The Despatch, His Grace the Duke of Wellington, K.G. &c &c, During the Peninsular War

This portraitback to top

This fictitious, dramatic image is a sophisticated composition meant to celebrate Wellington's iconic status. He writes a despatch as a building burns behind him in an imaginary incident from the Peninsular Wars. The white lining of his cloak creates a focal point in the darkness while the perspective and lighting from below increase his heroic stature. Surrounded by supplicating locals he epitomises the ideal of the British army abroad. By the time this print was published in 1839, the dust had long settled on Wellington's victories, but the great successes of the campaign in Spain and Portugal of 1809-14 still occupied a central role in the public imagination.

Events of 1839back to top

Current affairs

The Bedchamber crisis strains relations between the government and the monarchy, after Queen Victoria refuses to dismiss her Whig-appointed ladies of the bedchamber at the request of the new, Conservative Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel. Peel resigns and Melbourne returns as Prime Minister.
The Grand National is first held at the Aintree race course, won by the horse Lottery, and the first Henley Royal Regatta, the rowing event, is held on the Thames.

Art and science

The French and British scientists Louis Daguerre and William Henry Fox Talbot separately publicise their experiments with the new form of photography.
The prolific journalist Harriet Martineau publishes her three decker novel Deerbrook, the story of middle class country life.

International

The first Opium War with China is sparked after the British government refuses to try six British soldiers accused of killing a Chinese man protecting a temple from looters. Relations were strained as Britain had promoted the drug opium in China to boost trade. Winning the war, Britain secured vital trading rights.
African captives aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad revolt, resulting in a highly publicised court case.

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