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Title: Diaries of Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore, Volume 1 (of 2)

Author: Sir Moses Montefiore
Lady Judith Cohen Montefiore

Editor: Louis Loewe

Release date: August 2, 2008 [eBook #26170]
Most recently updated: January 3, 2021

Language: English

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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DIARIES OF SIR
MOSES AND LADY MONTEFIORE, VOLUME 1 (OF 2) ***

Reproduced From A Photograph
On Porcelain In The Possession Of
Mrs Loewe Taken At The Age Of
80
HELIOG LEMERCIER Et Cie PARIS

DIARIES OF
SIR MOSES
AND LADY MONTEFIORE
COMPRISING THEIR LIFE AND WORK AS RECORDED
IN THEIR DIARIES FROM 1812 TO 1883.

WITH THE ADDRESSES AND SPEECHES OF SIR MOSES; HIS

CORRESPONDENCE WITH
MINISTERS, AMBASSADORS, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF PUBLIC
BODIES;
PERSONAL NARRATIVES OF HIS MISSIONS IN THE CAUSE OF
HUMANITY;
FIRMANS AND EDICTS OF EASTERN MONARCHS; HIS OPINIONS
ON
FINANCIAL, POLITICAL, AND RELIGIOUS SUBJECTS, AND
ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS REFERRING TO MEN
OF HIS TIME, AS RELATED BY HIMSELF.

EDITED BY
DR L. LOEWE,

MEMBER OF THE ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN
AND IRELAND OF THE SOCIETE
ASIATIQUE OF PARIS OF THE NUMISMATIC SOCIETY OF
LONDON, ETC (ONE OF THE
MEMBERS OF THE MISSION TO DAMASCUS AND
CONSTANTINOPLE UNDER
THE LATE SIR MOSES MONTEFIORE BART, IN THE YEAR 1840).

ASSISTED BY HIS SON.

In Two Volumes

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS

VOL. I.

CHICAGO:
BELFORD-CLARKE CO.
1890.

Ancient Coat Of Arms Of The Montefiore
Family, explained on page 6.
(The rights of translation and of reproduction are reserved.)
Copyright—Belford-Clarke Co., Chicago.

PREFACE.
In submitting to the public the Memoirs, including the Diaries, of Sir Moses
and Lady Montefiore, I deem it desirable to explain the motives by which I
have been actuated, as well as the sources from which most of my
information has been drawn.
The late Sir Moses Montefiore, from a desire to show his high appreciation
of the services rendered to the cause of humanity by Judith, Lady
Montefiore, his affectionate partner in life, directed the executors of his last
will "to permit me to take into my custody and care all the notes,
memoranda, journals, and manuscripts in his possession written by his
deeply lamented wife, to assist me in writing a Memoir of her useful and
blessed life."
The executors having promptly complied with these instructions, I soon
found myself in possession of five journals by Lady Montefiore, besides
many valuable letters and papers, including documents of great importance,
as well as of no less than eighty-five diaries of Sir Moses Montefiore,
dating from 1814 to 1883, all in his own handwriting.
In addition to such facilities for producing a Memoir, I had the special
advantage of personally knowing both Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore for
many years. There is an entry in the diaries referring to a dinner at the house
of one of their relatives on the 27th of November 1835 (where I met them
for the first time), and to a visit I subsequently paid them at East Cliff
Lodge, Ramsgate, by special invitation, from the 3rd to the 13th of
December of the same year.
I also had the privilege of accompanying them on thirteen philanthropic
missions to foreign lands, some of which were undertaken by both Sir
Moses and Lady Montefiore, and others by Sir Moses alone after Lady
Montefiore's death. The first of these missions took place in the year 1839,
and the last in 1874.

A no less important circumstance, which I may perhaps be allowed to
mention, is, that I was with Sir Moses on the last day of his life, until he
breathed his last, and had the satisfaction of hearing from his own lips,
immediately before his death, the expression of his approval of my humble
endeavours to assist him, as far as lay in my power, in attaining the various
objects he had in view.
However desirous I might have been to adhere strictly to his wishes, I found
it impossible to write a Memoir of Lady Montefiore without making it, at
the same time, a Memoir of Sir Moses himself, both of them having been so
closely united in all their benevolent works and projects. It appeared to me
most desirable, therefore, in order to convey to the reader a correct idea of
the contents of the book, to entitle it "The Diaries of Sir Moses and Lady
Montefiore."
In order, however, to comply with the instructions of the will, I shall, in
giving the particulars of their family descent, first introduce the parentage
of Lady Montefiore.
To assist the reader in finding the exact month and year referring to Hebrew
Communal affairs, I have always given the Hebrew date conjointly with
that of the Christian era, more especially as all the entries in the diaries
invariably have these double dates.
L. LOEWE.

1Oscar Villas, Broadstairs, Kent,
21st June 1887 (5647 a.m.).

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.
Birth of Sir Moses Montefiore
at Leghorn—His Family—
Early Years 1
CHAPTER II.
Early Education—Becomes a
Stockbroker—His Marriage 12
CHAPTER III.
Extracts from the Diaries—
Financial Transactions—Public
Events before and after and
after Waterloo—Elected
President of the Spanish and
Portuguese Hebrew
Community 19
CHAPTER IV.
Daily Life—Death of his
Brother Abraham—An early
Panama Canal Project 25
CHAPTER V.
First Journey to Jerusalem 36
CHAPTER VI.
Mr and Mrs Montefiore leave
Alexandria—A Sea Voyage
Sixty Years ago 47
CHAPTER VII.
Arrival in England—Illness of
Mr Montefiore—The Struggle
for Jewish Emancipation 55

CHAPTER VIII.
Lady Hester Stanhope—Her
Eccentricities—Parliament and
the Jews 63
CHAPTER IX.
Mr Montefiore presented to the
King—Spanish and Portuguese
Jews in London in 1829 69
CHAPTER X.
Interview with the Duke of
Wellington in furtherance of
the Jewish—Cause—The
Duke's Dilatory Tactics—
Laying the Foundation-stone
of the Synagogue at Hereson 78
CHAPTER XI.
Lord Brougham and the Jews
—The Jewish Poor in London
—Mr Montefiore hands his
Broker's Medal to his Brother
—Dedication of the
Synagogue at Hereson—The
Lords reject the Jewish
Disabilities Bill 86
CHAPTER XII.
Illness of Mr Montefiore—His
Recovery—Sir David
Salomons proposed as Sheriff
—Visit of the Duchess of Kent
and Princess Victoria to
Ramsgate—Mr Montefiore's
Hospitals—Naming of the
Vessel Britannia by Mrs
Montefiore—A Loan of
Fifteen Millions 93

CHAPTER XIII.
Death of Mr N. M. Rothschild
—Mr Montefiore visits Dublin
—Becomes the First Jewish
Member of the Royal Society
—Death of William IV.—Mr
Montefiore elected Sheriff 103
CHAPTER XIV.
The Jews' Marriage Bill—Mr
Montefiore at the Queen's
Drawing-Room—His
Inauguration as Sheriff 111
CHAPTER XV.
Death of Mr Montefiore's
Uncle—Mr Montefiore rides in
the Lord Mayor's Procession—
Is Knighted—His Speech at
the Lord Mayor's Banquet—
Presents Petition on behalf of
the Jews to Parliament 119
CHAPTER XVI.
Destruction of the Royal
Exchange—City Traditions
—"Jews' Walk"—Sir Moses
dines at Lambeth Palace 130
CHAPTER XVII.
Another Petition to Parliament
—Sir Moses intercedes
successfully for the Life of a
Convict—Death of Lady
Montefiore's Brother 137
CHAPTER XVIII.
Bartholomew Fair—Sir Moses 145
earns the Thanks of the City—
Preparations for a Second

Journey to the Holy Land—
The Journey—Adventures on
Road and River in France
CHAPTER XIX.
Genoa, Carrara, Leghorn, and
Rome—Disquieting Rumours
—Quarantine Precautions—
Arrival at Alexandria—Travel
in the Holy Land 153
CHAPTER XX.
Reception at Safed—Sad
Condition of the People—Sir
Moses' Project for the
Cultivation of the Land in
Palestine by the Jews—Death
of the Chief Rabbi of the
German Congregation in
Jerusalem—Tiberias 162
CHAPTER XXI.
Invitation from the Portuguese
Congregation at Jerusalem—
Sanitary Measures in the Holy
City—The Wives of the
Governor of Tiberias visit
Lady Montefiore—A Pleasant
Journey—Arrival at Jerusalem 171
CHAPTER XXII.
The Tomb of David—Spread
of the Plague—Mussulman
Fanaticism—Suspicious
Conduct of the Governor of
Jerusalem—Nayani, Beth
Dagon, Jaffa, Emkhalet, and
Tantura 180
CHAPTER XXIII.

Encampment near Mount
Carmel—State of the Country
—Child Marriages in the
Portuguese Community at
Haifa—Arrival in Beyrout 188
CHAPTER XXIV.
On Board the Acheron—Sir
Moses' Plans on behalf of the
Jews in Palestine—Interview
with Boghoz Bey—Proposed
Joint Stock Banks in the East 196
CHAPTER XXV.
Arrival at Malta—Home again
—Boghoz Bey returns no
Answer—Touching Appeal
from the Persecuted Jews of
Damascus and Rhodes—
Revival of the old Calumny
about killing Christians to put
their Blood in Passover Cakes 204
CHAPTER XXVI.
Indignation Meetings in
London—M. Crémieux—Lord
Palmerston's Action—Sir
Moses starts on a Mission to
the East—Origin of the
Passover Cake Superstition 213
CHAPTER XXVII.
Arrival at Leghorn—
Alexandria—Sir Moses'
Address to the Pasha—Action
of the Grand Vizir 222
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Authentic Accounts of the 229
Circumstances attending the

Accusations against the Jews
—Terrible Sufferings of the
Accused—Evidence of their
Innocence—Witnesses in their
favour Bastinadoed to Death
CHAPTER XXIX.
Affairs in the East—
Ultimatum from the Powers—
Gloomy Prospects of the
Mission—Negotiations with
the Pasha—Excitement in
Alexandria—Illness of Lady
Montefiore 240
CHAPTER XXX.
The English Government and
the Pasha—Mohhammad Ali
and the Slaves—The Pasha
promises to release the
DamascusPrisoners—He
grants them an "Honourable
Liberation" 248
CHAPTER XXXI.
Interview with the Pasha—
Liberation of the Jews of
Damascus—Public Rejoicings
and Thanksgiving—Departure
of Sir Moses for
Constantinople 256
CHAPTER XXXII.
Constantinople—Condition of
the Jewish Residents—
Interview with Rechid Pasha—
Audience with the Sultan—He
grants a Firman 266
CHAPTER XXXIII.

Distress among the Jews at
Salonica—Oppressive Laws
with regard to them—Text of
the Firman—Its Promulgation 275
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Departure from Malta—Naples
—Rome—A Shameful
Inscription—Prejudices against
the Jews at the Vatican 282
CHAPTER XXXV.
Monsignor Bruti and his Hints
—Cardinal Riverola—
Ineffectual Attempts to
Interview the Pope—Returning
Homewards—Alarming
Accident—The Governor of
Genoa—Interview with King
Louis Philippe 289
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Home again—Sir Moses
presents a Facsimile of the
Firman to the Queen—Her
Majesty's Special Mark of
Favour—Reform Movement
among the London Jews—
Appeal for English Protection
from the Jews in the East 298
CHAPTER XXXVII.
Presentation from Hamburg—
Sir Moses meets the King of
Prussia—Address to Prince
Albert—Attempt on the
Queen's Life—Petitions to Sir
Moses from Russia 305
CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Address and Testimonial from
the Jews—Sir Moses' Speech
in reply—Death of the Duke of
Sussex—The Deportation
Ukase in Russia—Opening of
the New Royal Exchange—Sir
Moses made Sheriff of Kent 313
CHAPTER XXXIX.
Affairs in Morocco—Letter to
the Emperor—His Reply—
Deputation to Sir Robert Peel
—Death of Lady Montefiore's
Brother Isaac—Sir Moses sets
out for Russia 320
CHAPTER XL.
Perils of Russian Travelling in
Winter—Arrival at St
Petersburg—Interviews with
Count Nesselrode and the Czar
—Count Kisseleff's Prejudices 328
CHAPTER XLI.
Count Kisseleff is more
Conciliatory—Sir Moses sets
out for Wilna—Arrival at
Wilna—The Jews' Answers to
the Charges of Russian
Officials 336
CHAPTER XLII.
The Jewish Schools at Wilna—
Wilcomir—Deplorable
Condition of the Hebrew
Community in that Town—
Kowno—Warsaw 344
CHAPTER XLIII.

Deputation from Krakau—The
Polish Jews and their Garb—
Sir Moses leaves Warsaw—
Posen, Berlin, and Frankfort—
Home 351
CHAPTER XLIV.
Sir Moses receives the
Congratulations of his English
Co-religionists—His
Exhaustive Report to Count
Kisseleff—Examination of the
Charges against the Jews—
Their Alleged Disinclination to
engage in Agriculture 359
CHAPTER XLV.
Report to Count Ouvaroff on
the State of Education among
the Jews in Russia and Poland
—Vindication of the Loyalty
of the Jews 374
CHAPTER XLVI.
Report to Count Kisseleff on
the State of the Jews in Poland
—Protest against the
Restrictions to which they
were subjected 381
CHAPTER XLVII.
The Czar's Reply to Sir Moses'
Representations—Count
Ouvaroff's Views—Sir Moses
again writes to Count Kisseleff
—Sir Moses is created a
Baronet 385

DIARIES OF

Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore

CHAPTER I.
BIRTH OF SIR MOSES MONTEFIORE AT LEGHORN—HIS
FAMILY—EARLY YEARS.

The neighbourhood of the Tower of London was, a hundred years ago, the
centre of attraction for thousands of persons engaged in financial pursuits,
not so much on account of the protection which the presence of the garrison
might afford in case of tumult, as of the convenience offered by the locality
from its vicinity to the wharves, the Custom House, the Mint, the Bank, the
Royal Exchange, and many important counting-houses and places of
business. For those who took an interest in Hebrew Communal Institutions,
it possessed the additional advantage of being within ten minutes or a
quarter of an hour's walk of the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue and the
Great German Synagogue, together with their Colleges and Schools, and
several minor places of worship.
Tower Hill, the Minories, and the four streets enclosing the Tenter Ground
were then favourite places of residence for the merchant; and in one of
these, Great Prescott Street, lived Levi Barent Cohen, the father of Judith,
afterwards Lady Montefiore.
He was a wealthy merchant from Amsterdam, who settled in England,
where fortune favoured his commercial undertakings.
In his own country his name is to this day held in great respect. He not only
during his lifetime kept up a cordial correspondence with his friends and
relatives—who were indebted to him for many acts of kindness—but,
wishing to have his name commemorated in the House of Prayer by some
act of charity, he bequeathed a certain sum of money to be given annually to
the poor, in consideration of which, he desired to have some of the Daily
Prayers offered up from the very place which he used to occupy in the
Synagogue of his native city.

He was a man, upright in all his transactions, and a strict adherent to the
tenets of his religion. He was of a very kind and sociable disposition, which
prompted him to keep open house for his friends and visitors, whom he
always received with the most generous hospitality. He was first married to
Fanny, a daughter of Joseph Diamantschleifer of Amsterdam, by whom he
had three children: two sons, Solomon and Joseph, and one daughter,
Fanny.
Solomon became the father-in-law of the late Sir David Salomons, and
Joseph the father of the late Mr Louis Cohen. Fanny married Salomon
Hyman Cohen Wessels, of Amsterdam, a gentleman who was well known at
that time for his philanthropy, and whose family, at the period of Napoleon
I., was held in great esteem among the aristocracy of Holland.
Mrs Levi Barent Cohen unfortunately died at an early age, and Mr Cohen
married her sister Lydia, by whom he had seven children: five daughters—
Hannah, Judith, Jessy, Adelaide, and Esther; and two sons—Isaac and
Benjamin.
Hannah became the wife of Mr N. M. Rothschild; Judith was married to Mr
Moses Montefiore; Jessy to Mr Davidson; Adelaide to Mr John Hebbert;
and Esther to Mr S. M. Samuel, the father of Mr George Samuel, and
grandfather of Baron Henry de Worms, M. P. Isaac became the father-in-
law of Baron Meyer de Rothschild, and Benjamin the father of Mr Arthur
Cohen, Q. C., and Mr Nath. B. Cohen.
Judith, one of the subjects of these Memoirs, was born, according to the
entry in one of Sir Moses' Diaries, on the 20th February 1784; her birthday,
however, was generally celebrated at East Cliff Lodge in the month of
October, in conjunction with another festivity held there on the first
Saturday after the Tabernacle Holidays.
With regard to most persons noted for their character or ability, there exists
a tradition of some unusual occurrence happening during their early life. In
the case of Lady Montefiore, there is an event which she once related to me
herself.
"When I was a little girl," she said, "about three or four years old, I fell over
the railing of a staircase, quite two storeys high, into the hall below.

Everybody in the house thought I must be killed, but when they came to
pick me up they found me quietly seated as if nothing in the world had
happened to me."
It was a characteristic of hers which was subsequently much noticed by
those around her, that, no matter in what circumstances she was placed,
when others were excited or depressed by some painful event or the fear of
approaching peril, she would remain calm, and retain her presence of mind.
She would endeavour to cheer and strengthen others by words of hope, and
where it was possible to avoid any threatened danger, she would quietly
give her opinion as to the best course to be pursued.
She received from her earliest childhood an excellent English education,
and her studies in foreign languages were most successful. She spoke
French, German, and Italian fluently, and read and translated correctly the
Hebrew language of her prayers, as well as portions of the Pentateuch,
generally read in the Synagogues on Sabbaths and Festivals.
Nor were the accomplishments of music and drawing neglected; but that
which characterised and enhanced the value of her education most was "the
fear of God," which, she had been taught, constituted "the beginning of
knowledge."
By the example set in her parents' house, this lesson took an especially deep
root in her heart. One day at Park Lane the conversation happened to turn
on the practice of religious observances, and Lady Montefiore related what
had occurred when she was still under the parental roof.
"Once," she said, "on the fast-day for the destruction of Jerusalem, we were
sitting, as is customary, in mourning attire, on low stools, reciting the
Lamentations of Jeremiah. Suddenly the servant entered the room, closely
followed by Admiral Sir Sidney Smith, and several other gentlemen. My
sisters became somewhat embarrassed, not liking to be thus surprised in our
peculiar position, but I quietly kept my seat, and when Sir Sidney asked the
reason of our being seated so low, I replied, This is the anniversary of the
destruction of Jerusalem, which is kept by conforming Jews as a day of
mourning and humiliation. The valour exhibited by our ancestors on this
sad occasion is no doubt well known to you, Sir Sidney, and to the other
gentlemen present, and I feel sure that you will understand our grief that it

was unavailing to save the Holy City and the Temple. But we treasure the
memory of it as a bright example to ourselves and to all following
generations, how to fight and to sacrifice our lives for the land in which we
were born and which gives us shelter and protection."
"Sir Sidney and the other gentlemen," she said, "appeared to be much
pleased with the explanation I gave them; they observed that it was a most
noble feeling which prompts the true patriot to mourn for the brave who
have fallen on the field of battle for their country; and that the memory of
the struggles of the Jews in Palestine to remain the rightful masters of the
land which God had apportioned to them as an inheritance, would ever
remain, not only in the heart of every brave man in the British realm, but
also in that of every right-thinking man in all other parts of the world as a
glorious monument of their dauntless valour and fervent devotion to a good
and holy cause."
Lady Montefiore not only appreciated the education she received, but also
remembered with deep gratitude all those who had imparted instruction to
her. Her friends have often been the bearers of generous pensions to
gentlemen who had been her teachers when she was young, and they never
heard her mention their names without expressions of gratitude.
In addition to her other good qualities, there was one which is not always to
be met with among those who happen to be in possession of great wealth,
and with whom a few shillings are not generally an object worth entering in
an account-book. With her, when her turn came among her sisters to
superintend the management of the house, the smallest item of expense was
entered with scrupulous accuracy, and whilst ever generous towards the
deserving and needy who applied to her for assistance, she would never
sanction the slightest waste.
I shall presently, as I proceed in my description of her character, have an
opportunity of showing how, in her future position as a wife and
philanthropist, all the excellences of her character were turned to the best
account for the benefit of those to whom she and her husband rendered
assistance in times of distress.
The reader being now in full possession of all that is necessary for him to
know of the parentage and education of Miss Judith Cohen, I propose to

leave her for the present under her parental roof, in Angel Court,
Throgmorton Street, with a loving father and a tenderly affectionate mother,
and surrounded by excellent brothers and sisters; some of them employed in
commercial pursuits, others in study, but all united in the contemplation and
practice of works of brotherly love and charity towards their fellow-beings.
To proceed with the lineage of Sir Moses.
Sir Moses Montefiore was born at Leghorn, whither his parents happened to
repair, either on business or on a visit to their relations, a few weeks before
that event took place.
According to an entry in the archives of the Hebrew Community of that
city, he first saw the light on the 9th of Héshván 5545 a.m., corresponding
to the 24th of October 1784.
During his visit to Leghorn in the year 1841, an opportunity was offered to
him, when visiting the schools of the community, to inspect the archives in
my presence, and he expressed his satisfaction at their accuracy.
Some doubt having been entertained by several of his biographers of the
correctness of the date of his birth, and Sir Moses having generally received
and accepted the congratulations of his friends on the the 8th of Héshván, it
will not be out of place to give here an exact copy of the original entry in
the archives in the Italian language, just as it has recently been forwarded to
me by the Cavaliere Costa of Leghorn.
It reads as follows:—
"Nei registri di Nascite che esistone nell' archivìe delle Università
Israelitica a C. 8, si trova la seguente nascita:—
"9 Héshván, 5545—24 Ottobre 1784. "Domenica.
"A Joseph di Moise Haim e Raquel Montefiore un figlio, che chiamarone
Moise Haim."
(Translation.)
"In the registers of births, which are preserved in the archives of the
Hebrew community, there is to be found on p. 8 the following entry of
birth:—

"9th Héshván 5545 a.m., 24th October 1784. "Sunday.
"Unto Joseph, son of Moses Haim, and Rachel Montefiore, a son was born,
whom they call Moses Haim."
Sir Moses never signed his name "Haim," nor did his mother in her letters
to him ever call him so. His father Joseph, after recovering from a
dangerous illness, adopted the name of Eliyáhoo (the Eternal is my God) in
addition to that of Joseph.
Various opinions have been expressed respecting the early history of Sir
Moses Montefiore's ancestors, and the place whence they originally came,
to Modena, Ancona, Fano, Rome, and Leghorn.
A manuscript in the library of "Judith Lady Montefiore's Theological
College" at Ramsgate—containing a design of the original armorial
bearings of the Montefiore family, surrounded by suitable mottoes, and a
biographical account of the author of the work to which the manuscript
refers—will greatly help us in elucidating the subject.
The manuscript is divided into two parts: one bears the name of "Kán
Tsippor" ([Hebrew]), "The bird's nest," and treats of the Massorah of the
Psalms, i.e., their divisions, accents, vowels, grammatical forms, and letters
necessary for the preservation of the text; and the other, the name of "Gán
Perákhim" ([Hebrew]), "The garden of flowers," containing poems, special
prayers, family records, and descriptions of important events.
The hereditary marks of honour which served to denote the descent and
alliances of the Montefiore family consisted of "a lion rampant," "a cedar
tree," and "a number of little hills one above the other," each of these
emblems being accompanied by a Hebrew inscription. Thus the lion
rampant has the motto—
[Hebrew]
HOY GIBOR CAARI LAASOT RATSON AVIKHA SHEBASHEMAIM
"Be strong as a lion to perform the will of thy Father in Heaven."
The hills bear the motto—

[Hebrew]
ESA AYNAI EL HEHARIM MEAIN YAVO EZRI
"(When) I lift up mine eyes unto the hills (I ask) whence cometh my help?
[Answer] My help cometh from the Eternal."
And the cedar tree—
[Hebrew]
TSADIK KATAMAR VEFRAKH CAEREZ BALEBANON ISGEH
"The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in
Lebanon."
These emblems are precisely the same as those which Sir Moses had in his
coat-of-arms, with the exception of the inscriptions. Probably he thought
they were too long to be engraved on a signet, and he substituted for them
the words "Jerusalem" and "Think and Thank."
The author of the manuscript bears the name of Joseph, and designates
himself, on the title-page, as the son of the aged and learned Jacob
Montefiore of Pesaro, adding the information that he is a resident of
Ancona, and a son-in-law of the Rev. Isaac Elcostantin, the spiritual head of
the Hebrew congregation in that place. The manuscript bears the date of
5501 a.m.—1740.
In his biography, the author, after rendering thanks to Heaven for numerous
mercies which had been bestowed on him, gives the following account of
himself and family:—
"I was eleven years old when I was called upon to assist, conjointly with
my three brothers, Moses, Raphael, and Mazliakh, and five sisters, in
providing for the maintenance of the family." Moses, the eldest of his
brothers, died at the age of thirty-two, and Joseph (the biographer) entered
the business of Sabbati Zevi Morini of Pesaro. Being prosperous in his
commercial pursuits, he provided for his sisters, probably by giving to each
of them a suitable dowry. One of them, Flaminia by name, became the wife
of a celebrated preacher, Nathaniel Levi, the minister of the congregation of
Pesaro.

The father, Jacob Montefiore, died at the age of eighty-three, and his sons
went into business with a certain Cartoni of Lisina. They appear at first to
have met with success, but the sudden death of the head of the firm caused
the collapse of the business.
Joseph Montefiore subsequently married Justa or Justina, the granddaughter
of the Rev. Abraham Elcostantin of Ancona. With a view of carrying on
their business to greater advantage the brothers separated and removed to
different parts of Italy, and Joseph himself, guided by the counsel of his
wife, left Pesaro for Ancona for a similar purpose.
His brother-in-law died at that time in Modena, and Joseph was in a
sufficiently prosperous position to be able to assist the widow and her
children.
The latter grew up and married. One of them, a daughter, went with her
husband, Samuel Nachman, to Jerusalem, where, from religious motives,
they settled.
One of his nephews, Nathaniel Montefiore, became a distinguished poet,
and the manuscript in question contains a very beautiful composition of his
in praise of the book (Kán Tsippor) and its author.
Joseph Montefiore resided for some time in Rome, also in Fano. There are
prayers in the book which he composed during his stay in each of those
places.
From these statements it would appear that the family of Montefiore, from
which Sir Moses descended, first came to Pesaro.
Signor P. M. Arcantoni, the Syndic of the Municipality of Montefiore
dell'aso, in the province of Ascoli-Picerno, expressed his strong belief, on
the occasion of his offering to Sir Moses the congratulations of the
commune on his completing the hundredth year of his life, that the
ancestors of Sir Moses had settled in that place.
From Ancona, as has been stated, several members of the Montefiore family
came to Leghorn, from which city at a very early period they emigrated to
England.

The grandfather of Sir Moses, Moses Haim (or Vita) Montefiore, and his
grandmother, Esther Racah, a daughter of Mássă'ood Racah of Leghorn,
also left Italy and settled in London, where their son Joseph (born 15th
October 1759, died 11th January 1804) married Rachel, the daughter of
Abraham Lumbroso de Mattos Mocatta, who became the mother of Sir
Moses.
They resided after their marriage at No. 3 Kennington Terrace, Vauxhall,
and were blessed with eight children, three sons, Moses (the subject of
these memoirs), Abraham, and Horatio, and five daughters, Sarah, Esther,
Abigail, Rebecca, and Justina.
Abraham first married a daughter of Mr George Hall, of the London Stock
Exchange; on her death, he married Henrietta Rothschild, a sister of the late
N. M. Rothschild, by whom he had two sons, Joseph Meyer of Worth Park,
and Nathaniel Meyer of Coldeast, and two daughters, Charlotte and Louise.
The latter became the wife of Sir Antony de Rothschild.

House at Leghorn in which Sir Moses was
born.
See Vol. I., page 9.

Horatio married Sarah, a daughter of David Mocatta, by whom he had six
sons, one of whom (Mr Emanuel Montefiore) is now a lieutenant-colonel in
the British Army, and six daughters. After her death he married a daughter
of Abraham Montefiore.

Sarah, the eldest daughter of Joseph and Rachel Montefiore, became the
wife of Mr Solomon Sebag, and was the mother of Mr Joseph Sebag (now
J. Sebag-Montefiore) and of Mrs Jemima Guadalla, who is married to Mr
Haim Guadalla. After the death of her husband, Mrs Sebag married Mr
Moses Asher Goldsmid, the brother of Sir Isaac Goldsmid.
Esther, the second daughter, unfortunately lost her life at the age of fifteen
through an accident she met with during a fire that broke out in the house.
Abigail, the third, married Mr Benjamin Gompertz, a distinguished
mathematician.
Rebecca, the fourth, married Mr Joseph Salomons, a son of Levi Salomons,
of Crosby Square, father of the late Sir David Salomons, Bart.
Justina, the fifth, became the wife of Mr Benjamin Cohen, the brother of
Lady Montefiore, and mother of Mr Arthur Cohen, Q. C., M. P., and Mr
Nathaniel B. Cohen.
The reader is now invited to retrace his steps, for it is to Moses, the first-
born son of Joseph and Rachel Montefiore, that I have to direct his
attention. He must leave No. 3 Kennington Terrace and follow me in
imagination to Leghorn.
Mr Joseph Montefiore having some business in that city, informed his wife
of his intention to proceed to Italy, and Mrs Montefiore prevailed upon him
to take her with him.
After they arrived at Leghorn, we find them in the house of Signer Moses
Haim Racah, celebrating the happy event of the birth of a son, destined to
become the champion of Israel.
The festivity on the day of naming (the eighth day after the birth of a son) is
generally an occasion which brings together relatives, friends, heads of the
congregation, and officers of the Synagogue. Offerings are made by all
present for charitable institutions, and prayers recited for the life and
prosperity of the child. It is therefore not a matter of surprise that there was
a large assembly of the Hebrew community of Leghorn on that occasion.

Signor Racah, being his great-uncle, performed the duties of godfather and
ever from that day, and up to the year of his death, he evinced the liveliest
interest in the welfare of his godson; when the latter was grown up the
affection proved mutual.
Sir Moses when speaking of him used to say that he had greatly endeared
himself to the people in Leghorn by his abilities and high character. He
cherished the most benevolent feelings towards all good and honest men,
and often, in times of grief and calamity, rendered help and consolation to
all classes of the community. Sir Moses held him in great veneration, and
during his stay in Italy gave special orders to have a copy of his likeness
procured for him. A facsimile of the portrait is here given, with an
inscription in Sir Moses' own handwriting.
In his will, Sir Moses, referring to him and to the Synagogue at Leghorn,
thus expresses himself—
"To the trustees of the Synagogue at Leghorn in Italy, of which my
honoured godfather (deceased) was a member, in augmentation of the fund
for repairing that building, I bequeath £500; and to the same trustees, as a
fund for keeping in repair the tomb of my said godfather and my
godmother, Esther Racah, his wife, £200."
Two or three years before his death, Sir Moses ordered a coloured drawing
of these tombs, with a complete copy of the epitaphs, to be sent to him, and
it is now preserved in the library of the College at Ramsgate.
After a stay of several months at Leghorn, Mr and Mrs Montefiore returned
to England. I have often heard descriptions of that homeward journey from
Mrs Montefiore, when she used to visit her son at Park Lane.
"Moses," she said, "was a beautiful, strong, and very tall child, but yet on
our return journey to England, during a severe winter, I was unwilling to
entrust him to a stranger; I myself acted as his nurse, and many and many a
time I felt the greatest discomfort through not having more than a cup of
coffee, bread and butter, and a few eggs for my diet." "No meat of any
description," she added, "passed my lips; my husband and myself being
strict observers of the Scriptural injunctions as to diet." "But I am now," she
said, with a pleasant smile, "amply repaid for the inconvenience I then had

to endure." "What I thought a great privation, in no way affected the state of
my health, nor that of the child; and I feel at present the greatest satisfaction
on account of my having strictly adhered to that which I thought was right."

Moses Racah of Leghorn, Godfather and
Great Uncle of Sir Moses. See Vol. I., page 10.

In the course of time several more children were born to them, all of whom
they reared most tenderly, and over whose education they watched with the
greatest care. They had the happiness of seeing them grow up in health and
strength, endowed with excellent qualities, Moses, the eldest, and the
subject of these memoirs, being already conspicuous for his strength of
understanding and kindness of disposition. They continued for many years
to reside at Kennington Terrace, Vauxhall, in the same house in which they
took up their residence immediately after their marriage. After their death it

was occupied by members of their family till a few years ago, when it
passed into the hands of strangers.
It was there that Mr Benjamin Gompertz (the author of the "Principles and
Application of Imaginary Quantities") resided and the mother of Sir Moses
breathed her last.
Joseph Eliahu, his father, was a well educated and God-fearing man, upright
in all his dealings. He was extremely fond of botany and gardening. There
is still in the library of Lady Montefiore's Theological College at Ramsgate,
a book which formerly belonged to him, and in which remarks on the
cultivation of plants are written in his own handwriting.
Sir Moses, when speaking of him, used to say, "He was at one time of a
most cheerful disposition, but after he had the misfortune to lose one of his
daughters at a fire which occurred in his house, he was never seen to smile."

CHAPTER II.
EARLY EDUCATION—BECOMES A STOCKBROKER—HIS
MARRIAGE.

At an early age, we find young Moses Montefiore attending school in the
neighbourhood of Kennington. After he had completed his elementary
studies, he was removed to a more advanced class in another school, where
he began to evince a great desire to cultivate his mind, independently of his
class lessons. He was observed to copy short moral sentences from books
falling into his hands, or interesting accounts of important events, which he
endeavoured to commit to memory.
Afterwards, as he grew up in life, this became a habit with him, which he
did not relinquish even when he had attained the age of ninety years. His
diaries all contain either at the beginning or the end of the record of his
day's work, some beautiful lines of poetry referring to moral or literary
subjects: mostly quotations or extracts from standard works. Young
Montefiore showed on all occasions the greatest respect for his teachers,
bowing submissively to their authority in all cases of dispute between his
fellow-students and himself.
He was acknowledged to be most frank and loyal in all his intercourse with
his superiors. The respect due to constituted authorities he always used to
consider, when he had become a man in active life, as a sacred duty. He was
in the habit of saying, in the words of the royal philosopher, "Fear thou the
Lord and the King, and meddle not with them that are given to change."
Whatever might be his private opinion on any subject, he would in all his
public and private transactions be guided only by the decision of an
acknowledged authority.
Montefiore did not remain many years at school. There was at that time no
prospect for him to enter life as a professor at a university, or as a member
of the bar. There was no sphere of work open to him in any of the
professions; and even to enter the medical profession would have been

difficult. There was nothing left for him, therefore, but to enter a
commercial career. He used often to speak about the days of his
apprenticeship in the business of one of their neighbours in Kennington,
and how hard he had to work; when subsequently he was in a counting-
house in the city, the hours were late, and he sometimes had to take letters
to the post on the stroke of midnight. There were no copying machines, and
all letters had to be copied by hand. He also spoke of the great distance he
had to walk every night from the city to Kennington Terrace, during the
cold winter months as well as in the summer time. There were then no
omnibuses or other conveyances at hand such as we have now, and if there
had been, he was of too saving a disposition to make any unnecessary
outlay on his own person; he used to keep a strict account of the smallest
item of his expenses. It was not with the object of complaining, or of
regretting his early mode of life that he gave his friends these descriptions;
his object was to impress on the mind of the rising generation the necessity
of working hard and spending little, in order to make their way in the world.
By his habits of industry, by his strict compliance with the instructions of
his superiors, and more especially by his own clear judgment in all matters
connected with the business entrusted to him, he soon succeeded in
obtaining promotion.
Having had the opportunity of seeing business transactions among brokers
on the Stock Exchange, he decided upon securing for himself the privilege
of being one of the limited number of Jewish brokers. According to the law
of England at that time only twelve such brokers could be admitted, but
Moses Montefiore had the satisfaction of soon seeing himself in possession
of the much-coveted privilege. He took an office, and this owing to the
prosperity with which his straightforward dealing and courteous manners
were rewarded, he soon had to change for a larger one, which again he did
not keep long. As his business had now to be conducted near the bank, he
took up his quarters in Bartholomew Lane, where he remained to the last
day of his life. It was there, after nearly the whole of that thoroughfare had
become the property of the Alliance Life and Fire Assurance Company, and
the houses had been rebuilt, that many an important meeting of the Board of
Deputies of British Jews and other boards of benevolent institutions was
held; and the very book-case, in which all important papers connected with
his business in that office were preserved, is now in one of the houses of

Lady Montefiore's College, where he used now and then to take his
breakfast on a Sabbath morning, when it was his intention to be present at a
lecture in the college.
His brother Abraham, seeing young Moses successful in business,
subsequently joined him as a partner, and the firm of Montefiore Bros. soon
became known in England as one entitled to the respect of all honourable
men.
However profitable or urgent the business may have been, the moment the
time drew near, when it was necessary to prepare for the Sabbath or solemn
festivals, Moses Montefiore quitted his office, and nothing could ever
induce him to remain.
Sir Moses was scrupulously honourable in all his transactions, and it is a
noteworthy fact, that during all his long life no whisper was ever heard
against his reputation, although he was intimately connected with the
management of financial and commercial undertakings of great magnitude
and international character. His name stood so high, that thousands of
people from all parts of the world entrusted him with money to be
forwarded to the Holy Land, or for other charitable purposes, never asking
for a receipt, and in many instances leaving the distribution of it to his own
discretion.
In the year 1809, in the reign of George III., an act of parliament was passed
enabling His Majesty to establish a local Militia Force for the defence of the
country. Young Montefiore, who was then twenty-five years old, having
attained his majority in 1805, deemed it his duty to be one of the first
volunteers. Loyalty to the country in which he lived and prospered, and
sincere devotion to his king, afterwards proved to be special traits in his
character. In all foreign countries whither his philanthropic missions
subsequently led him, his addresses to the people and his counsels, even to
those who suffered under heavy oppression, contained exhortations to them
to remain firm in their loyalty to their government.
We must now salute him as Captain Montefiore, for thus we find him
styled, on a card among his papers,

Third Surrey Local Militia, Colonel Alcock, No. I,
Seventh Company.

"Captain Montefiore."

Lady Montefiore when young, copied from an
oil painting in the Montefiore College,
Ramsgate. See Vol. I., page 15.

There are still in the Gothic library, at East Cliff Lodge, details of guard
mounted by the 3rd Regiment of Surrey Local Militia, standing orders, &c.,
also the orderly books showing that he was in the service from the year
1810 to 1814.

On the 22nd February in the latter year, after the parade on Duppas Hill,
Croydon, when the regiment arrived at the depôt, the commanding officers
of companies had to receive the signatures of all those who wished to
extend their services, when called upon for any period in that same year not
exceeding forty-two days. The feeling of the regiment on the subject was
obtained in less time than was anticipated, and the commanding officer
ordered the men to be paid and dismissed immediately.
Sir Moses used to say, when speaking to his friends on this subject, "I did
all in my power to persuade my company to re-enlist, but I was not
successful."
In the same year, he took lessons in sounding the bugle, and also devoted
several hours a week to the study of French; it appears that he would not
allow one hour of the day to pass without endeavouring to acquire some
useful art or knowledge.
He was very particular in not missing a lesson, and entered them all in his
diary of the year 1814.
In the midst of business, military duties, and studies, in which he passed the
five years, 1810 to 1814, there was one date which he most justly
considered the happiest of his life.
I am alluding to the 10th of June 1812 (corresponding, in that year, to the
30th of Siván, 5573 a.m., according to the Hebrew date), on which day he
was permitted to take to himself as a partner in life, Judith, the daughter of
Levi Barent Cohen.
He thoroughly appreciated the great blessing which that union brought upon
him. Henceforth, for every important act of his, where the choice was left to
him, whether it was the laying of a foundation stone for a house of prayer, a
charitable institution, or a business office, he invariably fixed the date on
the anniversary of his wedding day. Setting out on an important mission in
the month of June, he would, when a short delay was immaterial, defer it to
the anniversary of his wedding. This was not, as some might suppose, from
mere superstition, for in all his doings he was anxious to trust to the will of
God alone; it was with the idea of uniting every important act in his life

with one which made his existence on earth, as he affirmed, a heavenly
paradise.
His own words, taken from the diary of 1844, will best express his feelings
on the subject.
"On this happy day, the 10th of June," he writes, "thirty-two years have
passed since the Almighty God of Israel, in His great goodness, blessed me
with my dear Judith, and for ever shall I be most truly grateful for this
blessing, the great cause of my happiness through life. From the first day of
our happy union to this hour I have had every reason for increased love and
esteem, and truly may I say, each succeeding year has brought with it
greater proofs of her admirable character. A better and kinder wife never
existed, one whose whole study has been to render her husband good and
happy. May the God of our fathers bestow upon her His blessing, with life,
health, and every other felicity. Amen."
As a lasting remembrance of the day he treasured the prayer-shawl which,
according to the custom (in Spanish and Portuguese Hebrew communities),
had been held over his head and that of his bride during the marriage
ceremony and the offering up of the prayers.
In compliance with his wish the same shawl was again put over his head
when his brethren performed the melancholy duty of depositing his mortal
remains in their last resting-place.
But I will not further digress, and I resume my narrative of his happy life
after his union with his beloved wife.
Henceforth the reader may consider them as one person, and every act of
benevolence recorded further on in these Memoirs must be regarded as an
emanation of the generous and kindly impulses which so abundantly filled
the hearts of both.
In order to indicate the places to which the young couple would resort after
the duties of the day, I need only remind the reader of the residences of their
numerous relatives, with whom they were always on affectionate terms. At
Highgate, Clapham, Lavender Hill, and Hastings, in all of these places they
were most heartily welcomed, and they often went there to dine, take tea, or
spend a few days in the family circle. But the place to which they repaired

for the enjoyment of a complete rest, or for considering and maturing a plan
for some very great and important object, was an insignificant little spot of
the name of "Smithembottom" in Surrey.
They used to go there on Sunday and remain until the next day, sometimes
until the middle of the week, occasionally inviting a friend to join them.
They greatly enjoyed the walk over hills, while forming pleasing
anticipations of the future; and they always found on their return to the little
inn, an excellent dinner, which their servants had brought with them from
London—never forgetting, by the order of their master, a few bottles of his
choice wine. "Wine, good and pure wine," Mr Montefiore used to say, "God
has given to man to cheer him up when borne down by grief and sorrow; it
gladdens his heart, and causes him to render thanks to heaven for mercies
conferred upon him." In holy writ we find "give wine unto those that be of
heavy heart;" also, "wine maketh glad the heart of man." No sanctification
of our Sabbaths and festivals, and no union between two loving hearts, can
be solemnised, without partaking of wine over which the blessing has been
pronounced.
It was his desire to be happy, and make others around him happy, for such
he said was the will of God (Deut. xxvi. II). When certain friends of his,
who intended taking the total abstinence pledge, ventured to raise an
argument on the desirability of his substituting water for wine, he would
reply in the words which the vine said to the trees when they came to anoint
him as king over them, "Should I leave my wine which cheereth God and
man" (Judges ix. 13)? His friends smiled at this reasoning, and on their next
visit to him drank to each other's health in the choice wine of his cellar.
I invariably heard him pronounce the blessing before he touched the
exhilarating beverage, in such a tone as to leave no doubt in the minds of
those present that he fully appreciated this gift of God.
He never gave up the habit of taking wine himself, and it was his greatest
pleasure to see his friends enjoy it with him. To the sick and the poor he
would frequently send large quantities.
The year 1812 passed very happily. Every member of the family was
delighted with the young couple. They said, "such a suitable union of two
young people had not been seen for many years." In No. 4 New Court,

where they took up their abode, they had Mr N. M. Rothschild their brother-
in-law (in whose financial operations Montefiore was greatly interested),
for a neighbour and friend. Young Mrs Montefiore had but a short distance
to walk to see her parents, at Angel Court, Throgmorton Street, where Mrs
Barent Levi Cohen now lived. The Stock Exchange and the Bank being in
their immediate neighbourhood, where all their relatives had business
transactions every day in the week except Sabbath and festivals, they often
had the opportunity of seeing the whole family circle in their house.

CHAPTER III.
1813-1820.

FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS—PUBLIC EVENTS BEFORE AND
AFTER WATERLOO—ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE SPANISH
AND PORTUGUESE HEBREW COMMUNITY.

I am now at the starting point of my narrative of the public life and work of
Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore in connection more especially with the
communities of their own race, and this I propose to give in the form of
extracts from their diaries. These extracts contain the most material
references to important events, accompanied by explanatory remarks of my
own. With a view of making the reader acquainted with the passing
opinions and feelings of Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore and their
earnestness of purpose and energy in every good cause, as well as with a
desire to draw attention to the variety and multiplicity of the work they
would accomplish in a single day, I shall frequently give these entries as I
find them, in brief and at times abrupt sentences.
1813 (5573 a.m.).—Owing to the eventful vicissitudes of European wars,
the greatest activity prevails on the Stock Exchange. Mr Montefiore is in
constant intercourse with Mr N. M. Rothschild, through whose prudence
and judicious recommendations with regard to the Bullion Market and
Foreign Exchanges, he is enabled not only to avoid hazardous monetary
transactions, but also to make successful ventures in these difficult times.
1814 (5574 a.m.).—The first peace in Paris is signed. The allied sovereigns
visit England, and are received by the Prince Regent. Great festivities in the
city, while considerable excitement prevails in all financial circles.
Commerce is stagnant; taxation excessive, in consequence of the great debt
the country had incurred during the war; the labouring classes cry out; food
is scarce; there is no demand for labour, and wages are low. Nevertheless,
Mr Montefiore and his wife entertain the hope of a continuance of peace,
which, they say, will soon remedy all evils. They frequently visit Highgate,

where Mr N. M. Rothschild has his country house; go to Hastings, where
their brother-in-law Mr S. M. Samuel, has taken a summer residence, and
visit their mother, Mrs Montefiore, at Kennington Terrace. They contrive to
devote a portion of the day or evening to the study of the French language
and literature. Mr Montefiore, as captain of the local militia, continues
taking lessons on the bugle.
1815 (5575 a.m.).—Mr Montefiore agrees with Lord Mayor Birch
(grandfather of Dr Samuel Birch of the British Museum) to pay £600, for
the transfer to himself, of Medina's Broker's medal (at that time the few
Jewish brokers admitted had to pay an extraordinarily high fee for the
privilege); he is engaged in his financial transactions with Mr N. M.
Rothschild, and goes, in the interest of the latter and in his own, to Dunkirk
and Yarmouth. On his return he frequently attends the meetings of the
representatives of the Spanish and Portuguese synagogues; checks and signs
the synagogue books, as treasurer, and is present at the meetings of a
committee, representing four Hebrew congregations in London, for
devising proper regulations to ensure the provision of meat prepared in
accordance with Scriptural injunctions.
1816 (5576 a.m.).—He frequently attends the meetings of the Velhos
(Elders) of the Spanish and Portuguese community, and the society for
granting marriage portions to orphans. His work in connection with finance
daily increases.
Great agitation prevails throughout the country; the Government having, in
the previous year, passed a Corn Act to favour the English farmer,
forbidding the importation of foreign grain, the price of wheat had reached
80s. per quarter; political societies, under the name of "Hampden Clubs,"
are formed all over the country. There is a cry for reform in the House of
Commons; the Ministry, influenced by Lord Castlereagh, refuses all
change; the price of wheat continues to rise daily after the peace.
Financiers feel very anxious about the result, but Mr and Mrs Montefiore,
less apprehensive of serious disturbances, and desirous of change of scene
and climate, purpose setting out to visit France and Italy.
1816 (5576 a.m.).—They travel in France and Italy, visit public institutions,
and make it a rule to see every object of interest. They take notice and make

memoranda of the explanations given them by their Ciceroni, independently
of the information derived from guide-books; they frequent theatres and
operas as well as hospitals and schools. A beautiful and comfortable
travelling chariot, procured in Paris from Beaupré, a famous coach builder,
at the price of 4072 francs, and abundant provisions for themselves and
friends, making them independent of inferior hotels for food, make their
travels most agreeable to themselves and to all who accompany them.
Mr Montefiore and his wife were not only diligent observers of whatever
they saw, but also possessed the good quality of never objecting to any
difficulties to be overcome in order to add to their stock of knowledge or
experiences.
During their travels in France and Italy, their pleasure was greatly enhanced
by the kind attention they received at the hands of their friends, especially
in Paris, where Mr Solomon de Rothschild and all the members of the
family vied with each other in their efforts to make their stay as agreeable
as possible.
At Lausanne, Mr Montefiore was very ill for three days with rheumatism in
the face and ear, but he soon recovered, and was able to continue his
journey. On August the 30th, after an absence of three months from
England, they returned and arrived safely at Dover.
On September 20th he is appointed treasurer to the "Beth Holim" hospital
of the Spanish and Portuguese Hebrew community.
November 26th.—A private account is opened with Jones, Lloyd & Co. and
the Bank of England; on the 29th of the same month he dissolves
partnership with his brother Abraham, "God grant," he says, "it may prove
fortunate for us both."
1817 (5577 a.m.).—This was a year of riot in England; in spite of the Royal
proclamation against unlawful assemblages the riots increased; the Habeas
Corpus Act was suspended, but the seditious meetings continued. A motion
in the House of Commons for reform had only seventy-seven supporters,
two hundred and sixty-six voting for its rejection. Mr Montefiore, like most
financiers in London, was in constant anxiety, his state of health suffered,
and it was desirable for him to leave England again for change of climate.

He completes the purchase of Tinley Lodge farm on July 30th. On October
7th he signs his will; and on the 13th of the same month, accompanied by
his wife and several of their relatives, sets out on his second journey to
France and Italy. On the road, he and Mrs Montefiore resume their Hebrew
studies. They visit Paris, Lyons, Turin, Milan, and Carrara; the latter place
being of special interest to them on account of their meeting with persons
who had been connected in business transactions with Mr Montefiore's
father.
1818 (5578 a.m.).—They arrive on the 1st of January at Leghorn, and meet
several members of their family. They visit the house where Mr Montefiore
was born, and are welcomed there by Mr Isaac Piccioto, who occupied the
house at that time; they proceed thence to the burial ground to see the tomb
of their uncle Racah, and on the following day leave for Pisa.
There they visit the house and garden of the said uncle Racah, Mr
Montefiore observing, that it is a good garden, but a small house; thence
they continue their journey to Sienna.
"I had a dispute," he says, "with the postmaster at a place called Bobzena,
and was compelled to go to the Governor, who sent with me two gendarmes
to settle the affair." "The road to Viterbo," he observes, "I found very
dangerous; the country terribly dreary, wild and mountainous, with terrific
caverns and great forests."
"On the 15th of January," he continues, "we became greatly alarmed by the
vicinity of robbers on the road, and I had to walk upwards of seven miles
behind the carriage until we arrived at Rome, whither we had been escorted
by two gendarmes."
"In Rome," he says, "we saw this time in the Church of St John, the gate of
bronze said to be that of the temple of Jerusalem; we also revisited the
workshop of Canova, his studio, and saw all that a traveller could possibly
see when under the guidance of a clever cicerone.
"We left Rome on the 11th of February, and passed a man lying dead on the
road; he had been murdered in the night. This incident damped our spirits
and rendered the journey, which would otherwise have been delightful,
rather triste."

