Letter from M. Mayer to Isaac Leeser;September 10, 1857 · Isaac Leeser Digital Repository · Legacy Projects from Judaica DH at Penn Libraries

Title

Letter from M. Mayer to Isaac Leeser;September 10, 1857

Author

M. Mayer

Contributor

Isaac Leeser

Location(s)

Charleston

Philadelphia

Format

Letter. 3 page(s) on 2 sheet(s).

Letter

Type

Letter

Language(s)

English

Has Format

https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/items/ark:/81431/p3b27qh58/manifest.json

Link to Colenda

https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p3b27qh58

Physical Characteristics

Unlined Paper

Manuscript

Is Part Of

The Dropsie College Isaac Leeser Collection at the Penn Libraries

content

Charleston, S. C. Sept. 10. 5617/1857.
Rev. Isaac Leeser, Philadelphia.
Dear Sir—More than four weeks ago I addressed a letter to you, with the request to send me a copy of your octavo Bible bound in purple velvet, with gilded clasp &c, designed for a nuptial present, and in-close my bill the amount of which I do not know. The wedding took place yesterday, and I have not yet received the Bible, although I wrote that I wanted it in the first week of September. As it is, I would be glad, to receive it at least before Hebrew. It is to be presented to Mrs. Sarah I. Davega, formerly Mrs. I. J. Moses, sister to my wife. What say to this news? No doubt, you heard of this “match” before, considering that you are generally an courant with all that transpires at least amongst the Israelites of Charles-ton.
But, have you been informed also of the discussion which has been carried on, for the last weeks, on the subject of the Swiss Treaty, in the Courier of this city? Have you been informed that, after I had published an Article, on the 13th of August last, calling upon the Jews of Charleston, “to act now in concert, and forget all differences of religious opinion,” and appealing to the Press for assistance, “A Jew” appeared in the same paper charging me with “either ignorance or hasty and impetuous zeal,” and cautioning the Jews against being aroused to action, since by that treaty “their rights, as Americans

are not assailed, and their religious privilege in no way molested”? I replied, sustaining my position, and declared at the conclusion that I should no farther notice any “anonymous” communication. Yet, “A Jew” again came forth, defending the treaty, repeating the charge of my ignorance, and calling all that had as yet been written on the subject by Editors “flimsy remarks.” In reply to him, Mr. J. N. Cardoza entered the arena in a most gentlemanly and quiet Article. To this “A Jew” replied in a most scurrilous and insulting Article, without even once coming to the point at issue, nay! he was even so ungenerous & uncharitable, not to say ungentlemanly, to cast some open flings at me, although I had withdrawn from the controversy and thus placed myself beyond the possibility of defence.
Now Mr. N. published an Article, containing a most withering lesson for the unavoidable position which “A Jew” had taken in this affair. The latter took offence at this and published a card, demanding an explanation from Mr. C. This was not given, and so there was for the last 3 days a fine prospect of a duel. Things, however, I think, are now settled. You yourself were drawn into this controversy. In his first Article, Mr. C. quoted from the Occident, Vol. XII, p. 95-100, to prove that you had then already written against the Treaty as it now stands; “A Jew” denied this fact, in his reply, maintaining that you meant the original draft containing the word “Christian,” and to prove this, he quoted from Vol. 15, March '51!!! Is this not very fair, after Mr C. had quoted your very words and which could certainly not be found in the March Number of 1851!? What must “A Jew” now think of this incidental point, after having read your Article on the Swiss Treaty, in which you refer to the very pages quoted by Mr. C.? Has your usual informant or reporter not com-

municated all this to you? If he has, did he give you also the name of “A Jew.”? At all events, I will give it to you. It is Mr. Charles H. Moise. I do not envy him for the laurels which he has won in this warfare; all he gained is this, that the Press of S. C. become lukewarm & indifferent, after some papers had taken up our cause. Nevertheless, a memorial will be sent to the President by Jews, if not the Jews of Charleston; it is now being circulated for subscription. Will you expose this extraordinary proceeding of a Jew in this affair? Justice demands it!
I read your Article on the New Prayer-book “Minhag America,” in the last month's Occidents. I agree fully with you concerning the transgression of power by the Compilers; I wrote the same truths to Dr Cohn in Albany already two months ago, that is, before you published your strictures. I think the very title is a piece of presumption and usurpation which cannot be justified save by means of vulgar abuse and contemptible insults.
Now an open and honest explanation; I received your invitation to the Consecration of your Synagogue. I did not answer, nor attend. Why? Because I endorse every word contained in the Editorial of the Asmonean, of May 9. last, and referring to the establishment of your congregation.
With my wife's and my own best regard, and our wishes for the coming New-Year, I remain, as ever,
Yours,
most respectfully
Dr M Mayer
P.S. What is Mr. S. Jacobs doing? Is it
true, that he has been appointed Professor of
the Hebrew, at the Girard College, with a salary
of $2000 a year? So Mr A. H. Abrahams tells the people here.
What is is salary as Lecturer? Did you ever here the particulars of his resignation?

Identifier

LSDCBx2FF4_67

Date

1857-09-10