Major Thorp, of New York, backer of William L. Ainsworth, sought out Homer Lane and proffered to arrange a contest with him for the sum of $500 a side and the American Collar-And-Elbow Championship, to take place three weeks from May 11, 1868, within the limits of New York, New York. Harry Hill, the financial agent of Lane, promptly accepted the terms proposed, $50 was immediately deposited by each party, articles of agreement signed, and today agreed upon for the final payment of the balance of the stakes. The match will be collar-and-elbow and the best 2 out of 3 falls. It has been determined that the match shall to an extent be of a private nature, each party being restricted to the admission of fifty friends, a method that will secure impartiality.

The match between William L. Ainsworth and Homer Lane for the sum of $500 to $2,000(reports vary) a side and the American Collar-And-Elbow Championship is set to take place on June 1 or 8(reports vary), 1868.