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+Project Gutenberg's Washington's Masonic Correspondence, by Julius F. Sachse
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Washington's Masonic Correspondence
+ As Found among the Washington Papers in the Library of Congress
+
+Author: Julius F. Sachse
+
+Release Date: September 10, 2009 [EBook #29949]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WASHINTON'S MASONIC CORRESPONDENCE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Curtis Weyant, Stephanie Eason, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+=THE MASONIC PORTRAIT OF
+BROTHER GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ORIGINAL PASTEL PORTRAIT FROM LIFE BY WILLIAM WILLIAMS, PHILADELPHIA,
+SEPTEMBER 1794, PAINTED AT THE REQUEST OF ALEXANDRIA LODGE, No. 39, A.
+Y. M., WARRANTED BY THE GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA, FEBRUARY 3, 1783,
+NOW THE ALEXANDRIA-WASHINGTON LODGE, No. 22, A. F. & A. M. OF VIRGINIA.
+REPRODUCTION FROM THE UNIQUE COPY IN THE MUSEUM OF THE R. W. GRAND
+LODGE, F. & A. M. OF PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+COPYRIGHTED BY ALEXANDRIA-WASHINGTON LODGE, No. 22, VIRGINIA, AND
+PRINTED BY ITS PERMISSION.=
+
+
+
+
+ Washington's
+ Masonic Correspondence
+
+ AS FOUND AMONG THE
+ WASHINGTON PAPERS
+ IN THE
+ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
+
+
+Compiled from the original records, under the direction of the Committee
+on Library of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, with annotations.
+
+
+ BY
+ JULIUS F. SACHSE
+ LIBRARIAN, MASONIC TEMPLE PHILADELPHIA
+
+
+ PHILADELPHIA
+ 1915
+
+
+
+
+Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1915, in the Office of
+the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C., by J. HENRY WILLIAMS,
+R.W.G.M.
+
+
+
+ COMMITTEE ON LIBRARY
+
+ JOHN WANAMAKER, _Chairman_,
+ SAMUEL W. LATTA,
+ NORRIS S. BARRATT,
+ HARMAN YERKES,
+ HENRY DARRACH,
+ WALTER T. TAGGART.
+
+ JULIUS F. SACHSE, _Librarian_.
+
+
+
+_An Edition of One Thousand Copies has been printed, of which this is
+No._ 355
+
+
+
+ PRESS OF
+ THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY
+ LANCASTER, PA.
+
+
+
+ =J. HENRY WILLIAMS
+ Grand Master
+ 1914-1915.=
+
+
+
+
+ J. Henry Williams,
+ R. W. Grand Master
+
+ Office of the
+ R. W. Grand Master
+ F. & A. Masons in Pennsylvania,
+ Masonic Temple Philadelphia,
+
+The position of eminence, the great respect and the profound reverence
+in which the name of WASHINGTON is enshrined in the hearts of the
+American people, and particularly so, with the members of this
+Fraternity, and of all true lovers of liberty and freedom wheresoever
+dispersed, is the reason, if any be needed, why everything relating to
+this great man and worthy brother should be preserved for the future
+generations, to be used by them as a guide, in the cultivation of those
+cardinal virtues of Honor and Integrity, that should ever characterize
+the conduct of a good man and a good Mason.
+
+The collection and reproduction of the letters of Brother WASHINGTON,
+together with the text of this book, have been prepared under my
+supervision, and its publication is heartily approved.
+
+
+ J. Henry Williams
+ _Grand Master._
+ FEBRUARY 22, A.D. 1915--A.L. 5915.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+ PAGE
+
+ Foreword 1
+
+ The Masonic Correspondence of Washington 5
+
+ I
+ Correspondence with Watson and Cassoul 19
+
+ II
+ Correspondence with Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, 1783 28
+
+ III
+ Correspondence with Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, 1784 34
+
+ IV
+ Correspondence with King David's Lodge, No. 1, Newport, R. I., 1790 37
+
+ V
+ Correspondence with St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Newbern, N. C., 1791 44
+
+ VI
+ Correspondence with Prince George's Lodge, No. 16,
+ Georgetown, S. C., 1791 51
+
+ VII
+ Correspondence with Grand Lodge of South Carolina, 1791 57
+
+ VIII
+ Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Georgia, 1791 65
+
+ IX
+ Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1792 69
+
+ X
+ Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 1792 80
+
+ XI
+ Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1796 86
+
+ XII
+ Correspondence with Alexandria Lodge, No. 22, Virginia, 1797 95
+
+ XIII
+ Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 1797 102
+
+ XIV
+ Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Maryland, 1798 111
+
+ XV
+ Correspondence with G. W. Snyder, 1798 117
+
+ XVI
+ Index 141
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+ PAGE
+
+ Masonic Portrait of Washington _Frontispiece_.
+
+ J. Henry Williams, R. W. Grand Master iii
+
+ Washington's Headquarters at Newburgh on the Hudson _Facing page_ 22
+
+ Wise's Tavern, Alexandria, Virginia " " 35
+
+ Moses Michael Hays (Portrait) " " 15
+
+ Washington, (Houdon Portrait), 1786 " " 36
+
+ Mordecai Gist, (Portrait) " " 57
+
+ Residence of President Washington in Philadelphia " " 69
+
+ Fac-Simile of Address " " 72
+
+ Jonathan Bayard Smith, (Portrait) " " 76
+
+ Rev. William Smith, D.D., (Portrait) " " 88
+
+ Mount Vernon, 1783-1799 " " 95
+
+ Paul Revere, (Portrait) " " 105
+
+ Washington, (St. Memin Portrait), 1798 " " 117
+
+ Draft of Letter to Grand Lodge of Maryland _Between pages_ 112-113
+
+ Press copy of Washington's letter to G. W. Snyder,
+ September 25, 1798 " " 124-125
+
+ Press copy of letter, October 24, 1798 " " 130-131
+
+
+
+
+FOREWORD
+
+
+WASHINGTON's Masonic correspondence as found among the Washington papers
+in the Manuscript department of the Library of Congress, affords an
+insight of the great esteem in which WASHINGTON held the Masonic
+Fraternity, of which since his early days he had been an honored member.
+
+This is further shown by his great courtesy to the Brethren, in his
+replies to their addresses, no matter whether they were from a Grand or
+Subordinate Lodge. In this collection, were also found some of the
+original drafts of WASHINGTON's replies, together with copies of the
+various masonic addresses and letters to him, and in the case of Dominie
+Snyder, press copies of his answers.
+
+In the present work an attempt has been made to group this matter
+together in chronological order, also to show some of the surroundings
+and conditions under which this correspondence was made, and of the
+Brethren who were prominent in the presentation of these Eleven
+Addresses, which came to him from Seven of the Thirteen Colonies.
+
+A complete set of photostatic fac-similes of these documents in the
+Library of Congress, has been secured for the Museum of the Grand Lodge
+of Pennsylvania. Efforts were also made to obtain photographic copies of
+such of the WASHINGTON Masonic letters as were still in existence, which
+were successful except in two instances as noted in the text.
+
+It will be noted that on April 30, 1789, WASHINGTON, while Master of his
+Lodge, was inaugurated President of the United States; this is the only
+instance where one of the fourteen Presidents, who were Members of our
+Fraternity was a Master of a Lodge during their term as President.
