Subject: 18th Century

Book -"A DISCOURSE HAD IN THE COLLEGE.HALL AT CAMBRIDGE, 3/27/1722. BEFORE THE; BAPTISM OF R. JUDAH MONIS..TO WHICH IS ADDED 3 DISCOURSES WRITTEN BY MR. MONIS HIMSELF,; "THE "A Discourse had in the College. Hall at Cambridge, 3/27/1722. Before the Baptism of R. Judah Monis...To Which Is Added 3 Discourses Written by Mr. Monis Himself… "The Truth the Whole Truth and, Nothing But the Truth" One OF WHICH DELIVERD BY HIM AT HIS; BAPTISM. …1722 Cambridge..1st edition.The volume of conversionist dis- courses that appears under his name (The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth, published soon after his conversion in 1722) makes him the first Jewish author in America. The volume is remarkable for its cou- pling of classical Jewish erudition with a direct and frank address to "my Brethren According to the Flesh." Morris ad- mits: "I do expect the News of my Embracing the Christ- ian Religion that came to your Ears some time ago, has been somewhat surprizing to you all; and I am afraid you did not think it to be the best you ever have heard." Still, he prayed that God would "in due time take the Vail [sic] from before the eyes of your Understanding, that so you may see the veracity of his Christ." This rare set of speeches is by Judah Monis upon his conversion to Christianity, it is also bound with the speech delivered by Benjamin Colman, Minister at Christ's Church, at the conversion. Judah Monis (February 4, 1683 - April 25, 1764) was North America's first college instructor of the Hebrew language, teaching at Harvard College from 1722 to 1760, and authored the first Hebrew textbook published in North America…1735... The Collection also houses this book. Monis was also the first Jew to receive a college degree in the American colonies. His conversion to Christianity made him a figure of some controversy to both Jews and Christians. His conversion attracted widespread notoriety. Some Christian clergy warned of other converted Jews who reverted to their original faith. They expressed concern that Harvard's requirement that its faculty members be Christians had compelled Monis to an insincere conversion. European Jews wrote of their outrage and dismay. Monis, however, defended his conversion in three books, published in 1722 (list above in the Collection). He argued that he left Judaism out of religious conviction, not opportunism. History…Monis was born in Italy in 1683, into a family of formerly Portuguese converses. Educated at Jewish academies in Italy and Holland, Monis emigrated to New York City around 1715, where he established a small store and taught Hebrew to Christians and Jews. By 1720 he moved to Cambridge, Mass., home of Harvard College and an area in which few Jews resided. At that time, all Harvard undergraduates except freshmen were required to study Hebrew. Harvard assumed that no Christian gentleman could be considered truly educated unless he could read the Bible in its original language. Encouraged by friends, Monis presented his personal, handwritten manual of Hebrew grammar to the Harvard Corporation in 1720, for its "Judicious perusall." Two years later, the corporation "Voted, That Mr. Judah Monis be approved instructor of the Hebrew Language," making Monis Harvard's first full-time Hebrew instructor - but not as a Jew. For at that time, Harvard required its entire faculty to be professing Christians. Judah Monis (1683-1764), author of the first Hebrew textbook published in North America (“A Grammar of the Hebrew Tongue, ” Boston, 1735), was the first Jew to receive a college degree in America. Born in Italy to a family of former Portuguese conversos and educated at Jewish academies in Italy and Holland, Monis emigrated to New York around 1715, where he established a small store and taught Hebrew to both Christians and Jews. By 1720 he moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, home of Harvard College. At that time, all Harvard undergraduates were required to study Hebrew. The assumption being that no Christian gentleman could be considered truly educated unless he could read the Bible in its original language. Monis was approved by the college as instructor of the Hebrew language - Harvard’s first - but not as a Jew, since Harvard required all its faculty to be professing Christians. One month before assuming his post at Harvard, Monis converted to Christianity - a conversion that attracted widespread notoriety. Local Christian clergy expressed concern that Harvard’s requirement that all its faculty members be of the Christian faith had in turn pushed Monis to an insincere conversion. Monis’s life presents a particular case of how a Jew was viewed in Colonial America’s public life. He came to Cambridge, which had no Jewish institutions, to teach Hebrew to Christian students. Having chosen to leave a mature Jewish community in New York City he entered Harvard as a Christian. But the Christian community looked on him with skepticism. Both the Cambridge First Church as well as Harvard College records refer to Monis as “the converted Jew, ” “the converted rabbi;” and “the Christianized Jew.” From the time of his arrival in New York, Monis corresponded with leading Puritan clergy on Kabala, the trinity and Christian doctrine. Monis studied Christianity with Cambridge ministers. One month before assuming his post at Harvard, Monis converted to Christianity. His conversion attracted widespread notoriety. Some Christian clergy warned of other converted Jews who reverted to their original faith. They expressed concern that Harvard's requirement that its faculty members be Christians had compelled Monis to an insincere conversion. European Jews wrote of their outrage and dismay. Monis, however, defended his conversion in three books, published in 1722. He argued that he left Judaism out of religious conviction, not opportunism. Monis' instruction was based on the handwritten text he submitted to the Harvard Corporation in 1720. Each year, his new students had to copy the text by hand, a task that could take up to one month. A rare remaining handwritten copy of Monis' text resides in the archives of the American Jewish Historical Society. In 1724, to save his students from the burden of copying, Monis petitioned the corporation to publish his grammar. Eventually, the corporation agreed. Hebrew type was shipped from London, and in 1735, a thousand copies of Monis'"A Grammar of the Hebrew Tongue!" were published - the first Hebrew textbook published in North America. Hebrew was never a popular course at Harvard in Monis' time. Students complained that the exercises were boring, and college records show that Monis was frequently hazed by his students. While in 1723 the college recorded itself as "greatly pleased with [Monis] assiduity and faithfulness to his instruction," in 1724 the teaching of Hebrew to undergraduates was turned over to tutors. Monis remained responsible only for teaching graduate students and tutors. Monis taught at Harvard until 1760. By then, his responsibilities had dwindled to one weekly class with graduate students. His own health declining and student interest flagging, he retired. Monis died in 1764 and is buried in a churchyard in Northboro, Mass. The Christian community sometimes looked on him with skepticism. The Cambridge First Church and the Harvard College records often refer to Monis as "the converted Jew," "the converted rabbi;" and "the Christianized Jew." Church records indicate concern that Monis may have quietly continued to observe the Sabbath on Saturday. The headstone of his grave in the Northboro churchyard bears witness to the double identity by which Monis lived in Massachusetts. Using the Christian image of a grafted tree for conversion, the inscription reads in part: "A native branch of Jacob see. Which once from off its olive brook/ Regrafted, from the living tree." Full inscription on tombstone: RESURGAM. Here lies buried the remains of RABBI. JUDAH MONIS, MA, late HEBREW. instructer at HARVARD College in. Cambridge in which office he continued 40. years. He was by Birth and Religion a Jew but. embrac'd the Christian faith & was publickly. baptiz'd at Cambridge, AD 1722 and. departed this life April 25, 1764 Aged. 81 years 2 months and 21 days. A native branch of Jacob see! Which, once from off its olive brok. Regrafted, from the living tree. Of the reviving sap partook. Rom.XI.17-24. From teeming Zion's fertil womb, Isai.LXVI.8. As dewy drops in early morn Psal.CX.3. Or rising bodies from the tomb, John V.28 29. At once be Isr'els nation born Isai LXVI.8.

