2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
Very lengthy 10 page neatly penned (easily readable) letter (8 x 9 ½) by GEORGE BARNARD Dec. 4, 1848 (fine signature) a Canadian living in Sherbrooke, Quebec Canada, near the Vermont border (he suggests correspondence be addressed to him at Derby, Vermont and that “postage must be paid to the line to ensure transmission.”). Mentions Leeser’s “last letter” and other earlier correspondence which transpired and their meeting in N.Y. In opening remark he responds to being termed a “prophet” by Leeser. He also mentions articles he had either submitted and/or read in the Occident. Barnard an intelligent, if not passionate fellow in his beliefs and is obviously not of Jewish heritage. He writes that at present “…I am now living an idle life, labouring in confusion and perplexity to prepare for this great work [which he evidently was working on]. It is distinctly given me to expect that next summer there will be a clearing away of difficulties and until then I could not look for a worthy reception were I sooner to undertake to make known this mission. …Being unable to visit N.Y. this season I may probably go to Montreal which is nearer, beseeching some individual Hebrews to hear me, though without the hope of producing any important impression. Such is the only way which lies open to a prophet: he hopes that by calling individual attention to his views they may be spoken of again, may be reported abroad…” He writes at great length of Judaism and: “the Jew must still survive and hold his indifferent course amidst the wreck of nations. But to preserve his identity he must owe allegiance to another state; be bound to a government actually existing…and efficient to protect his rights…a government ordained by God Himself even as foretold in the cherished traditions of his father.” He mentions having read articles in the Occident from same. Near conclusion specifically mentions “In the letters with which you have been so kind as to honor me, reference has once or twice been made to a passage of scripture for my special consideration” which he quotes and hopes to be judged by. Much more in this extremely long and interesting document. The fact that it was merely a segment of a long correspondence with Leeser lends it greater significance than being the idle rambling of an eccentric devotee of Leeser’s writings. Normal aging; minor small rust mark first page caused by iron paper clip, otherwise exc. With research an interesting story about Barnard might unfold
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