rsecutions 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