This 1753 book is a response to the controversial "Jewish Naturalization Bill" passed in May 1753, which allowed foreign-born Jews to be naturalized without taking the sacrament. The book offers an apology for the London citizens and merchants who petitioned against the bill, highlighting the public debate and anti-Semitic sentiments that followed its passage. The book includes arguments against the naturalization and reflects the intense public reaction that led to the bill's repeal within six months. The book's publication demonstrates the widespread anxieties and prejudices surrounding the integration of Jews into English society during the mid-18th century. It provides valuable insight into the social and political climate of the time.

This 1795 Philadelphia edition reprints Richard Brothers' 1794 London publication, in which he proclaims himself a millennialist prophet, Prince of the Hebrews, and descendant of King David. Brothers details his belief in the imminent return of the Jews to Jerusalem (by 1798) under his leadership, identifying a 'hidden Israel' within Great Britain's population. He also predicted a significant role in gathering the Jews back to Palestine. This book is considered the first British-Israelite publication.

This 53-page pamphlet by Justus Henry Christian Helmuth, minister of the Lutheran Congregation in Philadelphia, details the 1794 yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia. The pamphlet lists the deaths by religious denomination, notably including two Jewish individuals, Meyer Hart and Nathan Barnett, on page 2. Published in 1794 by Jones, Hoff & Derrick.

An archive of 56 documents pertaining to the division of the estate of Aaron Hart (d. 1800), a prominent merchant and landowner in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. The documents were found within the papers of Judge James Reid (1769-1848), Hart's lawyer. The collection is divided into two categories: documents created after Hart's death, primarily legal in nature, and documents predating his death, including ledger sheets, letters, and promissory notes. The documents offer insight into Hart's business dealings, land holdings, and family affairs. Biographical information on Aaron Hart and his sons is included.

This is the June 1758 issue of the Philadelphia periodical, *American Magazine and Monthly Chronicle for the British Colonies*. This issue is particularly significant for containing the first published English translation of a sermon delivered by Rabbi David Fraenckel of Berlin following the Prussian victory at Leuthen. Published by William Bradford, this marks the first Jewish publication in the Americas. The sermon, celebrating Prussian victory and the role of Jews in the Prussian state, was subsequently reprinted several times in pamphlet form in the American colonies.

This pamphlet reprints the Marriage Act of 1753, the first British law requiring a formal marriage ceremony. Published by John Baskett in London, the act aimed to end clandestine marriages, particularly those occurring in Fleet Prison. The act detailed regulations for parish marriages, including the publication of banns, ministerial notification, and license requirements. Failure to comply resulted in transportation to the American colonies. Significantly, the act exempted members of the Royal Family, Quakers, Jews, and those in Scotland or abroad.

This pamphlet reprints an act of Parliament from 1799 that amends an earlier act (from 1756) enabling King George II to grant commissions to foreign Protestant officers and engineers to serve in America. The amendment likely addressed issues or gaps in the original act. Published in London by George Eyre and Andrew Strahan, the pamphlet is a folio-sized document.

This pamphlet reprints an act of Parliament from November 18, 1746, extending the provisions of an earlier act (from June 5, 1740) granting naturalization rights to foreign Protestants in the American colonies. Significantly, this extension also applied to foreign Protestants who conscientiously scrupled taking an oath, effectively including Jews who were exempt from oaths according to the laws of England. The reprinted act was published in 1747 by Thomas Baskett, Printer to the King. This copy is a first printing and shows the coat of arms on the title page. This pamphlet is significant for its inclusion of Jews under the definition of those entitled to naturalization, reflecting the evolving legal landscape of religious tolerance in the 18th century.

This Act of the British Parliament, passed in 1702, mandates that Jewish parents must continue to financially support their children who convert to Protestantism. This legislation, included in a volume of Acts from 1701-1704, stems from a petition regarding a young woman who was disowned upon converting. While intended to encourage conversions, this act remained in effect until its repeal in 1865.

This pamphlet reprints the text of the Jewish Naturalization Act of 1753, an Act of the Parliament of Great Britain. The act, which received royal assent on July 7, 1753, aimed to allow Jews to become naturalized British subjects through application to Parliament. The act was repealed later in the same year due to significant public opposition. The pamphlet includes details about the historical context of the Act, including the debate surrounding its passage and its eventual repeal.

This pamphlet is the first printing of the Act that repealed Britain's 1753 Jewish Naturalization Act. Published in London by Thomas Baskett in 1754, this Act was a response to widespread public outcry and opposition to the earlier act, which had granted British Jews certain rights. The repeal is a landmark document in Jewish history, highlighting the intense social and political climate surrounding Jewish emancipation in 18th-century Britain. The Act itself declares the 1753 act void, citing the disquiet it caused among the King's subjects.

Arrest warrant issued on May 5, 1787, in New York, New York, for Eleazer Benzaken and Solomon Simons. The warrant is signed by M. Willet as sheriff and Richard Morris as Chief Justice of the New York Supreme Court. Benzaken is identified as a merchant.

Autograph letter signed by Solomon Etting to Colonel Lewis Farmer. Written in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on December 19, 1790, the letter discusses the financial state of Masonic Lodge 43, noting that it is now in good order. The letter is significant for highlighting the prominent civil position held by a Jewish individual in 1790. The single-page letter includes an integral blank.

Volume 1 of Bereishith, a Hebrew text with manuscript annotations. This book contains a family tree and Tikun Sophrim corrections. It belonged to Jacob I. Cohen, whose signature appears on folios 49, 50, 75, and 77, with further manuscript entries about his family on the free rear endpapers. The book was printed in Amsterdam circa 1760 and is from the library of Jacob I. Cohen, described by Max Whiteman as "one of the most important early US libraries to survive". Cohen (1744-1823) immigrated to the US in 1773, settling initially in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, then living intermittently in Richmond, Virginia (1781-1799) and Philadelphia. He was a founding member of Beth Shalom in Richmond and president of Mikveh Israel (1810-1811) in Philadelphia. He was a Revolutionary War veteran and conducted business dealings with notable figures like James Madison and Daniel Boone. In Richmond, he partnered with Isaiah Isacks (Isaacs) in merchandising, real estate, and slave trading.

This document is a detailed handwritten bill of sundry disbursements for the sloop Molly, captained by James Cahoone. Dated September 5, 1746, it lists various supplies and fees incurred, including items like "caeser dain," "rum & sugar," "pump leather," "nails," "grain shovels," "sail needles," "shoes," "candle for binnacle," "rope," "white lead," "knives & forks," "lanthorn," "carpenter's bill for tubs," "Cash paid at Custom House at Clearing out," "Naval Officer's fee," "Magould for clearing grape," "bill of health," "pape for fear," "cabin stoves," "Custom House for entering," and "Register & bill of health." The total amount is £61-16-4. The item is a manuscript in a functional ledger-style script, characteristic of commercial records from the period. 3.

Printed and filled-in business license issued to Cohen & Isaacs in Richmond, Virginia on June 13, 1789. The license is signed by Adam Craig. This is considered the earliest known Southern Jewish business license. The document measures 4" x 8".

Handwritten chancery court case document from New York City, dated January 26, 1799. The case involves Benjamin Seixas and John Delafield, concerning stocks and finances, specifically subscriptions to the Bank of the United States in 1791. The document includes statements from George Lewis, a deponent for Seixas, and is signed by Edward W. Laight on February 21, 1799, certifying it as a true copy. The case mentions several prominent New York City financiers of the time.

