Just a note to let Listers know these "Snippets" are as they appear in the newspaper (except where I have capitalised surnames in mid report). Also unless stated otherwise I have no further information - Saying that I hope there is still something amongst them that will help, interest or even amuse someone. Heather Transcribed by Heather Carbis from The Southern Times published Saturday 12 May 1860 THE "BENICIA BOY" AT PORTLAND.- Considerable excitement was occasioned on Wednesday last, by the report that the redoubtable HEENAN had arrived in the island, and a large number of persons assembled at the Royal Breakwater Hotel, and other places where the illustrious American was to be seen, anxious to obtain a sight of the antagonist of the champion SAYERS, to the great benefit of the proprietors of the various houses. It appears that a person of Heenan's height and physiognomy had attracted attention on his arrival at Weymouth Railway Station by his resemblance to that hero, and a report was rapidly circulated that the "boy" himself was in the town. On is proceeding to Portland by the steamer the news as quickly spread here, and the innocent cause of the sensation was surrounded by admiring crowds who would not believe his earnest protestations that he was not the pugilist, or his name Heenan, but that he had come to join the Convict Establishment, as an assistant warde! r. Such afterwards proved to be the case. (You can read information on Heenan 'Benicia Boy' and Sayers 'Little Wonder' or 'Brighton Boy' here http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/heenan.htm) I transcribe for FreeCen. Interested? Check Out the Website - http://freecen.rootsweb.com __________________________________________________________________________ Join Freeserve http://www.freeserve.com/time/ Winner of the 2003 Internet Service Providers' Association awards for Best Unmetered ISP and Best Consumer Application.