2-995-862 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The War in China - departure from Hockly Pier, Odin Bay, of the Sikh Cavalry and troops for the Peiho, 1860. 'Our Artist writes: [July 23]: "I am writing under difficulties. Myriads of flies are not conducive to serenity of mind, especially combined with a roasting heat, glare, and dust. We are off the day after to-morrow. We only this morning heard that the mail was to start to-morrow morning, instead of on the 28th...For the last few days the troops have been embarking, and now the bustle at the landing-place presents a melancholy contrast to the scene of yesterday, when it was crowded with every variety of the genus soldier from the grey dawn till late at night...Two dead artillerymen were being borne to their last resting-place on the shoulders of their comrades, which contrasted painfully with the excitement around - Sikhs of Probyn's Horse, graceful and picturesque officers of ditto; natives, coolies, kitmujars, and the paraphernalia of Indian campaigning; soldiers and sailors; ships, gun-boats, and little boats; donkeys, mules, and horses. It was a splendid sunset".' From "Illustrated London News", 1860.