FIFTY YEARS AGO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23275, 18 February 1939, Page 10

FIFTY YEARS AGO

GENERAL GORDON'S DEATH

A description by an eye witness of the death of General Gordon at Khartoum was published in the New Zealand Hebald of February IS, 1889 The following is an extract:— "Gordon was smoking on the balcony of his seraglio with Dimetrio, a medical officer, and the Greek consul, when 400 Dervishes entered the seraglio ' and standing at the foot of the staircase cried for Gordon Pasha. Two of Gordon's companions advised him to make his escape by a side door and take a boat. Gordon indignantly refused ;to take this course, however, which, he said, would be a disgrace to a British officer. He coolly left the balcony, weiit into an inner room, donned his full uniform and, buckling on his sword, advanced to the top of the stairs and looked scornfully at the crowds below as he exclaimed 'Whom seek ye? I am Gordon Pasha.' Nash, a Mahdist general, then ascended the stairs. Gordon met him and handed him his sword in military fashion. Nash snatched the sword from Gordon in a brutal manner and struck him an tinexpected blow, Gordon falling and rolling down the stairs. Another general then thrust a spear into Gordon's body, inflicting a grievous wound.''