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Record of historical events

Victoria and Albert collected photographs that documented the political and military events that defined a period of global expansion

    CORPORAL WOTHERSPOON

    The Tartar General in Chief, "Muh"

    1858

    Salted paper print | 15.4 x 11.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2935002

    Photograph of the Tartar General in Chief, known as "Muh". He is sitting in a chair with his head turned slightly to the left and is wearing long robes and a plain hat. There are two soldiers standing behind him to the left with their arms folded.

    This is one of a series of photographs taken in the aftermath of the Battle of Canton. British and French soldiers captured the city of Canton at the start of January 1858 with relative ease. This victory was a contributing factor in the Chinese signing the Treaty of Tientsin, ending the Second Opium War. The caption below this photograph records that Muh requested that his portrait was taken during a visit to General Charles van Straubenzee, the Commander of British Troops in China and Hong Kong who led the attack on Canton.
    • Creator(s)

      Corporal Wotherspoon (photographer)

    • 15.4 x 11.8 cm (image)
      37.7 x 32.2 cm (mount)

    • Received by the Royal Librarian John H Glover at Windsor Castle, October 1858

    • Subject(s)
      • Places
        • Asia
          • China
            • Guangzhou [China]
      • Social sciences
        • Military affairs
          • Wars, Campaigns & Battles
            • Wars
              • Wars of the nineteenth century
                • Second Opium War (1856-1860)
                  • Battle of Canton (1857-58)