Moses Michael Hays. Autograph Letter Signed, written to Michael Gratz.

Auction 92 | Thursday, February 18th, 2021 at 1:00pm

Fine Judaica: Rare Printed Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters & Graphic Arts

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Lot 142

(AMERICAN-JUDAICA).

Moses Michael Hays. Autograph Letter Signed, written to Michael Gratz.

“I hope you have entirely finished the sale of the sugar and leather. If not, you must make immediate sale for the whole. If we suffer some things by them we must be contented… I drew on you… for 500 dollars… to which bills you must pay due honor, discharge by Hook or Crook.” One page. Addressed on verso, address panel bearing a straight line New York postmark and bishop’s mark. Folio.

New York: 20th January 1768

Est: $2,000 - $3,000

In 1775, seventy-six men in Newport were asked to sign a declaration of loyalty to the American colonies that included the phrase "upon the true faith of a Christian." Moses Hays publicly objected to the phrase and refused to sign, standing firm on the philosophy of "all men created equal." Instead he offered a letter affirming his belief that the Revolution was a just cause. Hays signed when the Christian portion of the oath was omitted. (See ANB).