2-913-877 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Russian Prisoners, on the Field of Alma, 1854. Crimean War. Sketch by Lieutenant Bredin of the Royal Artillery, of Russian prisoners of War '...led by an English escort to the beach on the field of the Alma. The foremost figure between the mounted soldiers is a Russian officer, but dressed as a private...the Emperor had given orders that all officers are to wear the same description of coats as the men, in order that they may not be singled out to be "picked off"...He inquired [in French]...if we were going to Sebastopol. I told him we hoped to take possession of it before long. He smiled, shook his head, and said, "It is very strong, and there are plenty of artillery; you cannot take it". I said, "We shall see". He replied "We will see"; and so the conversation ended. He was in very good spirits'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.