Printed letter of gratitude sent by the representatives of the Vilnius Jewish Congregation to Vasily Alexievitch [Maklakov], lawyer in the Beilis trial. Vilnius, 1914. Russian.
Menachem Mendel Beilis was accused of murder in April 1911 of an Ukrainian Christian boy by the name of Andrei Yuschinhinsky in order to use his blood for the preparation of Matzot for Passover. A false testimony led to Beilis arrest. His trial started in September 1914. On the background of the trial an incitement campaign was organized against the Jews. After three years in prison Beilis was acquitted. Vasily Alexievitch Maklakov was one of the defense attorneys. This letter, of 1914, expresses the gratitude of the Vilnius Jewish congregation to Maklakov for defending "law and truth and the honor of the Jewish People and of Russia during these sad times, when people full of hatred spread libels against Jews". 44.5 cm, sheet folded into two and printed on one page only. Good condition. Staining, folding-marks, tears at margin.