2005-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005
neatly penned, from J.P. Stablin of Alexandria, Va, Sept. 11, 1829 addressing him as “Respected friend Isaac Leeser.” Letter liberally laced with typical archaic language customary to adherents of the Quaker religion, i.e. loaded with “thee, thou, thy, thou wilt…and thither, etc.” He apologizes for his long silence in not answering Leeser’s earlier letter hoping “it has not induced thee to believe I intend to greet thy friendship with coldness…I cannot but love an affectionate heart. Let me meet it where I may [he explains and apologizes]…sorry it was not convenient for thee to call in Alexandria. Shouldst thou come again this way I hope thou wilt call and spend a day or two with [my father and myself]. I knew nothing of thy expectation of visiting Phila. until my cousin Thos. Pleasants informed me…it gives me much pleasure to entertain a friend who comes thus recommended [by Pleasants] as one I have invited myself.” …Seeking information on how to locate Leeser’s new quarters in Philadelphia, so that, “I may know where to find thee.” He expresses pleasure with the correspondence both he and Thos. Pleasants received from Leeser “…It is not necessary for me to inform thee that I do not feel bound as thou dost to observe rigorously the Law as delivered through Moses to the children of Israel, yet this being my situation I would not say anything against a strict obedience to it by all who feel it to be their duty. …I know there ought to be good feeling in my heart to prevent me from regarding as unfit for social and other valuable intercourse any person who honestly differs from me in persuasion. [And more on that subject]… ink it is a fair inference from thy letters that thy veins are similar [to mine. …Continuing to describe the type of correspondence and questions he had asked of Leeser regarding “customs of the early Christians”]…there was one item in thy communication which would have been to the point if it had been supported by authority of any Jewish or other writer of early times [regarding] pious Jews always in the habit of collecting together every morning and evening for worship” and asks more on that subject and Leeser’s own thoughts on the subject. It appears Stablin was at the time involved in some political election matter in which he was espousing a very liberal cause (possibly running for office himself) and one which his side had triumphed after great effort and years in the attempt. Concludes: “I do not think the other party will have the heart to lift its head again for a long time.” Back sheet acts as cover and both the wide top and bottom sections of thatck sheet are filled with his writing and bold signature. Interesting that the back cover includes the postal address of Isaac Leeser “care of David Judah / Baltimore” (as well as postal surcharge). It is noted that Judah was Zalma Rehine’s partner in their mercantile business. Few small stains not obscuring any wording. Back cover a bit dingy with a minor hole from where letter was opened. Accompanied with a later typescript for easier reading.
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