Читать книгу The American Jew as Patriot, Soldier and Citizen - Simon Wolf - Страница 27

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The commemoration of the first battle field of the Revolutionary War by a monument was made possible through a liberal contribution by Judah Touro. The proceedings of the Committee charged with the erection on Bunker Hill of a memorial to the patriots and heroes who laid the foundation of the Union, include a grateful acknowledgment of Touro's assistance.

The history of the monument, published by George Washington Warren, contains the following statement (page 283): "It was confidentially communicated to the Directors by Mr. William Appleton that whenever the Association, in addition to a like offer of Mr. Lawrence, should have money enough within ten thousand dollars ($10,000) to finish their work, Judah Touro would give that sum. It was a noble offer, and coming from a resident of a distant State, curiosity was excited."

Then follows a biographical sketch of this eminent citizen, concluding as follows: "He was one of that smallest of all classes into which mankind can be divided—of men who accumulate wealth without even doing a wrong, taking an advantage, or making an enemy; who become rich without being avaricious: who deny themselves the comforts of life, that they may acquire the means of promoting the comfort and elevating the condition of their fellowmen."

To complete the monument a fair (at which delegates from all the States attended) was held in Boston by ladies in aid of the building fund. The delegation from Louisiana, in their capacity as representatives of that State, purchased the fine model of the monument which adorned the Charleston table and they caused it to be transported to New Orleans and to be placed, in honor of Judah Touro, in one of the public buildings where it remained until it was destroyed with the building by fire.

In the abstract of donations (page 311) received from private sources, the gross sum is stated as $55,153.27, of which Judah Touro donated $10,000.

At a meeting of the Board of Directors the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:

"Resolved, That the Directors receive the contribution of Mr. Touro with sentiments of deep and grateful respect, considering it as a testimonial of his regard for the principles and the contest for which, and its successful issue, the monument is intended to commemorate, and his affectionate recollection of the friends of his youth and the place of his early residence.

"Resolved, That John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster, Joseph Story, Edward Everett and Franklin Dexter be appointed a committee to prepare an inscription for a tablet to be placed in the monument stating the object for which it is erected and recording the liberality of Judah Touro and Amos Lawrence, and the successful exertions of the daughters of those patriots whose memory we would perpetuate—donations and labor which have placed in the possession of the Directors a fund sufficient to complete this memorial of one of the most important events in the history of our country." (Page 312.)

On June 17, 1843, a banquet was held in Fanueil Hall, to celebrate the completion of the monument. Governor Marcus Morton, who was suffering from indisposition, was unable to attend, but sent a letter which was read. The two great benefactors of the Association were remembered by the following: (Page 330.)

"Amos and Judah, venerated names,

Patriarch and Prophet press their equal claims,

Like generous coursers running 'neck and neck,'

Each aids the work by giving it a check. Christian and Jew, they carry out one plan, For though of different faiths each is in heart a MAN."