On the 3rd of April they arrive at Frankfort-on-the-Main; in May they are
again in London, and on the 13st inst., Mr Montefiore, dismissing from his
mind (for the time) all impressions of gay France and smiling Italy, is to be
found in the house of mourning, expressing his sympathy with the
bereaved, and rendering comfort by the material help which he offers in the
hour of need.
It is in the house of a devoted minister of his congregation, the Rev. Hazan
Shalom, that we find him now performing the duties of a Lavadore,
preparing the dead for its last resting-place.
The pleasures of his last journey, and the change of scene and climate
appear to have greatly invigorated him, for we find him on another
mournful occasion, exhibiting a degree of physical strength such as is
seldom met with.
His mother-in-law having been taken ill on Saturday, the 14th of November,
he went on foot from Smithembottom to Town, a walk of five hours, in
order to avoid breaking one of the commandments, by riding in a carriage
on the Sabbath. Unfortunately on his arrival, he found she had already
expired. Prompted by religious fervour and attachment to the family, he
attended during the first seven days the house of mourning, where all the
relatives of the deceased assembled, morning and evening, for devotional
exercises, and, with a view of devoting the rest of the day to the furtherance
of some good cause, he remained in the city to be present at all the meetings
of the representatives of his community.
In the month of December he went down to Brighton to intercede with
General Bloomfield for three convicts. (The particulars of the case are not
given in the diary), and on his return he resumed his usual financial
pursuits.
1818 (5579 a.m.). He is elected President of the Spanish and Portuguese
congregation. "I am resolved," he says, "to serve the office unbiassed, and
to the best of my conscience." Mr Montefiore keeps his word faithfully, for
he attends punctually all the meetings of the elders; and, on several
occasions, goes about in a post-chaise to collect from his friends and
acquaintances contributions towards the fund required for the hospital
"Beth Holim" of his community.

This was the year in which the political crisis came, when public meetings,
in favour of Parliamentary reform were held everywhere, and Parliament
passed six Acts restricting public liberty. In the midst of these troubles, on
the 24th of May, the Princess Victoria, daughter of the Duke of Kent, the
fourth son of the king, was born at Kensington Palace.
1820 (5580 a.m.). The Diary opens this year with observations on the life of
man, and with a view of affording the reader an opportunity of reflecting on
Mr Montefiore's character, I append a record of his pursuits such as we
seldom meet with in a man in the prime of life, at the age of 30.
In full enjoyment of health, wealth, and every pleasure a man could
possibly desire, he thus writes on the first page:—
"He who builds his hopes in the air of men's fair looks,
Lives like a drunken sailor on the mast,
Ready with every nod to tumble down
Into the fatal bowels of the deep.

"With moderate blessings be content,
Nor idly grasp at every shade,
Peace, competence, a life well spent,
Are blessings that can never fade;
And he that weakly sighs for more
Augments his misery, not his store."

CHAPTER IV.
1820-1826.

DAILY LIFE—DEATH OF HIS BROTHER ABRAHAM—AN
EARLY PANAMA CANAL PROJECT.

Mr Montefiore's occupations may best be described in his own words, and
may furnish a useful hint to those who neglect to keep an account of the
way in which their time is spent. He writes:—
"With God's blessing,—Rise, say prayers at 7 o'clock. Breakfast at 9. Attend
the Stock Exchange, if in London, 10. Dinner, 5. Read, write, and learn, if
possible, Hebrew and French, 6. Read Bible and say prayers, 10. Then
retire.
"Monday and Thursday mornings attend the Synagogue. Tuesday and
Thursday evenings for visiting."
"I attended," he says, "many meetings at the City of London Tavern, also
several charitable meetings at Bevis Marks, in connection with the Spanish
and Portuguese Synagogue; sometimes passing the whole day there from
ten in the morning till half-past eleven at night (January 25, 1820),
excepting two hours for dinner in the Committee room; answered in the
evening 350 petitions from poor women, and also made frequent visits to
the Villa Real School."
In the course of the year he went to Cambridge and to Norwich, visiting
many of the colleges, the Fitzwilliam Museum, and other interesting
institutions, and on February the 16th he attended the funeral sermon of his
late Majesty George the Third (who died on the 29th of January).
He often went to his farm, near Tinley Lodge, and sometimes for special
recreation to the English Opera, together with his wife and members of the
family, always finding time for work and pleasure alike.

"Mr N. M. Rothschild," he records in an entry, "being taken ill, I stayed
with him several days at Stamford Hill."
Subsequently Mr Montefiore had some very important business in
connection with a loan, and experienced much uneasiness, owing to a riot
among the soldiers of the third regiment of the Guards, which, no doubt,
affected the financial world.
He frequently went to the House of Commons and the House of Lords to
ascertain the state of politics, and the progress of the Jews Emancipation
Bill in particular; for the Roman Catholic Emancipation Bill, which, side-
by-side with Parliamentary reform, and the demand for free trade, was at
that time agitating the public mind, naturally prompted the Jews to bring
before the House their own grievances. Mr Montefiore also visited the
Female Freemasons' Charity, and generously supported the craft which, as
has been said, has had a being "ever since symmetry began and harmony
displayed her charms."
October 30.—An important event in his financial career takes place: he
gives up his counting-house.
1821 (5581 a.m.)—The first day of this year corresponding with the
Hebrew date, Tebet 28, on which his father, he writes, entered into eternal
glory, 11th of January 1804 (5564 a.m.), he repairs morning and evening to
the house of prayer, offering up the customary prayer in memory of the
dead.
"I visited his tomb, distributing gifts to the poor and needy, and on my
return passed the whole of the day in fasting and religious meditation."
The next entries refer to his frequent visits to the hospital, "Beth Holim,"
going to see King George IV. at Drury Lane, dining with the Directors of
the Atlas Fire Assurance Company at the Albion, going afterwards with the
Lord Mayor of Dublin to Covent Garden Theatre to see His Majesty again,
his excursions to the country, together with his wife, and their visits to
Finchley Lodge Farm, where they sometimes pass the day together. On his
return to London, he attends, as in the preceding year, the meetings of the
elders of his community and those of the communal institutions.

On 8th May they set out for Scotland. Of this tour Mrs Montefiore kept an
interesting journal, which not only describes the state of the country and the
mode of travelling sixty six years ago, but shows her good temper under
difficulties, her gratitude to Providence for the blessings they enjoyed, and
for their safety after apparent danger, as also her keen appreciation of the
beauties of nature and art. It contains, however, no information likely to be
serviceable to the present generation travelling in Scotland.
In October we meet them again in London, in the House of Prayer, offering
up thanks for their safe return from Scotland. During the rest of the year Mr
Montefiore resumed his usual occupations, always combining the work of
finance with that intended for the welfare of his community and charitable
institutions of all classes of society, while Mrs Montefiore devoted herself
to responding to every appeal for help commensurately with the merit of the
case, comforting every sufferer by her kind acts of sympathy, and
promoting peace and harmony among those whose friendship seemed likely
to be interrupted.
An incident which, at the time, afforded Mr Montefiore special
gratification, he refers to as follows:—
"I was present, on the Feast of Haunkah (the anniversary of the victory of
the Maccabees), at a discourse delivered by the spiritual head of the
congregation, in the College of the Spanish and Portuguese Hebrew
Community. The interest was greatly enhanced by the completion of the
study of one of their theological books in the presence of all the students.
The latter evinced great love for their study, and appeared well acquainted
with the subject to which the lecturer referred."
Mrs Montefiore presented each student with a generous gift, as an
encouragement to continued zeal in their work.
1822 (5582 a.m.).—He agrees to rent East Cliff Lodge for one year from the
15th of April, for £550 clear, and signs the agreement on 12th February.
On the eve of the Day of Atonement, in the presence of his assembled
friends, he completes, by adding the last verse in his own handwriting, a
scroll of the Pentateuch, for the use of the Synagogue, offering on the

following day £140 for the benefit of various charitable institutions of his
community as a token of his appreciation of the Synagogue Service.
The depressed state of trade in this and the preceding year, owing to serious
apprehensions of war, had caused a great diminution in the importation and
manufacture of goods, so that much anxiety prevailed. Referring to this
subject, Mr Montefiore makes an entry to the effect that a statement had
been made in high quarters by the Duke of Wellington, that peace would be
maintained, in consequence of which, says Mr Montefiore, all the public
funds rose.
1823 (5583 a.m.).—Opens with a joyous event in the family. His brother
Horatio, on the first of January, marries a daughter of David Mocatta, thus
allying more closely the two most prominent families in the Hebrew
community.
August 20th.—Mr and Mrs Montefiore leave England for the third time for
France, Germany, and Italy.
The entry this day refers to something which happened to him seventeen
years previously (1806), (for obvious reasons I do not give the name, which
is written in full in the diary):—"N. N. robbed me of all and more than I
had. Blessed be the Almighty, that He has not suffered my enemies to
triumph over me."
On their arrival at Rome they find Mr Abraham Montefiore very ill; much
worse, Mr Montefiore says, than they had expected. His critical state
induces them to remain with him to the end of the year.
About the same time, his brother Horatio was elected an elder in his
synagogue: "affording him many opportunities," Mr Montefiore observes,
"to make himself useful to the congregation."
1824 (5584 a.m.).—His brother Abraham continues very ill, but Montefiore
can remain with him no longer, his presence being much required in
London.
February 13th.—Mr and Mrs Montefiore arrive in London, and on the 17th
he again goes to the Stock Exchange, this being the first time for more than
a year that he has done so.

July 28th.—The deed of settlement of the Alliance Life Assurance
Company is read to the general court. On August 4th he has the gratification
of affixing his name to it. "On the same day," he says, evidently with much
pleasure, "I have received many applications for shares of the Imperial
Continental Gas Association."
The diary introduces the subject of Insurance Companies by quoting the
words of Suetonius.
"Suetonius conjectures," Mr Montefiore writes on the first page of the book,
"that the Emperor Claudius was the original projector of insurances on
ships and merchandise."
"The first instances of the practice recorded in modern history," he
observes, "occur in 1560, in consequence of the extensive wool trade
between England and the Netherlands; though it was probably in use before
that period, and seems to have been introduced by the Jews in 1182."
"It is treated of in the laws of Oleron, relating to sea affairs, as early as the
year 1194."
"About the period of the great fire in London, 1666, an office was
established for insuring houses from fire."
This information is probably no novelty to the reader, but my object in
quoting it is to show how attentively Mr Montefiore studied every subject
connected with his financial and other pursuits. We have in the College
library a great variety of books bearing on insurance offices, all of which, it
appears, he had at some time consulted for information.
Of both the above companies he was elected president, offices which he
held to the last moment of his life. They are now numbered among the most
prosperous companies in England.
His presence at the board was always a cause of the highest satisfaction, not
only to the directors and shareholders, all of whom appreciated his sound
judgment, cautious disposition and energy in the promotion and welfare of
the company, but also to all the officers and employees of the respective
offices.

In conversing with his friends on this subject, he used to say, "When our
companies prosper, I wish to see everyone employed by us, from the
highest to the lowest, derive some benefit from them in proportion to the
position he occupies in the office." He also strongly advocated the
promotion of harmony and friendliness among the officers of the
companies, for which purpose, he used annually to give them an excellent
dinner in one of the large hotels, inviting several of his personal friends to
join them.
When travelling on the Continent, he invariably made a point of visiting
every one of the branches of the Imperial Gas Association, making strict
enquiries on every subject connected with the operations, and inviting all
the officers to his table.
I have frequently (after the year 1839) accompanied him on such occasions,
and often wondered at his minute knowledge of every item entered in the
books of the respective offices.
He often gave proof, in the last years of his life, of his special interest in the
prosperity of these companies by the exertions he would make in signing
every document sent down to him at Ramsgate for that purpose, even when
he appeared to experience a difficulty in holding a pen.
He strongly objected to a system of giving high dividends to the
shareholders. "Let us be satisfied," he used to say, "with five per cent., so
that we may always rest in the full enjoyment of undisturbed life on the
firm rock of security,"—the emblem represented on the office seal of the
Alliance.
On August the 15th of that year he received a letter from Genoa stating that
his brother Abraham was getting worse, and on Saturday, the 28th, he
received the sad news of his death, which took place at Lyons whilst on his
way back from Cannes.
"It was only in the month of January last," Mr Montefiore says of his
brother, "that when his medical attendant recommended him to take a sea
voyage, he agreed to go with me to Jerusalem, if I would hire a ship to take
us there." "Seize, mortal," Mr Montefiore continues, quoting the words of
the poet:

"Seize the transient hour,
Improve each moment as it flies;
Life a short summer—man a flower;
He dies, alas! how soon he dies."
1825 (5855 a.m.).—The lessons he sets for himself this year are given in
quotations from authors, the selections showing the reflex of the
impressions made on his mind by current events.
The first is an Italian proverb: "Chi parla semina, chi tace racolta,"
corresponding to the English, "The talker sows, the silent reaps."
Those which follow are from our own moralists:—
"A wise man will desire no more than what he may get justly, use soberly,
distribute cheerfully, and live upon contentedly."
"He that loveth a book will never want a faithful friend, a wholesome
counsellor, a cheerful companion, or an effective comforter."
"The studies afford nourishment to our youth, delight to our old age, adorn
prosperity, supply a refuge in adversity, and are a constant source of
pleasure at home; they are no impediment while abroad, and attend us in the
night season, in our travels, and in our retirement."
"He may be well content that need not borrow nor flatter."
He attends this year regularly all the meetings of eight companies or
associations: the Alliance British and Foreign Life and Fire Assurance, the
Alliance Marine Assurance, the Imperial Continental Gas Association, the
Provincial Bank of Ireland, the Imperial Brazilian Mining, the Chilian and
Peruvian Mining, the Irish Manufactory, and the British Colonial Silk
Company.
With all this, no doubt often very exciting work, he still finds time for
attending all the meetings of charitable institutions of which he is a
member, more especially those of his own community; while he is often
met in the house of mourning performing duties sometimes most painful
and distressing to a sympathising heart.

February 11th.—He attends for the first time the General Board of the
Provincial Bank of Ireland.
Being now considered an authority of high standing in the financial world,
various offers were made to him by promoters to join their companies or
become one of their directors. Among these undertakings is one which I
will name on account of the interest every man of business now takes in it. I
allude to a company which had for its object the cutting of a ship canal for
uniting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
He refused the directorship of that gigantic undertaking, which, after having
been abandoned for nearly sixty years, was again taken up, under the name
of the Panama Canal, by M. de Lesseps.
Thirty years later Mr Montefiore also refused to take a leading part or
directorship in the Suez Canal Company, which M. de Lesseps had offered
him when in Egypt. I happened to be present at the time when M. de
Lesseps called on him with that object. It was in the year 1855, when Mr
Montefiore had become Sir Moses Montefiore, and was enjoying the
hospitality of his late Highness Said Pasha, who gave him one of his
palaces to reside in during his stay at Alexandria.
M. de Lesseps spoke to him for several hours on the subject, but he could
not be persuaded that so great an undertaking was destined to be a
pecuniary success.
May 8th.—Mr and Mrs Montefiore leave for Paris. On their return they
proceed in July to Oxford; and, at the end of the same month, we see them
in Ireland, whither Mr Montefiore went as a member of the deputation sent
by the Provincial Bank. In recognition of the services rendered to the Board
by himself and the other members of the deputation, a resolution was
passed, a copy of which is here subjoined.
"Provincial Bank of Ireland,
"Friday, September 9th, 1825.
"At a meeting of the Court—Present:—John Morris, Esq., in the chair; M.
Attwood, Esq., M. P.; H. A. Douglas, Esq.; S. A. Madgan, Esq.; J. T. Thorp,
Esq.; Jas. Brogdon, Esq., M. P.; J. R. Macqueen, Esq., M. P.; C. E. Prescott,
Esq.; S. N. Ward, Esq.

"Resolved unanimously, That the cordial thanks of the Court are due to
Messrs Medley, Montefiore, and Blount for the zeal and ability they have
evinced in the management of the business committed to their care, the
result of which has fully realised the expectations of the Court, and will
conduce most essentially to the prosperity of the Company.
"The Chairman is requested to communicate the resolution to the gentlemen
of the deputation on their return from Ireland."
1826 (5586 a.m.).—The diary begins with the prayer, "Renew in me, O
Lord, the right spirit."
For the information of the general reader I quote a short statement from
some historical records of the state of financial transactions in this and the
previous year which will explain the importance of the entries Mr
Montefiore made in these years, referring to monetary transactions.
On the 12th of January there is an entry stating "the Government will lend
the merchants five millions of Exchequer Bills, and the Bank directors have
agreed to advance the money. They will not fund till June or July, and then
only five or six millions." "This," Mr Montefiore thinks, "is much in favour
of stocks."
One of his acquaintance died suddenly at this time, an unfortunate event
which he considered was the fatal result of large speculations.
"These two years," the historian says, "were characterised by an
extraordinary activity in all departments of trade and commerce." Mr
Huskisson, a minister who was a high authority on commercial matters,
originated several important measures, especially those relating to the
repeal of all duties on goods passing between Great Britain and Ireland, an
alteration in the duties affecting the silk manufacture, and the repeal of the
combination laws and of the law against the emigration of artisans; while
the Executive formed commercial treaties, on the reciprocity system, with
various countries in Europe, and, acknowledging the independence of the
revolted Spanish colonies in America, drew them as additional customers
into the British market.
Capital now so far exceeded the ordinary means of its employment, that
many joint-stock companies were formed as a means of giving it a wider

scope. Some of these associations professed objects which were by long
established usage the proper business of individuals alone, and others
involved hazardous and visionary projects to be carried into effect in remote
countries. The depressed state of trade in 1821 and 1822 had led to a
diminished importation and production of goods, and was succeeded by an
advance of prices in 1823. The consequence was a sudden and unusually
large demand and a powerful reaction of supply, which did not cease till
production had far exceeded the bounds of moderation.
Through the facilities afforded by a large issue of paper money, the delusion
was kept up longer than it would otherwise have been. The first symptom of
something wrong was the turning of the exchange against England. A
diminution of issues at the bank followed. Merchants began to experience
difficulties in meeting pecuniary obligations. Then took place a run upon
the banks, some of which, both in London and the country, were obliged to
stop payment. Between October 1825 and February 1826, fifty-nine
commissions of bankruptcy were issued against English country banks, and
four times the number of private compositions were calculated to have
taken place during the same period. While merchants and manufacturers
were without credit, their inferiors were without employment, and distress
reached almost every class of the community. Some liberal pecuniary
measures on the part of the Bank of England helped in a short time, rather
by inspiring confidence than by actual disbursement of money, to retrieve in
some measure the embarrassed circumstances of the country.
"On the same day," Mr Montefiore says, "when the death of an unfortunate
speculator caused a general gloom to prevail in the financial world, I was
asked by a gentleman if I had the courage to join him in a speculation, my
reply was I would see to-morrow." "I fear," Mr Montefiore observes, "this
day's awful lesson is quite lost upon him."
The entries I am now giving are very brief, sometimes abrupt, showing
(probably) the excited state of affairs in the political and financial world,
which appear to have induced him to form a resolution to withdraw entirely
from all the turmoil of London.
March 5th.—Heard there will be no war. The ministers' plan of funding and
repaying six millions of the bank has lowered the funds.

March 17th.—Attended the meeting of the schools; meeting of the society
for granting marriage portions to orphans (Spanish and Portuguese Hebrew
community).
March 20th.—The King of Portugal died; The Emperor of Austria
dangerously ill; our good king much better.
April 9th.—Dined with Mr N. M. Rothschild; met there Prince Esterhazy,
Duke of St Albans, his brother and two sisters, Lady Augusta Cotton, a son
of Lord Coventry, and the Earl of Lauderdale.
April 13th.—The Emperor Nicholas insists upon the Turks evacuating
Moldavia.
April 16th.—Attended meeting of the elders (Sp. and Port. Synagogue);
signed 1171 cheques, dividends of the Alliance, sixteen shillings per share.
June 20th.—War commences again in India, after Bhurtpore had been
stormed by Lord Combermere and peace made with the Burmese, when
they had to pay £100,000 sterling, and cede a great extent of the territory.
During the following three months he again devotes much time to
communal affairs, attending committees of schools and charitable
institutions.
October 15th.—Political events of great importance attract his attention. He
calls with Mr N. M. Rothschild on Prince Esterhazy, who says that Canning
and Villele are trying every means to settle a representative constitution for
Spain.
October 22nd.—The entry states, "Received an express that the differences
between the Russians and Turks are amicably settled."
October 29th.—He frequently attends meetings of the elders in this and the
following month, also orders blankets for distribution among the poor.
December 12th.—The king sends a message to the House to the effect that
five hundred troops would be sent to Portugal.
December 14th.—The King of France's speech is considered very warlike.

The diary concludes with the following memorandum:—
"By the blessings of God, prepare for a trip to Jerusalem. Get letters of
introduction from Lord Auckland for Malta, and from J. Alexander for
Constantinople. Study Italian, French, and Hebrew."

CHAPTER V.
1827.

FIRST JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM.

The reader having accompanied Mr and Mrs Montefiore through the first
period of their life and work, and seen them deservedly raised to a position
enabling them, if so disposed, to take a prominent part in important public
movements, I shall now describe all the incidents of note in connection with
their pursuits in the second period of their lives.
In the year 1827 they decided to visit Jerusalem. Their sole reason for this
determination was a wish to visit the Holy Land, a land with which their
race is connected by so many associations, and of which the name is kept in
loving remembrance in the prayers recited daily by every true Israelite.
Mrs Montefiore has given a most interesting account of that journey in her
private journal, printed, but not published, and the following narrative is
based upon the entries made therein, and in the diaries of Mr Montefiore.
For the better understanding of those extracts which bear upon politics, it
may not be out of place to briefly recapitulate the circumstances of the one
important event that occurred in the administration of Viscount Goderich
(Mr Robinson), who succeeded Canning as Premier under George IV. This
event was the battle of Navarino, which was followed by the establishment
of Greek independence. The cause of Greece was supported, from different
motives (see Brewer's "Hume"), by Russia, France, and England. These
Powers had their squadrons in the Levant, the English being under the
command of Sir Edward Codrington. War had not yet been declared; the
Turkish and Egyptian fleet, under Ibrahim Pasha, lay in the Bay of
Navarino, and there was an understanding that it should remain till the
affairs of Greece were arranged. As the Turks attempted to violate this
agreement a general engagement ensued, and the Turkish and Egyptian
fleets were completely destroyed in the course of a few hours. By this
impolitic act England and France played into the hands of Russia, who was

anxious to weaken the power of Turkey, and thus they gave some help
towards the long-cherished object of her ambition—the possession of
Constantinople.
On May 1st, 1827 (5587-8 a.m.), Mr and Mrs Montefiore repaired to
Synagogue as was their custom early in the morning before undertaking any
important work, for the purpose of invoking the blessing of Divine
Providence on this their first and long-projected journey to Jerusalem.
Fortified with letters of introduction, in the first instance, to Admiral
Codrington, then commanding on the Mediterranean Station, and taking
with them their own carriages, they travelled viâ Dover, Calais, Turin,
Milan, Florence, and Rome to Naples. Here a nephew of Mr Amschel
Rothschild assisted them in obtaining a vessel to take them to Malta, where
they visited the plantations of the Silk Company on the ditch of Porto
Reale. There were about 5000 mulberry trees at this place, as well as about
400 at Sal Marson, "all looking healthy. We were present," says Mrs
Montefiore, "at a dinner given by us in the Palace to the men, women, and
children, who were and had been employed by the Silk Company, to the
number of 140. The hall was beautifully decorated with shrubs and flowers,
and 'Welcome' was written in large letters at the top of the room. There
were many joints of beef, a sheep roasted whole, macaroni, rice, bread,
cheese, water melons, and good wine. Everyone had as much as he could
eat and drink. The broken victuals and wine were afterwards distributed
among the poor to the number of thirty. A band of music then entered the
hall, and all present danced, as happy as people could be."
At the Palace Mr Montefiore delivered Lord Auckland's and Lord
Strangford's letters to the Governor, the Hon. F. C. Ponsonby, who advised
him to go to the East in a ship of war, on account of the Greek pirates.
Amidst numerous kind and flattering attentions from the residents, amongst
whom were Sir John Stoddart, Mr and Mrs St John, Captain Roberts,
Colonel Bathurst, and Miss Hamilton, amidst amusements and excursions
to Gozo and Marfa, Mr and Mrs Montefiore did not forget on Thursday, the
2nd of August, the fast which was kept on the day of the anniversary of the
destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. "Thank God," he says in his diary,
"we are quite well after breaking our fast, which we did at 9.35, several
stars being then visible. The day has been dreadfully hot and fatiguing. My

poor wife suffered so much that I endeavoured to persuade her to break her
fast about four o'clock, but she would not. I felt extremely weak, but was
free from headache."
The next day, Captain Anderson of the Leonidas called and agreed to take
Mr and Mrs Montefiore and two servants to Alexandria, for a consideration
of £400, and to wait there twenty days, and then take them to Jaffa. At this
stage Mrs Montefiore was taken ill, but owing to the kind attention of Lady
Stoddart, and the assistance of Mr Milan, the Governor's medical adviser,
she soon recovered.
Mr and Mrs Montefiore now embarked on board the Leonidas, and sailed
under convoy of the Garnet, with four other vessels to Alexandria. From
here they proceeded to Cairo and the Pyramids, where, by the courtesy of
Mr Salt, the British Consul General, Mr Montefiore had the honour of being
presented to Mohhammad 'Ali Pasha in full divan. Mr Maltass, the Vice
Consul, acted as interpreter, the Pacha speaking Turkish and his visitor
French. "We were graciously received," Mr Montefiore says, "and remained
in conversation three quarters of an hour. We had coffee with him. He spoke
much of his wishes to improve his people, enquired where I was going, if I
was pleased with Egypt, and paid me some compliments. After the
interview I rode to the Obelisk. On my return I called on Mr Salt. I found
him much alarmed at the non-arrival of a despatch which had been sent by
an English sloop of war. The Porte had refused the mediation, and the
English Admiral had orders to act. Mr Salt was to see the Pasha in the
morning, and would then set off for Alexandria. The Pasha wrote to him
saying that Mr Canning had died on the 22nd."
The party now returned to Alexandria, where they heard conflicting news
with regard to the possibility of war. Meanwhile they visited all places of
interest, especially the Synagogues, where the services appeared somewhat
strange to them. Special mention is made of the Synagogue of Signor Fua,
which they visited on New Year's Day, many of the tunes sung there being
the same as those used in the London Synagogues. The portion of the
Sacred Scriptures was admirably read there by a young boy, "more in the
German manner than in the Portuguese." The Scroll of the Pentateuch was
in a wooden case, over which was the cloak, and the President called up as
many as twenty to hear the Law read to them. The day of Atonement and

the Tabernacle Holidays had to be spent here in consequence of the
impossibility of obtaining means of proceeding further. "I have still every
desire," says Mr Montefiore, "to proceed to Jerusalem, but cannot find any
person willing to go with me. Although the plague was at Acre, the whole
of Syria in revolt, the Christians fleeing to the mountains for safety, the
question of peace or war still undecided, he himself ill, and Mrs Montefiore
by no means recovered from her recent attack, he nevertheless determined
at all risks to proceed to Jaffa and Jerusalem." "I find," he observed to his
anxious wife, "my health and strength failing me so fast in this city, that I
deem it now prudent to flee from it, even at the chance of encountering the
'Greek pirates.'" He engaged for this purpose the Henry Williams, a brig of
167 tons, under Captain Jones, to take them to Jaffa and bring them back for
£50.
"I think," he says, "I more ardently desire to leave Egypt than ever our
forefathers did. No one will ever recite the passover service" (which gives
an account of the exodus from Egypt) "with more true devotion than I shall
do, when it pleases Providence to restore me to my own country, and
redeem me and my dear wife from this horrible land of misery and plague,
the hand of God being still upon it."
These are expressions to which most persons in Egypt might frequently
give utterance, when in a state of great pain and irritation, tormented by
thousands of mosquitoes, and more especially when living in small
confined apartments like those of the casino then occupied by Mr
Montefiore. Only those who have been in Egypt fifty or sixty years ago can
form an idea of the discomfort a traveller then had to put up with, and this
was naturally keenly felt by those who, like Mr Montefiore, had been used
to every comfort and attention in an English home.
Tuesday, October 16th.—They arrive at Jaffa. The Governor at first refused
to allow any Franks to land, and ordered Captain Jones off, but the British
Consul having procured permission for them, they landed at mid-day. They
found the road level and very sandy, lined with prickly pear, pomegranate,
fig, orange, and lemon trees, the finest they had ever seen. On reaching
Ramlah, Mr Montefiore was so fatigued he could scarcely dismount; almost
too weak to walk.

Wednesday, October 17th.—They left Ramlah at 7 a.m., and entered the
gate of David at Jerusalem at 5 p.m.
On approaching the holy city they dismount, manifesting their grief at the
sight of Jerusalem in ruins, as mourners do when bewailing the loss of some
dear relative. Mr and Mrs Montefiore then offered up a fervent prayer,
giving thanks to God for having brought them safely to Jerusalem, the great
and long desired object of their journey, and praying for His blessing on all
they loved.
They then repaired to the house of Mr Joseph Amzalak, while the
gentlemen who accompanied them took up their quarters in the Greek
convent.
Thursday, October 18th.—They attend Synagogue at break of day in the
house of their host. "Thanks to Providence," Mr Montefiore says, "I feel
better, though still very weak." They receive visits from the head and
representatives of the Spanish Hebrew community, also from the head and
representatives of the German Hebrew community, all making the kindest
offers of their services. Great complaints were made of poverty in
Jerusalem, and oppression by the Governors, who were for ever calling for
more money. "There are," they said, "fifty Portuguese families, consisting
of about 200 individuals; forty German families, or 160 persons; and near
200 elderly widows in great distress."
Mr and Mrs Montefiore subsequently went to see the foundation stones of
the ancient Temple, generally called the "Western Wall"; also to a house,
from the roof of which they had a fine view of the Mosque of Omar, which
is built on the site of Solomon's Temple. On their return they called on the
Rev. Hahám Moses Soozin (the spiritual head of the Portuguese
community), but as he happened to be out, they went to take coffee with the
Rev. Rabbi Mendel, who occupied a like position in the German
community. "He had prepared an excellent room for us," writes Mr
Montefiore, "but our kind host would not allow us to leave him." During
their absence from home the Governor sent to say, that he expected Mr
Montefiore to come and take coffee, and that he regretted that Mr
Montefiore should have gone to the Jews: if he did not like going to the
convent, he would have given him a house in the city. Mr Montefiore, on

hearing the message, said, "I hope I shall ever live and die in the society of
my brethren of Israel."
Friday, 19th.—This being the Mohammedan Sabbath, the Governor was at
the Mosque, and Mr Montefiore could not call on him. Mrs Montefiore,
accompanied by some ladies and travelling companions, went to see the
tomb of Rachel. Mr Montefiore and his host, Mr Amzalak, proceeded to a
college bearing the name of "Etz-Khayim" (tree of life), for the cultivation
of theological studies. It belongs to the Portuguese community, and was
established 148 years ago by an English gentleman of the name of
"Franco."
Mr Montefiore then went to the ancient burial ground, where he obtained
some terra santa to take home with him. On his return to the house of his
host, he found every member of the family prepared to welcome the
Sabbath. The apartments were beautifully clean and ready one hour before
the time fixed for the commencement of prayers. After having attended
Synagogue, they had an excellent dinner, their host and hostess being most
kind and chatty.
"I was in better spirits," said Mr Montefiore, "than I had been for months."
Saturday, October 20th.—They again attended the house of God. Mr
Montefiore took the opportunity to offer a special prayer in grateful
recognition of the great mercy it had pleased heaven to bestow upon him
and his wife, in permitting them to behold the Land of Promise.
The President of the congregation requested Mr Montefiore not to make any
offering of a large amount, otherwise the local authorities might hear of it,
and would still further raise their taxes.
At 12 o'clock they called on the Rev. Hahám Moses Soozin, after which
they went to dine with the Rev. Rabbi Mendel. Here Mr Montefiore
expressed his hope that both the German and Portuguese communities
would always remain united in the blessed bonds of harmony. In the
afternoon he paid his respects to the Governor at the Palace. The Governor
offered him coffee and other refreshments, and was extremely civil and
friendly. On Mr Montefiore's expressing a wish to see Jerusalem again, his
Excellency said he would be happy to let him have his guard. Mr

Montefiore sent him a valuable telescope as a souvenir of the pleasant
interviews, while hoping that the Governor might behave better to the Jews
in future. His Excellency, in return, as a token of his appreciation of Mr
Montefiore's visit, affixed the Visa to his passport in most flattering terms.
As these were very peculiar, I append a translation.
"We declare that to-day arrived at Jerusalem our friend the English
gentleman, Mr Montefiore. He has visited all the holy places, and all the
grandees of the town, as well as several of lesser note, who have been
highly gratified by making his acquaintance, he being a person of the
greatest merit, and unequalled among the nation for propriety and
amiability of manners; and having ourselves experienced the highest
pleasure in his society we have written this to testify our sense of his
politeness.
"Given in the last day of Rubic-el-owal, 1243.
"El Hha'jj Háfiz Mohhammad Ráshid Sathashour (or Selhhoor) Hassa,
Governor of Jerusalem."
"No city in the world," Mr Montefiore observes in his diary, "can have a
finer situation than this; nor is there a better climate;" and he concludes his
record of his day's proceedings by wishing "Many happy returns of the day
to his dear Judith."
The 20th of October being his wife's birthday, which was generally
signalised, whether at home or abroad, by the distribution of numerous gifts
to the poor and to the charitable institutions, it was, as a matter of course,
thus observed in the Holy City, and in an unusually liberal spirit.
Sunday, October 21st.—Their short sojourn in Jerusalem was now
concluded. Mr Montefiore rose at half-past two in the morning, and joined a
number of persons who had been sitting up all night in the house of his host
praying for his safe return, and for the welfare of all friends and lovers of
Zion. Both the Rev. Moses Soozin and the Rev. Rabbi Mendel,
accompanied by more than one hundred of the principal inhabitants, came
to see them off. At 7.38 they took leave of their kind host and hostess, who
had most liberally housed and fed them without asking for the smallest
remuneration, and had loaded them with cakes, wine, &c., for their journey.

After a charming ride of over five hours between the mountains they came
to the first well at the commencement of the plains, and arrived at the Greek
convent of Ramlah. The road was very stony, rough, and steep, but no
precipices; on the sides of the mountains were olives and fruit trees; the
valleys well cultivated, the plain sandy.
They saw nothing of Aboo-Goosh, who was then the terror of the land, but
they went rather in fear of him.
Tuesday, 23rd.—They started from Ramlah at 7 a.m., and reached Jaffa at
10.30, where they stayed a day, and then embarked on board the Henry
Williams. The next day, being the anniversary of Mr Montefiore's birthday,
he makes an entry of the event in his diary in the following words:—
"This day I begin a new era. I fully intend to dedicate much more time to
the welfare of the poor, and to attend Synagogue as regularly as possible on
Monday, Thursday, and Saturday."
Thursday, October 25th.—They were hailed about 1.30 p.m. by seven large
boats, Turkish men-of-war, full of soldiers, who mistook them for Greeks.
These boats came alongside and continued very close, appearing to
entertain great suspicions of them, as several Greek vessels had been
cruising off the port during the day. At dawn, however, they were convinced
of their mistake. The following day, when close to the harbour of
Alexandria, the travellers saw a Turkish corvette blown up. It had been used
as a training ship for the Pasha's midshipmen, and it was supposed that two
hundred persons perished. This awful occurrence greatly terrified them.
They offered up additional thanks to heaven for having hitherto held them
under its merciful protection.
At 9.52 a.m. they returned to the harbour of Alexandria, went on shore, and
paid a visit to Mr and Mrs Barker, where they met the Austrian Consul.
They also called on other friends, who were pleasantly surprised to see
them return so speedily, having been uneasy about them on account of the
many Greek vessels which had been off the harbour for some time past. In
the evening they went on board the Leonidas, where they purposed
remaining.

Saturday, October 27th.—Mr and Mrs Barker, Captain Richard of the
Pelorus, Messrs Bell and Harris, paid them a visit, bringing the news that
the Pasha had received an account of the British Admiral having fired on a
Turkish ship, obliging her to put back into port. Mr Barker said that the
Pasha had told him on the previous night that he expected war, that it would
be one of religion, and would last fifty years. "These were the words," Mr
Montefiore writes in his diary, "Mr Salt had uttered to me on the 5th of
September. Captain Richards also thought there would be war. Six vessels
came into the harbour, and every one had been plundered by Greek pirates.
A fine Genoese sloop which they passed on Thursday near Rosetta had been
boarded in the evening and robbed; two other ships were also plundered in
sight of the harbour of Alexandria on the same day, and although witnessed
by the men-of-war, the wind prevented any of them giving chase." "In
truth," Mr Montefiore says, "I have every reason to believe that for the last
three months we are the only persons, sailing without a convoy, who have
escaped."
Tuesday, October 30th.—They went on shore to be present at the naming of
Mr S. M. Fua's infant son.
The women who generally attend on festive as well as on mournful
occasions, made a horrid noise, which, however, appeared to please the
Egyptian guests very much. Mr Montefiore called on Mr Barker, and the
latter gave him the firman from the Pasha, which was to facilitate his
travelling in Egypt. Mr Barker also begged of him, in the event of Mr Salt's
death, to use his influence to obtain for him the post of consul general. Mr
Salt, it afterwards appeared, must have been already dead when Mr Barker
made this request, but, in all probability, he did not like to break the sad
news to one just coming from a place of festivity.
"I little expected," says Mr Montefiore, "when I took leave of him on the
9th of this month, previous to my departure for Jerusalem, that it would be
the last time I should see him. Upon my enquiring then of him if I could do
anything for him in the Holy City, he thanked me, and said, 'only pray for
me.' To the will of God we must all submit."
Wednesday, October 31st.—The Pasha has this day made a proclamation in
Alexandria, calling upon all true Mussulmans to come forward immediately

for the protection of their religion, and to commence work at the
fortification instantly. Capt. Richards, who paid Mr and Mrs Montefiore a
late visit in the evening, said that he should sail the next day after the
funeral. He had just come from the Pasha, who told him that the Grand
Signor (the Sultan) had given orders to proceed to sea at all hazards.
Thursday, November 1st.—Mr Montefiore attended the funeral of Mr Salt.
All the foreign Consuls were present in full uniform, also Capt. Richards of
the Pelorus, with his officers, and many others—merchants, captains, &c.
"The procession," he writes, "was headed by two handsome horses of the
Pasha, without riders, then followed twelve of his janizaris (yenitjeri),
twelve English marines, with arms reversed, and the English naval officers.
The coffin was carried by six British sailors, and the pall was supported by
six consuls, Mr Barker acting as chief mourner, and being followed by other
consuls, merchants, captains, &c. Mr Salt was buried in the garden attached
to his cottage, the Latin Convent having refused him burial, although his
wife is interred there, he being a Protestant." After the funeral service, the
marines fired three rounds. The Pelorus fired minute guns during the
procession. The distance was nearly half-a-mile, and the dust and heat were
so unbearable that Mr Montefiore says, "I was apprehensive of getting the
fever."
Friday, 2nd.—A Turkish corvette brings news that the allied admirals off
Navarino had, a fortnight before, sent word to Ibrahim Pasha to send the
Egyptian fleet to Alexandria and the Ottoman fleet to Constantinople, which
he had refused to do. The allied fleet then entered the ports in defiance of all
the batteries, destroyed thirteen of the Pasha's finest ships, and thirty-two of
the Sultan's, with a reported loss of 6000 or 8000 lives on the side of the
Turks. The allied fleet then sailed from Navarino, probably for
Constantinople. All the Franks in Alexandria are in the greatest alarm,
dreading the revenge of the soldiers and Turks.
Saturday, November 3rd.—Mr Barker sent a note with an extract of the
Admiral's letter to him, confirming yesterday's news. The battle was fought
on the 20th October, the Turks being said to have been the aggressors. The
Turco-Egyptian fleet was annihilated, with a loss of 5000 men. "We are
extremely uneasy," Mr Montefiore says, "at the prospect of not being
allowed to sail next Tuesday with the French convoy, the French captain

having refused to give instructions to, or to take charge of, any but French
ships. He said we might sail at the same time, and if we could keep up with
him, he would defend us, but he could not stop one moment, or shorten sail
for us to keep company. Mr Barker has promised to go on board the
Commodore and solicit the captain, as a personal favour, to direct the
schooner to give us instructions."
Sunday, November 4th.—Mr Barker has been with the Pasha, who spoke
lightly of the loss of his fleet, and said he would soon have another. His
sentiments continued unchanged with regard to the Franks, and he pledged
himself for their security; he said it was contrary to the Mooslim religion to
destroy Christians, and in the event of the Sultan permitting such violence,
he could not be called a good Mooslim afterwards. "A poor satisfaction for
those he murdered," writes Mr Montefiore.
Monday, November 5th.—They went on shore to take leave of all their
friends. Mr Barker gave Mr Montefiore a letter to Lord Dudley, soliciting
the post of consul-general. He advised Capt. Anderson, as a friend, not to
start, and the person who had chartered the captain's vessel also insisted on
her waiting for a proper convoy, as the French schooner had refused to be
delayed at sea for any but French ships. Mr Barker advised Mr Montefiore
to go by one of the French vessels. "They had the conscience," Mr
Montefiore says, "to ask 10,000 francs. Capt. Anderson, however, has
resolved to go, and we shall go with him."

CHAPTER VI.
1827-1828.

MR AND MRS MONTEFIORE LEAVE ALEXANDRIA—A SEA
VOYAGE SIXTY YEARS AGO.

Wednesday, November 7th, 1827.—Mr and Mrs Montefiore left Egypt. At
11 a.m. they were out of the harbour, sailing under the protection of the
French schooner La Dauphinoise, Capt. Auvray, the convoy consisting of
four French, one Austrian, three English, and one Russian vessel.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.—They proceeded with some difficulty,
but on Friday, November 30, all on board thought they would be able to
enter the harbour of Malta, as the weather was favourable, and Captain
Anderson had resolved to make the attempt, although the sun had already
set. In about two hours they were so near the shore that they could see the
lights distinctly, and they could not have been more than a mile from the
mouth of the port. All were extremely happy, expecting to anchor within an
hour. "How frail are human joys," exclaims Mr Montefiore; "most suddenly
the wind had changed again to the west, and commenced blowing in a
terrific manner. Thus, in an instant, were our hopes gone, and we were
blown off the land, a tremendous sea obliging us to take to our beds. God
only knows when we shall reach Malta."
Saturday, December 1.—"The last was a dreadful night," he writes, "it blew
almost a hurricane: a frightful sea: the ship rolled and pitched so as to
occasion serious alarm to all on board. Poor Judith suffered severely. The
captain had never in his life experienced a worse night, and to prevent our
being blown further off Malta, he carried a press of sail. I shall never forget
the night, but on each Sabbath eve shall recollect with gratitude God's
mercy in saving us from destruction. This morning, at daybreak, we were
five miles off Malta, having retained this situation by tacking backwards
and forwards during the night. The weather continued rough and stormy,
but thanks be to the Almighty God, we anchored safely in the quarantine

harbour at half-past seven, after a long and boisterous voyage of twenty-
four days."
In commemoration of this merciful event, it became a custom of Mr
Montefiore, from the year in which it took place, to the last year of his life,
to read on the first night of the Passover Festival, the entry he then made in
his journal, consisting of several appropriate verses from the Psalms of
David.
"Sir John Stoddart wrote me a very friendly note, and came to the waterside
to see us. After dinner we left the Leonidas, having spent more than three
months in Captain Anderson's company, and slept sixty-eight nights on
board his ship. He was most attentive and obliging, and we left him with
regret."
At five minutes past five they entered the Lazaretto.
Sunday, December 2nd.—The Governor sent his private secretary to thank
them for a turtle which they had brought him as a present, and to enquire
after their health, requesting particularly to be informed how the news of
the battle of Navarino had been received at Alexandria. Mr Montefiore
replied by a special letter. Sir John Stoddart, the chief judge, with his
daughter and Mr Maxwell, came to pay them a visit, but they were not
allowed to approach within two yards of them. Captains Anderson and
Jones called and brought the news that the Martha, Captain Smart, had
come into harbour; they had been plundered and dreadfully ill-treated by
the Greeks.
In the course of their stay at Malta, Mr and Mrs Montefiore had the pleasure
of receiving a visit from Captain Lewis Davies of the Rose, the hero of
Navarino; they had met him before at the houses of Mr Barker and the late
Mr Salt in Alexandria. He remained with them a full hour, giving a most
interesting description of the battle.
After so long an absence abroad, Mr Montefiore, one might have thought,
would have been longing to be back in England to take a rest, but he has no
such idea; on the contrary, he is already planning another tour in connection
with business. On Sunday, December 9th, he writes, "I much wish it may be
in my power, after our return to England, to see Vienna, and visit our Gas

Establishments at Berlin, Hanover, Rotterdam, and Ghent. I shall strive to
do so, provided I succeed in reaching London by the end of February. As
soon as we get pratique, we shall endeavour to procure a vessel for
Palermo, remain there a couple of days, thence to Naples, where I hope to
get letters from our dear mother and friends."
In the course of this narrative we shall have frequent opportunities of
witnessing a peculiar characteristic of his. When he had achieved some
great work, and was yet engaged in affixing his signature to a report on the
same, whilst all his fellow-workers were exhausted with fatigue, his restless
activity would impel him to begin a fresh scheme for the alleviation of
distress or for the cause of humanity, notwithstanding his own exertions,
and in spite of many nights of anxiety which may have attended his former
enterprise.
Thursday, December 13th.—This being the 1966th anniversary of the
victory of the Maccabees, Mr and Mrs Montefiore celebrated it by special
prayers and thanksgivings, an additional number of lights being burnt in
honour of the occasion. A Russian officer, who happened to be their
neighbour in the Lazaretto, spoke in glowing terms of the bravery of Jewish
soldiers in Russia, and of their wonderful endurance in the days of want and
distress so often experienced during the war.
When Mr (then Sir Moses) Montefiore appeared before the Emperor
Nicholas in the year 1846 to plead the cause of his brethren, he had the
satisfaction of hearing similar remarks from His Majesty's lips.
Friday, 14th December.—Lady Stoddart and her son paid them a visit;
Captain and Mrs Copeland also came to see them. The Captain said there
was great probability of war, adding that the Franks had escaped from
Constantinople, and that the Ambassadors were expected to leave
immediately.
Monday, December 17th.—They visited every part of the Lazaretto, and
found the hospital clean, and in excellent order, but untenanted. They also
went to see the English cemetery, where those who die whilst in quarantine
or on board ship in the harbour are buried. About a dozen graves are always
kept ready for immediate use. Describing the process of fumigating letters
and papers, which they saw that day, Mr Montefiore says: "The letters are

opened and placed in an iron closet, or on an iron grid; a saucepan
containing burning bran and sulphur is then placed on the ground beneath
them, and the closet is shut for fifteen minutes. They are then taken out
again, and the process is complete."
Tuesday, December 18th.—Several vessels came into the quarantine
harbour, and Mr Montefiore had an interesting conversation with Mr de
Wimmer, a "Lieutenant au Corps de Chasseurs d'Ordonnance de S.M.
l'Empereur de toutes les Russies," who had been with the Emperor
Alexander at the time of his death. They also received a letter from
Monsieur Peynado Correa, informing them that the Governor had
confirmed the constitution given to the Jews by Sir Thomas Maitland.
Wednesday, December 19th.—A ship arrived from Constantinople, having
performed the journey in twelve days. It brought the news that the
Ambassadors had left the same day, and that all ships of the Allied Powers
were put under embargo. While at dinner Mr Montefiore received a polite
note from Mr Greig, containing the welcome intelligence that they should
have pratique on the next day. "This indulgence," Mr Montefiore observes,
"is extremely kind on the part of the Governor, although we have been very
comfortable, and had not one irksome hour during the whole time we have
been confined in the Lazaretto."
Thursday, December 20th.—They left the Lazaretto.
Saturday, December 22nd.—Mr Montefiore, accompanied by Sir John
Stoddart, called on Admiral Codrington. He had a very polite reception both
from the Admiral and Lady Codrington. The Admiral said he had been very
much interested in the account which Mr Montefiore sent him of the
manner in which the Pasha received the news of the battle of Navarino, and
took much pains to explain his motives for commencing hostilities. He said
the ministers did not seem aware of all the instructions he had received
from Stratford Canning. In reply to Mr Montefiore's enquiry, the Admiral
said that if the Turks would not listen to his speaking-trumpet, he would
have to make use of the cannon. He had on several occasions made signal
for battle before the 20th of October, but his good star had attended him,
and he had been prevented; the first time by adverse winds, and on the
second occasion the French fleet came up in time to over-awe the Turks,

and they returned. The Pasha had expressed his intention of throwing off his
allegiance to the Porte, and professed great friendship for the French
Admiral, commanding his son, Ibrahim Pasha, to follow his directions; he
also wished to write to the English himself afterwards. Admiral Codrington
did not give the Pasha credit for much sincerity. He then spoke about the
Greek pirates and Greek Government, and promised Mr Montefiore a
passage to Naples, after which the latter took his leave.
Sunday, December 23rd.—They took a walk over the Silk Company's
estate, which they had visited early in the autumn. Since that time about
3000 young trees had been transplanted, new walls had been erected,
ditches cut, and ground prepared for the reception of French and Neapolitan
shrubs. They were disappointed to learn that the sale of the garden produce
scarcely brought enough to cover the expense of sending it to market, fruit
and vegetables being so plentiful and cheap. The orange trees were almost
breaking down under their load of fruit, which scarcely paid for the
gathering. The "nopal" or prickly pears have been rooted up, as well as
most of the vines and figs. A few young nopals have been planted, and
some preparation made for experiments in cochineal. Mr Montefiore writes:
"The ditches discovered on the south side of the valley have evidently been
ancient tombs. Those on the hill, round and near the palace, were no doubt
planted with trees, and there is every reason to believe that they may be
found running in every direction on the estate."
Sir Edward Codrington offered them a convoy for the next day, but Mr
Montefiore requested him to permit the Mastiff, Captain Copeland, to take
them to Naples, which request was kindly granted.
Sunday, December 30th.—In the evening the Admiral sent his Secretary to
Mr Montefiore with the letters, requesting that he would deliver them
personally—one to Lord Burghersh at Florence, and another to the Duke of
Clarence.
Monday, December 31st.—"A very tempestuous day," he writes; "the wind
is so high that it is impossible for any vessel to get out of the harbour. We
must have patience, and wait a little longer. I feel rather better," he adds,
"but my neck still continues troublesome." This being the last day of the

civil year, a feeling of deep thankfulness prompts him to end his diary with
a prayer similar to the one he uttered on the conclusion of the Jewish year.
The homeward journey was not marked by any incidents which call for
special description. Wherever the travellers halted they followed the daily
itinerary, which, once settled, was never departed from, and it was as
follows:—First they repaired to Synagogue, then they went to the principal
Jewish communal schools and institutions, and in the course of the
afternoon exchanged visits with friends or with those to whom they had
letters of introduction, whilst the local sights were by no means forgotten.
Friday, January 11th, 1828.—The Mastiff, having left Malta on the 2nd of
January, was towed into the harbour of Naples, where they anchored. Mr
and Mrs Montefiore proceeded at once to the hotel, where they met Baron
and Baroness Amschel Rothschild, their handsome son, Baron Charles
Rothschild, and Baroness Charlotte Rothschild.
A few days later they visited Herculaneum and Pompeii.
Wednesday, January 16th.—Mrs Montefiore dined at Baron Charles', but
Mr Montefiore was not well enough to accompany her. It was a large dinner
party, and the guests included the Austrian Ambassador with his wife, the
Duke and Duchess D'Ascoli, the Duke and Duchess Theodore, Sir Henry
and Lady Lushington, and others.
Thursday, January 17th.—Mr Montefiore was still obliged to keep his room
the whole day. Captain Copeland gave an entertainment on board the
Mastiff to Baroness Charlotte Rothschild, Mrs Montefiore, and Barons
Charles and Anselm Rothschild, who afterwards dined with Mr Montefiore.
In the evening Mrs Montefiore accompanied Baroness Charlotte to a ball at
the Sardinian Embassy, to which both she and Mr Montefiore had been
invited by the Marquis and Marchioness di S. Saturius. Mrs Montefiore said
there were about five hundred of the nobility present, who had been invited
in honour of the Princess Salerno, a daughter of the Emperor of Austria,
whom she saw there enjoying a waltz.
Friday, January 18th.—The Duke and Duchess D'Ascoli paid Mrs
Montefiore a long visit. The Duchess appeared to take great interest in the
Holy Land, making many enquiries on subjects connected with Sacred

Scripture. When she had obtained all the information Mrs Montefiore could
give her, she asked to see the curiosities which the latter had brought with
her. Mrs Montefiore produced the whole of her collection. The Duchess
seemed especially pleased with a shell engraved with historical subjects by
a Bethlehem artist. Mrs Montefiore requested her acceptance of it, and the
Duchess appeared much gratified.
Sunday, January 20th.—Mr Montefiore called on the Secretary of the
British Legation, with whom he left the Admiral's letter for Lord Burghersh.
Thursday, January 24th.—We find them at Rome, visiting some of the
principal studios of the sculptors, Albertus Thorwaldsen, Canova, his
successor Cincinnato Baruzzi, and others. At the studio of Guiseppe Pacetti
in the Via Sisterno they saw an ancient statue of a negress with flowers, for
which Mr Montefiore intended to make an offer.
Friday, January 25th.—They visited the Vatican, and all the museums,
galleries, and places of interest.
Sunday, January 27th.—In the course of the day they received a deputation
from the community, who informed them that there were in Rome 3500 of
their brethren, of whom the majority were poor, and Mr Montefiore
requested their acceptance of his and Mrs Montefiore's offerings to alleviate
the distress. He purchased the female figure, in black marble, representing
Abundance, which he had seen on the previous Thursday in the Via
Sisterno, with the intention of placing it in the hall of his house at Park
Lane. The next day they left Rome.
Friday, February 1st.—They reached Leghorn safely, where Mr Montefiore
at once offered up the following prayer:—
"Praise and most humble and sincere thanks to the Giver of all Good, the
Creator of heaven and earth, for all His manifold mercies towards me, for
having preserved me from so many perils and brought me safe to the city of
my birth, and in the enjoyment of one of the greatest blessings Providence
has bestowed on me, the company of my dear Judith, the companion and
sharer of all my danger."
Saturday, February 2nd.—They visited the Synagogue. It was crowded.
The state of Mr Montefiore's health not being as satisfactory as he could

have wished, he sent for a physician.
Sunday, February 3rd.—They remained in the hotel, Mr Montefiore not
feeling well. "Were it not," he writes, "for the extreme anxiety I feel to see
my dear mother, I should, without the slightest hesitation, resolve upon
remaining in Italy for six months at the Baths of Casciana, about twenty
miles from here. I find my complaint gets worse every day. God help me!"
Monday, February 4th.—They visit the schools. A deputation from the
Institution "Or Tora," consisting of Messrs Joseph Uzielli, Abram Pardo,
Michael Buznah, and Salomoni Mortara, received them. "I was much
delighted," says Mr Montefiore, "with the appearance and behaviour of the
boys, who have made great progress in their studies. Most of the seniors,
although not more than fourteen, are perfect masters of the Hebrew
language, and can write in the same on any subject of their studies that may
be given them. They receive a most liberal education, even music and
drawing. There are about sixty boys; some few pay six francs a month.
After the portion of the Pentateuch is read on Sabbath in the Synagogue, the
boys draw lots which one should read the portion from the Prophets. All
must therefore be well prepared." Mr Montefiore next went to a school
open to all children of poor Jews who are in Leghorn. There were about 150
boys present. They are taught reading, writing, and arithmetic on the
Lancastrian principle. They then proceeded to the girls' schools, where, in
addition to the above subjects, children are taught needlework and straw-
plaiting for bonnets. Some of the girls, not more than eight or nine years
old, translated the Hebrew prayers. Mr and Mrs Montefiore, in token of the
satisfaction they had felt at the inspection of the schools, left generous
presents for the pupils.
They then journeyed through La Spezia, Chiavari, Genoa, Novi, Turin,
Suza, Lanslebourg, Maltaveme, Sava, Les Echelles, Lyons, La Palisse, and
Neuville, in their own carriage, then on to Paris and Calais, where they
arrived on Wednesday.
"I am still," Mr Montefiore says, "very unwell indeed. I feel that some
disorder is making daily and rapid strides; am most anxious to reach home
for the benefit of rest and quiet. The newspapers appear very warlike, and I
think there can be but little doubt as to the truth of their reports. I hope I

shall not be induced to enter into any large speculation; never having been
endowed with courage in my younger days, it would now be nothing less
than downright folly. May heaven guard me from my friends as well as
from my enemies."

