Pedestrianism; or, An Account of the Performances of Celebrated Pedestrians During the Last and Present Century.: With a full narrative of Captain Barclay's public and private matches; and an essay on training.Thom, Walter
History
Pedestrianism; or, An Account of the Performances of Celebrated Pedestrians During the Last and Present Century.: With a full narrative of Captain Barclay's public and private matches; and an essay on training.
Thom, Walter
Walking
Bets were from the beginning in his favour, and they rose to two to one
and five to two; but, about eight days before he finished, they were ten
to one on his accomplishing the match, at Tattersal’s, and other sporting
places. On Wednesday morning, (the day he completed the task,) one
hundred guineas to one were offered; but so strong was the confidence of
his success that no bets could be obtained at any odds.
This extraordinary performance was concluded on the 12th of July, at
thirty-seven minutes past three in the afternoon, amidst thousands of
spectators. The multitude who resorted to the scene of action being
unprecedented, not a bed could be procured on the previous night at
Newmarket, Cambridge, or at any of the towns and villages in the
vicinity; and every horse and vehicle were engaged. The influx of
company had so much increased on Sunday, that the expediency of roping
in the ground was suggested; but Capt. Barclay objected to the measure
as indicating too much parade. On Monday, however, the crowd became so
great, and he experienced so much interruption, that he consented to
allow this precaution to be taken, and next morning the workmen began to
rope in the ground.
Among the distinguished company who witnessed the conclusion of this
arduous undertaking, we may include the Dukes of Argyle and St. Alban’s;
Earls Grosvenor, Besborough, and Jersey; Lords Foley and Somerville; Sir
John Lade, and Sir Francis Standish.
* * * * *
The following particulars relative to Capt. Barclay’s state of health,
and other circumstances which occurred during this celebrated walk,
were furnished to the author by a gentleman who attended him from the
commencement, and they are copied from his MS. with perfect fidelity.
This statement, it is hoped, will be found interesting; and the reader
is referred to the authenticated Journal for the TIME of performing EACH
MILE, STATE of the WEATHER, &c. during the whole period of the walk.
* * * * *
First day.--After walking the second mile, Capt. Barclay stript off his
clothes and went to bed: he did not sleep, and perspired profusely.
(Throughout this match, when he went to bed, he always undressed.) He
slept little the first night, and next day nothing particular occurred;
but the weather being very hot, he had a great tendency to perspire after
walking.
Second day.--He slept rather better the second night. At this time, he
did not go to bed during the day, but walked in the streets of Newmarket,
or occasionally rested on a sopha. He was still inclined to perspire.
Third day.--Twelve o’clock noon; in good health.--Twelve at night; slept
well, and still fresh, but much inclined to perspire.
Fourth day.--Twelve, noon; the dust on the road incommoded him much, but
he was still fresh, with a good appetite.--Twelve at night; slept well,
looked fresh, and had no complaint.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Pedestrianism; or, An Account of the Performances of Celebrated Pedestrians During the Last and Present Century.: With a full narrative of Captain Barclay's public and private matches; and an essay on training. — John Shaqi
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