 Benjamin Harris is vague about his origins in his text, but investigations by Eileen Hathaway  have revealed that he was born in Portsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire to Robert and Elizabeth Harris around the 28 October 1781.His family however were shepherds from Stalbridge in North Dorset, and it was here that Benjamin grew up, in a large family with whom he remained until 1803.In that year he was drafted into the 66th Regiment of Foot somewhat against his will, and forcibly marched to Winchester, where he underwent training in preparation for deployment against the French as the Peace of Amiens was drawing to a close.