+
+The esteem in which WASHINGTON held the Masonic Fraternity, is shown by
+the fact, that in almost every case he had both the address and his
+reply, copied upon opposite pages of one of his folio letter-books, now
+in the Library of Congress. These copies are respectively in the
+handwriting of WASHINGTON's private secretaries, viz:--Major William
+Jackson: Tobias Lear: Bartholomew Dandridge and G. W. Craik.
+
+In addition to the above copies we have WASHINGTON's original drafts of
+his letters to Watson and Cassoul, to the Grand Lodges of Massachusetts,
+South Carolina, and Maryland, to Paul Revere, and as before stated
+press copies of his answers to Mr. Snyder.
+
+A perusal of these original documents, as here presented, affords an
+excellent illustration of the _entente cordiale_, which existed between
+WASHINGTON and his Masonic Brethren.
+
+Upon the other hand, how the Masonic Fraternity, during WASHINGTON's
+lifetime, venerated their august Brother, is shown by the addresses of
+this correspondence as retained by WASHINGTON.
+
+Also by the various Masonic Memorial services held, after WASHINGTON's
+death, the chief of which was in Philadelphia, under the auspices of the
+Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The Masonic services held in every State of
+the Union, the many Eulogies and Sermons delivered and printed are
+matters of history.
+
+How this veneration of the great WASHINGTON continued during the past
+years, is shown by the fact that there are no less than 53 Masonic
+Lodges in the United States, named after the illustrious Brother. This
+is independent of the numerous Royal Arch Chapters, Commanderies, and
+other Masonic bodies, that bear the name "WASHINGTON."
+
+Washington Lodges are found in thirty-eight of the forty-eight States of
+the American Union.
+
+The other ten States, which thus far have no "Washington Lodge" within
+their Jurisdiction, are Mississippi and Texas, together with the newer
+western States lately admitted into the American Union, viz:--Nevada,
+North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona.
+
+In addition to the fifty-three Washington Lodges, there is also one each
+in Canada, the Island of Cuba and the District of Columbia.
+
+In the Masonic Fraternity throughout the world, the name of WASHINGTON
+is ever kept in remembrance, as one of the brightest luminaries in the
+Masonic constellation, one of the most prominent examples, being his
+full length oil portrait in Masonic clothing in the Hall of the Grand
+Lodge of England at London.
+
+Acknowledgments are due to the Hon. Herbert Putnam, Librarian of
+Congress, for placing these documents at the disposal of the writer, and
+giving permission to have photostat copies made of same; also to J.
+Henry Williams, Esq., R. W. Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania and
+Masonic Jurisdiction thereunto belonging, for suggestions and
+encouragement in the preparation of this work.
+
+ Julius F. Sachse.
+ PHILADELPHIA, FEBRUARY 22, A.D. 1915--A.L. 5915.
+
+
+
+
+The Masonic Correspondence of Washington
+
+
+Much has been written pro and con about WASHINGTON and his connection
+with the Masonic Fraternity. Thus far no complete set of his Masonic
+writings have been compiled or published. Such portions as have been
+printed were fragmentary, and issued for what may be called local
+purposes.
+
+How careful WASHINGTON was of his Masonic correspondence is shown by the
+fact that he had copies made, in his private letter books, of most all
+letters sent him by the various Masonic Grand and Subordinate bodies,
+and his answers thereto, usually upon opposite pages. He thus had both
+the addresses and his reply at hand for easy reference. This fact shows
+the esteem in which WASHINGTON held his Brethren of the Masonic
+Fraternity, as well as his own opinion of Freemasonry.
+
+These letter-books are now in the Library of Congress, and photostat
+copies of such as relate to Freemasonry have been made for the Library
+of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
+
+As to the authenticity of the Washington Letter Books, and how they came
+into the possession of the United States Government is explained by the
+following statement by Mr. Galliard Hunt, chief Manuscript division,
+Library of Congress:[1]
+
+ "They are a part of the Washington papers in
+ "the Government's possession, purchased from the
+ "Washington family, one lot in 1834 and the re-
+ "mainder in 1849, and deposited in the Department
+ "of State until 1903, when, by the President's order,
+ "they were sent to this Library. They range in date
+ "from 1754 to 1799. Some of them are partly
+ "or wholly in Washington's hand-writing, and others
+ "in the writing of his secretaries and their clerks.
+ "There are no volumes of press copies, but there are
+ "some press copies among the papers."
+
+
+WASHINGTON in writing his answer to the various greetings, in most cases
+would first make a rough copy of his reply, then digest, alter, correct
+or change such parts or sentences as he thought proper. Then after
+deliberate consideration, a fair copy would be made either by WASHINGTON
+or one of his Secretaries and signed by him, and sent to the Masonic
+bodies for which they were intended.
+
+Fortunately some of the original drafts of these Masonic letters have
+come down to us; thus far five autographic copies have been found among
+the Washington papers in the Library of Congress at Washington.
+
+1. Draft of letter written at Newburg, New York, August 19, 1782, to
+Watson and Cassoul of Nantes, France, thanking them for the Masonic
+Apron, embroidered by the nuns at Nantes, and which is now in possession
+of Alexandria-Washington Lodge, No. 22, at Alexandria, Virginia.
+
+2. To the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
+
+3. To the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
+
+4. To the Grand Lodge of South Carolina.
+
+5. To the Grand Lodge of Maryland; this draft is a two-page letter
+written upon a letter sheet and shows many changes and corrections; it
+is dated 1798.
+
+In addition to the above original drafts there were found several
+addresses and the accompanying answers, which thus far have never been
+published, in fact no mention of them has ever appeared in print, viz:--
+
+1. An address from the Grand Lodge of Georgia, together with
+WASHINGTON's reply.
+
+2. A letter to Paul Revere, Grand Master of Massachusetts and his Grand
+Officers.
+
+3. An address from the Brethren of Prince George's Lodge, No. 16,
+Georgetown, South Carolina, presented to President WASHINGTON during his
+visit to South Carolina, April 30, 1791, also his reply to same.
+
+4. An address from the Brethren of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, of Newbern,
+North Carolina, and the reply to same.
+
+Photostat copies of the above have also been obtained which make the
+most complete collection of the Masonic Correspondence of WASHINGTON
+which has thus far been compiled.
+
+A careful study of this correspondence so carefully cherished by
+WASHINGTON puts an entirely new phase upon WASHINGTON's connection with
+the Masonic Fraternity, and his esteem of Freemasonry.
+
+These papers absolutely thrust aside all of the statements, arguments
+and libels, brought forth by our misguided enemies at the time of the
+Anti-Masonic craze during the last century, and in a small way kept
+alive even down to the present day by some people who are blinded by
+their ignorance or malice.
+
+Referring to some of their published statements that WASHINGTON never
+belonged to the Masonic Fraternity, and that there were no authentic
+Masonic letters nor copies thereof among his records so frequently made
+during the political Anti-Masonic craze, which swept over New England
+and the Middle States about eighty-five years ago, the following
+quotations from the Masonic literature of the period will prove
+interesting examples.
