26 August 1871
Been awhile since last entry. Much happened. Still standing, that’s what’s important.
Rusty Naill and all assorted defeated. Is it possible? Notice to self: Never Underestimate schemi planning skills of the ladies.Keep looking over my shoulder for Malloy associate to give payback, but for naught. Joy.
Had real fight, remembered it differently than papers. Maws a good fighter, but talks insane during fight. Too many odd things happen. One point, thought he stopped match to give demonstration of right cross… I know a right cross. I love the right cross… could not have forgotten? I started saying things too, got more strange ramblings from him. Finally thought he’d finish me, when I found strength. He must have been delirious, was talking about a “punctuation error” right before I socked him.
Went to a gentry party. Seemed as if I were sleepwalking. Lt. Wooster in some trouble, poor sod.
29 August 1871
Birthday. 28 years old. Mrs. Ploppy made some of the rolls that
I love with supper tonight. Feller upstairs still a prat.
Lt. Wooster out of some trouble, poor sod. Haha.
7 September 1871
Visited by three gents about boxing this week. Lots of talk abou the trials going on. Little else.
17 September 1871
The son of an Irish Catholic braved entering a Souper church today for the benefit of a christening of two beautiful children. May they always know joy. The roof did not cave in and I’m still standing.
Poor Jimmy Maws, even he can’t avoid the grip of the rag writers in this city.
1 October 1871
Rusty Nail and others sentenced to death. Can’t say that I’m disappointed, but something seems wrong in it all.
Little else happening.
11 October 1871
Saw Mr. Graham’s play this week. Cracking good.
Papers playing up temperance bilge again. Suppose they end the public houses, what next then? If I can’t sing a song and have a good row at a publick, then perhaps I should in the Parliament!
12 October 1871
(Curator's note: Entry not coded)
Bugger their ink pumping HEARTS! Yet another one. And no word from those thrice damned lawyers at home! Bugger!
15 October 1871
At sea. Perhaps will clear thoughts. More desirable than clearing our collective stomachs. Most party not yet with sea legs, including crew and other naval types. Ones trying to preserve dignity are having the worst go of it.
27 October 1871
Still seem lost here. Don’t know my place. I’ve no longer been a servant for some time now, but not successful enough to be considered a gentleman. Sir Cosmo and the rest have given me my place within this “league”, but things calm enough after the last group. Who else could oppose us? We will be in Africa very soon, perhaps there shall be some adventure there.
1 December 1871
Africa full of wonders. Underway again back to England.
16 December 1871
Back in England at my flat. Enjoyed time with friends greatly, but still feel out of sorts.
My friend, Inspector MacGreggor perhaps not as thick headed as I mentioned earlier. Haha. Good for him.
Will meet with BS for the PP later this week. Should be good for a laugh.
25 December 1871
Another Christmas. Am tired today, perhaps thanks to Edward Elf. Marvelous party last night
Meeting with Benevolent Society quite intriguing, and has given me more engagements for demonstrations. Interesting and stimulated debates concerning “padding” of fists. Still resembles wrapping, and has potential for abuse… but being Gents, they don’t believe that another amongst them would do something dishonorable for sake of winning. Thought that they were experts on boxing. I’ll whip them up to shape soon enough.
6 January 1872
Love is a strange and wonderful thing. Perhaps
a dangerous one too. I wish the Woosters every happiness. And
pray Mrs. Wooster doesn’t run the Lt. through the next time
he angers her. Haha.
13 January 1872
(Entries at this point are [mercifully] no longer coded)
Deep congratulations to the Inspector and Mrs. MacGreggor.
It seems all my friends are off getting married or having babies lately.
23 February 1872
I’m beginning to feel that I should return to the United States. My friends here are all doing quite well. There has been no great danger to them since defeating that last bunch. Exhibitions and speaking engagements for gents interested in Boxing is going well, but not quite satisfying. I am doing well here, but beginning to suspect that I may have accomplished all that I can here in England.
Perhaps to do this I should place my trust elsewhere. It’s all well and good to not have to scrape and bow to keep dry, warm, and fed, but it does require my presence. Perhaps I could make it useful elsewhere. Or it could just be tucked away for a while, without me having to do paperwork every week. I don’t understand any of it anyway. I could then be less comfortable, but more able to pursue endeavors.
The longer I stay here, the more ridiculous things get said about me. And the more ridiculous people who believe things said about me. I need to pay my lawyers and that editor a personal visit. Also, it sounds like Les and Doc Rocket could use my assistance.
This may all take some time to endeavor.
5 March 1872
Lazy day after morning exercises. Played with Owen while Edward tinkered in workshop. Perhaps the smartest dog ever. Still fell for palmed throw-ball a few times.
10 March 1872
“Explosions in Liverpool: Anarchists Suspected” Hahaha Just not those type of Anarchists.
1 April 1872
Fish day. Pulled one over Eldridge, but not particularly satisfying. Not much happening other than usual routine.
4 April 1872
The Copperthwaite’s blessed event happened yesterday, and I have been invited to christening. Blessings be upon all of them.
I think I will wait until the excitement dies
down, and then gently let some of my friends know my current plans.
I do care for all of them deeply.
Proceed to Odd goings
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