Letters to William Scott (1859-1897)

Letters to William Scott (1859-1897), horticulturalist in Mauritius, on botanical subjects, particularly the double coconut or coco-de-mer of the Seychelles and the breadfruit, with a large watercolour of the latter and other pen sketches. It has been reported that Gordon was convinced that the Vallée de Mai was the Biblical "Garden of Eden". In MS.6899/2, 26 Nov 1881, Gordon writes to Scott "I have a lot to tell you about the Eden of the old world"; in MS.6899/12, 6 Jan 1882, "... I sum up in saying humbly I have no doubt of the site of Eden, and also that these two trees are those used as the one of knowledge and of life".

These letters show Gordon's curiosity about the fruits, how they came to be there, how they propagate, what they look and feel like, the various species, what islands they are found on, the history of their names and how they are used on the various islands.

1881-1882

19 items

During 1881 and 1882 Gordon worked with the Royal Engineers in Mauritius and was in command of the British troops there from Jan 1882 (in position of Commanding Royal Engineer, CRE). He was there from April 1881-March 1882.

Described in the Library's typescript supplements to its published manuscript catalogues.