TOPIC:

I recently read G.W.Steevens book "From Capetown to Ladysmith" and found his style of writing quite unique.
When reading Kenneth Griffith's book "Thank God we kept the flag flying" I came across this entry about Steevens.
"Enteric fever was now decimating civilians and soldiers alike. The London Daily Mail war correspondent, George Steevens, was dying of this disease, and a colleague and friend named Maude of the Graphic was advised by a doctor to break the news to Mr.Steevens, in case he wished to send a last message.
Mr.Maude said "do you know, old chap, the doctor says you are very ill-very ill indeed?"
Steevens, it is reported, looked very hard at his friend, and replied, "Very ill?"Why ,I thought I was getting better...I suppose you mean by that that I am going to die?
Mr.Maude answered, "Well, I am afraid old chap, that is what the doctor means, and he wished me to tell you in case you had a particular message, or had a particular thing that I could do for you.
George Steevens knew what his last instructions were, and then expressed his last wishes, and having seen to that, said, "Well Maude, we have been good chums, and if I am going to die let's have our final drink together. Get that last bottle of champagne that I have reserved for the relief of Ladysmith"
Mr.Maude filled two tumblers, and Mr.Steevens raised himself "as well as he could" and touched Maude's glass, saying. "Well goodbye old chap"
Three hours later George Steevens was dead.
It was 15 January 1900 and George was 31 years old R.I.P.




Paul

Live every day as if it were the last on this earth, one day you are sure to be right!

Paul

A sad end to an important man. At least he had a friend to ease his departure. Intombi must have been a grim place, with daily suffering and death coupled with the strain of being besieged.

Regards
Brett

I love the style that Steevens used and wish he had had the opportunity to write more.

That's a touching story of his demise.

Many thanks Paul
David

HERE ARE A PICTURE OF GW STEEVENS

Elmarie
Thank you for posting the picture of Steevens, and also for the many others that you have already posted.
Regards
Brett