Guide to the Papers of the Seixas Family, undated, 1746-1911, 1926, 1939
 
*P-60

A book titled A voyage to Hudson's Bay, by the Dobbs Galley and California, in the years 1746 and 1747 for discovering a North West Passage: With an accurate Survey of the Cc(r)aft and a short National History of the country. Together with a fair view of the facts and arguments from which the future finding of such a passage is rendered probable. The author of this work is Henry Ellis and there are photographs in the book as well. The inside front cover contains a poem and the date July 19, 1750, onboard the Maria.

Sephardic Rite Siddur, weekday and Shabbat, without covers, broken in half. Moshe Mendes' name appears inside. There is an inscription to Reverend Isaac B. Seixas from Theodore Seixas, Richmond, Nissan 5585. Note inside from Jonas N. Phillips. The Siddur was presented to him by M. Seixas, son of the late Reverend Isaac B. Seixas, his Hebrew teacher on August 23, 1828(?). Written in English is the prayer for the welfare of the American Government. There is also a small white piece of paper inside the Siddur with the prayer Kail melech yosheiv al cisay Rachmim, written in a combination of Hebrew Rashi script and block letters.

On the binding the words Sanhedrin and Jacob Seixas are written. The name A. Solomon Seixas and New York10 September, 1821 and E. Seixas all appear inside the front cover along with the note that Dr. K. Kohler presented this book to his best friend in New York13 April 1823. The title of this work is Procès-Verbal Des Séances De L'Assemble'e Des Députés Français. Professant La Religion Juive: Imprint d'aprés le Manuscrit communiqué par M.le Président. A Paris, 1806. This book is a copy of the printed proceedings of the Great Sanhedrin in France.

This folder contains six items:

Item #1: Photograph of a plaque in honor of Moses Mendes Seixas, 1926
This plaque was erected by his great grandson, Captain N. Taylor Phillips. He is honored for his presidency in Congregation Jeshuat Israel, fighting in the Revolutionary War, being grandmaster of masons in Rhode Island, and founder of the Bank of Rhode Island. The plaque is dated 5686-1926.

Item #2: Family Record, 1748-1902, undated
An original family record, as well as a photocopy. Eleven typed pages and an additional cover page, with various symbols from the typewriter along the top and bottom of the cover.
The compiler of the information does not give his name, however he is most likely Hyman Levy Seixas, who was a son of Benjamin and Zipporah Seixas, as he writes "my Dear Father/Mother." Dates of births, deaths and marriages of the entire family are recorded.
The family records of the compiler's wife, Abigail N. Cardozo, are also recorded.

Item #3: Coat of Arms, undated
A drawing of the family's coat of arms. There is a shield with five birds, each in a different flight position. There is a helmet and leaves, forming arms at the top of the shield and a bird rests upon the helmet. At the bottom of the drawing is the name Seixas.
On the back of this sheet of paper is a taped piece of paper, small, with red trim that says "Coat of Arms family of Gershom Mendes Seixas." It also appears to say the word "Rabbi" but it is difficult to make out the other word.

Item #4: Coat of Arms, undated
Photograph of another picture of a coat of arms. The center of the picture contains a circle, with stripes, with three fish-like creatures overlapping each other. There is also some design around the center, in the appearance of leaves and circular objects. On the back of the photograph the words "Arms, Seixas family of Lisbon Portugal" are written. A section of the photograph is ripped, presumably from the way it was placed in the folder; both pieces are present.

Item #5: Photograph of the Seixas Family pedigree, undated
This family tree shows the parents of the lineage, Isaac Mendes Seixas and Rachel Levy, and all of the subsequent generations of the family. The children are all listed, as well as the names of their spouses, and birth and death dates where known.

Item #6: Photograph of Moses Mendes Seixas, undated
A 8x10" photograph that contains, in the center, a picture of a painting of Moses' face and shoulders. The picture of him is centered in a dark square frame and is oval. He has dark curly hair and a short beard. He is wearing a white shirt with a high collar.

