Alexander Gordon, Scottish-Russian general (d. 1752)

Alexander Gordon of Auchintoul (6 January 1670 – July 1752), an influential Scottish military officer, led a remarkable life marked by service across two major European powers and involvement in significant domestic upheavals. Born on 27 December 1669 according to the Old Style calendar, corresponding to 6 January 1670 in the New Style, Gordon distinguished himself as a general whose career spanned the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Service under Peter the Great in Russia

From 1696 to 1711, Alexander Gordon served with distinction in the Imperial Russian Army under the transformative reign of Tsar Peter the Great. This period was crucial for Russia, as Peter embarked on extensive military reforms aimed at modernizing the nation and asserting its presence on the European stage. Gordon, a Scot, was one of many foreign officers, including numerous Scots, who found opportunities for advancement and adventure in the rapidly expanding and professionalizing Russian forces. He participated in key campaigns of the Great Northern War, a protracted conflict between Russia and Sweden for supremacy in the Baltic, and played a role in the earlier Azov campaigns which secured Russian access to the Black Sea. His service saw him rise to the rank of Major-General, demonstrating his strategic acumen and leadership capabilities within a dynamic military environment.

The Jacobite Rising of 1715

Following his return from Russia, Gordon became deeply embroiled in the complex political landscape of Great Britain. A staunch supporter of the House of Stuart, he joined the Jacobite cause, which sought to restore the exiled Stuart monarchy to the British throne. In 1715, he played a prominent role in the ill-fated Jacobite rising, an attempt to depose King George I. Gordon was a significant commander for the Jacobite forces, participating in the pivotal Battle of Sheriffmuir in November 1715. Despite the fierce fighting, the battle was inconclusive, but the overall rising eventually failed, leading to severe repercussions for its participants. Alexander Gordon was subsequently attainted for treason, yet he later received a pardon, a testament to his influence or perhaps a strategic move by the Crown.

A Cultural Reference: "Sandy Don"

Alexander Gordon's legacy extends beyond his military exploits into Scottish popular culture. He is notably immortalized as "Sandy Don" in the traditional Scottish folk song "Cam Ye O'er Frae France." This popular Jacobite ballad, a defiant and often humorous critique of the Hanoverian succession and the Jacobite defeat, references various figures and events from the 1715 rising. The inclusion of "Sandy Don" highlights Gordon's contemporary prominence and the enduring impact of his involvement in a defining moment of Scottish history.

Literary Contributions: A Unique Historical Account

Beyond his military and political career, Alexander Gordon left behind a significant literary legacy. He authored "The History of Peter the Great, Emperor of Russia: To which is prefixed a short sketch of the author's life." This work provides an invaluable first-hand account of the reign of Peter the Great, offering unique insights from the perspective of a foreign officer who served closely with the Tsar during a period of immense change. Published posthumously in Aberdeen in 1755 and subsequently in Leipzig in 1765, the book stands as an important primary source for historians studying Russian military history and the reforms of Peter the Great. Crucially, it also includes a concise autobiographical sketch, offering rare glimpses into Gordon's own extraordinary life and experiences. This historical work is now widely accessible and can be found online through various digital archives and reputable historical text repositories.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alexander Gordon of Auchintoul

Who was Alexander Gordon of Auchintoul?

Alexander Gordon of Auchintoul was a Scottish general born in 1670 who served as a Major-General in the Russian army under Peter the Great and later fought for the Jacobites in the 1715 rising.

What was his role in the Russian army?

He served as a Major-General in the Imperial Russian Army from 1696 to 1711, participating in key conflicts like the Great Northern War and the Azov campaigns under Tsar Peter the Great.

What was his involvement with the Jacobites?

Gordon was a prominent commander for the Jacobite cause during the 1715 rising, fighting at the Battle of Sheriffmuir in an attempt to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British throne.

What historical book did Alexander Gordon write?

He authored "The History of Peter the Great, Emperor of Russia," a valuable first-hand account of Peter the Great's reign, which also includes a brief autobiography. It was published in 1755 and 1765.

Is Alexander Gordon's book available online?

Yes, digitised versions of his "History of Peter the Great" are readily available online through various digital archives and historical text collections.

Why is he called "Sandy Don" in a song?

He is affectionately referred to as "Sandy Don" in the traditional Scottish folk song "Cam Ye O'er Frae France," a popular Jacobite ballad reflecting his significant, though ultimately unsuccessful, role in the 1715 rising.