Note 43 — Chapter III · TOM CANNON, “THE GREAT GUN OF WINDSOR” (CHAMPION)—1824–1827.

The following we find in the Weekly Dispatch of the Sunday which announces Tom’s engagement:—

“So the nobs at the Coburg (forgive me the pun)

Are about to let off, for six nights, a Great Gun:

Tom Cannon, whose backer his prowess espouses.

Is form’d to draw claret, and may draw great houses;

May he make a good ‘hit,’ for the managers’ sake,

If they’re liberal in ‘giving,’ Tom doubtless will ‘take.’

But, jesting apart, may the town aid their plan,

Nor the whole turn out merely a flash in the pan.

“TIMOTHY TRIGGER,

“Gun Tavern.”