2005-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005
Beautifully penned 1½ page letter by ISIDOR BUSCH from New York, Feb. 16, 1849, written by this Austrian born journalist, editor, publisher and political liberal just a few months after arriving in America after fleeing from participation in the 1848 revolutionary movement in Austria. He immediately started a liberal German weekly in New York "ISRAELS HEROLD" (the very first Jewish weekly in U.S.). He writes that he looks forward to meeting Leeser on the Rabbi's next visit to NY "…however the news of my living here as well as my intention to publish a journal for Jewish interest has been brought to you in the meantime. I write to you directly in order to prevent misunderstandings which may be caused by the reports of unqualified persons. It is desirable that men of our kind understand each other personally in order to further the cause for which we work. Several people ask me to publish my journal in both languages, English and German. On the one hand I don't master the English language well enough to write in it; on the other hand it would be ignoring your fine publication. Some may not take it so well, but I am convinced [my English] won't improve much, no matter how hard I work. I know you will do whatever you can for me. You know the taste and needs of your readers so much better than I…and most [people] know how much simpler it is to find fault then to improve themselves. …Next week you will get the program of my publication. I assure you that I will accord your OCCIDENT the esteem and position which it deserves as the older Jewish publication…Our views may be different but nothing shall be left undone on my part to promote a friendly and congenial working [relationship] for all we are worth. …Working together will no doubt turn out to be profitable for the two of us. Time will prove that. It would make me happy to have you announce that you are not contrary to my wish and that you want to collaborate with me…" Although entirely written in German it is accompanied by a recently accomplished complete English translation. As well as two fine bio sketches of Busch's interesting and important career. Although the weekly was short-lived and he soon relocated to St. Louis where he was the founder of the Jewish congregation there. He played an important role in Jewish and St. Louis communal affairs including a leading Republican role in the Missouri State Conventions; during the Civil War he warmly supported the union cause and abolitionism.
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