Lot 687
Gordon, Charles G. "Chinese" (1833 - 1885) British soldier involved in the taking of Peking and suppressing the Taiping rebellion. While resisting the siege of Khartoum, he was killed by forces of the Mahdi. Two autograph letters signed ("C.G. Gordon"), on opposing, connected pages, 8 x 5 in., Galatz, 23 March 1872. One is written to Crimean War veteran, Peter Leitch, regretting Leitch's departure: "…it is a great mistake and loss to us. Your age would give us at least 10 years more good work and we would gain by your experience ." The other letter serves as a recommendation for Leicht, testifying to "his integrity, zeal and ability in the performance of his duties. I regret extremely by his leaving the service which he has so well and faithfully acquitted himself." The letters are linen backed, with normal folds and some age wear.
With a certified 1915 copy of the 1899 marriage license of Peter's widow, Harriett, to Charles Tye, and a list of written "Extracts from Connolly's History of the (Royal Engineer) Royal Sappers and Miners and General Porters' History of the Corps of Royal Engineers," mentioning, among other things, the Siege of Sebastopol, for which Leitch won the Victoria Cross.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500.
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