Call Number:

Ms. Codex 2303

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

.1 linear feet (2 volumes)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

James Boxall diaries of Army service in India, Afghanistan, and Egypt, 1874-1882, Ms. Codex 2303, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1871-1882 (inclusive)

Creator:

Boxall, James

Form:

Diaries and Playbills

Abstract:

James Boxall was a British soldier in the 4th Battalion, Rifle Brigade of the East India Company Army. He served in India and Afghanistan from 1874 to 1881. He returned to England, but was sent to Egypt in 1882, following the bombardment of Alexandria. These two diaries document James Boxall's service in India, Afghanistan, and Egypt. The first volume contains a narrative of Army life, including locations, illnesses, deaths, and criticisms of the officer class and their decision making. In addition there are playbills and programs from productions in which Boxall and his wife and son participated.

James Boxall was a British soldier in the 4th Battalion, Rifle Brigade of the East India Company Army. He served in India and Afghanistan from 1874 to 1881. He returned to England, but was sent to Egypt in 1882, following the bombardment of Alexandria. He appears to have been a servant to Major Swaine. He participated, along with his family, in a number of theatrical performance put on by the 4th Battalion Rifle Brigade Amateur Dramatic Club.

These two diaries document James Boxall's service in India, Afghanistan, and Egypt. The first volume contains a narrative of Army life, including locations, illnesses, deaths, and criticisms of the officer class and their decision making. In addition there are playbills and programs from productions in which Boxall and his wife and son participated. The productions include popular plays, burlesques, and pantomimes; and appear to have been held as the "Prince of Wales Theater" whenever the brigade was established in camp for an extended period of time. There are also watercolors of Boxall in costume (frequently playing female roles). The volume is bound in half leather with title printed on the cover in gilt.

The second volume, titled My Diary Thro' the Egyptian Campaign of 1882, is an unbound blue notebook. It contains a report of his experiences from the time of being called up through the brigade's arrival in Kassassin. The volume is written as a narrative and rarely uses dates; instead, time frames are delineated by phrases such as "the next morning."