The Wilmingtonian, And Delaware Register

Great Combat between Lion Nero and six Dogs for five thousand sovereigns at Warwick.

The great fight between the Lion Nero and six Dogs, took place on the 26th July, in the large yard attached to an uninhabited worsted factory, in the Saltisford, Warwick, belonging to Mr. Tombs, a celebrated sporting gentleman. The place was admirably adapted for such an exhibition, and Mr. Wombwell spared no expense in rendering it perfectly safe for the spectators of the combat.

The dogs were handled by Mr. Edwards, John Jones, and William Davis, assisted by Samuel Wedgebury. 1. Turk—A brown colored dog. 2. Captain—A fallow and white dog, with skew bald face. 3. Tiger—A brown dog with white legs. 4. Nettle—A little brindle bitch, with black head. 5. Rose—A skewbald bitch. 6. Nelson—A white dog, with brindle spots.

At about half past 7 o'clock, the first three dogs were let loose, through a small hole, (which only could admit of the dogs entrance) and dropped them on a plank, that lowered them upon the floor of the den. Nero on beholding his antagonists became uncommon ferocious, and roared in such a manner that he could be distinctly heard at the far end of Warwick. He met his antagonists in every direction—neither of them could take hold of any part of his body. (At this time the side of the yard near the race course was broke down by the inhabitants of Warwick, who instantly rushed in, and carriages were overturned in all directions.

After Nero having now winded about 15 minutes, Turk, Captain and Nettle were let loose. Nero seized Turk by the jaws, and immediately crushed his head to atoms and the blood gushed forth in streams; Nero dropped this defeated victim to clear his mouth of the blood. Nettle immediately flew at the head of Nero, who shook her off, and struck her with his paw. She next flew at him and pinned him by the belly. She again let loose, and seized him by the fore right leg, when Nero turned tail, and did not offer to make any resistance, consequently the dogs were proclaimed victorious about a quarter before 9 o'clock.

There has not been a Lion and Dog fight in this country since the reign of King James the 2d. Nero is upwards of five years of age, and was whelped in Scotland, and a finer animal we have scarcely ever seen. The dogs who fought were of the true bull dog breed.

Previous to the occurrence of this disgusting and cruel exhibition, the following letter was addressed to the owner of the lion by a member of the Society of Friends. Of course, as the London editor remarks, addressed to such a quarter it produced no effect—but it does infinite credit both to the head and heart of the writer, and contains every thing that, to honourable and feeling men, need be said upon the subject:

"Friend—I have heard with a great degree of horror, of an intended fight between a lion that has been exhibited by thee, consequently has long been under thy protection, and six bull dogs. I feel impelled to write to thee on the subject, and to entreat thee I believe in Christian love, that, whatever may be thy hope of gain, by this very cruel and very disgraceful exhibition, thou wilt not proceed." Remember that they are God's creatures, and we are informed by the Holy Scriptures, that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without his notice; and as this very shocking scene must be to gratify a spirit of cruelty, as well as a spirit of gambling—for it is asserted that large sums of money were wagered on the event of the contest—it must be marked with Divine displeasure. Depend upon it that the Almighty will avenge the sufferings of his tormented creatures on their tormenters; for although he is a God of love, he also is a God of justice; and I believe that no deed of cruelty has ever passed unpunished. Allow me to ask thee how thou wilt endure to see the noble animal thou hast so long protected, and which has been in part the means of supplying thee with the means of life, mangled and bleeding before thee? It is unmanly, it is mean and cowardly to torment any thing that cannot defend itself—that cannot speak to tell its pains and sufferings—that cannot ask for mercy. Oh, spare thy poor lion the pangs of such a death as may perhaps, be his—save him from being torn to pieces—have pity on the dogs that may be torn by him. Spare the horrid spectacle—spare thyself the sufferings that I fear will yet reach thee if thou persist—show a noble example of humanity. Whoever has persuaded thee to expose thy lion to the chance of being torn to pieces, or of tearing other animals, are far beneath the brutes they torment—are unworthy the name of men, of rational creatures. Whatever thou mayest gain by this disgraceful exhibition, will, I fear, prove like a canker worm amongst the rest of thy substance. The writer of this most earnestly entreats thee to refrain from the intended evil, and to protect the animals in thy possession from all unnecessary suffering. The practice of benevolence will afford thee more true comfort than the possession of thousands. Remember, that he who gave life did not give it to be the sport of cruel man; and that he will assuredly call man to an account for his conduct towards his dumb creatures. Remember also, that cowards are always cruel, but the brave love mercy, and delight to save. With sincere desire for the preservation of thy honour, as a man of humanity, and for thy happiness and welfare, I am thy friend,

S. HOARE."