Robinson, W(illiam) D(avis). Memoir Adressed to Persons of the Jewish Religion in Europe, on the Subject of Emigration to, and Settlement in, One of the Most Eligible Parts of the United States of North America

(AMERICAN JUDAICA)

H.Hay

London

1819

FIRST EDITION

Roth B16, 37; Howes R-379; Sabin 72201; Streeter III, 1781

A persuasive and intriguing proposition addressed to the Jews of Europe by one William Davis Robinson, “Citizen of the United States.” Robinson begins his “Memoir” with an impassioned discussion of the ills besetting the Jews of the Old World. “The extraordinary and simultaneous persecution of the Jews in several parts of the European Continent, and also Turkey, is among the remarkable occurrences by which the present century is distinguished, and by posterity this event will certainly be viewed not only as a disgrace to the present age but also as a proof that society is still extremely unhinged in the Old World...” He concludes that, “Yes, it is time for the Jews, whatever may be the region of the earth which they are bent down and oppressed, to commune with each other, and devise those means necessary for the amelioration of their fate...” Their refuge, writes Robinson, is the United States, where the Jews will find not only security and comfort but religious toleration. He then proceeds to outline a plan for establishing a Jewish settlement in the United States, recommending that a tract of land be purchased in the Upper Mississippi and Missouri territory, “in a climate particularly well adapted for European constitutions, and where the fertility of soil is equal, if not superior, to any in North America.” Once an association of Jews has established a fund to purchase this land and create a settlement. Robinson predicts that “In a very few years such a settlement would become known to the Jews in every quarter of the globe and we should find thousands flocking to it, who never before dreamt that such an asylum could be procured in any part of the civilized world.” He concludes his memoir and plan with an explanation in outline form of the United States Constitution as a means of underscoring the rights and freedoms of American citizens. Unfortunately, Robinson’s arcadian dream was never realized. See L.M. Friedman, Pilgrims in a New Land (1948) pp. 233-47 and Jewish Pioneers and Patriots (1948) pp.388-9 note 2; M. Schappers, Jews in the United States a Documentary History, no.68; AJHSP vol. XLIII, p.170