ANGLO CELT - March 24, 1853 --------------------------------------------- COCK-FIGHTING. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ANGLO-CELT. DEAR SIR -- From time immemorial the abominable practice of cock-fighting has prevailed to a great extent in this neighbourhood ; and as Easter Monday is the day, above all others, chiefly set apart for this cruel and degrading amusement, I thought it might be useful to some of your readers were I to mention an anecdote connected with this abominable practice, which is probably not generally known. I do not mean to draw distinction between vices, and condemn cock fighting, whilst I would overlook horse-racing or any other description of gambling, attended as they all are by the development of every evil passion ; but the taste for cock fighting prevails to a great degree in this neighbourhood, and is attended with great cruelty. I trust the following anecdote may be the means, under God, of inducing many to give up a practice so much at variance with every rational and manly feeling. In the Gentleman's Magazine for 789(sic), the following record will be found -- "Died, April 4th, at Tottenham, John Ardesoif, Esq., a young man of large fortune, who was rivalled(sic) by few country gentlemen in the splendour of his carriages and horses ' his table was that of hospitality, where it may be said he sacrificed too much to conviviality ; but, if he had his foibles, he had his merits also, that few outweighed." "Mr. Ardesoif was very fond of cock-fighting, and possessed a favourite cock on which he had won many profitable matches. The lat bet he made on this cock he lost, which so enraged him that he had the bird tied to a spit and roasted alive before a large fire. The screams of the miserable animal were so affecting that some gentlemen who were present attempted to interpose, which so increased Mr. Ardesoif's anger that he seized a poker, and with the most furious vehemence declared that he would kill the first man who interfered ; but in the midst of his passionate asseverations he fell down dead upon the spot. Such we are assured were the circumstances which attended the death of this great pillar of humanity." Yours truly, WM. P. MOORE Cavan, March 21st, 1853. ==================================================== County Cavan Newspaper Transcription Project