2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
Unusual group of three original neatly penned and easily read documents; all 1852. Includes two single page letters each fully in the hand of "S. Phillips" with bold signatures: (1) from S. Phillips to his cousin David Solis. It opens: "Be kind enough to hand the accompanied letter and MANUSCRIPT to the Rev. I. Leeser that he may have an opportunity to read them. I have told him in the event of his not wishing to publish my reply in the Occident to return them [i.e. the manuscript enclosed] to you so that I can receive them again when you come back…as I have no copy. I would like the Rev. Leeser to have them as soon as you conveniently can so that he can return them in good time…" He adds other instructions in post-script: "…they are not to be left unless Mr. Leeser promises their insertion [in his "Occident"]…I have no other copy." …(2) Second letter also by Phillips addressed to Leeser: "I wish you to send me five copies of the Occident for which my cousin will pay. I thank you in the name of that cause in which we are mutually interested for having opened your columns to me in its defence." …(3) Written (penned) in a different hand, but obviously this was the exact manuscript that Phillips intended his cousin to deliver to Leeser are three very lengthy, large (8 x 15) single sheets (blank on reverse) penned in extremely small and neat handwriting addressed only "Dear Sir" [but obviously intended for Leeser]. They outline the then current, raging dispute and bruised feelings of the writer describing the unmistakable discordant, strained, resentful sentiments and emotions between the Portugeuse-German Jewish factions which were becoming more deeply embittered! His opening remarks, appealing to Leeser's good nature, he writes that his "…subject cannot but interest every well wisher of our nation relative to what may be considered the existence of a grievance of no trifling nature. I allude to an unaccountable ill feeling of prejudice entertained by the Portuguese congregation of this city towards their co-religionists of the Germans." Presenting his case, in a fascinating manner makes intriguing reading and offers insight into the grievance; he terminates with caution: "If the Portuguese congregation still refuse, or feel not disposed to cultivate that good feeling necessary for the protection and respectability of the Jewish people in this city…let them do as they have a right to please themselves, and no one, I am certain, will say ought but let them never more talk about regrets in the matter; they must not assume a virtue if they have it not." Normal aging; few very minor brown spots on manuscript, but very readable; a notation on the reverse of last page dockets this manuscript in a different hand and ink may even be in the hand of Leeser, it reads: "manuscript for Occident from S. Phillips; favorably known [followed by an indistinct signed name]." Fascinating group.
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