1912, 1797
A perfect illustration of "The Immaculate Failure" ("The Captive Bride", page 160), from Captain Scott’s diary, this day in 1912:
"It is
wonderful to think that two long marches would land us at the Pole. We left our
depot today with nine days’ provisions, so that it ought to be a certain thing
now, and the only appalling possibility is the sight of the Norwegian flag
forestalling ours. Little Bowers continues his indefatigable efforts to get
good sights, and it is wonderful how he works them up in his sleeping-bag in
our congested tent. (Minimum for night -27.5o) Only 27 miles from
the Pole. We ought to do it now."
More on this tale on March 17, and a hint of it in Shackleton's tale on January 5.
Jan 15th. John Hetherington, haberdasher, returned from Paris this morning, sporting the latest fashion there: a top-hat. Displaying it outside his shop in the Strand, the crowds who gathered to see the curiosity became so unruly the police had to be called. Hetherington was arrested for inciting a riot.
On the same day, outside Rivoli, Napoleon wrapped up the defeat of the Austrian army under Baron Alvintzi. Napoleon wore a tricorn.
Amber pages:
Jean-Baptiste Poquelin born today in 1622, later known as the playwright Molière.
Alan Lomax, chronicler of the American folk-song, born today in 1915.
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