This folder contains six items:

Item #1: Property evaluation, July 2, 1829
Thick, folded over original document from Charleston. On the back of this document are the first two words of the text: "We the subscribers." It seems as though the person who was drafting the document erred in the way he was writing and turned over the paper, and wrote on the other side.
The signers of this document had been called upon to examine the conditions of a lot in Champruey's(?) Alley with the ruins of an old building upon it. The property seems to belong to the young children of Isaac M. Seixas, who is deceased. They find the building very destroyed, without a roof, with the lower floor ripped up and falling through. They also certify that the building had been authorized to be demolished because of its state and the likelihood that it would fall on its own.

Item #2: Letter from Joshua Seixas to Elizabeth, February 22, 1834
The letter is in response to Elizabeth's letter to Joshua. Elizabeth is Joshua's student. He apologizes for the delay in his response to her. He cites his reasons as 1) being away from home, 2) his eyes were weak at the time he received the letter, and 3) he had been waiting to receive a certain grammar book. He remarks that he was happy to hear that Elizabeth had told him about her love for heavenly things and a newfound religiousness and spirituality. He discusses the fact that it is impossible to love Christ and one's parents. He calls Jesus Christ l-rd, and expresses his wish that his family imitate his ways. He continues by praising Jesus' faith in G-d and the commandment to follow Jesus and his ways. [Note: there is both the use of Hebrew terms and talk about Jesus in this document. Elizabeth's ancestors were religious people, and she has strayed from Judaism.]
The next section of the letter expresses Jacob's concern over hearing about Elizabeth's mother's misfortune, although he does not say what the misfortune is. He then goes on to discuss the problems he is having with his eyesight and his compulsion to give up the Concordance he was working on as well as his Hebrew Grammar book for several weeks. He concludes the letter by wishing pleasure to Elizabeth and her entire family and signs it "your sincere friend, J. Seixas."

Item #3: Account record, circa 1839
Original document. A half sheet of paper, column on the right hand side with a list of numbers, set aside from the words of the document by a double vertical line.
The document is a record of money and shares in companies owned by the deceased Moses Seixas.

Item #4: Account record, continuation of above, circa 1839
Two separate original pages, containing writing on both sides of the documents. As with the previous document, there are lists of prices on the right column of the page, separated from the main text of the document by a double line on the sheet of paper. Both pages are beginning to tear along the folded crease in the middle of the page.
The two pages are detailed accounts listing furniture and other items found in various rooms of a house and their value. These items and their prices reflect the amount of money raised at an auction.

Item #5: October 29, 1846. Contract, October 29, 1846
Original document, contract signed by Jacob B. Seixas, Jonas B. Phillips and Richard Lawrence. In the top center of the document is a symbol that contains a man and a woman standing on two sides of a shield. The man is holding a sword and scales of justice; the woman is holding a long rod. In the shield is the image of a sun setting behind a mountain, overlooking a body of water. There are bushes behind the man and woman as well as an eagle with its wings spread on top of the shield. There are three red dots on the lower right hand corner of the paper in a vertical position.
This contract is a loan document, wherein the three men promise to return four hundred dollars that they borrowed.

Item #6: Estate of H. M. Seixas, April-June, 1867
Four attached pieces of paper about the estate and death of H.M. Seixas. Alfred M. Seixas is the Executor, H.M. Seixas may have been his mother Hannah. His father Abraham Mendes Seixas was known to have died in 1867, yet the deceased initials appear to be H.M. The pages are held together by a straight pin.
Page 1: Dated May 17, 1867. On May 22, at noon there will be an inventory of all of H.M. Seixas' belongings, for all who are interested in the deceased estate.
Page 2: From the County of New York Surrogate's office, dated June 3, 1867. A statement that everything reported to have been found during the inventory is accurate.
Page 3: A statement by witnesses and the appraiser that the articles and objects he found in the deceased's possession were declared honestly. The document is light blue and printed.
Page 4: Titled Inventory and Appraisement of the Personal Estate of H.M. Seixas. Handwritten on a lined sheet of paper and signed by the appraiser. It lists possessions and their value. There is also a stamp worth five cents stuck to the paper. On top of the stamp is printing that says "April 18, 67."

