Add MS 89728/1/3

These letters begin with one on 1 Nov from Rueda, describing how the siege of Burgos was abandoned and the allied army was pressed back by the French forces. Gordon praises the manoeuvrability of the French and describes defending the Duke of Wellington from an attacker.

Further letters from Rueda describe the destruction of the bridges on the river Douro and the allied retreat towards Salamanca, through Pitiegua to Cuidad Rodrigo. Gordon estimates a loss of 4000 men since the siege of Burgos.

These letters also include one letter, dated 17 Nov 1812, written on behalf of Gordon by G Brown, originally enclosing a bulletin providing an update on the position of the armies.

The second half of these letters are sent from the army's offices in Horse Guards, London, during October 1814. They generally convey Gordon's advice to his wife concerning purchasing land on the Isle of Wight and planting fruit trees he was sending to their estate. Gordon also describes a visit to the Duke of Northumberland at Syon, where he met Lord Percy, Lord Gwydir, Lady Willoughby and Mary Jones.