Note 6 — Chapter III · The Carpenter of Dongola and the Mahdists
George P. (George Putnam) Upton translation
The statements in the “Life of Gordon” in this series of “Life Stories” are at variance with this. According to the former, Lieutenant Wilson left Khartoum by steamer to urge haste upon General Wolseley, who was coming to the rescue, but his vessel was wrecked and he was murdered by natives. The steamers which came in sight of Khartoum that morning and found it in possession of the Mahdi were bringing a part of the rescuing force, but finding it was too late, returned. As the German author’s statements in his “Life of Gordon” are confirmed by Sir William Butler, in his well-known “Life,” preference should be given to it.