Did Coghill Meet Melville, Before Entering The River.

Posts : 2308 Join date : 2010-07-02 Age : 42

That what I said corroboration on the trail. I'm not doubting that! No need to check accounts.

Well, do as you wish, but as a general rule I always check the original accounts BEFORE I make any potentially earth-shaking comment. I can at least then be sure of not being shot down in flames.
Note that the flight extended to and beyond the river!

Posts : 2308 Join date : 2010-07-02 Age : 42

And what was this earth shaking comment, I supposedly made.

Posts : 1261 Join date : 2010-04-12

Not sure you did?

I'm not aware you've ever made one.
I was writing hypothetically...if you were to make one, so to speak.

Guest

Would a revolver back in 1879 have functioned after being in water? Black powder, not sure ammunition technology went a far a water-proofing. Perhaps Neil could help?

Posts : 2308 Join date : 2010-07-02 Age : 42

Julian Whybra wrote:: Well, do as you wish, but as a general rule I always check the original accounts BEFORE I make any potentially earth-shaking comment. I can at least then be sure of not being shot down in flames.
Note that the flight extended to and beyond the river!

Perhaps in-directly aimed at me. Regarding the earthing Shaking comment! Suspect

Posts : 2308 Join date : 2010-07-02 Age : 42

littlehand wrote:: Would a revolver back in 1879 have functioned after being in water? Black powder, not sure ammunition technology went a far a water-proofing. Perhaps Neil could help?

Good Point LH.

LH
A good point, yes, but I recall Sparks, I think, firing his revolver after the river to keep his pursuers away. I'll check his and others' accounts.

impi
You have an incredible knack of getting the wrong end of the stick.
In your post you asked who else saw Melvill and Coghill in flight.
I gave you a list of who did and suggested you look up their accounts yourself.
You then said there was no need to check accounts.
I then said it was always wise to check written comments before making any pronouncements.
Nothing was 'aimed' at you. I was trying to be helpful.

LH
I just checked. It wasn't Sparks; it was Smith-Dorrien who, after swimming the river, kept his pursuers away by using his revolver.

Posts : 747 Join date : 2009-10-18

I was just, going to ask which "Sparks" source you quote from?

Mr. Greaves
I checked only the account in Clements, W. H., The Glamour and Tragedy of the Zulu War, (London, 1936), p. 63, not the 1929 one or the anecdote in Holt. I was looking specifically at his story after crossing the river.