+
+One of the chief statements made by these people, and brought before all
+their conventions and heralded in the public prints was: "That though
+General Washington caused to be carefully copied in books kept for that
+purpose, all his letters on every subject, no trace whatever of any of
+the five letters under consideration,[2] nor any letters to any other
+Lodge or Masonic body whatever, are to be found among the records of his
+correspondence."[3]
+
+The chief authority upon whom the leaders of the Anti-Masonic movement
+at that time depended in their defamation of WASHINGTON, was Jared
+Sparks of Boston, who at the time was engaged writing a life of
+WASHINGTON, and then had access to all the Washington letter-books and
+papers, and from his connection with the Washington correspondence, was
+supposed to be the best qualified to pass upon their authenticity.
+
+Another of the charges made by the Anti-Masonic bigots whose chief
+object was to controvert facts was:
+
+ "That although WASHINGTON was _extremely scrupulous_ in preserving
+ his correspondence with all public or private bodies, there is not
+ a line of his _relating to Freemasonry_, to be found among all his
+ papers, except the correspondence with Mr. Snyder![4] It is also a
+ fact, that WASHINGTON was equally scrupulous in dating his letters,
+ and it is believed that not one can be found, which is without a
+ date."[5]
+
+
+It appears that the chairman of a committee of citizens of Boston called
+upon the officers of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts to submit their
+two Washington letters to Jared Sparks for his inspection. This the
+Grand Officers refused to do.
+
+In return Sparks sent the following letter to the Chairman:
+
+ "Boston, February 18, 1833.
+
+ "_Sir_,--I received this morning your letter of the 15th instant, in
+ which you inquire:
+
+ "Whether I have yet seen or had in my possession any original letter
+ or letters, in the hand writing of General Washington, addressed to
+ any body of men denominating themselves Freemasons.
+
+ "In reply, I can only state that I have seen no letters from General
+ Washington of the kind described in yours, nor received any
+ communication on the subject, either verbal or written.[6]
+
+ "I am, Sir,
+ "Very respectfully,
+ "Your ob't servant,
+ "JARED SPARKS."
+
+
+How Sparks could have overlooked the numerous entries in the letter
+books whose numbers and folios are here quoted, also the drafts of
+replies in WASHINGTON's hand-writing and signed by him (copies of which
+are here given in this work), can only be accounted for by the fact that
+he must have been carried away by the political excitement of the day.
+
+WASHINGTON's connection with the Masonic Fraternity has been
+exhaustively traced by Brother James M. Lamberton, Past Master of
+Perseverance Lodge, No. 21, in his address "WASHINGTON AS A FREEMASON,"
+from the day of his entrance into Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4, of
+Virginia, September 1, 1752, until the day of his death, December 14,
+1799, before the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, at its celebration of the
+Sesqui-Centennial Anniversary of the Initiation of Brother GEORGE
+WASHINGTON into the Fraternity of Freemasons,[7] held in the Masonic
+Temple, in the city of Philadelphia on Wednesday, November 5, 1902.
+
+It must also be remembered that WASHINGTON made a public profession of
+his membership in Philadelphia, Monday, December 28, 1778, when he
+walked in procession with his brethren of the Grand Lodge of
+Pennsylvania, from the College at Fourth and Arch Streets to Christ
+Church on Second Street above Market Street, Philadelphia, where, after
+a prayer by Rev. William White, a sermon was preached for the "[Benefit
+of the POOR] by appointment of and before | The General Communication |
+of | Free and Accepted | MASONS | of the | State of PENNSYLVANIA, | on
+Monday, December 28, 1788, | Celebrated, agreeable to their
+Constitution, | as the Anniversary of | ST. JOHN the Evangelist, | by
+William Smith, D.D., | Provost of the College and Academy of
+Philadelphia." |
+
+This Sermon was printed and dedicated to Brother WASHINGTON and a copy
+sent to him, which was bound with other pamphlets in a volume lettered
+"Masonic Sermons," and is so mentioned in the inventory of his estate
+and now in the Boston Athenaeum.[8] At this service over four hundred
+pounds were collected for the relief of the poor.
+
+Rev. Brother William Smith, D.D., preached a number of Masonic Sermons
+in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland; three of which delivered at the
+request of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania were printed, viz.:
+
+_Sermon 1._--On Brotherly Love, &c. Preached on the Anniversary of St.
+John the Baptist, June 24, 1755,
+
+_Sermon 2._--Preached on Monday, December 28, 1778, celebrated as the
+Anniversary of St. John the Evangelist. With an Appendix on the
+Character of Lucius Quintius Cincinnatus,
+
+_Sermon 3._--Preached before the Grand Lodge of Communication, on St.
+John the Baptist's day, June 24, 1795.
+
+Original copies of the above are in the Library of the Grand Lodge of
+Pennsylvania.
+
+Rev. Brother Smith reprinted the above in a Volume of Sermons with the
+following note:[9]
+
+ "N. B. The above three Sermons were preached at the request of the
+ Grand Lodge of Communication, for Pennsylvania, and contains in
+ substance all that the Author thinks it necessary to bequeath to the
+ Brotherhood, by way of Sermons, preached at different times and in
+ sundry of the neighboring States, during 48 Years past."
+
+
+By referring to the following letters and Documents it is shown that
+WASHINGTON's interest in Freemasonry and the Fraternity continued until
+the time of his death.
+
+These documents cover the period from 1782 to 1798.
+
+As these copies in our possession are photostat fac-similes of the
+original documents in the Library of Congress, there can never be any
+question of correctness or of their authenticity.
+
+The finding and collating of this material will settle for all time to
+come the question of WASHINGTON's connection with the Ancient
+Fraternity, and his opinion and esteem of Freemasonry.
+
+The earliest record we have of any Masonic Body proposing a masonic
+address to General WASHINGTON, was the resolution offered in King
+David's Lodge, No. 1, at Newport, Rhode Island, during WASHINGTON's
+visit to Newport in March, 1781, while the French Army under Rochambeau
+was quartered there. WASHINGTON arrived in Newport on the sixth of March
+and remained there until the thirteenth, when he left for Providence by
+way of Bristol.
+
+It was in anticipation of this visit that the Brethren of King David's
+Lodge, of which Brother Moses Michael Hays[10] was Worshipful Master,
+that a masonic greeting to General WASHINGTON was proposed. The
+following entry from the old Minute Book of the Lodge will explain why
+the project failed to materialize.
+
+
+=MOSES M. HAYS
+
+W. M. KING DAVID'S LODGE, No. 1, NEWPORT, R. I., 1780-1781. GRAND MASTER
+OF MASONS IN MASSACHUSETTS, 1788-1793.=
+
+
+ EXTRACT FROM THE RECORDS OF KING DAVID'S LODGE.
+
+ "Regular Lodge night, held at the house of Mr. James Tew, Wednesday
+ evening, the 7th February, 1781. 5781.
+
+ "A motion being made that as our worthy brother, his Excellency
+ General Washington, was daily expected amongst us, a committee
+ should be appointed to prepare an address in behalf of the Lodge, to
+ present him. Voted, That the Right Worshipful Master (Moses Michael
+ Hays) together with brothers Seixas, Peleg Clark, John Handy, and
+ Robert Elliot, be a committee for that purpose, and that they
+ present the same to this Lodge at their next meeting for their
+ approbation."
