Charles 'Chinese' Gordon

DS in Arabic, signed “C. G. Gordon,” one page, 4.25 x 2.5, no date. Promissory note from Khartoum, in part (translated): "One Hundred official Piastres, this sum is accepted and will be paid by the Treasury in Khartoum or Cairo any time six months after today." Signed at the conclusion in ink by Gordon, and slightly overstamped with his Arabic seal. In fine condition. Accompanied by a mounted portrait by the London Stereoscopic Company, featuring Gordon's facsimile signature on the mount.

During the ten-month siege of Khartoum, Gordon and his followers were isolated due to Britain's vacillation about its role in the Sudan. Cut off from financial support, Gordon issued these promissory notes, guaranteed by his reputation and personal wealth.