he last Englishmen
ever to see him, says:--

"Not over five feet nine inches in height, but of compact build,
his figure and gait characteristically expressed resolution and
strength. His face, though in itself unpretending, was one that, in
common phrase, 'Grew upon you.' Time had now streaked with grey the
crisp, curly, brown hair of his youth, and traced lines of care on
his ample forehead and strong clear face, bronzed with exposure to
the tropical sun. His usual aspect was serene and quiet, and though
at times a ruffling wave of constitutional impatience or
indignation might pass over him, it did not disturb him long. The
depth and largeness of Gordon's nature, which inspired so much
confidence in others, seemed to afford him a sense of inner repose,
so that outer disturbance was to him like the wind that ruffles the
surface of the sea, but does not affect its depth. The grace and
beauty of Gordon's whole expression came from within, and, as it
were, irradiated the man, the steadfast truthful gaze of the
blue-grey eyes seeming a direct appeal from the upright spirit
within. His usual manner charmed by its simple unaffected courtesy;
but though utterly devoid of self-importance, he had plenty of
quiet dignity, or even imperious authority, at command when
required."

Colonel H. G. Prout, an American officer, who served under Gordon in
the Soudan, writing in _Scribner's Magazine_, says:--

"He was rather under than over medium height, of well-proportioned
figure, by no means heavy, but muscular and vigorous in all his
movements. His hair was brown, and curled rather closely. His
complexion was ruddy. He wore a short moustache and small whiskers,
and shaved as carefully when he was in the heart of Africa as when
he was in London. His mouth was resolute, but full of humour. His
smile was quick, and his whole expression was kind, bright, and
ready, but absolutely self-reliant. Only a dull person could fail
to see that here was a man who had nothing to ask or to fear. His
most striking feature was his eyes. These were bright blue, and the
blue and white were of that pure unclouded quality that one sees
only in the eyes of a baby. Only a baby's eyes could be so direct
and sincere. You felt that they looked right into your soul and
laid bare your motives."

Both these descriptions spea