+
+ "At a Lodge held by request of the Right Worshipful Master, Feb.
+ 14th, 1781. 5781,
+
+ "The committee appointed to draught an address to our worthy
+ brother, His Excellency General Washington, report, that on inquiry
+ they find General Washington not to be a Grand Master of North
+ America; as was supposed, nor even Master of any particular Lodge.
+ They are, therefore, of opinion that this Lodge would not choose to
+ address him as a private brother at the same time, think it would
+ not be agreeable to our worthy brother to be addressed as such.
+
+ "Voted, That the report of the committee be received, and that the
+ address be entirely laid aside for the present."[11]
+
+
+Now as to the cause for this uncertainty how to address Brother
+WASHINGTON, it will be recalled that just at that time, the proposition
+sent out by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania nominating General
+WASHINGTON as Grand Master of all the Colonies, was then before the
+various grand bodies, but did not find favor in New England, in fact the
+Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was the chief objector, and finally
+defeated the scheme to elect WASHINGTON the Grand Master General.[12]
+
+The means of intercourse between the different Masonic Bodies at that
+early day were so limited and uncertain that it offers a clear
+explanation for the uncertainty under which the brethren of King David's
+Lodge, No. 1, at Newport labored at that time.
+
+During the Anti-Masonic craze in the last century, the above minute was
+extensively used by the political leaders of the Anti-Masonic party to
+strengthen their claim that WASHINGTON had never presided over any
+Masonic Lodge.
+
+Following is a complete list of the Washington Masonic Correspondence,
+thus far found among the Washington papers in the Library of Congress.
+
+Draft of Letter to Watson and Cassoul, Nantes, France, August 10, 1782.
+
+Letter to Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, Virginia, December 28, 1783.
+
+Address from King David's Lodge, No. 1, Rhode Island, August 17, 1790,
+and WASHINGTON's Reply.
+
+Address from St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Newbern, North Carolina, April 20,
+1791, and his reply.
+
+Address from Prince George's Lodge (Moderns) Georgetown, South Carolina,
+April 30, 1791, and his reply.
+
+Draft of reply to Grand Lodge of South Carolina, May 5, 1791.
+
+Address from Grand Lodge of Georgia, May 14, 1791, and his reply.
+
+Address from Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, March, 1792, and his reply.
+
+Address of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, December 27, 1792, and his
+reply.
+
+Address from Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, December 27, 1796, and his
+reply.
+
+Address from Alexandria Lodge, No. 22, Virginia, April 4, 1797, and his
+reply.
+
+Letter to Paul Revere and Grand Officers, April 24, 1797.
+
+Draft of Letter to Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in reply to an address,
+April 1797.
+
+Draft of a reply to an address from the Grand Lodge of Maryland,
+November 8, 1798.
+
+Letter from G. W. Snyder to WASHINGTON, August 22, 1798.
+
+WASHINGTON's Reply to Snyder, September 25, 1798.
+
+WASHINGTON's Reply to Snyder's letter of October 17, 1798.
+
+
+=ELKANAH WATSON
+
+B. PLYMOUTH, MASS., JANUARY 22, 1758, D. AT PORT KENT, N. Y., DECEMBER
+5, 1842, WHO, TOGETHER WITH HIS PARTNER CASSOUL, PRESENTED TO WASHINGTON
+A MASONIC APRON MADE BY THE NUNS AT NANTES, FRANCE.
+
+NOW IN THE POSSESSION OF ALEXANDRIA-WASHINGTON LODGE, No. 22,
+VIRGINIA.=
+
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+[1] Letter to Julius F. Sachse from Manuscript Division, December 19,
+1914--in Library of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
+
+[2] The letters referred to by the Anti-Masons were the one to King
+David's Lodge at Newport, two to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and
+one to Charleston, S. C., and to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The
+above five Masonic Letters were all that were known to the Anti-Masons
+at that time.
+
+[3] "Vindication | of | General Washington | from the stigma | of
+adherence to | Secret Societies | by | Joseph Ritner | Governor of the
+Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, | communicated | by | request of the House
+of Representatives, to that body,| on the 8th of March, 1837."
+
+This address during the Anti-Masonic period was regarded as an important
+state paper.
+
+[4] Letter press copies of the Snyder letters were retained by
+WASHINGTON. Photostat copies of same are in the Archives of the Grand
+Lodge of Pennsylvania.
+
+[5] "Proceedings of the Third State Anti-masonic Convention, of
+Massachusetts, Worcester, 1832," p. 27.
+
+[6] Vindication of Washington before quoted, p. 13.
+
+[7] The Ancient Minute Book and Ledger of Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4, in
+Virginia, of which we have a photostat, is still in possession of the
+Lodge, showing that "GEORGE WASHINGTON was entered November 4, 1752, and
+on November 6, paid for his entrance L2. 3. 0, March 3, 1753, GEORGE
+WASHINGTON was passed to Fellow-Craft; August 4, 1753, GEORGE WASHINGTON
+was raised Master Mason."
+
+[8] Catalogue of Washington Collection in Boston Athenaeum, Boston, 1897,
+p. 185.
+
+[9] Cf. "Works of William Smith, D.D.," Philadelphia, 1803, Vol. II, pp.
+27-88, also "Life and Correspondence of Rev. William Smith, D.D.,"
+Philadelphia, 1880, Vol. II, p. 9. _Et seq._
+
+[10] For an exhaustive sketch of Brother Moses Michael Hays, see _The
+American Freemason_, Vol. V, p. 576.
+
+[11] "Newport, ss. Newport, August 18th, A.D. 1832. I certify that the
+extracts taken from the records of King David's Lodge, Newport,
+contained in the above and three foregoing pages, have been by me
+compared with the minutes contained in two books purporting and
+appearing to be the original records of said Lodge, and found to be true
+and accurate copies of the same.
+
+ "Quid attestor, "GEO. C. MASON.
+ _"Jus. Peace and Pub. Not'y."_
+
+Cf. "Anti-masonic Republican Convention of Massachusetts held at
+Worcester, September 5-6, 1832," p. 23.
+
+[12] For a full account of this episode, see "Freemasonry in
+Pennsylvania," Barratt and Sachse, Philadelphia, 1908, Vol. 1, Chapter
+XII; "WASHINGTON as General Grand Master," p. 393 _et seq._
+
+
+
+
+I
+
+CORRESPONDENCE WITH WATSON & CASSOUL, NANTES, FRANCE, AUGUST, 1782.
+
+
+The earliest letter of General GEORGE WASHINGTON of Masonic Import known
+is the one written while in camp at Newburgh in New York, dated State of
+New York, August 10, 1782, to the firm of Watson and Cassoul in Nantes,
+France, in which his friend, Brother Elkanah Watson was the chief
+partner, thanking the firm for the Masonic Apron and ornaments sent him
+from Nantes, France.
+
+This apron is now in the possession of the Alexandria-Washington Lodge,
+No. 22, at Alexandria, Virginia.
