British general (born 1833) 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. ALS signed “C. G. Gordon,” six pages on three sheets joined “book style” with discreet tape hinges, January 3, 1884. Gordon writes to Mr. Boulger on the political situation in the Sudan. In part: “I send you a small note which you can make use of, but I beg you will not let my name appear under any circumstances. I trust to your honor for that.... A correspondent writes that it may seem inexplicable why Mahdi’s [Muslim rebel leader Muhammad Ahmed Al Mahdi, 1845–1885] troops attacked Gezireh which as its name signifies is an isle near Berber, but there is an old tradition that the future Ruler of Soudan will be from that isle. Zebihr Rahama knew this ... so though the Soudan peoples looked on him as a likely Saviour, this omen shook their confidence in him.... Zebihr will, most probably, be taken prisoner, by the Mahdi, and will then take the command of the Mahdi’s forces. The peoples of the Soudan are very superstitious, and the fall of the flag by a gust of wind, on proclamation of Isofih at Kartuum was looked on, as an omen of the end of Mohamet Ali’s dynasty.... There can be no doubt that the movement will spread into Palestine, Syria & Hedjaz, at Damascus, already proclamations have been posted up, denouncing Turks and Circassians.... It is the beginning of the end of Turkey. Austria backed by Germany will go to Salonica, quieting Russia by letting her go to Armenia. England & France neutralizing one another.... Privately I tell you, I am going on to Congo next month but do not mention it.” After signing, Gordon adds a telling postscript: “May 1884 bring you greater union with our Lord. Isaiah XIX 19-20-21 has a wonderful prophecy about Egypt & the Saviour who will come from the Frontier.” In the same month he penned this letter, Gordon, at the request of the British government, set off to command the defense of Khartoum against militant rebels. It was there that, after months of bloody battle, he would finally meet his end. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope and an ALS to Gordon by American officer [Bey] Mason, circa October 1884, who describes the warlike situation in the Sudan. In fine condition overall, with tape as noted above, a few minor scattered spots, and pencil notations to one page. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
