Lieutenant John Gordon of the Dundurcus family, massacred at Patna

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Historians have found much difficulty in dis-
covering "Sombre's" origin. But they have made
a fair show of it. Surely there must
be floating about somewhere in Elgin
or Aberdeenshire, where John Gordon's (presum-
able) father died, some letters which would throw
more light on the career of Sombre's victim at
Patna. As it is, almost the only personal glimpse
we get of the lieutenant is the list of his
effects, which fetched 173.4 current rupees at
the "publick outcry" at Calcutta on January 5,
1764. They consisted of ("Inventories at Mayor's
Court," 1765; Records Department, India Office): —
Stockings, 5 pairs new and 9 pairs old 17.4
2 Coarse European sheets, 13 napkins, and 2
"pellercases" 7
1 Piece Madras chintz and 1 pallampore 12.12"
1 Pair gurras and 2 remnants of gilmills 5.4
2 Small glasses 1.12
A lot of sundry odd things 4
3 Coats, 2 waistcoats, and 3 pairs of breeches 15
A Remnant of old brocade and 2 of black silk 7.12
3 Bracelets set in gold, 1 pair stone sleeve
buttons, and a stone seal 15
A mahogany chest of drawers 71
A China ivory flower box 7
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