Text Of Letter
Alexandria, 11th September 1840
My Dear Sir:
Believing that you will be pleased to hear from myself what success that has attended the Mission sent out to relieve the unfortunate and persecuted Jews at Damascus, I have much pleasure in informing you that although a new trial has been decreed, yet His Highness the Viceroy has granted –
An Order for the unconditional discharge of the nine unhappy persons confined at Damascus on the accusation of being privy to the murder of Father Thomas.
Permission for such of the Jews as had fled from the dread of persecution and torture to return to their homes unmolested.
A general declaration that the Jews should have the same protection as other subjects.
More has not yet been obtained owing to the turn political affairs took immediately after our arrival and the disturbed state of Syria, and the opposition of the French authorities to any Enquiry have hitherto prevented my proceeding to Damascus to add to the irrefutable proof I have already collected of the entire innocence of my troubled co-religionists of the infamous charges made against them.
I cannot however close this letter without assuring you that the influence of the great meeting which you took so active and so effective a part has already had its effect upon the condition of the Jews in the East which will I hope afford you satisfaction as it gives me pleasure to record it.
I am my dear Sir,
Yours very truly
[signed] Moses Montefiore
To J.A. Smith, Esq. M.P.
London
