CHAPTER XXIII 
The funeral of Fred Archer was a most impressive affair, 
and the elements combined to make it even more so. Rain 
fell heavily during the morning, and though it was fine when 
the interment took place, dark threatening clouds hung like 
a pall over the town. 
Floral emblems arrived from all parts of the country, 
Ireland, and France, and three carriages were required to 
convey them. A simple but elegant wreath was sent by the 
Prince of Wales, through Lord Alington, but perhaps the most 
touching of all was a bunch of violets bearing the inscription, 
" With baby's fondest love to her father." The day before 
her father shot himself had been the anniversary of her mother's 
death, and the two-year-old girl had placed a similar bunch on 
the grave that day. 
Amongst those who were present, apart from relatives, were 
Lord Alington, Lord A. Grosvenor (representing the Duke of 
Westminster), with John Porter, Mat. Dawson, Hon. Captain 
H. Boscawen (representing Lord Falmouth), Mr. W. Evans 
(representing the Duchess of Montrose), Mr. John Hammond, 
Sir John Willoughby, and Lord Car dross. 
As already stated, the death of Archer created a huge 
sensation, and from all parts of the world, from high and low, 
letters and telegrams of condolence and sympathy were sent 
to Mrs. Coleman, the sister of the jockey. 
For the purposes of these memoirs only a few letters can 
be appended, and choice has been made of some of those from 
289 T 
