British general who, in 1860, crushed the Taiping Rebellion in China, earning the nickname “Chinese.” Later appointed Governor General of the Sudan, he traveled to Egypt in 1884 to organize the defense of Khartoum against a rebel uprising and was killed there on January 26, 1885, two days before a relief force arrived. Fascinating group of six ALS, all written to Mr. Johnson in Manchester, various lengths and formats, 1868. The recipient was active in social work in Manchester, where Gordon had met him during a visit, and, later, became involved in Johnson’s crusade. The letters include personal news and greetings but, more interestingly, provide a revealing glimpse of the religious fervor that was a potent influence on Gordon’s life and career. Some excerpts: “Remember that if you believe Jesus to be His son, and you can say whether you believe or not, then God is in you and you are perfectly safe….” From another letter: “The following subject has drawn my attention as of late. What is the gospel. If you believe in the Son of God. You have now everlasting life, if any man believes he has therefore everlasting life & is a saved man. God alone can know whether he does believe. Our duty in that of a Witness on a Holy Ghost alone convinces of sin, and the sin in unbelief, it is not us who arrives of sin. We say here in a statement under God, that if any man let him be who he will or that he will believes in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, he is a saved man now….” Other letters touch on Gordon’s work with Johnson in Manchester: “I wish sometimes I was with you. I liked your quiet earnestness. There is little of that here and I liked the work…. I did not delay sending the leaflets. I do remember those lads with much pleasure, and I do believe that if all my dear friends could see it, that they all are people of God, you may ask me, do I think all will be saved to which I could humbly imply…. They are saved and are Kings & have their name in the Book of Life, and because they are so, therefore they should act as Kings ought to act…. I believe firmly that I will see them radiant in glory….” In good to very good condition, with usual folds, scattered toning and soiling, scattered small holes and tears (early repair to one letter), numerous pencil markings in text, and a few pages cross-written, the writing throughout nonetheless remaining generally dark and clear. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
