The story is set in 1841-43.

Lady Carey's son states that 'Gainsborough' had painted his mother's portrait but Gainsborough died in 1788 ! As Gainsborough did not paint children, Lady Carey must have been(say)16 in 1788 so she must be close to 70 years old (with a 10 year old son ?)

W.W. 'Bigfoot' Wallace actually survived the 'Black Beans' lottery (1843) and died in 1899 aged 82!.

The expedition meets Charles Goodnight on the way to Santa Fe - Impossible ! Charles Goodnight was not born until 1836. Riding with Goodnight was a black man named Bose (Ikard) - who was not born until 1847 !

p. 111 'On the table in front of him (Caleb Cobb).....were two Walker Colt pistols, the latest thing in weaponry'.

In the book this would have been late 1842.

'Colt worked with Ranger Captain Samuel H. Walker to design a heavier, easier loading revolver that fired six shots -- the so-called "Walker" Colt. In 1847, Walker received the first two models four days before he was killed in action. The rangers dubbed their new pistols "six-shooters".'