Patrick Leopold Gordon of Ohlukhris, known in Russia as Peter Ivanovich Gordon, is a Scottish and Russian military leader, general and rear admiral of the Russian army.
Biography
The future military leader was born on the last day of March 1635 in the Scottish town of Ohlukhris. Patrick Leopold is from one of the most influential families in Scotland. His great-grandfather, Edam Gordon, met the Pope in person in 1320 and presented him with a manifesto for the independence of Scotland.
When Patrick was barely sixteen years old, he was forced to leave his native country. In the Prussian city of Braniewo, he entered a Jesuit gymnasium, but did not stay there for a long time. Having received a chance to get into the cavalry army of the Duke of Saxe-Lauenburg, he left his studies without hesitation and signed up as an ordinary reiter.
Military career
Already in 1655, twenty-year-old Patrick was at the front. While in the service of Charles X, he took part in the Northern War on the side of Sweden. In the battle of Warsaw, he was captured by the Poles, and, having concluded an agreement with them, went under their banners. On the side of the Commonwealth, he fought against the Tatar and Russian troops. Especially distinguished himself under the leadership of Prince Jerzy Lubomirski in the battle of Chudnov. Gordon's talent and military ingenuity impressed the Russian ambassador Vasily Leontyev so much that he made every effort to ensure that Patrick continued his service in Russia.
In September 1661, the Scotsman arrived in Russia, where he was assigned to the regiment to his fellow countryman Crawford. He began his service with the rank of major in the Russian army. In three years he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel, and a year later he received the rank of colonel. During the Russian-Turkish war, he took part in the campaign to the city of Chigirin. During the second campaign, he demonstrated courage and determination, which was appreciated at court. In April 1678, Patrick entered the city with his cavalry. During the siege, the commander of the garrison, Ivan Rzhevsky, was killed. Gordon took command, destroyed the powder store during the battle, and was one of the last to leave the city during the retreat. For his actions, the Scotsman was elevated to the rank of major general.
During the ascent of Peter I to the throne, Gordon continued to serve in the Russian army. In February 1678, the young emperor inspected the Butyr regiment and was pleased with the training of the soldiers. Under Peter, the Scottish voivode, who became a loyal companion and teacher of the Russian tsar, took an active part in suppressing the riots and remained in the service until his death. Gordon died in 1699 at the age of 64.
Personal life and family
The famous military leader was married twice. In 1665 he married Katharina von Bockhoven. In the same year, they had a daughter, Catherine Elizabeth. Two years later, a son was born, who was named John. A year later, another son was born - James.
Gordon's second choice was Elizabeth Ronaer. In a marriage with this woman, Patrick had six children, but four of them died in childhood.