CHAPTER VII.
1828-1829.

ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND—ILLNESS OF MR MONTEFIORE-THE
STRUGGLE FOR JEWISH EMANCIPATION.

Thursday, February 28th.—They arrived safely in Dover harbour, and had
the pleasure of seeing some of their near relatives who had come down to
welcome them.
They proceeded next day to their home in London, where they immediately
paid a visit to Mr Montefiore's mother.
Having discharged this pleasing duty, they repaired to the Admiralty, to
leave the letters which had been entrusted by Admiral Codrington to Mr
Montefiore for delivery. They reached their home at five o'clock, again to
enjoy their Sabbath, a day of hallowed peace and rest, at Park Lane.
The following morning they attended Synagogue to offer up prayers for
their safe return, and were received by the ecclesiastical authorities and
representatives of the community with manifestations of pleasure at their
reappearance among them. Later in the day Mr Montefiore waited on the
Duke of Clarence to deliver into his hands the letter from the Admiral. Mr
Montefiore returned much pleased with the audience he had had with His
Royal Highness.
The great object which Mr and Mrs Montefiore had in view, when setting
out for the Holy Land, had so far been accomplished, that they had made a
sojourn of three days in the City of Jerusalem, a gratification, however,
which they had been permitted to enjoy only in return for unusually great
sacrifices.
Mr Montefiore now placed himself under the care of an eminent physician,
who for a long time visited him almost daily. As his doctor did not,
however, forbid Mr Montefiore's leaving the house or following his usual

pursuits, he went regularly, except on the Sabbath and Festivals, to the city,
attending the Boards of the Alliance Marine and Alliance Life and Fire
Offices, the Imperial Continental Gas Association, the Silk Company, and
those of all his various communal and charitable institutions. His physician
would often accompany him on his way to the city.
In accordance with the injunction in Deut. xxiii. 23, "That which has gone
out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform," he endeavoured to fulfil the
promises he had made in Egypt, Jaffa, and Malta. He spoke to Sir Robert
Farquhar in favour of Mr Barker's appointment as Consul General in Egypt
in place of the late Mr Salt. He gave Signor Damiani's letter to Mr George
Canning, first Lord of the Treasury and Chancellor of the Exchequer,
soliciting him to appoint young Damiana British Consul at Jaffa, in
succession to his father. Finally, he called on Dr Lee of Doctors' Commons,
leaving the manuscript, "The Story of Gaiffa," which the author had
requested him, when at Malta, to take there.
He had the satisfaction of hearing afterwards that his friendly intercession
on behalf of the applicants had been partially successful.
He was now called upon to fulfil a promise of a mournful nature, which,
previously to his setting out for the Holy Land, he had made at the request
of the Ecclesiastical Chief of his community.
19th Sivan 5588 a.m.—"It was Sunday morning, the 1st of June 1828, when
the Rev. Hazan de Sola informed me that it had pleased heaven to call to
eternal glory our most worthy Haham Meldola, this morning suddenly, and
that he had appointed me his executor conjointly with two other gentlemen.
"Tuesday has been a very fatiguing day. At half-past eight I was at Mansell
Street attending as Lavador. I took care to see that all the Rev. Haham's
requests were strictly complied with. At twelve the funeral cortege
proceeded to Bevis Marks. The Rev. Dr Hirschel preached an excellent
discourse over the coffin at the old burial ground. The body was carried by
all the representatives of the congregation. I assisted in lowering it into the
grave. I subsequently returned to the house of the mourners, there joining
the assembly at vesper prayers. It was seven o'clock when I left."

Mr Montefiore frequently called at the house of the bereaved relatives,
conveying to them his sympathy and making friendly offers of his services.
Always feeling an interest in objects connected with the Holy Land, he
went to look at the drawings and sketches made by Mr Thomas Wyse, jun.
(son-in-law of Lucien Bonaparte), during his stay in that part of the world.
Some of them he found beautiful and faithful representations of views in
and about Jerusalem. But what engages his mind most now is the
desirability of procuring the necessary means for the support of educational
institutions in the Holy Land.
The spread of education and the establishment of schools and colleges have
justly been regarded by all enlightened nations as a barometer of
civilisation, a sign of the pulsation of life in the heart of a people, and the
gladdening light and comforting joy for both rich and poor. But all who are
acquainted with the history of the Jews, both ancient and modern, will
readily admit that no other nation or class of people have ever shown their
appreciation of it under more unfavourable circumstances and at a greater
sacrifice. They never relaxed their exertions to benefit by education,
notwithstanding the numerous and painful checks from which their progress
has often suffered. As the grain of seed under the rough and stony surface,
trodden down by the heavy steps of the wanderer, only after turning and
twisting in many directions, finally sends forth its tender blade into the pure
atmosphere and reviving light of the sun, so the seed of intellect in the brain
of the Jew had to pass through many trials and troubles before its first shoot
was permitted to show itself and to thrive in the beneficent rays of liberty.
An opportunity presented itself to Mr Montefiore to assist the good cause of
education by the arrival of a special messenger from Jerusalem, sent to
draw his attention to an important case referring to a legacy bequeathed to a
theological college in the Holy City.
This messenger, the Rev. A. J., who was a member of the college in
question belonging to the Spanish and Portuguese community in Jerusalem,
said that he was sent by the representatives of that institution to make their
case known to the head of the Spanish and Portuguese community in
London, and to receive £2600 consols from a certain person. The interest of
that stock having been bequeathed to the said college by two friends of Zion

residing in England, the representatives should have received the same in
regular remittances. The person mentioned, however, being the only
surviving trustee, had sold the stock, and had for some years discontinued
the remittance of dividends. Mr Montefiore gave the messenger a most
polite and friendly reception, and called on two gentlemen who, he knew,
would take an interest in the case, asking them to associate themselves with
him in furtherance of the above object.
A few days later he gave an entertainment at Park Lane, inviting most of the
leading and influential members of the community to meet the messenger
from Jerusalem, who, it was here suggested, should be asked to deliver a
discourse in the Portuguese Synagogue. The Rev. A. J. consented to do so,
and gave an interesting address to the community in pure Biblical Hebrew.
Mr Montefiore went with his friends to the solicitor to hear the trustee's
answer to the Bill filed in Chancery, and he promised to give them his
opinion on the subject in a few days.
Whilst awaiting the solicitor's opinion, the Rev. A. J. was taken seriously ill,
and was received into the hospital of the Spanish and Portuguese
community, where at Mr Montefiore's expense he was visited by the most
eminent physicians. Eventually he recovered.
Ten days later the Rev. A. J. sent for J. M. B., a particular friend of the
trustee, to whom he made the following proposition:—"That the trustee
should pay him (the Rev. A. J.) his expenses and all law charges, and also
£500 down, the balance to be invested in the names of trustees, and the
present trustee to enjoy the interest during his lifetime, the capital at his
decease reverting to Jerusalem." J. M. B. promised to communicate the
offer to his friend. The solicitor informed Mr Montefiore that this
gentleman's attorney had returned to England, and would lose no time in
giving an answer to the messenger's Amendment Bill in the Court of
Chancery. Some time afterwards Mr Montefiore met by appointment with
two other friends at the house of the messenger, leaving him the power of
attorney, to act for the recovery of the funds.
Three months later, however, he and two friends had to undertake the very
unpleasant task of informing the rev. gentleman that, in their opinion, he

would not be able to obtain any money from the trustee, and a sum of
money had to be given him to enable him to return to Jerusalem.
With a sorrowful heart at the result of his mission he left England. "But
never," he writes in a letter addressed to Mr Montefiore from Jerusalem,
"will the recollection of the great kindness, sympathy, and attention which I
have met from yourself and my many friends be effaced from my memory."
This misappropriation of trust funds intended for poor students in the Holy
City roused the utmost indignation in the community. It was deemed a
sacrilege, and the strongest terms of reprobation were expressed against the
individual who had thus outraged the feelings of humanity.
"There can be no doubt," said Mr Montefiore many years later, speaking on
the same subject, "that trusts connected with charitable or strictly religious
institutions are more liable than others to be, if not strictly speaking
misappropriated, at least misdirected, though it may probably be
unintentional, more especially when the religious views of the trustees
differ from those of the testator. The trust in this particular instance being
connected with the study of a language held in esteem by all religious
denominations, the act becomes much aggravated, nay, unpardonable."
The fervent attachment which Mr Montefiore evinced to the Holy Land did
not in any way interfere with his devotion to England.
I have already pointed out to the reader the great zeal which he manifested
for the defence of his country when serving as a volunteer, and on all
occasions he continued to declare that he was ever ready to fulfil his duties
by going on active service.
In common with his brethren in all parts of the world, he felt it most
painfully that, in a country like England, where so many well-meaning
citizens evinced their sympathy with the sufferers from oppression, he as a
Jew should still be debarred from many of those rights and privileges to
which every loyal subject is fully entitled.
The sacrifices which the Jews all over Europe had made during the war of
1815, by shedding their blood in defence of the country in which they lived,
and by their liberal contributions to the funds for the relief of the wounded,

and the support of the soldiers' widows and orphans, had been
acknowledged and appreciated.
In Holland and France the Jews were fully emancipated, filling high
municipal offices in their respective districts, whereas in England the Jews
who, since the year 1753, when the Ministry was compelled to withdraw
the Naturalisation Act, after it had passed the House of Lords, had been in
vain endeavouring to secure their civil rights, thought that the time had now
arrived when they might hope to be more successful in the just demands
they made upon an enlightened assembly of legislators in both Houses of
Parliament.
On June 26th Mr Montefiore went with Mr I. L. Goldsmid to the Duke of
Norfolk to meet various committees of Dissenters and Catholics, for the
purpose of consulting as to the best mode of obtaining privileges for the
Jews. They there met Messrs Blount, C. Butler (Catholics), Foa, Bowany,
and Aspenhill (Dissenters), and interchanged views on the subject of
obtaining relief from all religious disabilities. Similar meetings were held in
other localities which were attended by several members of the community,
the result being, as is well known, the repeal of the Test and Corporation
Act.
Greatly encouraged by the result of these meetings, Mr Montefiore,
conjointly with Mr N. M. Rothschild, Mr I. L. Goldsmid, and others,
pursued with great energy the object in view.
In the month of August, Mr and Mrs Montefiore set out for a little excursion
to Exeter, Bath, and other places, for the purpose of giving Mr Montefiore a
short respite from the fatigue entailed upon him by his onerous duties.
We find them again at Park Lane about the end of that month.
The diary of 1829 continues to record the great exertions made by Mr
Montefiore and other members of his community to attain their civil rights.
He attends besides to all his various duties, and has headed the volume by
the three following lessons for his own guidance:—
"Be content with what God has allotted you, and you are rich." "To learn,
listen. To be safe, be silent." "No man can be happy who does not devote at
least five or six hours daily to some useful employment."

On Sunday, 22nd February, he writes: "Mr Isaac L. Goldsmid paid me a
long visit, consulting as to the best mode of procuring general toleration for
the Jews. Judith and self took a ride to see Hannah Rothschild and her
husband. We had a long conversation on the subject of liberty for the Jews.
He said he would shortly go to the Lord Chancellor and consult him on the
matter. Hannah said if he did not, she would.
"The spirit manifested here by Mrs Rothschild, and the brief but impressive
language she used, reminded me most strikingly of her sister, Mrs
Montefiore."
Mr Montefiore called the next day on Mr I. L. Goldsmid and Mr Moses
Mocatta, and conversed with them on the present state of the Jews.
Subsequently he went with Mr N. M. Rothschild to Sir James Mackintosh,
to request him to bring a Bill into Parliament to allow aliens (Jews) to hold
freehold land and to vote for members of Parliament.
In the cause of emancipation friendly dinners and entertainments were
occasionally given for the purpose of affording friends of religious and civil
liberty an opportunity of exchanging their views on the subject. To many of
these, given by N. M. Rothschild at Piccadilly, Mr and Mrs Montefiore
were invited. At one of them they met the Duke and Duchess of St Albans,
Lady Louisa Beauclerk, the Hon. Shaw Stewart, Lord and Lady Kinnwell,
Sir William and Lady Rowly, the Spanish Ambassador and his wife, the
Brazilian Ambassador, Sir Charles Beresford, Sir William Abdy, Mr George
Harrison, Mr Kelly Addenston. "Twenty-three," says Mr Montefiore, "sat
down to table. Moschelles came in the evening, played on the piano, and
accompanied Miss Rothschild. It was near twelve before the party broke
up." Mr Montefiore was highly gratified with the result of the conversations
he had with several influential noblemen on the subject he had so much at
heart.
On a similar occasion at the house of Mr John Pearce, St Swithin's Lane, he
met a number of gentlemen interested in the emancipation of the Jews. He
there spoke to Daniel O'Connell and his son, to the O'Gorman Mahon, I. L.
Goldsmid, young Attwood, Samuel Gurney and his son, Fowell Buxton,
Charles Pearce, Pearce Mahony, and Dr Hume. O'Connell and the
O'Gorman were very chatty.

On the 17th of March, Mr and Mrs Montefiore called on Mr N. M.
Rothschild. They read there the petition of the Jews to both Houses of
Parliament prepared by Mr Tooke, and "both Hannah and Rothschild," he
observes, "approve of it."
On the evening of the same day he attended a meeting of deputies from the
several London Synagogues held at the Mocattas', in Russell Square. Mr
Mocatta was elected Chairman, and Joseph Cohen Honorary Secretary.
There were also present Dr Joshua Van Oven, Lyon Samuel, Levy Solomon,
Hart Micholls, David Brandon, Moses Montefiore, jun. Mr Isaac Lyon
Goldsmid, who had written a letter to the Chairman, was sent for. He came
in shortly afterwards, and laid before the meeting a statement of the
favourable prospect of obtaining the removal of the Jewish disabilities. "It
was half-past ten," says Mr Montefiore, "before we separated, first passing
a vote of thanks to Mr I. L. Goldsmid and to our Chairman."
A few days later Mr I. L. Goldsmid informed him of what had passed
between Mr N. M. Rothschild and the Lord Chancellor on Tuesday, 17th
March. He went to the House of Lords with Mr Rothschild. The Chancellor
was very polite, and regretted that he had not time that day to go into the
business, but requested him to come the following Wednesday at half-past
four.

CHAPTER VIII.
1829.

LADY HESTER STANHOPE—HER ECCENTRICITIES—
PARLIAMENT AND THE JEWS.

On his return to Park Lane from the House of Lords he found that Mr Pope
(Upper Marylebone) had brought letters from the Holy City for him and
Lord Stanhope, the purport of which was to endeavour to recover a debt
against Lady Hester Stanhope, of Djouni, or "The Tower of Lebanon," as it
is generally called, near Zidon in the Holy Land.
I had the privilege of spending several very pleasant days with Lady Hester
Stanhope in that Tower. My visit to her has been mentioned in a book
entitled "The Memoirs of Lady Hester Stanhope, as related by herself in
conversation with her Physician, &c.," pp. 233 and 238.
I may therefore be justified in expressing an opinion on the merits of her
case.
Lady Hester Stanhope, the niece of Mr Pitt, Chancellor of the Exchequer in
1782, undertook the self-imposed and benevolent task of educating the
Maronite, Druze, and Mahommedan children. It was her pleasing
endeavour to help, according to her means, every distressed person
requiring relief, to disseminate feelings of humanity among husbands, who
in the East treated their wives like slaves, and even to expostulate with
Emirs and Pachas if they happened to disregard the laws of justice in the
performance of their duties. She reprimanded Abdallah Pasha for his cruel
treatment of his household, and particularly for having caused one of his
wives to be brutally disfigured for some wrong which he thought she had
done him.
For these her good qualities she was held in high regard by all classes of
society, not only in Syria, but also among all the nomadic tribes of the

desert. Any traveller wishing to proceed to Palmyra unmolested by the
marauding Bedouins of the desert, had only to provide himself with a
tezkeree (kind of passport) from Lady Hester Stanhope, and he was not only
at liberty to move about safely in any direction he pleased, but was
welcomed with the utmost cordiality by every chief on the road.
Lady Hester was very fond of Biblical studies, and of entering into
discussions on these matters, although very few of those who visited her
were competent to guide her in these studies. In consequence of this she
imbibed some strange notions, among others, the belief that there existed
only three correct Bible manuscripts in the world; unfortunately of the three
she believed in, one is of doubtful authenticity, and one contains only the
New Testament. She was greatly astonished when I told her that many
correct Bible manuscripts exist, and on hearing my description of the
celebrated Farkhi Bible manuscript at Damascus, which has been valued at
£1000, she became quite excited, and declared her intention of going as
soon as possible to Damascus to inspect this treasure. When conversing
with her on religious subjects, her ideas at first appeared peculiar, but on
hearing the reasons she gave for them, one could not but appreciate her
noble intentions. She abhorred the idea of cruelty to any dumb creature.
Having convinced herself that the Jewish mode of slaughtering animals for
consumption is less cruel than any other, and that the examination of the
meat prescribed by the Jewish law is most beneficial from a sanitary point
of view, she adopted both, and kept for the purpose a person at Djouni,
competent to perform these duties in her household.
One day she invited me to accompany her to her stables; here two beautiful
horses, one grey, and the other chestnut, came towards her, and laid their
heads on her shoulder. She called my attention to the peculiar formation of
their backs, which showed a tendency to rise in two places at a slight
distance from each other, leaving room for the rider to sit between them as
in a Turkish saddle. According to the certificate she held from the person
who sold them, they were descended from a famous sire in a stud belonging
to one of the Kaleefahs. "One of these," she said, "might well be suitable for
such a man (referring to the much hoped for emissary of peace) when
entering the city known by the name of the 'City of Peace,' on his mission of
humanity, and the other for myself, when co-operating with him in the work
of establishing tranquillity and happiness among the inhabitants of Syria."

She complained of her words being often misinterpreted by strangers who
came to visit her, hence her great reluctance to admit travellers into her
presence.
Mr Montefiore, Mr Hope, and Lord Stanhope would have done all in their
power to satisfy the party who sent the letters to England, as well as to co-
operate with Lady Hester Stanhope in all her benevolent exertions, but it
had been suggested to them to communicate first with the Consul at
Beyrout, before taking any decisive steps in the matter, and the letters from
the Holy Land had to be laid aside for a time.
Returning again to Mr Montefiore's exertions for emancipation, it should be
mentioned that he went to a dinner given by Mr I. L. Goldsmid to meet
Lords Lansdowne, Suffield, and Auckland, the Dutch Minister, the
American Minister, Daniel O'Connell and his son, P. Mahony, the
O'Gorman Mahon, Thos. Wyse, Tooke, Fowell Buxton, &c. He spoke to all
of them on the subject he had so much at heart. The O'Gorman was very
sociable; he wished to see the Portuguese Synagogue, also to have the
opportunity of presenting the Jews' petition to Parliament.
On the 1st of April, Mr Montefiore accompanied Mr N. M. Rothschild to
the House of Lords. On their entry they were informed that the Lord
Chancellor had just sent word that he would not come down to the House
that day. Lowdham however promised them to make an appointment for the
following Monday. On his return from the House Mr Montefiore repaired to
the city, to attend the anniversary dinner of the Jews' Hospital at the City of
London Tavern. Mr Bing, the Member for Middlesex, took the chair. J.
Alexander, T. A. Curtis, and J. M. Pearce were present, and made excellent
speeches in favour of civil and religious liberty.
A few days later he went again with Mr N. M. Rothschild to the House of
Lords to see Lord Lyndhurst, but it being five o'clock, his Lordship was
obliged to go into the House immediately, promising however, to see them
on the following Wednesday.
They saw the Duke of Wellington, who said he wished to see Mr Rothschild
on Wednesday, on his own private affairs.

On the appointed day they again went to the House of Lords to see the Lord
Chancellor. He said they were at the time so occupied with the Catholic
business, they could attend to nothing else. He advised them to remain quiet
till this was settled, but if they thought it more to their own interest to bring
the matter forward immediately, to set Lord Holland to do so, and he would
support him, as he considered it right that the Jews should be relieved from
their present disabilities; at the same time they must be guided by public
opinion. They assured the Lord Chancellor they would be entirely guided
by his advice, and would do nothing for the present. He said he would
consult the Duke of Wellington, and would write to Mr Rothschild what had
best be done.
On leaving the House, Mr Montefiore called on Mr I. L. Goldsmid to tell
him what had passed.
The 13th of April was one of those days which he spent in attending to his
Companies and Associations. He then called on Messrs Garry & Curtis to
solicit a presentation to Christ's Hospital for Captain Anderson's boy.
Attended the Irish Bank, and in the evening was present, together with Mrs
Montefiore, at a dinner given by Mr Fairlie of York Terrace. They found
there "a most splendid party and elegant entertainment." They met Lord
Fife, Sir Herbert and Lady Taylor, Sir Thomas Clark, Sir John Ogleby, Mr
Towncan, Mr P. and his wife, Mr J. Pearce, bank director, Colonel
Blackburn and his wife, Sir James Shaw, and Sir Thomas, an Indian
General, who had been confined in irons for three years and four months at
Seringapatam. They had the opportunity of hearing the opinion of most of
the party on the subject of civil and religious liberty, and it proved in every
case highly satisfactory.
What occupied Mr Montefiore's mind this day more than other subjects was
his intended presentation to the King at the approaching levee.
Mr Edward Blount said he believed it would be sufficient if the Duke of
Norfolk merely sent his card with Mr Montefiore's to the Lord Chancellor's
office, but he would enquire further of the Duke. Mr Montefiore, however,
differed from him, and did not wish to be introduced at the levee in that
way, unless Mr Blount was so convinced of its propriety as to be introduced
in the same way with him.

The next day Mr Blount showed him a note he had received from Sir
George Naylor of the Herald's office, who said that any gentleman
introduced at the levee by a peer who has the privilege of the entrée, has his
name announced by the Lord-in-Waiting in the usual manner, the peer
standing at the same time near the King. In this way Mr Blount was to be
introduced, and Mr Montefiore was to accompany him. The Duke of
Norfolk, Mr Blount said, would send Mr Montefiore's card with his own to
the Lord Chamberlain's office.
There is an incident of a touching nature recorded in his diary about this
time. "On the 15th April I called on Mrs Zaccaria Laurence at Bury Court,
and gave her the receipt for the further share of the residue of the estate of
my much respected grandmother, Esther Hannah Montefiore. With gratitude
I recall to my mind her words to me on her deathbed. She lamented not
having left me more in her will, and added, 'God bless you, and God will
bless you.' Peace be to her memory. O that I may follow her excellent and
most exemplary conduct, and may my deathbed be as happy as it pleased
Providence to make hers. Amen."
On April 16th, accompanied by Mr N. M. Rothschild, he attended a meeting
of the Deputies at Mr M. Samuels' house, 19 Leman Street. There were
present Messrs Moses Mocatta, Joseph Cohen, Michells, Van-Oven,
Goodman, Levy Salamon, David and Joseph Brandon, Moses Montefiore, I.
L. Goldsmid, S. Samuel, and John M. Pearce.
After a long debate it was resolved that Pearce should prepare a petition,
and that they should then meet again. A few days later he called with Mr
Moses Mocatta on Mr Pearce, to read and make alterations in the proposed
petition of the Jews to Parliament.
The Feast of the Passover was now approaching. Those who know the
distance from Park Lane to Bevis Marks in the city, will appreciate Mr and
Mrs Montefiore's zeal which led them to walk from their own home in all
weather to the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue in Bevis Marks. As they
always desired to be in their places even before the prayers commenced,
they were obliged to leave home at a very early hour of the morning. After
the conclusion of the service, which lasted about two hours and a half, they
breakfasted with one of the officers of the Synagogue, and then proceeded

to pay visits to all their friends in the vicinity. It was often nearly four
o'clock when they again walked back to Park Lane, where in the evening
they entertained the members of their family and several friends at dinner.
The second day of the Festival was passed in the same manner. Few would
now willingly undergo such fatigue, but Mr and Mrs Montefiore's religious
fervour and warm attachment to their friends would not allow them to plead
weariness as an excuse either for not joining their community in the House
of Prayer, or for neglecting their friends. They continued this practice until
their advanced age and uncertain state of health no longer permitted it.

CHAPTER IX.
1829-1830.

MR MONTEFIORE PRESENTED TO THE KING—SPANISH AND
PORTUGUESE JEWS IN LONDON IN 1829.

Immediately after the Passover Festival Mr Montefiore was present at an
important meeting, convened by the elders of the Spanish and Portuguese
congregation, to consider the propriety of introducing the English language
for the delivery of sermons and addresses in the synagogues and colleges.
The debate was very long and stormy, as many members of the
congregation were greatly attached to the Spanish tongue, in which their
ancestors in many cases had made their names famous. This is scarcely to
be wondered at, when we consider that the Jews at one time were highly
esteemed in Spain. From the works of Abbot Bartolocci de Cellens, we
learn that they were regarded among the learned as scholars, and among
financiers as honorable, intelligent, and enterprising men; and that they
filled high offices in colleges and universities, as well as in the councils of
kings and assemblies of merchants and bankers. We must, therefore, not be
surprised that they still clung to that language in spite of the terrible
persecutions which drove them from the Spanish peninsula, but which do
not seem to have weakened the affection they felt for their native land. The
language of the country must always constitute the strongest bond of union
between that country and its people, although intelligent men emigrating to
a land where all are treated with justice and humanity, must consider it their
first duty to make themselves thoroughly acquainted with its language. In a
land where justice and humanity are unknown, however, or hidden under
the dark shadows of prejudice, ignorance, and fanaticism; where some of
the children of the land would scarcely dare to speak of it as "my
fatherland" or "my mother country," because it disowns those who would
designate it by these terms; in such a land the language is often disliked by
its oppressed children themselves, who long for some other country where
they may learn to forget the injustice they have encountered there.

Yet, as it may appear, this was not the case with the Spanish Jews. Although
the many years of prosperity which they had enjoyed in Spain had
terminated in persecutions, almost unparalleled in history; although
thousands of them perished under the terrible reign of the Inquisition, in the
awful tortures of the "Auto da fé," and the rest were finally banished in the
year 1492, yet, as their continued use of the Spanish language seems to
prove, they only remembered their days of happiness in that land. Even
those who settled in Turkey, Morocco, Algiers, Egypt, Palestine, Austria, or
Holland, still used the Spanish language in their prayer-books, Bibles, and
codes of communal laws. Such was also the case with the Jews who settled
in England. Though they had all gladly adopted the language of the land
which they had made their home under the sway of a just and enlightened
monarch, they still clung to the Spanish tongue as that of their fatherland,
and were loth to banish its use entirely. But in all the schools and colleges
in England so much time was in those days devoted to the various branches
of English study, that little was left for the acquirement of what was now to
them a foreign language. The rising Jewish generation was, therefore, not
well acquainted with the language into which the prayers had been
translated, and hence the desire of several members of the community to
replace it by the English tongue.
The struggle between the two parties—those advanced in years, who
naturally wished to adhere to the old ways, and the young and energetic
members, who desired to adopt the innovation—proved long and hard.
Finally, a resolution was carried by eighteen votes to eleven, "To have all
religious discourses delivered in the synagogues in English, and also
henceforth to have all proclamations made in the same tongue."
The meeting, which opened its deliberations at 11 a.m., did not adjourn until
half-past four.
On Tuesday, April 28th, Mr Montefiore called at the Lord Chamberlain's
office and left his card, on which he had written, "To be presented by the
Duke of Norfolk." After communicating with Mr N. M. Rothschild, he
went, accompanied by Messrs I. L. Goldsmid and Moses Mocatta, to Mr
Pearce to consider some points in connection with the petition, and
subsequently resolved to consult Lord Brougham and Dr Lushington on the
matter. Later in the day he went with Mr N. M. Rothschild and I. L.

Goldsmid to see the Lord Chancellor, who recommended their presenting
the petition either through Lord Bexley or Lord Holland; he preferred the
former, as the latter, he thought, would make some sensation. When
presented, he said, they would see how it was received; if quietly, they
could immediately bring in a Bill. In the event of its occasioning any
unpleasant feeling, they would not attempt to advance farther that session,
more particularly as the public, and even the King himself, were not yet
reconciled to the measure in favour of the Catholics.
Mr Montefiore and Mr Rothschild afterwards spoke with Lord Bexley, and
explained their wishes to him. He appeared to be doubtful of their obtaining
all the privileges that year, but said he would speak to the Chancellor, and
see them again the following Thursday.
Mr Montefiore dined that day with Mrs Rothschild, at whose house he met
several political friends, as well as Mr I. L. Goldsmid, who told him that
Lord Auckland had requested the Marquis of Lansdowne to introduce him
(Mr Goldsmid) at the levee.
Wednesday, April 29th.—He gives the following particulars of his first
presentation to the King:—
"At 1 p.m. Mr G. Blount, with his son and his nephew Sir Edward Blount,
Bart., came for me. I accompanied them to the levee. Our carriage fell into
the rank about the middle of Bond Street. It was twenty minutes past two
when we reached St James Palace. We entered the first room, and gave a
card to the page-in-waiting—'Mr Montefiore, presented by the Duke of
Norfolk.' There appeared to be four or five hundred persons in the waiting-
room, mostly naval and military officers in full uniform, also many bishops,
clergymen, and barristers. The crush was most fatiguing and annoying. It
was four o'clock when we reached the second room. Here, as only a few
were admitted at a time, we were much more at our ease. In the third room
the King was seated about ten paces from the entrance, surrounded by, or
rather having on each side of him, his grand officers. Six or seven persons
entered at a time; those who had been introduced before merely gave their
cards to the lord-in-waiting, made their bow, and passed on. When I reached
His Majesty, I gave my card to the lord-in-waiting, who was standing on his
right hand, and who announced in a distinct voice, 'Mr Montefiore,

presented to your Majesty by the Duke of Norfolk.' I thereupon bent my left
knee to the ground. The King very graciously smiled, and held out his right
hand to me, which I kissed. I then rose, and made my bow, and passed on.
We passed the King from left to right, and not as I expected from right to
left. We were only permitted to remain a few minutes in the audience room.
"Colonel French was standing a few paces from his Majesty, on the right;
he spoke with me in a very friendly manner. I was much pleased with the
gracious reception I met with. It was twenty-five minutes past four when we
left the audience room. We then had to get through a great crowd before we
could reach the doors of the palace."
On the following day Mr Montefiore, together with Messrs Rothschild and
Goldsmid, went to Lord Bexley, and gave him their petition to read. He
read it over, and said he would speak to Lord Eldon and the Bishops, and
would see them the next day. He recommended that Mr Thomas Baring
should bring the Bill into the Commons.
In the course of the afternoon he called at New Court, and there heard the
report of the Duke of Wellington's going out of office, also of the funding of
eight millions of Exchequer bills, important topics for consideration to the
financiers of the day. Mr Montefiore, however, did not allow this news to
disturb his peace of mind, for we find him the same evening accompanying
his wife to a grand fancy dress ball given by Mr Goldsmid on the occasion
of the coming of age of his eldest son.
On returning home after the ball, a little incident occurred as a consequence
of the rumours of a change of Ministry. Their coachman, considering
himself somewhat of a politician, took the opportunity, while they were at
the ball, of entering one of the neighbouring taverns, where the reported
change in the Ministry was being discussed in a lively manner by a large
number of his friends. It appears that during the excitement of the debate he
had indulged too much in "the cup that cheers," but, unfortunately, does
inebriate, although whether from joy or grief at the anticipated change does
not transpire; anyhow, the result was that on attempting to drive Mr and
Mrs Montefiore back from the ball he was found totally incapable of
guiding the horses, and, notwithstanding the efforts made by the footman to

come to his assistance, they had to leave the carriage before arriving at their
destination, and complete the journey on foot.
The next morning Mr Montefiore proceeded, in company with Messrs
Goldsmid and Rothschild, to the House of Lords, where they spoke to Lord
Bexley. He had not yet had an opportunity of conversing with Lord Eldon
or the Bishops on the subject of the Jews' petition, but said he would
endeavour to do so before Tuesday, on which day he agreed to meet them
again. He had conferred with the Chancellor, who said the Duke would not
make it a government measure, but expressed himself in favour of it.
The arrival of the Baroness Anselm de Rothschild and her brother Lionel
from Paris took Mr and Mrs Montefiore to Piccadilly. But Mr Montefiore
allowed himself no relaxation in the furtherance of the great cause he had at
heart. On Sunday, 13th of May, he attended in the morning a meeting of the
Elders, which lasted from eleven o'clock till a quarter to five. In the evening
he was present at a meeting of the Deputies of several Synagogues at Mr
Mocatta's residence in Russell Square, where after considerable discussion
the petition was finally agreed to, and was to be signed the next day.
Mr Montefiore, in his diary, gives a further account of the matter. "I
accompanied Mr Rothschild," he says, "to the House of Lords. Lord Bexley
had already left, so we proceeded to his own house. He said he had spoken
with Lord Eldon and several of the Bishops, and ascertained that they had
no objection to a Bill to omit the words, 'On the true faith of a Christian,'
introduced into the Dissenters' Act last session. What would be its effect in
law he could not state; he would, however, confer with Lord Brougham and
Dr Lushington. He suggested some slight alteration in the wording of the
petition. We are to bring it back to him signed on Thursday, and he has
promised to present it. He again recommended that Sir Thos. Baring should
present it the Commons."
At the meeting of the Deputies they at first objected to the petition as
altered by Lord Bexley, but finally agreed to sign it. Mr Montefiore then
went, with Messrs Rothschild and Goldsmid, to Lord Bexley with the
petition. The latter thought that everything would be granted to the Jews
except seats in Parliament. Before he could present it, he said, he must
confer once more with the Lord Chancellor and the Duke of Wellington.

Lord Bexley further said, that he would have to see Dr Lushington the next
day, but as that would be Saturday, Mr Montefiore declined attending. A
few days later Lord Bexley stated distinctly that the Duke of Wellington
would decidedly oppose any application the Jews might make this year in
Parliament, but would not pledge himself as to next session. Dr Lushington
and Lords Bexley and Holland strongly advised a delay till next year.
Mr Montefiore, in his diary, gives some account of a dinner at which he and
Mrs Montefiore were present, given by Mr N. M. Rothschild to Mr
Mahoney, in payment of a wager which he had lost to that gentleman, on
the subject of the agitation for the removal of the Jewish disabilities.
He says: "The party included many important personages. Many of the
nobility with whom we conversed on the subject expressed themselves
much in favour of the Bill. The Lords Darnley, Lauderdale, and Glenelg, Sir
Robert Farquhar, and Messrs Spring-Rice, Jennings, Otway, Cave, and
Horace Twiss, whom we met there, were most zealous for the success of the
cause. Admiral Sir Ed. Codrington and a Russian Prince, who were among
the guests, discussed the subject with great warmth until a late hour."
It was the month of June, and Mr Montefiore required relief, even if only
for a short time, from this incessant mental work, accompanied as it often
was by the anxiety which falls to the lot of most prominent men in the
financial world. He therefore gladly accepted for Mrs Montefiore and
himself an invitation to make a tour in the Isle of Wight with the Baron and
Baroness Anselm de Rothschild, and Messrs Nathaniel and Meyer de
Rothschild.
The genial atmosphere of the island, and the cheerful conversation of their
friends and relatives, coupled with the polite attention he received from Sir
John Campbell, the Governor, and his officers, soon made Mr Montefiore
forget for a while Banks, Insurance Offices, Stock Exchanges, and Gas
Associations, whether in England, France, or Germany.
The time for resuming his usual business pursuits now arrived, and his own
words show how well every hour of his day was employed.
"11 a.m. At St James' Palace to thank Colonel Boten for the General Post
book he left for me. 11.15. At Alliance and Marine. 12. Attended

Committee of Irish Bank till 2. 2.15. Signed policies at Marine. Called on
Mr Rothschild at New Court; solicited him to speak with Wertheimer the
printer to take N. N.'s son as apprentice. 2.30. Attended Board of Gas till
nearly 5. A special meeting of Directors summoned for next Thursday to
receive the report of the special committee."
At the close of the year Mr Montefiore was invited by a friend to go to
Paris, to be present at the bidding for a new French loan, but he thought
proper to decline, remaining firm in his resolution not to further extend his
financial operations.
He deemed it important to enter that year in his diary a kind of census of the
Spanish and Portuguese Jews in London—another proof of the great desire
he felt to make himself thoroughly acquainted with the affairs of his
community. I bring it under the notice of the reader whom it may interest, to
enable him to compare it with the census of that community at the present
day.
Privileged members and their families, About 750
Unprivileged members and their families, " 550
Persons receiving relief from the Synagogues, " 1200
——
Total, 2500
In consequence of unsuccessful speculations in connection with political
changes in England, France, and Spain, there was a general panic in the
financial world at the beginning of 1830, but Mr Montefiore, by cautious
foresight and firm resolution, had withstood all temptations and remained
unaffected by it.
Referring to this panic, he says, on finding several persons very depressed:
"I have a thousand times given them my opinion on that subject, and can
only regret that they have not benefited by it. I am most uneasy and
unhappy about them; God only knows what the result of this state of things
will be." After entering into further details, he concludes by observing, "At
all events I stand relieved from reproach, having so repeatedly cautioned
them against what appeared to me a desperate situation."

There are several entries, important as historical records, concerning the
steps taken in the Jewish emancipation movement. On the 27th January he
consulted M. Mocatta and I. L. Goldsmid respecting the application to
Parliament in favour of removing the disabilities of the Jews.
On the 31st January he attended a meeting of the deputies of the
Synagogues at the house of Moses Mocatta; there were twelve present,
besides Mr I. L. Goldsmid and Mr Thomas M. Pearce. They read the
opinions of Dr Lushington and Mr Humphries on the present state of the
civil disabilities of the Jews. It was resolved to petition Parliament for the
removal of the said disabilities, and to request Messrs N. M. Rothschild, I.
L. Goldsmid, and Moses Montefiore to see the Duke of Wellington on the
subject.
The following day Mr Montefiore received a note from Mr I. L. Goldsmid,
requesting that he would endeavour to see Mr N. M. Rothschild, and
persuade him to go that day at twelve to the Duke of Wellington.
Accordingly he went out in his carriage with the intention of proceeding to
Stamford Hill.
Mr Montefiore here introduces a little incident which may perhaps please
some of my readers, and I give it in his own words—
"On reaching Newington, I met N. M. Rothschild in his carriage. Lionel and
Anthony were with him; the two latter got into my chariot, and I drove with
the former to Prince Esterhazy, whither he was proceeding with the
intention of conferring with him on the subject of emancipation in Austria.
"On our arrival I remained for some time with Anthony in the prince's
dining-room. An elderly gentleman, who had the appearance of a Catholic
priest, was taking his lunch there. When he had finished his repast, he
moved to one of the windows, and kneeling down, continued in that
position for about ten minutes, apparently deeply engaged in his devotions.
He then rose, and bowing to us, left the room." "I fear," observes Mr
Montefiore, "that some of my brethren would have hesitated to have even
put their hats on to say the blessing after their meal, instead of acting as this
good man did."

CHAPTER X.
1830-1831.

INTERVIEW WITH THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON IN
FURTHERANCE OF THE JEWISH CAUSE—THE DUKE'S
DILATORY TACTICS—LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE OF
THE SYNAGOGUE AT HERESON.

Resuming the thread of our narrative, we find that Mr N. M. Rothschild
promised to see the Duke of Wellington. On the 7th of February this
interview with the Duke took place. Mr N. M. Rothschild, having addressed
him on financial subjects connected with the affairs of Government, said to
him, "God has given your grace power to do good—I would entreat you to
do something for the Jews," to which the Duke replied, that God bestowed
benefits moderately, but that he would read over the petition that day, and
Mr N. M. Rothschild might call any morning for his answer. Mr Rothschild
then began to speak of Prince Polignac, the minister of Charles X. (who, a
few months later, had to fly from the country with all the other members of
the ministry, in consequence of the conflicts in Paris between the populace
and the army), but the Duke instantly stopped him, saying he did not wish
to know anything of foreign politics.
"The next day," writes Mr Montefiore, "Charles Grant declined to present
the petition in favour of the Jews, and Mr N. M. Rothschild thought it
would be better to defer calling on the Duke for his answer, as, he was
much plagued by the unsettled state of parties in the House of Commons.
This determination, however," observes Mr Montefiore, "is greatly against
the wishes of I. L. Goldsmid and those whom he has consulted on the
subject."
February 12th.—Mr Montefiore went with Messrs N. M. Rothschild, I. L.
Goldsmid, and Lionel Rothschild to the Duke, who told them that he would
not commit the Government on the question of the Jews, and advised them
to defer their application to Parliament, or, if they did not, he said, it must

be at their own risk, and he would make no promise. Mr Montefiore thought
the answer on the whole favourable, that is, that the Duke had no
determined prejudice against the removal of the civil disabilities of the
Jews, but would, nevertheless, take no active steps in their favour. Should
the Commons suffer it to pass quietly, Mr Montefiore had no doubt the
Duke would take no part against them.
The 19th of the same month Mr Montefiore says: "Robert Grant gave notice
last night in the House of Commons that he would on Monday next present
a petition in favour of the Jews." It was accordingly presented on February
22nd. It was tolerably well received, W. Ward and D. O'Connell speaking in
its favour, Sir R. Inglis against it.
A few months later Mr Grant desired to be informed whether the Jews
insisted on obtaining the privilege of sitting in Parliament, and if they
would refuse all other privileges if this was not obtained. It was Mr
Montefiore's opinion that they should take what they could get.
April 14th.—Mr N. M. Rothschild and his son Lionel came to report that
they had seen Mr Herries, who informed them that the Government had
determined to consult Dr Lushington and R. Grant on the following
morning. I. L. Goldsmid, they said, had declared he should prefer losing all,
than to give up Parliament. "I," observed Mr Montefiore in return,
"decidedly differ with him; we should accept all we can get."
Two days later he writes: "I returned from the House of Commons delighted
with the speeches of Robert Grant, Mr Macaulay, Sir James Mackintosh,
Lord Morpeth, and Mr W. Smith, in our favour. Sir Robert Inglis, the
Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Solicitor-General (Sugden) were
against us. The numbers were—For, 115; against, 97,—majority, 18. We
called to congratulate N. M. Rothschild and Hannah on the result of last
night's debate."
On the 21st, at a dinner given by Mr I. L. Goldsmid, he met Lord Holland,
Sir Robert Wilson, A. J. Robarts, —— Tooke, John Abel Smith, Macaulay,
Easthope, Robinson (the member for Worcester), Dr Lushington, and Lord
Nugent, all of them most friendly to the cause.

On a previous occasion, at a meeting held at the house of Mr Moses
Mocatta, Mr Montefiore, I. L. Goldsmid, D. Brandon, J. M. Pearce, and
others being present, it was resolved to advertise that petitions to both
Houses in favour of the Jews were lying for signature at several places as
named.
For his own community, the Spanish and Portuguese, and for the German
Jewish congregation, he worked with equal zeal. On the 14th we find him,
together with several other members of a Committee appointed for that
purpose, visiting the houses of all the Jewish poor. "We were," he says,
"from soon after 10 in the morning till 5 p.m. about Petticoat Lane and the
alleys, courts, &c. We there visited the rooms of about 112 persons. To 108
we gave cards to obtain relief from the General Committee on Thursday.
We witnessed many very distressing scenes: parents surrounded by
children, frequently six or seven, seldom less than two or three, with little
or no fire or food, and scarcely a rag to cover them; without bed or blanket,
but merely a sack or rug for the night, a bed being almost out of the
question. Few had more than one room, however large the family. The rent
was from 1s. 6d. to 3s. per week. Of those who had two rooms, the upper
one was most miserable, scarcely an article of furniture. In fact, the distress
and suffering appeared so great, that although we had agreed, according to a
resolution of the General Committee, only to give cards, we could not
refrain from giving what money we had in our pockets. We only met with
six or eight cases of sickness, which is really surprising, considering their
destitute condition."
He attends a meeting of the Elders, where he strongly supports a resolution
for the delivery of a moral discourse every alternate Saturday afternoon in
the Synagogue; he is also present at a meeting of the Society for the
cultivation of the Hebrew language and its literature, where he offers
encouragement to those who excel in literary work.
Mr Montefiore seeks the society of learned and distinguished men of all
classes, and is elected on the 3rd of July a member of the "Athenæum."
In the month of July he sets out, in company with his wife, on a tour
through France, Holland, Belgium, and Germany.

In September we find them again in England, and Mr Montefiore is
presented by the Duke of Norfolk to the King at the levee, "on his return
from the Continent."
It was in this year that Mr and Mrs Montefiore first visited East Cliff
Lodge, which was about to be sold by auction. They felt a great desire to
purchase it, although much out of repair. After discussing with his wife the
probable price it would fetch, he said, "If, please God, I should be the
purchaser, it is my intention to go but seldom to London, and after two or
three years to reside entirely at Ramsgate. I would build a small but
handsome Synagogue, and engage a good and clever man as reader."
Leaving the limit of his offer with an agent in Broadstairs, Mr and Mrs
Montefiore left Ramsgate and proceeded on a journey to the Continent.
Whilst in Berlin they received information that the estate had been bought
by the Duchess of St Albans. "It fetched so much more," he says, "than I
had anticipated, that I can only regret it was thought so valuable." He,
however, soon recovered from his disappointment, and took a suite of
rooms for business purposes in the new house of the Alliance Marine
Assurance.
Politics again caused considerable uneasiness in the financial world. Dr
Hume informed Mr Montefiore that the Duke of Wellington and all the
ministers had resigned, and that the Duke would communicate the fact to
the Lords on that day at four o'clock, the King having accepted their
resignation. Mr Montefiore, notwithstanding, did not for a moment cease in
his exertions on behalf of the Emancipation, and on November 18th, he and
Mr Mocatta signed the Jews' petition to both Houses, it being the same
petition as that of last year.
Serious disturbances having taken place, he left London, at the request of
his wife, without entering into any speculations, and proceeded to Hastings,
where they remained till the end of December. We find an entry at the
conclusion of his diary for that year, to the effect that he had resolved to
persuade a few of his friends, as well as two gentlemen well versed in the
Law of Moses and Hebrew and theological literature, to dine with them
regularly every week, for the purpose of conversing on those subjects.

