APPENDIX.
GENEALOGY OF THE FARKHI FAMILY, TRANSLATED FROM THE ARABIC.
RAPHAEL and Mordecai Farkhi being among those accused of the murders of Padre Tomaso and his servant at Damascus in 1840, I here give the genealogy of their family, which will show the great esteem in which they had been held for generations, and the high Government offices with which many members of the family had been entrusted.In the year 5491A.M.(1731 of the Christian era) the ancestors of the Farkhis came originally from Tyria, in Asia Minor. About 120 years ago Haim Farkhi (grandfather of the late Haim Farkhi) came to Damascus, together with his brother Joseph. Both were then employed as bankers (sariffs) by the Governor of Damascus. They were likewise entrusted with the offices of keeping the accounts of the Government revenues, and of those connected with the pilgrimage to Mecca and its expenses, also the expenditure required for keeping the army. The revenues derived from farms and villages were also entrusted to them.When the Governor of Damascus was called away from there to go to another place, his successor, seeing that the management of the brothers Farkhi had given general satisfaction, confirmed them in their office, as did every succeeding governor coming to Damascus during their lifetime.Haim had two sons, Solomon and Nathan. The latter being the more clever of the two, succeeded his father in the several offices he had held, and surpassed him in importance by the influence which he had with the Governor and in good reputation among the people. Nathan had five sons, Haim, Menahem, Joseph, Raphael, and Moses, and one daughter, Reina. Solomon had two sons, Jacob and Meir, of whom the first only held public appointments. Nathan, being once requested by the Governor of Haina to send him a person of talent, in whom he could place entire confidence, and whom he could employ as banker, sent his eldest son Haim. The latter was at that time very young, but gifted with such extraordinary capacity that, after a few years, he was recalled from Haina to Damascus to superintend all the members of his family in their different public offices. When Haim was twenty years old he was sent to Constantinople to supervise the accounts with the Ministry of Finance. The ability shown by Haim on this occasion roused the jealousy and hatred of some very influential and fanatical persons in Constantinople, who caused him to be thrown into a dungeon, where he remained for many years, without even having been examined; and he was subjected to the most cruel tortures, without being allowed the opportunity of answering the charges brought against him. His sister Reina, though at that time only fourteen years of age, undertook to go to Constantinople, with the intention of procuring justice for her brother.When there, she awaited the Sultan in a street through which he was about to pass. On his arrival she approached, took hold of the horse'sbridle, and presented her petition, in which she related how unjustly her brother had been treated. The Sultan investigated the matter, and, becoming convinced of Haim's innocence, ordered him to be liberated, and reinstated in all his former offices.Haim now returned to Damascus, sent for his brothers, and employed them again in the functions of his public calling. Sometime after his return Ahmed Pasha Djezar was made Governor of Damascus. He was known for his cruelty and the merciless manner in which he compelled his subjects to provide whatever money he chose to demand from them. Haim Farkhi tried to intercede on behalf of some of the unfortunate sufferers, and remonstrated with the Governor for his merciless proceedings. By so doing he offended Ahmed Pasha to such a degree that the latter commenced to harbour in his heart the desire to kill Haim; but, finding that he could not do without him, he was obliged to leave him in his various offices, and he took his revenge by persecuting Haim's brothers to such an extent that they were compelled to leave Damascus and go to Aleppo and Bagdad. Ahmed Pasha was subsequently also made Governor of Sidon. He took Haim Farkhi with him, the latter leaving some of his relatives in his place at Damascus, so that both provinces were under Haim's control and direction. Ahmed Pasha, fearing the punishment of the Porte for his cruel treatment of those under his jurisdiction, fortified Acre, and made it his residence. Thinking himself now secure, he gave way still more to his barbarous instincts, and contrived fresh tortures, killing women, and hanging them by their breasts, throwing children into the wells, putting out persons' eyes, cutting off their ears and noses, putting hot irons into their flesh, and crushing their foreheads with small bones. All this he did to induce his unhappy victims to give up their property to him!The officers of the Pasha seeing, that all the public offices were in the hands of the Farkhis, and that Haim Farkhi did his best to alleviate the sufferings caused by the inhuman treatment of the Pasha, became very jealous of his good name, and tried to incite the Pasha to have him killed; but the latter, well knowing how indispensable Farkhi was to him, told his officers he could not kill him until they had procured another man of equal capacity to fill his place. They thereupon brought to the Pasha a man from Haina, to whom were entrusted all the offices held till then by Farkhi, who was then put in prison. This new man, however, proved so incapable for his responsible office, that he had to be forthwith discharged. Those who had recommended him to the Pasha were disgraced, while Haim was liberated from prison, and once more reinstated in all his former offices and honours. This roused the jealousy of his enemies still more; they continued to persecute him, and to urge Ahmed to kill him, until the Pasha became afraid that Farkhi would take flight. To prevent this he had him closely guarded in his house every night, and brought to his office in the day time under an escort; he also ordered one of his eyes to be put out, and part of his nose and ears to be cut off. In a short time the Pasha repented of this order, and sent in haste to countermand it; but Farkhi's enemies had had everything prepared beforehand, and the cruel order was so quickly carried out, that the counter order came too late.The Pasha then called on Farkhi, and tried to comfort him by good words, saying that what had happened was the work of evil-disposed persons, and giving him new robes of honour. Poor Farkhi had to submit, and to promise that he would serve the Pasha faithfully again. Haim continued in the Pasha's service till the latter died.Ahmed Pasha Djezar's death caused general joy throughout the country, and the people praised the Almighty for having delivered them from such a tyrannical ruler.Ismael Pasha, one of his slaves, and the organiser of the brutalities of his predecessor, then took the reins of government, and Farkhi was compelled to remain in his service. A few months later, however, the Sublime Porte appointed Suleiman Pasha as Governor of Acre and Zidon. He informed Farkhi of his appointment, and the latter gave notice of this to the officers, who immediately delivered the town over to the new Governor, and he afterwards also took possession of Zidon.Suleiman, who loved justice, entrusted Farkhi with all that concerned the administration of the place, directing him to arrange all the matters according to his ability.Farkhi then, under the auspices of the Pasha, took the direction of affairs, introducing everywhere principles of justice and equity, showing honour and respect to every individual according to his deserts. By his conduct he attracted the attention of the Sublime Porte, and was also much esteemed by Mohhammad Ali Pasha in Egypt. The secret correspondence between the Sublime Porte and Suleiman Pasha was conducted by Farkhi, he being well versed in the Turkish language.It had been the custom formerly, that the chiefs of the districts were allowed (if they thought fit to do so) to practise extortion and order capital punishment at their own discretion, but now that Farkhi was at the head of the administration, he caused such authority to be withdrawn from them. Any officer who had allowed himself to take any money in the way of extortion, was made to undergo due punishment for the offence, and no one could be put to death unless the crime of which he had been accused had been brought to the knowledge of a Court of Justice, and there condemned by the Law. Every fine, payable in money by the transgressor, was to be distributed amongst the poor of the country, by order of the judge.Farkhi was also charged to maintain the security of the high roads, and in his time both women and children could travel without incurring any danger.He always kept the accounts of his administration in the hands of his Christian employés, in order to make it evident to every native or stranger