+
+Elkanah Watson in his Memoirs states:[13]
+
+ "Wishing to pay some mark of respect to our beloved Washington, I
+ employed, in conjunction with my friend M. Cossoul, nuns in one of
+ the convents at Nantes to prepare some elegant Masonic ornaments,
+ and gave them a plan for combining the American and French Flags on
+ the apron designed for this use. They were executed in a superior
+ and expensive style. We transmitted them to America, accompanied by
+ an appropriate address."
+
+
+By the above extract is shown beyond all doubt the error in the
+statement so repeatedly made, that the apron at Alexandria is the one
+made by the Marquise de Lafayette, and presented to WASHINGTON by
+General Lafayette, during his visit to Mount Vernon in 1784, and the one
+in the Museum of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, that of Watson and
+Cassoul.[14]
+
+Following letter was sent to WASHINGTON, together with the Masonic Apron
+and "Ornaments," by Messrs. Watson and Cassoul, from France under date
+"east of Nantes," 23d 1st Month, 5782.[15]
+
+ "TO HIS EXCELLENCY, GENERAL WASHINGTON, AMERICA.
+
+ "_Most Illustrious and Respected Brother:_
+
+ "In the moment when all Europe admire and feel the effects of your
+ glorious efforts in support of American liberty, we hasten to offer
+ for your acceptance a small pledge of our homage. Zealous lovers of
+ liberty and its institutions, we have experienced the most refined
+ joy in seeing our chief and brother stand forth in its defence, and
+ in defence of a newborn nation of Republicans.
+
+ "Your glorious career will not be confined to the protection of
+ American liberty, but its ultimate effect will extend to the whole
+ human family, since Providence has evidently selected you as an
+ instrument in his hands, to fulfill his eternal decrees.
+
+ "It is to you, therefore, the glorious orb of America, we presume
+ to offer Masonic ornaments, as an emblem of your virtues. May the
+ Grand Architect of the Universe be the Guardian of your precious
+ days, for the glory of the Western Hemisphere and the entire
+ universe. Such are the vows of those who have the favor to be by
+ all the known numbers."
+
+ "Your affectionate brothers,
+ "WATSON & CASSOUL."
+
+ "East of Nantes, 23d 1st Month, 5782."
+
+
+=WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS
+
+NEWBURGH-ON-THE-HUDSON WHERE THE WATSON AND CASSOUL LETTER WAS WRITTEN,
+AUGUST, 1782.=
+
+
+Owing to the uncertain intercourse between the two countries, it was
+almost seven months before Brother WASHINGTON received the Masonic
+apron, ornaments and letter from France. He at that time was in camp
+with the army at Newburg on the Hudson.[16]
+
+In reply WASHINGTON sent the following autograph letter to the donors in
+Nantes, viz.:
+
+ "STATE OF NEW YORK
+ "Augt 10th 1782.
+
+ "Gentn.
+
+ "The Masonick Ornamts
+ "which accompanied your Bro-
+ "therly Address of the 23d of
+ "Jany last, tho' elegant in
+ "themselves, were rendered
+ "more valuable by the flattering
+ "sentiments, and affectionate
+ "manner, in which they were
+ "presented.--
+
+ "If my endeavours to
+ "avert the evil, with which this
+ "Country was threatned by a
+ "deliberate plan of Tyranny,
+ "should be crowned with the suc
+ "cess that is wished--The praise
+ "is due to the _Grand Architect_
+ "of the Universe; who did not see
+ "fit to suffer his superstructures
+ "and justice, to be subjected to the
+ "Ambition of the Princes of this
+ "World, or to the rod of oppression,
+ "in the hands of any power upon
+ "Earth.--
+
+ "For your affectionate
+ "Vows, permit me to be grateful;
+ "--and offer mine for true Brothers
+ "in all parts of the world; and
+ "to assure you of the sincerity
+ "with which I am
+
+ "Yrs
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+ "Messrs
+ "Watson & Cosson[17]
+ "East of Nantes"
+
+
+This autograph letter from WASHINGTON to Messrs. Watson and Cassoul is
+now in the possession of the Grand Lodge of New York, who purchased it
+from a member of the Watson family in the year 1866 or 1867 at a cost of
+approximately $1,000, and is now framed and secured between two sheets
+of glass in the collection of the Committee of Antiquities of the Grand
+Lodge F. & A. M. of New York.[18]
+
+It is written upon two pages of an ordinary letter sheet, and was a copy
+of one written by WASHINGTON, with which he was not entirely satisfied,
+as shown by the changes made in the text before it was sent to France.
+The first copy WASHINGTON retained, and is now in the Library of
+Congress, and is here given for comparison, viz:
+
+ "STATE OF NEW YORK,
+ "Augt 10th 1782.
+
+ "_Gentn._,
+
+ "The Masonick Orna-
+ "ments which accompanied your
+ "Brotherly Address of the 23d.
+ "of the first month, tho' elegant
+ "in themselves, were rendered
+ "more valuable by the flattering
+ "sentiments, and affectionate
+ "manner, in which they were
+ "offered.--
+
+ "If my endeavours to
+ "avert the evil, with which
+ "this Country was threatned, by
+ "a deliberate plan of Tyranny,
+ "should be crowned with the
+ "success that is wished--the
+ "praise is due to the _Grand
+ "Architect_ of the Universe; who
+ see fit to
+ "who did not ^ suffer his superstruc
+ "tures & justice, to be subjected
+ ambition of the Princes of this world--or
+ "to the ^ rod of oppression, in the
+ "hands of any power upon Earth.
+
+ "For your affectionate
+ "vows, permit me to be grateful;
+ "and offer mine for true Brothers
+ "in all parts of the world; and
+ "to assure you of the sincerity
+ "with which I am,
+
+ "Yrs.
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+ Endorsed
+ to
+ "Messrs. Watson &
+ "Cosson--Nantes
+ "10th Augt 1782."
+
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF THE ORIGINAL DRAFT OF WASHINGTON'S LETTER TO WATSON AND
+CASSOUL, NEW YORK, AUGUST 10, 1782.=
+
+
+A photographic fac-simile of the letter now in New York, and a photostat
+of the original copy retained by WASHINGTON are in the collection of the
+Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
+
+The firm of Watson and Cassoul of Nantes, France, acted as confidential
+agents of the American Government during the Revolutionary period, as is
+shown by their correspondence with Benjamin Franklin in the Franklin
+Mss. collection of the American Philosophical Society.[19] Elkanah
+Watson was also a bearer of despatches to Dr. Franklin.
+
+
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+[13] "Men and Times of the Revolution, or Memoirs of Elkanah Watson,"
+New York, 1856, pp. 135, 136.
+
+[14] Cf. "Proceedings Grand Lodge of New York," 1867, p. 28.
+
+[15] "Memoirs of Elkanah Watson," p. 135.
+
+[16] Cf. "Itinerary of General WASHINGTON from June 15, 1775, to
+December 23, 1783," by William S. Baker, Philadelphia, 1892, p. 271.
+
+[17] It will be noted that on both the draft and letter, WASHINGTON
+spells the name Cassoul--"Cosson."