The year 1831 (5591-5592 a.m.) presents the reader with a record of events
equally stirring and important in their career. Political, financial, or
communal matters follow each other rapidly, continually occupying the
thoughts of Mr and Mrs Montefiore, until the day when they succeeded in
becoming the owners of East Cliff Lodge, the much wished for estate in
Ramsgate, after which they devoted for several months the greater portion
of their time to settling and arranging all matters connected with their new
property.
Early in the year is the following entry: "The Irish Bank is under
considerable alarm owing to a letter published by Daniel O'Connell,
threatening, in the event of the press being assailed, to cause a run on the
banks, so that in a week's time there shall not be a single bank-note in
circulation."
This exciting entry is followed by one referring to the Holy Land. "The Rev.
Enoch Sundel of Jerusalem brought letters of introduction to enable him to
proceed to the West Indies and America, in the interests of the Holy Land; a
noble cause, which the Rev. Dr Hirschel, who accompanied him to Park
Lane, strongly advocates."
A little later comes a report that the Duke of Wellington will be appointed
Commander-in-Chief; the French will have war: Prince Esterhazy said,
"France had offered to disarm if the other Powers would do the same."
Mr Montefiore then turns from the apprehensions of war abroad to enter
into the struggle for emancipation at home.
"Robert Grant, Lord Holland, the Lord Chancellor, and others of the
Administration," he says, "all advise us to put off the 'Jewish Relief Bill' till
next session, the Ministers having so much important business now on
hand. At all events, Robert Grant is desirous of seeing the same gentlemen
who were with him last year on Monday next." Mr Montefiore then went to
Mr Mocatta, who had called a meeting of the Committee of Deputies for
next day, and proceeded with Mr I.L. Goldsmid, by appointment, to Dr
Lushington.

East Cliff Lodge, Ramsgate. See Vol. I., page 83.

Dr Lushington advised that the same Bill should be brought forward again,
that the Jews should not accept less than all privileges, and that no
application for an audience should be made to Earl Grey, lest he should
recommend deferring the measure. Mr Montefiore informed Dr Lushington
that he was sure the Deputies, if asked, would gladly accept anything the
Government might offer, however short of the repeal of all their disabilities.
Lord Holland, who was afterwards consulted by Mr I.L. Goldsmid,
concurred in opinion with Dr Lushington. Mr Montefiore here observes that
Mr I.L. Goldsmid was greatly displeased with the Deputies, saying that he
did not care about the measure, and would establish a new Synagogue with
the assistance of the young men; he would alter the present form of prayer
to that in use in the Synagogue at Hamburg.
Thus it often happens that two parties, both with the best intentions, will,
according to certain impressions made on their minds, differ more or less in

their mode of obtaining an object dear alike to the hearts of both; and unless
some equally zealous, yet impartial, friend steps in to remove or lessen the
cause of their dissension, grave consequences, to the disadvantage of both,
commonly follow.
"Ireland," says Mr Montefiore, "is in a very disturbed state, and the
Continent ripe for war." Under these circumstances he thought he could not
do better than leave London, the seat of financial struggles, and go to
Ramsgate. There he completed the purchase of East Cliff Lodge, with
twenty-four acres of land belonging to the estate, henceforth his marine
residence to the day of his death.
So much interest being centred in this spot, I give many entries made on the
subject. "I met John Cumming; he signed the conveyance of East Cliff to
me. I paid him" (the purchase money and the value of the furniture), "after
he had executed all the deeds. I also paid Messrs Dawes and Chatfield for
the conveyance, &c., £124, 4s. 4d. May the Almighty bless and preserve my
dear Judith and myself to enjoy the possession of it for many years, that we
may also have the happiness of seeing our intended Synagogue completed,
and always have a large congregation."
They engaged Mr A. D. Mocatta as architect; he submitted drawings for the
Synagogue, which were at once put into the hands of the builders. The
architect estimated the cost for erecting the Synagogue at between £1500
and £1600, exclusive of the interior, which was to cost £300 or £400.
The work was commenced, and on the 29th of July the excavations for the
foundation walls were complete. "Please heaven," said Mr Montefiore to his
wife as they walked round the adjoining field, "to-morrow night, after
Sabbath, we shall have the happiness of placing the two first bricks
preparatory to our laying the foundation stone on the eve of the new moon
of Tamooz," 5691 a.m. (9th August 1831).
In accordance with this arrangement, they proceeded to Hereson the next
evening at nine o'clock, accompanied by Mrs Justina Cohen, her daughter
Lucy, and Mr Benjamin Gomperz. On the ground they were met by
Cresford the builder, with his nephew, also Grundy with his son, and
Craven his partner. Everything having been properly prepared, Mr
Montefiore covered the part on which the wall near the Holy Ark for the

reception of the sacred scrolls of the Pentateuch was to be built, with Terra
Santa, which they had brought with them from Jerusalem. Upon this Mr
Montefiore, having spread some mortar, fixed four bricks. Mrs Montefiore,
Mrs Cohen, Miss Lucy Cohen, and Mr Gomperz each spread some Terra
Santa, and fixed two bricks, praying the Almighty to prosper the
undertaking and bless them.
The following is the account given by Mr Montefiore of the ceremony of
laying the foundation stone.
"Tuesday, 9th August.—New moon of Tamooz. After reading my prayers
and reciting the Psalms cxiii. and cxviii., I called at seven a.m. on David
Mocatta, the architect, and informed him that we should lay the first stone
at eight o'clock. We walked to Hereson, and with the blessing of the
Almighty, we laid the first stone of a Holy Synagogue, assisted by our dear
and honoured mother, by Abby Gompertz, her daughter Juliana, Solomon
and Sarah Sebag, Rebecca Salomons, Justina Cohen, and her daughter
Lucy, Louis Cohen, Floretta, his wife, and their son Henry, Nathaniel
Lindo, David Mocatta, my dear Judith, and myself. The builders were also
present. After the stone was placed, we deposited in a hole, made in it for
that purpose, a glass bottle containing the inscription, signed by myself and
my dear Judith; a large stone was then placed above it, they were then
firmly riveted together with iron bolts and boiling lead. Louis Cohen,
Solomon Sebag, Rebecca, and I went afterwards into the cottage, and read
the Psalms known by the Hebrew name of Hallel (special praise). They all
breakfasted with us at the Albion Hotel, where we were joined by Adelaide
Israel, whose delicate state of health would not permit her to witness the
ceremony."
Mr Montefiore gives the following: "This day, 20th August, five and twenty
years ago, in 1806, J. E. D. robbed me of all I possessed in the world, and
left me deeply in debt; but it pleased the Almighty in His great mercy to
enable me in the course of a few years to pay everyone who had been a
sufferer through me to the full extent of their loss."

CHAPTER XI.
1831-1833.

LORD BROUGHAM AND THE JEWS—THE JEWISH POOR IN
LONDON—MR MONTEFIORE HANDS HIS BROKER'S MEDAL
TO HIS BROTHER—DEDICATION OF THE SYNAGOGUE AT
HERESON—THE LORDS REJECT THE JEWISH DISABILITIES
BILL.

On his return to London he called on Mr Wood at the Earl Marshal's office,
and paid him £32, 17s. 6d., the fees on the grant for having the word
Jerusalem in Hebrew characters in his crest.
In October 1831 his friends brought him the account of the Reform Bill
having been thrown out at its second reading by the Lords—majority, 41.
Mr Montefiore, on hearing that Lord-Chancellor Brougham had spoken in a
very illiberal spirit of the Jews, observed, "So much for Whig friends." Still
he did not despair, and entertained the belief that their just cause would
ultimately meet with better success.
A month later he attended an important meeting of the Board of
Representatives of the Spanish and Portuguese Community, established to
watch over the general sanitary condition of the poor of the congregation.
He generously contributed to the funds to enable the Board to purchase
warm clothing, blankets, &c., for the poor.
In the same year he completed the purchase, and took possession of, a
cottage and garden near the site on which his Synagogue was being erected.
The Rev. Dr Hirschel having submitted for his approval a number of
circular letters addressed to the Hebrew communities in America, wherein
he reminds them of their duty to support their indigent brethren in the Holy
Land, Mr Montefiore affixes his name to each letter as requested by the
Chief Rabbi, in token of his appreciation of the good cause.

Among the entries referring again to financial matters is the following
interesting record:—
"On the 31st of January 1815 I was admitted a sworn broker of the city of
London. This day, 16th May 1831, I signed over my medal to my brother
Horatio, free; it cost me £1625. May heaven prosper his endeavours with
it."
On the 25th of the same month he gave £100 to be handed to the Lord
Mayor for the transfer of the said medal.
Happily in our days it is less difficult for a Jew to become a sworn broker. A
gentle breeze of justice for all human beings alike has begun to disperse the
dark clouds of prejudice and oppression, and the more the light of wisdom
and truth illumines the world, the greater will be the happiness and loyalty
of those who have hitherto been deprived of the rights of ordinary citizens.
On Wednesday evening, the 27th of June 1832 (5592-3 a.m.), corresponding
this year to the Hebrew date of the anniversary of their wedding day, they
took possession of East Cliff Lodge, Mr Montefiore having, in accordance
with an injunction of the Sacred Scriptures (Deuteronomy vi. 9), previously
affixed mezuzas (phylacteries) to all the doors.
Mr and Mrs Montefiore had intended to have an inscription placed over the
entrance to the Synagogue. It appears, however, that the idea was finally
abandoned, though there is a square moulding over the door, and a
parallelogram on the northern wall of the Synagogue purposely made for it.
I once asked him the reason of this omission, and from his reply I gathered
that he did not wish the building to unduly attract the attention of strangers.
The modest appearance of the Synagogue as it now stands, having neither
steeple nor turret, windows in the walls nor arches over the door, evidently
confirms this idea.
Mr H. Lehren, of Amsterdam, a gentleman well known for the interest he
took in promoting the welfare of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, had appealed
to him this year for his intercession in a lawsuit which brought him to
England, and Mr Montefiore gladly helped him by his personal exertions to
accomplish his object. Mr Lehren, thus encouraged, asked of Mr
Montefiore yet another favour, which was to permit his name to be enlisted

in the ranks of the "Friends of Zion." Mr Montefiore, in answer, assured Mr
Lehren that his heart had ever been filled with a love for Jerusalem, and that
he had been a staunch supporter of a resolution, recently adopted at a
Committee consisting of members of his congregation, to the effect that £60
should be sent annually to the Holy Land as a contribution to the fund
intended for the support of the poor. Mr Lehren expressed great satisfaction
at what he had heard, and enquired in what proportion the above amount
would be distributed among the four Holy Cities. Mr Montefiore informed
him that the Committee had divided the sum into thirty shares, of which
they gave twelve to Jerusalem, seven to Safed, six to Hebron, and five to
Tiberias.
To complete the number of Sacred Scrolls which Mr Montefiore wished to
deposit in his Synagogue, he made a purchase of one particularly
recommended to him, and also procured prayer-books for the members of
the congregation.
In this year, 1833, Mr and Mrs Montefiore had the happiness of seeing their
heartfelt wish realised in the completion of the Synagogue at Hereson.
Invitations were sent out on the 23rd of May to the ecclesiastical chiefs of
both the Spanish and Portuguese and the German congregations; to the
readers, wardens, and other officers of the Synagogue; to presidents and
representatives of all important institutions, and to more than two hundred
private friends and acquaintances, requesting the honour of their company
at the dedication of the Synagogue at Ramsgate on Sunday, the 16th of
June, at 5 o'clock, and at dinner after the ceremony at East Cliff Lodge.
Bands of music and first-class singers were engaged, 4000 lamps for the
illumination of the gardens were ordered, fireworks and balloons tastefully
prepared, and a large temporary room erected, occupying the whole
quadrangle of the court at East Cliff Lodge. Handsome chandeliers and
large tablets beautifully inscribed with the prayer for the Royal Family were
ordered for the Synagogue.

View of Interior of Ramsgate Synagogue, taken from the Ladies'
Gallery. See Vol. I., page 89.

The morning of the 16th was ushered in by a deluge of rain and a heavy
gale of wind, much to the mortification of the visitors. Mr Montefiore and
his brother Horatio, who had brought a silver cup and spice-box as a present
for the Synagogue, went together to Ramsgate, and engaged all the sedan
chairs in the town to take the ladies from the public road to the Synagogue,
and ordered several loads of sand to cover the walk. About two o'clock the
Rev. Dr Hirschel arrived. The rain was actually falling in torrents at the
moment, but he consoled Mr and Mrs Montefiore, saying, "All things must
not go as we wish, since the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem." He
had, however, scarcely been in the house ten minutes when the clouds
dispersed and the sun appeared. At ten o'clock, when they had a rehearsal in
the Synagogue, all were much out of spirits at the deplorable appearance of
the weather; but by three the rain had ceased, and the evening proved
delightful.

The dedication commenced at six o'clock. The founder and his friends
brought the Sacred Scrolls of the Law to the door of the Synagogue, where,
standing, they chanted: "Open unto us the gates of righteousness, we will
enter them and praise the Lord." "This is the gate of the Lord, the righteous
shall enter therein." The doors being then opened, they said on entering:
"How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob! thy tabernacle, O Israel! O Lord, I
have ever loved the habitation of Thy house and the dwelling-place of Thy
glory. We will come unto Thy Tabernacle and worship at Thy footstool."
They then advanced, and the readers and choristers sang, "Blessed be he
who cometh in the name of the Lord: we will bless ye from the House of
the Lord," and other verses from the Sacred Scriptures bearing on the same
subject.
The procession then went round the almember in the Synagogue seven
times, during each circuit one of the seven Psalms—xclxi., xxx., xxiv.,
lxxxiv., cxxii., cxxx., c.—being chanted, after which Mr Montefiore
ascended the pulpit and offered up a Hebrew prayer, of which the following
is a translation:—
"Almighty God! whose eyes are upon all the ways of the sons of men, and
by whose will their paths are established; wherewith shall I come before
Thee, how shall I acknowledge the kindness Thou hast shown me from my
youth? How great the goodness Thou hast vouchsafed unto me, in granting
the fulfilment of the ardent desire Thou didst awaken in my heart and in that
of the companion of my life, to visit the inheritance of our forefathers, to
traverse the sea and behold the Holy Land, a land which is under Thy
special providence. Thou hast protected us on our departure and aided our
return: our steps failed not, we have passed through the Land, our feet have
stood within thy gates, O Jerusalem! From the sight of our own eyes are we
conscious of the refulgent light that once shone brightly on our country, and
which yet faintly glimmers, though she has become desolate. Thou hast
inspired us with a contrite spirit to perceive and declare Thy Almighty
power over all the inhabitants of the world, therefore has Thy servant found
in his heart to offer this public thanksgiving for Thy past bounties, and
earnestly to implore Thy future protection in this humble sanctuary. Out of
Thine own gifts I dedicated it to Thee as a freewill offering and a lasting
testimony to show forth Thy loving-kindness in the morning and Thy
faithfulness every night. O Lord God of Israel! incline Thine ear to the

prayer of Thy servant. Bless, I beseech Thee, my revered and honoured
mother, grant her length of days in the fulness of joy, and happiness with
me, my beloved wife, my brothers and sisters, and with all their
descendants, even unto the third and fourth generation. Strengthen our
hearts to observe Thy precepts at all times. Truly nothing has failed of that
of which Thou hast forewarned us through Moses Thy servant, for we have
broken Thy covenant and not observed Thy Commandments; so are we
surely convinced that we shall receive from Thee the promised good, and
our days will be renewed as of old; Thou wilt fulfil Thy words unto Ezekiel
Thy prophet, that 'The nations shall know that I the Lord rebuild the ruined
places and plant that which was desolate; I the Lord have spoken it; I will
do it.' Let our prayer and supplication, which we offer towards Thy chosen
city, ascend to heaven, Thy dwelling-place. Gather together our dispersed in
our days and in the lifetime of the whole House of Israel, that all nations,
even from the ends of the earth, shall approach Thee, to call, all of them, on
the name of the Lord, and the Lord shall be King over all the earth. Then
the Lord alone shall be acknowledged, and His name be one. Amen."
Mr Montefiore, having concluded the prayer, descended from the pulpit,
and the congregation chanted several Hebrew hymns. The prayer for the
Royal Family was then said, and the service concluded with Psalm cl.
"At eight o'clock," writes Mr Montefiore, "the dedication finished, all
delighted with the ceremony as well as with the music. May Heaven's
blessing attend it."
At nine about eighty-two sat down to dinner. The gardens were beautifully
illuminated, and during dessert a band played in the tent.
The next morning Mr Montefiore accompanied Dr Herschel to the
Synagogue, followed by all their friends and visitors. After prayers they
returned to East Cliff Lodge, where the time was spent in receiving the
congratulations of their friends. The day was brought to a close by a most
agreeable entertainment, a description of which I give in his own words.
"Soon after nine in the evening our company began to assemble, consisting
of all our neighbours as well as our own party. The wind had been
exceedingly high, almost too much for the lamps to keep alight. Providence
kindly allayed it, and the night was beautifully calm. Our garden was

splendidly illuminated; we had a band of twenty-four performers on the
lawn and another in the dining-room. All our rooms were filled, many
visitors strolling about the grounds to witness the illumination. Before
eleven the fireworks were displayed, and exceeded our most sanguine
expectations; the company was delighted. This over, the tent-room was
opened for supper; it made a splendid appearance. All seemed happy and
gratified; dancing was kept up till about two o'clock. The gardens looked
magnificent, nothing could have added to the grandeur of the scene. I glory
in the occasion, and that the Almighty has most bountifully provided us
with the means. To my dear and much-valued wife I am indebted for the
success of the entertainment. We can never forget the two last days."
The next day his mother and the greater number of relatives and friends left
Ramsgate, and in the month of July we find Mr and Mrs Montefiore again
in London, Mr Montefiore following his usual vocations, though only for a
short time; for on the 13th of the same month there is an entry in his diary
dated East Cliff, which gives striking evidence of the love and veneration
he felt for the sacred edifice he had raised to the honour and glory of God.
"We had the happiness," he writes, "of attending our Synagogue morning,
afternoon, and evening. Thanks to Heaven for a very happy day. Our
Synagogue looked like Paradise. I pointed out to my dear Judith the spot,
not more than ten or fifteen steps from the Synagogue, in which I should
like my mortal remains to rest when it shall please the Almighty to take my
soul to Eternal Glory, should I depart this world at or near East Cliff." His
wife consented. Their love was great, and they did not wish even in death to
be parted.
Mr Montefiore's attention having now been drawn to the urgency of
continued exertions in the furtherance of the Emancipation Bill, he
requested Mr G. R. Dawson to intercede with his brother-in-law, Sir Robert
Peel, to withdraw his opposition to the Bill, and also took other steps in the
interest of the cause.
A Bill was again brought before the Committee of the whole House of
Commons, "That it is expedient to remove all civil disabilities affecting Her
Majesty's subjects of the Jewish religion with the like exceptions as are

provided by the Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829, with reference to Her
Majesty's subjects professing the Roman Catholic religion."
The second reading was carried by a majority of 137; it was also read a
third time, but in the Upper House, where the Duke of Sussex presented a
petition signed by 7000 inhabitants of Westminster in favour of the Jews,
the Bill was thrown out by a majority of 50.
Mr Montefiore continued to take the greatest interest in all important
meetings of various committees, especially in those of his own community.
Referring to one of the latter charged with the appointment of a lecturer, Mr
Montefiore says: "The committee recommended a salary of £35 a year, but
afterwards reduced it to £30. The resolution, however, was amended, and
only £20 was granted." The particulars of this salary are interesting when
compared with a salary to which a competent lecturer of the present day
may consider himself fully entitled. It sounds strange to hear of fixing the
salary for the services of a gentleman who has completed a University
education, combined with special studies of theology, much lower than that
which is generally offered to an upper servant in a gentleman's house. It can
only be explained by the supposition that the candidate may have been
simultaneously filling another and more lucrative office, which did not
interfere with his duties as lecturer.

CHAPTER XII.
1834-1835.

ILLNESS OF MR MONTEFIORE—HIS RECOVERY—SIR DAVID
SALOMONS PROPOSED AS SHERIFF—VISIT OF THE DUCHESS
OF KENT AND PRINCESS VICTORIA TO RAMSGATE—MR
MONTEFIORE'S HOSPITALS—NAMING OF THE VESSEL
BRITANNIA BY MRS MONTEFIORE—A LOAN OF FIFTEEN
MILLIONS.

In the year 1834 much anxiety was felt for Mr Montefiore by his friends in
consequence of a severe illness by which he was attacked. For several
months he was under the treatment of eminent surgeons, and on his
recovery his strength was so low, that a journey to the South of France was
deemed necessary.
He accordingly left England, accompanied by his devoted wife, who had
during his whole illness tended him with loving care. Mr Ashton Rey, one
of his medical advisers, in a letter he once wrote to Mr Montefiore,
observed that Mrs Montefiore was one of the best wives he had ever seen,
never moving from her husband's bedside day or night except to snatch a
few hours' necessary repose.
They remained abroad till August, the change of air having had the desired
effect upon him, and on his arrival at East Cliff he was again in the
enjoyment of his usual health.
They were both much disappointed on their return to hear the result of the
Jewish Disabilities Bill, which, after having been passed in the Lower
House, had been sent to the Upper House, where it was lost by 130 votes
against 38. But still they did not lose courage, and hoped for the ultimate
victory of the good cause.

There is only one entry after this referring to political matters. It is to the
effect that Mr N. M. Rothschild had been with the Duke of Wellington and
advised him to form a Liberal Government, and to consent to some reforms;
saying to His Grace that he must go with the world, for the world would not
go with him.
On the last page of the diary he writes: "This night (31st December) brings
me to the end of my book as well as to that of the year 1834. When I reflect
on the situation I was in during a long period of this year, languishing on a
bed of sickness, in severe pain and affliction, on the eve of undergoing a
dangerous operation, how can I be sufficiently thankful to the Almighty for
manifold blessings I now enjoy, saved by His great mercy from the grave."
Praying for a continuation of former mercies, he concludes with a copy of
the 85th Psalm.
The year 1835 will ever be noted in the history of civilisation as one in
which the dawning light of liberty began to inspire comfort in the hearts of
the unwearied strugglers for equal rights for the Jews.
On May the 7th Mr Montefiore writes: "I called at Downing Street on the
Right Hon. Spring-Rice, Chancellor of the Exchequer. I was immediately
admitted, and received by him in the most friendly manner. I thanked him
for having at my request appointed Jacob Montefiore one of Her Majesty's
Commissioners for the Colonisation of South Australia. The Chancellor
spoke of the many new schemes now afloat of companies with small
capital, and said he would always be glad to see me."
A month later he went to the Guildhall, and heard David Salomons
proposed to the Livery as one of the Sheriffs for London and Middlesex. Sir
John Campbell having introduced a measure, the Sheriffs Declaration Bill,
which by the repeal of the Test and Corporation Act in 1828 enabled a Jew
to enter into the office without violating his own religious convictions, Mr
David Salomons was elected without opposition and "made a very good
speech," Mr Montefiore observes, "in returning thanks."
The arrival in Ramsgate of the Duchess of Kent and Princess Victoria (Her
present Majesty) is described by Mr Montefiore as follows:—

"This (September 29th) is a very busy day. At ten I was at the Town Hall; at
11 the committee and many of the inhabitants, both on horse and on foot,
went to the extremity of the parish to receive their Royal Highnesses the
Duchess of Kent and Princess Victoria. The Deputy of the Town and myself
headed the procession; we walked by the side of the Royal carriage
bareheaded all the way to Albion House. Thousands of people were in the
streets, the houses all gaily ornamented with flags and boughs of trees. The
Duchess, on entering the house, sent Sir George Conroy to request that the
gentlemen of the committee would come in to receive her thanks for their
attention. I went in among the number, and was introduced. She expressed
herself delighted; the Princess was also much pleased. They had appointed
to-morrow at eleven o'clock to receive the address. About four I again
joined the committee at the head of the pier. Sir William Curtis was most
polite. The Belgian Ambassador, with whom I had dined at N. M.
Rothschild's, was also there, and introduced me to Sir John Conroy. Soon
after five one of the King's steamers entered the harbour with the King and
Queen of the Belgians. Several members of the committee went on board to
welcome them on their arrival, I among the number. They had had a very
rough passage from Calais. The King appeared greatly altered, looking very
old, the Queen is young and pleasant looking. They proceeded on foot to
the Albion Hotel. The town was handsomely decorated and the principal
streets illuminated, but the wind was so high as to put out most of the
lamps."
The next morning at half-past ten Mr Montefiore went to the Town Hall,
and accompanied Sir William Curtis, Mr Warren, Mr Tomson (the Deputy),
Colonel Clarke, and about a dozen more to Albion House, to present to the
Duchess of Kent and Princess Victoria the address from the inhabitants and
visitors of Ramsgate and its vicinity. They were all introduced, and were
most kindly received by the Royal party. The Duchess honoured the
committee with a gracious reply, which she read.
The committee then returned to the Town Hall, and prepared an address to
the King and Queen of the Belgians, and at one o'clock walked to the
Albion Hotel. They were introduced and very graciously received, the King
speaking to Mr Montefiore and several other members of the committee.
The King read a reply to the Address, and after a few minutes the
Committee withdrew, much gratified with their reception.

Subsequently Mr and Mrs Montefiore attended a ball given by the Master
of the Ceremonies at the Albion Hotel, where they met many acquaintances.
Sir John Conroy was particularly polite to them. Mr Montefiore offered him
the use of the key of his grounds for the Duchess, which he accepted with
pleasure. Accordingly both Mr and Mrs Montefiore called the next day on
the Duchess, and left a key there for the use of Her Royal Highness, Sir
John Conroy and his family.
On Wednesday, October 21st. the Duchess, accompanied by one of her
ladies of honour, and attended by a footman, made use of the key, and
walked through their grounds.
Sir John Conroy, meeting Mr Montefiore next day at Burgess' Library, said
that the Duchess regretted that his gardener had suddenly disappeared
yesterday, which had prevented her sending to inform Mrs Montefiore that
she was in the grounds as she had wished to have done.
Her Royal Highness having repeated her visits to his grounds, Mr
Montefiore ordered an opening to be made in the field on the side next to
Broadstairs for the convenience of the Duchess. In recognition of this
attention he received the following note from Sir John Conroy:—
"Sir John Conroy presents his compliments, and in obedience to a command
he has just received from the Duchess of Kent, hastens to acquaint Mr
Montefiore that Her Royal Highness is exceedingly gratified and obliged by
his attention in making a new access to his charming grounds from
Broadstairs for her convenience, but Her Royal Highness fears she has
given a great deal of trouble.
"Ramsgate, 24th October 1835.
There were several incidents which afforded them much gratification this
year.
Mrs Montefiore was invited to name a new steamer. "This morning," writes
Mr Montefiore on July 9, "we embarked from the Custom House stairs on
board the Harlequin, to witness the launch of a new steamship built by
Fletcher & Fearnaly. On reaching the dockyard near Limehouse, Mr
Woolverly Attwood and Judith went on shore; I followed with Horatio at
half-past one. My dear wife named the ship by throwing a bottle of wine

against the side of the vessel at the moment she left the stocks and plunged
into the water. 'May every success,' she said, 'attend the Britannia.' We then
went on board the Royal Sovereign. There was a large party; about a
hundred sat down to dinner. Several members of Parliament with their
ladies were present, G. R. Dawson, Medley, T. M. Pearce, Pepys, and Col.
Lawrence. Many speeches, all drinking my dear wife's health."
Another entry refers to his having been admitted to the freedom of the
Merchant Taylors Company. Mr Montefiore received a letter from Mr
Matthias Attwood, informing him that he had proposed his name at the
Court of the above Company for admission to the freedom and livery of the
same. The proposition, said Mr Attwood, was carried unanimously, many of
the members expressing the high respect they entertained for Mr
Montefiore's personal character.
On the 4th of November he was accordingly admitted and sworn a freeman
of the said Company. "Matthias Attwood," says Mr Montefiore, "has acted
with the greatest kindness in procuring me this honour, I being the first Jew
admitted to their Company. At the next meeting of the Court I am to be
made one of the livery."
A printed slip of a newspaper is affixed to one of the leaves of the diary,
referring to a loan raised under the authority of the Act 3 and 4 of William
IV., cap. 73, for the compensation to owners of slaves; it reads as follows:—
"The parties to the contract for the £15,000,000 loan are N. M. Rothschild
and Moses Montefiore on the one part, and Lord Melbourne, Mr F. Spring-
Rice, Lord Seymour, and Messrs W. H. Old, R. Steward, and R. More, on
the other; witnesses, Messrs James Pattison, Governor, and T. A. Curtis,
Deputy-Governor of the Bank of England."
There is another slip attached to it, showing the interest on this loan to have
been lower than several preceding ones.
The interest on the loan of 1812 was £3, 5s. 7d., and of 1813, £5, 10s.
Second loan of 1813, £5, 6s. 2d.; 1814, £4, 12s. 1d.; 1815, £5, 12s. 4d.;
1819, £4, 5s. 9d.; 1820, £4, 3s. 3d.; and on the present loan, £3, 7s. 6d.

The particulars of that loan are given in the Money Market and City
Intelligence, dated Monday evening, 3rd August 1835:
"The bidding for the West Indian loan took place this morning. Mr
Rothschild and his friends waited upon Lord Melbourne and the Chancellor
at ten o'clock. Mr Rothschild's tender, the only one prepared, the other lists
having been withdrawn, was then opened, when that gentleman's bidding
was found to be 14s. 11d. in long annuities. The offer having been declined,
the sealed minimum of ministers, as previously arranged, was opened, and
it appeared they were not willing to give more than 13s. 7d. of annuities in
addition to £75 consols and £25 redeemed 3 per cents, for every £100 in
money subscribed. It was for Mr Rothschild, therefore, either to agree to
those terms or to abandon the contract. That gentleman and his friends
retired for a short time to consult on the subject, and finally agreed to accept
them. An important concession was, however, obtained in regard to the
discount for paying up the instalments, which is to be at the rate of 4 per
cent. on the payment, as in all former contracts for loans, and gives a bonus
of £1, 19s. 10d. in favour of the contractors. The subscribers to the loan
have now an inducement which did not exist under the arrangement at first
proposed, for completing the instalments and turning their omnium into
stock. Though it is an advantage, therefore, to them, it is considered
somewhat against the present price of consols, as a large supply may at any
time be thrown upon the market. The Chancellor of the Exchequer assured
the gentlemen who attended the bidding, that all means would be taken on
his part to bring back into circulation the money that might come into his
hands beyond the amount called for to meet the West Indian claims. On the
subject of debentures (they are not named in the contract specially) against
which, as a security not yet created, there were many objections, it is agreed
that they shall be at all times made receivable to the instalments of the loan.
When the terms were first made known, the scrip bore a premium of 2-3/4
to 3 per cent., but they produced a decline in consols, which went back to
89, a fall of nearly 1 per cent. at the highest price of the morning. A large
amount of business was done both in the stock and in the scrip; the
fluctuations in them were not, however, very considerable afterwards. The
following are the concluding quotations:—
"Consols for the account, 89-3/4 to ——; omnium 2-3/4, 3 premium;
Exchequer bills, 18s. to 20s. premium."

On the same day he makes the following entry in his journal: "I
accompanied N. M. R. Pattison and J. A. Curtis to the City; called at the
Alliance, Irish Bank, &c.; at six we dined, and took our fast, &c., this being
the anniversary of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem."
Few financiers, perhaps would feel inclined, after all the excitement
incidental to the successful contracting of a loan for £15,000,000, to comply
with so exacting a religious observance as a fast of twenty-four hours
duration. With a mind pre-occupied with business details, the rise and fall
of the public funds, and other matters, such an observance must be more
than ordinarily trying. Nevertheless Mr Montefiore would not, on this
occasion any more than any other, allow worldly interests to prevail over
religious duties.
The loan for the abolition of slavery reminded him of the words of the
Prophet Isaiah (ch. lii., v. 3) to Israel: "Ye have sold yourselves for nought,
and ye shall be redeemed without money," and attuned his mind to
reflection on the former glory of Zion and its present state of sorrow.
On the 2nd of November we find a record of his having paid £400 to the
Blue Coat School to constitute him one of the governors. The manner in
which he was led to take this step is noteworthy. A young man who was a
complete stranger to them, wrote and implored Mr and Mrs Montefiore to
take his wife and child under their protection. He acknowledged that, as a
stranger and one professing a different religion, he had no claim whatever
to make such a request, but he had heard so much of their kind-heartedness
that he felt sure they would not refuse to accede to the dying prayer of one
who was driven by unmerited misfortunes to despair and suicide. Sir Moses
enquired into the case, and finding that the poor man had really deserved a
better fate, he assisted the widow in her distressing position, and bought the
governorship, as recorded, for the express purpose of being able to provide
for the boy.
There is another entry of his having attended a meeting of the Committee of
the Cock Court Alm's Houses, which he had erected and presented to the
Spanish and Portuguese community. His object in attending was to remind
the Elders to rebuild some of the houses on one side of the court, at an
expense not exceeding £900, the funds in hand being £1400.

Turning to politics, he mentions a dinner party at Sir Robert Campbell's,
where Mr and Mrs Montefiore met the Duke and Duchess of Cleveland,
Lord and Lady Darlington, Lady Augusta Powlett, Colonel Lushington, and
other friends of emancipation.
The reader having seen Mr and Mrs Montefiore in the circle of royalty and
high nobility, I will ask him to accompany me into the circle of their own
family and friends.
On November 27th I was invited to a dinner party given by one of his
relatives in London, the late Mr Louis Cohen. It was here that I met Mr and
Mrs Montefiore for the first time. During the course of the evening I had
many opportunities of conversing with them, and before parting, they
invited me to spend a week with them at East Cliff Lodge, Ramsgate.
A few days later I was informed that a place had been taken for me to
Ramsgate, at the Spread Eagle, Gracechurch Street, in the name of Mr
Montefiore.
There is a special entry of this little journey, which I copy.
Thursday, 3rd December 1835.—"Walked with Judith to Gracechurch
Street. We met Louis and Florette (the late Mr Louis Cohen, of 5 South
Street, Finsbury, their nephew, and his wife) and Dr Loewe. We all went
with the Tally-Ho at three o'clock; they having the whole inside, and I
riding outside on the box seat. We took tea at Sittingbourne, and proceeded
from Canterbury about ten o'clock by the night stage coach with post horses
to East Cliff.
"I found it extremely cold; it was near one when we arrived at East Cliff,
thanks to Heaven, in safety, and found all well. Our library looked
delightfully comfortable, with a good fire and lamps. I was almost perishing
with cold. We took tea, &c., and when our visitors retired to their chambers
it was near two o'clock."
The inconvenient mode of travelling at that time did not prevent his making
such journeys whenever required, and however much he may have suffered
by taking his seat outside the coach (which he evidently always did from
politeness to his visitors), his comfortable home soon made him forget the
unpleasantness of a long cold ride.

During my stay in East Cliff, the time of the party was generally devoted
either to little excursions in the neighbourhood, or to conversations on
literary subjects. Sometimes Mr and Mrs Montefiore entertained us by
giving their reminiscences of travels in Italy, France, and Egypt.
There was a kind of charm which the visitor felt in their company; a very
short time after his arrival a delightful sensation of comfort overcame him,
and soon made him feel at home. The amiability of both the hostess and
host made the days pass agreeably and rapidly, and they were always loth to
retire when the midnight hour was announced.
Mrs Montefiore showed us all the curiosities she brought with her from
Egypt, and told us how much she had been entertained in that country by
the number of languages spoken around her. There was an amusing incident
that day, which particularly induced her to speak on the study of languages.
Mr Montefiore had laid a wager with her to the effect that if, at a stated
time, she would be able to pass an examination by him in Italian grammar,
he would give her a cheque for £100. She was fortunate enough to acquit
herself most creditably in our presence, and received the amount in
question.
Mr Montefiore was delighted at the perseverance and ability displayed by
his wife, and she was truly happy to have again succeeded (as she always
did) in obtaining the approbation of her husband.
The conversation of the visitors being frequently in French and German,
many an hour was spent in reading letters and poems addressed to Mr and
Mrs Montefiore in these languages. Mrs Montefiore, however, was not
content with the study of modern languages, and expressed a wish to
acquire also a knowledge of Eastern languages, especially of Turkish and
Arabic.
To give her an idea of the grammatical construction of the latter, I used to
write out lessons for her, and she at once commenced to learn them. The
following morning she surprised the whole party by saying by heart every
Turkish and Arabic word that I had written out.
It was amusing to all of us, and to Mr Montefiore a cause of great delight,
to notice the zeal with which she took up the subject.

One day she produced from her cabinet a scarabæus and a little Egyptian
clay figure, which had been given to her by Mr Salt, the English Consul in
Egypt.
Both the scarabæus and the little figure had hieroglyphical inscriptions, and
she requested me to give her a translation of the same.
In compliance with her request I explained the inscriptions, and gave her a
short account of the Rosetta stone and the works of Young and Champollion
and other Egyptologists.
I concluded my visit to East Cliff Lodge on the 13th of December. Mr
Montefiore requested me to draw up a plan for some future travels in the
Holy Land; I promised to comply with his wish, and then took leave. There
is an entry of this date in the diary, in which he says:
"If my dear Judith consents to our again visiting the Holy Land, I should be
glad to obtain the company of the Doctor on our pilgrimage."
A few days later I sent him the plan for the journey, also a second copy of
the translation which I had made of the hieroglyphical inscription on the
Osiris or sepulchral figure. He acknowledged the receipt of the same in two
letters, one written in Mrs Montefiore's handwriting, the other in his own.
Mr Montefiore subsequently told me that his wife now commenced to take
a special interest in antiquities, enriching her cabinet with curiosities
whenever an opportunity presented itself. The year 1835 is also noted for
the particular interest which Mr Montefiore took in the affairs of his own
community. He was elected President of the London Committee of Deputies
of British Jews, his predecessor, Mr Moses Mocatta, having resigned the
office.

Hand-written letter

CHAPTER XIII.
1836-1837.

DEATH OF MR N. M. ROTHSCHILD—MR MONTEFIORE VISITS
DUBLIN—BECOMES THE FIRST JEWISH MEMBER OF THE
ROYAL SOCIETY—DEATH OF WILLIAM IV.—MR
MONTEFIORE ELECTED SHERIFF.

In the Diary for 1836, the first entry is on the 17th July, which is accounted
for by its being the second journal for that year, the one containing his
entries for the early months having been lost. On the date mentioned he
records his grief at the death of an aunt to whom he was much attached, and
for whom he entertained a sincere respect. About this time he was also
much affected by the illness of Mr N. M. Rothschild, and on the 19th we
find him busily engaged in making preparations for a journey to Frankfort-
on-the-Main, on purpose to visit this "kind friend." Only ten months ago
they had together signed the contract for the loan of £15,000,000, and now
they were to see each other for the last time. Mr Montefiore writes: "We
arrived there in time to see him alive, but death was fast approaching. At
four o'clock on the same day (28th July) his brother, Anselm, asked him to
say prayers, which he did, and all present joined him; he then kissed his
wife and said 'good night' quite distinctly. At five he breathed his last, and
passed away without the slightest struggle. I was with him the whole time,
and remained in the room an hour after all the others had left it. I had thus
the melancholy satisfaction of paying the last respect to his remains. Oh!
may this mournful sight remind me of the nothingness of this world's
grandeur, and may I daily become more prepared for a blessed Eternity! He
was a good friend to me and my dear Judith in our early life. Peace to his
memory. Hannah (his wife) did not leave him for a moment during his
illness, and remained in the room for some time after his death, returning
there again the same evening."

On the day of the funeral, which took place in London, Mr Montefiore
writes: "I remained at the burial ground above an hour after the mourners
had left, and saw the grave of my kind and truly lamented friend arched
over, filled up, and a large slab of Yorkshire stone placed upon it. Thus have
I witnessed all that was mortal of my dear friend consigned to the earth; his
spirit the Almighty, in His great mercy, has taken to a better world, there to
enjoy in glorious eternity the reward of his charitable actions."
We will now, however, turn to more cheerful matters.
On October 8th he writes: "I had the honour of receiving a card of invitation
to dine with Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent on Tuesday next;"
then, true to his motto, which bids him "think and thank," he adds, "Praised
be He from whom all honour and distinction flows."
Tuesday, the 11th. The words of his entry are as follows:—"I attended
Synagogue, and a little before seven went in our chariot to West Cliff,
where I had the honour of dining with their Royal Highnesses the Duchess
of Kent and the Princess Victoria. The other guests were, Sir John Conroy,
the Dean of Chester, Mr Justice Gaselee, the Rector of St Lawrence, the
Hon. Col. Stopford and his wife, the Ladies Jane and Charlotte Seymour,
and one other lady and gentleman. I took down the Colonel's wife and sat
opposite to the Princess. There were thirteen at table, and it was impossible
for it to have been more agreeable. I never felt myself more at ease at any
dinner party within my recollection. The behaviour of the Duchess was
most kind and condescending, and all the party were extremely amiable and
chatty. The entertainment was truly Royal, and after dinner, when the
gentlemen had joined the ladies in the drawing-room, where tea and coffee
were served, the Duchess again spoke to each of us. The Princess Sophia
Matilda was also present. I returned home quite enraptured with the very
kind and obliging manner in which I had been distinguished by her Royal
Highness."
In the same year Mr and Mrs Montefiore received the congratulations of
their friends on a providential escape from the horrors of shipwreck. They
had left Margate in the Magnet at nine o'clock in the morning of the 17th
October. The weather was foggy, but they thought it would soon clear up.
They had only proceeded a short distance, however, when they got on to a

sandbank, where they were obliged to remain for two hours, feeling the
gravest anxiety all the time. At last the tide floated them off again, and they
endeavoured to grope their way through the fog, passing several vessels,
which were only visible when quite close upon them. Mr Montefiore was
standing near the bow of the ship, when suddenly a steamer was seen to be
quite close to them, and before it was possible to avoid her, she struck their
bow with a dreadful crash. Mr Montefiore threw himself on deck to escape
injury. The screams of the people on board both boats were terrible. It was
soon seen that the Red Rover, the vessel they had encountered, was sinking
fast. Her passengers and crew lost no time in getting on board the Magnet,
and in five minutes the Red Rover was engulfed in the sea, which was
immediately covered with spars, boxes, and other wreckage. The alarm was
dreadful. The Magnet, having sustained serious damage, her situation was
most critical. She was making a great deal of water, and the pumps were
instantly set to work, while the vessel made for the shore. Happily they
were boarded by a fishing smack and taken to Sheerness, where they
landed, but where, unfortunately, their troubles did not end. No sort of
conveyance was to be found in Sheerness, and they were obliged to go by
boat to Chatham, and thence in a post-chaise to town. It was nearly 1 p.m.
when the Marine Office was reached. "My poor dear wife," writes Mr
Montefiore, "conducted herself with her usual admirable courage. We were,
in all probability, never in our lives in more imminent danger. God be
praised for His great mercy for granting us His protection."
At seven o'clock the next morning Mr Montefiore proceeds to the
Synagogue, where he renders thanks to the Almighty. At the same time he
gives £600 in charity—£50 for the Portuguese and £50 for the German poor
in London, and £500 for the poor of Jerusalem.
The journal of this year contains but few entries relating to politics.
In the session of 1836 the Ministry, in their attempt to carry several
important measures of reform, were defeated in the House of Lords, but
succeeded in passing an Act enabling Dissenters to be married otherwise
than by the Established clergy. Bills were also passed for commuting tithes
into a corn-rent charge payable in money, and for a general registry of
births, deaths, and marriages. The second reading of the Bill for the removal
of civil disabilities from His Majesty's Jewish subjects was postponed in the

House of Lords. The Jews were, however, satisfied with the progress their
cause had hitherto made, and they considered themselves justified in hoping
for a speedy and complete emancipation. The election of Mr David
Salomons as Sheriff of London and Middlesex, and Alderman for the ward
of Aldgate, took place about this time.
The particulars I shall give of the next few years will show the progress of
good feeling between the Jews and their fellow-citizens, and, in particular,
the esteem in which Mr Montefiore was held by men of all sects.
On the 1st of January 1837 we meet Mr Montefiore in Dublin, whither he
had gone with a deputation from the Provincial Bank of Ireland (in
London). "My companions, Messrs Th. Masterman and James Marshall,"
he writes, "accompanied me to the new house of our agency, and we were
present at the commencement of business. We remained there till five
o'clock, and found that all was conducted comfortably." He then called with
the Directors on Lord Morpeth and other influential persons, in the interests
of their business. Whilst in Ireland he gave handsome donations to various
charitable institutions, including £100 to the Dublin Bluecoat School. He
also visited the Synagogue, where he made generous offerings.
On the 13th he is again in London, receiving the thanks of the Board of
Directors of the Irish Bank for the valuable services he and his colleagues
had rendered by their visit to Ireland.
On the 23rd February, at the Royal Society, he is introduced to the vice-
president, the Earl of Burlington, by Mr W. H. Pepys, Mr Montefiore being
the only Jewish member as yet admitted. Writing in his journal on the
subject, he says: "I think I may be proud of the honour of enrolling my
name in the same book which has already been signed by several of the
kings of England."
In March Mr Montefiore had a deed of gift prepared by T. M. Pearce,
conferring the "Upper French Farm" on his brother Horatio and his
children. He also returns £500 to a friend who had repaid that sum which he
had borrowed from him in the year 1819 to commence business with; Mr
Montefiore observing that he was more than repaid in witnessing his
friend's success.

On the 20th of the same month I find the first entry referring to an offer of
the Shrievalty of London and Middlesex. Mr A. H. Thornborough called on
Mr Montefiore, saying he was deputed by some of the most influential
members of the Corporation of London to offer him the Shrievalty at the
ensuing election, if he would accept the office. Mr Montefiore candidly
stated that he was not desirous of the honour, but if he were elected, he
wished to be free either to accept or decline it; he also stated that he could
not attend church, but had no objection to send his money, and at all the city
feasts he must be allowed to have his own meat, dishes, &c. To all of which
Mr Thornborough said there could be no possible objection. It was nearly
twelve o'clock before he left. "I suppose," writes Mr Montefiore, "I shall
hear nothing more of the business, but whatever is, is for the best. Praise be
to God alone."
Till the 2nd of June there is no entry of any importance in the diary, but on
that day the death of the King of England (William IV.) is recorded, and a
further reference is made to the subject of the Shrievalty. Mr Montefiore
says, "This morning at 2 a.m. it pleased the Almighty to call to a better
world our beloved King William IV. Oaths of allegiance were taken to-day
by the members of both Houses of Parliament to the Queen Alexandrina
Victoria. May her reign be long, glorious, and happy. Amen."
After entering various particulars relating to his financial transactions, and
to some visits which he paid to different friends and relations, he writes:
"Mr Lucas, one of the aldermen, having written to me yesterday to ascertain
my intention respecting the proposal made to me some time ago to be
Sheriff next year, I requested he would inform the parties that I did not give
my consent to my being proposed to the Livery, and in the event of its being
done, and of my being elected, I most distinctly stated that I considered
myself perfectly free either to accept or decline the honour."
On the 22nd of June he wrote a note to L. Lucas, begging him to inform Mr
Thornborough that his state of health would not allow him to accept the
office of Sheriff if the citizens of London did him the honour to elect him.
He also acquainted T. M. Pearce with his intention of declining the
Shrievalty in the event of its being conferred on him. It appears, however,

that many friends and relatives spoke to him on the subject, and prevailed
on him to accept the office if elected.
On the 24th June Mr Huffam called to bring the news that Mr Montefiore
had been unanimously elected Sheriff of London and Middlesex. He had
been proposed by Mr T. A. Curtis, Governor of the Bank of England, the
resolution being seconded by Mr Samuel Gurney. Mr Huffam said that both
gentlemen had spoken most highly of him, and that there were over four
hundred persons present.
In the evening, Mr Montefiore, accompanied by his good wife, paid a visit
to his mother, to tell her of the honour he had received from the Livery of
London, and to ask and receive her blessing on his undertaking. He then
prayed for the blessing of heaven, so to guide his conduct that he might
discharge the duties of the office to the satisfaction of his own conscience,
to the gratification of the citizens, and to the honour of the Jews.
He received congratulations from numerous friends and relatives, which
seemed however to give him but little satisfaction. The following extract
from his diary will show why this was so:—"I shall have the greatest
difficulties to contend with," he writes, "in the execution of my duty;
difficulties which I shall meet with at the very outset. The day I enter on my
office is the commencement of our New Year. I shall therefore have to walk
to Westminster instead of going in my state carriage, nor, I fear, shall I be
able to dine with my friends at the inauguration dinner which, from time
immemorial, is given on the 30th of September. I shall, however, endeavour
to persuade my colleague to change the day to the 5th of October.
Some of our readers will perhaps smile at his difficulties, but when his
friends observed how differently other persons would act in a similar
position, he used to say: "Very well, I will not deviate from the injunctions
of my religion; let them call me a bigot if they like; it is immaterial to me
what others do or think in this respect. God has given man the free will to
act as he may think proper. He has set before him life and death, blessing
and curse (Deut. ch. xxx, v. 15). I follow the advice given in Holy Writ, and
choose that which is considered life, which is accounted a blessing."
His first visit in the city was to Messrs T. A. Curtis and Samuel Gurney, to
thank the former for having proposed the resolution for his election, and the

latter for having seconded it. He then received congratulations from Messrs
Pearce, Thornborough, and Wire at the Alliance Office, and appointed Mr
Wire as his under-sheriff. On the same day he addressed a formal letter of
thanks to "The worthy and independent Livery of London."
The next day Messrs Thornborough, Lucas, and Carrol called, and it was
agreed to have the Sheriffs' inauguration dinner on the 5th October instead
of the 30th September. Sir James Duke, one of the outgoing Sheriffs, also
came, and was most friendly. He offered Mr Montefiore every assistance,
and invited him to dine at the Old Bailey on Thursday, the 4th July. Two
days later he attended with his colleague, Mr George Carrol, a meeting of
the subscribers to the Sheriffs' Fund, at the City of London Coffee House,
Ludgate Hill, where he was introduced to Mr Sheriff Johnson, who was in
the chair. There he also met Sir James Duke, Mr Wire, Mr Anderson, the
Governor of Bridewell, and other gentlemen, and a committee was
appointed to prepare a plan for a more extensive employment of the funds
of the above-named Charity. Both Sheriffs were most polite to Messrs
Carrol and Montefiore, and invited them to be present on all occasions at
the Sessions in the Old Bailey, when they were also to breakfast and dine
with them.
July the 4th.—Mr T. A. Curtis kindly accompanied Mr Montefiore to the
Court of Aldermen, where both he and Mr George Carrol signed bonds
engaging to take upon themselves the office of Sheriff, under penalty of
£1000 fine. "The Lord Mayor," writes Mr Montefiore, "and every Alderman
present shook hands with me, each paid me some neat compliment, and
every attention was shown to my religious feelings."
At a meeting of the Livery, where a resolution to send an address to the
Queen was proposed by Mr David Salomons and carried unanimously,
twelve of the Livery were appointed to present the same, amongst whom,
besides the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs, and Aldermen, were Messrs David
Salomons, G. Carrol, and M. Montefiore.
July 6th.—Mr Montefiore went to the Old Bailey at half-past eight, and
breakfasted with the Under Sheriff, Mr G. Carrol, and other gentlemen. The
Sheriffs and Aldermen came in a little before ten, at which time Baron
Vaughan, Baron Alderson, and the Lord Mayor also came. He was

introduced, and received by all in a very friendly manner, and then went
with them into Court. At eleven he went with Sheriff Johnson and Mr
George Carrol over every part of Newgate. "It was half-past one before we
had finished our tour of inspection. I find my new post will give me very
serious occupation, and much more trouble than I had expected, but I hope
the blessing of Heaven will attend my endeavours to fulfil its various duties
to the satisfaction of my fellow-citizens." This did, however, not prevent
him from turning his mind, when necessary, also to the affairs of his own
community. He accompanied T. M. Pearce to Downing Street, and had an
interview with Mr Lister, the Registrar-General. "We agreed," he says, "that
it would not be safe for Jews to marry by licence under the present
Marriage Bill, and that they must give twenty-one days' notice to the
Registrar."
On the same day he dined at five with the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs, and other
distinguished persons at the Old Bailey. "A capital dinner," he observes,
"dessert and wine; I had part of a fowl which had been sent from home."
Every one was most attentive to him. The Judges and the Lord Mayor left at
seven, but the Sheriffs stayed till eight o'clock.

