James Gordon (British Army officer, died 1783) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Gordon
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | c.1735 |
| Died | 17 October 1783 (aged 48) |
| Allegiance |  Great Britain |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant-Colonel |
| Battles/wars | American Revolutionary War |
| Relations | Father: James Gordon second Laird of Ellon (died April 1749) Mother: Elizabeth Gordon (née Glen) (1712-1792) Brother: Lieutenant-General Andrew Gordon (died 1806) Nephew: Lieutenant-General Robert Balfour, 6th of Balbirnie (1772-1837) |
Lieutenant-Colonel James Gordon (born around 1735, died 1783) was a respected British Army officer. He fought in the American Revolutionary War. In 1782, he was involved in the Asgill Affair. This was a difficult situation involving the possible execution of a British captain.
Contents
Early Life and Family
_his_family_lived_at_Linlithgow_Palace._Government_troops,_under_the_command_of_Lieutenant_General_((Henry_Hawley)),_were_pursuing_Jacobites_in_the_area.jpg)
James Gordon was born in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, around 1735. His father, also named James Gordon, was the owner of the Ellon lands. His mother was Elizabeth Glen.
The Gordon family lived at Linlithgow Palace. In 1746, when James was about 11, soldiers stayed at the palace. They left their campfires burning when they rushed out. This caused a lot of damage to the old palace.
James's father passed away in 1749. James inherited the Ellon lands. However, the family decided to sell the lands a few years later in 1752.
Military Career Highlights
James Gordon began his military service as an officer. He joined the 115th Regiment of Foot. Later, he became a major in the 80th Regiment of Foot in 1777.
Serving in the American Revolutionary War
Gordon served during the American Revolutionary War. He fought under General Charles Cornwallis. In 1781, he became a prisoner of war. This happened after the British surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia. General Cornwallis praised Gordon's skills as a soldier.
The Asgill Affair
In May 1782, a tough decision had to be made. Thirteen captains under Gordon's command had to draw lots. This was to decide which one would be executed. This was in response to an earlier execution of an American captain.
Charles Asgill drew the unlucky paper. He was sentenced to death. However, the French government stepped in to help. Thanks to their efforts, Asgill was released in November 1782.
Death and Lasting Impact
James Gordon passed away on October 17, 1783. He died from an illness called dropsy. This happened at the Morris House in New York. This house was used as a headquarters during the war.
A Friend's Visit and Legacy
Captain Samuel Graham visited Gordon on his deathbed. Graham had served with Gordon throughout the war. Gordon showed him a letter from Lady Asgill. She thanked Gordon for helping her son, Charles Asgill.
Gordon received a military funeral. He was buried in an unmarked grave at Trinity Church Cemetery. In 2022, a memorial was placed there in his honor.
Charles Asgill later wrote about Gordon. He shared how Gordon supported him during his difficult time. Asgill said Gordon was a true friend. Gordon's health was affected by the stress of the Asgill Affair. He cared deeply about Asgill's situation.