The book is soft covered, six inches by seven inches. On the cover it says Moses Seixas-his book, December 3, 1755. There is writing from a later date in pencil on the cover but it is virtually illegible. At the top of the cover it says "My grandfather, Rebecca Phillips." On the cover is also a picture of a profile of a man.
There are twelve drawings in this book, each on its own page.
The first three drawings are of trees, one contains color and the others are in pencil.
The next five drawings are of various houses and their surroundings. Most of the works are in gray and one contains a small amount of brown writing.
The next three pictures are of animals and have brown, green, gray and yellow writing.
The last picture is small, in numerous colors, of a house and the land around it.
There are several blank pages at the end of the book.

Letter to Moses Seixas from Abraham Abrahams, dated June 1, 1772. The folder contains the original document as well as a photocopy. The original is six and a half pages, written on both sides of the paper. At the end of the letter is a list of the names of 21 people that Moses Seixas circumcised from 1775-1796.
He is sending Moses these instructions as per the request of Moses' father, because he wants to become a mohel.
After instructing him to have a good heart and a mixture of courage and tenderness, he gives step by-step instructions on how to perform a circumcision. He tells him every step of the process and which phrases to recite.

Owned by Moses Seixas.

(See Oversized folder OS1 #1)

The folder contains five items:

Item #1, March 2, 1797
Two attached pages. From the district of the City of New York.
The document is a statement by Moses Seixas that the items have been delivered from St. Thomas aboard the Brig James Weston on March 2, 1797.
The second page lists the items being imported: four trunks of clothing, two cases, and beds and bedding. Both pages are signed by Moses Seixas. On the back of the second page the words "Moses Seixas B. entry Brig James March 2, 1797" are written.

Item #2, May 20, 1799
Entry of baggage, imported by Moses Seixas. Small original sheet of paper that appears to have been attached to another document that is not in the folder.
The back of the document has the words "Moses Seixas, B. entry Ship Three Sisters 20 May 99"
The shipment came from Havanna (sic), to New York on May 20, 1799 and contained four trunks of clothes, two beds and bedding, and one small box of sea stories. The Ship Three Sisters carried the items and has been recorded by Charles White, Master of the port, and signed by Moses Seixas.

Item #3, December 31, 1806
(See Oversized folder OS1 #1)
Invoice of cargo shipped by Moses Seixas, Edward Easton, John Price, Jr., and William Price. The cargo was shipped from Newport, Rhode Island on board the Brig Eagle John Clarke Master, bound for Africa.
The invoice lists items that were sent to Africa, including candles, soap, tobacco, various fishes, meats and other grocery items. The amount of each item is listed, along with its value, which is tallied at the end of the document for a total of $11,750.

Item #4, January-February 1807
(See Oversized folder OS1 #1)
A settlement of accounts between the owners of the Brig Eagle, John Clarke Master Voyage to Africa. The owners are Edward Easton, John Price, Jr., William Price, and Moses Seixas. Lists dates and prices of the transactions.

Item #5, May 31, 1809
(See Oversized folder OS1 #1)
A settlement of accounts between the owners of the ships Union, Brig. Eagle, and Brig. Hiram. The owners are Edward Easton, John Price, Jr., William Price, and Moses Seixas. Lists dates and prices of the transactions.

An original document one page in length dated Newport, February 28, 1803.
Moses does not write whom the letter is addressed to, but uses the word "sir." It can be inferred that the man he is writing to is of some political position, as he asks him to please give professional assistance and support to a petition. The petition regards a debt and a lottery is the only means of absolving the debt.

One page, original document, divided into two parts.
The first half of the page is signed by Moses Seixas and testifies that his mortgage from November 1, 1808 has been redeemed and discharged-dated May 2, 1809.
The second part is a statement by an officer of the State of New York that Moses Seixas has come before him and has done what he has written in the top section of the document.