in the country that there was nothing in all his acts requiring concealment from the eye of the public.Haim Farkhi's good name and strict integrity caused the inhabitants of Palestine to appoint him as treasurer of all contributions sent to them from abroad for the support of the poor and the learned students in the Holy Land. He attended to this office most zealously, and often himself advanced large sums, without interest, when the donations did not arrive in time. His benevolence was known far and near, and applications for assistance came to him, not only from the inhabitants of Turkey, but also from his co-religionists in Russia and Austria. He founded, at his own expense, institutions for the support and maintenance of learned teachers and pupils in schools; also imported large numbers of Hebrew books for distribution among poor Jewish children, and purchased every year quantities of new clothing, which he divided among the poor of all denominations. He was extremely well educated, and in addition to his knowledge on various secular subjects, he was also learned in theology, astronomy, and the Mohammedan laws. He was perfect in the Turkish and Arabic languages, wrote Hebrew well, and also possessed some knowledge of Persian. His courteous manner, his benevolence and learning, commanded general admiration. People of all denominations blessed his name. His brothers imitated his good example, and were also greatly respected.Haim Farkhi, as well as his brothers, showed the utmost hospitality in their houses at Damascus to all strangers, and were always ready to give them every assistance in the settlement of their affairs.Suleiman Pasha, the Governor, had appointed Ali Pasha, one of theDjezars of the Mamelukes, as his Lieutenant. This man was taken ill, and on his deathbed sent for Haim, requesting him to act as guardian to his son Abdallah, and recommending the young man to his particular care and favour. Haim promised to do his best, and after Ali's death, introduced the son to Suleiman Pasha, and obtained for him the appointment to succeed his father. Haim remained for nineteen years in Suleiman Pasha's service without incurring any blame, and gave the utmost satisfaction by his management of State affairs.After Suleiman's death Abdallah's mother came to Haim and entreated him to grant his protection to her son, that he might be appointed Governor of Acre. Abdallah was at that time very young, but Haim, thinking that as he had brought him up and tried to instil into his mind the principles of virtue, he would be able to lead him in the right path, and also being mindful of his promise to the dying father, recommended Abdallah to the Sultan, and procured him the Governorship.After Abdallah's promotion the Turkish Government required him, as was the custom, to give up the property of his predecessor, Suleiman having left no son. Haim again interceded for him, so that he was only required to give up a portion of the property, being permitted to keep the remainder for himself. During the time in which Haim had directed the affairs of State, there had been no necessity for maintaining a large army; all was conducted so fairly that the people were perfectly satisfied, and called him Haim Pasha!But Abdallah had surrounded himself by young and profligate companions, who soon caused him to forget the teachings of Haim, as well as to be jealous of his influence over the people. If Haim ventured to remonstrate with Abdallah for leaving the paths of virtue, that only succeeded in rousing the latter's wrath.Haim soon found that all his influence over his pupil had vanished, while Abdallah's low companions became paramount. He repented, but too late, of having raised Abdallah to power. Abdallah's companions told him that as long as Haim lived he (Abdallah) was not safe, as Haim was likely to report his doings to the Sultan. Haim, they said, ought therefore to be put out of the way. They brought false reports to Abdallah about Haim, which enraged him to such an extent that he would no more listen to anything Haim said.Abdallah's mother tried to reason with him, and reproved him for his ingratitude towards Haim, to whom he owed position, fortune, and everything in life, but all in vain. Several persons told Haim that the Pasha meant to kill him, but he would not believe that one to whom he had been more than a father could act so basely. At last his enemies triumphed, and procured from the Pasha the order for Haim's execution. Before giving the order the Pasha had sent for the Mufti, and tried to get from him a Fetwa against Haim, saying that this Jew had succeeded by illegitimate means in obtaining great influence over the Mussulmans, which is against the Laws of the Koran, and punishable by death; but the Mufti refused to give a Fetwa, and on the contrary praised Haim, saying he was a most useful servant of the State, upright in all his dealings, and that to kill him would be not only an injustice but a great injury to the State. Abdallah was greatly incensed by this refusal, but decided in spite of it to have Haim executed.He sent to call him suddenly in the middle of the night. Haim arose to obey the summons of the Pasha, and when he came to the door of his house he was met by the Pasha's lieutenant and five hundred armed men. The barbarous decree of the Pasha was shown to Haim, who, having read it, said with sublime resignation, "Let the will of the Almighty and the order of thePasha be fulfilled, but I entreat you to allow me time to say my prayers first." They granted his request, and as soon as he had finished his prayers he was strangled at the door of his own house, and his lifeless body was brought to the Pasha.When this shocking event became known in the town it caused general mourning and lamentation among all the inhabitants, Jews, Christians, and Mohammedans, but his inveterate enemies were not yet satisfied. They said to the Pasha, "Let Haim's body be thrown into the sea, otherwise the people will make his tomb a place of veneration and pilgrimage." Abdallah thought this very probable, and therefore permitted the body of his benefactor to be thrown into the sea, at the same time giving strict orders that the whole proceedings should be concealed from his mother, who, he knew, would be outraged at his depravity. Haim's house was shut up and his property confiscated by the Pasha.After Haim's corpse had been thrown into the sea it was seen swimming on the surface, and Abdallah then ordered it to be thrown in again with heavyweights attached, so that he might not be troubled again by its reappearance. The next day, greatly repenting of what he had done, he offered a large reward for the recovery of the body in order to have it decently buried, but it could not be found.When the Viceroy of Egypt, Mohhammad Ali Pasha, heard of the murder he was very indignant. "What a madman," he exclaimed, "must Abdallah be to deprive himself of such an assistant, a man endowed with such qualities! Had he resigned him to me, I would gladly have given him many thousand purses in return." Abdallah afterwards felt great sorrow for his crime, and the remainder of his life was embittered by undying remorse. He gave up to Haim's family the greater part of the property which he had confiscated, and also permitted the widow and brothers to leave Acre for ever. They went to Damascus, but the widow, overcome by grief and sorrow, succumbed on the journey.The brother Moses obtained employment with his cousin Solomon, and his brother Raphael at the Treasury office in Damascus. Abdallah then sent a confidential messenger to Constantinople to report his own version of Haim's death to the Sultan, to whom he also sent many valuable presents, but the Sultan indignantly rejected the presents and the report, and threatened the Pasha with his vengeance. Upon this Abdallah suspected Haim's brothers of having sent a true report of his death to the Sultan, and greatly regretted having allowed them to go to Damascus. To avenge himself, however, he sent decrees to all his officers, telling them to hunt down the Jews in all their districts. He himself set the example by inflicting horrible tortures upon the Jews of Acre, sending many of them to hard labour, condemning others to death, and confiscating the fortunes of all on whom he could lay hands. The Jews in Palestine had likewise to suffer from his tyranny. His misconduct was so unbearable that in 1825 Dervish Pasha, the Governor of Damascus, was sent with three other Pashas and 40,000 soldiers to decapitate him. Dervish Pasha took his Saraf, Solomon Farkhi, a relative of Haim, with him. When Abdallah heard this he sent secret emissaries to poison Solomon, saying that Solomon prevented any reconciliation. So Solomon was poisoned, and his brother Raphael had to take his place. When Abdallah's mother found that no benefit resulted to her son from Solomon's death, she went to Mohhammad Ali, Viceroy of Egypt, and