+
+[18] Catalogue of Antiquities and Curios, Grand Lodge F. & A. M., New
+York, Class J, No. 1, New York, 1905.
+
+[19] Cf. "Calendar of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin in the Library of
+the American Philosophical Society," edited by I. Minis Hays, Volume V,
+p. 312.
+
+
+
+
+II
+
+CORRESPONDENCE WITH ALEXANDRIA LODGE, NO. 39, VIRGINIA, DECEMBER, 1783.
+
+
+The next Masonic Letter of Brother WASHINGTON of which we have any
+knowledge is the one written in answer to a letter sent him, upon his
+return to civil life by the Brethren of Lodge No. 39, on the register of
+the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, which met at Alexandria, Virginia.
+
+December 23, 1783, General WASHINGTON presented himself to "The United
+States in Congress Assembled," at Annapolis, Maryland, and resigned his
+Commission that he had received on June 17, 1775, as Commander-in-Chief
+of the Armies of the United States.
+
+Upon Christmas Eve he returned to Mount Vernon, whereupon the Brethren
+at Alexandria, who, it must be remembered, were working under a
+Pennsylvania Warrant, at once sent the following Address signed by the
+Officers of Lodge No. 39, to Brother WASHINGTON at Mount Vernon,[20]
+viz.:
+
+ "_Sir_: Whilst all denominations of people bless the happy occasion
+ of your excellency's return to enjoy private and domestic felicity,
+ permit us, sir, the members of Lodge No. 39, lately established in
+ Alexandria, to assure your excellency, that we, as a mystical body,
+ rejoice in having a brother so near us, whose preeminent
+ benevolence has secured the happiness of millions; and that we
+ shall esteem ourselves highly honored at all times your excellency
+ shall be pleased to join us in the needful business."
+
+ "We have the honor to be, in the name and behalf of No. 39, your
+ excellency's
+
+ "Devoted friends and brothers,
+ "ROBERT ADAM, M.
+ "E. C. DICK, S. W.
+ "J. ALLISON, J. W.
+ "WM. RAMSAY, _Treas._"
+
+ "His Excellency General Washington."
+
+
+Two days later Brother WASHINGTON sent following reply,[21] viz.:
+
+ "MOUNT VERNON 28th Decr. 1783.
+
+ "_Gentlemen_:
+
+ "With pleasing sensibility
+ "I received your favor of the 26th, and
+ "beg leave to offer you my sincere thanks
+ "for the favorable sentiments with
+ "which it abounds.--
+
+ "I shall always feel pleasure
+ "when it may be in my power to ren-
+ "der service to Lodge No 39, and in
+ "every act of brotherly kindness to the
+ "Members of it; being with great truth.
+
+ "Your affecte Brother
+ "and Obedt Servant
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+ "Robt Adam Esqr Master,
+ "& the Wardens & Treasr
+ "of Lodge No 39."
+
+
+No copy of either address nor reply of this correspondence has thus far
+been found among the Washington papers in the Library of Congress, by
+the present writer.
+
+Brother Robert Adam, the Master of Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, was a Son
+of the Rev. John Adam, D.D., and Janet Campbell, of Kelbride, Scotland,
+was born May 4, 1731; he emigrated to America in 1753, and, after a
+short residence at Annapolis, Md., established himself at a pleasant
+country residence in Fairfax County, Virginia, about four miles from
+Alexandria. He was a gentleman of refined taste, cultivation and wealth,
+and interested himself in everything that could promote the prosperity
+of his adopted home.
+
+
+=WASHINGTON'S REPLY TO ALEXANDRIA LODGE, NO. 39. ORIGINAL IN
+ALEXANDRIA-WASHINGTON LODGE, NO. 22, ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA.=
+
+
+It appears that during his residence at Annapolis, he was made a Mason
+in a clandestine or irregular Lodge, and in the year 1783 applied for a
+dispensation from the Grand Master of Pennsylvania, to apply to Lodge
+No. 2, for initiation and membership.
+
+Brother Dr. Elisha Cullen Dick, Senior Warden of Lodge No. 39, was a
+native of Pennsylvania, born near Marcus Hook, in Delaware County, about
+1753, and died at Alexandria, Va., September 22, 1825. He was a son of
+Archibald Dick, a member of Lodge No. 2 at Philadelphia, and joined the
+same Lodge, September 15, 1779.[22] Brother Elisha C. Dick was a
+graduate of the old Pequea Academy, and of the College of Pennsylvania.
+He began the study of medicine under Drs. William Shippen and Benjamin
+Rush. After graduating he settled in Alexandria, Va., and at once became
+active in Masonic circles in that city, and was instrumental in having
+the petition presented to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania for a warrant,
+which was granted under the name and number "Alexandria Lodge No. 39."
+
+Upon the records of the Lodge, Brother Dick appears as both predecessor
+and successor of Brother WASHINGTON as Master. Brother Dick was the
+first consulting physician in WASHINGTON's last illness, and also
+conducted the Masonic services at WASHINGTON's funeral on December 18,
+1799. A biography of Dr. Dick is in the Library of the Grand Lodge of
+Pennsylvania.
+
+Brother John Allison, the Junior Warden of Lodge No. 39, had served as
+Major in the 1st Virginia State Regiment, and later as Lieutenant
+Colonel.
+
+Brother William Ramsay, Treasurer of Lodge No. 39, was an old personal
+friend of WASHINGTON.
+
+For a history of Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, warranted by the Grand Lodge
+of Pennsylvania, February 3, 1783, which was constituted on the second
+floor of a large three-story frame building, known as the "Lamb Tavern,"
+on the twenty-fifth of February, 1783, the Masonic student is referred
+to "Old Masonic Lodges of Pennsylvania," Philadelphia, 1913, Chapter
+XLVI, pp. 153-168.
+
+This tavern was situated on the west side of Union Street, between
+Prince and Duke Streets, Alexandria, the site of which is now known as
+No. 55 South Union Street.[23]
+
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+[20] Cf. "Old Masonic Lodges of Pennsylvania--Moderns and Ancients,"
+Julius F. Sachse, Philadelphia, 1913, Vol. II, p. 157. Also _Vide_
+"Washington the Man and the Mason," by Charles H. Callahan, published
+under the auspices of the "Memorial Temple Committee of the George
+Washington Masonic National Memorial Association," Washington, D. C.,
+1913.
+
+[21] Original among Washington relics in Alexandria-Washington Lodge,
+No. 22, Alexandria, Virginia. Fac-simile in Washington collection of
+Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
+
+[22] Elisha C. Dick's petition was presented in Lodge No. 2, September
+14, 1779, approved and entered by virtue of a dispensation from the
+Grand Master, September 15; passed and raised, September 23.
+"Freemasonry in Pennsylvania," Vol. I, pp. 352, 353.
+
+[23] Cf. "The Lodge of Washington," by F. L. Brocket, Alexandria, Va.,
+1876.
+
+
+
+
+III
+
+CORRESPONDENCE WITH ALEXANDRIA LODGE, NO. 39, VIRGINIA, JUNE, 1784.
+
+
+The next Washington letter of Masonic import in chronological order is
+his reply to an invitation to join the brethren of Alexandria Lodge, No.
