Born the eldest son of Charles Gordon of Wardhouse, Aberdeenshire, and his wife, a daughter of Major James Mercer, of Auchnacant, Aberdeenshire, Gordon joined the Royal Navy in November 1793. He was assigned to the 74-gun in the Channel Squadron, took part in the blockade of Brest and served under Lord Howe at the Battle of the Glorious First of June in June 1794. He spent time on harbour duty in the 74-gun , in the 74-gun , the 74-gun and finally the 24-gun during 1794. He transferred to the frigate in 1795 and served under Admiral Lord Bridport at the Battle of Groix in June 1795 during the French Revolutionary Wars.