Check dated December 28, 1789, drawn on the New York Bank by Aaron Burr and payable to B. S. Judah. The check bears Aaron Burr's full signature. This check is significant due to the involvement of both Aaron Burr, the third Vice President of the United States, and Benjamin S. Judah, a prominent New York merchant and member of Congregation Shearith Israel.

This handwritten royal contract, issued by King George III, concerns the delivery of war provisions to British troops stationed onboard ships heading to Martinique, supporting troop movements in Jamaica and Havana during the Seven Years’ War. The document details the agreement to pay a consortium led by Moses Franks, Arnold Nesbitt, and George Colebrooke for these supplies. It specifies a sum due for provisions. The contract was approved by Lord North and Lord Bute and signed by King George III. Visual features include period handwritten script on paper, with visible folds and two small repairs on the right margin affecting a few letters, typical of 18th-century official documents.

A royal contract signed by King George III, dated December 4, 1778, concerning the delivery of provisions for British forces in North America during the American Revolutionary War. The agreement outlines the contractual obligations of Moses Franks, Arnold Nesbitt, and Adam Drummond to supply these provisions. The accompanying records detail product quantities and prices, indicating a total contract value of 104,650 pounds, with 24,111 pounds remaining at the time of this record. The document is a handwritten manuscript featuring formal period script, multiple signatures, and various endorsements and account entries. 3.

A copper penny featuring a bust of Daniel Mendoza on the obverse and a full-figure depiction of Mendoza on the reverse. The reverse also includes the inscription "A Bridewell Boy". This penny was exhibited in the 2005 exhibition "Sting Like a Maccabee" at the National Museum of American Jewish History. The date is approximated as circa 1790 based on Mendoza's boxing career.

One-page court document concerning the collection of judgment against the estate of William McFloain. Dated October 1774, it outlines instructions for collection and notes that Bernard Gratz is the executor of the estate of George Croghan, deceased in 1769. The document originates from the Gratz Collection in Canada and the Nathan Family Archive.

Court document pertaining to the case of Moses Hart vs. Andrew Hays, dated March 5, 1792. The document demands payment from Hays and is written on both sides. This item is part of a larger archive of 56 documents related to the division of the Aaron Hart estate following his death on December 28, 1800, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. The documents were found among the papers of Judge James Reid (1769-1848), the Hart family's lawyer. This specific document is categorized as an evidential document predating Aaron Hart's death, consisting primarily of mercantile papers such as ledger sheets and promissory notes.

This book is a sacred poem in five books, chronicling the life of King David. Written by Thomas Ellwood, a Quaker and close associate of John Milton, it was published in Philadelphia by Joseph Crukshank in 1785. This work, was more popular in America than in England and was published in numerous editions throughout the 18th century.

An 1854 copy of a land warrant issued by The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in December 1792. The warrant grants Hyman Gratz the right to a certain quantity of land in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, which was surveyed for Simon Gratz. The transaction involved payment of "fifty shillings" per hundred acres. The document notes Thomas Mifflin, then Governor of the Commonwealth, as a witness, and Daniel Brodhead as Surveyor General. The copy was likely made in 1854 for the settlement of Simon Gratz's estate. The item features an engraved depiction of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's state seal at the top, along with ornate script and various handwritten annotations.

This deed records the direct purchase of one thousand acres of land from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by Moses Levy. The land is described as "Indian land East of the Allegheny river and Conawags creek." The document references several Acts of Assembly from 1784, 1788, and 1792, which regulated land sales and warrants. The deed is signed by Thomas Mifflin as Governor of the Commonwealth and Daniel Brodhead as Surveyor-General. The document features handwritten text in a formal script, a circular embossed seal (likely from the Land-Office), and a revenue stamp. 3.

Original partially-printed vellum land deed between Gustavus and Martha Colhoun (Calhoun?) and James Milligan for City Lot No. 325, situated on the north side of Chestnut Street, between Delaware Street (now 7th Street) and 9th Street, Philadelphia. Dated July 1, 1798. One page, 17 1/2" x 24 1/2", signed twice by Isaac Franks as Justice of the Peace.

Legal document recording the assignment of land from Alexander Tod Teuch to William Wistar. The deed was executed on July 10, 1793, in Plainfield Township, Pennsylvania. Myer Hart is also mentioned as involved in the transaction.

Deed poll transferring property from John West to Aaron Levy in Tyrone, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, dated December 7, 1792. The document is written in English.

Deed conveying land from Hugh Levy and Peter Levy to Joseph Thomas in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, dated October 8, 1794. This deed is one of nine contiguous documents.

Deed conveying land from Matthias Levy and Hugh Levy to Joseph Thomas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated October 8, 1794. The deed describes land adjoining land granted to Hugh Levy on September 22, 1794. This is one of nine contiguous documents.

Deed signed by Moses Levy and witnessed by Thomas Mifflin and Daniel Brodhead, concerning a land transaction in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated February 4, 1794. The deed notes Levy's parentage and religious upbringing.

Deed conveying land from Edward and Matthias Levy to Joseph Thomas in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, dated September 22, 1794. The deed is one of nine contiguous documents pertaining to the sale of land.

Deed conveying land from Peter and Patrick Levy to Joseph Thomas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated October 8, 1794. The deed describes the land sold as adjoining land granted to Patrick Levy on September 22, 1794. This is one of nine contiguous documents.

This deed, dated March 1, 1784, documents the sale of a lot on the west side of 2nd Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Moses Nathan. The sellers are James and Anne Sparks. The document provides details of the property transaction.

Demand note for a loan of $866 payable in 90 days from Pragers & Co. to E. Datith & Co. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated April 15, 1793.

This legal document is a deposition given by Levy Andrew Levy on June 14, 1817, concerning a land transfer in Cherry Valley, New York. Michael Gratz and George Croghan questioned Levy about the transfer of land between Michael and Bernard Gratz and George Croghan, which occurred in 1779. Levy was 82 years old at the time of the deposition. The document originates from the Gratz Collection in Canada and the Nathan Family Archive.

This 1778 book, "Discours d'un bon Hollandois a ses compatriotes, Sur différents objets intéressants" ["Discourse of a Good Dutchman to his Compatriots, on Different Subjects of Interest"], by Isaac de Pinto, argues for Dutch solidarity with Britain during the American Revolutionary War. De Pinto, a wealthy Dutch Jew, economist, and director of the Dutch East India Company, presents an economic argument against the American Revolution, fearing the potential disruption to colonial trade and the established political order. This work reflects the complex political and economic climate of the time and De Pinto's unique perspective as a prominent Jewish figure in 18th-century Europe.

Issue of Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser newspaper published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 13, 1793. This issue contains an advertisement for a cure for deafness placed by Samuel Israel.

Newspaper clipping from Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser, March 19, 1791, featuring advertisements by Isaac Franks and Solomon Lyons. Franks' advertisement was located at No. 32 on the south side of Market Street between Front and 2nd Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lyons' advertisement was at No. 109 on the north side of Race Street, near the sign of the Rainbow, also in Philadelphia. The clipping also mentions Pragers.

This book excerpt consists of two leaves (printed on both sides) from a larger act, printed in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 1771. The act concerns the establishment of non-denominational oaths of office for British colonial governors and justices, eliminating the requirement for explicitly Christian wording. This reflects a shift towards religious tolerance in colonial administration. The excerpt is significant for its implications on the changing relationship between religious practice and legal office in the British colonies and its relationship to the increasing commercial and imperial power of Great Britain.

