Commission
Museums of Mississauga
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| Nom de l'objet : | Commission |
| Matériaux : | paper, ink, wax |
| Numéro d'accession : | BE2004.2.65 |
| Date de début de production : | 1779 |
| Description : | A signed and dated commission of John Harris to join the Gentleman Cadets in the Royal Regiment of Artillery. In the top left corner is a wax insignia, which has a piece of tissue over top. To the right of that reads, 'Eight Honourable, George Viscount Townshend, Baron Lynn, in the County of Norfolk, One of His Majesty's most honourable Privy Council, Colonel of the Second or Queen's Regiment of Dragoon-Guards, Lieutenant-General of His Majesty's Forces, and Master-General in Ordnance.' Below, the commission is addressed to 'John Harris Gent.' The document was signed 'this sixth day of August 1779 in the Nineteenth Year of His Majesty's Reign'. The commission is signed by Jno. Loinmey [?] and Townshend. In the bottom left corner is 'Ent.d Fo.303 RM.' In the bottom right corner reads, 'Enter'd in the office of ordnance 5th October 1779 Thas. Locke Tsk Ord.ce' The document is folded. The back has John Harris' name and rank written out. |
| Fonctions : | Major General John Harris had the most illustrious career of all the Harris military men. Little is known about his childhood and early life other than he was the eldest son of William Harris. His father died around the age of thirty-two some time in the mid 1760's. John did have two siblings, a sister, Susan, and an unnamed brother who served as a midshipman and is said to have died early in life in the West Indies. John Harris first joined the army in the Royal Regiment of Artillery as a Gentleman Cadet in August 1779. He rose fairly quickly through the ranks becoming Second Lieutenant in May 1781, First Lieutenant in 1790, Captain Lieutenant in 1794 and Captain in November 1800. His career further advanced when he became a Major in 1805, Lieutenant Colonel in 1808 and Colonel in 1814. According to oral tradition, John Harris served under the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo (1815) and may have commanded a battery during this battle. His final rank of Major General was achieved in 1825. Two months later he retired from active duty. He died in Plymouth, England, 12 September 1833. This item was donated by Geoffrey Harris Sayers, who was born 23 April 1907 and died 25 November 1997. A retired businessman, he was the first child of Beverly and Annie Sayers (n‚e Harris). A member of the Canadian Armed Forces, he was appointed 2nd Lieutenant 14 June 1938. Two years later, he was appointed Lieutenant. As of 21 April 1941, he was appointed the rank of Temporary Captain, and was recommended for appointment to the Lorne Scots (P. D. and H. Regiment) based out of Brampton. According to his military file, Captain Geoffrey Sayers served with the Canadian Forces from 21 April 1941 until 11 October 1945, when he was honourably discharged. From 17 June 1941 until 13 March 1945, he also served with the British Forces (he had British citizenship). He received the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp 1939-45. Geoffrey Sayers and his sisters, Dora Sayers Caro, and Barbara Sayers Larson donated Benares Historic House to the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 1969. It has operated as a museum under the City of Mississauga since 1995 and was officially transferred to Mississauga in 2000. Geoffrey Sayers and his wife Kathleen (n‚e Colloton) occupied Benares from 1969 until 1981. During that time, they acted as care takers of the estate on behalf Ontario Heritage Foundation. They kept a small display of artifacts in the kitchen, and opened up the house once a year to the public. He also maintained the Benares financial affairs in 1932 for Naomi (Na) and Mary, who were unable to do so themselves. |
| Longueur : | 37.0000000000 |
| Largeur : | 24.5000000000 |
| Établissement : |
Museums of Mississauga
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| Ville de l'établissement : | Mississauga |
| Province de l'établissement : | Ontario |
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