The folder contains a small soft covered book entitled The Charter and By-Laws of St. John's lodge No. 1, Newport, Rhode Island. The cover is black but has many brown aging spots. Inside the front cover is a note written by N. Taylor Phillips in 5650, 1890. He writes that the book belonged to Moses Seixas, first master of St. John's Lodge F. & A.M. of Newport, Rhode Island. He was also cashier of the Bank of Rhode Island at Newport. He died in New York City on November 29, 1809 and was buried in the Ancient Cemetery of the Jewish Nation in Newport. N. Taylor Phillips concludes by saying that Moses was his great grandfather.
The book is 26 pages and is divided into two sections: charter and by-laws. At the end of the book is a six and a half page index. The total number of pages is 33.

These letters are copies of originals that belong to Congregation Shearith Israel in New York. The folder contains three sections of letters.
The first section of papers contains two letters, plus copies of each. Both are from Gershom Mendes Seixas to Hayman Levy.

Letter #1: December 21, 1783, Philadelphia
One page and a line onto the second page. At the center of the first page the word "Confidential" is written. The letter concerns Gershom's questioning and doubts in remaining a Chazan. He is deciding whether or not to take the position of hazzan in Shearith Israel in New York. He has fears about going to this congregation for several reasons:
1) He does not understand the Spanish-Portuguese language that is used there.
2) He also has heard that there is a growing rift in the congregation that is resulting in a disunity in serving G-d.
3) He has a family to support and therefore needs a guarantee that he will receive a salary equal to that which he is receiving in Philadelphia or he will have to take on a new profession. He expresses his desire to go to New York, if he can be paid sufficiently and a mode of public worship is agreed upon.
Gershom wishes his friend luck in his position as president and concludes by telling him to do what he knows is right.

Letter #2: March 15, 1784, Philadelphia
One page. Gershom has accepted the Shearith Israel position (not mentioned in this letter) and says that he hopes to reach New York the following week. He says that he would rather wait until Ros Hodes Iyar as he will be more prepared to leave and more able to take his family with him. If this is not possible, he will leave as soon as possible until after Pesach. He also notes that the junta and Parnas of his present synagogue are angry with him for not giving sufficient notice that he is quitting. He waits to hear from Hyman when he is expected and desired in New York.
The second set of pages is a three-page document, typed, connected by a clip.
The document is about Gershom's involvement with Columbia College, as he was a trustee, appointed on April 13, 1787. This position is significant in that it shows that the University allowed a Jew to serve as a trustee. Seixas, however, was the only Jewish trustee until the 20^th century.
In 1754, Trinity Church donated land to the University on the condition that the president always be an Episcopalian. The act of 1784 repealed this as it states that the president must be elected and no one can be considered ineligible.
Columbia College made specific attempts to incorporate people from all religions into its membership and Seixas' appointment is thus significant. They also note that Seixas was a close friend of several officers in the University who were of different dominations.
The third section contains "Unpublished letters of the Rev. Gershom Mendes Seixas." There are nine pages, all numbered except the first, typed on yellow sheets of paper that are tearing along the folds.

Page 1 and 2
An introduction-by the person who has the originals of these letters. He writes that the letters concern Seixas' time as hazzan in Shearith Israel and points out the some of the letters are interesting due to the inability of the Trustees to agree on even the most modest demands of their preacher.
Seixas was born in New York on January 14, 1745 to Isaac Mendes Seixas and Rachel Levy. He became hazzan on Tamuz 1, 5528 and replaced Joseph Jessurun Pinto. He was trustee of Columbia College from 1787-1815. He was greatly esteemed and often many Episcopalian ministers would come to hear him chant. He left New York in 1776 and returned on two occasions, to officiate at two marriages. He died on Tuesday July 2, 1816 and was buried in the cemetery belonging to Shearith Israel.

Pages 3-4
The same letter as letter #1 in the first section of this folder.

