Autograph Letter Signed “An Unknown Friend.” Urging a strengthening of Jewish observance and unity as a peaceful resolution to a communal controversy.

(AMERICAN-JUDAICA).

1st May

Richmond, Va.

1791

Written to Jacob Cohen, the “Unknown Friend,” who must have sent copies of this letter to many Jewish citizens of Richmond, sets out a case for unity based upon religious observance to be “the means of reconciling and settling those small differences of opinion which took place some time ago.”

The anonymous pardons himself as “a stranger” who is nevertheless taking the liberty of drawing “serious attention” out of “nothing but zeal for our holy religion.” The letter details the reason for the chosenness of the Jewish nation, building a case for it out of the immoral and licentious behavior in the era of the Flood. It follows then, he says, that Jews “must thickly adhere to the laws.” He pleas for “all the seed of Israel residing in Richmond to unite in heart and hand in order to support our holy laws.” The recipient of this letter, Jacob J. Cohen, was the progenitor of a prominent American Jewish family. Arriving in Pennsylvania from Bavaria in 1773, Cohen served a stint in the revolutionary army, and settled afterwards in Richmond where he was a founder of Congregation Beth Shalome. His family went on to become communal leaders in Baltimore. See JE.