The smart money was betting on James Hamill, "the acknowledged champion oarsman of America," when he defended his national rowing title against Walter Brown.

Mr. Hamill, a Pittsburgh resident, was the favorite in the days leading up to the five-mile single-scull contest, The Pittsburgh Gazette reported. The race was run May 21, 1867, on the Monongahela and Ohio rivers.

While Mr. Brown was believed to be a faster oarsman over shorter distances, Hamill "would, by reason of his advantage in 'wind,' or endurance, gain the race," the Gazette said in a May 23 story, recapping the contest.

Mr. Brown, who lived in Portland, Maine, also had faced terrible pre-race publicity. A letter from him became public, "the tone of which seemed to indicate that he had no hope of success. ... Following this, his trainer John Shea, deserted him, and published a card, traducing Brown, charging among other things, that he had made overtures to 'sell the race,' " the Gazette reported on May 22.

"This circumstance, while many doubted the statement, placed Brown in a peculiar position; but he appears to have set himself assiduously to work to win the race at every hazard, and thus to put at rest imputations on his character."

The winner's purse was $2,000, equivalent to about $31,000 in 2008. In addition, Mr. Hamill, "in excess of confidence, had laid wagers on the result to the extent of three to one" -- the champion was betting on himself, according to the Gazette.

"Perhaps the most exciting event that Pittsburgh has seen for many a day transpired yesterday afternoon on the bosom of the Monongahela, when the great aquatic contest between Hamill and Brown ... took place," the Daily Post said on May 22. Its front-page headlines told of "INTENSE EXCITEMENT, "40,000 People Present," "THE INAUSPICIOUS WEATHER" and "Too Much Water for a Boat Race."

The Gazette on that same day described "ocular evidence of the interest taken in the race."

"Many of our citizens in the different manufacturing establishments, forming a considerable proportion of the foreign element, 'knocked off work' for the day, and collected about the wharf."

The start had been announced for 2 p.m., but storms delayed it until a little before 4 p.m. "The multitudes assembled on the river's bosom, the shores, the housetops and the bridge now gave way to all the enthusiasm they had treasured up for the race. Cheers long and loud rolled up, and uniting with the demonical steam screeches of the score of wicked little tow boats ... the noise and wild confusion of sounds approached the terrible."

Shortly after the race started, Mr. Brown pulled ahead by inches, then "soon put nearly a full boat length between himself and Hamill."

The half-way marker was a buoy in the Ohio River. "There Brown turned with rare scientific ability, and was followed in as good style by Hamill," the newspaper said. "Both appeared to be fresh and lively as they entered upon the HOME STRETCH."

"Hamill kept his boat in a faultless line ... and gradually gained a little upon Brown." But he was unable to pull ahead.

His supporters claimed that Mr. Brown was "purposely 'zigzagging' in order to keep Mr. Hamill from passing him."

"Our reporter failed to discover anything particularly wrong with Brown's action in that respect," the Gazette said.

The boats were still very close when at "Lorenz's Glass Works, a little below the Point, unaccountably Hamill dropped out of the race and Brown kept manfully on, being feebly cheered as he neared the Monongahela wharf ..."

"The people were disappointed; they had a natural local pride in 'Jimmy' and seemed disappointed that he had lost the race."

"The time was exceedingly poor, 46 minutes 50 seconds, but this may be accounted for by the rough state of the water, and not from the lack of abilities of the successful sculler."

When Mr. Hamill arrived back at the starting line, about 15 minutes later, he complained to his supporters that Brown had fouled him.

The race referee, C.P. Caughey, was unable to reach a decision on Mr. Hamill's challenge that afternoon, and the newspapers reported he would meet with a judge representing each side the next morning.

"After having received the fullest testimony available on both sides concerning the alleged 'foul' ... and having carefully and impartially weighed and compared all the facts present, I have decided the race in favor of Walter Brown, and all interested will govern themselves accordingly," Mr. Caughey ruled in a decision reported May 23 in the Gazette.

Mr. Brown, however, was not present to enjoy his victory. "We learned last evening that Brown departed on the night train for the east, and also that his departure was hastened through fear of personal violence," the Gazette said on May 22. "We cannot believe there was good ground" for his sudden leave-taking.