LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 October Grand Format Autographs #629  / 

25407

Charles "Chinese" Gordon Archive.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:625.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
Charles Chinese Gordon Archive.
<B>Charles G. "Chinese" Gordon Archive.</B></I> Four pieces. The archive includes two letters from General Gordon dated March 23, 1872 from Galatz. The first letter is to Peter Leitch from Gordon expressing his feelings about Leicht leaving. Gordon writes, "<I>It is a great mistake and loss to us. Your age would give us at least 10 years more good work and we would gain by your experience..."</B></I> The other letter on the opposing side of this letter serves as a recommendation for Leicht reading in part, "<I>I can testify to his integrity, zeal and ability in the performance of his duties...I regret extremely by his leaving the service which he has so well and faithfully acquitted himself.</B></I>" Both letters are signed by Gordon. The other two items in the archive are a marriage license dated July 27, 1899 between Charles Tye and Harriet Leicht. This certified copy is dated Dec. 30, 1915. Harriet was Peter's widow. The fourth item is a list of written extracts from "Connolly's History of the (Royal Engineer) Royal Sapper and Miners and General Porters' history of the Corps of Royal Engineers. Written on Royal Engineer Horseguard official letterhead with an embossed seal. The excerpts are about the construction of a battery, "<I>The added work was partly constructed in the day under fire as was also the laying of the platforms - Corporal Peter Leicht promoted to Sergeant (was the principal officer in charge of the huts sent from this country to the Armied; and severely wounded in the assault on the Redan on 8. Sept. 1855)...</B></I>" Also mentioned is the Siege of Sebastopol, "<I>The Carpenters, 16 in number were chosen men under Leitch, the master carpenter of the night attack, who had been daily in the trenches from the end of June. With energy never before surpassed they laid 4 gun platforms in No. 22.</B></I>" The document goes on to talk about Leitch's wound to the head after a storming part of sappers, the Knights of the Imperial Order of the Legion of Honour of France. And the Victoria Cross." Colonel Leicht received the Victoria Cross on June 18, 1856 for gallant deeds performed during the eventful siege. The details of his gallantry read, "<I>When after approaching it with the leading ladders, he formed a Caponniere across the ditch, as well as a ramp, by fearlessly tearing down gabions from the parapet, and placing them, and filling them until he was disabled from wounds.</B></I>" The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Engineers Museum. Fine condition overall.
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