Newport in Newport County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)

The Letter from Moses Seixas

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 6, 2023

1. The Letter from Moses Seixas Marker

Inscription.

The Letter from Moses Seixas. . The Letter from Moses Seixas, Warden of the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island to President George Washington, August 17, 1790., To the President of the United States of America.

Sir,, Permit the children of the Stock of Abraham to approach you with the most cordial affection and esteem for your person and merits - and to join with our fellow citizens in welcoming you to Newport., With pleasure we reflect of those days - those days of difficulty, and danger, when the God of Israel, who delivered David from the peril of the sword, - shielded your head in the day of battle: - and we rejoice to think, that same spirit, who rested in the bosom of the greatly beloved Daniel enabling him to preside over the provinces of the Babylonish Empire, rests and ever will rest, upon you, enabling you to discharge the arduous duties of Chief Magistrate in these states., Deprived as we heretofore have been of the invaluable rights of free citizens, we now with a deep sense of gratitude to the almighty disposer of all events behold a government, erected by the majesty of the people - a government, which to bigotry gives no sanction, to persecution no assistance - but generously affording to all liberty of conscience, and immunities of citizenship: - deeming every one, of whatever nation, tongue, or language equal parts of the great government machine: - This so ample and extensive Federal Union whose basis is philanthropy, mutual confidence and public virtue, we cannot but acknowledge to be the work of the great God, who ruleth in the Armies of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the Earth, doing whatever seemeth him good., For all these blessings of civil and religious liberty which we enjoy under an equal benign administration, we desire to send up our thanks to the ancient of days, the great preserver of men - beseeching him, that the angel who conducted our forefathers through the wilderness into the promised land, may graciously conduct you through all the difficulties and dangers of this mortal life: - and, when, like Joshua full of days and full of honour, you are gathered to your fathers, may you be admitted into the heavenly paradise to partake of the Water of Life, and the Tree of Immortality., Done and signed by the Order of the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island August 17th 1790. Moses Seixas Warden

In memory of my grandfather Max Levy and my great grandfathers Julius Engel and Isaac Levy, Presidents of Congregation Jeshuat Israel between 1894 and 1924.

The Letter from Moses Seixas, Warden of the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island to President George Washington, August 17, 1790.

To the President of the United States of America

Sir,

Permit the children of the Stock of Abraham to approach you with the most cordial affection and esteem for your person and merits - and to join with our fellow citizens in welcoming you to Newport.

With pleasure we reflect of those days - those days of difficulty, and danger, when the God of Israel, who delivered David from the peril of the sword, - shielded your head in the day of battle: - and we rejoice to think, that same spirit, who rested in the bosom of the greatly beloved Daniel enabling him to preside over the provinces of the Babylonish Empire, rests and ever will rest, upon you, enabling you to discharge the arduous duties of Chief Magistrate in these states.

Deprived as we heretofore have been of the invaluable rights of free citizens, we now with a deep sense of gratitude to the almighty disposer of all events behold a government, erected by the majesty of the people - a government, which to bigotry gives no sanction, to persecution no assistance - but generously affording to all liberty of conscience, and immunities of citizenship: - deeming every one,
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of whatever nation, tongue, or language equal parts of the great government machine: - This so ample and extensive Federal Union whose basis is philanthropy, mutual confidence and public virtue, we cannot but acknowledge to be the work of the great God, who ruleth in the Armies of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the Earth, doing whatever seemeth him good.

For all these blessings of civil and religious liberty which we enjoy under an equal benign administration, we desire to send up our thanks to the ancient of days, the great preserver of men - beseeching him, that the angel who conducted our forefathers through the wilderness into the promised land, may graciously conduct you through all the difficulties and dangers of this mortal life: - and, when, like Joshua full of days and full of honour, you are gathered to your fathers, may you be admitted into the heavenly paradise to partake of the Water of Life, and the Tree of Immortality.

Done and signed by the Order of the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island August 17th 1790.
Moses Seixas
Warden

In memory of my grandfather Max Levy and my great grandfathers Julius Engel and Isaac Levy, Presidents of Congregation Jeshuat Israel between 1894 and 1924.

Erected 2017 by Stephen B. Kay and Family.

Topics and series. This historical

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 6, 2023

2. The Letter from Moses Seixas Marker

marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Government & Politics • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 17, 1790.

Location. 41° 29.377′ N, 71° 18.743′ W. Marker is in Newport, Rhode Island, in Newport County. Marker is on Touro Street east of Spring Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker stands on the grounds of Patriots Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 60 Touro St, Newport RI 02840, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Famous Letter by President George Washington (here, next to this marker); Charlotte Burleigh House (a few steps from this marker); Touro Synagogue (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Touro Synagogue (within shouting distance of this marker); Gideon Cornell House (within shouting distance of this marker); The New Jersey House (within shouting

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distance of this marker); Buffum-Redwood House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elisha Johnson House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 75 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 11, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.