3-017-037 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Obsequies of the Duke of Malakoff at Algiers on the 4th of June, 1864. Engraving from a sketch by Mr. Churchill, the Consul-General. '...the mortal remains of the Duke of Malakoff (Marshal Pelissier), the late Governor of that province, were embarked on board a ship of war to be transported to France...the arms of the deceased, and the four words, "Spain, Greece, Africa, Crimea," denoting the countries where he passed the chief part of his military career, were inscribed [on the altar]...across the whole width of the principal square of the city, was stretched a curtain of black cloth...officers of the army, civil government officials, magistrates, foreign consuls, members of the municipality, professors of the schools, and various ministers of religion, were assembled near the altar...the central space [was] marked by four censers of burning incense...On the top [of the coffin] were laid the sword...and the insignia of Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour...His war-horse, fully caparisoned, was led behind. This procession [was] headed by Bishop Pavy...and [after the service] the coffin was then removed on board the ship. A multitude of spectators, both of the French and the Arab population, thronged the spacious ground'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.