entreated him to intercede at Constantinople for her son, who promised in future to rule with justice. In this she was successful, the troops were withdrawn from Acre, and Dervish Pasha returned to Damascus, taking with him Raphael Farkhi.Abdallah no sooner felt himself free, than he sent his own troops toDamascus to attack the Governor, in revenge for his having carried out the Sultan's order, and behaved again so shamefully with the people under his jurisdiction that he received the name of "Mad Abdallah."After Solomon Farkhi's death, Abdallah spread the report in Constantinople that the family of the Farkhis was still very opulent, and their riches were not honestly earned. In spite of all that was known to the contrary, some officers of the Porte could not withstand this bait, and Saleh Pasha was sent to confiscate all the property. Raphael was put in prison and utterly ruined; Saleh Pasha likewise ordered the imprisonment of all the Jewish notables in Damascus. They were not liberated until very heavy ransoms had been paid for them. Raphael then went to Bagdad with the intention of remaining there, but after some time Saleh Pasha sent for him to return, as he had been reinstated in his offices of trust and honour.Raphael held this appointment for many years until the Egyptian invasion. In 1833 the great contest took place between Abdallah and Mohhammad Ali, Viceroy of Egypt, in which Ibrahim Pasha defeated Abdallah, and took possession of the whole of Syria. Ibrahim confirmed Raphael in his office, giving him many distinctions and proofs of confidence; but after many years evil-disposed persons, jealous of Raphael's influence, intrigued against him, and obliged the Pasha to give the office to another, but as a proof that Raphael had not lost his personal regard, he made him a member of the municipal council of Damascus.As soon as the Egyptian Government was expelled from Syria through the intervention of the English, Raphael was restored to his place. After his death the office was given to a Christian, but the whole responsibility was placed under the direction of the Defterdar Effendi, who is always sent direct from Constantinople, thus depriving the office of its dignity and trust. Since that time no member of the Farkhi family could get employment from the Government, although they were all honourable and many capable men among them, the services of their ancestors being entirely disregarded.Names of the surviving members of the Farkhi family:—Meir Farkhi, at present member of the Municipal Council (not paid).Solomon, Moses, Jacob, sons of Meir Farkhi.Joseph and Nissim, sons of Menahem Farkhi, and Solomon, son of this Joseph.Ezekiel and Nathaniel, sons of Joseph Farkhi.Aaron Farkhi, their nephew.Mordecai and Menahem, sons of Moses Farkhi.Judah, Meir, David, sons of Raphael Farkhi.Israel H. Farkhi, son of Solomon, who was poisoned at Acre.Of these sixteen persons, only seven are tolerably well off, the others canwith difficulty earn a scanty living.EXTRACT FROM THE LETTER OF THE REV. C. A. SCHLIENTZ.On the 11th August 1840 Mrs Schlientz and I had the pleasure of dining together with the Rev. Mr Marshall and Lieut. Shadwell of H.M.S.Castor(who had been our fellow travellers from the mountains of Lebanon to Damascus) at the English Consul-General, Mr Werry's, whom we requested to ask the Governor for permission that we might visit the Jews imprisoned on the charge of having murdered Padre Tomaso and his servant. Our request was granted, and our whole party went the following day to see the persecuted sufferers. Their prison was amidst the barracks of the soldiers,and had just been made a little more tolerable than it was before. They showed as the marks of their stripes and tortures, and told us with much emotion that their fearful sufferings were made more cruel for them by having been deprived during the whole time of their confinement of the comfort of seeing any of their relatives. The last of the prisoners we saw was a venerable Rabbi, who, as one means of torture, had not been allowed any sleep nearly the whole time. Amongst the prisoners was a young man, who, unable to endure the tortures, had turned Mohammedan, and upon the strength of whose testimony the others were prosecuted and judged. It is indeed surprising that the Government, knowing this fact, could act upon the declaration of such a man! After leaving the prisoners we were conducted to their houses, which were of elegant construction, and showed that the prisoners were very wealthy persons. The poor females appeared to be in great distress. In these dwellings we were shown the place to which the Magicians had been brought, to find out by astrological calculations the persons guilty of that supposed murder. We saw, too, the place where the Padre was said to have been cut to pieces, and where there is a mark of something on the wall, which, judging from the colour, may be anything but blood. We also saw a young girl of remarkable beauty, whom one of the French officials had succeeded in wresting from her mother by the promise that he would interest himself in the deliverance of her father. The poor mother related to us with deep emotion the great grief of her heart in this affair. What a pattern of Christian justice must this appear to others!We saw the spot where the bones of the Padre were said to have been found, as well as the place where they are said to have been deposited in the chapel of a convent. Upon this they have put the inscription: "The bones of Padre Tomaso, murdered by the Jews!" They did this without any satisfactory inquiry whether the Padre had indeed been killed; and if so, by whom? whether these were really his bones? &c. As long as no legal investigation by competent judges has taken place, I will never take these for the bones of Padre Tomaso, and I trust that the inscription on that tombstone will be altered, and deprived of an assertion which has never been proved in any satisfactory way. I visited some of the convents at Damascus, and at one of them I had a long interview on this subject with the Superior. He was a Frenchman, and the light-minded and frivolous way in which he spoke of this serious subject, affecting, as it does, not only many individuals, but a whole nation, and the principles of its religion, showed me that he could not be trusted in that matter. To him it did not admit of the slightest doubt, even without evidence, that the Jews must have been the perpetrators of this crime; no one but they in their wickedness was capable of such a deed. I do not know in what relation these missionaries stood to the accused Jews, but I perceived distinctly that they laboured under very unhappy prejudices, and that their assertion would bring no conviction to my mind. The proofs of wealth which we saw in the dwellings of the persecuted sufferers rather suggest that motives of envy and hatred have given rise to a story which almost exceeds that of John Galas of Toulouse, during the last century, or the accusations brought against the Christians in the first centuries of their ecclesiastical history, and against the Jews in after times, all of which were proved to be diabolical calumnies. I have not entered into the question whether the Jews sacrifice Christians in order to obtain their blood, as this has been answered satisfactorily already by Jewish and Christian writers, especially so during this year, on account of the Damascus affair. Even if such a horrid custom had existed, I deem it most unlikely that persons of wealth and liberal sentiments, such as these Jews of Damascus are, would lend themselves to the perpetration of such a deed.—With my heartfelt desire for the real welfare of Israel, I remain, dear sir, yours most truly,C. A. Schlientz.August 6th, 1847.To Mons.Vattier Bourville,Consul at Damascus.Sir.