Alexander Gordon (British cavalry officer)


Alexander Gordon was a British officer during the Napoleonic Wars. He was commissioned a captain in the 15th Hussars and he fought in the Peninsular War. His correspondence during the Corunna Campaign were collated and published early in the 20th century.

Biography

Gordon was the son of George Gordon, 3rd Earl of Aberdeen and his mistress Penelope Dearing. His commission was purchased for him in 1803. After service in the Peninsular War he sold his commission in 1811 on his marriage to Albinia Elizabeth Cumberland. He was acknowledged by the 3rd Earl as being his son and was provided for in the Earl's will. He died at Ellon in Aberdeenshire on 21 March 1873.

Family

On 20 May 1811 Gordon married Albinia Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Cumberland and granddaughter of George Hobart, 3rd Earl of Buckinghamshire. They had five sons and four daughters: