Galloping Dick Ferguson is the last of my Wargames Foundry Highwaymen/woman for use with Silver Bayonet, but is another miniature that will fit in with most period games.

Richard Ferguson was a close friend of Jerry Abershaw, who introduced him to highway robbery during a time when both sought adventure. At their meeting, Ferguson was a postilion, having lost previous jobs due to troublesome situations often caused by poor decisions. His friendship with Abershaw marked the beginning of a thrilling new chapter in his life filled with daring escapades.

Ferguson, who was involved with Nancy, a high-class prostitute unaware of his low status, found himself held up by highwaymen, one of whom was the notorious Abershaw, whom he recognized from Nancy’s house.

After the highwaymen escaped, Abershaw waited for Ferguson at an inn, where he bribed him for silence and arranged to meet again the next evening, knowing their lives had taken a dangerous turn due to their unexpected connection.

Nancy lost respect for Ferguson after learning he had a common job. When he visited her boasting about newfound wealth, she felt disappointed and decided to close the door on him, valuing her dignity over a superficial encounter.

Ferguson partnered with Abershaw, believing it would bring wealth, while also acting as a postilion and sharing details about travelers for Abershaw’s robberies.

Their camaraderie flourished until Ferguson was fired for unreliability as his work attendance decreased, coinciding with Abershaw’s arrest, which disrupted their operation and made Ferguson reconsider his choices.

Following Abershaw’s execution, Ferguson actively took to highway robbery himself, and survived for another 5 years on the road, partly due to his skills as a horseman which gave him his nickname.

He was finally apprehended by the Bow Street Runners, tried at the Aylesbury Lent Assizes in 1800 and executed shortly thereafter. 

I will paint up something a bit different tomorrow.