—Sir Moses Montefiore has forwarded to me some documents, from which I learn that in the month of April last a Christian child having disappeared in one of the quarters of Damascus, a rumour arose that it had been stolen and put to death by the Jews in order to obtain its blood for their religious ceremonies. This, in the eyes of prejudiced and credulous people, formed a pendant, due to Hebrew fanaticism, to the sad history of Father Thomas.From the said documents I find that upon this idle rumour alone, and without any reliable information whatever, the agent of the French Consulate, Mr Baudin, hastened to accuse the Jews formally before the Pasha of having caused the disappearance of the child. In his letter to this high functionary of the Porte, Mons. Baudin writes something to this effect:"We ask your highness to institute an inquiry regarding this strange affair; to order the sheiks of the different quarters to search for the lost child, and to remind them particularly that, according to a tradition worthy of belief, the wicked Jews are in the habit of killing children who are in their power during the time of their religious solemnities, for which reason the master of the child who has disappeared strongly suspects that it is in the Jewish quarter."The child has been found, and its reappearance seems to have put an end to the disturbance, and also to the conjectures of which it was the object.Monsieur Baudin not having written to me on this subject, I beg you, sir, to forward me most explicit details, in order that I may be able to ascertain the true facts of the case. If his conduct and language have been such as they have been represented, they cannot be sufficiently condemned, and you should express to him my strongest disapprobation.The Government of the king has constantly refused to give credence to the atrocities imputed to the Jews, and could not blindly accept accusations against them which in the East are but too well explained by the hatred and rivalry of religion.Without wishing absolutely to impose its own views on its agents, it is at least entitled to demand that they should abstain from manifesting openly inimical sentiments, and above all should not deliver up foe persecution to the Moslem authorities a whole population and a whole people on nothing more than vague suspicions without any substantial evidence. It is a duty, a principle of equity, and a natural reserve to which I should much regret to learn Mr Baudin had not strictly conformed.Paris,Le 23 Aôut 1847.Monsieur,—Le Roi Má reuvoyé une lettre que vous lui avez adressée le 9 de ce mois au sujet du préjugé malheureusement répandu en Orient contre les Israëlites et qui les accuse de verser le sang humain dans leur sacrifices. Vous exprimez le désir qu'il soit prescrit aux agents de sa Majesté dans le Levant non seulement de s'abstenir de tout ce qui pourrait contribuer à accréditer un tel préjujé, mais encore d'employer tous leur soins à le combattre et a le détruire.Le Gouvernement du Roi regarde l'imputation dont il s'agit comme fausse et calomnieuse, et ses agents en général sont trop éclairés pour songer à s'en faire les organes. Il le regretterait vivement et n'hésiterait pas à les en blâmer de la manière la plus expresse. C'est ce qu'il s'est empressé de fairerelativement au cas particulier que vous m'avez signalé touchant un enfant chrétien de Damas qui avait disparu dans le courant d'avril dernier, et à l'accusation que le gérant du consulat de France n'aurait pas craint de porter à ce sujet auprès du Pacha, contre les Juifs. Aucun avis ne m'étant parvenu directement à cet égard, j'ai demandé des éclaircissements au consul du Roi à Damas, eu lui ordonnant, si le fait qui vous a été rapporté était exact, d'exprimer de ma part le blâme le plus sévère, à l'agent qui sur un simple bruit, aurait hazardé une pareille imputation contre tout un people.Recevez, Monsieur, l'assurance de ma consideration trés distinguée,Guizot.SirMoses Montefiore.LONDON COMMITTEE OF DEPUTIES OF THE BRITISH JEWS.Copy of Letter addressed by SirMoses Montefiore, Bart.,to J.M.Montefiore, Esq, Presidentpro tem.of this Board.Grosvenor Gate,Park Lane,30th June 5627 (1867).My dear Sir,—It is with deep regret that I have to place in your hands further despatches received from Jassy, from which it would appear that the position of our unfortunate co-religionists in Moldavia still continues most distressing. You will be pleased to submit these communications to the Board of Deputies without delay.The several memorials which I have received from Moldavia, solicit so frequently and so urgently my personal presence there, that if, in the opinion of your Board and that of our Community, it should be considered that my presence in Moldavia might prove of utility to those who in their misery apply to us for sympathy and aid, I should feel it an imperative duty, at whatever personal risk and sacrifice, to respond to the appeal thus piteously made.There can be no doubt that, as the delegate of our community, any representations that I might be intrusted to make as its organ would acquire great force and significance, while I should be encouraged by the consciousness that I should be acting, not only in accordance with my own sense of duty, but also as the exponent of the earnest wishes of your Board and of the Jews at large, that so unhappy a state of things as is now existing in Moldavia, as affecting the Jews of that Principality, may, under the blessing of the Almighty, speedily cease.—I have the honour to be, my dear Sir, yours faithfully,(Signed)Moses Montefiore.Copy translation of the despatches above referred to.Jassey,6th June 5627 (1867).To the Defender and Champion of Israel, who is zealousin their cause, the Crown of Israel!SirMoses Montefiore, Bart.,&c., &c., &c.Greeting,—At these tidings your ears must tingle, the hair of your head stand on end, and your heart melt with anguish.Within the last few days, the head of the enemies of Israel has prevailed. The object is to drive the Jews out of the provinces of Moldavia and Wallachia,—totake for spoil all their wealth and possessions without let or hindrance. We get no protection from the Minister; on the contrary, he aids our enemies against us by all manner of evil decrees, and imposes upon us all kinds of oppressions without measure.On the 4th May last, a decree was issued by the Minister Bratiano to expel all the Jews from the villages of Moldavia as coming under the category of vagabonds. Scarcely was the edict made known when the Minister arrived here; in another moment the enemies of Israel filled the streets and public places, seized every man of Israel without distinction that came in their way, crying out, "He is a vagabond;" bound him hand and foot with chains, beat him unmercifully, drove out alike old and young, chased them out of the city, and delivered them over to the mercy of the soldiery, to drive them to the boundaries of the land.A cry of anguish from the women, and like lamentations from the men, went up to heaven. Old men and children, women with suckling ones cry aloud, but there are none to pity, none to look with compassion. They have been driven from all the villages, made to leave their possessions, their goods and chattels, in the hands of their enemies, and have escaped only with their lives.The heads of the congregation here have entreated the Minister to withdraw the decree, but in vain have they supplicated. Non-Israelites have also sought justice for the Jews, but they have pleaded to a deaf ear. He seeks only their expulsion.In three days the prisons were overcrowded with our brethren; the persecutions for awhile abated, still we were in fear and trembling, lest every moment they should be renewed with fresh rigour, for the decree has not yet been recalled.A great evil threatens us, the hatred increases every day and every hour,—there is none to stay the hand. I therefore make known to you, these our troubles and distresses, beseeching you with scalding tears to aid us all in your power, and to defend the cause of oppressed Israel, who are driven from the land of Moldavia.May the Creator of heaven and earth, the God of Israel help us!Trouble upon trouble! During the last three days soldiers have been going about the streets molesting the Jews, and with their swords they injured a woman with child. Her cries brought persons to her rescue, and those who endeavoured to take the weapons from the soldiers were seized, thrown into prison and charged with attempting to murder the military authorities. We have no one to look to for help except our Father in Heaven and His servant Moses. The chief matters we dare not venture to write, out of dread and apprehension, for we are as sheep in the hands of the slaughterer.May the Holy One have you in his keeping, bestow upon you strength, energy, and will to save the residue of His flock, and reward you a thousand fold, the prayer of your servants,&c., &c., &c.By the help of God.Jassy,Monday, 15th Sivan, 5627.To the benevolent of heart, the desire of the eye of Jacob,Head of the children of Israel, Prince of our brethren,SirMoses Montefiore, Bart.,&c., &c., &c.The eyes of all Israel in the province of Moldavia are directed to you for salvation and consolation, to deliver them out of the power of their enemies, for no violence is to be found in their hands.Surely the man Moses will rouse himself as a lion for the rescue of his people, as he has done in days of old, and in former years, to deliver his brethren, the house of Israel, from their sorrow and distress.May Heaven's blessing rest on his head, inspire his heart, and prosper all the works of his hands.(Signed)Jesias Bhor,Chief Rabbi of Jassy,On behalf of the whole congregation.
RAPHAEL and Mordecai Farkhi being among those accused of the murders of Padre Tomaso and his servant at Damascus in 1840, I here give the genealogy of their family, which will show the great esteem in which they had been held for generations, and the high Government offices with which many members of the family had been entrusted.
