Chapman, Captain (later General Sir) Edward Francis

26 watercolour drawings over pencil, comprising 15 (from 174 x 122mm. to 203 x 327mm.) individually mounted on card (mounts from 290 x 228mm. to 290 x 456mm.), each with a letterpress title, 12 with extensive letterpress text on the mount; and 11 un-mounted (from 126 x 170mm. to 289 x 391mm.), 10 of which with extensive manuscript notes in ink on the reverse

Together with 4 other watercolours probably by Chapman, one dated 1859 (30)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

RARE DRAWINGS MADE DURING THE FORSYTH MISSION TO YARKAND AND KASHGAR (1873-1874). These drawings, nearly all with extensive contemporary manuscript or printed notes, complement Chapman's photographs taken on the same Mission (see lot 210).

In 1869 the Amir of Yarkand and Kashgar, wishing to establish good relations between his country and India, sent an envoy to the viceroy to request that a British officer might be deputed to visit him. Sir Douglas Forsyth was accordingly instructed to travel with the envoy in order to acquire information about the people and the country. The journey to Lahore and back, a distance of two thousand miles, was accomplished in six months. The expedition was warmly received in Yarkand and was given permission to travel freely in the area.

"Chapman was captain in the Quarter Master General's Department in Lucknow, and was appointed Secretary of the Forsyth Mission, with responsibility for administration and transport. He faced the daunting task of organising the passage of "300 souls and 400 animals" along the Karakoram caravan route from Leh to Yarkand, across four of the highest passes in the world, in below-freezing temperatures. The ostensible purpose of the Mission... was to negotiate a commercial treaty with Yakub Beg who in 1867 had established himself as the independent ruler of much of Chinese Turkestan. The unstated purpose of the exercise was to counter the spread of Russian influence in a region flanking India's Northern Frontier." (Leach)

H. Leach and S.M. Farrington. Strolling About on the Roof of the World (London, 2003), pp.133-136