Poetry · Chapter
Gordon Cumming—The Lion Hunter explained
The narrator recounts a conversation with an old sea captain who doubted the existence of Gordon Cumming, the Lion Hunter.
What happens
The narrator recounts a conversation with an old sea captain who doubted the existence of Gordon Cumming, the Lion Hunter. The narrator defends Cumming's authenticity, describing his personal encounters with him in the woods of Aylter, his royal lineage, his physical prowess in subduing a prize fighter during an election, and his connections to notable figures like Hugh Millar and Livingstone. The chapter also details Cumming's post-return exhibitions in Britain and Ireland, and how Barnum later acquired his trophies for his museum.
Themes in this chapter
Pioneer and Settler Struggles
Gordon Cumming's exploits as a lion hunter and trader in Africa exemplify the challenges and adventures of pioneers in uncharted territories.
Cultural Heritage and Immigrant Identity
Cumming's Highland costume and royal lineage highlight the preservation of Scottish cultural identity in a colonial context.
Characters to notice
- Gordon Cumming
The Lion Hunter, a descendant of the Royal Comyn, known for his magnificent person and successful trade with African tribes.
- Hugh Millar
A warm friend of Gordon Cumming's mother, who was distinguished as a geologist and botanist.
- James McIntyre
The narrator who defends Gordon Cumming's authenticity and recounts personal encounters.
Key passages
“Some thirty years ago, in conversation with an old sea captain who had visited or voyaged to all quarters of the globe, he was denouncing fiercely the degeneracy of these costermonger times.”
About thirty years ago, an old sea captain who had traveled worldwide complained bitterly about the decline of modern times.
Sets the scene for the captain's disbelief in Gordon Cumming's existence.
“I told the old gentleman that I had seen the Lion Hunter hundreds of times and conversed with him in the woods of Aylter, and that be was a descendant of the Royal Comyn, one of whom was killed by King Robert the Bruce.”
I informed the captain that I had met the Lion Hunter many times and spoken with him in the Aylter woods, and that he was a descendant of the Royal Comyn family, one of whom was slain by King Robert the Bruce.
The narrator asserts personal knowledge of Cumming and his lineage.
“Barnum afterwards secured the noble specimens of hides and horns and monstrous tusks for his New York museum.”
Later, Barnum obtained the impressive animal skins, horns, and enormous tusks for his museum in New York.
Describes the fate of Cumming's trophies after his exhibitions.