Page 5. September 22, 1785, New York. Gershom Mendes Seixas to the Trustees of K.K. Shearith Israel
Gershom tells the congregation Trustees that due to his great expenses since his move from Philadelphia, he needs assurance that his salary will be paid on time. If they cannot supply him with his basic living needs, he will have to find a different means of making a living. He restates that his payment is fifty pounds every three lunar months and the sum of money needed to purchase six cords of Hickory wood and perquisites usually given to the hazzan. He also reminds them that there is a balance owed to him from 1776.

Page 6. September 28, 1786. Gershom Mendes Seixas to the Chairman and Trustees of K.K. Shearith Israel
On behalf of Ms. Jesse Judah, Gershom requests that she be given a seat in the synagogue. The Chairman had ignored her request, and she would like seats for herself and her daughters and will pay the same price as the other women in the society.
Gershom states that in order to promote peace in the synagogue, he hopes that the Trustees will grant Mrs. Judah's request.

Page 7. September 29, 1786. Tishri 7, 5547, New York. Gershom Mendes Seixas to Mr. Benjamin Seixas, Chairman
This letter again regards Mrs. Judah and her daughters. Although it is not mentioned explicitly, it seems as though there was an argument between Mrs. Judah and the Trustees. Gershom states that as a Jew, he cannot allow this matter to go before the civil court. He apologizes that the Trustees have a different opinion and wants to stop his involvement in the issue.

Page 8. August 13, 1789, New York. Gershom Mendes Seixas to Mr. Ephraim Hart
Response to a letter from Mr. Hart on the previous day, regarding a conversation they had the previous Sunday. Gershom requests that Mr. Hart inform the Trustees that they and the Congregation may not insist that they perform in the service.
He proposes a salary of 180 pounds per annum, 6 cords of Hickory wood and matzot and he will give ten pounds a year to Charity. He proposes to be paid quarterly and hopes that his arrangement is satisfactory to the Trustees.

Page 9. No date or opening to the letter. Gershom Mendes Seixas to Mr. Isaac Moses, President of K.K. Shearith Israel, New York
The terms of the agreement signed by the President in regards to his salary are inconsistent with the original agreement and he can therefore not agree to them.

The original letter is on one page, written on both sides. Gershom has not received any response from his previous two letters. Much of the letter has faded and is illegible. However in one section that is readable, Gershom discusses certain aspects of Jewish mourning and makes references to the Sulchan Aruch, Code of Jewish Law.

(Use Copies)

(Restricted) (See Oversized folder OS1 #2)

The folder contains original documents as well as photocopies. Researchers are given access only to photocopies. There are seventeen letters in the folder, dating from November 4, 1813 to May 1815. All of the letters are on long sheets of paper.
The letters include several Hebrew words and references to Jewish holidays and Jewish thought. They also contain information and anecdotes about the family. Several of the letters are described here in detail; others are noted for their outstanding information. Attached to all the letters are pieces of paper that have Sarah's husband's name, Mr. I.B. Kursheedt, Merchant, Richmond, Virginia.

Letter #1: November 4, 1813, Thursday.
Three pages long. The letter is from Gershom to his daughter Sarah, and opens with his expressions of joy that she is feeling better. He also discusses the idea that often things occur in different ways than we have planned, but it is for the best that they turn out the way they do. He feels that everything that happens is al pi hagoral-written in Hebrew, by lottery-we have no control over why things happen. There is no point in lamenting, our chief duty is to be reconciled with our lot.
He continues by saying that whereas Kursheedt wrote in Hebrew, he writes in English and thanks "the great Creator" for healing her. Gershom also offers various bits of information about other members of the family and the experiences he has had recently.

Letter #2: November 10, 1813, New York
Three pages plus an additional paragraph. He discusses his happiness in the improvement in the condition of Elkalah as well as the recent arrival of Sarah's aunt, who has come to stay with Gershom. He asks Sarah about her ease or difficulty in obtaining her citron and myrtle, items used on Sukkot. Gershom also offers other bits of gossip about the Parnas and his new daughter.
In this letter; as in the one previous, Gershom offers his blessing to his daughter that the G-d of Israel bless her.

