Subject: 19th Century Correspondence

Stampless Letter ) – Rare autograph Letter from Sylvester, J.J. [James Joseph] (June 13, 1846 in London) signed. 3pp.+ stampless address leaf. To Dr. [John W.] Francis, M.D., New York: Thanks for his “kindness…bestowed upon me when in New York [to] which as a stranger I had no claim…” He wished “some of our…prejudiced Islanders, the Japanese of the West” could “have the good fortune to become acquainted” with men like Francis, “when they class all Americans as Cold and Calculating.”  Since his return to London, he was “more comfortably settled than I had reason to anticipate… and my prospects are not discouraging. Perhaps the experience of life of men and the world acquired during my American adventure have not been without their lesson…” He closes with a cryptic and somewhat illegible plea to the Doctor to be “forgiving in view of my [conduct?]’”. James Joseph, a British Jew with a Cockney accent, who adopted the surname Sylvester, was one of the great Mathematicians of  mid-19th century, “chief creator of the formal language of modern science”  - he coined terms like “graph”. He has also been called “America’s First Jewish Professor” - the first observant Jew “to fill a full-time professorship in a secular subject” in the United States, after being denied professional advancement in England because of his religion. At age 26, Sylvester taught Mathematics at the University of Virginia, though only for a few months, abruptly resigning after stabbing a belligerent anti-Semitic student with a sword-cane in self-defense. Fleeing to New York - where he was again professionally rebuffed because of his religion, this time at Columbia - he was warmly welcomed by some of America's leading young pioneering scientists. This Letter reveals that, unknown to his biographers, Sylvester was also hosted in New York by the eminent Dr. Francis, founder of the New York Academy of Medicine, and personal physician to the alcoholic Edgar Allen Poe and the parents of Herman Melville. Francis (who does not appear in the definitive Sylvester biography) undoubtedly met the Professor through his wife's nephew, Sam Ward, rich bon vivant who held a German doctorate in Math and went on to become "King" of Washington Lobbyists. Sylvester returned to the United States in the 1870s, to head the Math Department at Johns Hopkins and to found the first mathematical journal in America. Could find no record of any Sylvester Letter sold at a major auction house in recent decades. Letter from Moses N. Nathan to Isaac Leeser;August 17, 1865...notes .... "Professor Sylvester who has solved what Newton left improved, was once a pupil of mine; I taught him Hebrew in Liverpool."

Autograph letter signed by David Levy Yulee, written on February 22, 1853, from Homosassa, Florida, to President Franklin Pierce. Yulee recommends his acquaintance, James F. Pierce, for the position of Purser in the US Navy. The letter is addressed to "To the President." The letter is two pages long, with an integral blank leaf, folded to reveal the address panel.

Autograph letter signed by Oscar S. Straus, the first Jewish member of a U.S. presidential cabinet, to Isidor Lewi, dated September 12, 1893. Written on "United States Hotel" stationery, the letter expresses gratitude for Lewi's editorial clippings and promises to seek opportunities for Lewi. The letter shows signs of expected folds and a small tear affecting one word, but remains in very good condition. It is one page and measures 5.75" x 9". The letter was written from Saratoga Springs, New York.

