2005-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005
Lengthy four page letter penned in his hand. Although signed only "Solomon" it is his handwriting and obviously directed to Isaac Leeser, a long time close friend. Writes about the ongoing controversies and various disparaging remarks and accusations that have continued for well over a year about the employment of Dr. Solomon Jacobs' as rabbi, in which he bested Leeser himself for that very same job. From Charleston, 29 Dec., 1852. He opens: "the Asmonean [a Jewish periodical] was placed in my hands today and I was grieved to find that Rev. Jacobs had not withdrawn his letter. I shall make but little commentary on it, except that he has done the same that he charges you with. He has attacked the B.E. congregation and I would not wonder if Dr. Myers did not reply to him. My opinion of the attack on yourself I sent to Solomon who hands it over to you. Dr. Myers called tonight [making a disparaging remark about that fellow's commentaries]…he also discovered Jacobs quotations from the [bible] was incorrect, several words left out [which he sends to Leeser] which may be of help to you…that you may furnish them to as many authorities as possible to show that they are accessible to you, while those he quotes are to be found in [common bible] in the hands of every German schoolboy [mentioning other people who are supporting that same view and beliefs]…I am seriously grieved about this thing and should like a reply to be published in the Asmonean but I would not condescend to say anymore then that to you. I have made a [firm] rule not to answer any personal attacks but for the benefit of the literary public or the readers of the Asmonean. You give the different renderings of the verse in question, also the various commentaries and paraphrases…and leave him to the contempt he merits. He deserves to be cut to pieces and I believe there is enough in the articles to excite vengeful passions of most men, but show yourself above it. THE LIBERTY OF THE PRESS IS IN DANGER !! A printed sermon sent to a public journalist for notice and because he does not laud the author in unreserved terms, the editor is called to account in a scurrilous manner and personally abused [with] extraordinary charges brought against him…AND THIS IS AMERICA IN THE 19'TH CENTURY ! O Tempora." Carvalho continues in that same vein, suggesting specific statements for Leeser to make and for emphasizing those remarks and direct quotes with boldly lettered Hebrew words from the bible. Suggests also that Leeser accuse "…Rev. S. Jacobs with giving paraphrases instead of a true and literal session…[and more]…your excitable disposition and temper is well known [and their charges are] thrown out as a bait to entrap you into some remark which might fall from you which could be [detrimental to you]…do not be annoyed with me for writing so plainly, but take my advice. Only publish [your remarks] addressed to the Editor of the Asmonean and leave Jacobs to smother in the smoke he himself created and do not take any notice of the man or his letter…in the pages of the Occident. He made a remark to me that you made him famous by publishing the provision of the Congregation and Jacobs election to the office. Together, he might have passed unnoticed but for your note. Do not make him famous anymore !..." and more advice and suggestions to Leeser how best to handle the matter. …Along with a few Hebraic references to consider. Just normal aging. Exc. +.
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