powderhorn explosion

[Absaroka]

I was reading a book by Noah Smithwick, "The Evolution of A State". Smithwick was a Texas Ranger in the 1830's and also fought in the Texas Revolution. After the defeat of Santa Anna at San Jacinto the Texas army was moving toward the town of Victoria Texas. With no threat from the Mexican Army the men were strung out across the prairie, sometimes a mile ahead of the wagons. The grass was waist high and there was a concern for a wild fire if sparks would hit it. So when a column of smoke rose up ahead, they put spurs to there horses to prevent the fire from spreading, when they reached the scene they found a man lying half unconscious with his face blackened and burned, his clothes on fire and his right arm almost torn from his body. The fragments of a powderhorn and a pipe were laying nearby. After the fire was put out the victim explained he had lighted his pipe for a smoke, but the tobacco didn't burn well, so he turned up his powderhorn to add a few grains of powder for kindling. Smithwick stated the experiment was successful but could have cost the man his life along with others. I couldn't help but chuckle, but it shows what a little bit of carelessness will do.
I thought you guys would enjoy the story.

 

[sleepingbulldog]

Sounds like a 19th century version of “Hold my beer and watch this.”

 

[Phil Coffins]

This is a novel?

 

[64Springer]

Reason number 323,640,450 why the Left to ban our guns and gunpowder.

A new Executive Order by noon today.

The "No Carrying Black Powder In A Powderhorn While Trying To Light A Pipe For A Better America" act.

 

[Absaroka]

No, supposed to be a true account. Smithwick wrote it when I believe he was 91 years of age. The book is on Amazon for around $10.