2004-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004
Exceptionally rare, historic American Judaica. Group of four original documents all directly pertaining to prominent Jewish merchant of Charleston, through whose efforts and donations the survivors of South Carolina soldiers wounded or killed in action were supported. Consists of: (1) original one page letter by BENJAMIN MORDECAI from Charleston, January 1, 1861 to Governor F. W. Pickens of the state. One page (blank reverse) boldly and neatly penned: "Deeming it to be the highest duty of the citizen to aid his state in the hour of public danger, I beg leave…to enclose you a check on the Bank of the State payable to your order for the sum of $10,000 to be used by you for such purposes as will best advance the interest and honor of our noble Commonwealth. It is not given in an ostentatious spirit, but for the sole purpose of aiding the State in the establishment of a glorious and substantial independence." Normal aging. Exc. +. Back sheet blank. …(2) Very neatly penned letter from "HEAD QUARTERS CHARLESTON, S.C. JANUARY 1'ST, 1861" in the hand of and signed by "J. Jonathan Lucas / Aide-de-Camp." Single page (blank reverse) to Benjamin Mordecai "…your munificent donation of $10,000 for the advancement of the interest and honor of the commonwealth has been received. This unmistakeable evidence of your devoted patriotism is indeed most gratifying and is very highly appreciated by his Excellency Gov. Pickens. With such feelings animating our people there can be no such word as fail." Second sheet blank. Although a lengthy clean tear on bottom fold and very short one on top, no wording is affected and otherwise sound; normal aging. …(3) Original penned letter in the hand of and signed by "G. E. Menniger / Sec'y" from the "Executive Office / Treasury Department / January 7, 1861" to Benjamin Mordecai / Charleston "…I am instructed by his Excellency the Governor to return to you his acknowledgement of the patriotic and liberal donation of ten thousand dollars made by you to the state. This contribution made as it is, at a time of peculiar exigency, furnishes an example worthy of imitation and entitles you to the grateful remembrance of your Fellow Citizens. Be pleased to accept the thanks of His Excellency and the assurance of considerations and respect…" Some light brown spotting; normal aging, but exc. Second sheet blank. …(4) PRINTED BROADSIDE (single sheet 8 x 13; blank reverse); pale blue paper intended on bottom section as a subscription list to take further donations with names, amounts, etc. of people who add to the fund. Bold heading "A HOME FOR THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS OF THE SOLDIERS WHO HAVE DIED DURING THE WAR." Although undated, it is obvious from its text that printed right during the heat of fighting, circa 1862-1863. (An unlisted Confederate broadside). Opens with "The time has arrived when it behooves our people to manifest their patriotism more fully then they have yet done with reference to the poor women and children who have been left destitute by the events of this war…hour is ripe for the development of a beneficence…which shall reach the humble home of the poor [and aid the soldier's] dependent wife and little ones." Mentions other states already have such funds… "we in [South Carolina] cannot…decline to follow the patriotic example." Mentions (in midpoint) about a home about to be built: "…The site being already secured by the liberality of a gentleman who has contributed the sum of $200,000 cash [Confederate money !] is now proposed to increase the fund to one million or more dollars when completed…" Above the words "…liberality of a gentleman" has been penned in the name "B. Mordecai" and obviously been added at the general era this was issued. Broadside explains more about the monies needed and a "reference to the currency" (obviously alluding to the inflated value of Confederate currency at that period. Some light brown spotting throughout. Few tears on the folds, some minor nicks on the wide blank margins, but all intact, and preserved always with these three described Mordecai documents. The fancy watermark of the paper it's printed on bears large date in the watermark itself of "1863." Mordecai made the very first and largest contribution to the war-chest of South Carolina; a resolution of the Secession Convention still in session at the time thanked him for his patriotism. He was also the organizer of the "Free Market of Charleston" formed to assist the families of volunteers. By May of 1862, 425 families were entirely supported by his donations and later that year over 600 families. It is also known that he had liberally supported a locally raised regiment of "PALMETTO RIFLEMEN" in which a number of Jewish soldiers are known to have served. A formal resolution was passed by that regiment thanking him for his patriotism. The group of 4 is accompanied by fascinating photostatic material from published works specifically mentioning his patriotic donations and support of the Confederacy. Mordecai had invested all his money in Confederate bonds to support the cause and was never able to recoup. Dying a poor man he never regretted his support of the Southern cause.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.