In 1859 he joined the newly created Volunteer Force.See Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian, Glamorgan, Monmouth, and Brecon Gazette 26 November 1859; Who’s Who 1914 p.1394 The following year he was called upon to do jury service.See Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian, Glamorgan, Monmouth, and Brecon Gazette 25 February 1860. The experience seems to have had a big impact on him. He used the image of a young boy to highlight the plight of poor children in the town.The Dock, a Reminiscence of the Court. Painted c.1868–1871. Oil on canvas, 35 x 31 cm. Walker Art Gallery, National Museums Liverpool. See above. A resulting series of paintings would bring him considerable notice at the Royal Academy.Saved from the Streets, Portraits of Boys on Board the 'Chichester' Training Ship Diptych Painted c.1872. Oil on canvas, 38 x 72.3 cm. National Maritime Museum. See above.
