170 The Life of Fred Archer 
Archer received many congratulations, but one he perhaps 
appreciated most was from his old vicar at Prestbury village, 
the Rev. J. Baghot De la Bere, who wrote : 
" Prestbury Vicarage, 
" Cheltenham. 
"June 5, 1881. 
" My Dear Archer, 
" At a time when you are receiving the congratula- 
tions not only of all England but of all America as well, it 
seems unnecessary for me to write and add to the number. 
" But you might suppose me to know nothing and to care 
little about it ; the first may be true, but not the last, for I take, 
and have taken all along, the greatest interest in your wonderful 
career, great skill and ability, receiving such a reward in the 
way of success as I should suppose is without precedent. 
And I write now to offer you my warmest congratulations on 
the past and my best wishes for the future ; and, coming from 
one who has known you all your life, and your mother and her 
father all my life, they may not be unwelcome to you even at 
such a time of universal congratulation. 
" Three years ago I asked your mother if she would give 
me your carte de visite photograph with your autograph at the 
bottom, but at that time of trouble I dare say she forgot all 
about it. If you have one by you, and when you have time 
would send it me, I should value it much. 
" When you next come to Prestbury I hope you will call 
and see me and that I shall be at home. 
" Believe me, with all good wishes, 
" Very sincerely yours, 
"J. Baghot De la Bere." 
Archer also won the St. Leger on Iroquois, who then returned 
to America and went to the stud. 
The picture of Iroquois was sent specially for this book 
