Thomas Gordon (writer) facts for kids

Thomas Gordon (born around 1691, died July 28, 1750) was a Scottish writer. He was known as a "Commonwealthman." This meant he believed in a government where people had more power. He wanted people to be free from a king's absolute rule.

Gordon worked with another writer named John Trenchard. Together, they published a weekly newspaper called The Independent Whig. From 1720 to 1723, Trenchard and Gordon wrote 144 essays. These essays were called Cato's Letters. They spoke out against corruption and bad behavior in British politics. They also warned people about the dangers of a government becoming too powerful.

These essays were very important. They helped shape ideas about freedom and good government. Their ideas were especially important in the American colonies. They influenced the people who later started the American Revolution. One historian, Zuckert, said that Trenchard and Gordon were key in creating new ideas about how a republic should work.

About Thomas Gordon

Early Life and Career

A portrait of Anne Blackett, who was first married to John Trenchard and later to Thomas Gordon.

Thomas Gordon was born in Kirkcudbright, Scotland. This was near the end of the 1600s. He might have studied at the University of Aberdeen.

When he was a young man, he moved to London. There, he taught different languages. He wrote two small books about a big argument happening in the church. These books impressed John Trenchard. Trenchard was a politician who believed in more freedom for people. Gordon then became Trenchard's assistant.

Later, a powerful politician named Robert Walpole gave Gordon a job. Gordon became the chief officer for wine licenses. He kept this job until he died on July 28, 1750. Thomas Gordon was married twice. His second wife was John Trenchard's widow.

His Important Writings

Gordon wrote a paper called the Independent Whig. This paper was first published in 1719. It was followed by a weekly newspaper with the same name. Gordon, Trenchard, and another writer contributed to it. This paper mainly criticized the High Church party. This group of church leaders wanted more power for the church. The Independent Whig argued for a simpler form of Christianity.

In 1720, Gordon and Trenchard started writing Cato's Letters. These essays appeared in two different newspapers. They were later collected into four books in 1724. These letters were very popular. They talked about important ideas like liberty, government, and fighting against unfair power.

Thomas Gordon also translated important historical books. He translated the works of Tacitus in 1728. Tacitus was a famous Roman historian. Gordon's translation was used for many years. He also translated the works of Sallust in 1744. Sallust was another Roman historian. Gordon added his own thoughts on government to this translation.