Then follows a series of references to high clerical authorities from the year 1587 down to 1840, who have, one and all, decreed the illegality of forced baptism, and the necessity of restitution in cases of abduction.
A correspondence was immediately opened with the principal Hebrew communities, and with many persons of distinction professing various religious creeds, in Europe and America. In England especially, the Evangelical Society, through Sir Culling E. Eardly, took a leading part in their endeavour to serve the cause of justice. Copies of the memorial, from which I have given the above extract, together with copies of the "Bullarium Romanum" (vol. v., p. 60, xxvi.), against secret baptisms; a letter from "The Jurist," published in London, November 13th, 1858; an extract from the Annual Register of October 1774, referring to the restoration of a Jewish girl, aged nine, to her parents; and a copy of depositions made at Bologna before the notary Verardini, were forwarded to them to guide them in their pleadings for humanity, and frequent meetings of a Committee appointed by the Board were convened by the President to consider the best means for securing the restoration of the child to his parents.
A report of the result of the deliberations of the said Committee has been made by Sir Moses to the Board of Deputies, a portion of which I copy for the information of the reader.
"The letter and memorial from Sardinia," Sir Moses says, "were without loss of time submitted to the Deputies at a meeting, and this Committee was thereupon appointed with power to adopt such proceedings as, in their judgment, they might consider expedient.
"'The Committee met on the day of their appointment, and at once determined to appeal for co-operation to the Central Consistory of the Israelites of France, and to the central Jewish authorities at Amsterdam. They further determined to memorialise the British Government, soliciting its powerful intervention, and feeling well assured of its humane and friendly sympathy. The Committee further resolved to transmit to the press copies of communications received from Turin, and they have every reason to feel grateful to the press, particularly in England, France, Germany, and the United States, for its able and humane assistance.