Letter from Abraham de Sola to Isaac Leeser;February 01, 1849
- Title
- Letter from Abraham de Sola to Isaac Leeser;February 01, 1849
- Author
- Abraham de Sola
- Contributor
- Isaac Leeser
- Date Created
- 1 February 1849
- Format
- Letter. 4 page(s).
- Type
- Letter
- Language(s)
- English
- Has Format
- https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/items/ark:/81431/p30000g9m/manifest.json
- Link to Colenda
- https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p30000g9m
- Physical Characteristics
- Unlined Paper
- Manuscript
- content
-
Montreal 1st Feby /49
Dear Friend—
I have somewhat altered my mind as regards the article I lately sent you for the Occident. As I have not heard from you on this subject up to present date, I conclude you intend publishing it. I have determined however, if you have not yet published it, not to let it remain as first written and therefore must beg you to make the following alterations in it (i. e. if you want it). I was so bothered when I sent it you that I had but little time or attention to bestow on the Introductory observations (which alone are not old papers, for I believe I told you that the quotation from Pentsal? with some, nearly all, indeed of the notes I had lying by for some time waiting to be dressed The consequense of my writing hastily was as I afterwards recollected that I made a kind of promise to furnish several ? pieces, how I shall be very happy to do so but I don't want to bind myself to write in any one particular style or in any one particular subject, Hence I now cry ? and I want to alter my faux pas if it be one, in manner following. Problem. The Ed_? had an article on Hebrews and their opponents signed ADS, it is necessary to make an alteration in the same. If this be printed it is required that it be printed as written from the commencement down till the end (in the Introductory remarks) of Dr. Mc Cauls vindication. After the passage or sentence which commences “We leave it with the reader to determine how far Dr Mc Caul in the above extent refutes the ? (I dont remember the exact words as I didn't keep a copy) insert this “With such testimony, the testimony of an adversary, it were unnecessary (at this word insert at bottom the note which speaks? of translations of some Hebrew authors already
writing such as the Hebrew Review Bible &c Let the note begin “Unnecessary because the—) to produce in refutation ? the good things they have written out &c &c. Immediately add at the end of this sentence leaving out what I have already written “But perhaps it would be no improfitable ? did the contributors to the Jewish periodical literature of the day devote their attention occasionally to these charges which may almost be considered as stereotyped, since they are produced every day, in a new dress it may be, by those whose ignorance and prejudice will not allow them to know better. Leaving to other and abler pens this (as we humbly conceive) desirable occupation we would commense the campaign of vindication by defending from severe and unmerited attack a portion of The Cosmography of R. Abraham Peitsal? of which work as a whole we however offer no opinion, as chiefly because we are not called upon to do &c— the charges against it being but partial; yet, thus much we will say, that books refer many reasons, claims the most attentive and respectful consideration “of both the Jewish and Christian student” Then continue new Par. “This work thought not so well known &tc, and all the rest as sent. (Q.E.D.) Now my dear friend can I depend upon your making these alterations just as I have directed so that no inconsistency or contradiction exists in the article. I am sorry indeed to prove so troublesome a correspondent, but it canno be helped.
I told you we had formed a Sunday School here. Perhaps you would like a little information as to our doings. I asked a meeting at my ? of the ladies of the congregation, during Hebrew, when I showed them the necessity for some ? being made for the more efficient religious instruction of the young etc. In the usual course it was proposed and carried to establish a SS after the model of that established by the estimable Miss Gratz of your city. I was elected superintendent tho' I would have preferred that the truth had been confided
to a Montreal Miss Gratz—but it was necessary I should accept and I did so. The young ladies of the Cong. were elected teachers and are ? to act when required. The present teachers are Miss Phoebe David who is also secretary. Miss Rebekah Joseph, and Miss Sarah Solomon. The pupils the first day were 27 an 21 and have so continued. Books used—Pykes—Peichotto, and elder (boys) Solomons Mosaic System a copy of which was presented me in New York. I need not add further particulars as these would be common to all such schools.
I am sorry to find you are not to inquire now of the Proposed assembly coming to something speedily. I hope you are deceived J. H. Isaacs letter surprised me a little—he should not have ? of difficulties and differences of opinion I still insist upon the ? I forwarded you being correct that they will not be found in the copy—and it is the fault of the printers. I have yet a copy of the article which I would send if necessary. The serious errors such as making the Jews settle in Rome? instead of England were I am quite confident the faults of your barberous named compositors. I beg to acknowledge the Voice of Jacob and return you many thanks for your prompt attention to my request. The ? magazine has been discontinued and I hear it is to reappear in the reform interest. I know the two L?s and am not much surprised by this. Since Dr B? retired from the Editorship of the V_it and its followers have changed their colors like the chameleon.
I gave your receipts to the Messrs Benjamin. The think they dont owe so much but will refer to their books. I will pay over the money to your agent as soon as I can ? it. Of course you know that you said agent is a Paper. Mrs J H J has a daughter. Mr J. altho' formerly (i. e. before I came out) one of the warmest & best supporters of the Synagogue, from some reason or other, cannot, unfortunately be persuaded to
belong thereto. But all this occurred before I came to Canada as I before said—else I would have acted as mediator—now it is a different matter to bring things around. If it had been a ?, the Cong had determined to make him pay handsomely—even his relations. As it is don't be surprised if you have to name the young one in the ?—of course all I have said of this affair is sub? My dear fellow, you appear just as anxious as you would represent me to appear, to demonstrate that you have no claims on the ladies we have discovered about. Claims? Who said you had? Have you any old Orients &tc which you could let me have, as their perusal would be some benefit to me in rubbing up what little I know of Deutsch. You would oblige me much by lending them me as you receive them, you might send them by opportunity and so I would return them. My father receives them all, but it would be difficult and expensive to receive them from Europe.
I trust that having written you so frequently lately that you will not be quite so cheery with your correspondence but let me hear from you soon and fully. One half the topics I write you on you never deign to answer ? I insert you an invitation to come in here in the summer.—Hebrew! Wait till I ask you again. I asked you, “are you going to publish Peril? Hebrew! You are certainly a civil gentleman to say the least of you, still I conclude nevertheless with health and prosperity to you, wishing you may enjoy every, happiness that I wish
Yours very sincerely
Abraham de Sola
Rev. Isaac Leeser
Philadelphia
Miss Catherine Vallentine died Wed, 17 Jany
she was sister to Mr Valentine One of
the founders of the Syn. Does she deserve
an obituary in the Oc. or are these paid for—
She was a truly, religious and charitable person.
Jacob send you some of my article till
I hear from you. - Identifier
- LSDCBx1FF6_9
- Date
- 1849-02-01
Part of Letter from Abraham de Sola to Isaac Leeser;February 01, 1849
Abraham de Sola, “Letter from Abraham de Sola to Isaac Leeser;February 01, 1849”, 1849-02-01, Isaac Leeser Digital Repository, accessed September 7, 2024, https://judaicadhpenn.org/legacyprojects/s/leeser/item/65632