GORDON, Sir James Alexander, British naval officer, born about 1782; died in Greenwich hospital, England, 8 January 1869. He entered the navy in 1793, and rose rapidly in his profession. He was at the battle of the Nile, served in the West Indies, the Mediterranean, and the Adriatic-commanded the frigate "Active" at the battle of Lissa, for which he received a gold medal and a pension of £300, and, at the capture of the French frigate "La Pomone," had a leg carried away by a 36-pounder. In August, 1814, with a squadron under his command, he entered the Potomac, reduced Fort Washington and other batteries, and subsequently forced the City of Alexandria to capitulate. He also took part in the operations against New Orleans in 1814-'15. In 1827 he was appointed governor of the royal naval hospital at Plymouth. In 1840 he became lieutenant governor of Greenwich hospital, and in 1853 was advanced to the post of governor of that establishment. Altogether he served in the navy nearly seventy-six years, and was the last survivor of Lord Nelson's band of captains. He was created a K. C.B, in 1815 ; in 1854, G. C. B. ; and became admiral of the fleet in 1868.