Subject: Freedom of religion

Published in London in 1790 by C. Dilly, J. Johnson, & J. Debrett, this book presents a collection of testimonies advocating for religious liberty, focusing on the cases of Dissenters, Catholics, and Jews in England. Edited by Benjamin Vaughan, it includes an essay titled "Facts and Observations respecting the Situation of the Jews in England," as well as essays on the legal status of English Catholics and religious liberty laws in France and the United States. The book also features Benjamin Franklin's "A Parable against Persecution," a text written in the style of the King James Bible and promoting religious tolerance.

This book, originally published in the *Washington County Post* under the pseudonym Sherlock, comprises a series of letters addressed to Thomas Herttell, a New York Assembly member in 1833. Author Solomon Southwick, a professor at Dartmouth College, defends his opposition to the appointment of legislative chaplains, specifically criticizing Mordecai Myers's stance on the issue. The book includes notes and illustrations by the author and endorsements from numerous prominent figures, including several clergymen. Published in Albany by Hoffman & White in 1834.

Pamphlet containing a lecture delivered on January 7, 1869, before the Religious Liberty Association of Cincinnati. The lecture discusses God's design in history and the unique destiny of America. Authored by Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise.

This is the third edition of Moses Stuart's letter to William Ellery Channing on the subject of religious freedom, published by Perkins & Marvin in Boston in 1830. The letter engages with Channing's views on religious tolerance and likely presents Stuart's own perspectives on the matter, potentially within the context of 19th-century American religious discourse.

Pamphlet detailing the First Emancipation Act for Jews in America, published in London by John Baskett in 1739. This British Parliamentary Act (13 George II, c. 7) aimed to encourage foreign settlement in the American colonies by offering naturalization. It included special provisions for Jews, requiring a Protestant communion and oath, despite aiming for broader inclusion. The pamphlet includes the seal of King George II, an historiated initial, and is housed in a linen folder. The Act is significant for representing early steps toward Jewish social emancipation in America, though it differed from policies towards Jews in England itself. The pamphlet measures Folio and consists of ff.(4). pp. 167-171. Disbound.

This document comprises three excerpts from the Congressional Globe, the precursor to the Congressional Record, from the 24th Congress, 1st Session (circa 1856). These excerpts detail congressional deliberations concerning the establishment of a Hebrew congregation in Washington, D.C. The exact dates of the debates are not specified in this document.

This excerpt from the *Congressional Globe*, dated March 29, 1856, documents a debate on the floor of Congress concerning equal rights for a Hebrew congregation in Washington, D.C. The debate, which began on February 27, 1856, discusses granting the same legal standing to the congregation as Christian churches. This excerpt is from the 24th Congress, 1st session.

Newspaper clipping from the Connecticut Gazette, October 8, 1790, featuring a letter from Moses Seixas of the Newport, Rhode Island Congregation to President George Washington, along with Washington's reply. This correspondence is considered highly significant in American Jewish history. The clipping is in excellent condition.

This book documents the proceedings of the New Hampshire Constitutional Convention of 1876, focusing on proposed amendments and debates surrounding them. A key issue discussed was the repeal of a law restricting religious freedom, making New Hampshire the last state to grant such rights. The book includes the proposed amendments and addresses related questions. Published in 1877.

Newspaper editorial from the *Massachusetts Spy*, published in Boston, Massachusetts on February 16, 1820. The editorial, reprinted from the *Connecticut Mirror*, discusses the rationale behind Jewish settlement in the United States, supporting Mordecai Manuel Noah's plan in Buffalo. It argues for the freedoms afforded to Jews in the U.S. and suggests conversion as a result of this newfound liberty.

Invitation to attend the unveiling and dedication ceremonies of a monument emblematic of Religious Liberty at the Centennial Grounds, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1876, at 12:00 PM. The invitation is a four-page, single-folded leaf printed with a bold heading and the names of the president, chairman, and other committee members. The monument was a statue by the sculptor Moses Ezekiel.

This 1823 London reprint of an 1820 New York edition presents a refutation of anti-Jewish sentiments and an investigation of the American Society for Ameliorating the Condition of the Jews. Written in the form of 32 letters between 'Nathan Joseph' and 'Jacob Isaacs,' it critiques the Society's missionary aims and addresses the discrepancy between US federal law and state laws concerning religious equality. Authored by George Houston, assisted by Abraham Collins, it's a significant early Jewish polemic against missionary efforts.

Two-page letter dated October 18, 1850, from Jacob Ezekiel in Richmond, Virginia, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ezekiel requests Leeser's assistance in amending or repealing Virginia laws that infringe upon Jewish rights. Ezekiel, a Richmond merchant, later became the first secretary of Hebrew Union College. He is the father of sculptor Moses Ezekiel.

A contemporary manuscript copy of a declaration by George Clinton, Governor of New York, concerning religious freedom. Dated December 6, 1785, in New York. The document certifies that the New York State Constitution allows for the free exercise of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference. This copy, likely requested before a printed version was available, shows some age-related wear but is in very good condition. Docketed as “Copy of a Certificate from his Excellency Governor Clinton. No. 9” on the verso.