CHAPTER XIV.
1837.

THE JEWS' MARRIAGE BILL—MR MONTEFIORE AT THE
QUEEN'S DRAWING-ROOM—HIS INAUGURATION AS SHERIFF.

On July 7th he called on the Chief Rabbi to discuss the marriage laws, a
subject which was causing much uneasiness in the community. He was
detained there so long that it became too late for him to attend the
committee meeting at the Irish Bank. He wrote a letter to the Archbishop of
Dublin on the subject of the Jews' Marriage Bill, requesting him to take
charge of it in the House of Lords. In the course of the day he received a
card of invitation to a dinner of the Merchant Taylors Company from J.
Allison, the new Master, with a most friendly note, requesting him to name
the dishes he would wish to have placed before him.
On July 9th Mr Montefiore went with a member of the Board of Deputies to
consult T. M. Pearce on the subject of the Jews' Marriage Bill, and in the
evening attended a meeting of the Deputies, at which it was resolved to
petition the House of Lords in favour of the measure. He writes: "I am most
firmly resolved not to give up the smallest part of our religious forms and
privileges to obtain civil rights." One of the members of the board also gave
notice of a motion for "a more popular election of the Deputies."
On July 10th Mr Montefiore met T. M. Pearce at the House of Lords. Mr
Blake, the legal adviser of the Archbishop of Dublin, made several
important alterations in the Bill, which, in Mr Montefiore's opinion, greatly
improved it. He then called at Downing Street to see Mr Spring-Rice, but
that gentleman had just left town for Cambridge. Mr Montefiore
immediately resolved to go and see him there.
At 5 p.m. he again met Pearce, also Mr Buxton, at the House of Lords. The
Archbishop of Dublin and several other Lords had declined to propose the
second reading of the Marriage Act Bill. Mr Buxton exerted himself greatly,

and spoke to several Peers in his presence without success. At last he
prevailed on Lord Glenelg to promise that he would speak with Lord
Duncannon, and would give notice the next day.
In accordance with his resolution, Mr Montefiore went the same day by the
"Cambridge Mail" to see Mr Spring-Rice. On his return he went to the
House of Lords with Pearce and saw Lord Glenelg. "But," writes Mr
Montefiore, "he would have nothing to do with the Bill, and Pearce could
get no Peer to move the second reading, consequently, the Bill will be lost,
and with it all the expenses, £400."
Wednesday, July 19.—He attended the Queen's first levee at St James'
Palace; it was very crowded. He was one of the Deputation of the Livery of
London, by whom an address of congratulation was to be presented to Her
Majesty. The Lord Mayor introduced them. Mr Montefiore was afterwards
presented a second time. On his card was written, "Mr Montefiore,
presented by the Duke of Norfolk." "The Queen," he observes, "looked very
pretty and most interesting." "May she be happy!" is his prayer to heaven. It
was after four o'clock when he left the Palace. He had spoken to a great
number of acquaintances there. The next day he went with Mrs Montefiore
to St James' Palace to attend the Queen's drawing-room. Mrs Montefiore
was presented to Her Majesty by the Countess of Albemarle, and was most
graciously received. "I followed her," writes Mr Montefiore. "The Queen
smiled good-humouredly at me, and the Duchess of Kent said she was
pleased to see us. No reception at a drawing-room could have been more
flattering."
At five o'clock he went to dine at the Merchant Taylors Hall. Mr Alliston,
the Master, was most civil and kind to him, and to Mr George Carrol. It was
a most splendid banquet, about one hundred and twenty sat down to table.
The entertainment was given by the Merchant Taylors to the Skinners
Company, in accordance with an old custom, which owed its origin to the
following occurrence. A difference having arisen between the two
companies, it was referred to the Lord Mayor, who decided that "they were
both wrong and both right," and decreed that each company should annually
entertain the other at a dinner. This has been kept up, without a single
exception, ever since the Lord Mayor gave his verdict, which was more
than three hundred years ago. "Nothing," says Mr Montefiore, "could have

been more magnificent than the entertainment. I sat next to Mr Charles
Culling Smith, the Duke of Wellington's brother-in-law, and my health and
that of Mr George Carrol was drunk."
Mr Montefiore now wished to go to Ramsgate for a few days' rest, but
before leaving town he sent a letter to the Master, Wardens, and Assistants
of the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors, requesting the use of their
hall for the inauguration dinner in October.
In August we find him again in London, attending a dinner of the Skinners'
Company, where he meets Mr Attwood and his colleague Mr George
Carrol, also several friends belonging to the Merchant Taylors' Company.
His health is proposed, and he returns thanks. One of the party, Dr Knox,
the Master of the Skinners' Company's school at Tonbridge, expressed
himself in very flattering terms to Mr Montefiore after the entertainment,
but observed that he ought not to be one of the Court Assistants, as the latter
had to protect their church. Mr Montefiore, in reply, assured him that he
would never ask anything of the Company that they might not be willing to
grant. Dr Knox appeared fully satisfied with what he heard, and continued
the conversation in a friendly spirit.
On the 20th of August there is a very affectionate entry, dated from
Tonbridge, and referring to his brother, Horatio Montefiore.
"Horatio," he writes, "joined us this morning at breakfast; he left Ramsgate
and his family last evening, and travelled all night. At eleven o'clock my
dear Judith, Horatio, Mr Ridge, and myself went in the britzka to Tinley
Lodge, Upper French Farm. The houses, barns, stables, and outhouses had
all been put in the most substantial and complete repair, and looked
extremely well, as did the land. With the full and willing consent of my dear
wife, I informed Horatio that I made him a present of the estate, and after
him to his children, strictly entailing it on the eldest son from generation to
generation, and recommended him to grant Shetfield, the present tenant, a
lease at a moderate rent for fourteen years, say at £70. Horatio appeared
well pleased with the gift."
This entry is followed by another equally pleasing. He dined with his sister-
in-law, Mrs Hannah Rothschild, and met there, among others, the Count and
Countess Ludolf. In the course of conversation, the Count said that several

English physicians had offered to go to Naples, where the cholera was then
raging, and assist in relieving the sufferers, but, unfortunately, they had no
funds. Mr Montefiore, upon hearing this, immediately promised £200 for
the purpose, and of course kept his word.
In the following record of a visit paid by Mr and Mrs Montefiore to H.R.H.
the Princess Sophia Matilda during her stay at Ramsgate, we find one of the
many gratifying instances of the esteem in which they were both held by the
highest in the land.
On September the 12th he writes:—"At three we went in our britzka with
post horses, through a torrent of rain, to West Cliff House, by appointment,
to visit H.R.H. the Princess Sophia Matilda. She received us most kindly,
and was very chatty. She spoke on many different subjects, including the
slave trade and the prevailing epidemics; also of her proposed visit to
Brighton, which she hoped would agree with her. We then spoke of the
Queen and the Duchess of Kent. Judith said she hoped the Queen would
build a palace at Ramsgate. Her Royal Highness replied, she could not
recommend the expense, as it would be talked of a hundred years after; it
was all very well just at first. We remained more than half-an-hour, and on
our taking leave, Her Royal Highness shook hands with Judith most kindly,
and said she was happy in having made her acquaintance. During our visit
she also spoke of her brother, the late King, and on each occasion the tears
came into her eyes. She appeared in very good health, and fond of
retirement."
On the 24th of September Mr Montefiore writes:—"Her Royal Highness the
Princess Sophia Matilda paid Judith a visit yesterday, and remained with
her an hour and a half. She had first appointed to come on Friday if I had
been at home, then on Monday or Tuesday, but Judith wrote that we were
going to London in the middle of the week, and would be happy to see Her
Royal Highness on Saturday. She was most gracious and agreeable."
Wednesday, September 27th.—Mr Montefiore called at the Mansion House
and saw the Lord Mayor and Mr Croft, who accepted the new Sheriffs'
invitation for Wednesday, the 11th October. According to an ancient custom
Mr Montefiore, as Sheriff, should have dined with the Lord Mayor on

Friday, the 29th, but he apologized for his inability to do so on account of
the Sabbath commencing in the evening.
Thursday, the 28th.—"I cannot," he says, "but reflect with gratitude on the
Almighty's goodness to me: may He bless my endeavours to be useful." He
then gives the following account of the day's proceedings:—"At ten I
entered our state carriage, Mr Wire having come for me in his, and we
drove to Cavendish Square, where Mr George Carrol in his state carriage
took the lead, he being the senior Sheriff, on account of his having been
proposed to the Livery by the Lord Mayor. We proceeded to the Merchant
Taylors' Hall, where we found sixteen of their members, and sixteen of the
Spectacle makers, besides some few friends of Mr George Carrol. The
following gentlemen were also present:—Barons Lionel, Nathaniel, and
Anthony de Rothschild, Messrs T. A. Curtis, Benjamin Cohen, Isaac Cohen,
Solomon Cohen, S. M. Samuel, John Helbert, and M. Davidson, the six last
named being the brothers and brothers-in-law of my dear wife. At one
o'clock we went in grand procession to the Guildhall, accompanied by a
band of music. At two we were sworn into office, and about three I returned
to Park Lane. I changed my official costume for plain clothes, and went at
half-past five to Cavendish Square. Mr George Carrol then accompanied me
to the London Tavern, and we dined with Sir James Duke and Mr Sheriff
Johnson."
Monday, 2nd October.—Mr Montefiore and his colleague went to Newgate.
In the afternoon they proceeded to Windsor, and inscribed their names in
the Duchess of Kent's visitors' book. The next day Mr Montefiore called on
the Lord Mayor, who introduced him to Alderman Cowan, the Lord Mayor
elect; he also attended the Hustings at the Guildhall in his violet gown, the
Lord Mayor and Mr George Carrol being present. He afterwards settled,
with Messrs Maynard, Carrol, and Wire, the toasts and the grace before
dinner, and proceeded with these gentlemen to the Lord Mayor to submit
them for his approval. This having been obtained, he went to the Merchant
Taylors' Hall to see that the arrangement of the tables was satisfactory.
The inauguration dinner of the new Sheriffs took place at the Merchant
Taylors' Hall in Threadneedle Street. The number of guests who sat down to
dinner was not less than four hundred; and the Lord Mayor presided. After

the cloth was removed, the usual toasts were proposed by the Lord Mayor,
and the two Sheriffs returned thanks, each in a separate speech.
Mr Sheriff Montefiore said: "My Lord Mayor, my Lords and gentlemen, if I
consulted my own feelings of diffidence on this occasion, I confess I should
have remained silent, and have allowed my friend and colleague to return
our united thanks for the honour conferred on us by the distinguished
company. But as custom demands that I should say a few words, I rise to
express briefly, and I fear imperfectly, my feelings of gratitude for the
flattering manner in which my health has been proposed, and the warm and
affectionate greeting with which it has been received. New to the high and
important office I have been called upon by the kind wishes of my fellow-
citizens to fill, it will readily be conceived that I cannot be acquainted with
all its various duties. But I can assure you it shall be my study to understand
their nature, and my earnest endeavour to fulfil them in such a manner as to
justify my fellow-citizens in the choice they have made. Although I cannot
pretend to say that I will do what your late Sheriffs have done, still less to
surpass them in their efforts to be useful, yet I hope, so far, to imitate their
example as to show my anxiety to transmit to my successors the functions
of my office unimpaired in their usefulness, and its privileges undiminished
in their value. Believing that it is not a political office, and yet that it has
duties both to the Queen and to the public, I hope, in the execution of those
duties, to swerve neither to the right nor the left, but on the one hand to
uphold the rightful prerogatives of the Crown, and on the other to support
the just liberties of the people. Called upon by the free, intelligent, and
wealthy citizens of this great city to fill so important an office, I trust that I
shall never be found wanting in any efforts to prove that the great privilege
of electing their own Sheriffs may be safely entrusted to the people. May I
add that in choosing the humble individual before you to fill so important
an office, they have shown that private character, when based on integrity,
will secure public honour and respect? Nor is it less gratifying to find that,
though professing a different faith from the major it of my fellow-citizens,
yet this has presented no barrier to my desire of being useful to them in a
situation to which my forefathers would in vain have aspired; and I hail this
as a proof that those prejudices are passing away, and will pass away, which
prevent our feelings from being as widely social, as just, as comprehensive
in their effect as the most amiable and best-instructed mind can desire. Nor

can I forget, while alluding to kindly feelings, how much I am indebted to
those friends who, unasked and unsolicited, proposed and elected me to the
office which now gives me the opportunity of addressing you. To them, to
you, to the Livery at large, I again tender my thanks, and I beg to assure you
that, whatever may be necessary to enhance the high, respectability of my
office, to support its splendour, to maintain its rights, to add to its honour,
and to make it more useful to my fellow-citizens—if it can be made more
useful—I will attempt, and with your countenance and support, I trust,
accomplish. Thus acting, I shall hope to receive the only reward I seek—the
thanks of my fellow-citizens, and the approbation of my own conscience."
The Attorney-General in replying to the toast, "The health of Her Majesty's
Ministers," given by the Lord Mayor, alluded to Mr Montefiore in the
following words:—"There could be no more honourable or important office
than that of Sheriff, and although Mr Montefiore differed in faith from the
established religion, there could be no doubt that he would discharge the
duties which devolved on him with equal credit to himself and advantage to
the city. He (the Attorney-General) was one of those who thought that the
only qualification which should exist for such offices was that the holder
should be a good citizen; and he recollected with no small degree of
satisfaction, that it was he who had brought in the Bill, a measure that
passed through the Legislature by, he might say, the unanimous vote of both
Houses of Parliament, which entitled Mr Montefiore to occupy the position
he then held. He was happy to say that the ancient prejudices, founded on
difference of religious belief, were fast wearing away, and he only hoped
the time was at hand when objections on such grounds would altogether
cease to operate. It was the desire of Her Majesty's Government to promote
such a state of things by all the means in their power; and for his own part,
his opinion was that, so far from injuring the Constitution, it would tend
materially to uphold and strengthen it."
Mr and Mrs Montefiore returned to Park Lane at two o'clock from the
inauguration dinner, much pleased with the reception they had met with
from their fellow-citizens.

CHAPTER XV.
1837.

DEATH OF MR MONTEFIORE'S UNCLE—MR MONTEFIORE
RIDES IN THE LORD MAYOR'S PROCESSION—IS KNIGHTED—
HIS SPEECH AT THE LORD MAYOR'S BANQUET—PRESENTS
PETITION ON BEHALF OF THE JEWS TO PARLIAMENT.

We may now consider Mr Montefiore as almost entirely occupied with the
discharge of the duties of his office as Sheriff. We shall give here the entries
he made referring to the subject, some of which are particularly interesting.
From the following entry one can form an idea of the way in which he spent
his days during his year of office:—
"8.30 a.m., left Park Lane; 9 o'clock, breakfasted at the Old Bailey; 10,
attended the Recorder into the Court, was present at a meeting of the
subscribers to the Sheriffs' Fund, met the Lord Mayor at the Guildhall, and
attended the Hustings. At 12.30 went back to the Old Bailey, had lunch
there, re-entered Court, and remained there till near five, then returned to
Park Lane. Accompanied by my wife, proceeded at 6.30 to the Mansion
House, where we dined with the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, and a
very large and elegant party; had music, and singing and dancing; returned
home at one o'clock."
On the 11th of October Mr Montefiore in his turn gave a dinner to the Lord
Mayor and Lady Mayoress, the Sheriffs and Aldermen and their ladies, after
which Mrs Montefiore held a reception, which was followed by a concert.
The next day he went to Newgate, and saw the prisoners who had just been
received. He went through the male and female wards, and spoke to many
of the prisoners. He then proceeded to Whitecross Prison, and gave Mr
Barrett, the governor, a cheque for £20 for distribution among such cases of
distress as he thought most deserving.

There are entries in the diary which show that on many occasions Mr
Montefiore did not leave the Old Bailey before nine o'clock in the evening.
"Sometimes," he remarks, "the duties of Shrievalty cause me much
trouble." But however numerous or onerous his duties may have been, they
never prevented his leaving the Old Bailey in time to attend Synagogue, on
the eve of the Sabbath and festivals, the Judges in Court always, in the most
kind manner, giving him permission to do so.
About that time one of his near relatives happening to be dangerously ill, he
more than once, after having performed the daily duties of his office, and
been present at an entertainment which lasted till midnight or later, instead
of returning home, proceeded to the house of sickness, where he watched at
the bedside of the patient till morning.
On Monday, November 6th, his uncle died. "I have always," Mr Montefiore
said, "regarded him as a second father, but I must not grieve at his being
taken from us, for he is gone to receive the reward of a well-spent life in a
better world; very many of his relatives will miss his kind liberality." Mr
Montefiore remained with the family that day for a considerable time, but
had afterwards to leave them to attend to the necessary preparations for the
important day of the 9th of November.
If the many thousands of spectators who fill the streets and occupy the
balconies and windows on Lord Mayor's day, and witness the glorious
institutions of the Livery of the largest and most wealthy city of the world,
and to gaze at the magnificent cavalcade preceding the state carriage of the
Lord Mayor, think that the Aldermen, Sheriffs, and under-Sheriffs have but
to mount their chargers, and be comfortably seated in the saddle, to receive
the shouts of approbation from the multitude, they are in error. As the
glorious entry of a victorious army on its return from the field of battle
requires previous organisation, so as to ensure the perfect regularity of the
marching and evolution of each respective battalion, even thus does the
entry into the metropolis of the assembly of citizens, almost equal in
number to a powerful army, require much previous organisation.
Mr Montefiore, in order to prepare himself for the duties he would have to
perform at the forthcoming procession, went to Davis' riding school, where
he met the Lord Mayor and the Lord Mayor elect, as also most of the

Aldermen, Sheriffs, and Court of Common Council. They each had a horse
appointed for their use. A troop of artillerymen, with their horses, headed by
Colonel Jones, were also present. After trying the horses they went through
the plan of the procession, and it was five o'clock before they returned
home.
On November 7th he called at the Mansion House, attended the Court of
Hustings in the Guildhall, went with the Lord Mayor, the Lord Mayor elect,
and Mr George Carrol to the Entertainment Committee, and then to
Downing Street to see the Lord Chancellor. On finding him absent he went
to his house, where he met with a most friendly reception.
In the evening he went to the house of his late uncle. While the Lavadores
were performing their mournful duties, he and his wife read, in an adjoining
room, the prayers which his lamented uncle had selected during his extreme
illness. Greatly fatigued, they both returned to Park Lane, with the intention
of retiring to rest. They had scarcely been home an hour when Mr
Montefiore's colleague, Mr George Carrol, called. The cause of his coming
at so late an hour, that gentleman said, was his desire to be the first to
inform him that Lord John Russell had that day acquainted the City
Remembrancer with his intention of recommending Her Majesty to bestow
a baronetcy on the Lord Mayor, and to confer the honour of knighthood on
the Sheriffs. "It was very kind," Mr Montefiore said, "of Carrol to come,
and to acquaint me with the pleasing news, for which I am very grateful to
the Almighty."
On Wednesday, the 8th November, he left home soon after eight in the
morning, and was at the Mansion House at nine. It was half-past when the
Lord Mayor elect made his appearance; there was a large party assembled.
At ten they set out in procession for the Guildhall, where Alderman Cowan
was sworn into office; the hall was very full. Mr Montefiore introduced
Chevalier Benthausen and two Russian noblemen to the Lord Mayor, and
then left the hall. He then went to the Alliance Marine, attended the Board
of the Alliance Life and Fire Assurance Company, returned to the Guildhall,
and thence repaired again to the house of mourning, to attend the funeral of
his late uncle. At six he was again at the Mansion House, to be present at
the farewell dinner of the retiring Lord Mayor. Many Aldermen, he says,
were present; also the companies of the two Lord Mayors. At half-past nine

he went for the third time to the mourners to read prayers with them, and
afterwards he and his wife took up their quarters for the night at their
chambers at the Marine Office in the city. "A very fatiguing day," he says,
"and one in which I have seen the last of a dear and near relative. I hope I
may imitate his virtues."
Thursday, 9th of November.—"With unspeakable but heartfelt gratitude to
the Almighty God," he writes, "I note the occurrences of the day, a day that
can never be forgotten by me; it is a proud one: with the exception of the
day I had the happiness of dedicating our Synagogue at Ramsgate, and the
day of my wedding, the proudest day of my life. I trust the honour
conferred by our most gracious Queen on myself and my dear Judith may
prove the harbinger of future good to the Jews generally, and though I am
sensible of my unworthiness, yet I pray the Almighty to lead and guide me
in the proper path, that I may observe and keep His Holy Law.
"At half-past eight I went to the Mansion House, at nine set off in grand
procession to London Bridge; there I embarked with the Lord Mayor, &c.,
for Westminster. The new Lord Mayor was presented to the Judges in
several Courts. We then returned the same way to the Mansion House. I
went to the Marine. My dear Judith was beautifully dressed, but very
unwell. We went to the Mansion House, and soon left there in procession.
Our state carriage being in advance, I got out at Temple Bar, and the
carriage went on with Judith to the Guildhall. I mounted on horseback, with
my brother Sheriffs, some Aldermen, and Members of the Common
Council. After many of the Royal carriages had passed, we set forward two
and two before the Queen. On her arrival in the hall she reposed herself for
some time. The Recorder then read the address, to which she replied. The
Lord Mayor was introduced, and made a Baronet; the Aldermen were
introduced, and then the Sheriffs were knighted, first George Carrol. On my
kneeling to the Queen, she placed a sword on my left shoulder and said,
'Rise, Sir Moses.' I cannot express all I felt on this occasion. I had, besides,
the pleasure of seeing my banner with 'Jerusalem' floating proudly in the
hall. I hope my dear mother will be pleased. The entertainment was most
magnificent, but my poor wife dreadfully ill."
Friday, November 10th.—The new knight, now Sir Moses, proceeded to
Buckingham Palace to enter his name in the Duchess of Kent's visiting-

book. On his return he received numerous visits of congratulation. He then
went to the house of the mourners in the city, and also visited his mother.
Saturday, November 11th.—Although Sir Moses might have gone on that
day to a place of worship near Park Lane, he preferred walking to the city
on the first Sabbath after the honour of knighthood had been conferred upon
him, to return thanks to the Almighty in the ancient Spanish and Portuguese
Synagogue in Bevis Marks, a structure which commemorates the first step
towards religious liberty in England, and which had from his earliest days
been an object of love and veneration to him. He started from home early in
the morning, and joined the congregation before nine o'clock.
After service he attended an entertainment given by one of his friends on
the occasion of his son attaining his thirteenth year (the age which
constitutes religious majority). The remainder of the day he passed in
visiting his relatives, and again attending the Synagogue to join in prayers
with the mourners.
On Sunday, November 12th, he went to Newgate, where he found all well;
his colleagues had already been there three hours. He then went to the
residences of the Duke of Cambridge, the Princess Sophia Matilda, the
Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Sussex, the Princess Sophia, and
Princess Augusta, and entered his and Lady Montefiore's names in their
visitors' books. On his return to Park Lane he dined with his wife, and spent
a pleasant evening in reading and writing. "One of our old-fashioned happy
East Cliff evenings," he says.
On Monday, November 13th, he attended the general meetings of some of
his companies, and in the evening dined with the directors of the Imperial
Continental Gas Association. The next day he was actively engaged in
performing the duties of his office, attending the Lord Mayor at the Court of
Hustings, and afterwards making arrangements with his under-Sheriff
respecting the invitations for the dinner on the 16th inst. Having sent fifty
invitations, and received but twenty-eight tickets, "I passed the whole day,"
he says, "in a state of much anxiety as to the best mode of acting. At last I
have determined to seat the ladies, and send the gentlemen tickets for the
Council Chamber, should they be unable to find seats in the hall. I most

sincerely hope I may give no offence, as I am sure none was intended; my
desire to oblige the family has brought me into this dilemma."
On Thursday, the 16th of November, Sir Moses walked to the city in the
morning, called at the Alliance, Guildhall, and Mansion House, returning
home at two o'clock. A few minutes before four, he and Lady Montefiore
started in their state carriage, with the servants in full livery, for the
Guildhall. "We called," he says, "at Cavendish Square, and followed Sir
George and Lady Carrol in their state carriage to the Guildhall. At five the
Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress made their appearance long after many of
Her Majesty's Ministers had arrived. We sat down to dinner soon after six.
The hall presented a splendid appearance; there were between eleven and
twelve hundred present, including nearly all the Ambassadors, Ministers,
and Judges."
The health of the Sheriffs was not drunk till long after the ladies had left the
table. Each of them returned thanks, Sir Moses doing so in the following
words:—
"My excellent friend and colleague has so fully expressed my sentiments
and feelings, that I ought, perhaps, to apologise for trespassing on your
attention, but as this is the first time I have had the honour of addressing so
large an assembly of distinguished guests and of my fellow-citizens, I
cannot resist the temptation of offering you my congratulations on the
auspicious event which has distinguished the commencement of our year of
office. The recent visit of our most gracious Queen to this ancient hall, the
kindness which induced Her Majesty to present herself, at the earliest
possible period, to her faithful subjects of this great and opulent city, must
have made a deep impression on every heart, must have strongly rooted the
feelings of loyalty with which Britons naturally regard their sovereign; and,
if I may judge of others by myself, must have awed all emotions save those
of fervent hope and prayer, that the reign of our now youthful Queen may
be long and peaceful, and that her greatest glories may be connected with
the universal education of her subjects, the diffusion of the most
comprehensive principles of benevolence, charity, and love—principles
which shall unite all in a desire to accomplish the proud wish that England
may possess and exercise the great prerogative of teaching other nations
how to live. What we have seen is a proof, in my opinion, that we are fairly

on our way to the full completion of the wish: for do not the recent events
demonstrate to us, and will they not demonstrate far beyond the precincts of
our city, that the purest freedom, and the warmest attachment to religion,
may co-exist, and may safely co-exist, with the forms of monarchy and with
feelings of affection to the sovereign, especially when that sovereign
evinces the dispositions which we all recognise in our amiable, youthful,
and illustrious Queen? Let, then, other countries boast of natural
advantages, denied perhaps to ours, let our pride be in our civil advantages,
in the security of our person and property, under a system of law and
government which, whatever be its defects—and what is perfect on earth?
—is at least as near to perfection as any government that has existed, or
does now exist. But I am carried away by my feelings from the main object
I had in view in rising to address you. That object was to tender you my
thanks, warm from the heart, for the honour you have conferred on myself
and colleague. I can sincerely say that the kindness of our fellow-citizens is
a full reward for the performance of our duties, and will be a full
inducement to devote ourselves cheerfully to the service of those who,
unasked, have placed us in a position of so much trust and honour. We feel
satisfied that in the performance of our duties we shall not betray the trust
reposed in us, nor tarnish the honour of the Corporation. No; it will be our
pride and pleasure to enhance the dignity of our office, in order that the
distinction it confers may be more and more an object of laudable ambition
to the most worthy and opulent of our fellow-citizens. Connected with the
Corporation by high office, I feel a deep interest in its prosperity; and I pray
that it may long exist to prove that popular corporate institutions are a
bulwark to the throne, while they offer to the people a security for the
preservation of their laws, and pure administration of justice."
Sir Moses was much pleased with the manifest approbation of the
sentiments he expressed. "Lord Glenelg," he says, "spoke in a very friendly
manner with me, as did the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The Vice-Chancellor
also made a very complimentary speech, saying he hoped to see me enjoy
high city honours."
Most of the time of Sir Moses was now occupied in the discharge of the
duties imposed on him by his office, which included his attendance at
numerous meetings, dinners, and balls. Some of them are recorded in the
diary. In making an entry of the Polish ball, which took place on the 21st of

November, he says: "We left home at nine o'clock, and got to the Guildhall
with great care between eleven and twelve. The hall was crowded, and
presented a splendid appearance. There were above 2500 people present,
including the Lord Mayor, the Duke and Duchess of Somerset, Miss
Burdett-Coutts, Mr P. M. Stewart, Lord Dudley Coutts Stewart, &c. All
were most friendly. In consequence of the absence of the Lady Mayoress,
Lady Carrol and my wife did the honours. It was quite a fairy scene; I never
saw anything like it before, and I daresay it will be some time before we
again witness so brilliant an assembly. Before the hall became crowded, I
was much pleased with the effect of my crest and arms, which had been
chalked in colours on the floor, the crest with the word 'Jerusalem' in
Hebrew being nearest the throne."
From the hall of splendour our attention is directed to the home of misery.
We find him next visiting the Whitecross Street Prison. "I went," he says,
"over the whole building, and found 428 unfortunate individuals confined
within its walls. The men's wards were very unclean, but the women's
extremely clean; there were only twenty-four females. The day rooms of the
male prisoners were crowded with visitors. The prisoners were in good
health, not more than seventeen in the infirmary, and all only slight cases of
cold."
On Monday, the 27th of November, he went at half-past eight in his state
carriage to the Mansion House, and at 9.30 he and his colleague
accompanied the Lord Mayor, in grand state, to open the first session in his
Lordship's mayoralty at the Old Bailey.
On the 29th he attended a meeting of the Deputies of British Jews, and a
sub-committee was appointed to endeavour to get Mr Baines—the
originator of a Bill for the purpose of altering the declaration contained in
the Act 9 George IV., cap. 17, to be made by persons on their admission to
municipal offices—to obtain an extension of its provisions to the Jews. The
Bill, as it then stood, limited the indulgence to Quakers and Moravians.
When, on the following day, the Lord Mayor, accompanied by the Sheriffs,
attended the meeting of the first Common Council, Mr David Salamons
presented a petition, calling on the Court to petition both the Houses of

Parliament to amend Mr Baines' Bill. "Charles Pearson," Sir Moses says,
"proposed the motion, which was carried unanimously."
On the 3rd of December, Sir Moses was particularly requested by Mr David
Salamons, to go with him to H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex, to inform him of
their intentions respecting Mr Baines' Bill; but His Royal Highness was not
well enough to see them. On the same day, Barons Lionel and Nathaniel
Rothschild called on Sir Moses, to say that Sir Robert Peel had appointed
the following Monday to see a deputation of the Jews.
In accordance with that appointment they called, with Mr David Salamons,
on Sir Moses, the next day at the Old Bailey, and requested him to go with
them to Sir Robert Peel; but, as it was expected that the Recorder would
pass the sentences at twelve, he could not leave the Courts. The Recorder,
however, did not make his appearance till three o'clock, and then made
great difficulty before permitting him and Sir George Carrol to go to the
House of Commons with the petition, positively refusing to allow their
under-Sheriffs to accompany them, under the penalty of a fine. At about
five o'clock Sir Moses and Sir George Carrol proceeded in their state
carriages with their servants to the Guildhall for the Remembrancer, who
went with them to the House of Commons with the three petitions.
On entering the House, led by the Sergeant-at-Arms with the Mace, the
Speaker said: "Sir George Carrol and Sir Moses Montefiore, what have you
there?" "A petition from the Lord Mayor and Common Council to the
Honourable House," replied Sir George. "You may withdraw," returned the
Speaker. They then withdrew in the same manner as they had advanced,
bowing three times. They took their seats under the gallery, and listened to
the debate on Mr Baines' Bill. "I very much regret," Sir Moses says, "that
we, the Jews, allowed the House to divide."
A week later, on December 10th, after having gone over every part of
Newgate Prison, and spoken with the prisoners, both male and female, he
called, on his way back to Park Lane, on Dr Sims at Cavendish Square, to
inform him that Lord John Russell would see that the Jews were relieved
from the effect of the resolution passed by the London University, as to the
examination of candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Arts, &c. He then
accompanied Messrs Isaac Cohen and David Salamons to Kensington.

The Duke of Sussex saw them immediately, and was most kind. He
approved of the Jews getting a Bill into the House of Commons to relieve
them from the declaration on taking municipal offices, but not before the
Bill relieving the Quakers had passed the Lords.
On Sunday, 17th December, he wrote a letter to Lord Melbourne to solicit
the honour of an interview, previously to the Municipal Corporation
Declaration Bill going into Committee. In the course of an hour his
Lordship sent him a note in his own handwriting, saying he would be glad
to see him the next day at half-past three, at Downing Street. Sir Moses
immediately communicated with Messrs David Salamons and I. L.
Goldsmid, and requested them to accompany him there on the following
day.
Agreeably to this intimation they were at the appointed time in Downing
Street. Lord Melbourne received them at once, the Marquis of Lansdowne
being with him. Both of them, Sir Moses says, were very polite, but gave
them to understand that they could not include the Jews in the present Bill,
as they would not be able to carry it through the Lords.
On the same day he was officially informed of his having been elected
President for the year of the Jews' Free School, but the duties of the
Shrievalty prevented his accepting the honour. After calling at Newgate and
Whitecross Street Prison, and speaking to all the prisoners, he attended at
Doctors Commons to administer the will of his late uncle.
On December 19th he wrote a letter to Mr Alteston, Master of the Merchant
Taylors' Company, offering to give £50 as a prize to the best Hebrew
scholar in the Company's schools, as a token of his appreciation of the
benevolence of the Company.
The diary of the year 1837 concludes with an entry referring to a banquet
given at the London Coffee House by the Commercial Travellers' Society,
under the presidency of Sir Chapman Marshall, at which Sir Moses was
present. Two hundred persons sat down to table, among whom £1200 was
collected for the benefit of the institution. This entry is followed by an
account of a narrow escape of Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore. "We have
been much alarmed," he writes, "by some person firing a pistol at us, near

Welling, on the road from Rochester to London; happily it missed both
horses and carriage; the postboy was much frightened."

CHAPTER XVI.
1838.

DESTRUCTION OF THE ROYAL EXCHANGE—CITY
TRADITIONS—"JEWS' WALK"—SIR MOSES DINES AT
LAMBETH PALACE.

The diary of 1838, like that of the preceding year, abounds in descriptions
of Sir Moses' official duties, as well as records of events.
January 11th.—Early in the morning, before he was dressed, Sir Moses was
informed that the Royal Exchange had been burnt down in the night. He at
once rode to the Alliance, and found the news true; only the walls of the
Exchange were still standing. "I called at the Mansion House," he says,
"and accompanied a deputation of the Gresham Company to see the ruins;
the loss of books, papers, and securities is said to be immense. In the
evening I repaired again to the Mansion House to attend a Court of
Aldermen, which sat till after ten. It was a full meeting; the Town Clerk and
all the Law Officers of the city were present. There were long and grave
discussions respecting the making of a new city seal, the old one, as it was
thought, having been destroyed in the fire at the Royal Exchange."
On January 14th he was present at a meeting of the Elders of his
community at Bevis Marks. The resignation of the Deputies was received,
and a resolution passed, that "for the future Deputies be elected by the
Elders and seat-holders, generally known by the appellation of 'Yehidim,'
and out of either body." After the meeting he called at Newgate, and went
over the female wards and the infirmary.
It may interest some of my readers to hear that the ancient custom of
presenting each of the Sheriffs with three does by the Crown is still kept up.
When Sir Moses was told that those intended for him were at Richmond, he
sent a person (authorised by the Ecclesiastical Board) to kill the does in

accordance with the Jewish custom, and then distribute them among his
friends.
He attended the first dinner given by the new Lord Mayor at the Mansion
House on the 16th. The next day he dined at the London Tavern with the
City Committee for General Purposes, and in the evening was present at a
ball for the benefit of the Watch and Clock Makers' Institution. On the 19th,
Sir Moses, in his turn, gave a dinner to the Vice-Chancellor, and there were
also present, Sir L. Shadwell and Lady Shadwell, the Common Sergeant
and his wife, Sir John Conroy and his daughters, Mr J. A. Curtis and his
daughters, the Baron and Baroness de Rothschild, Baron Nathaniel and
Baroness Louisa de Rothschild, and many other guests of distinction.
The following extracts from the diaries show the nature of Sir Moses'
multifarious duties at this time:—
"February 2nd.—Was sworn in as Commissioner of the London
Lieutenancy, consisting mostly of the Court of Aldermen and their deputies,
the Directors of the Bank of England and of the East India Company.
"February 5th.—Proceeded with my colleague, the City Remembrancer,
and Alderman Venables to the House of Commons, to present two petitions;
one respecting the night watch, and the other respecting a new street from
Farringdon Street.
"February 6th.—Attended the meeting of the sub-committees of the several
Synagogues at 7 p.m. It was within a few minutes of twelve when the
meeting broke up.
"February 14th.—Attended the Queen's levee. Was presented to Her
Majesty by Lord John Russell, and had the honour of kissing hands, after
which I drove to my mother, that she might see the state carriage and
liveries.
"February 16th.—Present at the Court of Common Council, where they
voted the freedom of the City of London to Mr Stephenson, the American
Minister, to be presented to him in a gold box of the value of 100 guineas.
The following evening I went to Kensington Palace to a soiree given by the
Duke of Sussex to the members of the Royal Society. The rooms were

crowded. Spoke with a great many persons I knew, Mr Spring-Rice, the
Dean of Chester, and others."
February 22nd.—On the occasion of the funeral of a friend which he
attended, Sir Moses observes: "It was a funeral such as I much approve. I
think no funeral should have more than eight mourning coaches, and the
coachmen should wear neither cloaks nor bands; in fact, in my opinion, the
less pomp on such an occasion the better." In the evening he dined at the
London Orphan Society; "took my own cold beef," he says. The Duke of
Cambridge presided. The collection amounted to £1960.
February 27th.—After having been occupied all day with the duties of his
office, he went in the evening to a meeting of Conference of all the
Synagogues, to consider the subject of the constitution of the new Board of
Deputies. "There was a full meeting," he says, "and we remained in debate
till after eleven o'clock. The conference was carried on in the most friendly
manner; and, with some alterations, the resolutions of the Great Synagogue
were agreed to."
I give these entries referring to the Board of Deputies in the interest of those
of my readers of the Hebrew community in England who may wish to trace
the development and progress of that institution.
The 13th of March is a day which will be remembered with much
gratification by the promoters of civil and religious liberty. The occurrence
noted in the diary will always remind them of the lesson, never to neglect
an opportunity of serving a good cause when it presents itself.
When returning, in company with the Lord Mayor and Sir George Carrol,
from the Court of Hustings to the place where the words "Jews' Walk" were
written up, Sir Moses mentioned to the Lord Mayor that many persons had
complained that, in these enlightened times, the walls of the Guildhall
should be disgraced by such a mark of intolerance as the tablet bearing the
above inscription. The Lord Mayor very kindly ordered it to be taken down
immediately. The same tablet was subsequently given to Sir Moses by the
Lord Mayor, and is now preserved in Lady Montefiore's Theological
College in Ramsgate as a souvenir of bygone times.

March 16th records an instance of the danger to which, as Sheriff, he was
sometimes exposed in the discharge of his official duties, as also his
sympathy with others who equally endangered their lives in the service of
the Livery. Sir Moses attended on that day a Committee of Criminal Justice,
and accompanied them all over the gaol; later he and his colleague had to
be present at the inquest on a prisoner who had died of fever. "I am sorry to
say," he remarks, "that something like typhoid fever is prevailing in the
prison; the matrons and turnkeys are greatly alarmed." On his return home
he sent a dozen of port to the keeper of Newgate and a dozen to the matron.
Wishing for a day's repose, he and Lady Montefiore repaired to their
favourite spot, Smithambottom. "The appearance of the Red Lion" (the inn
in which they usually took up their abode), he says, "we found much altered
for the worse. The house, its inmates, and furniture, all wear a decayed
look; they have very little custom there. Caroline Paget, daughter of Pearce
the landlord, having heard of our arrival, came immediately to see us. She is
also much altered; time, poverty, and care have made sad havoc with her
appearance. Fourteen years have passed since we were last in Pearce's
house, and we viewed the place with mingled feelings of pleasure and pain.
In spite of the gloom of the house, I dearly like the place, and shall be most
grateful to Providence to be permitted the enjoyment of frequent walks over
the Downs. But we must see what we can do for the Pearces."
He assisted both father and daughter by providing for their immediate
wants, and, on his return to town, procured, not without great personal
exertion, a presentation to the Blue Coat School for Caroline Paget's
daughter.
As President of the Jews' Free School, Sir Moses took the chair at a dinner
given at the London Tavern in aid of that Institution.
He was supported on his right and left by Sir George Carrol, Mr T. A.
Curtis, the Governor of the Bank; Mr M. Attwood, M. P.; Mr David
Salamons, Mr Jno. Alteston, Mr Edward Fletcher, Mr T. M. Pearce, Mr
Aston Key, Mr Nugent Daniel, Mr F. H. Goldsmid, Mr B. Cohen, Mr Isaac
Cohen, Mr Under-Sheriff Wire, and a large company of friends. Some
excellent addresses were delivered by Sir Moses and others of the
gentlemen present. In the entry he made of the proceedings, he observes, "I

did my best, and had the pleasure to find the company was satisfied, for
£841 was collected."
It was nearly twelve when he left the London Tavern in company with Sir
George Carrol, and went to Hanover Square Rooms, where they met their
ladies at the Polish ball.
On the 3rd of April he was summoned to the Guildhall to a Court of
Lieutenancy to take the oath and subscribe to the Declaration; but he could
not do so, and therefore did not attend.
In the evening he was present at the Conference of the Deputies from all the
Synagogues, who, he says, would not agree to reconsider their former
resolution.
On April 4th Lady Montefiore had a narrow escape from what might have
proved a most serious accident. She had promised to dine with her sister,
Mrs Hannah de Rothschild (Sir Moses, owing to his official duties, was
unable to accompany her). While driving to Piccadilly the horses took
fright, broke the pole and harness, and much injured the carriage.
Fortunately no one was hurt.
The next day Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore attended the Queen's
Drawing-Room, accompanied by Sir George and Lady Carrol, Mr and Mrs
Maynard, and Mr and Mrs Wire, all in their state carriages. The ladies of the
party were presented by the Marchioness of Lansdowne. The Queen and the
Duchess of Kent were most gracious to Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore.
On April 9th he writes: "I was at the Old Bailey at 8.30, and breakfasted at
nine; attended the Common-Sergeant into the New Court; at ten I attended
the Chief-Justice Tindall to the Old Court. The Common-Sergeant having
left the New Court, I accompanied Baron Parke into it. Being the eve of
Passover, I had to my regret to leave the Old Bailey at five o'clock. It
caused great inconvenience, there being a judge in each Court, and most
important trials being on, not likely to be finished before to-morrow
evening."
It was the duty of the Sheriffs to attend on the following day, first at the Old
Bailey, then on the Lord Mayor in state at the Court of Aldermen, to witness

the swearing in of the new Alderman (Magnay), then to accompany him in
state to the Mansion House to dine with his Lordship and a large party.
On the following Monday and Tuesday he had again to attend the Lord
Mayor and Lady Mayoress in state to receive the Blue Coat boys at the
Mansion House, then to be present at a sermon at the Hospital, and to return
and dine with the Lord Mayor, the Aldermen, &c., it being Easter Monday,
a public day. They were also expected on the following morning again to
breakfast at the Mansion House. Sir Moses, however, observes, "My duty to
God, and my respect for our holy religion, are above all other duties, and I
must give up my official occupations for these days," a resolve which he
acted upon.
After having attended the levee of the Queen, which was held on
Wednesday, 2nd May, Sir Moses proceeded to the London Tavern to be
present at the anniversary festival of the City of London School for the
benefit of the children of the indigent, under the presidency of the Duke of
Wellington. There was a very large and representative gathering, and the
amount collected and handed to His Grace, including the steward's fines,
was £1320.
Thursday, May 3rd.—Sir Moses attended a state dinner, which the Lord
Mayor gave the judges, at the Mansion House.
The entries continue as follows:—
Monday, May 7th.—Presided at the dinner of the Spanish and Portuguese
Hebrew Schools; 120 persons were present, and Mr Samuel Gurney
addressed the assembly before the children left.
May 9th.—Attended a meeting at the City of London Tavern for the
abolition of slavery, and in the evening joined Sir George Carrol at a dinner
of the City Dispensary, given at the same place. The same evening he also
went to Lady Cottenham's party.
May 10th.—Dined with the Corporation of the Sons of the Clergy. It was a
very large assembly, and Sir Moses' donations amounted to £44. Mr Justice
Parke introduced him to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who most politely
invited him for Tuesday, the 22nd inst.

May 14th.—Gave a grand dinner at Park Lane to the Lord Mayor and the
Lady Mayoress, Sir George and Lady Carrol, and the Aldermen. Several
friends and relatives were also present at this dinner.
May 15th.—Attended the Court of Hustings, and at Sir Moses' request the
Lord Mayor consented to adjourn it over the 29th inst., to enable him to go
to Ramsgate for the holy days. He went to the Old Bailey, and in the
evening was present at the anniversary dinner in aid of the Magdalen
Hospital, Mr Justice Parke being in the chair. He was informed that the
Sheriffs had received the "entrée" from the Duke of Argyll during their
Shrievalty.
Thursday, May 17th.—Sir George and Lady Carrol came in their state
carriage to Park Lane, in order to go with Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore
to the Queen's Drawing-Room. This being the Queen's birthday, the
Drawing-Room was very crowded, and the ladies had some difficulty in
reaching the palace. It was five o'clock when they returned to Park Lane. Sir
Moses then called at Buckingham Palace, where he placed his and Lady
Montefiore's name in the Duchess of Kent's visitors' book. In the evening he
dined with Lord John Russell, and there met the Lord Chancellor, the
Judges, the Master of the Rolls, Lord Morpeth, the City members, the Lord
Mayor, and his colleague as Sheriff. Afterwards he attended, with Lady
Montefiore, the Marchioness of Lansdowne's party. "Nothing," he observes,
"could have been more splendid."
Friday, May 18th.—At five o'clock he went to a dinner at the Mansion
House, given by the Lord Mayor to the Bishops. There were sixteen bishops
present, besides several aldermen, the sheriffs, and about half-a-dozen
ladies. The Bishop of Exeter asked for an introduction to Sir Moses, and
was extremely civil to him. After six the company adjourned to the dining-
room, but Sir Moses withdrew and returned to Park Lane, it being near the
time for the commencement of Sabbath.
Monday, May 21st.—He went in full court dress, in his state carriage, with
his servants in full state liveries, to dine at Lambeth Palace with the
Archbishop of Canterbury. On his way he called for the Recorder, who went
with him. "It is impossible," says Sir Moses, "to describe the magnificence
and splendour of the palace, and equally so the great kindness and urbanity

shown to me by the Primate. About forty sat down to table, including the
Duke of Sussex, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, several Bishops,
the Lord Mayor, John Capel, Jno. Alteston, and many Aldermen. The Duke
of Sussex told me he would send me an invitation for the 30th inst. After
dinner I requested of his Royal Highness a card for my dear wife and Lady
Carrol, which he kindly promised me. The Recorder returned home with
me, appearing much pleased at the reception he had met with."

CHAPTER XVII.
1838.

ANOTHER PETITION TO PARLIAMENT—SIR MOSES
INTERCEDES SUCCESSFULLY FOR THE LIFE OF A CONVICT—
DEATH OF LADY MONTEFIORE'S BROTHER.

