Edwards’ SKETCHES IN SCINDE (Set of Ten Lithographs)

The portrait of this distinguished officer was taken on the late expedition across the desert against Bejar Khan and the Hill Chieftains,–the country is contiguous to Scinde, but belongs to the Khan of Kelat, and is called Cutch Gundava, where the cold is at certain periods extremely intense, hence the upper Spencer or garment of sheep skin, which forms so prominent a part of the equipment. This was very generally used by our troops in the Afghan country, being warm, light, and readily procurable. The cap resembles the helmet now worn by the Prussian infantry, and like the new infantry cap lately introduced into our army, it has a projection behind to protect the poll of the neck. This is an admirable likeness and the signature attests the approbation of Sir C.J. Napier. The Governor of Scinde and Beloochistan has occupied a large share of the public attention as one of the glorious Chiefs of our Indian armies. In February, 1843, he fought the battle of Meeanee against the Ameers of upper and lower Scinde, on which occasion the whole of the enemy`s artillery, ammunition standards and camp with considerable stores and some treasure were taken. The loss on the part of the enemy was supposed to amount to five thousand, while the British force lost two hundred and fifty-six, killed and wounded. In March he fought the battle of Duppa, against a force of twenty thousand men of all arms, with a result not less triumphant. Any detail of the services of this brave and excellent soldier does not come within the purpose of a notice like this; his most signal triumphs are fresh in the minds of all, and enough is known of him to show that the name of Napier and Victory are united in a knot of laurel which the sword of no enemy shall sever.