‘Aliwal, the property of Sir Harry Smith, Bart’ (lithograph)

‘Aliwal, the property of Sir Harry Smith, Bart’. Lithograph by J Scott after Abraham Cooper, published by Joseph Rogerson, 24 Norfolk Street, London, 1847. Aliwal (1837-1859) was the mount of Lieutenant-General Sir Harry Smith. The epitaph written by Sir Harry Smith for the gravestone of his horse Aliwal tells his story, ‘Near this stone is buried Sir Harry Smith’s celebrated Arab charger of the Purest Blood. “Aliwal”. Sir Harry rode him in the battles of Maharajpore, Moodkee, Ferozeshahur [sic], Aliwal, and Sobraon. He was the only horse of the General Staff that was not killed or wounded. He came from Arabia to Calcutta, thence to Lahore; he had marched nearly all over India; came by ship to England, thence to the Cape of Good Hope and back to England. He was twenty-two years’ old; never was sick during the eighteen years in Sir Harry’s possession. As a charger, he was incomparable, gallant and docile; as a friend, he was affectionate and faithful.’