2004-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004
Those are but his opening remarks in expressing especially strong pro-Southern Confederacy sentiments in this beautifully penned, extremely lengthy 4 page (8 x 10) letter of Rabbi M. N. Nathan from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands July 3, 1864 to Isaac Leeser. That congregation, the second oldest in the entire western hemisphere (and today the very oldest still existing) was led by Nathan for quite a few years before going on, in post-war years, to New Orleans. An obviously highly educated man, his command of the English language was superb. He fervently hopes and prays that no "…part of Federal territory is ravaged and despoiled as the Union soldiers treated the Confederate territory; yet little commiseration would be felt if Northern soil were made to feel what it is to be trodden by the armed heel of the invader. Down to date the Southerners appear to have the best of it. They deserve success, for they have sacrificed their own lives to achieve it, and not hired mercenaries to fight their battles. My brother has frightful Northern proclivities. His opinion of Northern honor and political honesty is lofty." Nathan writes more on cost of the war, inflation and some financial obligations because of it. AND THAT'S ONLY PART OF THIS LETTER. He writes at length about terrible problems of internal fighting and squabbling among the Jewish community of Curacao, about which he expresses strong opinions. He had evidently written an article for Leeser that was printed, and hopes that the Occident's readers will be pleased by it. Compliments Leeser: "I am glad you have spoken out plainly on the subject of a personal Messiah. The events of the past and those looming for the future do not present anything favorable to the Jewish mind that it should adopt the opinions of Mannheimer and Horowitz on the subject. I, for one, am undesirous of abandoning the rich hopes of Israel's return to Palestine"(and more on that subject). His thoughts and opinions are interspersed in a few places with Hebrew words. Mentioning his current congregation in the Virgin Islands: "My post here is not an easy one but I am disposed to accept the difficulties it presents. Fortunately the bylaws stipulate that worship shall be according to that followed by the Spanish and Portuguese Jews…" and more about that and his feelings and observations on problems that have disrupted the community: "Quietness reigns at present, yet the time may not be so distant for the outbreak of disturbances. …I do not apprehend such violence as the Povenir party have exhibited…we have had some little display of irreligion notwithstanding…" A most remarkable letter. His observations and opinions about the then ensuing Civil War and his support of the Southern cause are of particular interest. Exc. + condition; some faint normal aging.
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