Extracts of letters written by Aaron Hart to his son, Ezekiel Hart, between September 13, 1793, and January 17, 1794. The letters discuss family matters, including Ezekiel's impending marriage. One notable entry mentions the author's desire for Ezekiel to return home with a wife. These extracts are part of a larger archive (56 documents) relating to the division of Aaron Hart's estate after his death on December 28, 1800, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. The documents were discovered among the papers of Judge James Reid (1769-1848), the Hart family's lawyer. This specific item is categorized as one of approximately 28 papers written after Aaron Hart's death, mostly of a legal nature.

Manuscript financial record dated January 15, 1762, from Newport, Rhode Island. The document notes fees due by various merchants, including M. Levy and L. Hart, who are listed as creditors.

Financial record pertaining to Michael Gratz and Allen McLean in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated June 8th and June 23rd, 1773. The record includes a reference to Procter & Gamble advertising on the cover and an address: 1015 Arch Street, P.O. Box 1164. This item is part of Manuscript Collection 1410.

A financial record, specifically a receipt, from the receipt book of John Morris, dated March 24, 1767. The receipt shows a payment of 56 pounds and 17 shillings. It is signed by Barnard Gratz. Other dates mentioned on the page include March 3, 1767; May 6, 1767; and February 21, 1767.

This receipt book, maintained by Frederick Schenkel of Philadelphia between January 5, 1760, and January 25, 1810, documents transactions primarily involving the purchase of deer skins from Jewish merchants. The book contains 23 entries detailing sales between 1763 and 1776, with a notable gap during the British occupation of Philadelphia. The entries showcase the business dealings of prominent figures such as Bernard and Michael Gratz, Alexander Abraham, Ephraim Abraham, and Moses Etting. The volume provides a glimpse into the economic activities of Jewish merchants in Philadelphia and their involvement in the fur trade before transitioning to land and financial dealings after the Revolutionary War.

Issue of Freeman's Journal, or, the North-American Intelligencer, a Philadelphia newspaper, published on March 27, 1782. This issue includes an advertisement for Jonas Phillips, a prominent Jewish merchant.

Published in London in 1753, this 100-page book, in the form of a letter from an anonymous merchant ('Philo-Patriae') to a friend, argues in favor of the Jewish Naturalization Act passed in Great Britain. Written in response to the intense anti-semitism that followed the Act's passage, the author defends the moral character of Jews and refutes claims that they posed an economic threat to native Britons. The book examines the status of Jews in other European countries and offers a reasoned counterpoint to the anti-Semitic sentiments that ultimately led to the Act's repeal in 1754. This copy is bound in contemporary boards and is in very good to near fine condition.

Published in London in 1753 by R. Baldwin, this 100-page book, written as a letter from an anonymous merchant, "Philo-Patriae," to a friend in the country, argues in favor of the recently passed Jewish Naturalization Act. The author counters antisemitic arguments prevalent at the time, emphasizing the morality of Jewish people and refuting claims about economic competition. The book provides context on the state of Jewish people in other European countries. This publication is significant for its attempt to influence public opinion amidst widespread antisemitism that led to the Act's repeal the following year. The book is bound in contemporary boards and is in very good condition.

Indenture servant contract dated March 2, 1712, between John Gillard of Ireland and Herman Ball and Hugh Paine & Co. Gillard bound himself to serve as an indentured servant in Philadelphia for four years. The contract included the right for Ball and Paine & Co. to assign Gillard's service. Research suggests a John Gillard was held in the Philadelphia jail in 1771, leading to legislation for his release.

This partially printed and handwritten insurance policy, dated September 2, 1760, records the insurance of the Brigantine Ellenor for its voyage from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to St. Christopher. The policy was purchased by John Lownes on account of Caleb Cowpland, insuring the ship's body, tackle, apparel, and furniture against perils of the sea, enemies, pirates, thieves, and other misfortunes. The policy was valued at £500, with an 18 percent rate, costing £90 plus 5 shillings. The underwriters listed, each for £100, include Reese Meredith, John Mifflin, John Wilcocks, Abraham Judah, and John Mease. The document features an ornate "WHEREAS" heading and period-typical script. **3.

A single-sheet invoice, dated July 13, 1784, from Joseph Lopez to Colonel John Cooke of Newport, Rhode Island. The invoice details a sale of various crockery items, including baking dishes, cups and saucers, chamber pots, mugs, and other tableware, with prices listed for each item. The document is beautifully penned in a typical 18th-century style.

Invoice or folio bill presented to Captain James Cahoone of the sloop Molly by Naphtali Hart on August 1, 1746 in Newport, Rhode Island. The invoice details over 24 entries, including a payment by Moses Levy for flour. The document measures 12" x 7.5" and is folded in two. Hart's name appears at the head and back of the sheet.

Check for $605.49 drawn by Isaac Polock on the Bank of the United States, dated October 31, 1795. The check is printed on a standard Bank of the United States form.

This leather-bound receipt book, owned by Jacob Banta, documents financial transactions in New York City between 1771 and September 1779, a period that includes the British occupation. The book contains at least twenty-nine receipts signed by Jewish brokers, including Barrak Hays, Jacob De Costa, Solomon Myers Cohen, A. Barrett, Hyman Myers, Philip Rhinelander, Moses Isaacs, Manuel Myer, Abraham De Rivera, and John Myers (?). A notable entry is a receipt dated October 1779 for a red cow, signed by 'Nat'l Swain, commander light dragoon'.

Legal document detailing a lawsuit filed by William McDonald against Samuel and Solomon Levy in Charleston, South Carolina on April 5, 1798. The suit concerns an unpaid debt of approximately £82.4.9 (converted to $705) for goods and merchandise purchased on April 10, 1797. The document includes the original complaint, filing information, and a record of payment made by the Levy brothers on April 5, 1798. The document is a single sheet of paper, approximately 12.5 x 15.625 inches, with some edge damage.

