Zalma Rehine Letter Isaac Leeser

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004

ZALMA REHINE (1757-1843) respected Baltimore merchant and Jewish communal leader (and earlier, founder of the "Richmond Light Infantry") writes to his nephew ISAAC LEESER. One page brief letter (blank reverse) in his very tiny (but readable) hand with quaint phonetic spelling and misspelling, from "Balltimore" (sic) August 7, 1835: "…your [last] letter was very good. I wish it may have some good affect. I hope the fast of [Hebrew word] did not hurt you. We all thought it to say that those who fasted did very well and I thank God we are all well. Your room is prepared and hope to see you next week. DAVID IS GONE TO BARKLEY SPRINGS. He has Rumatic [sic] pain and advised to try the waters there. …Your friends send there [sic] love to you. Call on Miss Semah and ask her to send Mrs. E. Cohens eardrops by you…love to her and all her relations…" Exc. Back sheet acts as postal cover addressed to Leeser in Phila. It was at Rehine's house that the first Baltimore Jewish religious services took place and from which the congregation grew. It was to Rehine's home that Leeser first came to in America in 1824. He played an important role in that famous rabbi's life. Exc.

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