This collection (7 items) contains letters and drafts pertaining to Jacob Mordecai of Warrenton, North Carolina, and Richmond, Virginia. The materials concern topics such as education, the Richmond Academy, and biblical prophecy. The first item is a partial personal letter from Jewish merchant Moses Myers of Norfolk, Virginia, to "Monsr. Burrell" of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The remaining items pertain to Jacob Mordecai, including 2 letters from Episcopal preacher A[dam] Empie, who discussed Old Testament prophecies about the messiah. Four items relate to the Richmond Academy, including 2 reports containing suggestions for the school's curriculum and administrative affairs. See the Detailed Box and Folder listing for more information about each item.
Jacob Mordecai was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 11, 1762, the son of Moses Mordecai (1707-1781). Jacob Mordecai served as clerk to David Franks, aide-de-camp to Benedict Arnold, during the American Revolution. After the war, Mordecai settled in Warrenton, North Carolina, where he established the Warrenton Female Seminary. Mordecai later moved to Richmond, Virginia, where he was active in the Jewish community. In the early 1830s, he served as a member of the Richmond Academy's board of trustees. After the death of his first wife, Judith Myers, Mordecai married Myers's half-sister Rebecca. He had thirteen surviving children: Moses (b. 1785), Samuel (1786-1865), Solomon (1792-1869), George Washington (1801-1871), Alfred (1804-1887), Augustus, Rachel (1788-1838), Caroline, Eliza, Julia, Laura, Ellen (1790-1884), and Emma (1812-1906). Jacob Mordecai died in Richmond on September 4, 1838.
