Harris became a national hero in April 1814 when he arrived in London carrying news of the capitulation of Paris and Napoleon’s abdication. He was reported to have ridden 400 miles (644km) without rest, fighting off attempts by bands of allied soldiers to rob and murder him:
"Captain Harris, who was the bearer of the late glorious dispatches from Paris, experienced considerable difficulties in making his way to the sea coast. He was repeatedly attacked by the Cossacks on his route, although under the protection of a Russian officer and a body of Cossacks… on one occasion Captain Harris was nearly cut down, in spite of the efforts of his friends… his hat was cut to pieces, and this circumstance accounts for his appearing in London with a common Dragoon’s foraging cap… but for the resistance provided by his military collar one of the blows received by Captain Harris could have been fatal."
The Star, April 1814
more here:
https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/waterloo-coatees-provenance-confirmed?utm_source=NAM&utm_medium=Twitter
Русская версия Invision Power Board (http://www.ws.ea7.net)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.ws.ea7.net)