2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
On personal printed letterhead May 9, 1894; about attending and giving orations at memorial services for the noted Jesse Seligman, philanthropist (1827-1894) noted for founding the Hebrew Orphan Asylum Society. Seligman became friendly with Ulysses S. Grant in 1848; a member of the famous Vigilante Committee in San Francisco during Gold Rush era and ultimately a famous banker in New York City. Most significant and rarely mentioned is his importance in maintaining the financial credit of the U.S. government during the Civil War. The story is told at great length in classic work “The American Jew as Patriot, Soldier and Citizen” by S. Wolf (1895) and is said to have been a far reaching import for the cause of the Union. Seligman’s importance and that of the memorial event upon his death which is told in that story is echoed by this very letter. (Photostats from the Wolf book accompany the document.) Oscar Straus writes: “The Seligman memorial services will be held at the Orphan Asylum [with time and place, NY] and address of 15-20 minutes as suggested by you is just right. …I may say a few words, but only a few, by way of an introductory. There will be… four [other] addresses, an opening and closing prayer and a hymn by the children. …Two hours will be ample. I would suggest you do not talk less than 20 minutes…sorry you can’t go with us to European June.” Exc. +. Fine autograph signature. Exc. condition
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