POETRY OF THE PRIZE RING - Three or four weeks ago we published the bellicose ballad of some British bard, predicting the utter defeat of John Heenan in the fight for the championship. Happily for our side, the friends of the champion of England have no monopoly of the muses.

HEENAN, IRELAND'S PRIDE

I am a bold American, John Heenan is my name, To fight Tom Sayers, of high renown, Three thousand miles I came, My age is five and twenty, My height is six feet two, And born of Irish parents, Of metal bold and true. So, now, my lads, I'll boldly strive, To gain myself a name, To win and wear the English belt, Three thousand miles I came. So cheer up, you lads of Erin's Isle, And never be dismayed, I'm the son of a true-bred Irishman, And never was afraid; I'll show these English boasting lads, Now I've come over here, How Donnelly conquered Cooper In the county of Kildare. On the sixteenth day of April, Which most of you know, I'll teach brave Tommy how to box, When with him toe to toe; If fortune should but favor me, Which I have but little doubt, I'll silence all those boasting lads, And stop the lion's mouth. The stars and stripes of America, Shall never be put to shame; Right manfully I'll strive my boys, The colors of Old England, Which long have borne the sway, And British boxing both must fade, Upon that glorious day. It's not for brave Tom's gold, my boys, That I've come here to fight, For all his hard-won honors, Have no pleasure in my sight; But to gain a lasting name, my boys, And let Old England know, It's a pleasure in J. Heenan's breast, To help a fallen foe. In a twenty-four rope ring, my boys, Before my noble foe, With youth and strength upon my side, I cannot call a "go;" I've a giant's power in my arm, Brave Tom he must give in, And as friendly as I enter it, So I will leave the ring. So now my song is ended, I've nothing more to say, But I'm sure to beat your champion, Should I receive fair play; And if he'll sail away with me, Across the Atlantic sea, I'll try to heal the wound I've made, Through his lost victory.

SPECIAL NOTICE

THE GREAT FIGHT BETWEEN TOM SAYERS AND HEENAN, FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD

_ A SPECIAL EDITION OF WILKES SPIRIT OF THE TIMES will be published on the arrival of Mr. Wilkes' account of the Fight, containing a full and exclusive account of the great international encounter. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ 100,000 COPIES _ Will be ready for Delivery within Six Hours after the arrival of the steamer bringing the news. Agents will please order early to insure a supply. _ N.B. - our Extra will contain the histories of the men, and the splendid likenesses of each which have appeared in our paper.

WILKES SPIRIT OF THE TIMES APRIL 7, 1860

TOM HYER AND YANKEE SULLIVAN
TOM TYLER AND JACK SULLIVAN
LETTER FROM TOM SAYERS
LETTER FROM A FRIEND OF HEENAN
LETTER FROM BIRTHPLACE OF HEENAN

Historic boxing newspapers and articles.