Charley, a half-caste boy in Natal, 1849 (lithograph)

The narrative introduces Charley, a half-caste boy in Natal, whose portrait reflects the blend of European and indigenous cultures in British colonies. Charley, is an orphan of an English sailor and a Zulu woman. Raised by relatives in a coastal kraal, he embodies both worlds but lacks formal education until taken in by a missionary for schooling. The scene is adorned with indigenous flowers, capturing the natural beauty of the African landscape. DISCLAIMER: THIS DIGITIZED RESOURCE CONTAINS COLONIAL-ERA MATERIALS WITH POTENTIALLY OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE AND ATTITUDES. APPROACH WITH HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND DISCRETION