Letter - Henry Cohen (Philadelphia Merchant, 1810-79). Autograph Letter Signed. London : 23rd January 1844…. Courtship letter written to his bride-to-be Matilda Samuel (1820-88) of Liverpool. Four pages, including integral address panel along with one-penny postage stamp. Small hole, repair to lower margin of last page. 4to Henry Cohen had come to Philadelphia from England in 1837 and established a wholesale import stationary business there. He met Matilda in 1844 when visiting his family in Liverpool. They promptly married and returned together to America. Settling in Philadelphia, they joined Mikveh Israel, where they both became active in the affairs of the congregation and the greater Jewish community. Mrs. Cohen became close friends with Rebecca Gratz and together they gave their time, energy, and resources to several worthy causes. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Matilda Cohen became a member of the Women's Branch of the Sanitary Fair Committee. Taking a leadership role, she led Pennsylvania's Jewish women sewing bandages and clothing packing food, nursing soldiers and raising money for military supplies. Under her leadership, two hundred and fifty Jewish women joined the Ladies Hebrew Relief Association for the Sick and Wounded Soldiers. In the midst of the war, in 1864, Matilda Cohen wrote a letter in response to General Benjamin Butler's published account of the capture of five Jews accused of smuggling across the military blockade. Butler had written that he was "from the force of circumstances, unacquainted with any other Israelites than those engaged in the contraband trade". In her remarkable and articulate response, Mrs. Cohen writes: "This is a satisfactory explanation as far as it goes but when I refer you to the history of my people, your intellectual mind will readily perceive the injustice you have done to us. I am a native of England, but America is the land of my adoption, having dwelt here 20 years, my sons and daughters glory in "being natives here and to the manner born". Mr. Cohen is among the earliest member of the Union League, taking a deep interest in the success of the national cause. I have established a Hebrew Women's Aid which cooperates with the U.S. Sanitary Commission and has added many stores for the sick and wounded soldiers. I see a great and glorious future for this century if, at the close of this war it truly proves itself to be the 'Land of the Free' to all races, and to all religions." Henry and Matilda Cohen had nine children. Among them were Charles J. Cohen, who succeeded his father as President of Mikveh Israel in 1879, Mary Cohen who was an accomplished writer, and Katherine Cohen who was a well-known artist. AI SUMMARY: Henry Cohen immigrated from England to Philadelphia in 1837 and quickly established a highly successful business career. Shortly after his arrival, he founded a high-end wholesale stationery enterprise that specialized in envelope manufacturing and foreign imports. During the 1850s and 1860s, the commercial headquarters for this flourishing operation were located at 42 Market Street. Under Philadelphia's older grid numbering system, this specific location later shifted to what is known today as the 500 block of Market Street. When the American Civil War broke out in the 1860s, Cohen's business experienced significant growth. He chose to use his newly acquired wealth to fiercely back the Union cause. As part of these patriotic efforts, he became an early member of Philadelphia's historic Union League. Through this organization, he provided massive financial subscriptions to help fund and equip the Union military.Beyond his commercial success, Henry Cohen and his wife, Matilda, were pillar figures in the early American Jewish community. According to 19th-century historical records—including Henry Samuel Morais' landmark 1894 volume The Jews of Philadelphia—the family maintained a deep commitment to Jewish communal life. They were lifelong, deeply involved members of Kahal Kadosh Mikveh Israel, one of the oldest and most historic synagogues in the United States, where Henry routinely contributed leadership, resources, and financial support. The Cohens also maintained an elite social and philanthropic partnership with Rebecca Gratz, the famous Jewish-American educator who founded the first Hebrew Sunday School in America. Matilda Cohen was an intimate friend of Gratz and served as her primary co-worker across multiple local Jewish charity organizations. This philanthropic drive extended into the Civil War when Philadelphia hosted the Great Central Fair for the Sanitary Commission. Henry funded and Matilda led the Women's Branch of the Sanitary Fair Committee, where she spearheaded efforts for Pennsylvania’s Jewish women to organize mass sewing circles that crafted essential clothes and blankets for Union soldiers. In addition to wartime relief, historical records show that Henry Cohen acted as a primary benefactor and financial adviser to the early Philadelphia Jewish Foster Home and Orphan Asylum. His leadership helped establish a vital social safety net for arriving Jewish immigrants and orphaned children. Toward the end of his life, Cohen continued his civic dedication by acting as a chief promoter for the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. His wife served as a highly decorated organizer for the event, ensuring that the civic, cultural, and charitable contributions of the Jewish community were prominently represented on a global stage

A one-page, stampless letter written by Tobias I. Tobias in New York City to David Judah in Richmond on April 14, 1823. The letter expresses anger regarding a misstatement on a note from Pollock and Judah, and notes that Pollock has cancer. David Judah & Co. was licensed as auctioneers on November 11, 1822, with Judah, Tobias, and Edward Pollock as principals.

