Henry, Rev. H. A.

A long, fascinating letter, entirely penned in Henry's small, neat hand with full signature to Isaac Leeser answering charges and accusations made against him, some of which were apparently repeated in Leeser's "Occident." Henry has a fine command of the English language, using it to every advantage in this significant letter, establishing his credentials and defending his position against attacks made on him. He writes "I am ready to challenge anyone in the whole United States as to my competency as a teacher and preacher…jealousy alone has prompted [others] to make all the evil reports about me…hope it is not too late for you to become better acquainted with me and to be enabled to form a right judgment and then you will see how I am wronged ! …An attempt has been made to crush me. I acquit you of all intention to injure me…am satisfied with your explanation…but as the aggrieved [you should tell me who wrote the accusatory letters so in the future I may challenge them…I fear no man when I am in a just cause ...My 'Class Book' (see previous Lot) is on the press. I have 300 subscribers…have no doubt it will be a standard." Henry discusses other works he is translating and will later publish and also writes "it will be obvious that I came to America both for my own good and the good of my co-religionists this side of the Atlantic."