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Lot #339
Charles ‘Chinese’ Gordon

“For my part I like sinners better than self-styled saints. They are much more amusing”

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Estimate: $1500+
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Description

“For my part I like sinners better than self-styled saints. They are much more amusing”

Two ALSs signed “C. G. Gordon,” both to Colonel Charles Nugent. First is one page both sides, 6.5 x 8, June 14, 1879, in part: “Arrived here on my way to Khartoum, having by my last letters from Gessi heard that he had sent 2000 men after the son of Sebehr, and that the affair was over…When I got here I got these letters from Gessi, in which he says that the 2000 men had not overtaken Sebehr’s son & had returned relinquishing the pursuit, that with Sebehr’s son, are some 1500 slave dealers & 10,000 slaves, and that he knows Sebehr’s son is making his way to Darfour. Gessi himself having left his forces and come to Thika with 500 men!!! This was pleasant news for me and compels me to retrace my steps to Dara in order to resist the intended or the probable invasion of Sebehr’s son, who will naturally attempt to join Haroun, and who, if not checked, may give us a good deal of trouble. All this is owing to Gessi not obeying my orders which were to consider the destruction of Sebehr’s son as the grand object, he has gone after to ivory, and neglected this matter, while he has sent away Yousuf Bey…things are all ordained, and it is all for the best.” Second is one page both sides, 8.25 x 10.5, August 20, 1879, in part: “Sebehr’s son with the remnant of their chiefs were killed…one single chief escaped, but he will be sure to be captured ere long. I have heard nothing from Cairo, no congratulation on the termination of the revolt…Cairo under Ismail was l’etat c’est moi…owing to the changes it will be difficult for Europe to deal with Egypt…Europe has raised the spirit of the people which before was dormant…what has to be will be, and I suppose unless France and England collapse, there is an end of Ismail. Tewfik will go in for being a strict Musselman…for my part I like sinners better than self-styled saints. They are much more amusing.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds and overall toning. Gordon was made governor-general of Sudan in 1877 and he did much to suppress the slave trade. His arch-nemesis was Sebehr Rahma, a ‘Slaver King’ who had been captured a year earlier. However, Rahma’s son Suleiman kept up his father’s fight and battled against Gordon and Romolo Gessi, who successfully quelled the rebellion. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #466 - Ended December 09, 2015





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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