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Book - "Second Report - Experiments On Gunpowder, Made At Washington Arsenal, In 1845, '47, And '48" by Brevet Major Alfred Mordecai of the Ordinance Department…. Washington: J. and G. S. Gideon, 1849. First Edition. Association Copy. 8vo. 71, [1] page, 2 leaves of plates. End leaves excised, otherwise complete. War of 1812 hero Lewis Warrington's personal copy, bound for him , bearing his ownership inscription at head of title page. Warrington (1782-1851), U.S. Naval Officer during the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, and later temporarily served as the Secretary of the Navy, was at the time Chief of the Bureau of Ordinance. Old leather scuffed and worn, spine partially perished. Upper board stamped in gilt: MORDECAI'S REPORT ON GUNPOWDER 1845, '47, AND '48. - COMMODORE L. WARRINGTON. Printed submittal letter (part of report) to Brig. Gen. Geo. Talcott, Ordinance Dept…."Since the date of my first report of experiments on gunpowder, I have made use of such opportunities as presented themselves, without interference with my other duties, to continue the experiments with the ballistic pendulum, for the purpose of elucidating some subjects not embraced in the first series. The completion of some of the new experiments proposed to be made was prevented by the bursting of one of the guns; but, considering the results obtained to be interesting and useful to the service of Artillery, I have prepared a report of them, which is herewith respectfully submitted to you." Major Alfred Mordecai was born in Warrentown, North Carolina, in 1804 and died in 1887. He entered West Point at age 15 and he graduated first in his class in 1823. Upon graduation, Mordecai became an assistant professor at the United States Military Academy in New York. Later, he was commissioned in the engineers and was involved in the construction of two forts in Virginia. Eventually, he became commander of the Washington Arsenal. Mordecai was recognized for his meritorious service in the line of duty during the Mexican War (1845-1847) with his promotion to Major. When the war was over, he was sent to Mexico to adjust claims for losses suffered by Mexicans during the conflict. The military sent him and Captain George B. McClellan, who became one of the top generals in the Civil War, to observe the Crimean War in 1854. They were granted a private conference with Czar Nicholas I and Mordecai's observations were published by Congress. Mordecai made important contributions to the military technology with his introduction of scientific research and development to the military art. He wrote several notable books on the military, which included Second Report of Experiments in Gun Powder (1849) and Ordinance Manual for the Use of Officers of the United States Army... (1841, revised in 1850). When the Civil War between the states broke out in 1861, it created a dilemma for him. He was tom with his love for the South, his distaste for secession and his loyalty to the army and country. Mordecai made a decision to retire from the U.S. Army at age 57, so he wouldn't have to fight against either side. His devotion to his conscience probably cost him a higher place in American history. When he resigned, he was one of the best military professionals in the country. He was on a par with all the well-known generals of the Civil War. His son, Alfred Mordecai, Jr., whose feelings were less sensitive to his Southern heritage, joined the North in the Civil War in 1861. He died with the rank of General in 1920.

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