Collection of approximately 20 documents related to Reform Rabbi Bernard Felsenthal, spanning the 1870s-1890s. Materials are primarily in English and German and include letters to and from Felsenthal, congregational reports from the Chicago Sinai Congregation, a eulogy for Abraham Lincoln, a contract for employment of a new rabbi, and newspaper clippings. Documents vary in size and condition. The collection provides insights into Felsenthal's rabbinical work, his views on Jewish law, and his involvement in community affairs in Chicago during this period. The collection also contains some materials related to his published works, such as articles and reviews.

A one-page commercial letter written by Moses E. Levy on February 14, 1853, from Miconopy, Florida, to George N. Fairbanks, concerning land in Levy County, Florida. Levy, a prominent Jewish pioneer settler in Florida, arrived in 1821. The letter is significant due to its rarity; signed documents by this influential figure are scarce.

A courting letter written by Ed Horton to Miss Sadie Miller on February 12, 1876, in New York City. The letter references addresses in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The envelope features advertising.

Envelope addressed to V. M. Conway, Surveyor General, in Tallahassee, Florida, dated October 7, 1843. The envelope is free franked as "D. Levy", before he changed his name. It is docketed with a note indicating complaints against Deputy Sam Reid. The letter discusses events in Washington, D.C. and Florida.

Envelope addressed to J. C. Hecker in Dallastown, Pennsylvania from Aram, Trautman & Co. in Cincinnati, Ohio, dated November 29, 1893. The envelope features advertising for "The Big Four Cigar Factory," located at 94 and 96 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, Ohio. A picture of their trademark, a shield, is included on the envelope. The envelope contains a letter (not transcribed here).

Handwritten letter from Marcus Schiller in San Francisco, California to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated November 29, 1865. The letter concerns a subscription and payment to the *Occident and American Jewish Advocate*.

This archival collection contains a letter from Louise B. Hart, a prominent Philadelphia Jewish woman and associate of Rebecca Gratz, to Isaac Leeser. Dated circa 1830s-1840s, the letter invites Leeser to the annual meeting of the Ladies Hebrew Sewing Society at the Portuguese Synagogue on October 8th. The collection also includes a second undated note from Hart to Leeser, acknowledging payment for "The Occident" and a book, and mentioning an upcoming meeting. The original envelope addressed to Leeser is also included. Accompanying materials consist of photostats from "The Jews of Philadelphia" (Morais, 1894) which reference Hart's prominence in Philadelphia Jewish organizations and her close association with Rebecca Gratz, and mention the publication of a memoir, "The Diary and Letters of Louise B. Hart," by M. M. Cohen.

Handwritten letter book documenting the correspondence of Samuel Etting (1796-1862) with rabbis and Jewish figures from various countries between 1857 and 1858. Etting sought support for the establishment of the Beit Yisrael Sefardi congregation in Baltimore. The letters include copies of correspondence sent to Sir Moses Montefiore and Baron Lionel Nathan de Rothschild. The book contains nine written leaves with approximately twenty letters. Accompanying the letter book are eight additional handwritten letters sent to Etting and Solomon Nunes Carvalho in 1858, from rabbis in England, France, and the Caribbean Islands, concerning honorary memberships in the Baltimore Sephardic community. The materials show the attempts to establish a Sephardic synagogue in Baltimore and its ultimate failure. The letter book measures 30.5 cm and is in good condition, with some tears to the margins and stains. The additional eight letters show folding marks and minor damages.

Fragment of a letter, approximately 8 inches by 4 inches, written by Isaac Leeser to George Barnard. The fragment constitutes the final page of a longer letter, with writing present on both sides. The main body appears to be an article Leeser wishes to have published, followed by a postscript (P.S.) containing a private note. Date unknown.

Four-page letter from "R.P." in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Matilda Samuel Cohen in Fort Hamilton, New York, dated June 2, 1848. The letter contains detailed family information and is one of six letters in an archive providing insight into the daily life of a prominent Philadelphia Jewish family.