Letter #3: November 18, 1813, New York
Two pages. Gershom writes that Sarah, whom he calls Sally, should not be over exerting herself until she feels better. He chastises her for writing to him and says better she wait until she is in good health and then write to him about all that has happened. He tells her several anecdotes pertaining to the family and wishes her his hope that she feels better soon.

Letter #4: November 24, 1813, New York
Two pages and several lines. The last page is a note from David G. Seixas who has forwarded the letter to I.B. Kursheedt and says that part of the letter was for him, from his father, and the rest is for Sarah.
The letter describes what has been going on in the family as well as various prices of etrogim and lulavim that they sold to make money.

Letter #5: January 29, 1814, Monday, New York
Slightly longer than three pages; the last page contains the notation that I.B. Kursheedt received the letter.
At his daughter's request, Gershom talks about the troubles and problems the family is facing as Gershom is having difficulties commuting due to his age. As in previous letters, he offers numerous anecdotes and incidents that have occurred since their last correspondence.

Letter #6: February 4, 1814, New York
Two and a half pages plus the note of receipt. Gershom mentions in this letter that he wrote a request to the Congregation, calling for a day of fasting and humiliation because of the disasters in the Ma'arivit Tzifonit, written in Hebrew, and to collect money to aid the people in that area. He developed an order of prayers to be said and observed. He also speaks of the other things he has been doing. Prayers are from the Rosh Hashana and Shabbat liturgy, including a prayer for the government and a short address in English.

Letter #7: March 22, 1814, New York
Three pages and a paragraph. Gershom thanks her for her Purim present-says he hopes that she receives the letter before the great Sabbath before Passover.

Letter #8: April 15, 1814, New York
Three and a half pages. Gershom refers to the two great men, Raish Lakish and Rabeinu Gershom (written in Hebrew) who while they were both great, did not get along. He tells of a story between these two men who were both esteemed and had many followers. He brings this story to show Sarah that while he and her husband may have differences of opinion, he does not want him to say that he is right, rather to show him that he is wrong.

Letter #9: May 5, 1814, New York
Slightly less than three pages. He is happy to hear that Sarah is in full health.

Letter #10: May 15, 1814, New York
Three pages. Gershom talks about going to synagogue and having to leave early. He tells her what he has done during the days before writing this letter.

Letter #11: July 11, 1814, New York
Three pages and one paragraph. Gershom has to stay in the house due to the rain. The letter is filled with references to Shabbat, things happening in the synagogue, and a brit milah.

Letter #12: August 8, 1814, New York
Three pages and several lines. Nothing new has occurred. Gershom talks about the way in which things that are true one day are false the next. He refers to Hebrew dates when he received and sent her letters. He writes a few lines in Hebrew-"I have written the preceding lines in square characters-that all Jews may be able to read it."

Letter #13: September 25, 1814, New York
Two and a half pages. Gershom thanks Sarah for always inquiring about his welfare. He talks about the fact that he tried to write several times before Yom Kippur but did not have enough time.

Letter #14: Undated
Three and a half pages. Gershom describes the Purim festivities he enjoyed with the family.

Letter #15: May 24, 1815, New York
Two pages. Gershom writes to his daughter Grace. The first part of the letter is a note from her brother Henry that the family is well. Gershom writes that he is feeling better than when Grace left him.

Letter #16: September 26, 1812, Monday Evening, Philadelphia
One page. The top part of the page is from David to Dr. Kursheedt, concerning various synagogue affairs. The bottom part is to Mr. Hyman Marks that his wife fasted well and is waiting to hear from him. It is written by DGZ(?).

Letter #17, undated
Two pages. Gershom writes to Sarah, although he does not sign the letter. He writes dear daughter and the handwriting corresponds to that of previous letters. Gershom talks about the second book of Kings. In response to something Sarah must have written about the name Shlomit-he discusses the negative aspect of the name because of the woman's namesake in this book.

