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Mr. Editor:
My object simply was to advise
you of the arrival of Dr. Schlesinger, late Rabbi at
Sulzbach, Bavaria, who by his various contributions
to Hebrew literature, and particularly by his last
erudite work, translation (with commentary) of
Ikkarim,* is doubtless no stranger to you.
As there are, however, many of
our coreligionists uninformed of the details of the
late political movements on the continent of Europe,
and the share this distinguished individual had in
these transactions, I consider this subject worthy
of a more extended communication than at first
intended.
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There are, no doubt, the
sympathies of many of us enlisted in the fate of our
prominent men; but as to general regret, we lack
both in concentrated spirits and union, to welcome,
in a becoming manner, men of sterling worth, who
either from choice or political motives are gaining
our shores, I concluded, under these circumstances,
a brief statement of facts, connected with Dr.
Schlesinger’s departure from Europe, would be but a
very inadequate tribute to his exalted talents and
acquirements.
The revolutionary attempts on
the continent of Europe, and their unsuccessful
termination, are too well known to require
repetition; suffice it to say that Dr. Schlesinger,
implicated in these revolutionary struggles, was
reported by the Bavarian newspapers, and by the
press in this country, as having been arrested and
imprisoned.
Providence, however, in the
shape of a friendly government officer, carried to
him the information of the executive’s intentions,
by which timely warning he was fortunately enabled
to evade the jailor’s grasp, and I am glad to say
that he has, within a few days past, reached this
asylum of the persecuted for political or religious
opinions.
The advent to our shores of a
man of Dr. Schlesinger’s reputation, is doubtless a
most gratifying intelligence to you, and will be
hailed with delight by every lover of our religion
and literature.
I am not informed what path of
usefulness the Doctor intends to select in this
country; but as his intellectual capacities and
extensive attainments in literature and ancient
languages, best qualify him to teach or lecture, I
presume that a professorship in one of our
universities or colleges might offer an appropriate
and honourable field for the propagation of his vast
collection of useful knowledge.
Under the garb of a subscriber
to your periodical, I had for several years the
pleasure to be your companion; and, consequently,
became an admirer of your unwearied exertion in the
field of our religion; and as every addition of
labourers fortifies and strengthens the good cause,
whose able supporter you have proved yourself, I
consider it a superfluous task to engage your good
offices in behalf of the additional help to its
advancement; and trust only that the same spirit,
and sentiments that guide you, may find many as
ardent followers!
Accept, Mr. Editor, the
assurance of the high consideration of your Most
obedient servant,
Joseph Fatman.
New York, Oct. 22, 1849. |
