Letter from Moses N. Nathan to Isaac Leeser;July 30, 1848 · Isaac Leeser Digital Repository · Legacy Projects from Judaica DH at Penn Libraries

Title

Letter from Moses N. Nathan to Isaac Leeser;July 30, 1848

Author

Moses N. Nathan

Contributor

Isaac Leeser

Date Created

30 July 1848

Location(s)

Saint Thomas

Philadelphia

Format

Letter. 4 page(s).

Type

Letter

Language(s)

English

Has Format

https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/items/ark:/81431/p3dv1d48b/manifest.json

Link to Colenda

https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p3dv1d48b

Physical Characteristics

Lined Paper

Manuscript

Is Part Of

The Dropsie College Isaac Leeser Collection at the Penn Libraries

content

St. Thomas July 30th 5608 (1848)
Revd. Isaac Leeser
Philadelphia
My dear friend.
By last packet I wrote you a short letter relative to our new Code of Laws, which were sent by Mr. David hand to be transmitted to you for printing.
I am truly apprehensive, from the present dreadful stagnation of commerce, arising from events in Europe, and the revolution in Venezuela, which is ? our congregation of its members, that we shall have a sound and useful Code of Laws when there is only the shadow or skeleton of a community. You can have no idea of the manner in which emigration from this spot has reduced our numbers. Between the time of my first arrival here and the present, there is a difference of from 35 to 40 regular Sabbath attendants at public worship, grown men. Some are dead, others gone away, and others, once in business, now in situations which prevent them from visiting the House of God, as formerly. It is really sad to contemplate. Add to this, the alteration in circumstances, Even of the wealthiest, joined to the dislike of others, from captions or other motives, to contribute to the support of the synagogue, and you will ascertain by what a slight tenure I hold my present appointment, and the small likelihood there is of obtaining, in a short time, half the remuneration I now receive.

I should be really at a loss how to give my family bread, were it not for the school; which the goodness of God has prospered to be a provisional in these difficult times. I have so often written you on this subject, that you must be nauseated with it; I will therefore merely say further that religious prospects here, or rather the upholding of a place of worship in its integrity are full of gloom anxiety, and doubt.
New Orleans comes opportunely and makes me offers, not in an official shape, but thro' Mr. G. Kursheedt, who nevertheless appears to be the chosen medium of ascertaining my sentiments. He speaks of $2000 p annum and the handsome emoluments likely sure to result from a school. His letters thro' some neglect, miscarried. All was report until the present month. As I know nothing of the congregation, I have written him for further particulars, of which I will keep you informed. There are two things which oppose themselves, at this moment to my going. One, the climate; the other, that independence and freedom of action which here, as a minister I enjoy in their fullest extent. In the internal management of the synagogue here I have no superior to dictate to me in the capricious and often tyrannical tone of of a Parnass. I feel myself too old to go again into leading things. It must be with me “Aut Caesar aut nullus.” I cannot consent to barter these privileges for gold; if they be not therefore, conceded, the matter terminates. I have offered to serve the congregation here for

nothing, or if they will not agree to that even now, I would take $500 a year, rather than submit, at my time of life, to restrictions which my high spirit will not brook, in another community. I do not think my views will suit N. O. If they do, it will be a pleasing disappointment.
I believe I wrote you that, when last in Jamaica, Carillon requested me to obtain the situation in N. O. for him. I gave him a flat denial, and he is very aroth? with me in consequence. He subsequently wrote me, that if I would give him introductory letters and he obtained the appointment, his first duty would be to get a Hebrew. A large concession truly! but the charmer could not charm me. To a Congregation like that of N. O. Carillon would be a most dangerous man. By the bye, I see the London Jewish Chronicle has copied a paragraph from a Jamaica paper, written either by Carillon or one of his clique, that Mendes and I have abolished the second days holidays, that the synagogue is closed on those days and that these alterations in our former opinions are entirely owing to the arguments of Rabbi Carillon. On the part of Mendes it has been denied; I did not think C of sufficient consequence to put forth a disclaimer. My opinions of the second days are the same as they ever were, but while persons are willing to visit the House of God on those occasions, they will always find me sanctioning the act. Individual synagogue amendments or even return to primitive customs do not suit me. I want to see the whole join. I never

was and never will be Mr. Carillon's disciple. You could under the head of news items contradict the Jamaica paragraph, and oblige your old friend thereby.
Who is W_? I mean your correspondent in the Occident. He writes well, and is evidently a deep thinker. Your tactics, as regard Hebrew show your profound generalship. The shield of Fabius and sword of marcellus have you defended yourself with. S. M. Isaac's letter is amusing. He is much improved.
I have no further news to communicate. Mrs. Nathan sends her love as usual. Please remember us both to all our old friends, and with best wishes for your health and prosperity
I am
My dear Leeser
Truly yours
M N Nathan

Identifier

LSDCBx1FF5_23

Date

1848-07-30