Original document, long paper, folded vertically, three and a half pages. Mentions the 30^th chapter of Deuteronomy and the discussion of the commandment to walk in G-d's way. Gershom discusses the notion that people choose whether or not to follow in G-d's way, thereby affecting what good or evil shall come upon them. Man is a "free agent" and is responsible for all the transgressions he may commit.
Gershom says that because the ruling powers have declared war, it is their duty to "act as true and faithfull (sic) citizens, to support and preserve the honor, the dignity, and the independence of the United States of America!"
War is an evil and even David, who was a warrior, viewed war as the greatest of all punishments. Gershom calls to the people to pray to G-d for protection and a strengthening of faith and to get rid of the evil that is around them. He discusses the horrible conditions that many people have been faced with and the numerous deaths that have occurred.
He calls to his congregants to repent for their sins and to pray.
He concludes by announcing several additional prayers that the congregation will say on behalf of their fellow Jews who are in trouble. [Note: This sermon and the prayers mentioned in it are the subject of letter #6 to Sarah, found in the previous folder.]
The folder also includes a copy of the cover of Gershom Mendes Seixas' published Thanksgiving Sermon delivered in New York City on November 26, 1789. An article titled "A Fount of American Democracy," by Isidore S. Meyer, published in The Menorah Journal (October-December 1939) discusses this sermon.

This folder contains a series of letters from various people who are attempting to locate the information of David's birth date and other events in his life.

Letter #1: February 16, 1824
There is another document in the folder that is difficult to read due to the handwriting. It is a legal document written in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on February 16, 1824. It appears to be regarding a court settlement that involved David Seixas and Hyman Marks and concerns the amount of fifty thousand dollars.

Letter #2: January 15, 1911. Dr. Barnett A. Elzas to the Honorable N. Taylor Phillips
The Deaf Mutes of Philadelphia wish to construct a memorial to honor David for his founding of the Philadelphia Institution and request the dates of David's birth and death.

Letter #3: March 1, 1911. H. Van Allen to the Honorable N. Taylor Phillips
Asking for details about David's origins and career to be the subject of a magazine article. Van Allen has information from South Bend, Indiana that places David's birth at July 2, 1788 and his death on March 19, 1864. This data does not correspond with previous information that places the marriage of David's parents Gershom Mendes Seixas (second marriage) to Hannah Emanuel on November 1, 1789. He also requests the information regarding David's movements after he left Philadelphia.

Letter #4: March 3, 1911. Honorable N. Taylor Phillips to H. Van Allen
Response to Allen's March 1^st letter. Phillips has found that all authorities agree that the marriage between Gershom Mendes Seixas to Hannah Manuel, not Emanuel, took place on November 1, 1789.
He also supplies the additional information that David was a member of the Washington Lodge No. 21 F. and A.M. of New York City in 1807 and a soldier in the War of 1812. He states that he will attempt to obtain additional information about David.

Letter #5: March 7, 1911. Dr. Reid to the Honorable N. Taylor Phillips
Reid does not know the date of David's birth but maybe Manuel does.

Letter #6: April 12, 1911. Manuel A. Kursheedt to the Honorable N. Taylor Phillips
David was his grand uncle. Manuel's sister Serena has a Bible with recordings of significant dates for the family. David was born in the Hebrew month of Sivan, 1788. He figures out that Sivan is July and there appears to be a number seven before "July."

Letter #7: April 26, 1911. Manuel A. Kursheedt to the Honorable N. Taylor Phillips
The Bible has a recording of the death of Gershom's first wife on October 30, 1785. It also has the birth dates of several children but there is no data for Gershom's second marriage.

Letter #8: May 3, 1911. Honorable N. Taylor Phillips to Manuel A. Kursheedt
Wants to know how they can get the date of Gershom's second marriage.

Letter #9: May 15, 1911. M. Engel, President of Indiana Mirror Manufacturing Company to the Honorable N. Taylor Phillips
Engel writes that he has enclosed a copy of an inscription that Phillips requested. (The copy does not appear in the folder).

