Of Telegraphs

This is a tale of the times of the British annexation(?). (please fo excuse the fact that I'm not quite conversant with the details of the story.In essence, it is right.) The British government had in its employ a certain Sir Charles Napier, who was the incharge of the attacks in the North West Frontier Province and the Punjab region. When he succesfully attacked and conquered the aforementioned regions, he was supposed to telegraph his superiors in London. He penned one of the most ingenous telegrams ever.* "Peccadive",quoth he. The Latin past tense of the verb, 'to sin'.(for those as slow as me: I have Sinned).

Just plain beautiful.

I got this off a Wonderful book which i read while in college, 'Bully to Brontosaurus' by Stephen Jay Gould. I have been meaning to recommend it for quite a while now. Its a collection of superbly written and fascinating scientific essays. Some (such as The Panda's Left Thumb) are a brilliant and interesting read. Do give it a shot if you can.

*Oh yes, another of my favourites is the one exchanged by Victor Hugo and his publisher. When Les Miserables was published, Hugo was in France, and wanted to find out how it was faring in England. He telegraphed his publisher with a "?". His publisher replied with a "!".