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Letter - Civil War Letter Written by a Captain and Chief Ordnance Officer...Alfred Mordecai, Jr. (1840-1920) in the Department of the South at Hilton Head, SC....see transcription below: Hilton Head [South Carolina] April 16, 1864 My Dear Capt., I have received yours of the 14th inst. & am very sorry to say that I can offer you little or no assistance. I have just ordered an Ordnance Sergeant to report to you. He is a new man but appears a likely one & I hope will be of assistance to you. All the men on ordnance duty have been ordered to their regiments. It leaves but three of the men that are employed here. I have gotten two of [John R.] McGinness‘ clerks exempted till I can obtain citizens for to fill their places. So many white regiments are to leave the Dept. that there will be much trouble in getting men. “Schemmerling’s” command remains so you must go to it. I leave myself probably in about a week. McGinness will take my place. Should like to see you before going but I fear shall not have the time to run up. Send me down the drawings as soon as possible. “Davis” does not go north, but I expect he comes down here. Hope you will remain in the Ordnance Dept. & not take to Engineering. If you can manage it come & pay us a visit before the Dept. is broken up. With many wishes for your health and prosperity & many thanks for the great services you have rendered me in the Department, believe me ever yours, — A. Mordecai After his graduation from West Point, Arthur was breveted a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Engineers. While in an acting AAG position, he participated in the First Battle of Bull Run and then returned to West Point as an Assistant Math Professor. Later in the war, he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Ordnance Department, rising in rank to Captain and Chief of Ordnance in the Department of the South. Mordecai received a Distinguished Medal for outstanding leadership and faithful service in the field by the order of the Department of War. Colonel Mordecai became the Superintendent and Commandant of the Springfield Armory from 1892 to 1898. When he left the Army, he was promoted to Brigadier General.

Associated People/Businesses

• Mordecai, Alfred Jr. (1840-1920)

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Physical Location

Arc.MS.56, Box 20, Folder 9