Wednesday, May 23rd.—Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore drove to
Kensington Palace, and put their names in the visitors' book of the Duke of
Sussex; they then called on the Archbishop of Canterbury and left cards
there. In the evening Sir Moses attended the anniversary dinner of the North
London University Hospital, Lord Brougham in the chair. "I sat next to him
on his right," he writes. "There was a large collection, Mr I. L. Goldsmid
alone bringing £200."
Thursday, May 24th.—The two Sheriffs proceeded in their state carriages to
the Guildhall to attend a meeting of the Common Council. In the afternoon
they drove to the House of Commons, and presented two petitions
respecting the rebuilding of the Royal Exchange and the registering of
voters. At five they sat down to a dinner at Bellamy's, having invited several
members, Sir Matthew Wood being in the chair. Sir Moses returned to Park
Lane at seven o'clock, and then accompanied Lady Montefiore to an
entertainment given by one of their relatives.
Friday, May 25th.—He again went to the House of Commons with his
colleague, and presented a petition from the city, returning to Park Lane
before the commencement of Sabbath.
May 26th.—In the morning Sir Moses walked to the St Alban's Synagogue,
and on his way back called on Mr N. M. de Rothschild. On the evening of
the same day he attended the anniversary meeting of the Society for the
management and distribution of the Literary Fund, the Marquis of
Lansdowne in the chair, supported by the Marquis of Northampton, the
Chancellor of the Exchequer, and many literary celebrities, including

Thomas Moore, Bulwer, and Dickens. The President paid the Sheriffs a
handsome compliment in proposing their healths. Messrs Rothschild had
requested Sir Moses to give £20 in their names, which, he remarked, was
extremely well received.
May 27th.—He went in the forenoon to the Vestry of the Spanish and
Portuguese Hebrew Community, it being the day appointed for the election
of their Deputies. The ballot was to close at three o'clock, and he was
subsequently told that he had been elected.
May 28th.—On his way to the city Sir Moses called on his colleague, and
gave him an invitation he had received from the Duke of Sussex for himself
and Lady Carrol. They then went to the Lord Mayor and invited him to take
the chair at their dinner on the 13th June, at the Merchant Taylors' Hall,
which he agreed to do. Sir Moses writes: "He had not yet received his
invitation from the Duke of Sussex, and seemed rather uneasy about it."
May 30th.—As this was the first day of the Pentecost Festival, Sir Moses
walked to the city, and attended service in the Synagogue there. On his
return to Park Lane he walked with Lady Montefiore to the King's Arms,
Kensington, where they had taken rooms the day before, and where they
found a cold collation spread for them. This last, as well as both their court
dresses, had been conveyed there from Park Lane on the preceding day.
"From our sitting-room," Sir Moses writes, "we had an excellent view of
the company going to the palace, as well as of the Queen and her attendants
in three royal carriages, escorted by a troop of Horse Guards. After ten
o'clock dear Judith went to the palace in a sedan chair, and I walked there.
There were many hundred carriages, and thousands of persons. The
appearance of the rooms, galleries, and company was magnificent beyond
description. The Duke of Sussex received the company, and spoke very
kindly to Judith and myself. In the second chamber Lady Cecilia
Underwood was at the door, and greeted us most kindly. The Queen was
also in this room, and near to her the Duchess of Kent and the other
members of the Royal Family. On our making our bow to the Queen, she
smiled most graciously, and the Duchess left her side, came out of the
circle, and spoke to us. She said she was pleased to see us, and enquired
whether we had lately been to Ramsgate. This was a most distinguished

honour, and we were highly gratified with the same. We remained at the
palace till one o'clock, then returned in same way as we came to the hotel.
We changed our dresses and walked home, where we arrived dreadfully
fatigued, but highly delighted with our reception."
Wednesday, June 6th.—Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore went to Richmond,
where they met the Duke of Cambridge whilst walking in the gardens. He
came up and spoke to them, and was extremely polite. The Duke was
walking with the Bishop of Winchester, who had come to Richmond to
preside at some charitable meeting. Sir Moses only learned after he and
Lady Montefiore had left the gardens the purpose for which the Bishop was
there, so he returned and begged to be allowed to contribute his mite, giving
at the same time £10, with which they seemed greatly pleased.
On Thursday, June 7th, he had to be present in his official robes at St Paul's
Cathedral; Lady Montefiore was with him. "We witnessed," he says, "the
most splendid of sights: nearly six thousand charity children, and double
that number of poor men and women. The Duke of Cambridge, Lord Eldon,
the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs, and many others were present. Later in the
day Sir George Carrol and I attended the anniversary dinner of the Society
of Patrons of Charity Schools. The Lord Mayor was in the chair, and the
Bishop of Rochester on his right, the latter being extremely civil to me and
speaking in the most friendly manner. Sir Frederick Pollock, who was on
my left, made a beautiful speech: he said he had been educated at St Paul's
School and sent thence to college, after leaving which he had been obliged
to work hard, his talents being the only patrimony he possessed."
Friday, June 8th.—Sir Moses attended the Queen's levee. "Her Majesty," he
writes, "appeared in very good spirits; nearly all the company wore stars,
orders, or ribbons."
June 11th.—He dined at the Merchant Taylors' Hall. There were present the
Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, the Archbishop of Armagh, the Bishop
of Exeter, Lord Londonderry, and many other noblemen—in all, about two
hundred. Several ladies were in the gallery, Lady Montefiore among the
number.
June 13th.—Sir Moses attended a meeting at the City of London Tavern, for
the benefit of the London Fever Hospital; Lord Devon in the chair. It was

not well attended, but the collection was good. He was afterwards present at
a dinner given by the Sheriffs to the Judges. Justice Allan Parke sat next to
him, and the Vice-Chancellor next to Sir George Carrol, who was in the
chair.
Friday, June 15th.—Sir Moses left home at twelve o'clock in his state
carriage, the servants in full livery, and himself in black court dress, sword
and chain. He called on the Recorder, who accompanied him to the
Mansion House, where a luncheon was prepared. At one o'clock the Lord
Mayor in his half-state carriage with four horses and outriders, the Sheriffs
in their state carriages, and some of the Aldermen in theirs, set out in
procession for the Swan Tavern, Stratford. They held there a Court of
Conservancy for the county of Essex, after which they proceeded to
Blackwall, and crossed the water in the city state barge, which was
decorated in grand style with banners and flags. At four they held a Court
for the county of Kent, at the Crown and Sceptre, and dined there.
June 19th.—Sir Moses accompanied the Common Sergeant to the Court at
the Old Bailey, after which he attended the Lord Mayor at the Mansion
House, and proceeded in state to the Borough Town Hall, where a Court of
Conservancy was held for the county of Surrey. Thence the procession
moved on towards the Swan Hotel, near Westminster Bridge, where a Court
was held for the county of Middlesex. "Afterwards," says Sir Moses, "we
drove to the city, and I left the Recorder at the Old Bailey. Then I joined the
Lord Mayor and Sir George Carrol, and held a Court of Hustings."
Thursday, June 21st.—After spending the morning at the Old Bailey, he
went with Lady Montefiore to the Queen's Drawing-Room, Sir George and
Lady Carrol accompanying them in their state carriage.
On June 22nd Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore went to Ramsgate for a few
days, where they celebrated the anniversary of the dedication of their
Synagogue, and that of their wedding day, returning three days later to
London. The time having arrived for the election of Sheriffs for the ensuing
year, Sir Moses went in his state carriage to the Mansion House, thence in
procession with the Lord Mayor in his state carriage (drawn by six horses
with six footmen walking before him) and Sir George Carrol in his state
equipage, to the Guildhall. "About six hundred of the Livery were present,"

he says, "and the show of hands was in favour of Josiah Wilson and A.
Moore, but a poll was demanded for Alderman Johnson and Thomas Ward."
Tuesday, June 26th.—The Recorder passed the sentences at the Old Bailey,
and "Thanks to heaven!" Sir Moses exclaims, "the Sessions ended at one
o'clock." The numbers at the close of the poll for sheriffs that day were:
Ward, 450; Wilson, 479; Johnson, 479; and Moore, 429. In the evening Sir
Moses and Lady Montefiore dined with the Vice-Chancellor and Lady
Shadwell, where they met Lady and Miss Denman, Baron and Baroness
Bolland, and Justice Coleridge.
June 27th.—Sir Moses attended a meeting of the Common Council, where
it was resolved to invite the foreign Ministers to a dinner at the Guildhall.
On returning home in the evening he found the park sparkling with lamps
from booths and tents, erected in preparation for the coronation festival. He
at once gave orders to have the balcony of his house propped and got ready
for the illumination. "The park," he writes, "was all life and bustle,
brilliantly illuminated, and the booths thronged with people. I understand
that dancing was carried on in most of the booths, and that refreshments of
all kinds and qualities were to be had."
June 30th.—Lord John Russell gave a grand dinner on this day to the Lord
Chancellor, the judges, the members for the city of London, and the
Sheriffs. Being Sabbath, Sir Moses did not accept the invitation, but called
there and left his card. During the day, he and Lady Montefiore walked in
the park, and were much amused by the fair. Afterwards they watched the
scene from their drawing-room window. Thousands of people took part in
the amusements, and as soon as it was dark, the whole park was again
brilliantly illuminated.
On the 13th Sir Moses had to attend an entertainment at the Guildhall,
given by the Corporation to distinguished foreigners, and representatives of
sovereigns at the coronation. The Duke of Sussex and many others of the
highest nobility were present, but Sir Moses only remained there until they
were seated at dinner, and then left in his state carriage.
July 17th.—Accompanied by his Under-Sheriff, Mr Wire, and Mr Maynard,
he went to the Home Office to intercede on behalf of a prisoner named
Rickie. The man was a soldier, who had always borne an excellent

character, but, in a state of drunkenness, had fired at an officer and killed
him. Rickie had been condemned and sentenced to death. Sir Moses and his
friends were soon admitted to an audience with Lord John Russell, to whom
they fully explained the subject. His Lordship said he would like to see
them again.
Wednesday, July 18th.—Sir Moses went in full state to the Queen's levee,
calling on his way at Cavendish Square for Sir George Carrol. "It was very
splendid," he writes. "The Queen looked very happy and beautiful; she was
most gracious, as was also the Duke of Sussex." On his return home he
went with Lady Montefiore to a splendid fête at Gunnersbury Park, the seat
of the Baroness Rothschild. About five hundred persons were present,
including foreign Princes of distinction, the Ambassadors, the Duke of
Sussex, Prince George of Cambridge, the Duchess of Cambridge, the Dukes
of Wellington and Somerset, and most of the highest nobility of the land.
The proceedings commenced with a concert, at which several great artistes,
including Grisi, Lablache, Tamburini, and Rubini performed. This was
succeeded by a déjeuner, and in the evening a grand ball was given in a
magnificent tent erected for the purpose. The gardens were illuminated with
six thousand variegated lamps. The company remained until near midnight,
all the guests complimenting the Rothschild family most highly on their
taste and hospitality.
Saturday, July 21st.—Sir Moses went by appointment to the Home Office,
and had an interview with Lord John Russell and Mr Phillips, Sir George
Carrol, Mr Maynard, and Mr Clark being also present. His Lordship
informed them that he had "consulted the legal advisers of the Crown, and
they had decided that Rickie's sentence could not be commuted. The
Sheriffs must therefore fix the day for his execution."
Monday, July 23d.—The Prince and Princess of Schwarzenberg invited Sir
Moses and Lady Montefiore to a breakfast at Richmond, which Sir Moses
describes as a magnificent fête. "On our arrival at the Castle," he says,
"Prince Esterhazy, at Lady Montefiore's request, very kindly introduced us
to the Princess of Schwarzenberg, our beautiful hostess. I never witnessed a
more splendid party. In the evening seven hundred sat down to dinner, and
there was every luxury that could be imagined. The Princess walked round
the rooms to see that all her guests were seated comfortably before she

would take her own seat. The Duke of Sussex, the Duchess of Cambridge,
Prince George and Princess Mary of Cambridge, all the foreign Princes in
London, and great part of the English nobility were present. The gardens
were beautifully illuminated, and a grand display of fireworks concluded
the entertainment. It was near midnight when we left, but the place was so
crowded that we had great difficulty in reaching the hotel where we had
taken rooms."
Tuesday, July 24th.—After the enjoyment of the previous day's fête came a
day of great sorrow for them, Lady Montefiore sustaining a severe loss in
the death of her brother, Mr Joseph Cohen. This occurrence caused the
deepest grief to herself and every member of the family. On the same day
Sir Moses was obliged to attend at Newgate to speak with Rickie, a reprieve
having, after all, been sent to him by Lord John Russell.
Thursday, July 26th.—Sir Moses went to the funeral of his brother-in-law,
while Lady Montefiore remained with the ladies of the family. The funeral
was largely attended by friends and relatives, Mr Cohen having been highly
esteemed by all who knew him. Sir Moses had then to interview 142
prisoners at Newgate, which occupied him three hours. Having fulfilled this
duty, he returned to the house of the mourners, where he was present at
evening prayers. He remained there with Lady Montefiore till ten o'clock.
Monday, July 30th.—Sir Moses accompanied Mr Pearce to the House of
Lords, and was present at the Committee on the Royal Exchange Bill; the
clause affecting the Alliance was not inserted in the Bill.
Tuesday, July 31st.—This being a fast-day, in memory of the destruction of
the Temple at Jerusalem, he attended the service held in Prescot Street at the
residence of the late Mr Cohen. He remained there till twelve o'clock, when
prayers were concluded. He then walked to the Guildhall, and attended the
Court of Hustings with the Lord Mayor and Sir George Carrol, this being
the last that these two Sheriffs would hold. Subsequently he attended the
Court of Aldermen, the Irish Bank, and the Alliance Marine Office. At
seven o'clock he again repaired to Prescot Street, where he joined the
mourners and a large congregation in the recital of evening prayers, after
which they all broke the fast, and enjoyed a good breakfast. The reader will
no doubt feel surprised at the amount of work Sir Moses was able to

accomplish on a fast-day, when for twenty-four hours neither a crumb of
bread nor a drop of water passed his lips; but we shall yet have many other
instances of his extraordinary powers of endurance.
The next day, August 1st, we find him at a public gathering which took
place at the London Tavern. The meeting was called to consider the erection
of a public monument as a memorial of the achievements of Lord Nelson.
The Duke of Wellington was in the chair, and the great room was crowded
to overflowing. The amount collected was about £300, of which Sir Moses
gave £15, 15s., in addition to £5 which he had given previously.
Friday, August 3rd.—He visited Whitecross Street Prison and Newgate. He
there met Lady Harriet de Blanquiere of Hampton Court Palace. She had
seen Rickie, and expressed a hope that his sentence might be commuted to
transportation.
The 4th of August of this year was an important day for Sir Moses, as the
prospect of a speedy release from his official duties as Sheriff enabled him
to make the following entry in his diary. "Now," he writes, "with the
blessing of the Almighty we will commence preparations for revisiting the
Holy Land."
Sunday, August 12th.—The first meeting of the new Board of Deputies of
British Jews taking place on this day, Sir Moses attended as President. He
appears to have apprehended some difficulty in managing the new Board.
Wednesday, August 29th.—At eight o'clock in the morning he left home for
the Old Bailey. He and his colleague accompanied the Recorder and
Alderman Sir C. Marshall into Court at nine, when sentence was
pronounced on several prisoners. "A most solemn and affecting scene," Sir
Moses remarks. "Sir J. Carrol and I went into the prison, and spoke with
most of them afterwards. We then went to the Alliance, and from there to 4
Canonbury Place, to intercede with two ladies who had prosecuted their
servant for robbery, but they gave her such a bad character that we could
not further interfere."

CHAPTER XVIII.
1838.

BARTHOLOMEW FAIR—SIR MOSES EARNS THE THANKS OF
THE CITY—PREPARATIONS FOR A SECOND JOURNEY TO THE
HOLY LAND—THE JOURNEY—ADVENTURES ON ROAD AND
RIVER IN FRANCE.

On Monday, September 3rd, Sir Moses went in full state to join his
colleague, and proceeded with him to the Mansion House. The Lord Mayor,
in his state coach, drawn by six horses, and preceded by a body of police,
went with the Sheriffs, and the City Marshal on horseback, to Smithfield,
and proclaimed "Bartholomew Fair." Sir Moses observes, "There were not
so many booths and shows as in former years, but all were crowded to
excess."
Thursday, September 13th.—He attended the dedication of the new
Synagogue at Great St Helens. "It is," he says, "a most splendid edifice, and
does the greatest credit to all concerned in the building. The music and
psalms on the occasion were very similar to those used at the dedication of
my own Synagogue at Ramsgate."
The following day he and Lady Montefiore went to spend a couple of days
at Gunnersbury with their sister, Mrs N. M. de Rothschild. In the entry he
makes of the Sabbath, Sir Moses writes: "We all assembled in the library,
where Louise Rothschild read the Sabbath morning service aloud
exceedingly well. At three o'clock we lunched, and then walked in the
garden, after which we re-entered the house and recited the afternoon
prayers. About eight we were seated at dinner. There were twenty-four at
table, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and
the Princess Mary, two foreign princes with a lady, and Col. Jones, who
accompanied them. There were also present Sir C. Bagot, Lord and Lady
Cawdor, and Miss Wellesley, Baron Bulow, Monsieur Didel, and Lady
Maryborough. The entertainment, or rather the Banquet, was magnificent,

and the guests did not leave till after eleven. Wester on the guitar, and
Benedict on the piano, amused the company at the conclusion of the dinner,
and Louise sang one song beautifully. We left about twelve and returned
home."
Tuesday, September 18th.—"My dear Judith," he writes, "with the
Baronesses Charlotte, Anselm, and Lionel de Rothschild, came to the
Session House at three o'clock, and sat on the bench till near five, but no
trial of interest took place. A few minutes later I joined the dinner in the
hall, as it was the last time I should have to visit the Old Bailey in my
capacity as Sheriff of London and Middlesex. There were present:
Alderman Lawson, in the chair; Common-Sergeant S. Arabin, Ed. Blount,
John Masterman, Henry Alexander, Matthias Attwood, H. de Castro, G. H.
Mine, Mr Maynard, Mr Wire, Sir George Carrol, and two or three others. It
was a most pleasant party; a kind of leave-taking dinner, and the Sheriffs
had the gratification of hearing that their conduct during their year of office
had given general satisfaction. It was impossible to leave the room without
a feeling of regret at parting from very pleasant acquaintances whom we
were so little likely to see again. Very quickly has the year flown away, with
its pleasures and fatigues, leaving only the satisfaction of having
accomplished our arduous duties to the best of our abilities."
Wednesday, September 19th.—He went early to the Old Bailey, and
breakfasted there, as he had generally done during the year when his
attendance was required. "These early repasts," he observes, "have been,
without exception, most comfortable; although they preceded long days of
confinement in a hot and close court, they have left pleasing remembrances
of the many marks of attention and kindness shown to me by the city
Judges who used to join these early meals." After this, his last breakfast
there, he accompanied Lady Carrol, her daughters, and some other visitors
round the prison and cells. He then left some money for the prisoners, and
conducted the Judges and a large party into the dining-room, after which he
bade adieu to the Old Bailey, "I expect," he says, "for ever." He then
returned home and prepared for the Holy days which were to commence the
same evening.
On Monday, October 1st, the following official notice appeared:—

"Cowen, Mayor.—In a meeting or assembly of the Mayor, Aldermen, and
Liverymen of the several Companies of the city of London, in Common
Council assembled, at the Guildhall of the said city, on Saturday, the 29th
day of September 1838. Resolved unanimously, that the thanks of this
Common Hall are eminently due, and are hereby given, to Sir George
Carrol and Sir Moses Montefiore, Knights, Sheriffs of this City, and
Sheriffs of the County of Middlesex, for the past year, for the splendour
with which they have maintained the dignity of that high office; for their
hospitality; for the punctuality, zeal, and judgment with which they have
executed their various official duties; for their munificent and constant
support of the charities which adorn the metropolis; for their humanity to
the prisoners entrusted to their care; for their various efforts to preserve,
unimpaired, the privileges of this city; and for their universal courtesy to all
their fellow-citizens.
"Woodthorpe."
The particulars of that meeting are thus given:—"Mr Timothy Curtis, the
Governor of the Bank of England, came forward to move a vote of thanks
to the late Sheriffs, Sir George Carrol and Sir Moses Montefiore, for the
dignity, splendour, humanity, and hospitality with which they had
distinguished themselves in the high situation to which they had been
chosen by the unanimous voice of their fellow-citizens. Mr Gurney, in
seconding the motion of thanks, said he rejoiced that the day had arrived
when the citizens could be served by any one, whatever his religious
opinions might be."
Mr T. Curtis then read the following letter—a letter of thanks to the Livery
—from Sir Moses Montefiore, in the course of which he said:—
"I need not tell you that many of the duties of office myself and colleague
have just passed through are of a painful nature. We have often been called
upon to witness scenes of agony occasioned by want and crime. Some of
this distress, however painful, we could not alleviate; but we have
endeavoured to mitigate the sufferings of the prisoners, and to open to them
better and happier courses of life, as far as public justice and the necessarily
strict rules of a prison would permit.

"If, on the one hand, there have been scenes of distress to witness, on the
other I have found many sources of unmingled gratification. I have had
opportunities of forming friendships with the members of the Corporation,
and of cementing a friendship of long standing with my excellent colleague
—friendships which I am sure, as regards my own wishes, will still remain,
and cause me to look back on the past year as one of the happiest of my
life."
Whilst these proceedings took place at the Guildhall, Sir Moses was fasting
and reciting prayers with his community in the ancient and venerable
Synagogue called "The Gate of Heaven," as the day on which the meeting
took place happened to be the Day of Atonement, appointed in the Bible as
a day of repentance and prayer for the forgiveness of sins. The fast does not
seem to have affected Sir Moses' health or spirits in the least, as we find
him attending service again in the House of Prayer at twenty minutes before
seven the next morning. His devotions concluded, he takes an early
opportunity of visiting his friends and enquiring how they have passed the
previous day. The same evening he dined with his mother, who, he writes,
"was, thanks to Heaven, pretty well after her fast."
Monday, October 1st.—He called on Mr Curtis, the Governor of the Bank
of England, to thank him for proposing the vote of thanks to the Sheriffs;
also on Mr Gurney, who seconded the vote. Later in the day he
accompanied Sir George Carrol to Westminster, and at three o'clock the
Lord Mayor, Aldermen, the Recorder, and Sheriffs elect came there to
receive Her Majesty's approval of the newly elected Sheriffs. The Recorder
in his address to the Bench again highly complimented Sir George and Sir
Moses on the efficient manner in which they discharged their duties. Sir
Moses then returned in great haste to the city, having summoned a meeting
at the Alliance Office at four, for the election of a solicitor to the Board of
Deputies. At five o'clock he had to attend the new Sheriffs' inauguration
dinner at the London Tavern. "There were 150 persons present," he says,
"the Lord Mayor in the chair. We had the foremost places, next to the new
Sheriffs, and our health was drunk in a most complimentary manner."
Wednesday, October 3rd.—Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore went to
Ramsgate, where they spent the Tabernacle holidays very happily,
surrounded by relatives and friends whom they had invited for the occasion.

On the 19th they returned again to London. Here they had the satisfaction
of finding letters of introduction from Lord Palmerston to Her Majesty's
Ambassadors and Consuls in Paris, Florence, Rome, Naples, Malta,
Alexandria, and Constantinople, as also to the Admiral on the
Mediterranean Station, which Sir Moses had asked for through Mr Spring-
Rice.
Monday, October 22nd.—At a meeting of the Deputies of the British Jews,
Sir Moses resigned the Presidency on account of his going abroad. The next
day he called at the Foreign Office to thank Lord Palmerston for the letters
of introduction he had so kindly sent; he also called on Mr Spring-Rice,
who was very friendly, and promised him a letter to the Governor of Malta,
at the same time requesting Sir Moses to write to him from the East. A few
days later he received several letters from Baron Lionel de Rothschild,
which Baron Anthony, at the request of Baron Anselm de Rothschild, had
procured for him from the French Ministry, to the French Admiral on the
Mediterranean Station, and to their Ministers and Consuls.
Before leaving England Sir Moses sent for his solicitor to read over the will
he had prepared, and which he signed in his presence, and in the presence
of another gentleman whom he had brought as witness.
I notice this item in the entries of his diary to show the completeness of all
his arrangements.
There is a book entitled "Notes from a Private Journal of a Visit to Egypt
and Palestine by way of Italy and the Mediterranean," written by Lady
Montefiore, and printed in the year 1844: a second edition was printed
shortly before the death of Sir Moses. Both, having only been intended for
private circulation among friends, are unpublished. The account of the
journey which I give here is taken partly from Sir Moses' and Lady
Montefiore's diaries, and partly from my own, which I kept when travelling
with them, with a view of supplying the reader with information on subjects
which they have omitted to write down.
Thursday, November 1st.—"We have finished," Sir Moses writes, "all the
preparations for our journey, and have taken leave of all our dear relatives. I
have left to Benjamin Cohen the key of a box in which there are 1300
Portuguese Bonds which I have destined for the poor of the Holy Land; if

necessary he is to sell them for me. After that we set out from Park Lane in
our travelling carriage with four post horses, attended by our servants. May
the blessing of the Almighty accompany us. We stopped a short time at
Kennington for the blessing of our dear mother, whom I pray God to
protect, that we may have the happiness to find her in health on our return,
and then proceeded as far as Sittingbourne, where we remained overnight."
Travelling viâ Strasburg and Avignon they reached Lyons, where they
rested for Sabbath. Thus far their way had been through the most lovely
scenery, but their enjoyment was marred by the inclemency of the weather,
and the difficulty of the roads, which lay for the most part at the sides or on
the top of high steep mountains, close to immense precipices or rushing
rivers, which were swollen by the torrents of water streaming down the
sides of the mountains from the melting snow. "My dear Judith," says Sir
Moses, "was often so frightened that she persisted in getting out of the
carriage, although the snow was deep on the ground. Our courier and the
postillions had to walk a great part of the way, and to lead the horses, as the
ice had made the roads so slippery. I certainly would not recommend this
season for travelling."
From Lyons they took the steamboat to Avignon, thinking this mode of
travelling would be an improvement on the roads, but they were mistaken.
The boat was to start at six o'clock in the morning. The moon still shone
brightly, but the gale was so strong that for some time the captain was
doubtful whether he should start. After much consideration he decided to
venture. The boat went at a good speed until they came to the first bridge,
where it was found that the river was so swollen that it did not seem
possible to pass under. The vessel was moored to the bank by the side of the
bridge, and the captain proceeded in a small boat to measure the height of
the arch. It was pronounced to be just sufficient; the funnel was lowered
nearly flat. Sir Moses says he was certain there was not six inches between
the top of the funnel and the bridge; the smallest wave might have dashed
their boat against it, and they might have been drowned. Twice more they
had to undergo this anxiety; all the passengers were panic stricken. "I must
confess," says Sir Moses, "I would rather be in the open sea in a hurricane."
The second day's journey was not so bad, as during the night the river had
fallen a foot, and they reached Avignon in safety. "But I am mortified," he
writes, "to find that, though there are many Jews in this place, there is no

Synagogue. No meat, prepared according to Jewish law, can be procured.
We could manage with fish and vegetables, but I exceedingly regret not
being able to join public worship on Sabbath. Tomorrow will be the first
time we have omitted so doing since we left London, and shall be happy if
it is the last."
Leaving Avignon, they proceeded, viâ Marseilles, Toulon, and Cannes, to
Nice. Writing from here, Sir Moses says: "We find the climate here very
different to that of England, the sun even now, at the end of December,
being almost too powerful to be pleasant. Notwithstanding all the
advantages Nice may afford, nothing would induce me to live here. I was
shocked and grieved to hear that our brethren are treated in the most
intolerant manner, not being allowed even to educate their children for any
profession. I was told that when the King and Queen of Sardinia visited
Nice in 1826, all classes of the inhabitants, Jews among the number, tried to
show their loyalty, by sending deputations to present addresses, but the
King refused to receive the deputation from the Jews. They then addressed
him through the Minister of State, and solicited permission to erect an
obelisk in commemoration of the Royal visit, and the joy they felt, in
common with their fellow-subjects, at seeing their King and Queen. After
some time this humble petition was granted, and the column stands now in
the city, bearing a Hebrew and Italian inscription."
Amongst the many friends and acquaintances they had met at this place,
there was one of some historical importance, Isaak Samuel Avigdor, who,
on account of his knowledge of the French and Italian languages, acted as
one of the secretaries to the French Synhedrion under Napoleon I., in the
year 1806. At the last session of that assembly he had moved a resolution to
the effect that "the Jews in France, Germany, and Italy do now forget all the
misfortunes (i.e., persecution) which befell them, and only engrave in their
hearts the kind acts which have been done towards them, and that they
acknowledge with deep gratitude the kind reception which the Popes and
other representatives of the Catholic Church had given them at a time when
barbarity, prejudice, and ignorance had persecuted and expelled them from
society." The resolution was unanimously adopted, and entered in the
minutes of the proceedings.

Unfortunately, Pius VII., the Pope who declared that he represented Aaron,
the Prophet of God, cannot be numbered among those who protected the
Jews. Immediately after the restoration of the Bourbons, in the year 1814,
as soon as he was able to resume the government of the Papal States, he re-
established the Inquisition.
Monsieur Avigdor had the mortification of witnessing the distressing
consequences of the Pope's new edicts. The Jews in Rome were obliged to
quit the houses which, under the French Government, they had been
permitted to own in all parts of the city, and return to the Ghetto. They had
to give up counting-houses and other places of business which they had in
the Corso. In vain did they offer large sums of money to induce the Minister
of State to withdraw his order. The applications made by numerous
deputations from Jewish communitiesin various towns likewise proved
fruitless. They were even forced to attend sermons preached in the churches
for the purpose of their conversion, heavy fines being imposed upon all
those who absented themselves; and those who were detected either asleep,
or not paying sufficient attention to the sermon, were unceremoniously
aroused by one of the priests.
I noticed during my stay in Rome a Hebrew inscription over the entrance of
one of these churches (Chiesa della divina pietà), which runs as follows: "I
have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which
walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts, a people that
provoketh me to anger continually to my face." (Isaiah lxv., 3 and 4)
Mr Avigdor often spoke on the above subject to Sir Moses and Lady
Montefiore. He related some interesting incidents in connection with the
Synhedrion, how the members were put to much inconvenience on the first
day of the opening of their Sessions, the day fixed by the Emperor being
their Sabbath.
Mr Avigdor pressed Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore to prolong their stay in
Nice, but they were anxious to proceed, without unnecessary delay, on their
projected pilgrimage, and they left on the 31st of December.

CHAPTER XIX.
1839.

GENOA, CARRARA, LEGHORN, AND ROME—DISQUIETING
RUMOURS—QUARANTINE PRECAUTIONS—ARRIVAL AT
ALEXANDRIA—TRAVEL IN THE HOLY LAND.

They reached Genoa on January 2nd, 1839, and after a few days' rest,
continued their journey to Carrara.
On the following day, the Dottore A. Passani, an advocate of Carrara,
called, and brought Sir Moses several of his father's letters, some dated as
far back as 1790; they were all in Italian, and beautifully written. Both Sir
Moses and Lady Montefiore were much pleased at the sight of the
handwriting of their father, and would have been glad if the gentleman had
been willing to part with them, but it appears he desired to preserve them
himself as souvenirs of the late Mr Montefiore.
On their way to Rome they visited Leghorn, a period of eleven years having
elapsed since their last sojourn in that place, and made special arrangements
there for having the graves of their kind god-parents, Moses and Esther
Racah, kept in proper order.
"I was desirous," writes Sir Moses, "once more to offer up prayers in the
Synagogue so near to the house in which I was born; we therefore drove to
Synagogue, where my dear Judith and I humbly thanked the Almighty for
all His great goodness to us. We left Leghorn on the 16th January; it was a
beautiful day, the sun smiling on us, and returned to Carrara, where we
wished to purchase some more souvenirs of Italy, and also gave orders to
Vincenzo Bonami for our coat-of-arms to be executed in marble for East
Cliff Lodge."
On the 18th January we find them at Florence, where they remained until
the 2nd February. It appears that the climate there did not agree with either

Lady Montefiore or Sir Moses. They had to take medical advice, and Dr
Usiglio strongly dissuaded them from going to Jerusalem, advising them on
the contrary to return to England before the hot season. But they were
reluctant to give up their cherished object, and, trusting in God, who had
always protected them, they started for Rome, where they arrived on the 6th
February.
"I am informed," observes Sir Moses, "that there are 3500 Jews here, two-
thirds poor. Four times a year, 200 are obliged to attend a sermon preached
in church for their conversion. Leo XII. had deprived them of their privilege
of keeping shops and warehouses out of the Ghetto. But the present most
excellent Pontiff, Gregory XVI., has permitted them to have warehouses in
the city. He frequently sends them money from his own purse, and is always
willing to give an audience to their deputies and to attend to their requests.
"Yesterday we were shown some very rich and splendid silk Damask,
embroidered in silver and gold, for hangings for the Synagogue, Holy Ark,
and pulpit. There are many silver bells, crowns, and chains, enriched with
precious stones, for the scrolls of the Holy Law, and in the Synagogue there
are beautiful marbles, mosaics, and columns."
Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore did not prolong their stay in Rome. On the
13th February they quitted the city for Naples, remaining there till March
22nd, when they again returned to Rome, apartments having been
previously taken for them at 54 Via della Fontanella di Borghese.
It was now nearly four years since I had first the pleasure of meeting Sir
Moses and Lady Montefiore in London. I had since that time been
travelling in Egypt, Nubia, Ethiopia, Syria, and the Holy Land, and had
during these travels the gratification to receive some letters from Sir Moses.
It was therefore a very pleasant surprise for me to meet them in Rome and
to visit with them the museums, picture galleries, and most places of
importance. They spoke to me of their intended pilgrimage to Jerusalem,
and invited me to accompany them. Having had many opportunities when
in Eyn Zetoon, Upper Galilee, during the revolt of the Druses, to become
fully acquainted with the character and peculiarities of the various classes
of inhabitants of the land, I felt a great interest in all measures that could be
devised for the improvement of their condition; and, anticipating good

results from Sir Moses' visit to the Holy Land, I gladly accepted the
invitation.
On the 28th March they received a letter from the Baroness James de
Rothschild, in which she informed them that intelligence had been received
from the Austrian Consul of great military preparations being made in
Alexandria, and that war would not long be delayed between the Pasha of
Egypt and the Sultan. Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore, nothing daunted by
the news, determined not to relinquish their plans.
They were frequently visited by the Abbate Farrari and Monsignor Bruti,
two ecclesiastics of liberal ideas and agreeable manners, who kept them au
fait of all interesting ceremonies and festivals in the church, presenting
them with tickets for the best places on all important occasions.
Signor Pietro Rittig, of Coblenz, having called their attention to one of his
pictures in the museum of modern painters, entitled "Students in the
Academy of Painting," they bought it, together with several others, namely,
"A Greek Girl," by Isidore; "A Buffalo," by Linden; "A Mandolino," by
Cavalleri; "Two Peasants," by Pelletti, and others.
Signor Salvadore Taglicozzo recommended an eminent scribe, to whom Sir
Moses gave the order to write a Pentateuch scroll for him, also to procure a
richly embroidered mantle for it.
During the Passover festival they attended Synagogue, which was very
crowded and splendidly decorated. They were much struck by the presence
of several gendarmes and soldiers. Two, with fixed bayonets, were placed
opposite the Ark containing the sacred scrolls of law; each time one of the
latter was removed or returned, they presented arms as a mark of respect.
Sir Moses remembered having seen something similar in the Great
Synagogue of Leghorn, yet it had always appeared strange to him that in a
building bearing the appellation, "Temple of Peace," the representatives of
war should be on duty, carrying with them implements of destruction: the
Altar of the Lord being considered according to an injunction of Holy Writ,
as desecrated by the mere touch of a sword.
Friday, April 12th.—We left Rome, embarking on the following Sunday in
the Sesostris for Malta, where we arrived on the 17th.

Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore, requiring some rest after the voyage,
resolved to remain there a few days. He called on the Governor, Sir Henry
Bouverie, to present to him his letter of introduction from Mr Spring-Rice,
also on Admiral Sir Robert Stopford, and on many friends whose
acquaintance they had made on a former visit to Malta. He had not long
returned to the hotel when an invitation came from the Governor for Sir
Moses, Lady Montefiore, and myself to dine at the Palace on the following
Saturday.
To spend her time usefully and agreeably, Lady Montefiore applied herself
with much diligence to the study of Arabic, and both she and Sir Moses
read daily three Psalms in Hebrew, which they requested me to translate
into English, and explain.
The old agent of the Silk Company called on them, and also Captain Austen
of the Bellerophon, with his wife and daughter. The representatives of the
Hebrew community in the Island came to pay their respects, and report on
the affairs of the Synagogue.
April 20th.—They attended divine service, after which they paid a few
visits, and returned to their hotel, where they remained till the evening,
when they proceeded to the Palace. The Sabbath not being yet terminated,
Lady Montefiore went in a sedan-chair, while Sir Moses and I walked. The
Governor was in full uniform, wearing all his orders. About twenty-four sat
down to table, amongst whom were the Duke of Devonshire (just out of
quarantine, on his return from Constantinople), Admiral Sir Robert Stopford
and his family, Captain Hyde Parker, Sir Hector Gray, Secretary of
Government, Lady Stopford's sister with her daughter, the Duke's
physician, and many military officers. Admiral Stopford took Lady
Montefiore down to dinner, and promised to do all in his power to obtain a
steamboat to take them to Jaffa. Both Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore were
much pleased with their reception at the Palace.
Monday 22nd.—Sir Moses and I dined with Sir Hector Grey; it was a
gentleman's party. The Governor, the Admiral and his son, the Duke of
Devonshire, Sir John Lewis, Mr Frere (uncle of the late Sir Bartle Frere),
Mr Bourchier (who was private secretary to Sir Frederick C. Ponsonby,

Governor of the Island in 1824), Captain Best, Captain Goulbourne, and
two other gentlemen were present.
On Wednesday we all dined with the Admiral, and met there Sir John and
Lady Mackenzie, Captain Cosnier, Captain Fisher, and several other naval
officers of distinction. Lady Stopford held a reception afterwards, which
was well attended.
Sunday, April 28th.—The French Consul sent us the Journal de Smyrne, in
which it was stated that accounts had been received that the plague had
broken out in Jerusalem, and that the mortality in that city had already
reached from forty to fifty per day. In another number of the same paper
information was given to the effect that letters had been received from
Cairo that hostilities had commenced in Syria.
Though very little credit was attached to these articles they gave us all some
uneasiness, and in consequence of a renewed report of the plague, Sir
Moses and Lady Montefiore went to the quarantine harbour, where they
saw the captain of the Blazer, lately arrived from Beyrout. He informed
them that Mr and Mrs Freemantle were in Fort Manuel, after returning from
the Holy Land. Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore then called on Mr and Mrs
Freemantle, who informed them that while they were in Jerusalem the
plague was raging there, and they had to perform eighteen days quarantine
before entering Beyrout, but they believed the city to be now healthy,
although Sir Moses would probably find Jerusalem shut up, as the warm
weather would bring back the plague. They gave a most distressing account
of the Jews under the present government. All were more or less ill-treated,
many being actually in slavery. Mr Freemantle said that the Jews were
looking most anxiously for the arrival of Sir Moses.
Friday, May 3rd.—Sir Moses took leave of the Admiral, and then went to
the Palace, and there met H.R.H. Prince George of Cambridge, who
received him most kindly, and they had a friendly conversation.
Soon after twelve, having taken leave of his remaining friends, Sir Moses
went with Lady Montefiore to the quarantine harbour, thence in a boat to
the Megara, a steam vessel. Captain Goldsmith, the commander, received
them on board, and at two o'clock we left the harbour for Alexandria.

Wednesday, May 8th.—This morning, soon after six, land was discovered,
the masts of the ships in the harbour being the first objects caught sight of.
A pilot came on board about eight. As we entered the port the French
steamer for Marseilles left, so that we just missed the opportunity of
sending letters by her. We were much amused at the great precautions taken
by the people who came alongside in the boat belonging to the Board of
Health. They received our Bill of Health, which we had brought from
Malta, with a pair of tongs, every one alarmed lest he should touch it; it was
opened with the aid of the tongs and a thin iron rod; but as soon as they saw
that it was a clean bill, certifying that at the date of our leaving Malta was
free from plague and every other contagious distemper, the officers came on
board with Colonel Campbell's janissary.
Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore now landed, proceeding to an hotel, where
they remained overnight; and the next morning we all rode off to the
Custom House, opposite to which we found the Megara's boat, which
Captain Goldsmith had politely sent to take us on board.
Sir Moses took particular note of the Pasha's troops. There were on the quay
about a thousand soldiers; they all appeared to him to be quite little boys,
scarce able to carry a musket; he did not believe any were above fourteen
years old, while some seemed not more than nine. "If the troops are all like
these," he said, "Heaven help Mohhammad Ali!"
Saturday, May 11th.—At an early hour the anchor was cast in the Bay of
Beyrout, but we remained on board ship till the evening, when the
commander conducted us on shore in his boat. As the boat left the ship all
the company on board, comprising officers and men, saluted Sir Moses and
Lady Montefiore with many huzzas.
We repaired to the house selected for us by Mr Niven Moore, the British
Consul, and in the morning Sir Moses paid his respects to the Governor,
Mohamed Bey, who received him most politely. He asked him for letters of
introduction to the governors of several towns which it was probable we
should visit, also his assistance to procure horses for us, all of which he
promised. We then went to the English Consul, who sent in the course of
the day his janissary to attend Sir Moses while we continued in Beyrout.

Several representatives of the Hebrew community called to welcome them,
and many letters from Jerusalem, Hebron, Safed, and Tiberias were handed
to them by special messenger. They have all been anxiously looking
forward to their arrival in the Holy Land, "but our visit," Sir Moses
observed, "is not the most timely for our comfort, pleasure, or safety; the
political state of the country is most unsatisfactory and uncertain; a single
day may bring about a complete change in the government of Syria and
Palestine. The forces of the Sultan have certainly crossed the frontier, and
Ibrahim Pasha will positively resist any further advance. Mohhammad Ali
has sent his son every man he had at his disposal."
Monday, 13th.—Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore rode on horseback to the
Synagogue, which was very full in honour of their visit. We were told that
there were sixty Jewish families in Beyrout, none of them rich. During the
day they received visits from the Rev. Mr and Mrs Thompson of the
American Mission, and also from many ladies and gentlemen of the Jewish
community. Mr Ed. Kilbee, of the firm of Kilbee, Haugh & Co., Bankers,
came to inform Sir Moses that he could find no one to take charge of the
money for Jerusalem. Sir Moses immediately wrote to the Governor to
request that he would provide him with messengers to carry the money to
Safed, Tiberias, and Jerusalem. The Governor wrote a very civil answer, but
regretted he could not comply with this request. He then addressed himself
to the British Consul, but no answer reached him that day.
The next morning the Consul's dragoman came with a message that he had
been with the Governor, who was extremely sorry not to be able to provide
us with an escort, but the roads were not so unsafe as reported, and he
hoped a large party, well armed like ours, would travel with safety. Sir
Moses was much troubled in making the arrangements, to divide the money
into smaller parcels, putting these into bags and baskets, altogether eleven.
This we were obliged to do ourselves. Mr Kilbee passed some time with us,
giving us much encouragement, though he was unable to find any person
who would risk taking the money, either to Safed, Tiberias, Jerusalem, or
Hebron, in spite of the most tempting offers. Sir Moses imploring the
protection of the Almighty, we set forward on our pilgrimage at 4 p.m.
The way was over sand and through stony lanes, which opened on a sandy
plain; we rested at Beer Hássán, till our luggage came up. There were

fourteen mules and three horses, besides several donkeys for the moukeries.
Having taken some coffee we proceeded on our way. The scenery was
beautiful, especially the mountains of Lebanon, many of the highest being
covered with snow. At eight we reached Khán Kháldáh, the "Mutatio
Heldua," according to Pococke, in the Jerusalem Itinerary.
"Thanks to Heaven," says Sir Moses, "we rested well in our tent, and set
forward on our journey the next day, May 15th, at five. We rode on till one,
then reposed till three o'clock under a mulberry tree; they were cutting off
the young boughs and gathering the leaves. The road ran on the sands and
rocks close to the sea. At three we sent off our tents and baggage to Náhr el
Kasmiyah, said to be three hours' distance, and we followed. Before
reaching Sidon, we were met by many Jews, the representatives of
congregations; they said they had been waiting three hours for us. They
accompanied us to the tomb of Zebulon, where we recited prayers. We then
took leave of our brethren and continued riding till seven o'clock, when I
was so fatigued I could go no further. A mat was spread in a garden near the
water, and I gladly threw myself upon it. We sent a man to order our tents to
be brought back. In about an hour great screams were heard; we sent to see
what was the matter, when it was ascertained that the cries proceeded from
our messenger who had gone for the tent. He said he had been attacked,
severely beaten, and his donkey almost killed. This intelligence alarmed Dr
Loewe very much for the safety of our lives, to say nothing of our luggage.
He remained walking round our mats during the night, with his loaded
pistols, Judith and I having ours under our heads. About midnight we with
difficulty persuaded two men to ride after our luggage to see what had
become of it; they returned at three in the morning with the news of its
being all safe. Our road after passing Sidon was like going through a
beautiful garden. At a short distance on our right we had a view of the sea,
on our left mountains; they were pretty well cultivated—wheat, barley, figs
and mulberries; but few can imagine the anxiety we suffered during the
night, when we were exposed to the winds of heaven."
Thursday, May 16th.—We started at 6 a.m., and rode till nine, after which
we reposed for some time. We met three persons sent from Safed with
letters from the Spiritual Head of the community to welcome us; he was at
Tiberias, and prevented by indisposition from coming to meet us. We rested
in a beautiful valley, noticing much cattle, small cows, calves, and a number

of goats. We then crossed the Náhr el Kasmiyah, a river which divides the
lot of Asher from that of Dan.
There was a heavy dew in the night. Sir Moses was much fatigued, and still
felt the bad effects of having slept exposed to the night air on the previous
day. The next morning was cloudy; we started at five o'clock, riding over
mountains and through fertile valleys till ten. While resting, we received a
letter by a private messenger from the three representatives of the Hebrew
Congregation at Safed, where each had prepared his own house for our use,
and was waiting to receive us. About two hours later we caught the first
glimpse of Safed. The town looked very beautiful, being situate on the
summit of the mountain, which was crowned with beautiful olive trees of
immense growth and great age.

CHAPTER XX.
1839.

RECEPTION AT SAFED—SAD CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE—
SIR MOSES' PROJECT FOR THE CULTIVATION OF THE LAND
IN PALESTINE BY THE JEWS—DEATH OF THE CHIEF RABBI
OF THE GERMAN CONGREGATION IN JERUSALEM—
TIBERIAS.

After four hours' ride we met two of the chiefs of the Portuguese
community, sent to escort us as a guard of honour. On reaching half-way up
the mountain, the ecclesiastical chief of the German Hebrew community,
accompanied by many of his congregation, came to welcome us. He is an
old man of benevolent countenance. I dismounted, giving the chief my
horse to ride. This special mark of respect I showed to him in
commemoration of the holy resignation manifested by the venerable chief
only a year before on the occasion of the revolt of the Druses against
Mohhammad Ali. These marauders, having pillaged and maltreated the
whole community, wished to enforce from them an additional sum of five
hundred Turkish purses or £2500, a sum which of course the Hebrews could
not produce. The Druses thereupon bound the aged chief hand and foot, and
laying the edge of a naked sword upon his neck, threatened to instantly
sever his head if the demanded sum were not handed over without delay.
The good man did not ask them to spare his life, which he would willingly
sacrifice to save his community; all he requested of them was to allow a
little clean water to be poured over his hands, that he might recite a prayer
and acknowledge the justice of God in all His ways. At this a heartrending
cry burst from all present, and even the Druses themselves appear to have
been touched. They withdrew the sword and entered upon some
arrangements with the community, who had to borrow the required amount
from some of the convents. I had been to see him the day after this
occurrence, and found him reciting his morning prayers as calmly as if
nothing had happened.

Sir Moses in his description of the journey continues—"As we were
descending the mountain a man, who had been placed there to give notice
to the inhabitants of our approach, fired a musket, and the salute was
answered by our party, who discharged their guns and pistols. Our firing
had a cheerful effect, as the echo was taken up by the distant hills. We were
soon met by Signor Mirrachi (ecclesiastical chief of the Portuguese
community) with a great number of his congregation. He expressed his
regret that I would not accept the house he had prepared for us. The scene
became most interesting. Men, women, and children covered the sides and
top of the hill as well as the roofs of all houses; but I was nearly dead with
fatigue."
As soon as Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore reached their apartments,
preparations were made for the Sabbath, but Sir Moses had not the strength
to walk to Synagogue. He had for some time expressed uneasiness lest we
should not reach the town before sunset, yet he had the happiness of seeing
the sun above the horizon, after we had entered our house.
By special invitation ten gentlemen were soon with him in his room, and
the evening service was commenced, but he could scarcely stand, and as
soon as prayers were ended he retired. The following day Sir Moses being
still too unwell to leave his bed, numbers of visitors called to enquire after
his health, all expressing their regret at his indisposition.
During the next two days, on which the festival of Pentecost was
celebrated, Sir Moses recovered sufficiently to accompany Lady Montefiore
to the Portuguese Synagogue, where a sacred scroll of great antiquity is
preserved. On Sir Moses being called to the rostrum to pronounce the
blessing, the portion of the day was read to him out of the above scroll.
On the following day, Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore received visits from
the governor, judge, and all other dignitaries of the place. Some of the
Druses also intimated their desire to come and pay their respects, but upon
my suggestion this was declined, it being considered undesirable to
encourage their presence in Safed.
Having been amongst the sufferers at the time of their invasion of this place
the year before, I surmised the object they had in view, in seeking to come
with their friends to see the English pilgrims.

Tuesday, May 21st.—Sir Moses now occupied himself in obtaining
information as to the actual state of the Jews in this city, as well as the
probable prospect of success for his project, viz., to encourage the Jews and
enable them to gain a livelihood by the cultivation of the land. They had
frequent interviews with T. and N. Drucker, two clever and enterprising
men, father and son, who had come originally from Poland, and had
possessed a handsome fortune. They had brought with them a printing
press, and had printed prayer-books. They had also begun to print a Bible,
when the Druses came, destroyed their press, robbed them of all their
property, and beat them most unmercifully, breaking the father's thigh, so
that he barely escaped with his life.
Wednesday, May 22nd.—All the afternoon was spent both by Sir Moses and
Lady Montefiore in seeing people, in listening to their complaints and
sorrows, and also in obtaining information respecting the cultivation of
land. The German and Portuguese Chief Rabbis came, and after some
conversation, Sir Moses decided to distribute personally the money he had
brought for the relief of the sufferers by the earthquake, according to the
number of souls. A Spanish dollar was given to every man, woman, and
child over thirteen, while two dollars were given to the blind, and no
distinction was made between Portuguese and German. The money sent
from London soon after the earthquake had been distributed by the
Portuguese, who gave the greatest part to those learned in our Holy Law,
leaving but little for all the other sufferers, which Sir Moses considered
unjust. The spiritual head of the German congregation, the Rev. A. Dob,
said that the money was divided amongst their congregation according to
the amount of loss sustained by each individual. Nor did the German
committee ever retain one penny more for themselves than for the other
members of the congregation. "This," said Sir Moses, "appears to me the
most honest way of acting."
The Portuguese gentlemen, however, in justification of their own course of
action in this matter, explained that those who are engaged in imparting
religious instruction to the community, taking charge of all their institutions,
devoting their time to the interest of the rising generation, having no
business or occupation that would adequately secure their maintenance,
ought naturally to have some additional share in the offerings of their
wealthier brethren abroad, offerings intended not only for the relief of

distress, but also for the preservation of a religious community. The same,
they said, would be done in Europe, where the teachers in schools and
colleges, or the managers of communal institutions, happen to be without
income or salary for their maintenance.
Sir Moses having inspected the new buildings, regretted to find that most of
them were but poor miserable hovels, built over the ruins of the old ones,
high up the hill, close to the edge of the mountain, so that the slightest
shock of earthquake would bury the inhabitants one above the other without
hope of escape. The houses were built on the side of the mountain, row
above row. On inquiring the reason of this, he was informed that by
building over the old houses they were saved the expense of making
excavations, these being already there; they had no fear of earthquakes, all
they dreaded being the Mooslemin inhabitants and the visits of the Druses.
Thursday, May 23rd.—At ten we rode to Djermek, a village two hours
distant, to the farm of Israel Drucker, one of his tenants having a son who
was to be received that day into the covenant of Abraham. Sir Moses and
Lady Montefiore had been invited to act as god-parents to the child.
On reaching the house Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore were most
respectfully saluted, and the ceremony was immediately performed. We
then sat down for a short time to partake of some refreshment; and, having
offered presents and congratulations to the parents of the infant, we
descended the mountain, to visit the tomb of R. Simeon ben Yókháï, in
Miroon. There we were met by the principal inhabitants of Safed.
We then visited the tomb of Hillel, celebrated in Jewish history for his great
learning and for his noble character and humility. "One of the most
interesting sights," says Sir Moses, "I have seen in the Holy Land. There is
one cave within the other, a spring of the clearest water flowing through
both; it appears to spring from the spot where the mortal remains of Hillel
repose. In the vicinity of the tomb we saw a splendid marble portal of a
Synagogue now in ruins; the marble was handsomely carved, and many of
the stones adjoining the portal were still standing, all of them being of great
size."
Friday, May 24th.—Sir Moses was again engaged from nine to six with the
distribution of the money. He also gave special donations to the heads of

schools and colleges, and endeavoured to alleviate the distress among the
poor of all non-Israelitish communities. Sir Moses found his brethren most
anxious to be employed and to earn their own bread. They appeared to
prefer the cultivation of land as the most likely means to raise them from
their present destitute condition. There were a few Jews who had some
interest with Mussulmans in cultivating some small farms about three or
four hours from Safed, but their means were so limited that they could ill
afford to keep a pair of oxen to till the ground. There was no lack of spirit,
and Sir Moses thought that some trifling assistance from the proper persons
in Europe would speedily restore health and plenty, should such be the will
of Heaven.
On the same day we received the sad tidings of the death of the Rev. Israel,
Chief Rabbi of the German congregation in Jerusalem, which had taken
place at Tiberias on the 22nd inst. It had been his intention to come to Sir
Moses to welcome him and Lady Montefiore on their entry into the Holy
Land. He was renowned for his great learning and noble character, which he
had so often manifested in the performance of his official duties, as spiritual
guide of the community; and being a disciple of the celebrated Rabbi Eliahu
Wilna, he was held in high esteem by all the congregations in the four holy
cities. Both Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore were much affected by the
mournful event, and lost no time in considering what steps should be taken
to evince their sympathy with the bereaved family.
The following day being Sabbath, they attended divine service, afterwards
receiving numerous visits from the inhabitants of the place. One gentleman
from Tiberias gave a most melancholy account of the state of the country;
he assured them that the roads to Jerusalem were very unsafe, and the
plague actually in the city. Only a few days before the holidays the son-in-
law of the late Rev. Israel, and his servant, had died of it.
The visits they received from the Druses caused us much uneasiness, as we
apprehended an attack from their body to plunder not only us, but all Jews
in the town; and we should have proceeded early the next morning to
Tiberias had we not feared such a course would give the appearance of
flight.

