Gordon, Charles George.

a revealing correspondence to the proprietor of Vanity Fair protesting his dislike of publicity ("...I do not like to be put before the world in any way...") whilst providing a summary of his family background and career and an assessment of his own character, discussing at length Isma'il Pasha, the deposed Khedive of Egypt, warning that "Europe wishes to destroy not reform Turkey" and that "By the present mode of operation, we weld together Sultan & people to resist us" (13 November 1880), with the final letter explaining his aims in Sudan on the eve of his final departure ("...it is only advice I can give, of course. I am hopeful of the success, for they are sharp enough to see I can have no other motive than their welfare..."), also covering such subjects as his awkwardness in London society including a meeting with Florence Nightingale, his fondness for Vanity Fair, and the dissemination of a pamphlet on marine warfare, 50 pages, 8vo, Southampton, Bantry, Twywell Rectory, Thrapston, London, and "At Sea", 25 October 1880 to 21 January 1884, together with two letters by Gordon's sister, a draft letter by Bowles, and one other letter, dust staining to some letters

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

"...Gifted with instinct of a woman without judgement, impulsive to the right path, or the wrong, as moved by emotions: practically, and, with reason, preferring to gain the hearts of men than £s sterling ... to be trusted in some places, yet utterly untrustworthy in others..." (Gordon's assessment of his own character, 16 February 1881)

These letters show Gordon's careful use of the press. Gordon's autobiographical letter emphasises his rebellious streak, from his Jacobite grandfather ("...I am sorry to say he was at Culloden...") to his many brushes with authority at military college and beyond. Most of the letters date from Gordon's unhappy time in Britain between his brief service as secretary to the Viceroy in India, and his departure to Mauritius with the Royal Engineers. His discomfort with British society is very clear in these letters, for example when he describes, with a rare touch of humour, an encounter with Florence Nightingale:

"...Yesterday I saw Miss Nightingale & said "You & me, Miss N. are at a disadvantage in the world, we are not married, we have no looking glasses to tell us our faults." Miss N. looked astonished, & thought it was a proposal..."