February 13, 1818
Mr Usher, clown at the circus, now open in this town, a few evenings ago, in a convivial party of some of his Liverpool friends, offered a bet, which was accepted by Mr. W.P.—-, that he would construct a carriage, in which he would ride, and drive four Tom Cats, from Cabbage-hall to the Circus-door, (a distance of upwards of two miles,) within the space of forty-five minutes, which he has engaged to perform in the course of the present month, without the aid either of an assistant or clock-work to his machine.
We understand he has already constructed the carriage, which has been seen by several persons, and is considered a piece of ingenious workmanship; he has also, it is said, succeeded in training two of the cats.
(Source: Liverpool Mercury: February 13, 1818)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 