Jewish Confederates: Letter Regarding Benjamin Mordecai's Support of a Commission for Jacob Valentine

February 1, 1861

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Jewish Confederates: Letter Regarding Benjamin Mordecai's Support of a Commission for Jacob Valentine
Autograph Letter Signed
1 page | SMC 181

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      Background

      The secretary of the Governor of South Carolina here informs Benjamin Mordecai of Charleston – the Jewish merchant who gave secessionist South Carolina its first and largest gift in order to secure its independence – that the Governor has received his letter supporting the application of Jacob Valentine for a commission in service to the State. “It shall receive his favorable attention,” he reports, “altho' most of the appointments have already been filled by Officers who have resigned from the United States Army, natives of this state, and graduates of our military academies.”

      Jacob Valentine, a Jewish veteran of the Mexican War, would serve the Confederacy heroically, at Fort Sumter and, ultimately, as Commandant of Fort Moultrie.
      Autograph Letter Signed, in the hand of the Governor of South Carolina’s secretary, James M. Shackelford, to Benjamin Mordecai of Charleston; 1 page, quarto, Head Quarters, State of South Carolina, February 1, 1861.
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      State of South Carolina
      HEAD QUARTERS,

      1 Feb 1861.

      To B Mordecai Esq

      Sir

      I am directed by his Excellency the Governor to acknowledge the rec't of your letter yesterday in regard to the application of Mr Jacob Valentine for a commission in the service of the State, and to inform you it shall receive his favorable attention, altho' most of the appointments have already been filled by Officers who have resigned from the United States army, natives of this state, and graduates of our military academies

      Respectfully

      James M Shackelford

      Secretary