Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Badcock, John
BADCOCK, JOHN (fl. 1816–1830), a sporting-writer, whose birth and death are alike unknown, published between 1816 and 1830, under the pseudonyms of 'Jon Bee' and 'John Hinds,' a variety of works on pugilism and the turf. When he issued in 1823 his 'Slang, a Dictionary of the Turf, the Ring, the Chase,' and other similar amusements, the preface to which contains much information on previous compilations in the same field, he described himself as editor of the 'Fancy,' 'Fancy Gazette,' and the 'Living Picture of London.' 'The Fancy, or True Sportsman's Guide; authentic Memoirs of Pugilists,' came out in monthly parts, beginning April 1821, and was sold in two volumes in 1826. The 'Fancy Gazette' was a part of 'The Annals of Sporting and Fancy Gazette,' thirteen volumes of which were published between 1822 and 1828. The 'Living Picture of London' was compiled by Badcock as a guide to its condition in the year 1818, and a similar volume was produced by him in 1828. From a note in the 'Fancy,' i. 330, it appears that the volume entitled 'Letters from London; Observations of a Russian during a residence in England of ten months,' which purported to be a translation from the original manuscript of 'Oloff Napea, ex-officer of cavalry' (1816), was the production of Badcock. His last work under the signature of 'Jon Bee' was an edition of the 'Works of Samuel Foote, with remarks on each play, and an essay on the life, genius, and writings of the author' (1830), 3 vols.; and from some passages in the essay it would seem that Mr. Badcock was connected with Devon or Cornwall, in both of which counties the name is still common. This supposition is corroborated by the fact that in the 'Gentleman's Magazine,' 1819, pt. i. 618-20, pt. ii. 326, there appeared two letters from him announcing his intention of printing the lives of the celebrated natives of Devon since the time of Prince. The volumes which bear the name of 'John Hinds' relate to the stable. The earliest, 'The Veterinary Surgeon, or Farriery taught on a new and easy plan,' was issued in 1827 and 1829, and reissued at Philadelphia in 1848. It was followed by 'Conversations on Conditioning: the Groom's Oracle,' 1829 and 1830. 'Mr. Hinds' was also credited with editing new editions of W. Osmer's 'Treatise on the Horse,' and C. Thompson's 'Rules for Bad Horsemen,' both of which appeared in 1830. This was the last year in which any work that can be attributed to Badcock was published, and he probably died during its course.
[Thompson Cooper's Biog. Dict.; Works of Badcock.]