Broadside memorial submitted to the Maryland General Assembly in 1823, requesting the confirmation of legislation granting equal rights to Jews. The document, approximately 8" x 10", is undated but the context suggests it relates to the 1823-1824 legislative session concerning the 'Jew Bill'. The broadside lacks signatures, leaving the authorship uncertain. The text asks that the 'Jew Bill' be confirmed, referring to legislation aimed at removing religious restrictions for Jewish individuals holding political or civil office in Maryland.

Newspaper clipping from the *Richmond Enquirer* (Virginia) dated January 20, 1824, concerning a proposed bill for full Jewish emancipation in Maryland. The clipping contains a brief paragraph extracted from another newspaper.

Issue of Niles' Weekly Register newspaper published in Baltimore, Maryland on December 14, 1816. This issue contains a short article discussing the appropriation of $500,000 for the conversion of five Jews and commentary on religious and civil liberty in the United States.

Issue of Niles' Weekly Register published in Baltimore, Maryland on May 29, 1819, featuring an article by H.M. Brackenridge on religious liberty and what was known as the 'Jew Bill'.

Issue of the Pennsylvania Gazette newspaper, printed by Benjamin Franklin, published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 1, 1753. Features a letter supporting the British Parliament's act allowing Jewish naturalization and an advertisement by Myers & Levy.

Newspaper published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 24, 1789. This issue features the publication of the Ninth Amendment to the United States Constitution, affirming that the enumeration of specific rights does not deny or disparage others retained by the people. The newspaper also includes advertisements, one notably calling for a meeting to pursue land claims for the Indiana Company.

Newspaper clipping from the Providence Patriot, published in Providence, Rhode Island on November 24, 1819. This clipping reprints an editorial from the National Advocate written by Mordecai Manuel Noah, responding to Pennsylvania Governor Findlay's declaration of a state day of thanksgiving for Christians. Noah satirically questions the exclusion of Jews from the governor's proclamation.

Silk broadside. Newark, NJ: G.A. Hull, [1829]. Report of the U.S. Senate Committee on petitions against the transportation of Sunday mails. The broadside discusses the implications of suspending mail service on Sundays, touching upon the separation of church and state and including a reference to the rights of Jews in the United States. Printed on silk, measuring 20 x 16 inches, with a decorative border and woodcut eagle device. The document reflects the ongoing debate in Congress (1810-1830) regarding Sunday mail delivery, sparked by petitions from religious groups. The committee's opinion was that halting mail delivery on Sundays for religious reasons would violate constitutional principles. This broadside is one of only two known to exist.

This is a printed copy of a speech delivered by Senator Richard Mentor Johnson of Kentucky concerning the transportation of mail on Sundays. The speech, delivered to a Senate committee chaired by Senator Johnson, discusses the separation of church and state and makes numerous references to American Jews. Printed by Henry Bowen at 167 Washington Street, Boston. The date of publication is estimated to be around January 1, 1829. While not listed in the Rosenbach or Singerman collections, the subject and speech have been written about by educators.

This 21-page booklet contains the speech delivered by Lewis Cass to the United States Senate on May 15, 1854, advocating for the protection of American citizens, including Jews, residing or traveling in foreign countries. Printed at the Congressional Globe Office in Washington, D.C., this first edition emphasizes the equal protection afforded to all American citizens regardless of religious affiliation.

This eight-page pamphlet, published anonymously in New York City on November 29, 1858, defends the Catholic Church's actions in the Edgardo Mortara case. The pamphlet, inscribed "With the compliments of 'Fair Play'" argues for the "liberty of a child of being a Christian and not forced compulsorily to be a Jew." It portrays the Pope's intervention as a "grandest moral spectacle." The case involved Edgardo Mortara, a Jewish boy baptized by his Catholic nanny, who was subsequently taken from his family by Papal authorities to be raised Catholic. The pamphlet represents a contemporary perspective on a highly controversial event that fueled anti-Catholic and antisemitic sentiments in the United States and Europe.

This book excerpt, from the 1817 edition of *The American Speaker: A Selection of Popular Parliamentary and Forensic Eloquence…Including Great Speeches by Presidents and Indian Chiefs*, features on page 259 a landmark speech on religious freedom delivered by Jacob Henry. Henry, North Carolina's first Jewish legislator (elected in 1808), refused to take the oath on the New Testament as required by the state constitution. His resulting speech secured his right to his seat and championed religious liberty for all Americans. This item is not listed in Singerman.

This book contains sermons arguing against the enforcement of Blue Laws, specifically addressing the debate surrounding the Lord's Day and its observance. The author, William Cathcart, reviews the arguments of Rev. Dr. Berg and Rev. John Chambers on this question, and replies to objections raised against his sermon "Piety Enforced by Policeman." Published in Philadelphia in 1859, this 32-page book was originally issued in a contemporary wrapper.