228 The Life of Fred Archer 
have sustained. I am sure no amount of condolence from 
your friends can possibly lessen your extreme grief. " 
The Prince of Wales telegraphed his regrets, and other 
telegrams received were : 
Lord Lurgan. — " Accept my sympathy in the great loss, 
which I was extremely sorry to hear about." 
Lord Falmouth, — " I am profoundly grieved and shocked 
at your telegram. Pray be assured of my deepest sympathy, 
and Lady Falmouth's." 
Duchess of Montrose. — " Deeply feel for you. Have 
gone through it myself. Well know how you suffer." 
Duke of St. Albans. — " Accept the Duchess's and my most 
sincere sympathy in your grief. Have learnt your loss with 
much sorrow." 
Although his sister, Mrs. Coleman, came to live with him, 
Fred became so depressed and sunk in melancholy that he 
determined to give up riding for a time. Archer had 
amazing powers of bodily endurance and capacity for self- 
denial and fasting, but he could not withstand mental suffering. 
Disappointments in racing or his domestic affairs completely 
upset and unnerved him. 
He possessed the artistic temperament in dress and deport- 
ment, and was one of the gentlest of human beings until he 
was astride a horse, and then his temper and language, coupled 
with his brilliant riding, often carried all before him. He had 
the curious and composite character we so often see associated 
with genius. 
Archer decided to travel for a time. He chose America 
for a trip, and one of the letters he received was from Lord 
Rosebery, who wrote on November 14, 1884 : 
" I was exceedingly sorry to hear of your sad loss, 
and I think you are quite right to go for a change of scene to 
