3-003-740 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Testimonial to Colonel John Gowan, of the United States' Service, for the care bestowed by him on the graves before Sebastopol, 1861. 'Colonel John Gowan , of the United States' service, having bestowed great care in preserving and restoring the graves of our deceased countrymen before Sebastopol, a subscription has been raised by British officers and relatives of those who fell during the Crimean War in order that a testimonial might be presented to that gentleman to mark their grateful sense of his generous care. Lord Frederick Paulet and Colonel Hudson were the chief movers in the matter. The result of their exertions has been a silver-gilt shield, of which we give an Engraving. This fine work of art, the production of Mr. Hancock, of Bruton-street, is 27 inches in diameter, and weighs 350 ounces. The border is richly chased with equestrian and other figures, subjects taken from the Elgin marbles, the whole having been executed from models by Flaxman; and the centre bears an appropriate inscription. The plate has been forwarded by her Majesty's Government to Captain Clipperton, English Consul at Theodosia, for presentation to Colonel Gowan'. From "Illustrated London News", 1861.