2005-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005
Superbly penned, single sheet, lengthy letter entirely in the hand of and fully signed by Rabbi H. A. Henry (1800-1879). Began his career in London, arrived America 1849, elected rabbi in Cincinnati (after a brou-ha-ha over simultaneous appointment in St. Louis) and then went on to take over the congregation in Syracuse, NY in 1851. Written from Syracuse, Aug. 2, 1852 to S. Valentine in Charleston, S.C. Reminds Valentine that months have passed since he left and the promise "…that upon producing proofs of my innocence of the charges laid at my door by the kind prelate Mr. Leeser, that you would see that justice should be done to me. The necessary documents, testimonials and satisfactory statements have long since been forwarded to your excellent minister, the Rev. Mr. Lyons…to date I received no satisfaction in any shape or manner. Determined not to let this matter drop into oblivion and injustice to my own reputation and that of my family I think it my duty to trace the cause of the silence of the folks of Charleston. I wish to prevent a lawsuit which I shall be compelled to institute unless the Congregation of your city will exercise their prerogative to adjudicate this matter between me and Leeser. …I have written a letter on the subject to your president and other gentlemen who were made parties to the affair. My injuries are two-fold: Defamation of character to myself and a pecuniary injury to my family ! …I request…that I received justice in the cause. Lightest fading, but exc. +. Reverse acts as cover with address.
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