Ledger -This highly important ledger of David Salisbury Franks covers his commercial activities (6/6/1774 to 2/8/1776) while he resided in Montreal, Canada. It bears witness to his place in American History as the first Jew involved in protests for increased religious freedom in the new World. This protest was the catalyst for his joining the Colonial cause. The ledger contains his expenses while being jailed for his involvement (page 64, entry 4th from bottom, July 1775). There are over 107 pages of transactions plus 30 blank pages. From Dr. Arthur Kiron (U of P)... Hi Arny - I had a nice conversation with Carmine Valentino this evening. He confirmed that the identification of the Ledger as belonging to Franks is not internal to the manuscript. He (Carmine) pieced it together from a number of sources, discovering, for example, the mentioning of the imprisonment, reading about Montreal Jews in the 18th century, identifying many of the names in the ledger as Jewish, finding the story about Franks' imprisonment in a book on Canadian Jewry and linking the sources - internal and external - together to form a conclusive identification, also based on comparison with contemporary letters of Franks for a handwriting analysis. HISTORY....David Salisbury Franks played a prominent role in the protests against the Quebec Act of 1774, a stance that ultimately drove him to join the American revolutionary cause. As a successful Jewish merchant and the president of Montreal's Shearith Israel Congregation, his opposition stemmed from both political grievances and civil rights concerns. His involvement manifested through formal political petitioning, public confrontation, and a subsequent arrest that fully radicalized him against the British Crown. Franks expressed his opposition directly by signing official petitions demanding the repeal of the Quebec Act. He was one of only nine Jewish merchants among 91 Montreal "old subjects"-the English-speaking, non-French residents-who attached their names to these documents. Franks openly criticized King George III over the legislation because, while the Act restored French civil law and granted religious freedom to the Catholic majority, it entirely failed to recognize or protect the civic rights of Jewish residents, effectively diminishing their political standing. His resistance moved from paper to public confrontation following a notorious act of vandalism on May 2, 1775, when a public bust of King George III in Montreal was found defaced with a derogatory message comparing the King to the Pope. During a town gathering regarding the incident, a French-Canadian loyalist named François-Marie Picoté de Belestre loudly declared that the perpetrators deserved to be hanged. Franks openly clashed with Belestre, arguing that hanging was an absurdly harsh punishment for such a minor offense. The disagreement quickly escalated into a physical fight between the two men. This altercation led to his immediate arrest and radicalization. British authorities jailed Franks for roughly two weeks in Montreal for "sedition" and his suspected "attachment to the Cause of America." The rigorous imprisonment served as a final catalyst for his political shift. Upon his release, Franks completely abandoned his allegiance to the British Crown, and when the Continental Army invaded Canada later in 1775, he officially joined the Patriots. David Salisbury Franks achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Continental Army and later pivoted to diplomacy, serving directly under Thomas Jefferson during the critical post-war transition. Despite his unwavering patriotism, his military legacy and diplomatic ambitions were permanently shadowed by his close association with America's most infamous traitor. His transition from combat officer to high-level diplomatic courier highlighted both his unique linguistic talents and the persistent political challenges he faced due to wartime scandals. Franks' military career began during the Canadian Campaign of 1775-1776, immediately following his arrest by the British in Montreal. Utilizing his wealth and connections as a successful merchant, he was appointed paymaster to the American garrison by General David Wooster and personally advanced large loans to support the Patriot troops. When the Americans were forced to retreat from Canada, Franks fled with them to escape British retribution. He subsequently joined the main Continental Army in Albany and saw active combat during the pivotal Battle of Saratoga. Because he was fluent in French, he was later assigned as a crucial liaison officer to the Comte d'Estaing, the commander of the French naval forces assisting the American cause. In 1778, Franks was promoted to Major and appointed as aide-de-camp to General Benedict Arnold, who was then serving as the military governor of Philadelphia. He continued in this trusted role when Arnold took command of the strategic fortification at West Point. When Arnold's plot to surrender West Point to the British was exposed in September 1780, Franks fell under heavy suspicion of complicity. Devastated by the betrayal, Franks demanded an official military court-martial to clear his name. The court completely exonerated him of all charges, and George Washington subsequently promoted him to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. However, the stigma of working so closely with Arnold-coupled with the fact that his uncle was a known British Loyalist-permanently tainted his reputation among the public and altered his career path. Recognizing his linguistic talents and seeking a way to restore his public standing, the Continental Congress transitioned Franks into the newly forming diplomatic corps, where he became an intimate aide to Thomas Jefferson. While the treason scandal made it incredibly difficult for Franks to secure domestic government jobs, Jefferson trusted his loyalty and hired him as his personal secretary. Franks served in this high-level assistant capacity for nearly a year while Congress sat in Annapolis, Maryland. In early 1784, when Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris to officially end the Revolutionary War, Jefferson entrusted his secretary with the historic task of hand-delivering the official ratified copies across the Atlantic to Benjamin Franklin in Paris and John Jay in Madrid. Following the successful delivery of the treaty, and with the political backing of Jefferson and Robert Livingston, Franks was appointed U.S. Vice-Consul at Marseilles, France, in September 1784. Two years later, he served as a confidential envoy in the delicate peace and trade negotiations with the Emperor of Morocco, helping to secure a treaty to protect American shipping from Barbary pirates. Despite these diplomatic successes, political rivals launched continuous attacks on his character, repeatedly using his past ties to Benedict Arnold to undermine him. This pressure ultimately forced his removal from the diplomatic corps in late 1786. Franks returned to America penniless but remained respected by Washington, who later granted him 400 acres of land for his wartime sacrifices

Ledger sheet detailing accounts between Naphtali Hart & Company and Thomas Vernon in Newport, Rhode Island, from January 8, 1757, to May 1763. The ledger includes entries related to the slave trade, maritime commerce, and transactions with various individuals and businesses, offering insights into commercial activities in Newport during this period.

Ledger sheet from the firm of M. & L. Myers, detailing monies owed by Edward Redford. The ledger entry covers the year 1794. While the ledger indicates numerous transactions, there is no record of the partnership between M. & L. Myers in this document.

Ledger sheet documenting a debt of $77.13 owed by Benjamin Seixas to Caleb Coggeshall. The record appears to originate from Rhode Island and dates from circa 1790.

This legal document, dated July 25, 1792, is a manuscript pertaining to the estate of Samuel Jacobs. It records a declaration made before public notaries in Quebec concerning a debt of twelve hundred livres owed by Michel Cornud to the succession of the deceased Samuel Jacobs. The document details Cornud's obligation to repay the sum with interest and specifies properties in Quebec (including a house on Rue Sous le Fort) that are pledged as security through a general and special mortgage. The document refers to prior acts and mentions notaries involved in the transaction. The item is written in French with ornate handwritten script, typical of legal documents from the late 18th century, and includes calligraphic signatures. 3.

A personal letter from Miriam Gratz, written from Baltimore, Maryland, on June 22, 1797, to her children in Philadelphia, primarily addressed to her eldest surviving son, Simon Gratz. The letter concerns family matters, including updates on her husband Michael Gratz's health and their planned return to Philadelphia. She also mentions her other children, Hyman, Rebecca (Becky), and Rachel. The document consists of handwritten text on aged paper, typical of 18th-century correspondence, with no significant decorative features. The verso contains an autograph address panel. 3.

A letter from Michael Gratz in Philadelphia, dated January 23, 1795, to his son Simon Gratz concerning various business matters. The correspondence mentions a transaction for which Judge George Wallace of Pittsburgh has agreed to pay in cash. The item consists of two pages, featuring an autograph address panel. The top line is torn, resulting in some loss of text. The letter highlights the extensive mercantile activities and financial dealings of Michael Gratz.

A stampless business letter sent to Henrich Costes in New York City, New York on October 17, 1737. The letter's origin and the writer's identity require further research. The letter was sent from New York to Albany.

One-page letter (8" x 13") written by Andrew Levy in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to Joseph Bullock on July 11, 1780, concerning a Lancaster lottery. Lancaster was one of the few towns to find such lotteries profitable. This letter is related to lottery tickets signed by Andrew Levy (see item 19.167).

A letter dated January 1, 1762, from Henry Solomon in London, England, to his cousin Michael Gratz in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Solomon reports on the status of lottery tickets purchased for himself and Gratz, providing details about their participation in the English lottery. A copy of a lottery ticket is included to explain the lottery's workings. This letter offers insights into transatlantic business communication among Jewish merchants.

A brief handwritten letter from Jacob Wicker to Joseph Lopez dated July 5, 1781, requesting the delivery of funds to a third party. The letter suggests a possible New York City connection.

