2-913-763 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Russian Prisoners, 1854. Soldiers captured during the Crimean War, and held on prison hulks on the River Medway in Kent. 'During the voyage they held entirely aloof from each other - the Finlanders disclaiming the idea of being considered Russians, and the Russians probably equally jealous of being confounded with the Finlanders...There are now 1140...prisoners on board the Devonshire and Benbow...They are perfectly obedient to a request made, very respectful, appear to appreciate the confidence placed in them, and all strive to make themselves useful...[they] have that thin lathy appearance which is seen in the inmates of our workhouses and prisons...There is hardly a single robust-looking man among them...If the prisoners from Bomarsund are to be considered average specimens of the Russian troops, we need not despair as to the fortunes of the present [Crimean] war...From "Illustrated London News", 1854.