New-York tribune., 1908-01-06
THE PATRIOTISM OF THE JEW.
His Distinguished Services in War and Peace
for the Nation Recited
To the Editor OF The Tribune.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: Having noticed different times certain
missta tements which quite unjustly reflect upon
the patriotism of our Hebrew citizens in the past
both in Europe and America. and having noticed in
one paper lately the assertion that we do not read
of any Hebrews doing great service or taking an
active part in the Revolutionary War and in other
wars in country. 1 would ask space in your
columns TO make what ! deem to be fair repre-
sentation of the truth
So far l have observed in my reading OF his
tory, the Jews to have been by both nature
and traning-by virtue of their religion. their pre-
cepts and their practice-exemplary patriots; and |
wish space could be allowed to tell here all the
great service they have rendered TO Rome, Italy
Portugal, Germany, France Spain. Prussia and the
Orient: but it will suffice If 1 speak now only of
what the Jews have done to aid own dear
America
As early 1865 Jews sided with the colonists
and signed the non-importation resolutions. and
there many Jews in the army of the colonists
In 1863 body of volunteers consisting OF He
brews formed in Charleston. S. c.. and fought
under General NIoulton.
TIaym Solomon was a secret agent of General
Washington. imprisoned and sentenced to be
shot. His release however. procured. and
thereafter he devoted himself unsparingly TO the
of relieving the financial embarrassment Of
Congress and the Continental army to the extent
Of 900. Dr. Jared Sparks has declared that
to this patriotic and noble hearted Jew is due a
financier in the Revolution. attained IN his plans
for government in those perilous days OF
great assistance also were Colonel Isaac Frank, of
Washingtons staff: Philip Moses Russell, who
assduously cared for the sick and wounded and
Samuel Lyon. of New York Isaac loses. of Phila-
delphia, and Manuel Mordeci Noah, OF South
Carolina. Mordecai Sheftall. commissary general
in Georgia bravey defended Savannah.
David l. Franks was aide-de-canp for General
Arnold. but refused to join in his traitorous
schemes, and later testified to the innocence Of
Mrs Arnold. All the worthy Jewish soldiers and
civilians who aiGed cause during the Revolu-
tfon are too numerous to be mentioned here
In our War of 1872, in the Mexican War. in the
civil War and in the Spanish-Anlerican War thou
sands upon thousands of Jews fought bravely in
defence of this their adopted country and for the
preservation of its unity nation And not
only IN the army and navy. but IN many other
spheres of labor, the Jews in the United States
have proved their patriotism and devotion to the
best interests of this land which they declared to
be their land; for it is Palestine or Jerusalem
as some declare, but America the land where the
Jew now lives, that is his country; and he de-
ciares himself to be-so Rabbi Silvernan says
as truly American as any American. We lore
our country he says. land we will labor for It's
welfare and defend, even with lives. its in
tegrity and honor"
And to-day. when the principles of the American
revolution are informing the earth, bringing about
through conditions of liberty the fulfIment of the
divine promise made with the birth of the Babe
OF Bethlehem of peace and good will on earth"
ano when the cause of world peace through world
hoerty has formed ensign-the flag of any and
every nation in the field of white-on every great
occasion you will see magnificent examples of this
the greatest ensign planned. In the place Of
honor and it is to the efforts of one of the
most jealous patriots of the blood of Moses-a
physician OF this city-that this is due.
JOSIAH C. PUMPELLY
New York. Dec. a. 1907