A two and a half page letter written by a father in New York City to his son Jacob on December 26, 1835. The letter, which is numbered 7, offers advice on living a meaningful life, emphasizing kindness, charitable work, and the importance of encouraging labor over mere alms-giving. Portions of the letter containing checks or bills of exchange have been removed, resulting in a missing address. The letter's content is otherwise complete.

This archival item is a letter written by A. Roget to Isaac Leeser on January 16, 1867, in Baltimore, Maryland. The letter discusses a subscription to a publication, Roget apologizes for not settling an account and requests that the subscription be stopped due to his inability to read back issues. This letter is item #5 of a set of 9 letters.

A single-page letter written by Abraham Goldschmidt on May 7, 1865, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia. Goldschmidt, writing from St. Louis, Missouri, thanks Leeser for past kindness and describes his involvement with a group of eight singers performing Hebrew readings. He also mentions losing a handkerchief at the Market Hotel and requests Leeser's assistance in retrieving it. The letter displays unique spelling, grammar, and sentence structure.

Three and three-quarters page letter written on Academy of Natural Sciences stationary by Angelo Heilprin to C. B. Norton on March 23, 1884. Heilprin, curator at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, offers observations and advice to Norton concerning a proposed exhibition of American art in London. The letter reflects the state of American art relative to European art during that period.

Printed broadside letter dated November 28, 1858, from B. Mordecai of Charleston, South Carolina, to Isaac Leeser. Mordecai requests a character reference for Esther Davidson, who has applied for a position as governess to his four children and companion to his wife. Davidson's qualifications include teaching French, art, music, and English, and cultivating a moral sense in the children. This is the only correspondence in the collection requesting a background check in printed form.

Two-page letter written by C. I. Eisner, Secretary of the Finance Committee of the United Hebrew Congregation in St. Louis, Missouri, to Isaac Leeser on July 20, 1858. Eisner requests Leeser's assistance in raising funds for the construction of a new synagogue through a newspaper article. He also lists the members of the Finance Committee: R. Keiler, M. Keim, and A. Fisher. The letter provides context regarding the early history of the United Hebrew Congregation, established in 1837 as the first synagogue west of the Mississippi River.

Two-page letter written by Elijah Gratz Etting in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania on November 5, 1821, to Joseph R. Ingersoll in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The letter discusses a lawsuit between Major Pierce Butler and Charles Huston, concerning an overdue promissory note. Etting enclosed a copy of the note and Huston's authorization to confess judgment. The letter includes a manuscript town mark "Bellefonte" and a double-rate 37 cents mark. A large red seal with Etting's initials "GE" is also present.

A one-page letter written by Fred M. Tobias in Liverpool, England, on May 23, 1838, to his cousin Charles Tobias in New York City. The letter requests the forwarding of a letter to Fred's brother Charles, who may be in New York City or Mexico City. It also mentions confusion caused by unnamed remittances and requests that names be included in future remittances.

Two-page letter written by H. Guedalla in London, England to Samuel Etting in Baltimore, Maryland on January 29, 1858. The letter is part of the Etting/Carvalho Archive at Beit Yisrael Sefardi.

A letter written by Henry Etting, purser in the United States Navy, to Daniel Broadhead on November 27, 1831. The letter concerns Navy business and was sent from Norfolk, Virginia. The letter is a stampless ship cover sent from Hampton Roads. Etting served in the U.S. Navy for over fifty years, retiring as a pay-director with the rank of commodore. During the Civil War, he served as purser and fiscal agent for the Navy Department in New York.

Printed letter outlining the Jewish Hospital Association of Philadelphia's fundraising efforts to raise $50,000 without a fair. The second page lists over 70 names of the fundraising committees. Published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 1, 1871.

A stampless folded letter written on March 15, 1836, from Henry Moore in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Daniel Aqueco in Beaver, Pennsylvania. The letter discusses the appointment of engineers for canal routes to Erie, mentioning individuals like Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Livermore. Moore also describes his meetings with Mr. Moss, a Philadelphia banker, and comments on the view from the Pennsylvania state capitol and upcoming political events.