The heads of the Portuguese and German congregations came to pay their
respects to Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore. Two of these gentlemen, the
Rev. Abraham Shoshana and Samuel Aboo, were land owners in a
neighbouring village, and gave their opinion on the subject of agriculture.
Sir Moses, referring in his diary, to their conversation, says:
"From all information I have been able to gather, the land in this
neighbourhood appears to be particularly favourable for agricultural
speculation. There are groves of olive trees, I should think, more than five
hundred years old, vineyards, much pasture, plenty of wells and abundance
of excellent water; also fig trees, walnuts, almonds, mulberries, &c., and
rich fields of wheat, barley, and lentils; in fact it is a land that would
produce almost everything in abundance, with very little skill and labour. I
am sure if the plan I have in contemplation should succeed, it will be the
means of introducing happiness and plenty into the Holy Land. In the first
instance, I shall apply to Mohhammad Ali for a grant of land for fifty years;
some one or two hundred villages; giving him an increased rent of from ten
to twenty per cent., and paying the whole in money annually at Alexandria,
but the land and villages to be free, during the whole term, from every tax
or rate either of Pasha or governor of the several districts; and liberty being
accorded to dispose of the produce in any quarter of the globe. This grant
obtained, I shall, please Heaven, on my return to England, form a company
for the cultivation of the land and the encouragement of our brethren in
Europe to return to Palestine. Many Jews now emigrate to New South
Wales, Canada, &c.; but in the Holy Land they would find a greater
certainty of success; here they will find wells already dug, olives and vines
already planted, and a land so rich as to require little manure. By degrees I
hope to induce the return of thousands of our brethren to the Land of Israel.
I am sure they would be happy in the enjoyment of the observance of our
holy religion, in a manner which is impossible in Europe."
The scene we witnessed yesterday amply repaid us for the fatigues of the
journey. We saw nearly every individual inhabitant of Safed. Sir Moses
gave to each at least one Spanish dollar, and some fathers of families
received eight or ten dollars. To those persons who came to meet him and
Lady Montefiore at Náhr el Rasmiyah, fifteen hours' journey from Safed,
and who, when invited to sleep in the tent, preferred, from their intense love
to the country, to sleep in the open air of the Holy Land, he made handsome

presents. "I hope," said Sir Moses in the course of conversation, "that the
money I have had the pleasure of distributing yesterday, will produce some
comfort and give assistance to the Jews in Safed, especially in their present
forlorn situation. Their sufferings during the last five years must have been
truly deplorable. First the plundering of the inhabitants, then the earthquake,
and finally the attack by the Druses, to fill the cup of their misfortune. At
the present moment the ruins of the town present an awful spectacle of
destruction; the few miserable hovels they have erected are for the most
part little better than caves, more fit for the beast of the field than for human
beings. Many are merely four mud walls, with a mat for a roof. I think the
poverty of the Jews in Safed to be great beyond anything that can be
imagined either in England or on the Continent of Europe; it must be seen
to be credited. I am informed, and do believe, that many are actually
starving, and that great numbers died last year of hunger. Nearly all are
stamped with want and wretchedness, though many of them are tall men
and have handsome features. The women are very pretty; they have large
black eyes, are of refined manners, and exhibit much intelligence in their
conversation. I have found all the men anxious to be employed in
agriculture."
Monday, May 27th.—We repaired early in the morning to the house of the
spiritual head of the German congregation, where we attended divine
service. His wife, who had prepared quite a treat for us, consisting of
coffee, sweetmeats, wine and cakes, gave us a most hearty welcome. In the
presence of the reverend gentleman Sir Moses engaged one of the scribes to
write a scroll of the Pentateuch for his Synagogue at Ramsgate. The first
sheet of the parchment was at once prepared, and he had the happiness of
writing the first three words. Sir Moses on his return affixed his signature to
an Arabic letter, which he had requested me to prepare at the urgent
entreaties of all the inhabitants, praying the Governor of St Jean d'Acre to
send them some soldiers for their protection.
On the same day at half-past twelve we set out on our way to Tiberias. In
spite of Sir Moses' entreaties for them to return, we were accompanied for
about half-an-hour by the principal authorities and most of the people of the
town, who, in taking leave, called down upon Sir Moses and Lady
Montefiore all the blessings of heaven.

We passed through a beautiful country, a very long descent, winding round
hills covered with olives, figs, and pomegranates. In the plain we saw the
richest land imaginable, though but a very small part of it was under
cultivation, large fields being covered with thistles five and six feet high.
The path was rocky and difficult. After riding three hours we reached the
plain, and dismounting near a stream of water reposed for an hour. Our road
then lay near the foot of the mountains; it was one continual ascent and
descent. When we were about two hours' ride from Tiberias, while saying
the afternoon prayers, we heard the sound of the dárábuca (Turkish drum),
with shouts of joy, and soon beheld a large party coming to meet us,
dancing and singing. They joined us in prayer, and when we had finished,
the head of the German congregation bade us welcome in glowing terms.
We then proceeded on our way, the people dancing and running before us,
playing on the drum and fife, and singing in Hebrew in a general chorus.
The spiritual heads of both German and Portuguese communities and the
principal representatives of all scholastic and charitable institutions of the
town now joined our cavalcade. They were all singing in Arabic and
Hebrew, to express their delight at our visit to their city. We had gone but a
short distance when we were met by the Mooselim or Governor, well
mounted and armed, and attended by about a dozen officers and servants.
He told Sir Moses he came to offer him his services and to do him honour,
and that in this Holy Land he respected persons of all religions. He directed
his soldiers to skirmish up and down the sides of the mountain, charging
and retreating for our amusement. The Cadi (Judge) and his son also joined
our party, paying Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore many compliments.
"The evening," says Lady Montefiore, "was beautiful, and the gaiety of the
scene beyond my feeble powers of description; the music, singing, and
dancing of the people, the firing of guns, the horsemen at full gallop up and
down the steep sides of the mountain, discharging their pistols, throwing the
jareed, stopping their horses when at full speed, and then riding round our
party; and now, as we approached the town, the moon shone brightly on the
lake; it was a complete fairy scene. At a short distance from the town we
were met by a great concourse of people, men, women, and children, many
bearing large torches. They formed, as it were, a lane on either side for us to
pass through, the same merriment, music, singing, and dancing continuing.
We found the whole town illuminated, it was as light as in the day; we were

saluted on all sides with expressions of joy and heartfelt wishes. Not only
were the streets crowded, but even the roofs of houses were covered with
gaily-attired females. All cheered us as we passed, joining in the chorus,
'They are come, they are come, our happiness is come.' Never will the scene
be effaced from our memory."
We proceeded to the house of Rev. H. N. Abu-el-afia, which he had
prepared for our reception. Here the Governor and good people took their
leave, thinking we must need repose after so much fatigue. All appeared
greatly pleased, Mussulmans as well as Jews. The house looked very clean
and comfortable, with good sized rooms neatly furnished in the Turkish
style. Mrs Abu-el-afia, a pretty and clever woman, made us partake of some
coffee and sherbet, which was soon followed by a good supper.

CHAPTER XXI.
1839.

INVITATION FROM THE PORTUGUESE CONGREGATION AT
JERUSALEM—SANITARY MEASURES IN THE HOLY CITY—
THE WIVES OF THE GOVERNOR OF TIBERIAS VISIT LADY
MONTEFIORE—A PLEASANT JOURNEY—ARRIVAL AT
JERUSALEM.

Tuesday, May 28th.—The heat was very great. Sir Moses and Lady
Montefiore did not leave the house till nine o'clock, when they went for a
little while to the shore of the lake. Sir Moses received letters from the
heads of the Portuguese congregation at Jerusalem, dated ten days back,
informing him that they had prepared a house for him, but were sorry they
could not come out of the town to receive him, as there was a cordon round
the city. They did not mention one word as to the state of the city, but in two
other letters brought by the same messenger, we learned that many Jews,
whose names they gave, had died of the plague, all the individuals in four
houses being stricken with it. In conversation with the messenger, the latter
informed Sir Moses that the plague was in Jerusalem and in all the villages
surrounding it; also at Gaza and Jaffa, adding that Sir Moses might cut off
his head if he had not spoken the truth.
Sir Moses determined to despatch a messenger to Mr W. T. Young, the
British Consul at Jerusalem. On applying to the Governor of Tiberias to let
him have a messenger with a good horse, he immediately sent us a fine,
handsome fellow, armed with pistols, sabre, &c. Sir Moses gave him the
letters, and he started instantly, at three o'clock in the afternoon.
The Governor sent early in the morning to say that he wished to come and
pay his respects; at the same time he sent a small, very beautiful gazelle for
Lady Montefiore, which was there considered a valuable present. Sir Moses
and Lady Montefiore, having appointed twelve o'clock for the interview, he
came punctually at that hour, accompanied by the Judge of the town and

some half dozen of their officers. Pipes, coffee, and sherbet were handed
round. The Governor was most friendly. He said he had made that day a
holiday in the town in honour of their visit, which had given joy and peace
to all the inhabitants, and that Sir Moses might command his services in any
way he pleased. Houses, servants, horses, &c., all were at his disposal. He
much regretted being obliged to leave the town himself with some soldiers
he had collected, who had to join Ibrahim Pasha. He would be away about
twenty days, but had desired his secretary to attend to any request Sir
Moses might make in his absence. He added a hope that Sir Moses would
come and settle in that part of the world, as the Jews were in great need of a
chief or leader; they could then take land and engage in agriculture. Soon
after he left, Lady Montefiore received an invitation from the Governor's
wives to come and dine with them, saying that they had had a lamb killed
and prepared for the occasion by a person specially sent by the Jewish
authorities of the place. Lady Montefiore was anxious to accept the
invitation that she might see the interior of the harem, but it was thought she
had better not go, and an apology was sent, she pleading fatigue from the
journey.
The Jews all agree in acknowledging that the present Governor is an
excellent friend to them. The Judge is not friendly to them, but the
Governor prevents him from doing them any mischief.
The representatives of the German and Portuguese congregations, each
attended by about twenty of their members, paid them visits, remaining for
about an hour in earnest conversation. They promised to have ready, by the
next day, statistical accounts of their communities, which Sir Moses desired
to have for his special guidance in the distribution of the money he had
brought for them.
Wednesday, May 29th.—The heat during the night was most oppressive.
Most of the inhabitants placed their mattresses either on the roofs of their
houses or in the yards, and slept in the open air. In the morning, before five,
we rode on horseback to the hot baths, about half-an-hour's distance from
the town. These are natural hot springs. Sir Moses did not find them
sulphurous, but rather salt. They are situated close to the lake, but the hot
spring has its source in the mountains. Ibrahim Pasha had erected a
handsome building, with some rooms for the use of bathers. The large bath,

which is circular, would accommodate one hundred persons. There are also
two chambers with handsome marble baths. There is a room, commanding a
beautiful view of the lake and distant mountains, where, after having taken
the bath, one can enjoy an hour's rest, and partake of coffee and sherbet
prepared by the attendants there.
On their return from the bath they visited the tombs of some distinguished
teachers in Israel, whose resting-places were pointed out by the gentlemen
who accompanied them.
In the course of the day the Governor's wives sent to say they wished to
have the pleasure of paying Lady Montefiore a visit. They also sent for her
acceptance a fine large sheep.
Lady Montefiore, in her diary, gives full particulars of the visit. The
Governor, she was told, had four wives, but only three of them came. They
were attended by a black girl, and by a man as their guard, as well as by the
mother of the Governor's youngest wife. The first wife, who is considered
to be, and is also called, "The Great Lady," was a pleasing and intelligent
woman; the other two were somewhat younger, but equally good-looking,
the age of the youngest being about eighteen, and the eldest thirty. All of
them were exceedingly good-tempered. When Sir Moses asked them if they
could read, the eldest one replied in the negative, "but," said she, "the Agha
intends marrying another lady, so that she may teach us to do so; we shall
all be pleased if he does."
They became very chatty, and were most desirous that Lady Montefiore
should visit them, and go on the water with them to the bath. "The great
lady" smoked a chibouk, but did not offer it to the others. Lady Montefiore
made each of them a present of a neat gold ring set with mosaics, with
which they were much pleased. They said it was the first visit they had ever
paid; they were not even allowed to visit their own brothers, but the Agha
was so pleased with Lady Montefiore, that he wished his wives to see her.
The ladies remained two hours, and I had to act as interpreter. About fifty
members of the Portuguese community came to see us, and we had a long
conversation with them on the subject of the cultivation of land in the
vicinity of the town. Many members of the German congregation arrived at
the same time to pay their respects to Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore, and

also joined our conversation on the subject. The early marriages, which are
customary in the East amongst all classes of society, were warmly discussed
by all present. To Europeans the custom appears strange, and a great
drawback to the promotion of happiness among the contracting parties, as
well as to society in general. Orientals, on the contrary, think it most
desirable to preserve a custom which they consider beneficial, and
conducive to the happiness of families.
Thursday, May 30th.—On this day the distribution of money took place. Sir
Moses and Lady Montefiore themselves put their gifts into the hand of
every man, woman, and child of the Hebrew, as well as of the Mussulman
and Christian congregations. Their labour was not finished before ten in the
evening, the trouble and fatigue of the distribution being exceptionally
great, in consequence of the lists containing the names and descriptions of
the recipients not having been correctly prepared. Of the sheep brought to
Lady Montefiore by the Governor's wives, Sir Moses distributed to the
descendants of Aaron those parts which, according to an injunction of Holy
Writ, belong to them, a proceeding which afforded much gratification both
to donor and the recipients.
Friday, May 31st.—Another visit was paid to the different localities in
which the tombs of the renowned teachers in Israel had been pointed out to
them. In the afternoon they attended the Portuguese Synagogue, and in the
evening, after the Sabbath repast, hundreds of members of the community
sat down in the spacious courtyard in order to enjoy a full view of the
honoured pilgrims, who were singing Psalms and Sabbath hymns. The
evening was beautiful; the whole place was illuminated with variegated
lamps, and the Oriental holiday attire of the many ladies who surrounded
the fountain of cool and refreshing water, made the scene charming and
picturesque in the extreme.
The next day they attended divine service in the German Synagogue, and
were present at the naming of a child, the son of a distinguished member of
the community, to whom they had been requested to act as god-parents. In
the afternoon, having attended service in the Russian place of worship, they
visited the heads of that congregation, and spent the evening at home in
receiving the numerous friends who called on them.

Sunday, June 2nd.—At half-past 5 p.m. we left Tiberias. Hundreds of
persons came to see us off, and followed us. The officers of the Governor
(he having gone with some troops to Damascus), with about a dozen
soldiers and some attendants, also accompanied us for nearly half-an-hour.
We rode for two hours and a half over the hills. Towards the west the land
was very rich, and sown with wheat, barley, and oats, but not well
cultivated. We pitched our tents at Eyn Louba. The effect of the numerous
glowworms and fireflies in the darkness of the night was extremely
beautiful. Late in the evening a messenger arrived from Caiffa, bringing Sir
Moses a letter from Beyrout. There had been no battle, but both parties
were in daily expectation of hostilities. The plague, it was reported, had
broken out in Damascus, and the country, both around that city and
Beyrout, had begun to be in a very disturbed state. Several travellers had
been robbed, but the post still passed. All vessels from Alexandria had to
perform quarantine; most of the villages in Palestine were infected with the
plague.
Monday, June 3rd.—We started at five and halted at 6.40 for the mules with
our luggage. We were not travelling the usual way, as we wished to avoid
the villages as much as possible. We were then near the highest point of
Mount Tabor; we had crossed some of the richest land imaginable, and seen
many fig and almond trees, pomegranates, prickly pears, &c. We reposed
under an almond tree till our luggage came up. The servants had mistaken
the way, and one of the janissaries was obliged to go in search of them. We
set forward again at eight, and rode till 1.30 p.m. We then rested near a
rivulet, in the shade of a small cavern in the front of the mountain,
commanding an extensive view of the rich plain, nearly the whole of which
was in a state of cultivation. Almost all the crops were cut. On the mountain
above us, Jacob and Laban made their league together, and called it Gál-éd.
We started again at 4 p.m., and rode till seven, when we pitched our tents in
a very pretty orchard of fig-trees and pomegranates, the latter covered with
blossoms.
Tuesday, June 4th.—After taking a cup of coffee, we set off at five in the
morning from Djouni, riding through a lovely country of mountains, hills,
dales, valleys, and plains, all truly splendid, and in the highest state of
cultivation (wheat, barley, oats, &c.). We passed many towns and villages,
but did not enter them. This part of the country appeared well populated.

The inhabitants were good farmers, and possessed horses, cows, oxen,
sheep, and goats in great abundance. There were also olive and mulberry
trees of very great age, apparently many centuries old, and there was more
skill displayed in their cutting than we had hitherto noticed in the Holy
Land. It was a complete garden. "I have never seen," Sir Moses observed,
"any country so rich and beautiful. We rested under a grove of fig-trees, in a
garden surrounded by the most magnificent scenery; the spot might well
have been termed, 'a garden of Eden, a very Paradise.'" We amused
ourselves by discussing the writings of Hillel the elder, and reading extracts
from the works of Maimonides.
At two we proceeded on our journey till six. The road was very rocky, and
the ride, especially the descent to Nablous, the ancient city of Shéchém,
exceedingly difficult. We encamped close to the well of Jacob. Many of our
brethren came from the city to welcome us, and brought with them some
fine poultry and fruit, which they requested Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore
to accept. They did not enter our tents, as we were fearful of contagion.
Sir Moses had, eight or ten days previously, sent them a number of printed
forms, for the purpose of inserting under particular headings any statistical
information they could give respecting their own community. These he now
requested them to let him have, as he desired to distribute some money
among those who stood in need of assistance. Fortunately they had already
prepared the papers required, and it did not take long to send a messenger to
the Synagogue, who brought them without delay.
Wednesday, June 5th.—We visited the tomb of Joseph, and copied the
inscription on the wall. We said our prayers there, and proceeded to the
village of Awarta, where we copied the Samaritan and Arabic inscriptions
on the tombs of Phineas, Eleazar, and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron the High
Priest. We also visited the tombs said to be those of the seventy elders, and
then continued our way to Jerusalem. At twelve o'clock we rejoined our
attendants, who had already prepared various refreshments for us in a tent
pitched for our accommodation, near a well called "Eyn" or Khán Lebbán.
We were much fatigued, and the heat was excessive. While we were
partaking of our repast, many persons, travellers and others, came to water
their beasts. Some of the Mussulmans, after performing their ablutions at
the well, said their prayers, and a number of young women, with pitchers on

their heads, came from the neighbourhood to fetch the cool water from the
inexhaustible spring of Laban.
At four o'clock we left this pleasing scene, and ascended a high mountain
by a desperately stoney road, on the edge of precipices. On the summit we
were surprised at finding a very lovely plain, well cultivated, and with
many gardens, containing fig, olive, and almond trees, as well as vines. We
erected our tents at six o'clock in the corner of a field near the village of
Snidgil. Both on that and the previous day we met many families, Jews,
Christians, and Mussulmans, flying from Jerusalem to escape the plague;
the accounts which they gave us were extremely alarming.
Thursday, June 6th.—We were on horseback at half-past four in the
morning. The day was cool and pleasant. Our road lay between the
mountains, in a narrow pass, formed by the dry bed of a torrent, with
gardens on each side. The mountains were cultivated in terraces, and
planted to the summit with vines and olives—"a lovely scene," Sir Moses
observed. Indeed it would have been impossible to travel through a richer or
more beautiful country.
We stopped to rest and take some refreshments, and started again,
ascending an extremely barren mountain, and at two o'clock reached
Shabia, or Gibeah, the commencement of the scene of destruction.
We dismounted, and read some of the Lamentations of Jeremiah, then
continued our journey till three o'clock, when we had the first view of
Jerusalem. Dismounting once again, we recited the usual prayers.
Hearing that the plague was yet in the city, Sir Moses deemed it prudent not
to enter. We therefore passed the walls and went up the Mount of Olives,
where we pitched our tents on a spot commanding a magnificent view of
the Holy City and Mosque of Omar, near the tomb of "Huldah" the
prophetess.
For two hours before reaching Jerusalem, the road by which we travelled
was stoney and deserted. Not a blade of grass or a tree was visible. "Most
fervently do I pray," Sir Moses remarked, "that the wilderness of Zion may
again be like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord."

Friday, June 7th.—Before Sir Moses was up, the Governor of the city came
to pay him his respects, and waited till he was ready to receive him, which
he did under one of the olive trees, as we had declared ourselves in
quarantine. The Governor was exceedingly friendly, and offered to
accompany Sir Moses to the Jordan, Dead Sea, and Hebron, and to do him
any service in his power; he also sent a present of five sheep. All the
representatives of the Portuguese and German congregations, accompanied
by crowds of their members, came up to give a heartfelt welcome to their
future champion and his excellent wife, bringing with them numerous
presents of choice wines, fruit, and cakes, besides articles of rich
embroidery.
Saturday, June 8th.—We recited our prayers under the shade of an olive
tree, directly opposite the spot where stood the Temple of Solomon. Our
situation commanded a splendid view of every part of the city and the
surrounding mountains. Our happy moments were unfortunately disturbed
by the wailing of the Mohammedan mourning women who followed no less
than four funerals. In the course of the day all the leading members of the
community came to visit us. When Sir Moses spoke to them on the
desirability of procuring work for the poor, the majority of those present
expressed themselves in favour of agriculture. In the evening, while sitting
in our tent, a jackal stole noiselessly in. Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore
were a little alarmed at the incident, which recalled to their minds the words
of the prophet, "For this our heart is faint, for these things our eyes are dim,
because of the mountain of Zion, which is desolate, the foxes (jackals) walk
upon it" (Lamentations v. 17, 18).
In the course of conversation with Mr Young, the English Consul, the latter
expressed his approval of the Jews being employed in agriculture. He
advised beginning in a small way, so as not to excite the suspicions of
Mohhammad Ali. Mrs Young gave Lady Montefiore some distressing
accounts of the poverty of the people, and pointed out the necessity of at
once finding them some means of earning a livelihood. Money, the Consul
said, was very scarce in Jerusalem; he had lost by every bill he had cashed
for travellers. Five weeks previously he had sent his servant to Beyrout for
£300, and he was fearful he had either been robbed of the money, or else
had run away with it.

Sunday, June 9th.—More than three hundred visitors came to see Sir Moses
and Lady Montefiore. The Governor also called again to say that he was
very anxious they should enter the city, that the people might have an
opportunity of showing their esteem for them. Sir Moses, in reply, said that
he and Lady Montefiore would visit the city on the following Wednesday.
The Governor then arranged that he would come himself with some soldiers
to conduct them, that they might run no risk, and begged Sir Moses would
ride his horse.
Monday, June 10th.—We rose early and rode round the walls of the city,
and through the valley of Jehoshaphat. Having descended Mount Zion, we
passed the Pool of Siloam, and crossing the bridge over the Brook Kidron,
visited all the important tombs and monuments in the valley. We then read
our Psalms, and returned to our tents for breakfast. Again hundreds of
visitors arrived, amongst whom were four Scotch clergymen, who were
making a tour in the Holy Land to enquire into the state of the Jews there;
they intended going through Poland for the same purpose.
The following day, being the anniversary of Sir Moses and Lady
Montefiore's wedding, they gave a special feast to all their attendants,
which prompted the janissaries, guides, and moukaries to sing praises of the
devout pilgrims, and invoke heavenly blessings on their benefactors.

CHAPTER XXII.
1839.

THE TOMB OF DAVID—SPREAD OF THE PLAGUE—
MUSSULMAN FANATICISM—SUSPICIOUS CONDUCT OF THE
GOVERNOR OF JERUSALEM—NAYANI, BETH DAGON, JAFFA,
EM-KHALET, AND TANTURA.

Tuesday, June 11th.—We rode before breakfast through the valley of
Jehoshaphat, then to the tomb of King David. The keeper of the place
produced an order from Ibrahim Pasha, which prohibited the entrance of
Europeans to the tomb. We addressed a letter to the Governor, informing
him that the keeper would not admit us. A short time afterwards the
Governor arrived. He approved of the conduct of the keeper, but thought,
nevertheless, that the Pasha's order did not refer to a gentleman who, like
Sir Moses, was the bearer of letters of introduction from the highest
authorities in the land, and, leading the way, he invited us all to follow him
to the tomb. It was a spacious vaulted chamber, supported in the centre by a
column. At the further end we saw a trellised window, on the right of which
was an arched folding door. Being led to the spot, we beheld through the
lattice the tomb, covered with richly embroidered carpets. In the centre was
an Arabic inscription, "This is the tomb of our Lord David," on either side
of which were the double triangles known by the name of "the shield of
David." On one corner of the tomb hung a rich silk sash and a pistol, the
offerings of Ibrahim Pasha. The Governor, addressing Sir Moses and Lady
Montefiore, said, "I will now leave you to your religious devotions," and
then left the place. We recited several psalms, and went away much
gratified with the opportunity which we had had of visiting the sacred spot.
On our return we visited the cave of Jeremiah and the tombs of the Kings.
In the evening a number of people came up to pass the night on the Mount
of Olives, so as to be ready in the morning to join the procession which had
been arranged for our entry into the city. Many of our brethren from

Hebron, including the spiritual heads and representatives of their
congregations, came to offer us their congratulations, and to accompany us
the next day to the Synagogue. In the evening a large number of friends,
and students from the colleges, assembled round our tents, to recite the
evening prayers in front of the place formerly occupied by Solomon's
temple.
Wednesday, 12th.—We rose before four o'clock. The Governor offered to
attend us at daybreak, but Sir Moses said he would let him know when we
were ready. At six o'clock Sir Moses sent for the Governor, who came
attended by the representatives of the several congregations, a number of
soldiers, and many of his officers and servants. They took coffee, pipes,
etc., and after sitting down some time we set out at eight o'clock in
procession. Sir Moses rode a beautiful white Arabian horse, which the
Governor had sent him the day before; Lady Montefiore rode her own. We
entered the city by the Gate of the Tribes, and passed through most of the
streets, which were crowded with men, women, and children, the Governor
having made it a holiday. We proceeded to the Portuguese Synagogue,
where the Governor left us. His officers and men remained with us till we
again reached the Mount of Olives. The Synagogue was beautifully
decorated, and attended by as many of the congregation as space would
permit. Special prayers were offered up by the Ecclesiastical Chief, who
invoked the blessings of Heaven on the pious pilgrims. At the conclusion of
the service we received a hearty welcome to the Holy City from all present.
We then went to the German Synagogue, where a similar service was held,
addresses delivered, and prayers offered up for the friends of Zion, after
which we proceeded to the Western Wall, and recited there the usual prayers
in the presence of a large assembly. Having thanked the representatives of
the several communities, we repaired to the house of the Governor, Lady
Montefiore awaiting our return in the Synagogue of the late Mr Lehren.
Sir Moses then rejoined Lady Montefiore, and paid a visit to Mr and Mrs
Young and some other friends, returning to the Mount of Olives about four
o'clock p.m.
The record of this day in his diary concludes with the following words,
expressive of the grateful sentiments which filled his heart:—

"The Lord God of Israel be praised and thanked for permitting our feet to
stand a second time within thy gates, O Jerusalem, may the city soon be
rebuilt, in our days. Amen." "I believe," he continues, "the whole population
was looking at us, and bestowing blessings on us."
Thursday, 13th.—We were engaged all day in speaking to persons who
came with petitions. Some of Sir Moses' friends, fearing the ravages of the
plague, informed him of their intention to accompany him to Hebron. A
man to whom we had spoken, only a few days previously, had since died of
the plague, so that their apprehensions of serious danger seemed to be fully
justified. Sir Moses distributed the money he had brought with him from
England, and made arrangements for the further distribution of £500, which
he promised to send either from Beyrout or Alexandria.
Friday, 14th.—With feelings of deep regret we left the Mount of Olives for
Hebron, and after three hours' journey reached Rachel's Tomb. Seeing that it
was greatly out of repair and going fast to ruin, Lady Montefiore gave
directions for an estimate for its restoration to be made. Half way to Hebron
we rested for an hour near a fortress and a great reservoir. Our route lay
through a mountainous country, little cultivated. On the summit of a
mountain at some distance we saw the tombs of Nathan the prophet and
Gad the seer.
About an hour's ride from Hebron we were met by the representatives of the
Hebrew community, accompanied by hundreds of their members, many of
whom danced and sang psalms to manifest their delight. They preceded us
to the place where we pitched our tents, in an olive grove near the town.
The vicinity of the town was beautiful, very mountainous, but covered with
vines, olives, and pomegranates. We attended the Portuguese Synagogue,
and then returned to our tent.
Saturday, 15th.—Early in the morning, the representatives of the
community came to accompany us to Synagogue, where both Sir Moses
and Lady Montefiore were received with the highest respect. At the
conclusion of the service the same gentlemen accompanied us back to our
encampment. Whilst at breakfast the Governor was announced; he brought
with him a present of four sheep. As we kept ourselves in quarantine, and
our place of encampment was surrounded by a cordon, Sir Moses and Lady

Montefiore could not receive him in the tent. After having finished their
repast, however, they went out to him, although they did not consider it
advisable to accept his present, as he had not paid the pilgrims the attention
due to them on their arrival. The Governor, feeling that he had not acted as
he should have done, offered profound apologies, but blamed the
community for not having given him due notice of their arrival. In
consideration of his polite excuses, his present was accepted. When he
offered his services, Sir Moses asked whether he could take us to the Cave
of Machpelah, but he could not give a favourable reply. We had visitors the
whole day.
Sunday, 16th.—There were assembled in front of our tents no fewer than
two hundred people, men, women, and children, including all the
representatives of the congregation, together with their wives and children.
They presented us with certificates entitling us to free seats in their several
Synagogues, both Portuguese and German. They also requested Sir Moses
and Lady Montefiore to accept the presidency of their charities and schools.
The Governor also paid them another visit, as a special mark of respect,
repeating his apologies for not having come to meet them, and volunteering
his services during our visits to the holy places. After he left, the whole
congregation united in prayers for the evening service. The scene was most
interesting. Numerous presents had again been sent by various members of
the community; also a jar of fresh butter and another of honey, by the Sheik
of the place. After the prayers, the four sheep which the Governor had sent
were prepared for the repast. The parts appropriated to the descendants of
Aaron, the High Priest, were given to them, the hind quarters were
presented to the Mussulman and Druse attendants and moukaries, and the
forequarters to poor Jewish families. All present appeared happy. Singing,
playing, dancing, and performances with sword and gun, afforded
amusement to old and young, to Druse, Mussulman, Christian, and Jew.
Monday, June 17th.—The Governor and Sheik having, on the previous day,
promised to accompany us to the Cave of Machpelah, they came this
morning before nine o'clock, together with their attendants. After having
partaken of coffee and sherbet, with the usual accompaniment of a chibouk,
we set out for the tombs of our forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Many members of the Hebrew community followed us. On reaching the
steps of the Mosque, even before we had dismounted, there was a great cry

against us entering. We nevertheless ascended the steps, and entered the
passage leading to the interior of the Mosque. It was filled with people, all
screaming and threatening us with sticks. But the situation soon became
much more serious. The Mussulmans began to beat back those of the Jews
who had followed us, and the screams were truly frightful. The soldiers of
the Governor of Beyrout and the janissary from Mr Moore, the English
Consul, behaved admirably; they struck right and left with all their might,
and the entrance gate was soon closed. We remained inside, and following
the Governor, attempted to enter the Mosque, but we were for some time
prevented by the cries of the people, which were greatly increased by a
dervish, who threw himself before the door, shrieking in a most frightful
manner, and calling on the people not to allow us to enter. Sir Moses,
however, drew Lady Montefiore along past him, and we made good our
entrance; but, perceiving that we were in great danger, the Mosque being
filled with at least five hundred persons, many of whom were armed with
sticks, Sir Moses did not deem it prudent to remain. We therefore
immediately passed through the opposite door, and left the Mosque by a
different gate to the one through which we had entered. The only objects we
saw in the passage deserving notice were two large stones in the wall; they
were similar to those in the Western Wall at Jerusalem, at least nine yards
long and one yard broad. We also saw an iron gate which, we thought,
might perhaps lead to the cave, but Sir Moses felt certain that they were
determined we should not enter to see any part of it. The Governor appeared
in great alarm, and had not the least influence with the people. "To say the
truth," Sir Moses remarked, "I did not see him make any exertions for our
safety." He accompanied us to our tents, making many apologies for the
unhappy result of our visit; but Sir Moses would not speak to him, as he
(the Governor) was bound in honour and duty not to have subjected us to
such an insult.
We were scarcely in our tents before many people came running to us from
the Jews' quarter, saying that the Mussulmans were beating them most
unmercifully, and they were fearful of being murdered. Sir Moses received
letters from the representatives of the community, one of whom had been so
severely beaten that he was obliged to write from his bed. Several others
called who had also been very much ill-used. We feared that perhaps we
should also be attacked as soon as it was dark, although Sir Moses felt no

serious apprehension, should such an event take place, as we had seventeen
people with us, many of them well armed. Nevertheless, as we strongly
recommended it, he wrote a letter to the Governor of Jerusalem, acquainting
him with what had occurred, and requesting him to send a few men as a
guard.
Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore then attended both the German and
Portuguese Synagogues, and distributed their benevolent gifts to the men,
women, and children in the same way as at Safed and Tiberias. We then
returned to our tents, took our dinner, and afterwards received many
visitors. Having looked to our arms and said our prayers, we retired to rest,
"confiding," Sir Moses observed, "in the protection of Heaven."
Tuesday, June 18th.—Our tents and luggage having been placed on our
mules, we left the olive ground, followed by the heads of the community
and many of our brethren. A few minutes later we were joined by the
Governor of the town and the Sheik, with his officers. They again made
many apologies for the occurrences of the previous day, and accompanied
us on our road for half-an-hour. The Jews also followed us, singing psalms.
Sir Moses entreated them to leave us, which they did, after bestowing
thousands of blessings on him and on Lady Montefiore.
In less than a quarter of an hour we met the janissary whom Sir Moses had
sent to the Governor of Jerusalem. He came at full gallop, and had several
horsemen with him. He brought Sir Moses an answer from the Governor,
who had sent him twenty brave fellows, all well mounted and armed. We
waited a few moments till they all came up. They were commanded by an
Agha, who promised to defend us with his blood and that of his men.
Sir Moses then requested our co-religionists to return to the town, giving
them numerous tokens of his love for the Holy City of Abraham "the
beloved." (This latter attribute the Mussulmans always attach to the name of
Abraham.) They departed with many blessings for their devoted friends and
protectors. The soldiers, janissaries, moukaries, and our own attendants
continued feasting and firing their muskets the whole night, and making so
desperate a noise as to render sleep impossible.
Sir Moses afterwards learned that the Governor of Hebron had already
commenced showing his authority, much to the advantage of the Jews.

Having heard that one of them had been ill-treated by a Mussulman, the
Governor immediately caused the offender to be severely punished in his
presence as a caution to the Mussulmans against again committing a similar
offence.
Wednesday, June 19th.—We left our encampment at seven, reaching the
tombs of Nathan the Prophet and Gad the Seer at half-past nine. Our guards
amused us on the way with a complete sham fight with lance, sabre,
musket, and pistol, advancing and retreating at full gallop. They were all
capital horsemen, and it was a most pleasing and lively sight. We read our
prayers at the tombs, which are situated near the village of Halhool. Our
road lay between the mountains, a continuous desert, until we reached the
plain. Sir Moses there discharged our escort, made presents to the Agha and
every one of his soldiers, and sent a letter of thanks to the Governor of
Jerusalem, accompanied by a valuable telescope. We encamped for the
night near the village of Zaccariah, and started again the next morning at
six.
Thursday, 20th.—We proceeded viâ Nayani to Beth Dagon, near Ashdod,
and reached Jaffa the next day. We encamped on the sands close to the sea.
The British and Russian Consuls soon after called, bringing with them the
sad intelligence that the plague was in the town and neighbourhood.
The superintendent of the Quarantine then came to see Sir Moses, and gave
him a certificate which, we thought, would enable us to proceed to Beyrout
without performing quarantine. The Cadi and the Governor of the town also
called to pay their respects. The latter, being the brother of the Governor of
Jerusalem, was particularly attentive, and sent presents of sheep and various
kinds of fruit.
We left Jaffa on Sunday, reached the village of Emkhalet in the evening,
and encamped in a large and beautiful plain near Mount Carmel. The next
day we started at two o'clock in the morning, and at seven arrived at
Cæsarea, where once stood the proud city of Herod. It must have been a
place of great magnificence, to judge from the splendid remains of the
granite columns; there is also every appearance of its having had a fine
harbour, most beautifully situated. It is now, with the exception of some
portions of the wall which formerly surrounded the city, little more than an

immense pile of ruins. We had a very pleasant ride nearly the whole way, on
the sands close to the sea.
We left Emkhalet early in the morning. It was very dark, and we ran great
risk of serious accident, having to pass many deep holes, like wells, in
which the corn is laid up for the year. These were at that time being filled
in, so that they were left uncovered.
We breakfasted and rested till twelve, when we again set forward and
encamped in the evening at Tantura, the ancient city of Dor, of which we
read in the first Book of Kings that it was inhabited by the son-in-law of
King Solomon. We left our tents a few minutes after one o'clock. We had a
pleasant ride, great part of the way through a beautiful plain between Mount
Carmel and the sea. We passed not far from some splendid ruins of a castle
and town. On proceeding to the spot, we found it to be "Athlit," some of the
Arabs called it "Atlik," the Castellum Perigrinorum frequently mentioned
by the Crusaders. There are still many arches and vaults to be seen, as well
as some granite pillars. The remains of a church also attract the traveller's
attention; by the style of its architecture it is supposed to be of Christian
origin. There are some stones in the walls round the building as large as,
and similar to, those in the Western Wall at Jerusalem.

CHAPTER XXIII.
1839.

ENCAMPMENT NEAR MOUNT CARMEL—STATE OF THE
COUNTRY—CHILD MARRIAGES IN THE PORTUGUESE
COMMUNITY AT HAIFA—ARRIVAL IN BEYROUT.

At 8 p.m. we reached the quarantine cordon at the foot of Mount Carmel, a
narrow pass between the sea and the mountain, about two miles from Haifa,
where we had intended to rest, fully relying on our certificate from the
superintendent of the quarantine at Jaffa. Having always kept ourselves in
quarantine since we left Beyrout, and lodged in our own tents, avoiding all
villages, we expected to have been allowed to pass without any detention,
but to our great mortification the officer in command informed Sir Moses
that, having come to his cordon, he and his party must perform quarantine,
but that he might send a messenger to the Governor of Beyrout, under
whose orders he acted. This Sir Moses at once did, and having addressed an
Arabic letter to him, he charged one of the soldiers of his suite to take it to
the Governor with all possible speed. In the meanwhile, the superintendent
suggested that we should have all our things dipped twice into the sea, once
on that day, and after seven days a second time.
Some members of the Hebrew community came to us and promised to
bring us all the provisions we might require during our stay in quarantine,
and we became reconciled to our detention. Mr Young, the British Consul in
Jerusalem, when forwarding to Sir Moses his letters from England, took the
opportunity of adding some information respecting the state of the Holy
City, which was far from satisfactory. He also informed Sir Moses that
several of his friends had been attacked by serious illness. Mr Kilby, of
Beyrout, sent a report, in which he said that war was inevitable, that all the
country was in a disturbed state and the roads infested with robbers. Several
assassinations had taken place even at Beyrout, and he recommended us to
apply to the Governor of Acre for an escort. "Last week," he wrote, "two

Jews left Beyrout with three hundred dollars for Hebron, which had been
sent from Amsterdam for the congregations; they were stopped near
Kasmia, robbed of the money and dreadfully beaten, one of them being shot
in the struggle. Although severely injured, the wounded man contrived to
reach Sidon, but died there." "How wonderful are the ways of Heaven!"
observed Sir Moses. "The second night after we left Beyrout we thought
ourselves most unfortunate in being compelled to sleep in the open air, as
we were too fatigued to reach our tents and luggage, which were already at
Kasmia. Had we continued our journey and succeeded in reaching that
place, we should in all probability have shared the same fate as the other
two Jews." A messenger had also been robbed, and had lost several of his
fingers by a sword cut.
Signor M. di A. Finzi, the British consular agent at St Jean d'Acre, came to
present his respects to Sir Moses, and brought some valuable information
respecting agriculture in the environs of Tiberias and Safed. This gentleman
had acted most benevolently towards the unfortunate people who had been
attacked by Druses. The British Consul of Haifa also came to see Sir
Moses, and reported that Ibrahim Pasha had advanced on Aleppo. It was
rumoured that there had been some fighting, and all the troops in quarantine
had received orders to leave the next day and join Ibrahim Pasha. All the
country was in a most disturbed state, and the Jews of Safed were so much
alarmed, that they fled from their homes and had reached Haifa in a very
distressed condition. The people at Safed had received information that the
Druses were coming to pillage the place. The Governor of the town had left
it with the few soldiers he had under his command. Every one appeared
very uneasy at the unprotected state of the country, as a hundred men from
the mountains could, with the greatest facility, have plundered every town
and village in Palestine. On the previous evening the Governor of Acre had
brought his thirty-five wives to the Carmellite convent as a place of
security; he remained there overnight and left in the morning. The convent
was just above the spot where the quarantine ground was situated.
Thursday, 27th June.—Even the discomforts of a detention in quarantine
were sometimes varied by pleasing incidents, such as making the
acquaintance of distinguished travellers. In this case we had the pleasure of
becoming acquainted with several eminent men, including the Rev. Dr

Alex. Keith and Dr Black, who happened to be performing their quarantine
in the same locality.
These gentlemen called on Sir Moses, and he returned their visit the next
day. The time passed so agreeably to all that these visits were frequently
renewed.
The superior of the convent on Mount Carmel addressed a very polite letter
to Sir Moses, regretting that our being in quarantine prevented his having
the pleasure of receiving us in his convent, but making an offer of his
services, and sending a present of the best wine of Mount Lebanon.
Saturday, June 29th.—The day was spent in repose, with prayers and
reading the Sacred Scriptures. Being so close to Mount Carmel, our
thoughts naturally turned to the Prophet Elijah; and in addition to the usual
Sabbath prayers, Sir Moses read to us the 18th chapter of 1st Kings in a
most solemn manner, and with such fervour that every one present was
deeply affected.
In the course of the day the messenger returned, bringing the following
reply to Sir Moses' letter:—"The Governor cannot allow a shorter
quarantine than seven days."
In the evening, after the conclusion of Sabbath, letters from Mr Kilbee were
opened, containing the correspondence from England. There had been
disturbances in some of the manufacturing towns at home and in Paris; the
Melbourne ministry had resigned, but had again accepted office. This was
all the news we received from England, but Mr Kilbee added unsatisfactory
intelligence from Beyrout. He wrote that the Druses had plundered
Damascus, and the whole country was in a state little short of rebellion, and
that poor Lady Hester Stanhope had died on the night of the 21st inst.,
having been without medical aid or the attendance of any European. Mr
Moore, the British Consul, and the Rev. Mr Thomson had been to her house
on the 23rd, and they buried her the same night by moonlight.
The accounts which the messenger brought from Beyrout of the disturbed
state of the country induced some of our men to beg Sir Moses to discharge
them, as they were fearful of continuing the journey, and all appeared much
alarmed. Both Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore were undecided by which

way they should proceed to Alexandria, as they were unwilling to go by sea,
the boats from Haifa to Alexandria being very small; nor did they wish to
risk an attack of the Druses by going to Beyrout.
Sunday, June 30th.—We heard heavy firing at Acre, about two hours' ride
from here, which caused some uneasiness; but at ten o'clock the guardians
informed us that Ibrahim Pasha had defeated the Sultan's army near Aleppo,
and had taken many prisoners. The firing of cannon at Acre was in
celebration of the victory. Sir Moses feared it was but a proof of hostilities
having actually commenced.
Many gifts arrived daily from the Agha of the place, from the Superior of
the convent, and from several Sheiks in the neighbourhood; and as Sir
Moses invariably returned handsome presents to these parties, as well as to
their servants, it is not surprising that, in every town and village which they
visited, the gifts they received were so numerous.
The chief of the quarantine visited us with the physician, and requested me
to feel the pulses of every one of our party, including Sir Moses and Lady
Montefiore, and to declare on my honour whether they were in good health.
They evidently mistook me for a doctor of medicine, and I gladly complied
with their request. I felt the pulse of everyone, and reported it to be in a
most satisfactory state. During this examination Sir Moses was in a state of
great uneasiness, as the least indisposition would have subjected him and
the rest of the party to an addition of forty days extra quarantine at the least,
which he prayed heaven to avert, as he feared it would make us all seriously
ill. The same evening Drs Keith and Black came to our tents and acquainted
us with the news they had just received from Haifa. The road to Beyrout by
the sea shore was infested with thieves, and the road they had intended to
take, through Nablous, was quite impassable; they had therefore determined
to proceed by sea, and intended leaving at six o'clock the next morning. Sir
Moses, however, relying on the Almighty's protection, decided to go by
land with Mr Finzi, the English Consular Agent at Acre, who had offered to
accompany us.
Monday, July 1st.—"We left with a grateful heart," writes Sir Moses, "the
place of our encampment in the morning, and were accompanied by the
superintendent of the quarantine, the British Consul at Haifa, and Signor

Finzi, who rode with us as far as the Synagogue in Haifa. They wished to
wait for us there, and then accompany us to Acre, but I thanked them for
their intentions and begged them not to do so; they therefore took leave of
us with many good wishes."
We entered the Synagogue, which was but a small and mean looking room,
and after divine service Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore distributed gifts to
the poor to the same amount he had given in the other towns. He expressed
his displeasure to the Portuguese community for allowing marriages among
such very young people to take place, and begged them to follow the
example of their co-religionists in Jerusalem, who allowed no such early
marriages as those which must have taken place in Haifa. Of the few
German Jewish families whom he saw there he spoke in terms which
showed his great satisfaction with them.
Tuesday, July 2nd.—We set off this morning at two. Our road for three
hours lay through a well cultivated plain, but after that we had to cross a
steep and rugged mountain. At seven o'clock we stopped in a beautifully
situated spot to rest. We sat down under a fine tree in a garden which
commanded an extensive sea view, but we were informed that snakes had
been seen in the garden, so we started again at 2 p.m. Our road led over a
mountain pass, one of the most difficult, Sir Moses said, he had ever seen.
The pass ran many hundred feet above the sea and close to the edge of a
precipice nearly all the way. On descending into the plain we found it well
cultivated, being almost covered with white mulberry trees. We noticed
several women engaged in stripping them of their foliage, whilst others
were winding the silk off the cocoons.
At three o'clock we reached the fountain, "Ain el Gaml," or "Sebeel
Iskandrooni," and from there to "Ain el Medfooni;" the road was again very
rocky and in some parts precipitous. Lady Montefiore being an excellent
rider, galloped along rather heedlessly, and her horse rushed right into the
sea. Apprehending danger, I galloped after and succeeded in overtaking her,
and in seizing the bridle of her horse. In doing so my own horse stumbled
and threw me rather heavily, but fortunately the fall was not attended by
any serious consequences. The waters of the fountain just named bear a
great reputation among the natives in that neighbourhood for their healing
qualities, and numerous invalids may always be found there, who come for

the cure of their various ailments. At six we encamped near the famous
fountain known by the name of "Râs el-'ain," where the ruins of its great
aqueduct leading to "El Ma'-shûk" (an isolated hill in the plain) and the
ancient Tyre were still to be seen. This fountain and those previously named
were considered by several writers of the middle ages to be identical with
those alluded to by King Solomon in the Song of Songs (iv. 15): "A
fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon."
July 3rd.—We rose about one o'clock, set off at three, and reached "Nahr el
Kasimiyah" at five. When we had crossed the river of that name, we saw a
wolf under some rocks, about thirty yards distant. One of our guards fired
immediately, but only succeeded in frightening it, and it ran away. The
shock of the musket threw the man off his horse! "So much for guards!"
exclaimed Sir Moses. "This was one of the three men we took from Acre,
on account of the dangerous condition which the roads were reported to be
in." Afterwards we saw four beautiful young deer bounding along the sea
shore, and the British Consular Agent hurried on in the hope of getting a
shot at them; but he was disappointed, much to the satisfaction of the
soldier who had been so unsuccessful in attempting to kill the wolf. He
slyly observed that he was pleased to find some one equally clever in the
party; nevertheless, he continued, "our will was good, even if we failed in
the deed." We rested at "El Kantare." During the day we came across
quantities of wheat that was being cut and carried, and observed many men
in the fields, but they were all Druses. They were the only able-bodied men
we had seen engaged in agriculture during the whole of our tour. The crops
were everywhere most abundant, and of excellent quality. Indian corn and
tobacco covered much land, and had likewise a most promising appearance.
Sir Moses now sent a messenger to Mr Kilbee, of Beyrout, requesting him
to engage a house for us. We started at four, and reached Bassatin towards
the evening, where we encamped for the night. On the road we met three
men, who were recognised as belonging to the sect of the Metouáli by the
peculiar turbans which they wore. Our guides begged them to let us have a
little water to drink, but this they refused to do. As it is a most unusual thing
in the East not to allow a traveller to quench his thirst, they were ultimately
compelled to hand us their jars of water, though not before some unpleasant
arguments as to their right of giving or withholding had taken place. Our
people, having slaked their thirst, returned the jars to the Metouális, who

took them, and immediately dashed them against the stones, where they
were shattered to pieces. The strangers assigned as their excuse for doing
so, that their religion forbade their using any vessel after it had been
touched by a person of a different creed.
July 4th.—We rose soon after midnight, and started at two o'clock. Our road
lay for some distance along the sands, close to the sea, and over rocks, from
which we obtained fine views of the distant mountains. We reached "Chadi"
at eight, and reposed there till 4 p.m., when we again set forward, and
proceeded as far as "Bir Khassan," a small tavern on the road side. Here we
recited a prayer of thanks for our safe return. A number of our brethren
came to meet us, and in their company we continued our journey to
Beyrout, which place we reached at eight o'clock. The afternoon's ride had
been extremely beautiful, our route taking us through what seemed a
succession of gardens. Sir Moses, however, felt very weak, and thought he
could not have endured another day's journey. We found a house, which had
formerly been inhabited by the Rev. Mr Thomson, comfortably prepared for
us.
Friday, July 5th.—Beyrout.—Sir Moses received a visit from the Governor
of the town, who said he was happy to see us safely returned, as he had
been uneasy on our account. "Indeed," he observed, "you displayed more
courage than prudence in attempting such a journey under existing
circumstances, and I am delighted to think you met with so little
inconvenience." He also gave us the official account he had received of the
victory. He said 12,000 prisoners had been captured, besides 140 pieces of
cannon, and 25,000 stands of arms, the killed and wounded on both sides
being 9000. The victory had been most decisive, and the whole of the
Turkish army was annihilated. "Before this battle," the Governor continued,
"the country was in a state little short of open rebellion. There being no
troops left to keep the Druses in check, they came down from the
mountains, and pillaged the towns at their pleasure. Many of the inhabitants
of Damascus and Safed fled to Beyrout and Acre for refuge."
The residence which Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore occupied was so
pleasant, that it contributed greatly towards their recovery from the fatigue
and excitement of the journey. The house stood very high, in the midst of a
beautiful garden. It was about three quarters of an hour's ride from the town,

and commanded beautiful views of the sea, the adjacent country, and the
mountains of Lebanon. The gardens in the neighbourhood were mostly
filled with mulberry trees (white) for the cultivation of silk-worms, and, at a
short distance, we noticed several sand hills. These hills move
progressively, and destroy the country in their course by burning the land
and trees. Of many fig trees only the tops remain visible. In the evening
several visitors belonging to the Hebrew community arrived, and joined in
divine service for the Sabbath.
July 6th.—The Austrian steamer from Jaffa arrived, bringing reports that
Russia had chartered 400 transports to convey 25,000 troops from Odessa
to Constantinople.
July 7th.—Many visitors came to offer their congratulations on our safe
return from the journey; among others, Mr Moore, the British Consul, who
told us that English, French, and Austrian steamers were expected with
further information respecting the political state of Egypt, Turkey, and
Syria.