+39, in the celebration of St. John the Baptist's Day, June 24, 1784, to
+which WASHINGTON sent the following reply, accepting the fraternal
+invitation.
+
+ "MOUNT VERNON, June 19, 1784.[24]
+
+ "_Dear Sir_: With pleasure, I received the invita- tion of the
+ master and members of Lodge No. 39, to dine with them on the
+ approaching anniversary of St. John the Baptist. If nothing
+ unforeseen at present interferes, I will have the honor of doing it.
+ For the polite and flattering terms in which you have expressed
+ their wishes, you will please accept my thanks."
+
+ "With esteem and respect,
+ "I am, dear sir,
+ "Your most Ob't serv't
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+ "Wm. Herbert, Esquire."
+
+
+=PLACE OF MEETING OF ALEXANDRIA LODGE, No. 39, ON PENNSYLVANIA REGISTER,
+ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA, WHERE GENERAL WASHINGTON ACCEPTED HONORARY MEMBERSHIP,
+JUNE 24, 1784.=
+
+
+No copy of this invitation nor acceptance, has thus far been found among
+the Washington papers.
+
+The original of this letter is also said to be among the relics of
+Alexandria-Washington Lodge, No. 22. As no fac-simile copy was
+obtainable, an engrossed copy for same was substituted in the collection
+of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
+
+This banquet was held at Wise's tavern[25] and was participated in by
+WASHINGTON, who upon this festive occasion was elected an honorary
+Member of Lodge No. 39, upon the Pennsylvania register, and thus became
+a Pennsylvania Freemason, and his name is duly recorded as such upon the
+minutes of Lodge No. 39.
+
+This fact further contradicts the Anti-Masonic arguments based upon the
+Snyder letter so extensively used during the years 1826-1833, that
+WASHINGTON never belonged to any Masonic Lodge, after his initiation in
+the Fredericksburg Lodge in 1752.
+
+The above note as recorded upon the Minutes of Alexandria Lodge, No. 39,
+shows that WASHINGTON was in complete harmony with the Masonic
+Fraternity; further, that by his acceptance of membership, WASHINGTON
+became a Pennsylvania Mason.
+
+Among the cherished relics in the Alexandria Lodge, there is none more
+valuable than the Masonic portrait of Brother WASHINGTON, which forms
+the frontispiece of this volume. This was painted from life in pastel,
+by William Williams, at Philadelphia in 1794.
+
+In the year 1910 a fac-simile of this portrait was made in oil by Miss
+Fanny M. Burke, an artist of repute, and a great-granddaughter of Thomas
+Jefferson. This replica made for the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania is the
+only one ever made of this portrait and shows Brother WASHINGTON as a
+man and Mason, neither heroized nor idealized.[26]
+
+
+=GEORGE WASHINGTON
+
+BY JEAN ANTOINE HOUDON, 1785.=
+
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+[24] "Washington and his Masonic Compeers," by Sidney Hayden, New York,
+1866, p. 104.
+
+[25] John Wise's tavern, in which the above Masonic Banquet was held, is
+a large three-story brick building still standing on high ground at the
+northeast corner of Cameron and Fairfax Streets, Alexandria. At that
+time it had an unobstructed view of the Potomac.
+
+[26] _Vide_ "Abstract of Proceedings of the Proceedings Grand Lodge of
+Pennsylvania, During the Year 1910," pp. 110-117.
+
+
+
+
+IV
+
+CORRESPONDENCE WITH KING DAVID'S LODGE, NO. 1, RHODE ISLAND, AUGUST,
+1790.
+
+
+The next correspondence in chronological order is the letter, sent in
+reply to the Address delivered by the Brethren of King David's Lodge,
+No. 1, at Newport, Rhode Island, to President WASHINGTON, August 17,
+1790, during his visit to New England.
+
+By referring to the Minutes of this old Lodge following entry is found:
+
+ "At a Lodge, called by request of several Breth-
+ "ren on Tuesday evening, August 17, 5790, an
+ "Entered Apprentice Lodge being opened in due
+ "form proceeded to business, when it was proposed
+ "to address the President of the United States.
+ "The R. W. Master (Moses Seixas) Henry Sher-
+ "burne, and the Secretary, [William Littlefield]
+ "were appointed a committee for that purpose,
+ "after which the Lodge closed."[27]
+
+
+Following address was prepared and according to local tradition was
+publicly presented, by the Committee to President WASHINGTON, in the
+Venerable Sanctuary of the Jewish Congregation at Newport; the Brethren
+of King David's Lodge being present:
+
+ "TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, _President of the United
+ States of America._
+
+ "We the Master, Wardens, and Brethren of
+ "King David's Lodge in New Port Rhode Island
+ "with joyful hearts embrace this opportunity to
+ "greet you as a Brother, and to hail you welcome
+ "to Rhode Island. We exult in the thought that
+ "as Masonry has always been patronised by the
+ "wise, the good, and the great, so that it stood
+ "and ever will stand, as its fixtures are on the
+ "immutable pillars of faith, hope, and charity.
+
+ "With unspeakable pleasure we gratulate
+ "you as filling the presidential chair with the
+ "applause of a numerous and enlightened people
+ "Whilst at the same time we felicitate ourselves
+ "in the honor done the brotherhood by your many
+ "exemplary virtues and emanations of goodness
+ "proceeding from a heart worthy of possessing
+ "the ancient mysteries of our craft; being persuaded
+ "that the wisdom and grace with which heaven
+ "has endowed you, will square all your thoughts,
+ "words, and actions by the eternal laws of honor,
+ "equity, and truth, so as to promote the advancement
+ "of all good works, your own happiness, and that
+ "of mankind.
+
+ "Permit us then, illustrious Brother,
+ "cordially to salute you with three times three
+ "and to add our fervent supplications that the
+ "sovereign architect of the universe may always
+ "encompass you with his holy protection.
+
+ "MOSES SEIXAS[28] _Master_
+ "New Port Augt 17, 1790. _Committee_.
+ "HY SHERBURNE
+ "By order
+ "WM LITTLEFIELD, _Secy._"
+
+
+Brother Moses Seixas was born in New York, March 28, 1744; died in New
+York City, November 29, 1809. He was a merchant in Newport, Rhode
+Island, and one of the founders of the Newport Bank of Rhode Island, of
+which he was cashier until his death. He succeeded Brother Moses M. Hays
+as Worshipful Master of King David's Lodge at Newport. He was also the
+first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island. It was Moses
+Seixas who addressed a letter of welcome in the name of the Jewish
+congregation to GEORGE WASHINGTON when the latter visited Newport, and
+it was to him that WASHINGTON's answer was addressed.
+
+The Town Hall at Newport being out of repair at that time the ancient
+Jewish Synagogue on the main street was used, upon that and several
+other public occasions. It is an interesting fact that this sacred
+edifice is still preserved in the same condition as it was during the
+Colonial period.
+
+So far as known this address was the first of Masonic import made to
+WASHINGTON as President. Unfortunately, the exact date of presentation
+and receipt of his answer is not known to a certainty, as there does not
+appear to be any date upon either the original documents or the copies
+in WASHINGTON's letter book.
