The American Museum, or, Universal Magazine. Volume IX.

AUCTION 63 | Thursday, November 13th, 2014 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters, Graphic and Ceremonial Art

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Lot 5

(AMERICAN JUDAICA).

The American Museum, or, Universal Magazine. Volume IX.

In Appendix II (Public Papers), p. 40: “<<Address of the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode-Island, to the President of the United States of America,>> August 17, 1790.” Browned, few upper corners torn. Contemporary calf, rubbed. 8vo.

Philadelphia: January-June 1791

Est: $1,500 - $2,000

PRICE REALIZED $5,500

The Address to President George Washington by Moses Seixas, Warden of the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, Rhode Island, was written upon the occasion of Washington’s visit to Newport, as an expression of welcome, but also to voice the concerns of America’s Jewish citizenry that their rights be safeguarded. The pivotal phrase in this address - “A government which to bigotry gives no sanction, to persecution no assistance” - was later reiterated by Washington himself in his reply to the congregation. (See JE, Vol. XI, p. 161; T. Lewis, History of Touro Synagogue, Bulletin of the Newport Historical Society, No. 159 (Summer 1975), Vol. 48, Part 3, pp. 288, 292-94). The American Museum, a monthly published by Matthew Carey (1760-1839), ran from January 1787 through December 1792.