Charles Gordon

Biography

Son of William Gordon (d. 1745), 2nd Earl of Aberdeen, and Anne Gordon (d. 1791), dau of Alexander, 2nd Duke of Gordon. At the time of his death, in December, 1771, he was a Captain in the army.

Life with James Boswell

Boswell possibly met him in Amsterdam during the early part of his stay in Holland, at the time when he wasn't sure whether to choose the University at Leyden or Utrecht. A reason why he considered Leyden was that Gordon, among others, would be nearby (either at Leyden or nearby The Hague). However, Gordon's favour soon fell. In early September, 1763, Archibald Stewart wrote to Boswell, that he didn't think Gordon the right companion for Boswell. Also, Boswell finally did choose Utrecht, and when he went to the Hague in December, 1763, he made a note to be retenu with Gordon, as well as staying at the Maréchal Turenne, so he wouldn't have to spend too much time with Gordon. Although the did meet at various occasions during the next few weeks, Boswell was much reserved, and tried to avoid Gordon at times.

Mentioned in

Charles Gordon is mentioned in:

• Boswell in Holland 1763-1764