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Letter- ASD letter is to Col. John G. Watmough (1793-1861), in Philadelphia, a veteran of the War of 1812, he served in Congress from PA, 1831-1835, and at the time this letter was written, he was High Sheriff of Philadelphia, (1835-1838 or later). Good content in which Mordecai regrets that he cannot accept the invitation from the Governor, extended through Col. Watmough, to attend an occasion honoring an "estimable old soldier", because he is in the middle of closing up his business at the arsenal and preparing for a move on the arrival of his successor. ....dated at Philadelphia, Friday, Sept. 14 (no year date, but can be definitively dated at 1838, as he writes that he is about to be leaving his command of the Frankford Arsenal in Phila. - he commanded the Frankford Arsenal, 1835 to 1838). TRANSCRIPTION: Phila., Friday, Sept. 14th My dear Sir, On my return here last evening, I found your very obliging note to which I hasten to reply. It would give me great satisfaction to comply with the invitation so kindly conveyed by you, as a mark of respect both to the Governor of the State & to the estimable old soldier who is to be the object of distinction on the occasion - but I am afraid it will be impracticable for me to leave home so soon again. I am in the midst of preparation for closing my business at the arsenal, & preparing for a move on the arrival of Capt. Ramsay, who may be expected very early next week. I cannot therefore, appropriate to my own gratification, even the few days it would require to go to Harrisburg & back. Accept my thanks for the obliging manner in which you have conveyed the Governor's invitation, & be assured that nothing but orders which I am obliged to consider of superior authority would prevent my compliance. Very respectfully Yrs, A. Mordecai To Col. J. G. Watmough Alfred Mordecai, (1804-1887), the noted Jewish army officer; born in Warrenton, NC, son of Jacob Mordecai and grandson of Moses Mordecai, he was raised in an orthodox household; Graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1823, at the top of his class; During his career, through his research and writings, he made important contributions to US Military development, especially in the area of ordnance. Was a member of the 3 man Military Commission sent as observers during The Crimean War (George B. McClellan was another). At the start of the Civil War, he resigned from the Army rather than fight against either side (he had family in the South, and his son was an officer in the Union Army). In 1836, he married Sara Ann Hays in Philadelphia, a niece of Rebecca Gratz.

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