3-078-007 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Smugglers Surprised: a Critical Moment, 1890. 'Any persistent conspiracy to break the law, with the determination to resist its officers by violence, must sooner or later become the occasion of murderous conflicts; and these were not unfrequent between the coastguardmen and the smugglers of yore. In the scene represented by our Artist's drawing, it is evident that the contraband adventurers only want to get away, having failed in their attempt to land the kegs of French brandy, which their boat has brought from the lugger beyond, to the sandy margin of the sea. One cask remained from what had been put ashore, and the last of the smugglers was about to lift it, following his companions to replace their store in the boat, which they are hastily pushing off, surprised by the rapid approach of a strong armed party, with an officer on horseback leading the way. As this belated smuggler turned his back, he was seized by a coastguard man...and was thrown to the ground, a captive and lawful prisoner in King George's name. It is "a critical moment" for him; but there is a bare chance of his being rescued, if his comrades hear his cry for help, and if they can spare half a minute to interfere, before the arrival of the hostile force'. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.