A single-page letter written by Josiah Blakeley in Hartford, Connecticut on March 27, 1780, to Aaron Lopez. The letter discusses legal matters before the Admiralty and County Courts, though specifics are not detailed. This letter is one of fourteen in a collection spanning June 21, 1779 to October 1, 1781, concerning trade between Blakeley and Aaron (or Joseph) Lopez. The letters detail business transactions involving rum, ostrich plumes, and other imported goods, as well as the challenges of the Continental currency crisis. The collection displays signs of age and wear, including staining, creasing, and some illegible portions due to moisture damage. The collection also includes background information on the Continental currency crisis of 1779 and Aaron Lopez's life and business dealings.

A two-page letter written on November 1, 1798, by Moses Hart in Quebec to James Reid, the family attorney. The letter concerns a lawsuit against Mr. Bell and is part of a larger collection of 56 documents related to the division of the Aaron Hart estate. These documents, found among the papers of Judge James Reid (1769-1848), consist primarily of mercantile papers such as ledger sheets and promissory notes dating before Aaron Hart's death on December 28, 1800, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. This letter is categorized as an evidential document supporting various claims within the estate division.

A single-page letter written by Moses Hart in Quebec on November 8, 1798, to James Reid, the family attorney. The letter pertains to a lawsuit related to the division of the Aaron Hart estate. This document is one of approximately 28 mercantile papers (ledger sheets and promissory notes) from the archive of 56 documents related to the division of the Aaron Hart estate. Aaron Hart died December 28, 1800, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. These documents were found among the papers of Judge James Reid (1769-1848), the Hart family lawyer. This specific letter is an evidential document predating Aaron Hart's death, supporting various claims within the estate division.

Brief note from Moses Hart to his attorney regarding his presence in town the following week, dated September 14, 1798. This letter is part of a larger archive of 56 documents related to the division of the Aaron Hart estate after his death on December 28, 1800, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. The documents were found among the papers of Judge James Reid (1769-1848), the Hart family's lawyer. This specific item is categorized as an evidential document predating Aaron Hart's death, belonging to a group of approximately 28 mercantile papers, including ledger sheets and promissory notes.

A short (3/4 page) family letter written by Simon Gratz to his brother Michael Gratz on January 1, 1787. The letter, written by a scribe and signed by Simon Gratz, discusses Shinah Simon's (daughter of Joseph Simon) visit to Philadelphia and a request to lend her 10 pounds for her return to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This letter comes from the Nathan family archive in Canada, which also contained Rebecca Gratz's family bible and a life portrait of Isaac Moses.

This 1794 volume, printed by J. Harrisson for B. Gomez in New York, represents the first book published in the United States by a Jewish publisher. It contains two works: Joseph Priestley's five letters to the Jews and David Levi's two replies. The volume signifies a significant milestone in American Jewish publishing history, showcasing the engagement of Jewish intellectuals with contemporary theological debates. The book is a first American edition, comprising 131 pages and measuring 17cm. It is bound in original period leather.

Lottery ticket number 3326 for the Elizabeth Town and New-Brunswick Church Lottery of 1786. The ticket is signed by Matthew Baker, and the name Benjamin Judah appears on the reverse.

Lottery ticket number 3235 for the Elizabeth Town and New-Brunswick Church Lottery of 1786. The ticket is signed by Matthew Baker. The name Benjamin Judah is signed on the reverse.

Lottery ticket number 2927 for the Elizabeth Town and New-Brunswick Church Lottery of 1786. The ticket is signed by Matthew Baker. The name Benjamin Judah is signed on the reverse.

Lottery ticket #5m278 from the United States Lottery, dated November 18, 1776. The ticket is signed by J. Mease. The names Aaron Levy and Amsell/ (Andrew?) Levy are signed on the reverse.

This 11-page manuscript details the accomplishments of Captain Fernand Bravo de Lagunas and his ancestors, including Pedro Arias de Ávila, to support a petition for his promotion. It recounts significant historical events such as the founding of Panama and Portobelo, the discovery of Peru, military service in Chile, encounters with indigenous groups (Chiriguan Indians), and defense against pirates, notably Francisco Draque. The document is handwritten in a historical cursive script, featuring decorative flourishes and an ornate initial letter at the beginning. **3.

Manuscript Ledger - This is an important business 10" x 14"journal with 404 pages of business activity during the American revolution. Its entries range from prize ships , ship partnerships, arming privateers, to discounting a note from Benjamin Franklin as minister to France. The list of merchants reads like a who's who of the Colonial Philadelphia mercantile class, including Hym Solomon and numerous other Jewish merchants.....in total 25 entries. Oddly enough Robert Morris's name is noticeably absent from the transactions...could this be his ledger? There are numerous Jewish merchant transactions... Michael Gratz(1), Isaac Moses(6), Levy Marks(1), Benjamin, Sexias(3), Simon H. Nathan(1), Abraham Levy & Son(1), Ezekiel Levy(3), Moses Cohen(1)...in addition to 8 for HAYM SALOMONS that include a partnership on a ship. The ledger starts in 1775, stops during the British occupation of Philadelphia and ends in 1784.

This map, surveyed by Samuel Lewis and published by Matthew Carey for Carey's American Edition of Guthrie's General Atlas, depicts the state of Pennsylvania. It details distinctive geography and topography, including the Appalachian and Allegheny Mountains, major rivers (Ohio, Allegheny, Susquehanna, Delaware), and the all-important sliver of land connecting the state to Lake Erie. The map delineates Pennsylvania's county structure, towns, cities, creeks, roads, and mineral deposits, forming a basis for civil administration. It is significant as the first map to show the full extent of Pennsylvania after independence, based on Reading Howell's 1792 survey. The map features an ornate compass rose in the top right corner, typical of period cartography, and was engraved by Smither. It notably includes Aaronsburg, the first town in the U.S. named after a Jew, Aaron Levy, who founded it in 1786.

Hand-colored map of Bridgetown, Barbados, published in the Gentleman's Magazine, September 1766. The map shows Jew's Street (later Swan Street), highlighting the significant presence of Jewish merchants in the city's commercial life following a major fire in May 1766. The map details the city's layout and includes historical context about the Jewish community's role in Bridgetown's economic development.

Original engraving map of Guyana and Suriname, published in 1774 as part of Bellin's *Histoire Generale des Voyages*. The map depicts the Savanah of the Jews. Sheet size is not specified in the metadata. Published in 1774.

Issue of the New-York Journal & Patriotic Register newspaper, published in New York, New York on June 6, 1792. This issue includes advertisements, one in English and one in French, for the auction services of a merchant involved in a commercial dispute with Thomas Jefferson.

Issue of the New-York Journal & Patriotic Register newspaper published in New York, New York on June 9, 1792. This issue features advertisements, including one in English and another in French, for auction services from a well-known merchant involved in a commercial dispute with Thomas Jefferson. It also includes an advertisement for books and stationery from what is considered the first Jewish book dealer in the USA.

Issue of the New-York Journal & Patriotic Register newspaper published in New York, New York on May 16, 1792. This issue contains an advertisement for books and stationery, notably mentioning the first Jewish book dealer in the USA.

This pamphlet, published in Arnhem in 1778 by Antoine-Marie Cerisier (1749-1828), is a response to Isaac de Pinto's anti-revolution pamphlet, "Discours d'un bon Hollandais à ses compatriotes." Cerisier's work offers a pro-revolution perspective, engaging directly with de Pinto's arguments. This pamphlet is part of a four-part exchange between Cerisier and de Pinto, with all four pamphlets present in this collection. This specific pamphlet is followed by Cerisier's "Suite des observations impartiales d'un vrai Hollandais," also in this collection.

