'King Theodore of Abyssinia. Sketched just after his death, April 1868'

Watercolour by Lieutenant Cornelius Francis (Frank) James, Bombay Staff Corps, 1868.

The primary objective of the expedition to Abyssinia (1867-1868) was to secure the release of British hostages held by Emperor Tewodros II (or King Theodore) of Abyssinia . After his diplomatic overtures to the British for help against his Moslem enemies had been ignored (including a letter to Queen Victoria), the emperor imprisoned the British Consul, Captain Charles Cameron, along with several missionaries and civilians.