In the year 5491A.M.(1731 of the Christian era) the ancestors of the Farkhis came originally from Tyria, in Asia Minor. About 120 years ago Haim Farkhi (grandfather of the late Haim Farkhi) came to Damascus, together with his brother Joseph. Both were then employed as bankers (sariffs) by the Governor of Damascus. They were likewise entrusted with the offices of keeping the accounts of the Government revenues, and of those connected with the pilgrimage to Mecca and its expenses, also the expenditure required for keeping the army. The revenues derived from farms and villages were also entrusted to them.
When the Governor of Damascus was called away from there to go to another place, his successor, seeing that the management of the brothers Farkhi had given general satisfaction, confirmed them in their office, as did every succeeding governor coming to Damascus during their lifetime.
Haim had two sons, Solomon and Nathan. The latter being the more clever of the two, succeeded his father in the several offices he had held, and surpassed him in importance by the influence which he had with the Governor and in good reputation among the people. Nathan had five sons, Haim, Menahem, Joseph, Raphael, and Moses, and one daughter, Reina. Solomon had two sons, Jacob and Meir, of whom the first only held public appointments. Nathan, being once requested by the Governor of Haina to send him a person of talent, in whom he could place entire confidence, and whom he could employ as banker, sent his eldest son Haim. The latter was at that time very young, but gifted with such extraordinary capacity that, after a few years, he was recalled from Haina to Damascus to superintend all the members of his family in their different public offices. When Haim was twenty years old he was sent to Constantinople to supervise the accounts with the Ministry of Finance. The ability shown by Haim on this occasion roused the jealousy and hatred of some very influential and fanatical persons in Constantinople, who caused him to be thrown into a dungeon, where he remained for many years, without even having been examined; and he was subjected to the most cruel tortures, without being allowed the opportunity of answering the charges brought against him. His sister Reina, though at that time only fourteen years of age, undertook to go to Constantinople, with the intention of procuring justice for her brother.
When there, she awaited the Sultan in a street through which he was about to pass. On his arrival she approached, took hold of the horse'sbridle, and presented her petition, in which she related how unjustly her brother had been treated. The Sultan investigated the matter, and, becoming convinced of Haim's innocence, ordered him to be liberated, and reinstated in all his former offices.
Haim now returned to Damascus, sent for his brothers, and employed them again in the functions of his public calling. Sometime after his return Ahmed Pasha Djezar was made Governor of Damascus. He was known for his cruelty and the merciless manner in which he compelled his subjects to provide whatever money he chose to demand from them. Haim Farkhi tried to intercede on behalf of some of the unfortunate sufferers, and remonstrated with the Governor for his merciless proceedings. By so doing he offended Ahmed Pasha to such a degree that the latter commenced to harbour in his heart the desire to kill Haim; but, finding that he could not do without him, he was obliged to leave him in his various offices, and he took his revenge by persecuting Haim's brothers to such an extent that they were compelled to leave Damascus and go to Aleppo and Bagdad. Ahmed Pasha was subsequently also made Governor of Sidon. He took Haim Farkhi with him, the latter leaving some of his relatives in his place at Damascus, so that both provinces were under Haim's control and direction. Ahmed Pasha, fearing the punishment of the Porte for his cruel treatment of those under his jurisdiction, fortified Acre, and made it his residence. Thinking himself now secure, he gave way still more to his barbarous instincts, and contrived fresh tortures, killing women, and hanging them by their breasts, throwing children into the wells, putting out persons' eyes, cutting off their ears and noses, putting hot irons into their flesh, and crushing their foreheads with small bones. All this he did to induce his unhappy victims to give up their property to him!
The officers of the Pasha seeing, that all the public offices were in the hands of the Farkhis, and that Haim Farkhi did his best to alleviate the sufferings caused by the inhuman treatment of the Pasha, became very jealous of his good name, and tried to incite the Pasha to have him killed; but the latter, well knowing how indispensable Farkhi was to him, told his officers he could not kill him until they had procured another man of equal capacity to fill his place. They thereupon brought to the Pasha a man from Haina, to whom were entrusted all the offices held till then by Farkhi, who was then put in prison. This new man, however, proved so incapable for his responsible office, that he had to be forthwith discharged. Those who had recommended him to the Pasha were disgraced, while Haim was liberated from prison, and once more reinstated in all his former offices and honours. This roused the jealousy of his enemies still more; they continued to persecute him, and to urge Ahmed to kill him, until the Pasha became afraid that Farkhi would take flight. To prevent this he had him closely guarded in his house every night, and brought to his office in the day time under an escort; he also ordered one of his eyes to be put out, and part of his nose and ears to be cut off. In a short time the Pasha repented of this order, and sent in haste to countermand it; but Farkhi's enemies had had everything prepared beforehand, and the cruel order was so quickly carried out, that the counter order came too late.
The Pasha then called on Farkhi, and tried to comfort him by good words, saying that what had happened was the work of evil-disposed persons, and giving him new robes of honour. Poor Farkhi had to submit, and to promise that he would serve the Pasha faithfully again. Haim continued in the Pasha's service till the latter died.
Ahmed Pasha Djezar's death caused general joy throughout the country, and the people praised the Almighty for having delivered them from such a tyrannical ruler.
Ismael Pasha, one of his slaves, and the organiser of the brutalities of his predecessor, then took the reins of government, and Farkhi was compelled to remain in his service. A few months later, however, the Sublime Porte appointed Suleiman Pasha as Governor of Acre and Zidon. He informed Farkhi of his appointment, and the latter gave notice of this to the officers, who immediately delivered the town over to the new Governor, and he afterwards also took possession of Zidon.
Suleiman, who loved justice, entrusted Farkhi with all that concerned the administration of the place, directing him to arrange all the matters according to his ability.
Farkhi then, under the auspices of the Pasha, took the direction of affairs, introducing everywhere principles of justice and equity, showing honour and respect to every individual according to his deserts. By his conduct he attracted the attention of the Sublime Porte, and was also much esteemed by Mohhammad Ali Pasha in Egypt. The secret correspondence between the Sublime Porte and Suleiman Pasha was conducted by Farkhi, he being well versed in the Turkish language.
It had been the custom formerly, that the chiefs of the districts were allowed (if they thought fit to do so) to practise extortion and order capital punishment at their own discretion, but now that Farkhi was at the head of the administration, he caused such authority to be withdrawn from them. Any officer who had allowed himself to take any money in the way of extortion, was made to undergo due punishment for the offence, and no one could be put to death unless the crime of which he had been accused had been brought to the knowledge of a Court of Justice, and there condemned by the Law. Every fine, payable in money by the transgressor, was to be distributed amongst the poor of the country, by order of the judge.
Farkhi was also charged to maintain the security of the high roads, and in his time both women and children could travel without incurring any danger.
He always kept the accounts of his administration in the hands of his Christian employés, in order to make it evident to every native or stranger in the country that there was nothing in all his acts requiring concealment from the eye of the public.