One-page letter written by Isidor Hochstauber on May 31, 1852, from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hochstauber expresses his strong interest in subscribing to *The Occident*, a periodical he had received from Solomon Jacob Spiegelberg. This letter is notable for its connection to early Jewish settlement in Santa Fe.

Letter written by J. Cohn in New York, New York on April 28, 1851, to Isaac Leeser. Cohn orders a book and requests that it be sent to Mr. Seixas.

One-page letter written by J.D. Jacobowsky on June 12, 1854, from Holmesville, Ohio, to Isaac Leeser. Jacobowsky encloses $6.00 for the Occident and $3.00 for a friend, H. Eichenstine, to purchase a Hebrew Bible with an English translation and issue XXVIII of the Occident, including Letters on Judaism and Christianity. The letter includes a request to forward the items to his address.

Two-page letter dated October 18, 1850, from Jacob Ezekiel in Richmond, Virginia, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ezekiel requests Leeser's assistance in amending or repealing Virginia laws that infringe upon Jewish rights. Ezekiel, a Richmond merchant, later became the first secretary of Hebrew Union College. He is the father of sculptor Moses Ezekiel.

A two-and-a-half-page letter written by Jacob Henry Joseph on October 31, 1853, from Montreal, Canada, to Reverend Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Joseph critiques Leeser's actions and personality. The letter provides insight into the relationship between the two men and the Jewish community in North America during the mid-19th century.

A two-page letter written by Jesse Joseph of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 6, 1853. The letter discusses financial matters and criticizes Leeser for neglecting Jewish events in Canada, specifically the work submitted by Dr. David.

Two-page letter from Joseph Abraham, a lawyer in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Isaac Leeser, dated July 16, 1851. Abraham discusses Jewish life in Cincinnati, including the construction of a new synagogue for K.K. Beni Israel and the death of Mr. Moehring's infant son in a fire. He also mentions his status as the only Jewish lawyer in Ohio.

Single-sheet letter penned by Joseph Einstein of Philadelphia on March 22, 1860, to Isaac Leeser. Einstein informs Leeser that he has secured a new subscriber, P. Morris of Crawfordsville, Georgia, for Leeser's weekly periodical and requests that Leeser advertise this in the next edition. The reverse of the letter contains notations in Leeser's hand, listing five new subscribers, including P. Morris.

A letter dated September 11, 1853, from Joseph Morrison in New York to Isaac Leeser. Morrison apologizes for a perceived attack in an article he wrote for the Asmonean, defending Leeser's fundraising efforts for the destitute in New Orleans. The letter discusses a misunderstanding regarding the article's reception and clarifies Morrison's respect for Leeser despite differing opinions. The letter is approximately 8 x 10 inches in size.

A single-page letter written by L.C. Lee of London, England, to Samuel Etting in Baltimore, Maryland, dated January 25, 1858. The letter is part of the Etting/Carvalho Archive in the Beit Yisrael Sefardi collection.

A one-page, stampless letter written on March 31, 1823, from an anonymous friend in Liverpool, England to Rebecca Tobias in New York City. The letter includes a short poem.

Two-page letter written by Moses Hart to James Reid on July 5, 1802, detailing a claim against a creditor. This letter is part of a larger archive of 56 documents related to the division of the Aaron Hart estate after his death on December 28, 1800, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. The documents were found among the papers of Judge James Reid (1769-1848), the Hart family's lawyer. This specific item belongs to the first category of papers—those written after Aaron Hart's death, primarily legal in nature—comprising approximately 28 individual documents.

Autograph letter signed (ALS) from N. Metzger to Joshua Fry, dated January 30, 1856, expressing concern about Jewish peddlers in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and seeking Fry's support for a peddler's license law. The letter also includes political commentary and endorsements for Fry's reelection. This letter is one of several in a small archive of letters addressed to Pennsylvania Representative Joshua Fry around 1856.

