Subject: Ordnance

Autograph letter signed by Captain Alfred Mordecai, dated February 18, 1846, from the Washington Arsenal, to William Kemble, President of the West Point Foundry Association. The letter discusses the successful operation of a steam engine furnished by the Foundry Association and details the final payment, including deductions for completing the engine. A second page itemizes the costs of materials and labor involved in completing the engine.

Cabinet photograph of Major Alfred Mordecai, a prominent ordnance officer in the United States Army. The photograph, taken by Pach Brothers in New York City and West Point, New York, circa 1850s, depicts Mordecai in his military uniform. An accompanying piece of paper reads "Professor of Ordinance and Germany."

This is the first American edition of an essay on the use and various alloys of phosphorous bronze, particularly in cannon founding. Translated from French by John D. Brandt, the book comprises 123 pages and includes tables of curves. Published by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C. in 1872, this hardcover book is an ex-library copy with a black cloth cover and gilt title.

Free franked envelope addressed to Captain E. Harding at the US Arsenal in Augusta, Georgia, postmarked October 20, 1839. The envelope was sent from the Washington Ordnance Department and signed by J.L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions. The envelope bears the signature of Captain Alfred Mordecai.

Invoice for 6000 ball cartridges and 6 ammo boxes. The invoice was issued by Charles L. Isaacs and approved by Major General Wallace. The document is dated July 5, 1864, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Handwritten letter from Alfred Mordecai of the Ordnance Office in Washington, D.C. to Captain E. Harding at the Augusta Arsenal, dated July 24, 1839. The letter acknowledges receipt of Harding's requisition and states that Hall's rifles will be shipped from Harpers Ferry. It also discusses the difficulty in obtaining other rifle parts and mentions Messrs D. Albert & Co. of Baltimore as importers for Harpers Ferry. The letter is folded and shows significant water or ink staining, particularly down the center. The reverse side includes an address and a red wax seal. **3.

A pamphlet issued by the Ordnance Office of the U.S. War Department on July 30, 1863, providing details on the administrative duties of the Ordnance Bureau. An insert indicates this pamphlet forms part of a larger work being prepared titled "Administrative Duties of the Ordnance Bureau," which will detail the duties of each division of the Ordnance Office and direct attention to rules for examining property returns. The light blue cover features a decorative double-line border and a central insignia of the Ordnance Department, which includes crossed cannons and other military symbols. Handwritten notation on the cover indicates it was received by Captain A. Mordecai in 1863.

First edition of Captain Alfred Mordecai's Report of Experiments on Gunpowder, Made at Washington Arsenal, in 1843 and 1844. Published in Washington by J. and G.S. Gideon in 1845, this book contains six plates and numerous charts, one of which is folding. The report details experiments conducted at the Washington Arsenal on gunpowder, including experiments with cannon and musket pendulums, mortars, and various eprouvettes. It also includes analyses of gunpowder density, grain size, quickness of burning, and hygrometric properties. The book features a letter from Lt. Col. G. Talcott to Secretary of War William Wilkins, with Wilkins' approval for publication.

Report of Experiments on Gunpowder, Made at Washington Arsenal, in 1843 and 1844. By Captain Alfred Mordecai, of the Ordnance Department. Washington: Printed by J. and G.S. Gideon, 1845. This report details experiments conducted by Captain Alfred Mordecai at the Washington Arsenal. The author's biography is included in the description, highlighting his distinguished military career, including his service in the Mexican War, his observations of the Crimean War, and his contributions to military technology. He ultimately retired from the U.S. Army in 1861 to avoid fighting in the Civil War.

First edition of a report detailing the findings of a military commission, led by Major Alfred Mordecai, that investigated European artillery and small arms development in 1855-1856. Published in 1860, this report, commissioned by Jefferson Davis, Secretary of War, significantly influenced American weapon design and construction during the Civil War. The report is the culmination of two years of travel and study by Major Mordecai, a prominent ordnance expert and West Point graduate. The extensive description includes biographical information about Major Mordecai's life, career, and contributions to military science and technology, including his involvement in the Mexican War and his decision to resign his commission at the outset of the Civil War. The text also mentions his contributions to the development of interchangeable parts in weapons manufacturing.

Second edition of the report of the Military Commission to Europe in 1855/56, ordered by Jefferson Davis, Secretary of War. This report details the findings of a two-year study of European artillery and small arms development, conducted by a commission sponsored by the Ordnance Division of the War Department. The report significantly influenced American weapon design and construction during the Civil War. The report includes biographical information about Major Alfred Mordecai, who participated in the commission and made significant contributions to military technology. The report also touches upon the Civil War, highlighting the personal dilemma faced by Major Mordecai due to his Southern heritage and loyalty to the U.S. Army. The document mentions Mordecai's grandson, Myer Myers, a silversmith.