Haim Farkhi's good name and strict integrity caused the inhabitants of Palestine to appoint him as treasurer of all contributions sent to them from abroad for the support of the poor and the learned students in the Holy Land. He attended to this office most zealously, and often himself advanced large sums, without interest, when the donations did not arrive in time. His benevolence was known far and near, and applications for assistance came to him, not only from the inhabitants of Turkey, but also from his co-religionists in Russia and Austria. He founded, at his own expense, institutions for the support and maintenance of learned teachers and pupils in schools; also imported large numbers of Hebrew books for distribution among poor Jewish children, and purchased every year quantities of new clothing, which he divided among the poor of all denominations. He was extremely well educated, and in addition to his knowledge on various secular subjects, he was also learned in theology, astronomy, and the Mohammedan laws. He was perfect in the Turkish and Arabic languages, wrote Hebrew well, and also possessed some knowledge of Persian. His courteous manner, his benevolence and learning, commanded general admiration. People of all denominations blessed his name. His brothers imitated his good example, and were also greatly respected.
Haim Farkhi, as well as his brothers, showed the utmost hospitality in their houses at Damascus to all strangers, and were always ready to give them every assistance in the settlement of their affairs.
Suleiman Pasha, the Governor, had appointed Ali Pasha, one of theDjezars of the Mamelukes, as his Lieutenant. This man was taken ill, and on his deathbed sent for Haim, requesting him to act as guardian to his son Abdallah, and recommending the young man to his particular care and favour. Haim promised to do his best, and after Ali's death, introduced the son to Suleiman Pasha, and obtained for him the appointment to succeed his father. Haim remained for nineteen years in Suleiman Pasha's service without incurring any blame, and gave the utmost satisfaction by his management of State affairs.
After Suleiman's death Abdallah's mother came to Haim and entreated him to grant his protection to her son, that he might be appointed Governor of Acre. Abdallah was at that time very young, but Haim, thinking that as he had brought him up and tried to instil into his mind the principles of virtue, he would be able to lead him in the right path, and also being mindful of his promise to the dying father, recommended Abdallah to the Sultan, and procured him the Governorship.
After Abdallah's promotion the Turkish Government required him, as was the custom, to give up the property of his predecessor, Suleiman having left no son. Haim again interceded for him, so that he was only required to give up a portion of the property, being permitted to keep the remainder for himself. During the time in which Haim had directed the affairs of State, there had been no necessity for maintaining a large army; all was conducted so fairly that the people were perfectly satisfied, and called him Haim Pasha!
But Abdallah had surrounded himself by young and profligate companions, who soon caused him to forget the teachings of Haim, as well as to be jealous of his influence over the people. If Haim ventured to remonstrate with Abdallah for leaving the paths of virtue, that only succeeded in rousing the latter's wrath.
Haim soon found that all his influence over his pupil had vanished, while Abdallah's low companions became paramount. He repented, but too late, of having raised Abdallah to power. Abdallah's companions told him that as long as Haim lived he (Abdallah) was not safe, as Haim was likely to report his doings to the Sultan. Haim, they said, ought therefore to be put out of the way. They brought false reports to Abdallah about Haim, which enraged him to such an extent that he would no more listen to anything Haim said.
Abdallah's mother tried to reason with him, and reproved him for his ingratitude towards Haim, to whom he owed position, fortune, and everything in life, but all in vain. Several persons told Haim that the Pasha meant to kill him, but he would not believe that one to whom he had been more than a father could act so basely. At last his enemies triumphed, and procured from the Pasha the order for Haim's execution. Before giving the order the Pasha had sent for the Mufti, and tried to get from him a Fetwa against Haim, saying that this Jew had succeeded by illegitimate means in obtaining great influence over the Mussulmans, which is against the Laws of the Koran, and punishable by death; but the Mufti refused to give a Fetwa, and on the contrary praised Haim, saying he was a most useful servant of the State, upright in all his dealings, and that to kill him would be not only an injustice but a great injury to the State. Abdallah was greatly incensed by this refusal, but decided in spite of it to have Haim executed.
He sent to call him suddenly in the middle of the night. Haim arose to obey the summons of the Pasha, and when he came to the door of his house he was met by the Pasha's lieutenant and five hundred armed men. The barbarous decree of the Pasha was shown to Haim, who, having read it, said with sublime resignation, "Let the will of the Almighty and the order of thePasha be fulfilled, but I entreat you to allow me time to say my prayers first." They granted his request, and as soon as he had finished his prayers he was strangled at the door of his own house, and his lifeless body was brought to the Pasha.
When this shocking event became known in the town it caused general mourning and lamentation among all the inhabitants, Jews, Christians, and Mohammedans, but his inveterate enemies were not yet satisfied. They said to the Pasha, "Let Haim's body be thrown into the sea, otherwise the people will make his tomb a place of veneration and pilgrimage." Abdallah thought this very probable, and therefore permitted the body of his benefactor to be thrown into the sea, at the same time giving strict orders that the whole proceedings should be concealed from his mother, who, he knew, would be outraged at his depravity. Haim's house was shut up and his property confiscated by the Pasha.
After Haim's corpse had been thrown into the sea it was seen swimming on the surface, and Abdallah then ordered it to be thrown in again with heavyweights attached, so that he might not be troubled again by its reappearance. The next day, greatly repenting of what he had done, he offered a large reward for the recovery of the body in order to have it decently buried, but it could not be found.
When the Viceroy of Egypt, Mohhammad Ali Pasha, heard of the murder he was very indignant. "What a madman," he exclaimed, "must Abdallah be to deprive himself of such an assistant, a man endowed with such qualities! Had he resigned him to me, I would gladly have given him many thousand purses in return." Abdallah afterwards felt great sorrow for his crime, and the remainder of his life was embittered by undying remorse. He gave up to Haim's family the greater part of the property which he had confiscated, and also permitted the widow and brothers to leave Acre for ever. They went to Damascus, but the widow, overcome by grief and sorrow, succumbed on the journey.
The brother Moses obtained employment with his cousin Solomon, and his brother Raphael at the Treasury office in Damascus. Abdallah then sent a confidential messenger to Constantinople to report his own version of Haim's death to the Sultan, to whom he also sent many valuable presents, but the Sultan indignantly rejected the presents and the report, and threatened the Pasha with his vengeance. Upon this Abdallah suspected Haim's brothers of having sent a true report of his death to the Sultan, and greatly regretted having allowed them to go to Damascus. To avenge himself, however, he sent decrees to all his officers, telling them to hunt down the Jews in all their districts. He himself set the example by inflicting horrible tortures upon the Jews of Acre, sending many of them to hard labour, condemning others to death, and confiscating the fortunes of all on whom he could lay hands. The Jews in Palestine had likewise to suffer from his tyranny. His misconduct was so unbearable that in 1825 Dervish Pasha, the Governor of Damascus, was sent with three other Pashas and 40,000 soldiers to decapitate him. Dervish Pasha took his Saraf, Solomon Farkhi, a relative of Haim, with him. When Abdallah heard this he sent secret emissaries to poison Solomon, saying that Solomon prevented any reconciliation. So Solomon was poisoned, and his brother Raphael had to take his place. When Abdallah's mother found that no benefit resulted to her son from Solomon's death, she went to Mohhammad Ali, Viceroy of Egypt, and entreated him to intercede at Constantinople for her son, who promised in future to rule with justice. In this she was successful, the troops were withdrawn from Acre, and Dervish Pasha returned to Damascus, taking with him Raphael Farkhi.
Abdallah no sooner felt himself free, than he sent his own troops toDamascus to attack the Governor, in revenge for his having carried out the Sultan's order, and behaved again so shamefully with the people under his jurisdiction that he received the name of "Mad Abdallah."
