Description:

Gordon Charles G. "Chinese"

A turning point in Chinese Gordon’s career: “No news of Egypt, as yet, a kind letter from Nubar Pasha saying Khedive would be glad if I would leave HMS & enter his…”

Autograph letter signed “C G Gordon,” 1p, 5.5” x 8.5”. No place, [1872/1873]. To [Charles Henry Leopold] Kuhl. Soiling and tears at lower edge affecting last word, “Sunday.” Else darkly penned and in fine condition.

In part:

“Metternich makes no more voyages this year, so Leborne will have to go to Kustendjih, unless the Russian Boat which is to leave on Wednesday delays till Thursday which is not probable … No news of Egypt, as yet, a kind letter from Nubar Pasha saying Khedive would be glad if I would leave HMS & enter his, which any way is civil.”

In a postscript, Gordon adds “I go I think to Kustendjih on Friday. Steamer arrives there on Saturday or Sunday.”

Charles H.L. Kuhl was Resident Engineer on the Danube Commission. Gordon had been appointed as British Commissioner on the Danube Commission in 1871 with the objective of making the Danube fully navigable and to ensure free and safe passage for the vessels of all nations.

In 1872, Gordon was in Turkey to work on the Danube Commission. At a casual meeting with Nubar Pasha in Constantinople he learned that the Khedive of Egypt wanted him to become Governor of the Sudan. Gordon expressed his willingness, but only if his own government approved. He heard nothing for a year, but at the end of September 1873, Gordon received a communication to the effect that the Khedive wished to appoint him Governor General of the Sudan with the approval of the British Government, evidently referred to in this letter.

C.G. Gordon left Her Majesty’s Service (HMS) and entered the service of the Khedive, arriving in Egypt in early 1874.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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