Fresh Facts about Gordon's Death.

Evening Star, Issue 7472, 16 March 1888, Page 2

Fresh Facts about Gordon's Death.

A special funeral service in commemoration of General Gordon's death was held on January 24 at St. Paul's, Eaton Square, at 5 p.m. There were present about 200 persons, mostly friends of the deceased officer. The Rev. H. Waller, an old personal friend of General Gordon, preached'ttie sermon, and during the discourse read the sworn testimony of one of the loyal sergeants who was present at General Gordon's ''.eath, which was communicated to Lieutenant Gordon, nephew of the late General. This was to tjie effect thas when Gordon heard' the rebels in the town he said: "It is all finished; to-day Gordon will be killed," and' went downstairs',' followed by the four sergeants, who took their rifles with. them. fie a chair and sat down on the right of tb.e palaoe door, the four sergeants standing oc his left. All at once a -sheik gallc-Dea up with some Uagaree Bagaree Arabs."" The sergeants were on the point of firing, when Gordon, seizing one of their rifles, said: "No need of rifles to-day; Gordon is to be killed.' The sheik told Gordon that he had been ordered by the Mahdi to bring him alive. Gordon refused to go, saying he would die where he was, adding that no harm was to be done to the four sergeants, who had not fired on the rebels. The sheik repeated the order three times, and each time Gordon gave him the same answer. After a few words the sheik drew his sword and rushing up to Gordon cut him over the left shoulder, Gordon looking him straight in the face and offering him no resistance. His head was cut. off and taken to the Mahdi at Omdurman ; his body .was buried close to the door of the palace, and a tomb built over it.