CHAPTER XXIV.
1839.

ON BOARD THE ACHERON—SIR MOSES' PLANS ON BEHALF
OF THE JEWS IN PALESTINE—INTERVIEW WITH BOGHOZ
BEY—PROPOSED JOINT STOCK BANKS IN THE EAST.

Monday, July 8th.—We sent the greater part of our luggage on board the
Acheron, under the command of Captain Kennedy, and prepared to start at a
moment's notice. Sir Moses occupied himself with writing letters to Mr
Young, the British Consul at Jerusalem, to whom he sent money for
distribution among the indigent Christians of the Holy City, as well as for
their burial ground. To Mr Joseph Amsaleg he sent £500 for the poor of the
Hebrew communities, and to the Rev. Mr Thomson he sent a donation for
the Christian poor of Beyrout, as well as a souvenir for himself, in
consideration of the accommodation afforded to Sir Moses in his house. To
the poor of Safed he gave, through R. Moses Schmerling, 53,500 piastres,
and to those of Hebron he gave, through Nissan Drucker, 11,770 piastres,
being the amount he had promised for these two Holy Cities.
The following day Sir Moses concluded his arrangements with the
representatives of the Hebrew community in Beyrout, respecting the
distribution of his gifts for their Synagogue and poor. This being
accomplished, his work for the day was over.
"I am now anxious," said Sir Moses, "to have an interview with the Pasha at
Alexandria, for the purpose of claiming of his Highness security for the
persons and property of the Jews in Palestine, and particularly for those at
Safed and Tiberias where they are continually exposed to insult, robbery,
and murder. I have also several other requests to make of him, viz., that he
will order the walls of Tiberias to be repaired; that he will admit the
evidence of Jews in cases brought before the judges or governors of the
land; that he will permit land and villages to be rented on a lease of fifty
years, free from all taxes or claims of governors, the rent to be paid at

Alexandria; that he will allow me to send people to assist and instruct the
Jews in a better mode of cultivating land, the olive, the vine, cotton, and
mulberries, as well as the breeding of sheep; finally, that he will give me a
firman to open banks in Beyrout, Jaffa, Jerusalem, and Cairo. I sincerely
pray," he continued, "that my journey to the Holy Land may prove
beneficial to the Jews; not only to those who are already there, but to many
others who may come to settle in the Holy Cities, either from love for the
Land of Promise, or from a desire to quit countries where persecution
prevents their living in peace. I shall then be amply repaid for the fatigue
and anxiety of my journey."
July 10th.—Sir Moses had been extremely unwell on Tuesday and confined
to his room, but feeling a little better the next morning, he gave orders for
our immediate departure, as the English Consul had informed us of the
arrival of the Indian Mail Packet, adding that we must embark at once, as
the boat would get under weigh about noon. Having taken leave of all our
friends, we proceeded to the wharf, where Captain Kennedy's boat took us
on board the Acheron. We were under weigh at seven o'clock. The weather
was extremely sultry, and a terrible swell, with a head wind, contributed
greatly to the discomfort of all on board.
July 12th.—At five o'clock in the morning we had a sight of land off
Rosetta, and at half-past nine we passed the Egyptian fleet; fourteen ships
under full sail, standing to the east, about twelve miles from Alexandria.
They made a very imposing appearance. All had new sails; they kept an
equal distance ship from ship, a cable and a half's length apart (900 feet),
and formed an excellent line. The second ship, with a flag at the foremast,
was the Vice-Admiral's. The Admiral was in the centre of the line, which
consisted of eleven line of battleships with three tiers of guns, two large
frigates, and one large corvette. The Rear-Admiral's flag was at the mizzen
of the last ship. We anchored safely in the harbour of Alexandria at 11 a.m.
The men-of-war in the harbour were all dressed with flags, and over the
houses of the Consuls floated the flags of their several nations. The captain
took us on shore in his boat, and at one o'clock we reached the hotel. The
first news we learned on our arrival was that the Sultan was dead, and that
his son and successor had accorded the Dominion of Egypt to Mohhammad
Ali and his successors.

Sir Moses called on Colonel Campbell, but he had to wait some time before
seeing him, as the Colonel was with the Pasha. The Colonel willingly
consented to introduce Sir Moses to Boghoz Bey, and fixed four o'clock for
the purpose. Colonel Campbell said he would call for Sir Moses, and bring
one of his horses for him.
The Colonel was punctual, and we rode together to the residence of Boghoz
Bey. Sir Moses gave him his three requests in writing, and he promised to
lay them before Mohhammad Ali and explain them to him. The Bey
appeared well inclined to forward his requests, and offered to present him to
the Pasha either the same evening or the next morning. Sir Moses fixed nine
o'clock the next day, although Colonel Campbell wished it to be the same
evening, Sir Moses was, however, desirous that the Pasha should have time
to consider and talk over the matter with his minister before the interview,
and it being near Sabbath, he knew not how to get there.
July 13th.—We rose at five in the morning; recited the Sabbath morning
prayers. About half-past seven we proceeded to the Pasha's palace. The
Sardinian Consul kindly lent Sir Moses his sedan chair, the only one to be
found in Egypt at that time. We could not ride in a carriage on account of
the Sabbath. Sir Moses was in full uniform, and wore his Sheriff's chain.
The palace was situated about half-an-hour's distance from the Hotel de
l'Europe, and commanded an extensive view of both harbours, as well as
the outer roads. The Pasha's fleet was in full sail nearly opposite to his
window.
Sir Moses gives the following account of his interview with the Pasha:—
"I had to wait," he writes, "for Colonel Campbell in one of the attendance
rooms, being before the time I had appointed to meet him; he came very
punctually at nine o'clock. We were immediately admitted to the presence
of Mohhammad Ali. He received me standing, then taking his seat on the
divan, he motioned me to a seat on his right hand, Dr Loewe next to me,
and Colonel Campbell on the left of the Pasha. His Highness gave me a
very gracious reception, and spoke on each of my requests. Referring to the
one for renting land of him in Palestine, he said he had no land there, but
any contract I might make with the Mussulmans should have his approval,
and he would send it to Constantinople for confirmation.

"On repeating that I had been led to believe that his Highness possessed
land there, from information I had received when in the country, he replied
that if I could point out the parts belonging to him, I could have them.
"He said he would be glad to see the land better cultivated, and I might send
proper persons with agricultural implements.
"I then spoke to him on the subject of the Jews being admitted as witnesses
at Safed, Tiberias, and Hebron, in the same manner as in Jerusalem. He first
said that on account of their religion they could not be permitted to give
evidence against Mussulmans, but on my again repeating that they were so
permitted in Jerusalem, he replied that Jews and Christians should be
treated alike, and there should be no difference between them.
"I then spoke to him as to the rebuilding of the wall round the town of
Tiberias, which had been destroyed by the earthquake. I said there were
plenty of stones on the spot, and people willing to do the work free of
expense, as the inhabitants were at present so much exposed to robbers. At
first he misunderstood me, and asked which wall it was that the Jews
wished to repair. I explained to him that both Mussulmans and Jews were
equally anxious that the city wall should be repaired: both had written and
spoken to me on the subject whilst I was at Tiberias, begging me to
represent to him the present insecure state of the city; all that was required
was his order to have the work done. He said he would order a report to be
made immediately to him, and the wall repaired.
"I told him that in the cultivation of land, security was necessary for both
land and person, and I hoped they would have it. This he also promised.
"I then spoke of establishing joint stock banks with a capital of £1,000,000
sterling, with power to increase it, if necessary. His eyes sparkled at this; he
appeared delighted, and assured me the bank should have his protection,
and he should be happy to see it established.
"I mentioned the branches: Alexandria, Beyrout, Damascus, Jaffa,
Jerusalem, and Cairo.
"I said I was happy to see him looking so well; he did not appear to me
older than when I had the honour of being presented to him at Cairo in
1827. This is really the fact. I then congratulated him on the fine appearance

of his fleet, which I had passed yesterday. He replied, 'At present it is very
small.'
"I presented him with a bronze medal of our most gracious queen, struck by
the city of London to commemorate Her Majesty's visit to the Guildhall on
the 9th of November 1837. He appeared pleased, examined it attentively on
both sides, asked me if it was a good likeness of the Queen, then thanked
me for it. I took leave, and returned to the hotel the same way I came, being
followed the whole way by crowds of curious people.
"Boghoz Bey, the Pasha's Minister of Commerce, had read over and
explained my requests to him on, the previous evening, that he might be
fully aware of the object of my visit to him. Being anxious to have
Mohhammad Ali's answers in writing, which he said Boghoz Bey should
give me, as he had been present at our interview, I called on the Bey, but he
had not returned from the Palace.
"Between four and five I walked there with Dr Loewe. Boghoz Bey
received me most politely, and said as I had not put my signature to the
written requests, he could not give me an answer in writing, but he hoped I
was perfectly satisfied with what Mohhammad Ali had promised me this
morning. He added that as soon as I had made my several requests in
writing, and signed them, he would write me the answer, agreeably with the
Pasha's words, as he had accorded me all I required.
"I thanked him, and immediately after the conclusion of Sabbath I wrote,
and sent the several requests to Boghoz Bey, properly signed in the form of
letters."
Numbers of visitors came to pay their respects to Sir Moses and Lady
Montefiore, and offered congratulations on their safe return from Palestine.
Mr Waghorn (the originator of the short overland route between England
and India), read to Sir Moses the letters he had just addressed to Lord
Palmerston, Mr Hobhouse, and the Times newspaper on the subject. The
heat was intense, and we were so terribly persecuted by insects that the
pleasure of our interesting discussions was greatly marred. Sir Moses
indeed observed that he could not live in Egypt, even to be king of the land.

Sunday, July 14th.—A deputation from the Hebrew community, headed by
their Ecclesiastical Chief, and the representatives of their schools and
charitable institutions, waited on Sir Moses to report on the state of their
Synagogues, &c. Sir Moses, with his usual liberality, contributed towards
the funds of all their charities. He then requested me to wait on Boghoz Bey
to receive the letter which the minister had promised him. Accompanied by
Lady Montefiore, Sir Moses afterwards paid some visits, and took leave of
all who had called on them; and, this being accomplished, they proceeded
to the harbour, where a boat belonging to the Pasha was waiting to take
them on board the Acheron. The peculiar phraseology of the conversation I
held with Boghoz Bey, partly in Arabic and partly in Turkish, made it
desirable to give Sir Moses, on my return, an exact translation of it in
writing, but it may be briefly related as follows. After the usual exchange of
compliments, I endeavoured to obtain a definite answer to the letter
addressed by Sir Moses to the Pasha, but the Bey did not care to express
himself on any other subject than that of the proposed bank, and the
elaborate manner in which he sought to induce Sir Moses to establish the
bank without delay, the enticing promises of protection, patronage, and
personal profit which he held out, left no room for doubt as to the interest
he took in the scheme. I, on my part, enumerated in detail all the points to
which Sir Moses attached so much importance, and the concessions which
he asked in favour of religious toleration, justice, and the practice of
agriculture and the establishment of colonies. Upon my pressing for an
early reply, the Bey again endeavoured to gain time, and for that purpose
changed the subject by opening a religious discussion, taking for his theme
the interpretation of the prophet's words, "And the Eternal shall be King
over all the earth; on that day there shall be one Lord, and His name One."
He seemed to be under the impression that this would be an earthly king. I
soon succeeded in allaying his fears, and convincing him that the words of
the prophet Zachariah referred to the King of kings, the Almighty in
Heaven.
Eventually he fixed ten o'clock as the time for receiving my reply, and after
a repetition of the customary Eastern complimentary phrases I withdrew.
It had struck me that the strange question the minister had put to me
regarding the expectation of having one King over all the world, had been
brought to his mind by the promoters of the colony which he told me

intended to settle in Syria. Possibly they might have been informed of Sir
Moses' plans, and made some remarks which had come to the ears of the
minister. I therefore deemed it right to reassure him on the subject, so that
no one should for a moment be led to believe that Sir Moses had any other
object in view than that distinctly stated in his letter to the Pasha.
I went once more to Boghoz Bey, but not finding him at home, proceeded at
once to the Palace. On my arrival there, I went to the secretary's hall and
wrote a few lines, stating that I had come to see His Excellency Boghoz
Bey for the promised reply, intending to send it in to him, notwithstanding
his being with the Pasha. As I was in the act of handing the note to one of
the attendants, the minister came out saying, "Come, my friend,
immediately with me to His Highness." After having made my first and
second bow, Boghoz Bey said to the Pasha, "This is the very person,"
alluding probably to the subject of their recent conversation.
The Pasha smiled. Artim Bey then said, "You will hear word for word just
as I said to you yesterday."
The Pasha—"I received the letter from Sir Moses just this very moment,
that is, the official letter, and I shall send him two letters in reply, one which
will reach him when he will be performing quarantine in Malta;
acknowledging the receipt of his letter, and informing him that I will take
steps to ascertain all particulars respecting the land he wishes to take on
lease; but with regard to the protection of the people, the admission of
evidence given by Jewish witnesses, and the repair of the wall of Tiberias, I
shall immediately give orders. The latter shall be done, whether the stones
and materials are to be found there or not, whether people will come
forward willing to work or not; all will be done. I shall also write to Sir
Moses in the same letter respecting the establishment of banks; all will be
satisfactory. The second letter, in which all particulars respecting the
contract, and the pointing out of land which belongs to me, or which I shall
have to take for Sir Moses from others, he will receive as soon as we shall
have obtained all the required information. Be sure of all I have told you."
I thereupon said: "But perhaps His Highness would be so gracious as to
give me even these few words in writing."

Upon this both Boghoz Bey and Artim Bey at once began: "My dear L.,
yesterday was your Sabbath and to-day is ours; I know you are strict in the
observance of your religious tenets, therefore we beg you will not insist on
our writing."
The Pasha smiled, so did all present. Boghoz Bey made several
observations to the Pasha respecting our conversation of yesterday. Having
expressed my thanks to the Pasha, in the name of Sir Moses, I withdrew
from his presence.
At 3 p.m. the Acheron left the harbour. Our bill of health from Alexandria
stated, "With regard to the health of the place, occasional cases of plague
occur in this town." This was signed by John Wingfield Larking, Her
Britannic Majesty's Consul. We were naturally all glad to quit the place.

CHAPTER XXV.
1839.

ARRIVAL AT MALTA—HOME AGAIN—BOGHOZ BEY RETURNS
NO ANSWER—TOUCHING APPEAL FROM THE PERSECUTED
JEWS OF DAMASCUS AND RHODES—REVIVAL OF THE OLD
CALUMNY ABOUT KILLING CHRISTIANS TO PUT THEIR
BLOOD IN PASSOVER CAKES.

July 18th.—About ten o'clock at night we entered the quarantine harbour at
Malta, where we were ordered to remain till August 7th. To be confined for
twenty days, during the hot summer months, with three hundred pilgrims, at
Fort Manoel, was already a cause of great discomfort to Sir Moses and
Lady Montefiore, but the circumstances were here made especially painful
to them by the loss of a faithful servant, whose death occurred during their
stay in the Lazaretto. In addition to this they received news that the Turkish
fleet had been delivered up to Mohhammad Ali, in Alexandria, by
Kapoudan Pasha; that the Sultan was dead, and 150,000 Russian troops had
arrived at Constantinople. This change in the political horizon frustrated
almost all Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore's hopes of seeing their schemes
for the amelioration of the condition of Syria realised. There was no chance
now of receiving letters from Mohhammad Ali.
August 6th.—The captain of the Lazaretto was there before five o'clock in
the morning to give us pratique. Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore went to
the Synagogue, presented some ornaments for the Ark, and various gifts to
the officers. They also called on the Governor, and after paying visits to Sir
Hector Grey and their many other friends, went on board our steamer the
Lycurgus.
August 7th.—About twelve o'clock the steamer moved out of the harbour,
and we all bade farewell to the island. On Saturday we cast anchor in the
roads of Leghorn. When leaving that place, Sir Moses remained looking at
the city as long as it continued in sight. "Heaven only knows," he said,

"whether I have seen the place of my birth for the last time; the state of my
health and my age would lead me to believe that I can scarcely hope to visit
it again. May peace, happiness, and prosperity attend my relatives and all its
other inhabitants!"
August 11th.—At Marseilles, Sir Moses visited the gas-works, and
expressed great pleasure at seeing the new gas holder and coal shed nearly
finished. In the evening he invited all the gentlemen connected with the
Imperial Continental Gas Association to take tea with him.
August 13th.—We left Marseilles and proceeded viâ Aix, Avignon, Valence,
and Lyons to Châlons. Here we had an instance of the great attention which
Sir Moses invariably paid to everything he saw. Having noticed a man
lighting the street lamps without the aid of a ladder, he sent for the man to
come to our hotel, desiring him to bring with him the long stick he had used
in lighting the lamps. The man came and showed it to him; it had a small
lantern near the top, and was furnished with a hook. In explaining its use
the man pointed out that the burners had no taps but valves, which were
raised or lowered by the hook. "It appears to me," said Sir Moses, "a very
simple and neat contrivance, a saving of time, and consequently expense,
both in lighting and extinguishing the flame." He requested me to make an
exact drawing of the stick, with the lantern and hook attached to it, and
before leaving the hotel, made the man promise to bring him one of the
burners to look at.
Thursday, August 22nd.—We reached Paris. Baron Anselm de Rothschild,
who had been with the King at Eu, told Sir Moses that the Pasha had
refused to give up the Turkish fleet, and the King would not compel him.
Sir Moses called on Mr Bulwer, who informed him that the King would
probably be in Paris in five or six days, and wished Sir Moses to remain
there, so as to be presented to him. Mr Bulwer also promised to take him to
an evening party, to be given on September 3rd by Marshal Soult. But Sir
Moses was longing to return to England, and would not prolong his stay.
August 30th.—We left the French capital for Beauvais, where we remained
over Sabbath. On Sunday we proceeded to Boulogne, and on Thursday,
September 5th, we arrived safely at Dover. Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore
continued their journey on the same day to Ramsgate, where they arrived in

time to be present at the evening service in their Synagogue, and to offer up
fervent thanks to the Most High for their safe return after so long an
absence and so dangerous an excursion. The next day they left Ramsgate
for Richmond, where they were received with most tender affection by their
mother, sisters, and brothers, and every member of their family.
On their return their correspondence with the East increased rapidly, and
engaged much of their attention. Messengers frequently arrived from
Jerusalem to entreat them to do what they possibly could to improve the
condition of the Jews there. Both Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore took great
pleasure in relieving, as far as in their power, every deserving case.
At the end of December Sir Moses thought he might, without impropriety,
remind His Excellency Boghoz Bey, Minister of Finance in Egypt, of the
promise the Viceroy had made him, when he was at Alexandria, respecting
the purchase of land in Syria, and the establishment of banks there and in
Egypt. He addressed a letter to Boghoz Bey, recapitulating all the
particulars which he had verbally explained to him and the Pasha.
Weeks and months passed, and no reply came from Egypt. Sir Moses
meanwhile occupied himself with other subjects, thinking that perhaps
another and more favourable opportunity might present itself for bringing
the matter forward again. His duties in connection with his financial
companies took up his time till about the month of March, when the report
of an outrage in the East roused sorrow and indignation in the heart of every
upright man.
In a letter from the Elders of the Hebrew community in Constantinople,
addressed to Messrs de Rothschild in London, dated March the 27th, 1840,
we read:—
"Independently of the tie which so strongly binds together the whole Jewish
community, of which you, gentlemen, are distinguished ornaments, having
always been prominent in assisting our distressed brethren, whose appeals
to you are not infrequent, your hearts cannot but be greatly moved to
sympathise with two Jewish communities (viz., that of Damascus, under the
Egyptian jurisdiction, and that of Rhodes, one of the Ottoman States)
oppressed by the tyrannies of the Pashas who govern them.

"These persecutions originated in calumnies, which the oppressors
themselves have invented, and which have been long rankling in their
hearts, to the prejudice of the Jewish community. Our brethren are accused
of being accomplices in murder, in order to make their Passover cakes with
the blood of the murdered men—a thing in itself incredible, as being
forbidden in our holy religion. This report has, however, found credence
with the governing Pashas of Damascus and Rhodes, and they have
oppressed and incarcerated not only several old men and Rabbins, but even
a number of children, putting them to tortures, of which it makes men
shudder to hear. Such is the afflicting picture drawn in the letters of our
persecuted brethren, of which, with deep regret, we hand you copies.
"The community now addressing you, although implored by the sufferers to
put an end to these persecutions, and to prevent, if possible, their
recurrence, is deeply grieved to find itself incapacitated from affording any
relief, in consequence of being subject to a Government not on friendly
terms with the Pasha of Egypt.
"There remain, therefore, no means of salvation for the oppressed, except
an appeal to your innate goodness and pity. We entreat you to interpose
your valuable mediation, in such manner and with such persons as you may
deem most desirable, for the safety of our unhappy brethren languishing in
chains and in prison, so as to obtain, from the Pasha of Egypt, the liberation
of the Jews of Damascus, and a compensation, not only from the governing
Pasha of Damascus, commensurate with the excesses committed by him,
but also from the Consular Agents at Rhodes, who have oppressed persons
not subject to them.
"We, the Rabbins and Elders of this place, impressed with the urgency of
the case, and moved by compassion for our brethren, and further induced by
the report which is current throughout the world, of the generous and
philanthropic sentiments which animate you and fill your hearts, ever open
to the miseries of the oppressed, feel persuaded that you will exert
yourselves to do all you possibly can, in these distressing circumstances.
"(Signed) I. Camondo.
Salamon Qm. Mco. Fua.
Samuel de N. Treves.

"The Jews of Damascus, addressing Messrs Abram Conorte and Aaron
Cohen, Elders of the Congregation at Constantinople, after expressing their
wishes for their health, say as follows:—
"To our deep regret, we address you these few lines to inform you of the
continued state of misery in which our brethren, inhabitants of Damascus,
still remain, as communicated to you in my letter of the 17th of Adar
(February), forwarded to you by the steam-packet. We had hoped to advise
you in this letter that the circumstances of the murder, respecting which the
Jewish community were calumniated, had been ascertained, but in this hope
we have been sadly disappointed. We will now, therefore, repeat everything
in detail, and it is this:—
"On Wednesday, the 1st day of the month of Adar (February) there
disappeared from Damascus a priest, who with his servant had dwelt for
forty years in the city. He exercised the profession of physician, and visited
the houses of Catholics, Jews, and Armenians, for the purpose of
vaccination.
"The day following, viz., Thursday, there came people into the Jewish
quarter to look for him, saying they had seen both him and his servant in
that quarter on the previous day. In order to put into execution their
conspiracy they seized a Jewish barber, telling him that he must know all
about the matter, and took him to the Governor, who on hearing the
accusation, immediately ordered him to receive five hundred stripes. He
was also subjected to other cruelties. During the intervals between these
inflictions he was urged to accuse all the Jews as accomplices, and he,
thinking by this means to relieve himself, accused Messrs David, Isaac, and
Aaron Harari, Joseph Legnado, Moses Abulafia, Moses Becar Juda, and
Joseph Harari, as accomplices, who had offered him three hundred piastres
to murder the above mentioned priest, inasmuch as the Passover holidays
were approaching, and they required blood for their cakes. He said that he
did not, however, give ear to their instigations, and did not know what had
happened to the priest and his servant. Upon this the Pasha caused the
persons named to be arrested as instigators, and punished with blows and
other torments of the most cruel nature; but as they were innocent they
could not confirm as true that which was a calumny, and therefore, in
contradiction, they asserted their innocence, appealing to the sacred

writings, which strictly prohibit the Jews from feeding upon any blood,
much less that of a fellow-creature, a thing totally repugnant to nature.
Nevertheless they were imprisoned with chains round their necks, and had
daily inflicted on them the most severe beatings and cruelties, and were
compelled to stand upright without food of any kind for fifty hours together.
"Subsequently the Hebrew butchers were cited to appear; they were put in
chains together with the Rabbins Jacob Antubi, Salomon Harari, and Asaria
Jalfon; and they too were beaten to such an extent that their flesh hung in
pieces upon them; and these atrocities were perpetrated in order to induce
them to confess that they used blood in making the Passover cakes. They
replied that, if such had been the case, many Jewish proselytes would have
published the fact. This, however, was not sufficient.
"After this, the same Governor went to the boy's college; he had the boys
carried to prison, bound them with chains, and forbade the mothers to visit
their imprisoned children, to whom only ten drachms of bread and a cup of
water per day were allowed, the Governor expecting that the fathers, for the
sake of liberating their children, would confess the truth of the matter.
"Subsequently a Jew, who was still at liberty, presented himself before the
Governor, stating that the calumny of our using blood for our Passover
cakes had been discussed before all the Powers, who, after consulting their
divines, had declared the falsehood of the charge; and he added that either
others had killed the priest and his servant, or they had clandestinely
absented themselves from the country, and that the barber, in order to save
himself from persecution, had stated that which, was not true.
"Upon this the Governor replied that, as he had accused other persons of
killing them, he must know who the murderers were; and in order that he
should confess, he was beaten to such an extent that he expired under the
blows.
"After this, the Governor, with a body of six hundred men, proceeded to
demolish the houses of his Jewish subjects, hoping to find the bodies of the
dead, but not finding anything, he returned, and again inflicted on his
victims further castigations and torments, some of them too cruel and
disgusting to be described. At last, being incapable of bearing further
anguish, they said that the charge was true!!!

"The Governor, hearing this statement, asked them where they had secreted
the blood of the murdered men, to which one of them replied, that it had
been put into a bottle, and delivered to Moses Abulafia, who, however,
declared he knew nothing of it. In order to make him confess he received a
thousand stripes, but this infliction not extorting any confession from him,
he was subjected to other insupportable tortures, which at length compelled
him to declare that the bottle was at home in a chest of drawers. Upon this
the Governor ordered him to be carried on the shoulders of four men (for he
could not walk), that he might open the bureau. This was opened, but
nothing was found in it, except a quantity of money which the Governor
seized, asking at the same time where the blood was. Whereupon Abulafia
replied that he made the statement in order that the Governor should see the
money in the bureau, trusting by this means to escape. Upon this the
tortures were again repeated, and Abulafia, to save himself, embraced the
Mohammedan religion.
"In this manner they treated all the prisoners who have been for one month
in this misery. In Beyrout and in Damascus the Jews are not permitted to go
out.
"After this an individual came forward, and stated that by means of
astrology he had discovered and ascertained that the seven individuals
above named assassinated the priest, and that the servant was killed by
Raphael Farkhi, Nathan and Aaron Levy, Mordecai Farkhi, and Asher of
Lisbon. The two first were immediately arrested, the others, it appears,
sought safety in flight.
"You will judge from this—the Elders of Damascus say—what sort of
justice is administered by means of astrology, and how such justice is
exercised. And there is no one who is moved to compassion in favour of the
unfortunate victims. Even Bekhor Negri, the Governor's banker, unable to
bear these afflictions, became a Mussulman.
"Read this, dearest friends,—they continue,—to Messrs Camondo, Hatteni,
and Carmona, in order that they may co-operate for the safety of our
unfortunate and calumniated brethren, with such persons as they may deem
most fitting.

"The Jews of Rhodes describe their state of misery to the elders of the
congregation in Constantinople in the following statement:—
"A Greek boy, about ten years old, son of an inhabitant of the country, is
said to have been lost, and the Christians have calumniated us by saying
that we have killed him. All the European Consuls came forward to demand
an elucidation of the affair. They went in a body, with the exception of the
Austrian Consul, to the Pasha, and requested that he would entrust to them
the conduct of the business, which request the Pasha granted. They then
summoned before them two Greek women who dwelt near the city, who
stated that on Tuesday some Jews were passing from the villages to the city,
and that one of them had a Greek boy with him. The Consuls immediately
cited the Jew to appear before them, and questioned him on the subject. He
replied that he could prove that during the whole of Tuesday he was in the
village, and did not come into the city until Wednesday. He added,
moreover, that even if this boy did enter the city by that road, and at the
time the Jews were going into it, it ought not therefore to be believed that
the Jews had killed him, as the road was the chief and public thoroughfare
through which any one might pass.
"These reasons were not admitted by the Consuls, and the unfortunate Jew
was immediately put in irons, and tortured in a manner never yet seen or
heard of. Having been loaded with chains, many stripes were inflicted on
him, red hot wires were run through his nose, burning bones applied to his
head, and a heavy stone was laid upon his breast, so that he was reduced to
the point of death; all this time his tormentors were accusing him, saying,
'You have stolen the Greek boy, to deliver him up to the Rabbi—confess at
once, if you wish to save yourself."
"Their object was to calumniate our Rabbi, and to take vengeance on all the
community; and they stated openly that this was done for the purpose of
exterminating the Jews in Rhodes, or to compel them to change their
religion, so that they might be able to boast in Europe of having converted
an entire community.
"Meanwhile the poor Jew cried out in the midst of these torments, praying
for death as a relief, to which they replied, that he must confess to whom he
had given the boy, and then he should be immediately set at liberty. The

poor Jew, oppressed by tortures beyond endurance, resorted to falsehood in
order to save himself. He calumniated first one and then another, but many
whom he accused had been absent from the town some time, which clearly
proved that his assertions had no other object than to free himself from
these tortures. Nevertheless all those who could be found were immediately
imprisoned, and subjected to insupportable torments, to extort from them
the confession that they had delivered the boy to the Chief Rabbi, or to the
elders of the community, and night and day they were tormented, because
they would not accuse innocent persons. Meanwhile, goaded by continual
tortures, these poor creatures cried out and prayed that they might be killed
rather than be subjected to the endurance of such anguish; especially seven
of them, who anxiously courted death, and indeed were all but dead in
consequence of these tortures. To increase the misery, the Jewish quarter
was closed and surrounded by guards, in order that none might go out, or
learn what had happened to their unfortunate brethren.
"You must know—they say—that during the day at such times as there is no
one in the Jewish quarter, the Christians are going about endeavouring
clandestinely to leave the dead body of a Turk or Christian in the court of
some Jewish house, for the purpose of having the individual brought before
the Governor, in order to give a colouring to their calumny. Such is the
misery that weighs upon our hearts and blinds our eyes. We have even been
refused the favour of presenting a petition to the Pasha of the city.
"After three days spent in this wretchedness, they refused even to supply us
with bread in our quarter, for our families shut up with us; but by dint of
entreaty we have obtained, as a favour, the supply at high prices of salt fish
and black bread.
"From what we can gather from the Europeans who are about the Pasha, he
acts in concert with the Consuls, as he has done from the beginning. We
except the Austrian Consul, who at first endeavoured to protect us, but who
was at length compelled to join with the multitude."

CHAPTER XXVI.
1840.

INDIGNATION MEETINGS IN LONDON—M. CRÉMIEUX—LORD
PALMERSTON'S ACTION—SIR MOSES STARTS ON A MISSION
TO THE EAST—ORIGIN OF THE PASSOVER CAKE
SUPERSTITION.

These communications, together with all the letters which had been
addressed to Sir Moses on the same subject, were submitted to the
consideration of the Board of Deputies and others at a meeting held at
Grosvenor Gate, Park Lane, the residence of Sir Moses.
There were present—Mr Joseph Gutteres Henriques, President; Baron de
Rothschild, Sir Moses Montefiore, Messrs Moses Mocatta, I. L. Goldsmid,
Jacob Montefiore, Isaac Cohen, Henry H. Cohen, Samuel Bensusan, Dr
Loewe, Messrs Louis Lucas, A. A. Goldsmid, Louis Cohen, H. de Castro,
Haim Guedalla, Simon Samuel, Joel Davis, David Salamons, Abraham
Levy, Jonas Levy, Laurence Myers, Solomon Cohen, Barnard van Oven,
M.D., S. J. Waley, and F. H. Goldsmid.
The following resolutions were unanimously adopted:—
"That this meeting has learned with extreme concern and disgust that there
have been lately revived in the East those false and atrocious charges, so
frequently brought against the Jews during the middle ages, of committing
murders in order to use the blood of the murdered as an ingredient in the
food during the religious ceremony of Passover, charges which, in those
times, repeatedly served as a pretext for the robbery and massacre of
persons of the Jewish faith, but which have long disappeared from this part
of the world, with the fierce and furious prejudices that gave them birth.
"That this meeting is anxious to express its horror at finding that, on the
ground of these abominable calumnies, numbers of Jews have been seized

at Damascus and at Rhodes; that many children have been imprisoned, and
almost totally deprived of food; that of the adults seized, several have been
tortured till they died, and others have been sentenced to death, and, it is
believed, executed, although the only evidence of their guilt was the
pretended confessions wrung by torture from their alleged accomplices.
"That this meeting earnestly request the Governments of England, France,
and Austria to remonstrate with those Governments under which these
atrocities have taken place, against their continuance.
"That this meeting confidently relies on the sympathy and humanity of the
British nation to exert its influence and authority to stay such abominable
proceedings, and that the President, Joseph Gutteres Henriques, Esq.; The
Baron de Rothschild, Sir Moses Montefiore, and Messrs I. L. Goldsmid,
Jacob Montefiore, David Salamons, A. A. Goldsmid, and F. H. Goldsmid do
form a deputation to request a conference on the subject with Her Majesty's
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
"That these resolutions be advertised in the newspapers."
A letter was read from the Rev. Dr Hirschel, Chief Rabbi, expressive of his
regret that his infirmities prevented his attendance at the meeting, and
declaring his concern at the revival of such false and calumnious assertions,
and his horror at such atrocious cruelties.
The meeting was attended by Monsieur Crémieux, Vice-President of the
Consistoire Central des Israelites Français, who addressed the meeting,
expressing his concurrence and sympathy in its proceedings.
On April 30th the Committee proceeded to Downing Street, and were most
kindly received by Lord Palmerston. He promised to use his influence with
Mohhammad Ali and the Turkish Government to put a stop to such
atrocities. Sir Moses mentioned on this occasion, when Lord Palmerston
was speaking of his visit to Palestine, Mr Young's humanity at Jerusalem,
and also the fact that the Jews were desirous of being employed in
agricultural pursuits.
On June 15th at a meeting of the Deputies and Representatives of all the
Synagogues, including the Rev. Dr Hirschel, Rev. D. Meldola, Monsieur
Crémieux, and Rev. D. Bibas, Sir Moses was requested to proceed, with

Monsieur Crémieux, to Alexandria and Damascus, to which request he
acceded.
On June 23rd he attended a meeting at the Great Synagogue, where the
resolutions adopted at the previous meeting (June 15th) were confirmed,
and he declared his readiness to go.
On the 24th of June he went with Baron Lionel de Rothschild to the Foreign
Office. Lord Palmerston was most friendly, and read to them the despatches
to Colonel Hodges and Lord Ponsonby. That to Colonel Hodges was most
strongly worded, calling on him to address Mohhammad Ali in writing to
urge him to compensate the sufferers and remove those officers who had
misconducted themselves in Damascus. Lord Palmerston further said he
would give Sir Moses letters to Colonel Hodges, telling him to afford him
every protection and assistance, and desiring him to apply to Mohhammad
Ali to give him (Sir Moses) every facility for the investigation of the affair.
His Lordship also added that he would give him any other letters he might
require.
On Friday, July 3rd, there was a crowded and enthusiastic meeting in the
Egyptian Hall at the Mansion House, of bankers, merchants, and many
influential and learned British Christians, for the purpose of expressing their
sympathy with the Israelites, and their earnest wishes for the success of Sir
Moses Montefiore previous to his starting on the mission to the East. Mr
Alderman Thompson took the chair. The principal speakers were the Lord
Mayor, Sir Chapman Marshall, J. Abel Smith, John Masterman, S. Gurney,
Sir Charles Forbes, Dr Bowring, Daniel O'Connell, and the Hon. and Rev.
Noel. The result of the meeting was highly satisfactory.
In the interval between these meetings Sir Moses attended the Queen's
Drawing-Room, and was most graciously addressed there by Prince George
of Cambridge, who said he was glad to see him, and reminded him of his
having met him at Malta.
At a meeting of the Board of Deputies on the 26th Sir Moses was
unanimously elected their president, on the resignation of Mr J. H.
Henriques. He attended the annual festival dinner of the Jews' Hospital,
when the Duke of Sussex presided. On the 11th of June he went to the
Merchant Taylors' Hall to meet the Duke of Cambridge and Prince George,

the latter being made an honorary member of the Company. Taking special
interest in the abolition of slavery, Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore both
attended the grand meeting of the Society for the Abolition of the Slave
Trade, when Prince Albert took the chair and addressed the company. On
June 15th he was present at a meeting of the Board of Deputies of the
British Jews, and agreed to the addresses of congratulation prepared by the
Hon. Secretary, to be sent to Her Majesty, Prince Albert, and the Duchess of
Kent, on the occasion of the escape of the Queen from the attempt made on
her life in the Park on the 10th of June. The address to Her Majesty was
subsequently presented by him, as President of the Board of Deputies,
accompanied by four other gentlemen, at St James' Palace; and Sir Moses
was then presented to the Queen by the Duke of Norfolk, on his going to
the East. The next day Sir Moses and the same four gentlemen presented the
address to the Duchess of Kent, who received them most amiably, and
enquired particularly after Sir Moses' health. He then proceeded with them
to Buckingham Palace, and presented the address to Prince Albert, who also
received them very graciously.
Sir Moses, as the representative of the Jews in the British Empire, now
commenced making his arrangements for the departure of the Mission, and
Monsieur Crémieux, as representative of the Jews in France, took similar
steps.
Sir Moses selected for his companions Mr D. W. Wire (his former under-
Sheriff and afterwards Lord Mayor of London), Dr Madden, a distinguished
author and well-known traveller in the East, and myself.
Monsieur Crémieux engaged as his companion Monsieur Solomon Munk, a
distinguished savant of Paris.
Before I proceed to give the account of the present mission, as taken from
the entries in Sir Moses' diary and from my own personal observation, I
deem it necessary to direct the attention of the reader to the origin of
accusations similar to those made at Damascus, which were brought against
the Jews in former times; and to point out the reason why, even to this day,
they are not without effect in some of the most enlightened countries.
Tertullianus (J. Septimus Florens), one of the Fathers of the Church, who
lived in the second century, complains in his work entitled "Apologet.

advers. gentes" (chap. 8), of the adherents to the religion to which he
himself belonged being accused of sacrificing and eating children. Upon
which, Pamelius, in his commentary on the same chapter (which he
dedicated to Philip II. and Pope Gregory VIII.), observes, that the
accusation has its origin in the misunderstanding of the sense of all those
passages in the New Testament which refer to the Agapes. These verses
have been taken by the uninitiated in their literal sense.
The heathens at that time asserted that the Christians used human blood at
their Passover. Thus we find the origin of that horrible accusation in the first
three centuries of the Christian era; not until the thirteenth century was it
brought against the Jews, viz., in the year 1235 in Fulda, 1250 in Spain,
1264 in London, 1283 in Bachrach, Moravia, 1285 in Munich.
If these charges were true, it might be asked, how is it that the Jews, who
celebrated the Passover festival fifteen hundred years before the Christian
era, had never been accused of such a crime before? The answer to this
question is to be found in the history of the thirteenth century.
It was in this century, when fanaticism and hatred of race prevailed, and
when persecutions for witchcraft and the burning of heretics and sorcerers
were of frequent occurrence, that it appeared opportune to bring against the
Jews the same accusation which had been formerly brought against the
ancestors of their accusers, viz., the using of Christian blood for the
Passover. The wealth of the Jews in several parts of Europe, as well as the
high position to which they were raised in Spain by the rulers of the land,
had aroused the jealousy of their adversaries. The unfounded nature of the
accusation against them was so palpable that the heads of the Church
deemed it necessary to defend and protect them. Thus Pope Innocent IV.
published a Bull on the 5th of July 1247, addressed to the heads of the
Church in France and Germany, officially refuting the demoniacal
accusation (S. Baronitas Annales eccles. ad annum 1247, No. 84). I give
here a translation of it in order to afford the reader the opportunity of
acquainting himself with the contents of that important document:—

"Lyons, 3rd July 1248.
"Pope Innocent, the servant of the servants of God, sends his apostolic
greeting and blessing to the right reverend Fathers, Bishops, and
Archbishops in Germany.
"We have received from Germany the sad news that in your towns and
dioceses there is a wish to despoil the Jews, in an illegal manner, of their
property, and that, for this purpose, malicious counsels and different false
accusations are brought against them. Without considering that they were,
in a certain way, entrusted with the care of the Christian faith; that the
command of Holy Scripture, 'Thou shalt not commit murder,' was given to
them; and that, by their law, they are forbidden to touch corpses on the
Passover, they are accused of eating in company the heart of a murdered
child, and if the dead body of any human being is found, they are believed
to be the murderers, although such practices are in direct contradiction to
their laws. By such false accusations they are oppressed, and deprived of all
their goods, although they have never been brought before any judge and
found guilty, in spite of the privileges graciously granted them by the
Apostolic Chair. This is against all human and divine law, and brings these
said Jews into a worse condition than that of their forefathers under the
Pharaohs of Egypt, and forces them, in their misery, to leave the places
where their fathers had been settled from time immemorial. In their fear of
being exterminated entirely, they have sought the protection of the
Apostolic Chair, and we hereby forbid every unjust oppression of the said
Jews, whose conversion we trust to the mercy of God, according to the
promise of the Prophet, that those of them who remain shall be saved; and
we commend them to you, our brethren, through this Apostolic letter, that
you may show favour to them, and help them to their right, when they have
been unjustly imprisoned; and that you in no case permit them to be
oppressed for the said or similar causes. Those who are guilty of molesting
them in this way are to be punished by doing penance in the Church,
without regard to their station.
"Given at Lyons, on the 3rd of July, in the fifth year of our Pontificate."
In 1275 the Emperor Rudolf of Hapsburgh confirmed this Bull, in a decree,
sealed with his great seal, which is still to be seen in the Archives of the

Town of Cologne. The title of this decree is, "I, Rudolphus, Rex Rom., do
hereby confirm the privileges granted to the Jews by Popes Gregory and
Innocent, and declare to be untrue, that which some Christians say, that they
do eat the heart of a dead child on the day of their Passover."
The contents of this decree are a literal translation of the Bull given above.
Another Bull issued by Gregory, says, amongst other things:—
"Gregory, &c.... Following the example set us by our predecessors of
blessed memory, Calixt, Cugen, Alexander, Cölöstin, Honorius, and
Gregory, we agree to the prayer of the Jews, and will hold the shield of our
protection over them. We also strictly forbid, that any Christian force them,
against their will, to be baptised, as only those can be considered as
Christians who, from their own free will, accept baptism. Nor shall any
Christian dare, without a judgment from us, to wound or to kill them, to
deprive them of their money, or in any way to molest them in the privileges
granted to them in the places where they live."
The Emperor concludes his decree with the following words: "We confirm
and permit, in our Royal mercy, by this act to the said Jews, all and
everything which was granted and given to them by the Roman Popes, so
that they may live securely under the shadow of our protection, and that
they shall not be condemned, in any case whatever, unless properly judged
and found guilty by the righteous testimony of Jews and Christians."
Considering that M. Achille Laurent has published a book, in which he
presumes to give what he calls a "Procédure complète dirigée en 1840
contre des Juifs de Damas,"—a book which is replete with outbursts of
hatred against the Jews, and has, since its publication, unfortunately served
almost as a text-book in the hands of their adversaries,—I think it desirable,
in addition to the declaration of the Pope given above, to introduce to the
reader the names of some eminent Christian scholars, who have but recently
(since the accusations of Kohling and Geza roused the attention of the
public) expressed their opinion in the works they have published; some of
which were written by the special order of the Courts of Law in Austria, and
the Universities of Amsterdam, Leyden, Utrecht, and Copenhagen.
The Right Rev. Bishop Dr Kopp, of Fulda; the Right. Rev. Dr J. H.
Reinkens, in Bonn; Professor Dr Franz Delitzsch; Professor Dr A. Dillman;

Professor Dr G. Ebers; Professor Dr H. L. Fleischer, in Leipzig; Professor
Dr H. Kalkar, in Copenhagen; Professor Dr Paul de Lagarde, in Göttingen;
Professor Dr Merx, in Heidelberg; Dr Alois Muller, in Vienna; Professor Dr
Th. Nöldecke, in Straszburg; Professor Dr Riehm, Professor Dr Carl
Siegfried of Vienna, Professor Dr B. Stade of Gieszen, Professor Dr
Sommer of Königsberg, Professor Dr Strack of Berlin, and Dr August
Wunsche of Dresden.
A book entitled, "Christliche Zeugnisse gegen die Blutbeschuldigung der
Juden," published by Walther and Apolant, Berlin, 1882, gives a
compilation of all the statements on the subject made by these authors, all
proving the accusation to be a calumny.
To take possession of the wealth accumulated by the industrious and sober
habits of the Jews, and to deprive them of the important positions which
they had, by their uprightness and ability, obtained, was the object their
adversaries had in view in raising this accusation in the thirteenth century,
and the same object can be traced in the persecutions which, in the present
century, in some parts of the world, continue to affect individuals, and
sometimes even whole communities.
July 7th.—We proceeded to the London Bridge Wharf, where we were met
by the members of the Ecclesiastical Courts, both of the German and
Portuguese congregations, and many others of our brethren. "I should
think," Sir Moses observes in his diary, "there were more than one hundred
Jews waiting to see us set off, all giving us their blessing, and wishing us
health, success, and a safe return. May the Almighty hearken to their
prayers, and grant their petition."
It was blowing very hard when we reached Gravesend, and we determined
to land, which was not effected without some difficulty and inconvenience.
Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore were much fatigued, having spent nearly
the whole of the previous night in writing letters and arranging various
important matters relative to the Mission.
July 8th.—We went on board the Arrow a little before eight, and reached
the French coast before eleven o'clock. The weather being squally and the
sea rough, we and several others remained on board till the vessel could

enter the port. We came to anchor, and continued to roll about till half-past
four, when we landed in safety.
Thursday, July 9th.—Found our carriages, and servants all well at
Boulogne, and ready to receive us. Having taken some refreshment, we
proceeded to Abbeville, and travelled all night, arriving shortly after mid-
day in Paris.
During our stay there we had frequent interviews with the members of the
Rothschild family, who took a deep interest in our Mission. A meeting of
the Consistoire de France on the subject was held at the house of Baron
Anselm de Rothschild, which I attended together with Dr Loewe and Mr
Wire. Monsieur Crémieux made a fervent appeal to all present, and the
result was very satisfactory. We left Paris on the 13th July, together with Dr
Madden, who had come from London to join us. Monsieur and Madame
Crémieux joined our party at Avignon, and together we reached Marseilles
on the 20th. The Grand Rabbin, with the principal members of the
community, immediately came to welcome us; afterwards we went on board
the Minos to inspect our cabins.
Tuesday, July 31st.—Repaired early in the morning to the Synagogue, and
prayed for the safety and success of our Mission. At 4.30 p.m. we went on
board the Minos; Messrs Palmer and Taylor, of the Imperial Continental
Gas Association, accompanied us. Mr Moore, the Queen's messenger, and
Mr Doyle, of the Chronicle, were fellow passengers. The wind blew very
fresh when first we started, but the evening was very fine.

CHAPTER XXVII.
1840.

ARRIVAL AT LEGHORN—ALEXANDRIA—SIR MOSES'
ADDRESS TO THE PASHA—ACTION OF THE GRAND VIZIR.

July 23rd.—Landed at Leghorn, and went at once to the Hotel du Globe.
Many visitors called. A deputation from the Synagogue came, and Sir
Moses and Lady Montefiore asked to have the evening prayers read in the
presence of all their brethren. They accordingly gave notice to the members
of the community, who assembled in great numbers. Before the service
commenced we all joined them. Subsequently the Ecclesiastical Chief
opened the Holy Ark, and offered up a special prayer for the Mission. At the
conclusion of the service we returned to our ship, accompanied by the
representatives of the community, and at four o'clock we left the harbour.
July 24th.—At ten we dropped anchor at Civita Vecchia. We had been
advised in Leghorn not to land in the city, as there had been some little
movement against the Israelites, occasioned by the writings of a priest
called Meyer, a converted Jew. We were visited by Signor Scala and Signor
Samuel Alatri, a deputation from Rome. Their account was very
unfavourable as to the opinion of the Papal Government, and murmurs, not
loud but deep, were heard in Rome. They strongly recommended our going
from Malta in an English steamboat to Egypt. They related an incident
which had taken place a few days previously, and caused them much
uneasiness. A Hebrew woman was delivered of a daughter by a Christian
midwife, who immediately baptized the child, and the authorities refused to
restore her to the mother. At Leghorn, just before Passover, a woman had
lost a child, and accused the Jews of stealing it, but the Governor put her in
prison, saying she should remain there till the child was found. This had the
desired effect, and the child was discovered the next day.
We left Civita Vecchia at 3 p.m. and anchored the following day at 8 a.m. in
the harbour of Naples. Baron Charles de Rothschild and his son came on