After Solomon Farkhi's death, Abdallah spread the report in Constantinople that the family of the Farkhis was still very opulent, and their riches were not honestly earned. In spite of all that was known to the contrary, some officers of the Porte could not withstand this bait, and Saleh Pasha was sent to confiscate all the property. Raphael was put in prison and utterly ruined; Saleh Pasha likewise ordered the imprisonment of all the Jewish notables in Damascus. They were not liberated until very heavy ransoms had been paid for them. Raphael then went to Bagdad with the intention of remaining there, but after some time Saleh Pasha sent for him to return, as he had been reinstated in his offices of trust and honour.
Raphael held this appointment for many years until the Egyptian invasion. In 1833 the great contest took place between Abdallah and Mohhammad Ali, Viceroy of Egypt, in which Ibrahim Pasha defeated Abdallah, and took possession of the whole of Syria. Ibrahim confirmed Raphael in his office, giving him many distinctions and proofs of confidence; but after many years evil-disposed persons, jealous of Raphael's influence, intrigued against him, and obliged the Pasha to give the office to another, but as a proof that Raphael had not lost his personal regard, he made him a member of the municipal council of Damascus.
As soon as the Egyptian Government was expelled from Syria through the intervention of the English, Raphael was restored to his place. After his death the office was given to a Christian, but the whole responsibility was placed under the direction of the Defterdar Effendi, who is always sent direct from Constantinople, thus depriving the office of its dignity and trust. Since that time no member of the Farkhi family could get employment from the Government, although they were all honourable and many capable men among them, the services of their ancestors being entirely disregarded.
Names of the surviving members of the Farkhi family:—
Meir Farkhi, at present member of the Municipal Council (not paid).
Solomon, Moses, Jacob, sons of Meir Farkhi.
Joseph and Nissim, sons of Menahem Farkhi, and Solomon, son of this Joseph.
Ezekiel and Nathaniel, sons of Joseph Farkhi.
Aaron Farkhi, their nephew.
Mordecai and Menahem, sons of Moses Farkhi.
Judah, Meir, David, sons of Raphael Farkhi.
Israel H. Farkhi, son of Solomon, who was poisoned at Acre.
Of these sixteen persons, only seven are tolerably well off, the others canwith difficulty earn a scanty living.
EXTRACT FROM THE LETTER OF THE REV. C. A. SCHLIENTZ.
On the 11th August 1840 Mrs Schlientz and I had the pleasure of dining together with the Rev. Mr Marshall and Lieut. Shadwell of H.M.S.Castor(who had been our fellow travellers from the mountains of Lebanon to Damascus) at the English Consul-General, Mr Werry's, whom we requested to ask the Governor for permission that we might visit the Jews imprisoned on the charge of having murdered Padre Tomaso and his servant. Our request was granted, and our whole party went the following day to see the persecuted sufferers. Their prison was amidst the barracks of the soldiers,and had just been made a little more tolerable than it was before. They showed as the marks of their stripes and tortures, and told us with much emotion that their fearful sufferings were made more cruel for them by having been deprived during the whole time of their confinement of the comfort of seeing any of their relatives. The last of the prisoners we saw was a venerable Rabbi, who, as one means of torture, had not been allowed any sleep nearly the whole time. Amongst the prisoners was a young man, who, unable to endure the tortures, had turned Mohammedan, and upon the strength of whose testimony the others were prosecuted and judged. It is indeed surprising that the Government, knowing this fact, could act upon the declaration of such a man! After leaving the prisoners we were conducted to their houses, which were of elegant construction, and showed that the prisoners were very wealthy persons. The poor females appeared to be in great distress. In these dwellings we were shown the place to which the Magicians had been brought, to find out by astrological calculations the persons guilty of that supposed murder. We saw, too, the place where the Padre was said to have been cut to pieces, and where there is a mark of something on the wall, which, judging from the colour, may be anything but blood. We also saw a young girl of remarkable beauty, whom one of the French officials had succeeded in wresting from her mother by the promise that he would interest himself in the deliverance of her father. The poor mother related to us with deep emotion the great grief of her heart in this affair. What a pattern of Christian justice must this appear to others!
We saw the spot where the bones of the Padre were said to have been found, as well as the place where they are said to have been deposited in the chapel of a convent. Upon this they have put the inscription: "The bones of Padre Tomaso, murdered by the Jews!" They did this without any satisfactory inquiry whether the Padre had indeed been killed; and if so, by whom? whether these were really his bones? &c. As long as no legal investigation by competent judges has taken place, I will never take these for the bones of Padre Tomaso, and I trust that the inscription on that tombstone will be altered, and deprived of an assertion which has never been proved in any satisfactory way. I visited some of the convents at Damascus, and at one of them I had a long interview on this subject with the Superior. He was a Frenchman, and the light-minded and frivolous way in which he spoke of this serious subject, affecting, as it does, not only many individuals, but a whole nation, and the principles of its religion, showed me that he could not be trusted in that matter. To him it did not admit of the slightest doubt, even without evidence, that the Jews must have been the perpetrators of this crime; no one but they in their wickedness was capable of such a deed. I do not know in what relation these missionaries stood to the accused Jews, but I perceived distinctly that they laboured under very unhappy prejudices, and that their assertion would bring no conviction to my mind. The proofs of wealth which we saw in the dwellings of the persecuted sufferers rather suggest that motives of envy and hatred have given rise to a story which almost exceeds that of John Galas of Toulouse, during the last century, or the accusations brought against the Christians in the first centuries of their ecclesiastical history, and against the Jews in after times, all of which were proved to be diabolical calumnies. I have not entered into the question whether the Jews sacrifice Christians in order to obtain their blood, as this has been answered satisfactorily already by Jewish and Christian writers, especially so during this year, on account of the Damascus affair. Even if such a horrid custom had existed, I deem it most unlikely that persons of wealth and liberal sentiments, such as these Jews of Damascus are, would lend themselves to the perpetration of such a deed.—With my heartfelt desire for the real welfare of Israel, I remain, dear sir, yours most truly,
C. A. Schlientz.
August 6th, 1847.
To Mons.Vattier Bourville,Consul at Damascus.
Sir.—Sir Moses Montefiore has forwarded to me some documents, from which I learn that in the month of April last a Christian child having disappeared in one of the quarters of Damascus, a rumour arose that it had been stolen and put to death by the Jews in order to obtain its blood for their religious ceremonies. This, in the eyes of prejudiced and credulous people, formed a pendant, due to Hebrew fanaticism, to the sad history of Father Thomas.
From the said documents I find that upon this idle rumour alone, and without any reliable information whatever, the agent of the French Consulate, Mr Baudin, hastened to accuse the Jews formally before the Pasha of having caused the disappearance of the child. In his letter to this high functionary of the Porte, Mons. Baudin writes something to this effect:
"We ask your highness to institute an inquiry regarding this strange affair; to order the sheiks of the different quarters to search for the lost child, and to remind them particularly that, according to a tradition worthy of belief, the wicked Jews are in the habit of killing children who are in their power during the time of their religious solemnities, for which reason the master of the child who has disappeared strongly suspects that it is in the Jewish quarter."
The child has been found, and its reappearance seems to have put an end to the disturbance, and also to the conjectures of which it was the object.
Monsieur Baudin not having written to me on this subject, I beg you, sir, to forward me most explicit details, in order that I may be able to ascertain the true facts of the case. If his conduct and language have been such as they have been represented, they cannot be sufficiently condemned, and you should express to him my strongest disapprobation.
