Letter from Solomon Cohen to Isaac Leeser;October 13, 1850

Title: Letter from Solomon Cohen to Isaac Leeser;October 13, 1850
Author: Solomon Cohen
Contributor: Isaac Leeser
Date Created: 13 October 1850
Location(s): Savannah; Philadelphia
Format: Letter. 4 page(s) on 4 sheet(s).
Type: Letter
Language(s): English
Has Format: https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/items/ark:/81431/p33776f9n/manifest.json
Link to Colenda: https://colenda.library.upenn.edu/catalog/81431-p33776f9n
Physical Characteristics: Unlined Paper; Manuscript
Is Part Of: The Jesselson Family Collection of Isaac Leeser Material
content: Savannah 13 October 1850
My dear Sir,
I received a few days ago your kind letter, coverring the proof of an article, which you propose to publish in the next Occident; and although you do not exactly ask my advice, I am led to infer that you desire it, by the fact that you sent me the “proof.” I would publish no article on the subject, nor would I allude to it in any manner what=soever, either in print, or in conversation. You have been badly treated, but neither writing nor talking will mend the mend? the matter, or place you in status quo. Why then write? It will give pain to your real friends, who will think it indig=nified and pleasure to your enemies, who will thereby see, & know that you are mortified. Silence will, I think, produce a reaction. I am sure it will make you friends, and that it will be more dignified. Men should never act without an object, and what do you propose to effect by your proposed article. If however you think otherwise I pray you strike out those words I have passed my pen through. I think you wrong to have any

feeling against Mr. DeSola, or Dr. Raphall. It was no breach of friendship in the former becoming a candidate, when applications were invited by pub==lic advertisement; and you must admit that his offering neither injured, nor benefitted you. Your enemies were determined to put you down the same crew had been striving for that object for twenty five years, and the wonder is that you held your ground so long. Now as to Dr. Rs. Giving a certificate of qualification, I have no hesi==tancy in saying that he, and every other man is bound by every principle of honor, and duty to give such a certificate whenever called on to do so, if the party is capable. I have given cer==tificates of qualification, when at the same time I desired an other equally capable to receive the appointment. Try, my friend, to think differently of mankind—do not, I pray you, suppose that every body is against you. There is good and evil in this world—and all of us have our respective shares. You may remember an anecdote of Dr. Franklin. When about leaving Boston for his voyage of life, he went to see an old friend, who at his departure took him through a dark passage by which he struck his head against a beam. The old man said, let this teach you that you must often stoop if you want to pass through life without difficulty. Franklin took the hint, & you know his history.

Now I, by no means, intend to advise, a mean, time serving policy: being all things unto all men we should have fixed principles, and should adhere to them at every hazzard. But there are many things in which principle is not involved, and then it is not only our right but it is our duty (if we desire success) to use the suaviter? in modo to flatter (not at the expense of principle) the petty vanities of those among whom we live and to bend these very follies to our own use. If a man wants to be servic-able in his calling—be it what it may—he must command the love and respect of those among whom his lot is cast; and to do this he must be firm—honest & honorable—and he must also yield to their wishes in minor things. But excuse me. I may perhaps tire you, but at any rate be assured that all that I do say is prompted by a sincere friendship and a desire for your welfare & happiness.
I would beg you to be sure of success before you undertake any of the new works you now propose. Continue if possible the Occident. Send it hereafter to Mr. D. L. Cohen, Savannah Geo. who you may put down as a permanent, paying subscriber. My family join in kindest regards.
Yrs most truly
Solomon Cohen
Identifier: LSTCAT_item9
Date: 1850-10-13

Part of Letter from Solomon Cohen to Isaac Leeser;October 13, 1850

Solomon Cohen, “Letter from Solomon Cohen to Isaac Leeser;October 13, 1850”, 1850-10-13, Isaac Leeser Digital Repository, accessed September 7, 2024, https://judaicadhpenn.org/legacyprojects/s/leeser/item/69558