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The
Chief of the American armies, the first in peace, first in war, first in
the hearts of his countrymen, was one of those extraordinary beings whom
Providence so wisely raises up at every emergency, when the world needs
a leader, and outraged justice a bold defender of her sacred cause.
Washington’s disinterestedness stands nobly recorded on the page of
history, and he wisely knew that when the contest was over, he would
consult the best interests of his country, and promote his own future
fame, by resigning his sword into the hands of those in whose defence it
had been wielded. And when the liberties of the Union had been secured,
by the adoption of the federal compact, he was summoned to the chief
magistracy by the loudly expressed popular will. Wherever he appeared in
his progress through the land, and from places which he did not visit,
from all sects and parties, congratulatory addresses hailed his
accession to the executive chair; it was the homage of gratitude to one
who had been the father of his country. Our brethren, many of whom had
shared the contest for independence, and had thus earned their liberty
and equality not less than the other citizens, also joined the general
throng in this expression of respect for the civil head of the nation,
under whose lead they had shed their blood in war. We already
communicated the address from the Israelites at Charleston, in the
history of that congregation by N. L.; and we now are gratified to be
able to furnish, through the kindness of an esteemed friend, the address
of the principal congregations in America as a body, written by the late
Manuel Josephson, of Philadelphia, with the President's reply. We will merely add that we shall be greatly indebted
to any one for furnishing us mementos of bygone days which, being
preserved in our pages, may perhaps be snatched from oblivion, which
otherwise they are sure to encounter in a brief space of time. And let
us assure our friends, that however trifling such things may appear now,
they will be highly valued by their descendants, when they refer to the
establishment of the Israelites in America, and their early history. Ed. Oc.
The Address of the Hebrew
Congregations in the cities of Philadelphia, New York, Charleston and Richmond.
To
the President of the United States.
Sir,—It
is reserved for you to unite in affection for your character and person,
every political and religious denomination of men; and in this will the
Hebrew congregations aforesaid yield to no class of their
fellow-citizens. We have been hitherto prevented, by various
circumstances peculiar to our situation, from adding our congratulations
to those which the rest of America have offered on your elevation to the
chair of the federal government. Deign then, illustrious sir, to accept
this our homage. The wonders which the Lord of Hosts hath worked in the
days of our forefathers, have taught us to observe the greatness of his
wisdom and his might throughout the events of the late glorious
revolution; and while we humble ourselves at his footstool in
thanksgiving and praise in the blessing of his deliverance, we
acknowledge you, the leader of the American armies, as his chosen and
most devoted servant. But not to your sword alone is our present
happiness to be ascribed; that indeed opened the way to the reign of
freedom; but never was it perfectly secure till your hand have birth to
the federal constitution—and you renounced the joys of retirement to
seal by your administration in peace, what you had achieved in war. To
the eternal God, who is thy refuge, we commit in our prayers, the care
of thy precious life: and when, full of years, thou shalt be gathered
unto the people, thy righteousness shall go before thee, and we shall
remember amidst our regret, “that the Lord hath set apart the godly
for himself,” whilst thy name and thy virtues will remain an indelible
memorial on our minds.
Manuel
Josephson.
For
and in behalf and under the authority of the several Congregations
aforesaid.
Philadelphia, 19th Dec. 1790.
To
which the President was pleased to return the following answer:
To the Hebrew Congregations in
the cities of Philadelphia, New York, Charleston and Richmond:
Gentlemen,—The
liberality of sentiment towards each other which marks every political
and religious denomination of men in this country, stands unparalleled
in the history of nations.
The
affection of such a people is a treasure beyond the reach of
calculation: and the repeated proofs which my fellow-citizens have given
of their attachment to me, and approbation of my doings, form the purest
source of my temporal felicity. The affectionate expressions of your
address again excite my gratitude and receive my warmest
acknowledgments.
The
power and goodness of the Almighty were strongly manifested in the
events of the late glorious revolution: and his kind interposition in
our behalf, has been no less visible in the establishment of our present
equal government. In war he directed the sword, and in peace he has
ruled in our councils. My agency in both has been guided by the best
intentions and a sense of the duty which I owe my country.
And
as my exertions have hitherto been amply rewarded by the approbation of
my fellow-citizens, I shall endeavour to deserve a continuance of it by
my future conduct.
May
the same temporal and eternal blessings which you implore for me, rest
upon your congregations.
George
Washington. |
