The Right Honourable Lord Adam Gordon

Category

Library Item

Item no

13531

Title

The Right Honourable Lord Adam Gordon

Description

The Right Honourable Lord Adam Gordon depicted on horseback, upright in formal military posture. He wears distinctive period military dress including an elaborate bicorn hat and a heavily braided or frogged military coat with ornate decorative elements across the chest.

The horse is equipped with full military tack including an ornate saddle blanket decorated with what appears to be regimental insignia or royal emblems. Th ground appears to be a grassy terrain.

Artist / maker

Kay, John

Date

1796

Size

16 x 10.5 cm

Type

Etching

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The accompanying text in the volume states as follows:
"LORD ADAM GORDON, fourth son of Alexander, second Duke of Gordon, and grand-uncle to the late Duke, entered the 18th Regiment of Foot in 1746— from whence he was transferred to the 3d Regiment of Foot Guards in 1755. He accompanied this regiment in the expedition to the coast of France, under General Bligh, in 1758; undertaken, in conjunction with the fleet under Lord Howe, for the purpose of creating a diversion in favour of the allies.. The General succeeded in effecting a landing at St. Lunaire, on the 4th September, and in destroying a few vessels at St. Briac; but his courage soon began to " ooze out at his finger-ends" on learning that the French camp was only a few miles distant, and that some fresh reinforcements had lately been received. On the 10th of the same month he summoned a council of war, when, with only one dissentient voice (Lieutenant-colonel Clerk) a re-embarkation was resolved upon. Lord Howe was immediately made acquainted with this determination; but, for the safety of the fleet, the Admiral found it necessary to go to St. Cas Bay. The troops were thus under the disagreeable necessity of marching a short distance along the coast. This they accomplished in double-quick time, without having almost ever seen the face of an enemy. At St. Cas Howe had every thing in readiness, so that not a moment was lost, the troops entering the boats just as they arrived on the beach. Lord Adam Gordon greatly distinguished himself by bringing up the rear of the troops, and resolutely retarding the advance of the enemy. The embarkation took place on the 11th September, thus finishing, almost without bloodshed, the long campaign of seven days!

Lord Adam Gordon next became Colonel of the 66th Regiment of Foot, and served for several years in America. He returned in 1765, having been entrusted by the heads of the Colonies with a statement of their grievances. Lord Adam had a long conference with the Secretaries of State; but his mission was not productive of any favourable result. In 1775, he was appointed Colonel of the 26th, or Cameronian Regiment; and, in 1782, was made Governor of Tynemouth Castle.

Lord Adam sat in Parliament for many years, having been first returned for the county of Aberdeen in 1754. He afterwards represented the county of Kincardine from 1774 till 1788, when he vacated his seat, and was next year appointed to the command of the Forces in Scotland. Lord Adam thereupon took up his residence in Holyrood Palace, which he caused to be materially repaired; but displayed very questionable taste in having all the oak carvings painted white!

While Commander-in-Chief, Lord Adam frequently amused himself by reviewing those domestic warriors, the Edinburgh Volunteers, and the other defensive bands which the emergencies of the country had called into existence. He also had the honour of presenting a set of colours to a battalion of the Scots Brigade. The ceremony took place in George Square, on the 19th of June 1795. Lord Adam, who was then a very old man, addressed the corps in the following terms:" General Dundas, and officers of the Scots Brigade,—I have the honour to present these colours to you; and I am very happy in having this opportunity of expressing my wishes that the Brigade may continue, by their good conduct, to merit the approbation of our gracious Sovereign, and to maintain that reputation which all Europe knows that old and respectable corps have most deservedly enjoyed." This oration was received with great applause, and the veterans were visibly affected.

Lord Adam resigned the command, in 1798, in favour of Sir Ralph Abercromby, and retired to his seat of "The Burn," in the county of Kincardine, where he died suddenly on the 13th August 1801, in consequence of inflammation produced by drinking lemonade while overheated.

His lordship married in London, in 1776, Jane, daughter of John Drummond, Esq. of Megginch, in the county of Perth, the widow of James, second Duke of Atholl, but had no issue. Her Grace died at Holyrood House, on the 22d February 1795."

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Animals > Mammals > Horses

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hats

Clothing and dress > Garments > Coats

Military

People > Politics and government > Lords

Sport and leisure > Activities > Riding

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