Alright, that were grissly, but let's recap in chronological order just in case y'all didn't get the narrative so well. Also, serves as a good summary for those who don't like reading but are a bit interested, and gives me a chance to add a bit of information I didn't find a way to work in before.

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VC: http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/31/34/62/6671530/6/920x920.jpg (sorry, dunno how to post an image yet otherwise I'd have the fighter's images all over the thread.)

Thanks as always for having a look. Hope y'all find it interesting. The only real source I used for this one was Bare Knuckle by Christopher James Shelton. To me Yankee is one of the baddest dudes to never hold a belt. I'll cover his 'fight' with Morrissey next.

 

The word cap is killing me.

 

Bump. I didn't reread this to make sure present me still agrees with past me, but Bits brought up Yanks so i'm bumping. If you've an issue with any section lemme know and I'll look at it explicitly.