A single-sheet letter written in German by Rabbi Aaron Gunzburg of the Fell's Point Hebrew Friendship Congregation in Baltimore to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia on November 2, 1855. The letter expresses a complaint about missing issues of Leeser's Occident magazine and mentions an article the writer is preparing. The letter includes a modern English translation.

This twelve-page letter, dated July 5, 1863, was written by Rabbi M. N. Nathan in Kingston, Jamaica, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It provides a detailed account of the Curaçao Synagogue in the early 1860s, including observations on its chief rabbi and his work during a smallpox epidemic. Nathan also discusses a potential job offer from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

Three-page letter written by S. Wolff in Mobile, Alabama, on February 7, 1857, to Isaac Leeser. Wolff expresses sympathy regarding Leeser's financial difficulties and offers assistance, remitting $500. The letter offers insight into Leeser's financial struggles and Wolff's role as the Occident's agent in Alabama.

This letter, dated November 1, 1855, was written by the postmaster in San Francisco, California to Isaac Leeser. The postmaster informs Leeser that eight copies of the *Occident*, a newspaper, were not picked up by Leeser's subscribers. The names of the subscribers are: I. & S. Mayer, S. Simon, H.W. Stein, Leopold Jacobs, E. Lindberg, A. Hess, and I. Fleischbacker. The letter provides a glimpse into the complexities of newspaper distribution during the California Gold Rush.

A one-page quarto letter written by Solomon L. Levi to Isaac Leeser on November 15, 1853, from Clearsprings. The letter includes a remittance of eleven dollars: three dollars for a one-year subscription to *The Occident*, and eight dollars for a bound copy of an English Bible.

A single-sheet letter, measuring 8 x 10 inches, penned by Solomon Weil in New York on January 8, 1854. Weil writes to Isaac Leeser, enclosing $2.00 for his publication *The Occident*, and requests several back issues to complete his volume. He also asks Leeser to publish a marriage announcement in the next issue. The letter shows slight damp staining in one corner. The letter is written in English and includes the date in both Gregorian and Hebrew calendars (Tamuz 8th 5614 AM). Weil's address is given as No. 469 Eight Avenue, between 34th & 35th Streets.

A short, neatly penned letter from Sophia Tobais in New York, dated November 7, 1849, to Isaac Leeser. Tobais advises Leeser that she is sending a report of the Ladies Sewing Association and asks if he deems it worthy of publication in his periodical. The letter shows slight fading but is otherwise in excellent condition. The letter is addressed to Reverend Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, with the second page indicating that postage was paid.

Letter written on the letterhead of the Society of the United Hebrew Charities of Philadelphia, dated August 8, 1890. The letter is addressed to George Randorf. The sender is illegible. The letterhead includes the organization's address: 636 North Sixth Street, Philadelphia, PA.

Handwritten letter from Theodore Leon of New Orleans, dated September 30, 1860, addressed to Isaac Leeser, editor of the Occident in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Leon requests the discontinuation of the Occident's subscription for Edward Leon, who has resided in Europe since 1859. The letter provides details regarding the change of address and emphasizes the need to cease sending the publication to Edward Leon's former address.

Letter of introduction from Adolph Langer to Isidore Loeb, dated July 6, 1880. The letter, written on Union of American Hebrew Congregations letterhead, concerns Loeb's introduction to the French Alliance Israélite Universelle. The letter references Langer's European trip and discusses the Board of Delegates of American Israelites and issues related to European Jewry.

A half-page, stampless letter written by C. Melhado in Panama on May 17, 1840, to Charles Tobias in New York City. The letter serves as an introduction for Justo Arosemena, a Panamanian statesman, writer, lawyer, and politician visiting New York for his health. Melhado requests assistance for Arosemena if he needs information.

Postcard sent from R. Picker's Buchhandlung in Vienna, Austria to Mayer Sulzberger in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 23, 1879. The postcard discusses Sulzberger's European trip, the Board of Delegates of American Israelites, and issues concerning European Jewry. The postcard is written in English, German, and Hebrew.