File:Leedscomstock.jpg

1887 letter from Anthony Comstock to Josiah Leeds. Taken from http://www.haverford.edu/library/special/aids/leeds/leedscomstock.jpg

Probably

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because of age of original letter, at least if photographic reproduction is more recent

Typed text of the letter[edit]

(dictated)

New York, Nov. 21st, 1887

Mr. Josiah W. Leeds,

528 Walnut Street,

Philadelphia, Pa.

My dear Sir:

Your highly esteemed favor of the 19th inst., most thankfully received.

I congratulate you on what has been done in Philadelphia as it has very much stimulated matters in this City, and helped to turn the tide of public sentiment. I sincerely hope that you will be successful in regard to the cigarette pictures, and also in reference to other matter.

The issue now is sharply drawn. It is whether the lewd and indecent of the Salon of Paris may break from their bonds, cross the water and debauch the children of this country, or whether the law shall be enforced and the morals of our youth protected.

I have been through a week of the grossest misrepresentation and attacks from the Press, evidently with the design on their part to divert public attention from the question in issue; but I beg to say, that I am not dismayed, and I can assure you that we have the Law and Right on our side.

Thanking you for your kind letter, believe me,

Very truly yours, Anthony Comstock (sec'y)

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