2-913-677 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The British Steamer "Bengal" bringing a supposed Russian Prize into Madras Harbour, 1854. 'Madras [Chennai in India] was thrown into a state of great excitement by the appearance of a ship bearing Russian colours...The Bengal, having first ascertained that the lady passengers had been duly furnished with their morning cup of tea, steamed forth on her dubious mission, and to the lasting honour of the Peninsular and Oriental service, challenged, boarded, and captured the stranger, whom she took in tow, and anchored within musket-range of the Custom-house. The crew, sixteen in number, and all natives of Finland, were brought on shore...On inspecting the ship's papers, it turned out that she was the Idealet, from Hartlepool to Madras, laden with coal, and out from England 145 days...there was nothing for it but to release the ship and crew...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.