This 1770 first edition folio, published in 's-Gravenhage (The Hague), is a codification of the legal rights of Dutch Jews to engage in business and commerce. Commissioned by William V, Prince of Orange-Nassau, the 22-page document, printed in Fraktur type, details in 55 articles the permissible trades, business enterprises, and contracts for protected Jews ("Schutzjuden") in the Netherlands. The text highlights the lack of previous unified standards regarding the status of protected Jews within the provinces of Orange and Nassau. A notable article (25) addresses the legal right of Jews to own one, but no more than one, home.

Pair of oil on canvas portraits of Moses Michael Hays (1739-1805) and Rachel Myer Hays (1738-1810). Attributed to Gilbert Stuart (American, 1755-1828), circa 1790. Each portrait measures 25 x 20 inches. Moses Michael Hays was a prominent Jewish merchant, civic leader, philanthropist, and Freemason in Colonial and early Federalist America. He lived in New York, Boston, and Newport, Rhode Island. Rachel Myer Hays was the sister of New York silversmith Myer Myers (1723-1795). The portraits descended through the Hays family and were collected by circa 1840 Jewish settlers in Cincinnati, OH. The current heirs include the president of an international literary society.

Advertisement from the Pennsylvania Packet newspaper, dated October 28, 1779, featuring Benjamin Seixas and Moses Gomez. The advertisement pertains to mercantile affairs. Published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Issue of the Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser newspaper published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 13, 1789. This issue contains an advertisement by Jonas Phillips, a prominent Jewish merchant active in both Jewish and general public affairs, and President of Mikveh Israel.

Issue of the Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser newspaper, published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 15, 1789. This issue contains a commercial advertisement by Jonas Phillips.

Issue of the Pennsylvania Packet, or, the General Advertiser newspaper published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 29, 1780. The issue includes a large advertisement for the Proprietors of Indiana, a land speculation company, with David Franks listed as president. The advertisement calls for a meeting.

This is an issue of "The Herald; A Gazette for the Country," a newspaper published in New York on October 29, 1796. The newspaper features a prominent article reporting on the petition of Jews in Holland being granted equal rights and privileges by the Convention, thereby making them full citizens in the Batavian Republic. The article expresses support for this progress, noting the historical oppression faced by Jews. The item displays typical 18th-century newspaper formatting with multiple text columns and a prominent masthead.

This three-page handwritten portage bill from August 1, 1746, records wages and deductions for the crew of the Sloop Molly, with James Cahoon as master. It lists individual sailors, their time served, payments received before the voyage, and final amounts owed. The document also notes partial payments made to the vessel's owners: Moses Levy, Naphtali Hart, and Samuel Vernon. The Sloop Molly was involved in maritime trade and, according to historical context, potentially in the slave trade. The document is formatted as a ledger, with columns for detailed financial transactions and names.

A signed portage bill, dated February 19, 1746, from Joseph Rodman, master of the sloop Molly (owned by Moses Levy), acknowledging receipt of payment from Abraham Hart. The document originates from Newport, Rhode Island.

Promissory note dated December 1, 1769, payable to Naphtali Hart Myers from Mary Bradstreet. The note was collected and signed by her husband, Colonel John Bradstreet, in Albany, New York. The note was witnessed by Judah, acting as an agent for Myers. Naphtali Hart Myers signed the note twice. This financial record reflects a transaction between Bradstreet and Myers, highlighting a business relationship between the two families.

This book is a copy of *Raziel Hamalach*, a kabbalistic treatise, from the library of Samuel Judah (August 19, 1728 – October 19, 1781), a significant figure in 18th-century American Jewish life. The book contains Judah's personal annotations, including a quote from Alexander Pope and a reflection on the nature of man, dated January 7, 1760. Judah's birth and marriage dates are also inscribed on the title page. This item offers a rare glimpse into the spiritual life and intellectual pursuits of a colonial American Jew. The book also contains information about Judah's involvement in the American Revolution.

A handwritten receipt dated December 6, 1756, issued by Isaac Gomez, acknowledging receipt from Jacob Turke of an order on Mr. Law. Reads for Twenty Pounds. This amount, when paid, will constitute full payment for the account of Conradt Elmendorf. The document is handwritten in an ornate script on aged, folded paper, typical of 18th-century documents. 3.

This handwritten receipt documents a transaction between Robert Stevens & Co. and Jacob Rodriguez, Rivera & Co., dated May 12, 1755, in Newport, Rhode Island. The transaction details the sale of 19 boxes of spermaceti candles and additional boxes and paper. The total weight of the candles is recorded as 796 lbs, with 200 lbs deducted, leaving a net weight of 596 lbs. The cost for the candles is listed as £596.10, and for the boxes and paper as £12.7, totaling £608.17. The document features clear, legible 18th-century script and contains detailed handwritten calculations.

This manuscript receipt book documents financial transactions in New York City between April 3, 1760, and April 7, 1770. Most receipts are made out to Captain John Anderson, and the book includes payments in pounds and shillings for various goods and services. The book features two signed receipts from Isaac Adolphus, dated November 4, 1762, and February 16, 1763. Many individuals listed in the receipt book were involved in the American Revolution. The book offers insights into early New York City commerce and the lives of its inhabitants.

Receipt for drawback duties on goods, issued in Baltimore, Maryland on September 15, 1798. The receipt is signed by Jacob Sampson.

A page from Captain Joseph Cozzens' receipt book documenting a payment of 74 pounds to Moses Lopez on December 13, 1753, in Newport, Rhode Island. The payment was made on behalf of Aaron Lopez. The receipt is signed by Moses Lopez.

Receipt issued by Nathan Lyon promising payment, dated January 14, 1799. The receipt bears a Massachusetts embossed seal and mentions 20 cents. The receipt is part of a larger financial record involving Asaph Lyon, James Linfey, David Linfey, and William Ewing.

A receipt dated December 15, 1746, issued by merchant Remington on the order of Solomon Isaacs from William Vernon, a known slaver based in Newport, Rhode Island. Solomon Isaacs was likely the son of Asher Isaacs, a New York City merchant who died around 1757.

This congressional report from December 23, 1833, addresses a claim filed by the administrators of the estate of Michael Gratz. The report recommends payment to the estate for lost Continental Office Loan Certificates dating back to 1779. The report references a letter from Gratz (dated June 3, 1779, from Williamsburg) explaining that the funds from these certificates were used to procure goods from West Indies ports during the Revolutionary War.

First edition of Isaac de Pinto's *Reponse de Mr. J. De Pinto, Aux Observations d'un Homme Impartial*, published in The Hague by Pierre-Frederic Gosse in 1776. This 60-page unbound work, housed in patterned boards, represents the earliest known printed response to the American Revolution by a Jew. De Pinto, a wealthy Dutch Jew of Portuguese descent, critiques the revolution, fearing colonial independence would disrupt the established political and economic order. He expresses concerns about the potential for American control over other European colonies and the resulting impact on the flow of bullion. The book is considered significant for its insight into the perspectives of early modern Jewish thinkers on the American Revolution and the political and economic climate of the time. References to this work can be found in *JE*, Vol. X, p. 54; *EJ*, Vol. XIII, cols. 553-4; M.H. Gans, *Memorbook* (1977) pp. 112-13; A. Hertzberg, *The French Enlightenment and the Jews* (1968), pp. 142-3, 150-2; J. L. Cardoso and A. de Vasconcelos-Nogueira, *Isaac de Pinto: An Enlightened Economist and Financier* (2005); and J.S. Wijler, *Isaac de Pinto, sa vie et sa oeuvres* (1923).