The Government of the king has constantly refused to give credence to the atrocities imputed to the Jews, and could not blindly accept accusations against them which in the East are but too well explained by the hatred and rivalry of religion.
Without wishing absolutely to impose its own views on its agents, it is at least entitled to demand that they should abstain from manifesting openly inimical sentiments, and above all should not deliver up foe persecution to the Moslem authorities a whole population and a whole people on nothing more than vague suspicions without any substantial evidence. It is a duty, a principle of equity, and a natural reserve to which I should much regret to learn Mr Baudin had not strictly conformed.
Paris,Le 23 Aôut 1847.
Monsieur,—Le Roi Má reuvoyé une lettre que vous lui avez adressée le 9 de ce mois au sujet du préjugé malheureusement répandu en Orient contre les Israëlites et qui les accuse de verser le sang humain dans leur sacrifices. Vous exprimez le désir qu'il soit prescrit aux agents de sa Majesté dans le Levant non seulement de s'abstenir de tout ce qui pourrait contribuer à accréditer un tel préjujé, mais encore d'employer tous leur soins à le combattre et a le détruire.
Le Gouvernement du Roi regarde l'imputation dont il s'agit comme fausse et calomnieuse, et ses agents en général sont trop éclairés pour songer à s'en faire les organes. Il le regretterait vivement et n'hésiterait pas à les en blâmer de la manière la plus expresse. C'est ce qu'il s'est empressé de fairerelativement au cas particulier que vous m'avez signalé touchant un enfant chrétien de Damas qui avait disparu dans le courant d'avril dernier, et à l'accusation que le gérant du consulat de France n'aurait pas craint de porter à ce sujet auprès du Pacha, contre les Juifs. Aucun avis ne m'étant parvenu directement à cet égard, j'ai demandé des éclaircissements au consul du Roi à Damas, eu lui ordonnant, si le fait qui vous a été rapporté était exact, d'exprimer de ma part le blâme le plus sévère, à l'agent qui sur un simple bruit, aurait hazardé une pareille imputation contre tout un people.
Recevez, Monsieur, l'assurance de ma consideration trés distinguée,
Guizot.
SirMoses Montefiore.
LONDON COMMITTEE OF DEPUTIES OF THE BRITISH JEWS.
Copy of Letter addressed by SirMoses Montefiore, Bart.,to J.M.Montefiore, Esq, Presidentpro tem.of this Board.
Copy of Letter addressed by SirMoses Montefiore, Bart.,to J.M.Montefiore, Esq, Presidentpro tem.of this Board.
Grosvenor Gate,
Park Lane,30th June 5627 (1867).
My dear Sir,—It is with deep regret that I have to place in your hands further despatches received from Jassy, from which it would appear that the position of our unfortunate co-religionists in Moldavia still continues most distressing. You will be pleased to submit these communications to the Board of Deputies without delay.
The several memorials which I have received from Moldavia, solicit so frequently and so urgently my personal presence there, that if, in the opinion of your Board and that of our Community, it should be considered that my presence in Moldavia might prove of utility to those who in their misery apply to us for sympathy and aid, I should feel it an imperative duty, at whatever personal risk and sacrifice, to respond to the appeal thus piteously made.
There can be no doubt that, as the delegate of our community, any representations that I might be intrusted to make as its organ would acquire great force and significance, while I should be encouraged by the consciousness that I should be acting, not only in accordance with my own sense of duty, but also as the exponent of the earnest wishes of your Board and of the Jews at large, that so unhappy a state of things as is now existing in Moldavia, as affecting the Jews of that Principality, may, under the blessing of the Almighty, speedily cease.—I have the honour to be, my dear Sir, yours faithfully,
(Signed)Moses Montefiore.
Copy translation of the despatches above referred to.
Jassey,6th June 5627 (1867).
To the Defender and Champion of Israel, who is zealousin their cause, the Crown of Israel!
SirMoses Montefiore, Bart.,&c., &c., &c.
Greeting,—At these tidings your ears must tingle, the hair of your head stand on end, and your heart melt with anguish.
Within the last few days, the head of the enemies of Israel has prevailed. The object is to drive the Jews out of the provinces of Moldavia and Wallachia,—totake for spoil all their wealth and possessions without let or hindrance. We get no protection from the Minister; on the contrary, he aids our enemies against us by all manner of evil decrees, and imposes upon us all kinds of oppressions without measure.
On the 4th May last, a decree was issued by the Minister Bratiano to expel all the Jews from the villages of Moldavia as coming under the category of vagabonds. Scarcely was the edict made known when the Minister arrived here; in another moment the enemies of Israel filled the streets and public places, seized every man of Israel without distinction that came in their way, crying out, "He is a vagabond;" bound him hand and foot with chains, beat him unmercifully, drove out alike old and young, chased them out of the city, and delivered them over to the mercy of the soldiery, to drive them to the boundaries of the land.
A cry of anguish from the women, and like lamentations from the men, went up to heaven. Old men and children, women with suckling ones cry aloud, but there are none to pity, none to look with compassion. They have been driven from all the villages, made to leave their possessions, their goods and chattels, in the hands of their enemies, and have escaped only with their lives.
The heads of the congregation here have entreated the Minister to withdraw the decree, but in vain have they supplicated. Non-Israelites have also sought justice for the Jews, but they have pleaded to a deaf ear. He seeks only their expulsion.
In three days the prisons were overcrowded with our brethren; the persecutions for awhile abated, still we were in fear and trembling, lest every moment they should be renewed with fresh rigour, for the decree has not yet been recalled.
A great evil threatens us, the hatred increases every day and every hour,—there is none to stay the hand. I therefore make known to you, these our troubles and distresses, beseeching you with scalding tears to aid us all in your power, and to defend the cause of oppressed Israel, who are driven from the land of Moldavia.
May the Creator of heaven and earth, the God of Israel help us!
Trouble upon trouble! During the last three days soldiers have been going about the streets molesting the Jews, and with their swords they injured a woman with child. Her cries brought persons to her rescue, and those who endeavoured to take the weapons from the soldiers were seized, thrown into prison and charged with attempting to murder the military authorities. We have no one to look to for help except our Father in Heaven and His servant Moses. The chief matters we dare not venture to write, out of dread and apprehension, for we are as sheep in the hands of the slaughterer.
May the Holy One have you in his keeping, bestow upon you strength, energy, and will to save the residue of His flock, and reward you a thousand fold, the prayer of your servants,
&c., &c., &c.
By the help of God.
Jassy,Monday, 15th Sivan, 5627.
To the benevolent of heart, the desire of the eye of Jacob,Head of the children of Israel, Prince of our brethren,SirMoses Montefiore, Bart.,&c., &c., &c.
The eyes of all Israel in the province of Moldavia are directed to you for salvation and consolation, to deliver them out of the power of their enemies, for no violence is to be found in their hands.
Surely the man Moses will rouse himself as a lion for the rescue of his people, as he has done in days of old, and in former years, to deliver his brethren, the house of Israel, from their sorrow and distress.
May Heaven's blessing rest on his head, inspire his heart, and prosper all the works of his hands.
(Signed)Jesias Bhor,Chief Rabbi of Jassy,On behalf of the whole congregation.
END OF VOL. II
Transcriber's Notes.1. Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as possible.2.The cover image was produced by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.3. Page iv: The Reference to 'Page 6' in the caption,"ANCIENT COAT OF ARMS OF THE MONTEFIORE FAMILY,explained on page 6.", refers to Page 6, Volume I.