Diary of General Patrick Gordon of Auchleuchries 1635-1699: Volume 1: 1635-1659

Patrick Gordon (1635-1699), born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, was a Soldier of Fortune who became a Russian general under Tsar Peter I. He was a close friend and advisor to the Tsar. After his death in 1699, Gordon left detailed diary of his life and times, written in English and now edited by Dmitry Fedosov. In Volume I, Gordon writes of his early life near Ellon, Aberdeenshire, and of his military apprenticeship in the armies of Sweden and Poland, with colourful descriptions of people (including many fellow Scots), places and events.