John Hoppner R.A. 1758-1810

The sitter was the eldest son of Alexander Gordon, fourth Duke of Gordon (1743–1827) and his first wife Jane Gordon (1748/9–1812) daughter of Sir William Maxwell, 3rd Bt. He married Elizabeth (1794–1864) only child of Alexander Brodie of Arnhall, Kincardineshire, a prosperous India merchant. They had no children, though Gordon had an illegitimate son.

Gordon joined the 35th foot, but also served in 42^nd Highlanders and 3^rd foot guards in which regiment he rose to the rank of General. He was dispatched to Wexford during the Irish rising, and his troops were notable for their forbearance and discipline; an address of thanks was presented to him as Colonel by the magistrates and inhabitants when the regiment was to leave. He sat briefly in the House of Commons before being called to the Lords following the death of his father. He died in his town residence in Belgrave Square and by order of the King his remains were escorted to Greenwich by his regiment of guards, thence to Scotland and he was buried on 10 June 1836 in the family vault in Elgin Cathedral.