The New Brunswick Reporter, November 11, 1870

James Renforth, the stroke of the Tyne champion four, has cause to be published in the columns of the sporting press of England, the communications which appears below, the original of which has been sent to Robert Fulton, and has doubtless been received by him ere this. It would have been much more satisfactory to the friends of both crews had the proposition of the St. John men for a second race, while their conquerors were in this country, been accepted, which, all excuses to the contrary, we are confident they might easily have done without suffering pecuniary loss worth mentioning, or inconveniencing themselves materially. Yet, as it was not accepted, we trust that another race may be arranged upon the terms offered in the following challenge:

SIR CHARLES NAPIER INN, QUEEN ST.,

NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE

October 13, 1870

Dear Sir, - We received your telegram with reference to a new match when just upon the eve of our departure from Canada. We had sustained disappointments in our previous efforts to arrange another race, and all our affairs being settled for the journey home when we received your message, we did not think it prudent in delay our departure upon the chance of being able to come to terms with you. It would appear, however, that yourself and friends are really anxious for another match with the Tyne champion crew, and I am quite willing to do all in my power to help forward to proposed race. With the object in view I advance the following proposition as the basis or articles:- We are willing to come out to St. John, New Brunswick, to row a six mile turing race upon the river, for a stake of £500 sterling, or over, receiving £200 for expenses: or we will give your crew - the Paris crew of St. John - £200 expenses to come to the Tyne to row a six mile for a stake of £500 or over. In case of making a match to be rowed either on the Tyne or at St. John, neither party will be tied to bring the same to the starting point, and the same articles as were drawn up for the match at Lachine might serve in most respects as models for another competition. Believing, from what I read and hear, that your townspeople are desirous of giving your crew another trial against us, we will be glad to listen to any reasonable proposals from you with respect to a race. If you will draw u particles and forward them to me at Sir Charles Napier Inn, Queen Street, Newcastle, I will at once sign them if satisfactory, and if not will correct and return. I may add that we have no objections to row in the spring or autumn at St. John, and in case you think of coming over to England to row, we are willing to row at any time. Trusting soon to hear from you upon the subject, I remain yours truly.

JAMES RENFORTH

Champion Sculler of England.

Mr. Robert Fulton, St. John, N.B.