White cotton hot weather frock worn by Sgn-Maj James Peterkin, 16th Regiment of Native Infantry, Madras, 1857-1859.

This tunic is typical of the unofficial and personal versions of uniform to meet the needs of climate and work situations which were frequently adopted by officers serving in India. Peterkin served with the 16th Regiment as assistant-surgeon (1847-1850), surgeon (1859-1863) and surgeon major (1863-1864).