Gordon joined a light dragoons unit of the Dutch army as a military cadet in 1753 before enrolling in the University of Harderwijk six years later, studying humanities.

He was responsible for naming the Orange River, introducing Merino sheep to the Cape Colony and discovering the remains of Bartolomeu Dias's padrão at Kwaaihoek in 1786.

He set out on a second trip from 6 October 1777 to 8 March 1778 together with botanist William Paterson, who soon turned back due to illness, and artist Johannes Schumacher.

Gordon was a diligent recorder of data such as altitude, compass headings and hours travelled and other information which he would later incorporate in a great map he planned.

A third trip lasting from September to October 1778, was made in the company of Governor Joachim van Plettenberg to the north-eastern frontiers of the Cape Colony.

Facing accusations of treason from his troops, and having become an outcast and a target of derision and violence among the Dutch community in the Cape Colony, Gordon committed suicide on 25 October at his manor house, Schoonder Sigt.