1-150-176 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

'The New Year's Gift', 1858. This cartoon shows Sir Colin Campbell presenting the leashed tiger of India to Palmerston who, rather in the manner of a lion tamer, shelters nervously behind a chair, reluctant to accept this barely tamed 'gift'. 'Pam (To Sir Colin). Well- upon my word - eh! - I'm extremely obliged to you - but - eh! - how about keeping the brute?'. Sir Colin Campbell was made Commander-in-Chief in India by Palmerston in July 1857, at the height of the Indian Mutiny. Following the death of Sir Henry Havelock, Sir Colin was quick to restore British authority in India. From Punch, or the London Charivari, January 2, 1858.