Letter #10: May 18, 1911. Honorable N. Taylor Phillips to H. Van Allen
Phillips writes that he has the Bible from Gershom's great granddaughter and that the information regarding his second marriage is not there. He states that the information received from South Bend, which placed David's birth on July 2, 1788 and the marriage on November 1, 1789 to be wrong.
Phillips also found out that David was Master Mason in the Washington Lodge in December of 1808. He says that he will try to gain information about the marriage from Philadelphia.

Letter #11: May 18, 1911. Honorable N. Taylor Phillips to Dr. Barnett A. Elzas
The dates of July 2, 1788; March 19, 1864; and March 21, 1864 as David's birth, death, and burial respectively, have been confirmed by the Society of Brotherly Love in South Bend, Indiana.

Letter #12: May 18, 1911. Honorable N. Taylor Phillips to M. Engel
Phillips thanks Engel for the copy of the record that he sent and asks for a copy of the tombstone as well.

12 letters (Separated from Box 2, Folder 9)

This folder contains two copies of a typescript of a petition dated September 21, 1775, that was copied from the Calendar New York Historical Manuscripts, Volume 1, p.152.
The petition appeals to the Committee of Safety for the Province of New York. The document is a call to members of the community who know how to fight, in light of the tensions between the colonies and the motherland, to be prepared and should "acquaint himself with military discipline." They also call for a meeting at least once a week for three months and a field day for each battalion at least once a month to ensure that people are prepared in case of a war.
The typist writes that this petition was signed by Benjamin Seixas and some fifteen other names.

This folder contains four items:

Item #1: September 22, 1791. Transaction Receipt
From New York. Small original piece of paper signed by Benjamin Seixas. The document is a receipt of a transaction between Benjamin Seixas and Mr. Nicholas Low.

Item #2: July 10, 1792. Complaint and Prison Warden's Statement
Two pages, attached by a ribbon, affixed with the seal of New York. Document is tearing along the perforations.
The first page discusses Benjamin's detainment because of a complaint against him by William Rogers.
The second page of these two is smaller, in a different handwriting than the first. It is written by Mr. Kofson (?), who states that Benjamin Seixas had been in his prison.

Item #3: September 12, 1792. Discussion of Promissory Notes
Original document, folded lengthwise with handwriting on two sides and a few lines on the third page. Signed by Benjamin Seixas and three others. The document discusses a series of transactions involving promissory notes that concern Benjamin Seixas, Richard Platt, Nicholas Low and Leonard Bleecker.

Item #4: January 15, 1799. Arrest Warrant
From Albany, New York. A small original document bearing an affixed seal. The document is an arrest warrant issued for Benjamin Seixas. There is illegible writing on the back of the document, written by Benjamin Seixas and the sheriff.

(See Oversized folder OS1 #1)

The document is a settlement of accounts between the owners of the ship Comet. The owners are Edward Easton, John Johnson, John Price, Jr., William Price, and Benjamin Seixas. Prices and dates of the transactions are noted.

Eight and a half pages, original document, a discourse from his time as minister of the Spanish Portuguese Congregation in Richmond, Virginia, circa 1828. The document is the eulogy given at the funeral of Isaac Hillel Judah, a member of the congregation. He begins his speech with a quote in Hebrew and English from Job, Chapter 14 "Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble." The speech is based on the concept that Job, although was faced with a tremendous amount of hardship, never lost his faith in G-d. He accepts the bad that happens to him with the good; Rabbi Seixas encourages the mourners to learn from Job. Mr. Judah, the man being eulogized had contributed greatly to the establishment of the congregation and was an honest upright man. The Rabbi stresses that Job and our forefathers suffered difficult times and did not despair; the members of his congregation should do the same.

This folder contains one item: Light blue sheet of paper. No date or city written upon it. It is a petition written by Isaac Seixas and signed by eight other individuals to the "appraisers of the customs." It is a petition recommending Mr. Henry McDermott for the position of Laborer in the public Store. The signers state that appointing him in this position would be doing them a great favor.

(Separated from Box 2, Folder 2)

(Separated from Box 2, Folder 2)

(Separated from Box 2, Folder 2)

(Separated from Box 2, Folder 14)