HMS Monarch in Portsmouth

In 1869, American George Peabody died in his adopted country: Britain. Here his body is being loaded on the HMS Monarch, Britain's newest warship, for the trip back to the United States for burial. Peabody’s London to Portsmouth funeral train is in the background.

Peabody earned his British honors. An owner of an international bank, he became enamoured of the English and moved to England, devoting his time and money to assisting the poor. His work drew Queen Victoria’s attention. The Queen offered him several honorary titles. He declined, asking only that upon his death, he be returned to his native South Danvers, Massachusetts. Upon arrival in his hometown, citizens renamed it Peabody to honor him and all his good work.

Oil on board. Signed, lower right: J.E. Buttersworth. Note: a label on the reverse of the millboard identifies the maker of the millboard as "Windsor and Newton Millbo."