Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-02-26
OLD LETTERS IN HISTORY.
Washington and the IsraeIites of sa-
vaunah.


Washington and the Israelites of sa-
vRnnah.
The number of IsraelItes in this coun-
try prior to the War of Independence was
not large, but Savannah, though only
small town, had quite a large number
among her citizens. They were, like
their coreligionists throughout the coun-
try, staunch supporters Of the patriot
cause. When Washington had obtained
all the military and civic honors that
could be bestowed, and laurels were being
ShoWered upon him IN his retirement at
Mount Vernon, the Hebrews joined their
fellow citizens in concentrating the hero.
The american Isrdetite, in recent num-
Der. collated the congratulatory addresses
from the Israelites living in different
parts of the Union to their distinguished
countryman. Among the letters is the
following from the Hebrews Of Savannah,
and the Chiefs reply:
The Address from the Hebrew COngrega-
tion of the City Of Savannah, Georgia,
which was Presented TO Washington,
the First President of the United States,
by Mr.. jackson, one of the Representa-
tives from Georgia.
SIR.-We have long been anxious of
cOngratulating you on your appointment,
by unanimous appreciation, to the Presi-
u6uLidl ulRulGf vi bulb GOunLfy, anu OIL IeB=
tifying our unbOunded confidence in your
integrity and unblemished virtue. Yet
however exalted the station you now fill,
1t is still not equal to the merit of your
heroic services through an arduous and
dangerous conflict which has embosomed
you In the hearts of her citizens.
Our eccentric situation, added TO diff
fidence founded on the most profound re-
| spect has thus long prevented our adj
/ vet ho doIu n fo4n
ton, given us an opportunity of present
ing our grateful Acknowledgements for the
| benedictiOn of heaven through the mag
nanimity Of Federal influence and the
equity of your administration. Your
unexampled liberalitv and extensive
philanthropy have dispelled that cloud
Of bigOtry and superstition which
has long as a veil shaded religion-un-
riveted the letters of enthusiasm--en-
franchised us with all the privileges and
immunities of free citizens, and initiated
us into the grand mass of legislative
mechanism BY example you have taught
us TO endure the ravages of war with
manly fortitude, and to enjoy the bless
ings OF peace with reverence TO the Deity
and benignity and love to our fellow crea-
lures.
May the great author of the world grant
you all happiness-an uninterrupted Sc
| ries OF Naturalization of years to the
number of your days, aud a continuance
OF guardianship to that freedom which
under auspices of Heaven your magma
nimity and wisdom have given these
States. LEVI SHEPTAL, President,
In behalf of the Hebrew Congregations.
The President was pleased to return
the following
ANSWERED. THE HEBREW CoNGREGA-
n
GENTLEMEN II thank you with great
sincerity for your congratulations on my
appointment TO the Office which | have
/ the honor to hold by the unanimous
/ choice of my fellow-citiZens, and espe-
cially the expressions you are pleased to
use in testifying the confidence that is re-
posed in me by your congregations.
AS the delay which has naturally inter-
vened between my election and your ad-
dress has afforded me an opportunity for
approaching the merits OF the Federal
government and for communicating your
sentiments of its administration, have
rather to express my satisfaction rather
than regret at a circumstance which de-
monstrates upon experiment. your at
tachment to the former as well as appro-
baton OF the latter.
IrejoIce that spirit OF liberality and
philanthropy is much more prevalent
than it formerly was among the enlight-
ened nations OF the earth, and that your
brethren will benefit thereby in proper
ton as 1t shall become still more extern
sive; happily the people of the United
States have in many instances exhibited
examples worthy OF imitation, the saluta-
ry influence OF which will doubtless ex-
tend much farther If gratefully enjoying
those blessings OF peace which (under the
favor OF Heaven) nave been attained by
fOrtitude in war, thay shall conduct them
selves with reverence 10 the Deity and
charity toward their fellow-creatures.
May the same woodworking Deity,
who long since delivered the Hebrews
/ from their Egyptian oppressors, planted
! them in a promised land, whose prOviden-
tial agency has lately been conspicuous
I'm establishing these Uhited States as an
independent nation, still continue to water
| them with the dews Of heaven and make
the inhabitants OF every denomination
participate In the temporal and spiritual
blessings Of that people whose God Is
Jehovah. g. WASHINGTON.