(GORDON, LORD GEORGE). Autograph Letter Signed by John Walker describing in detail the Gordon Riots

A detailed eyewitness description of the Gordon or “No Popery Riots” of 1780. Led by Lord George Gordon (1757-1793), a Member of Parliament and Protestant agitator, marchers aimed to submit a petition objecting to the end of religious discrimination against Catholics. The thousands of protesters became violent and the uproar continued for days before the military finally subdued the rioting, in which 850 people were ultimately killed. Subsequently, Lord George Gordon, as one of the organizers, was acquitted, however a group of 21 other ringleaders were found guilty and hanged. Years later, Gordon became interested in Judaism, formally converting in 1787. Thence known as Israel ben Abraham, he proceeded to adopt the apparel of East European Jews. He was most punctilious in his observance of the dietary laws and prayers, and generally intolerant of those Jews less observant than himself. He died in Newgate Prison, sentenced for libel against the British government and Marie Antoinette of France. See EJ, Vol. VII, cols. 795-6