3-070-860 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Fort St. Sebastian, Mozambique, 1881. 'We are indebted to Mr. J. N. Stone, Staff-Surgeon R.N., for several sketches of scenes and figures observed during the visit of H.M.S. Ruby, corvette, under the command of Captain C. E. Foot, to the coast of the Mozambique Channel and to the Island of Madagascar, in October last year...The illustration shows the fort of St, Sebastian at Mozambique, an important Portuguese stronghold, about two miles off the East African coast in the Mozambique Channel. The town of that name is built on a small island of coral formation, and the population is about 7000. The fort is at one extremity: it was built in 1508, and, though showing signs of age, is still serviceable, and is garrisoned by about 250 troops. The guns are all old and honeycombed; and inside the fort are to be seen piles of stone shot, symmetrically cut. There are a couple of interesting old brass mortars. This place is now used as a penal settlement'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.