From the February 16, 1852 Brooklyn Daily Eagle:

“Last evening, about 8 o’clock, a row occurred between some parties who were making themselves drunk in the liquor store of Henry Briordy, in Stewart’s Alley, Front Street, in which one of the combatants had his ear completely bitten off, and his head and face beautifully minced. The man who lost his ear, who is named James Mullen, had some angry words with a lighterman who manages a boat on the East River, and blows were exchanged between them; but it did not amount to much and the boatman left, while Mullen remained in the rum shop. Soon after a man named Pat McGinnis, who witnessed the scene accused Mullen of meanness. An altercation commenced with the parties inviting each other to the street to settle the differences. The wife of McGinnis offered material aid to her husband by striking Mullen on the head with a club, while her husband bit one of his ears completely off. This morning Justice King fined McGinnis $25, and his wife, who is a good, mild looking woman, was fined $15.”