Description:

CHARLES GEORGE "CHINESE" GORDON
(1833-1885) British major general known as "Chinese Gordon"; took part in capture of Peking and destruction of the Summer Palace (1860); commander of the "Ever Victorious Army," a Chinese force, suppressed Taiping Rebellion (1863-64); Governor General of Sudan, equatorial provinces, and Red Sea littoral (1877-80); killed in the fall of Khartoum, becoming in popular view a hero and martyr. A.L.S., 4pp. small 8vo., Junior United Service Club letterhead, London, May 2, 1865, to Colonel Nugent, excellent content re: Japan. In part: "…When I saw you last, I tried a feeler to see if you would but look Eastwood, but you did not take (excuse the story expressions). When I hear of your going away from Weymouth I thought of writing & opening the subject, but did not like to do so. I have just seen Sealey & he has told me that you have been talking to him about the East. Sir R[utherford]Alcock has great ideas of lending officers to the Japanese...in order to train his men even to encounter the Rebellious Domos…It must come to pass however sooner or later unless we take the country. When there are two factions, as in China & Japan our policy is to support one…Parker is going to Japan, he is a fiery man & I have but little doubt that he will…With respect t China, I cannot say for the present what is likely to turn out, as the Peking Govt. have not yet applied for officers...the climate of Japan, it is splendid…The work is interesting, & useful. One can have great influence…" Adds an interesting postscript: "You will not be annoyed if I say I think that your field would either India or China or Japan. Our caliber are not fitted for Gr Britain." Sir Rutherland Alcock (1809-97) was a diplomat, being the first British representative to live in Japan. Light soiling on last page. An excellent letter.

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July 8, 2015 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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