This almanac, published by James Rivington in New York in 1774, contains a unique feature: a Hebrew calendar for the year 5535. The Hebrew calendar section includes an explanation of Purim and Hanukkah, followed by a month-by-month listing of holidays and fast days. This is considered one of the earliest Hebrew calendars printed in the Americas. The almanac also includes seven pages dedicated to John Hancock's Boston Massacre oration of March 5, 1774. The Portuguese spelling of certain Hebrew terms suggests collaboration with a Portuguese Jew in its creation. The almanac is considered rare.

This Royal Warrant, issued from St. James's, London, on November 3, 1763, is a payment order signed by King George III. It directs Henry Lord Holland, Paymaster General of Guards, Garrisons & Land Forces, to pay the sum of £626 5 shillings and 4 pence to the representatives of Sir James Colebrooke, Sir George Colebrooke Baronet, Arnold Nesbitt, and Moses Franks Esq. This payment is to discharge a debt for provisions and financial support they provided to royal forces in New York during the French and Indian War. The document features the signature "George R[ex]" in brown ink and is countersigned by George Grenville, Sir John Turner, and Thomas Orby Hunter. Arnold Nesbitt and Moses Franks have also signed the document on the verso, likely acknowledging receipt of funds. The warrant is housed in a custom presentation folder which includes an engraving of George III. The document itself shows flattened folds, light edge toning and chipping, and foxing throughout, with some tape and mounting residue on the verso.

Shipping record detailing insurance for the schooner Charming Sally bound for Georgetown, South Carolina, on October 16, 1787. The policy was written by Isaac Elizer, a Newport, Rhode Island merchant shipper involved in the slave trade. The record includes information on the vessel, cargo, and insurance details.

Partially printed shipping document dated November 30, 1769, detailing goods shipped by Aaron Lopez of Newport, Rhode Island to Richard Ellis, a merchant in New Bern, North Carolina. The document lists a variety of goods including rum, candles, molasses, onions, potatoes, cider, apples, and cloth, illustrating the scope of Lopez's commercial activities.

Partially printed shipping document detailing goods shipped by David Woolf in New York City to Isaac Gomez in Barbados on December 3, 1729, aboard the brig Essex. The document is signed by the brig's master, Thomas Fitch. This is the earliest American shipping document in the collection.

Shipping manifest dated May 29, 1793, detailing the shipment of goods from Moses Myers in Norfolk, Virginia, to Thomas Robinson in Havre de Grace, Maryland. The manifest lists 23 enslaved people as cargo.

This handwritten statement of account, likely issued by Samuel Vernon to Moses Levy, details financial transactions and balances related to Levy's 1/4 ownership of the Sloop Mollye. The document lists charges for "cargo & Outreit to Madera" amounting to £764.19.4 1/2, with an additional £5.19.2 1/2 due, totaling £770.18.7. On the credit side, it notes "By your acctt supplys to ye Sloop" for £745.10.9, "By Hughs Bill" for £12.2.6, and "Cash p. S. Vernon" for £13.5.4, also totaling £770.18.7, indicating a balanced account. A separate note near the bottom mentions "J. N. Hart for Weaving." The manuscript features clear, ornate handwritten script and organized columns of figures typical of mercantile records from the mid-18th century. This document is part of a series related to the Sloop Mollye, a vessel involved in the slave trade. 3.

A manuscript document from the Trustees of the Academy in the Borough of Frankford, Pennsylvania, dated December 18, 1804, soliciting additional subscriptions to fund the education of youth. The document lists 22 subscribers who pledged various amounts to Isaac Worrell, treasurer. Notable pledges include $20.00 each from Commodore Stephen Decatur and Robert Morris, and $5.00 from Solomon Lyons. The item also includes two later payment records from Abraham Duffield to Isaac Worrell, Treasurer, for $20.00 each, dated March 9, 1805, and May 22, 1805, for the use of Frankford Academy. The reverse side features a poem titled "An Acrostick" by E. Clark, four small circular colonial-style drawings (one attached to a piece of silk cloth), and a card inscribed "George Williams, Weston School, NO. 501." The document exhibits water stains and a horizontal tear across the bottom. 3.

This 1779 book, "Continuation of the Impartial Observations of a True Dutchman, On the Interests and Present State of Political Affairs of France, England, the Netherlands and the United States of America," is a rejoinder to a 1778 pamphlet. Authored by Antoine-Marie Cerisier, it argues that England has historically been the most dangerous rival to Dutch commerce and critiques Isaac de Pinto's pro-British stance on the American Revolution. The book includes a sharp critique of Isaac de Pinto, a prominent Dutch economist, and his economic treatise. This uncut and unopened copy is preserved in its original contemporary wrappers.

Manuscript certification of the blood purity of Feliz del Rey, a Cuban clergyman from Laguna, Tenerife. The 14-leaf manuscript, dated August 2, 1758, in Havana, Cuba, attests to Del Rey's freedom from "de toda mala raza, de moros, judíos, indios, negros ni mulatos y que no es de los nuevamente convertidos a nuestra santa fe católica" (all bad races, Moorish, Jewish, Indian, black or mulatto, and is not a convert to our Catholic faith). The manuscript measures 12 1/4 x 8 1/2 inches and is stitched; it shows minor wear. The manuscript is part of MS 56, Codex 037.1.

This is the third edition of J. Wright's 'The American Negotiator,' published in London in 1765. This book contains tables reducing the various currencies of the British American colonies and the West Indies into English money, accounting for exchange rate fluctuations. It also includes tables for converting Irish currency to Sterling and for interconverting colonial currencies. A significant feature is the approximately 50-page list of subscribers to all three editions (1761, 1763, and 1765), which includes numerous Jewish merchants and prominent figures like Benjamin Franklin, offering insights into transatlantic trade networks and financial practices of the time. The book is complete with lxxx, 80, and 326 pages and bound in its original leather cover.

This archival item contains the January 1768 edition of The Gentleman's Magazine, a British periodical. Of particular note are two letters written by Benjamin Franklin, published under pseudonyms, supporting the American cause. These letters are mentioned in Paul Leicester Ford's "A List of Books Written By, Or Relating to Benjamin Franklin." The magazine also includes a brief, unrelated piece opposing Jewish emancipation.

Newspaper clipping from *The Spectator*, published in New York, New York on December 6, 1797. The clipping contains an obituary, mentioning a person who died at age 78, possibly the father of Raphael and grandfather of Jacob. The obituary is located on page 3, column 3.

This archival collection contains three original deeds documenting property transactions involving Solomon Etting in Baltimore, Maryland. The first deed, dated December 28, 1795, involves Zebulon Hollingsworth and James H. McCulloch. The second deed, dated March 13, 1798, involves Solomon Etting and James H. McCulloch. The third deed, dated May 26, 1831, involves Solomon Etting and Rebecca Pue. The deeds detail property sales and transfers, offering insights into real estate transactions and the early development of Baltimore. One deed indicates a sale price of $6500. Solomon Etting was an early investor in the Baltimore East India Company (1807) and the first Jew to hold public office in Maryland. He served on the first Board of Directors of the B&O Railroad.

An unsigned survey document detailing 1000 acres of land. This item originated from the Gratz Collection in Canada and accompanied a letter written by Joseph Simon to Michael Gratz. The survey is dated January 1, 1787, and pertains to land in Lancaster and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.