Gordon, Charles George

Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)

Charles George (1833-1885), a British soldier. He served in the Crimean War with credit. During a rebellion in China he was employed, with the consent of his government, to command a force of native troops. His service was highly creditable to his military skill, and gained him the name of "Chinese Gordon." In 1873 he was appointed to succeed Sir Samuel Baker in the command of the troops of the khedive of Egypt. He had influence over the Arabs in the vast territory known as Sudan. In 1881 an Arab enthusiast preached a crusade against the presence of foreign, that is to say, English people among true believers. He announced himself as a Messiah or Mahdi, and raised the religious fervor of his followers to the point of a holy war against infidels. Gordon proceeded to Khartum on the upper Nile with a view to withdrawing outlying garrisons. Here he was besieged for a year by hordes of leaping, shouting, frenzied Arabs. After what seemed criminal hesitation on the part of the British government, a delay for which Gladstone and his ministry were severely criticised, General Wolseley was sent to Gordon's relief, but arrived two days late. Gordon and his men had been lured by treachery and hewed into pieces by the followers of the Mahdi. An interesting journal was found in camp, giving the details of the defense and the long watch for aid that did not come. Gordon is known also as "British Gordon," and "Gordon Pasha." He is regarded as a man of ability and character. Queen Victoria admired Gordon. She was very much incensed at the inactivity of Gladstone. Gordon's Bible, every page of which was annotated in his own hand, was found in camp at Khartum. It was presented to Queen Victoria and was kept by her in a silver casket.