2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
Rahine (1757-1853) was a respected Richmond and then later Baltimore merchant and Jewish communal leader. Earlier he was a founder of the “Richmond Light Infantry” militia company and at the height of the “Impressment Controversy” with Great Britain in 1807, that unit volunteered to fight the British, offering their services to President Jefferson. Rahine was one of the three militia men that left Richmond for a five day march to Portsmouth. Original penned letter by Rahine from Baltimore, Sept. 25, 1832. …To Isaac Leeser (then age 26) in Philadelphia and only recently assumed his first position with the congregation there. Single page, in Rahine’s tiny, but readable, hand; quaintly phonetic spelled and misspelled: “…nothing new I have to acquaint you with…we are all, thank God, very well. The cholera has occurred…hope there is no more danger to be apprehended from it, yet we are obliged to be very careful in and out. Hope you are well and may the God of our fathers write you in the Book of Life, health and happiness. Manuel Judah arrived yesterday…as soon as you hear from your brother let me know. …Family all wish you a happy new year…remember us kindly to our friends the Peixotto’s…Dear Isaac do not exert yourself too much in reading the prayers [Hebrew word].” Postscript with remembrances to other Phila. friends. Back sheet acts as address to Leeser “…to the care of A. C. Peixotto / Phila” with postal surcharge. Normal light aging; exc. +. ACCOMPANIED WITH A SECOND LETTER from Rahine to nephew Isaac Leeser. Single page; five lines in same tiny penned hand from Baltimore, Jan. 10, 1832: “…happy to inform you that I am recovered from my late indisposition…hope your also better in health…enclosed is draught [sic] the $45…aunt is well…remember us to friends…” Fine autograph signature. Light aging, exc. +. Back sheet acts as address (also “in care of Peixotto / Phila.”) Both together
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.