Dr. Schlesinger.

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.

* By Rabbi Joseph Albo, original written in Spain, in the 14th century.

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.