Primary Source Analysis - Essay Example

?Petition of Barbadian Planters The petition of Barbadian planters was presented to JAMES DOTTIN, the Governor of Barbados, on behalf of a multitude of Merchants and other inhabitants of the Island. It is claimed that the Jews were spread courtesy of the protection they got from their historical origin. It is further claimed that their spread has been facilitated by contempt of the laws they received from Moses. The Jews grew in numbers when aliens from Spanish, Dutch colonies and Spanish invaded this Island and build themselves a Synagogue, though they did not cause any trouble to the Government or the Christian inhabitants. It is further claimed that their pride and the number is responsible for their party disputes. These conflicts, however, were beneficial because they led to the introduction of schools and formation of laws. That is actually why Bridge Town, the Capital of Barbados, became a Seminary of Jews. This essay seeks to analyze Document 1 Chapter 6, showing how the Jews historical injustices have affected they way they are treated by other communities many years after. The petitioners presented their plea to the Majesty, claiming that their misfortunes and collapse of trade in the island should be addressed, though their argument seems farfetched; it is hard to believe that all their trouble is caused by the Jews. Although the Jews have a long history including the common Oath taken on the five books of Moses, there seems to be injustices resulting from this history especially when their traditional Oaths are used in courts as evidence. In other words, the Oaths that were taken in those days are long gone and should not be considered in courts. Essentially, it is foolhardy to factor in the history of Jews when deciding their cases in courts. In conclusion, some of the issues raised by the petitioners, especially incriminating the Jews based on their history have some basis and should be addressed.1 Account of the Destruction of the Speightstown Synagogue in Barbados, 1739 This letter was written by Barbadian planters to the Governor Burnet on August 1, 1793. The letter is a funny recount of a hideous man by the name of Burnet, who claimed to be the son of the late Governor Burnet. This part analyzes Document 2, showing how the Jews are treated with contempt because of their unbecoming behavior. This man complained of head ache when he was attending a young Jews wedding. Thereafter, Lopus welcomed him in his house for first aid, an offer he accepted. However, Lopus turned up with his men and manhandled him and charged him with robbery. This incident puzzled the so called Burnet so much. The situation worsened when a mob from Speightstown turned up against him in an uproar, suing and forcing him to pay several counts of damages. Consequently, the Leeward people were extremely pissed off that they decided to drive the Jews out of the town and destroyed their Synagogue. In a rejoinder, the Jews congregated at the Bridgetowm and resolved to use their wealth to protect their men in the Island. It seems true that the young man, who was punished, was an imposter. However, the magnitude of this punishment revealed some deep-rooted rivalry between the resident of this Island and the Jews. There seems to be an entrenched hatred for the Jews, which originated from historical injustices, which allowed them to accumulate a lot of wealth. The mob took advantage of this incident to vent their anger against the Jews. In an attempt to resolve the matter, the court decided to swear the Jews by their long Oath. However, I find this swearing unfounded and unnecessary because it may not force the Jews to reveal the wrong that they have committed. The swearing has the words ‘I swear to speak the whole truth’ is meaningless as the Jews will not be cowed down by these words. If they have resolved to fight for their justice, they will still ignore those swearing and hence; they will not reveal any information that will make them lose in the case.2 III. The “Confession Made by Cyrus” during the First Maroon War 1731. This confession was made by Cyrus before Capt Knowles, during the first Maroon war in 1731. In this confession, Cyrus revealed that he had come to Negro’s Town to witness the situation when the Rebels revealed to him the way they had planned to attack Sparks & Hobbys plantations. It is during this time that he witnessed the rebels making their way out with the goods they had stolen. The Rebels said that several gangs of war men had been organized, and brought forward to carry the stolen goods. Also, he said that he had witnessed the Negro Sam, the King entering the town, but he was not sure whether his mission was to join the Rebels or to see his wife who was living there. This essay, analyzes Document 3 of Chapter6, showing how the First Maroon war was planned and involved high ranking masterminds. However, when some of the officials found the King, they approached him and enquired about his wellbeing as well as that of the Negroes. They also asked the King why he did not want to join them, but he explained that he could join them when time comes. Sam spent the better part of Thursday morning with them. These revelations show that the King was undoubtedly involved in the planning of the ambush. Cyrus also reveals that an Indian brought some powder, which was to be used as a weapon. However, it is hard to believe most of the information he revealed because he seemed to speak on speculations rather than facts. It is also not clear how he got the names of the several participants that he mentioned to have been involved in the ambush.3 IV. J. B. Moreton, West India Customs and Manners (1793) This publication, written by J.B. Moreton is aimed at attacking the Jews for their dishonest business practices. He claims that the markets of West Indices are dangerous because commodities such as salt at exorbitant costs, therefore, exploiting the consumers. The writer seems to be very angry against the Jews for their unquenched bid to make ‘dirty’ money. The writer warns those who buy anything from them to be careful not to be sold stolen goods since the Jews delight in extortion. He adds that their tongues are very sweet, and someone who is not careful can easily fall in their trap. The writer also claims that the Jews are out to assist each other accumulate wealth, so they can rule the world. While there could be some truth that the Jews have commonly engaged in dishonest business practices, the claims of the writer are farfetched and one cannot fail to read some bad faith when he claim that the Jews are hell bent on assisting each other so they can rule the world eventually. It is also evident that the writer is biased against the Jews when he claims that their evidence, whereby they are allowed to give evidence among Christians, is dangerous. Even though he maintains that they do not pay any regard to the Christian faith, his personal discontent against this community cannot fail to be noticed. The writer is so much angered by the fact that the law that was to be passed twenty years ago to deny Jews any privilege was not satisfied; this is one of the reasons why the writer is against the Jews community and hence finding anything they do unlawful and immoral. However, his claim that use of their swearing in court as evidence is unjust, and if it is true that it was practiced in courts, then he has a reason to lament. The letter from one Jew to the other, which the author translates, reveals the dark side of the Jews, depicting them as materialistic, dishonest and corrupt people. However, the question that arises is whether it is reasonable to place blanket blame against the Jews community, or these are practices of just a few Jews in the community; the author has done little to prove this issue.4 Bibliography CARIBBEAN JUDEOPHOBIA: Chapter 6 Read More