NAM.1950-11-55-1

The Late Capt James Skinner, 61st N I. From folio of 29 coloured lithographs by and after Lt Vincent Eyre, Bengal Artillery, (to be) published by John Murray, 1843. Officers, ladies, and scenes in Afghanistan, 1842. From drawings made during the artist’s capture in Afghanistan; some with notes for printing; in green leather bound album. Capt James Skinner, 61st Bengal Native Infantry, head and shoulderd portrait, in unifom. Associated with the 1st Afghan War (1838-1842). James Skinner (1803-1842) was the son of Lieutenant-General John Skinner of the famous Anglo-Indian military family. He joined the 61st Bengal Native Infantry in 1825 as an ensign and was promoted to lieutenant the following year. After several years of regimental service he was appointed a commissariat officer with the 2nd Division of the Army of the Indus and took part in the 1st Afghan War (1839-1842). Promoted to captain in July 1839, Skinner was killed in action at the Jagdalak Pass during the Retreat from Kabul in 1842. A skilled linguist, Skinner was taken hostage prior to the British withdrawal. During his brief captivity he was forced by his jailers to translate letters into English from Persian and Pashtun.

Kabul, Retreat from, 1842 (1st Afghan War 1838-1842)