2004-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004
Three page penned letter entirely in the hand of and fully signed by James K. Gutheim, Rabbi of Shanarai-Chasset; from New Orleans, March 1, 1854 to Leeser "…You will probably chide me for not having sent my little funeral address spoken at the Bier of [Judah] Touro…truth is I preferred reading your own remarks which [are] more gratifying to your readers. The Asmonean published Clapp's sermon, and a most wretched production of a shymester [sic] which, to save the credit of Jewish talent ought to have been suppressed. …It has been a subject of ridicule in the [newspaper] of this city." Gutheim talks of the transfer to take place in July of the remains of the eminent Judah Touro to Newport and mentions that Rabbi Kursheedt (of another New Orleans congregation) "…has the sole management of the whole affair, a rather delicate duty is devolving upon him. The question will not be, how much shall be done, but how little of the numerous resolutions adopted by various bodies at the North shall be carried into effect. …Probability is that in [trying to satisfy everyone] offence may be taken in some quarters. I will be satisfied with whatever arrangements are made…but I do not even know if I shall be permitted to be present. …Sorry to hear you speak in so despondent a strain. Is there nothing in your present independent position to counterbalance the unjust treatment you have experienced ?..." Gutheim proceeds to tell Leeser how best to handle himself and "…preserve your inward peace amidst the most harassing occurrences…fret not…" Minor light aging. Exc. +.
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