+
+The original address and WASHINGTON's reply to the Master, Wardens and
+Brethren of King David's Lodge in Newport, the latter signed in
+autograph by WASHINGTON, are in the Athenaeum collection at Boston,
+Massachusetts.[29]
+
+Following copy of the President's answer is taken from his letter
+book.[30] Both address and answer in the letter book are in the
+handwriting of Major William Jackson, secretary to the President.
+
+A photostat of the original entry is in the Archives of the Grand
+Lodge of Pennsylvania. It will be noted that there is neither place nor
+date given.
+
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF REPLY TO KING DAVID'S LODGE, NO. 1, NEWPORT, R. I. LETTER
+BOOK II, FOLIO 29.=
+
+
+President WASHINGTON arrived at Newport, R.I., at eight o'clock on
+Tuesday morning, August 17, 1790. On the next day, Wednesday, the
+President and his suite left on the Packet "Hancock" at nine o'clock in
+the morning for Providence.
+
+His company consisted of Governor Clinton of New York, Thomas Jefferson,
+Secretary of State, Senator Theodore Foster, Judge Blair, Mr. Smith of
+South Carolina and Mr. Gorman of New Hampshire; members of Congress.[31]
+
+WASHINGTON left Providence, Saturday, August 21, and arrived in New York
+upon the following day, Sunday, August 22, 1790,[32] and sent the
+following reply to the Newport Brethren:
+
+ "TO THE MASTER, WARDENS, AND BRETHREN OF
+ "KING DAVIDS LODGE IN NEWPORT RHODE ISLAND."
+
+ "_Gentlemen_,
+
+ "I receive the welcome which you
+ "give me to Rhode Island with pleasure, and I
+ "acknowledge my obligations for the flattering
+ "expressions of regard, contained in your address,
+ "with grateful sincerity.
+
+ "Being persuaded that a just
+ "application of the principles, on which the Masonic
+ "Fraternity is founded, must be promotive of
+ "private virtue and public prosperity, I shall
+ "always be happy to advance the interests of
+ "the Society, and to be considered by them as
+ "a deserving brother.
+
+ "My best wishes, Gentlemen,
+ "are offered for your individual happiness."[33]
+
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF NOTICE SENT TO BROTHER WASHINGTON AT MOUNT VERNON TO
+ATTEND HIS LODGE. TREASURED BY THE WIFE OF PRESIDENT MADISON UNTIL HER
+DEATH. ORIGINAL IN ARCHIVES OF GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA. MSS. VOL. A,
+FOLIO 81.=
+
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+[27] A copy of the Extracts from the Records of King David's Lodge, No.
+1, as made by Ara Hildreth, Esq., is in the Archives of the Grand Lodge
+of Pennsylvania, Mss. Volume Q, R.I. 7.
+
+Cf. also a verified copy of the Minute in "Proceedings of the
+Anti-Masonic Republican Convention of Massachusetts, Boston, 1832," p.
+22.
+
+[28] _Vide_ "The Jews and Masonry in the United States," by Samuel
+Oppenheim, New York, 1810, p. 22 _et seq._
+
+[29] Cf. "Catalogue of the Washington Collection in the Boston
+Athenaeum," Boston, 1897, p. 331.
+
+[30] Letterbook II, p. 29.
+
+[31] Cf. "Washington after the Revolution," W. S. Baker, Philadelphia,
+1898, p. 192.
+
+[32] Cf. _Pennsylvania Packet_, August 30-31 1790.
+
+[33] Copy of Address in Letter Book II, pp. 27-28, Photostat of same in
+Archives of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
+
+
+
+
+V
+
+CORRESPONDENCE WITH ST. JOHN'S LODGE, NO. 2 AT NEWBERN, N. C., APRIL,
+1791.
+
+
+The next Masonic letter of President WASHINGTON was written, in answer
+to an address by the brethren of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, at Newbern,
+North Carolina, during his southern tour in 1791.
+
+April 7, 1791, WASHINGTON started on a tour through the Southern States,
+by way of Fredericksburg, Richmond, and Petersburg, Virginia; Halifax,
+Tarborough, Newbern, and Wilmington, North Carolina; Georgetown, and
+Charleston, South Carolina; and Savannah, Georgia.
+
+When advice of this proposed presidential visit reached Newbern, the
+brethren of St. John's Lodge, No. 2,[34] at the stated meeting held on
+April 1, 1791, passed the following resolution. "_Resolved_, that an
+address shall be presented to Brother GEORGE WASHINGTON, in behalf of
+this Lodge, on his arriving in this town."[35]
+
+Upon his arrival at Newbern, N. C., April 20, following address was
+presented to the President,[36] which, together with the reply, has thus
+far never been in print or noted:
+
+ "TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF
+ AMERICA.
+
+ "The Address of St Johns Lodge No. 2 of
+ Newbern.
+
+ "_Right Worshipful Sir_,
+
+ "We the Master, Officers, and Members of St.
+ "Johns Lodge No 2, of Newbern, beg leave to hail
+ "you welcome with three times three.
+
+ "We approach you not with the language of
+ "adulation, but sincere fraternal affection--your
+ "works having proved you to be the true and faith-
+ "ful brother, the skilful and expert Craftsman, the
+ "just and upright man, But the powers of elo-
+ "quence are too feeble to express with sufficient
+ "energy the cordial warmth with which our bosoms
+ "glow toward you.
+
+ "We therefore most ardently wish, most fervently
+ "and devoutly pray, That the Providence of the
+ "most high may strengthen, establish, and protect
+ "you, in your walk through this life; and when you
+ "shall be called off from your terrestrial labours by
+ "command of our divine grand master, and your
+ "operations sealed with the mark of his approbation,
+ "may your soul be eternally refreshed with the
+ "streams of living water which flow at the right
+ "hand of God, and when the supreme architect of
+ "all worlds shall collect his most precious jewels as
+ "ornaments of the celestial Jerusalem, may you
+ "everlastingly shine among those of the brightest
+ "lustre.
+
+ "We are in our own behalf, and that of the
+ "Members of this Lodge,
+
+ "Right worshipful Sir;
+ "St Johns Lodge No. 2.
+ "Your true and faithful brethren
+ "April 20th 5791.
+ "ISAAC GUION _Master_.
+ "SAMUEL CHAPMAN _Senior Warden_.
+ "WILLIAM JOHNSTON, _Junior Warden_.
+ "SOLOMON HALLING, EDW. PASTEUR, JAS CARNEY,
+ "F. LOWTHROP.
+ "_Members of the Committee_."
+
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF ADDRESS FROM ST. JOHN'S LODGE, NO. 2, NEWBERN, N. C.
+LETTER BOOK II, FOLIO 47-48.=
+
+
+Brothers: Isaac Guion, Worshipful Master, Samuel Chapman, Senior Warden,
+William Johnston, Junior Warden, and Solomon Halling, signers to above
+petition had all seen service in the Continental Army during the
+Revolutionary War. Brother Guion served as Surgeon and Paymaster;
+Brother Chapman, Captain in 8th North Carolina, serving until the close
+of the War; Brother Johnston, Captain in North Carolina Militia and
+present at Kings Mountain.
+
+Brother Hailing was Surgeon of the 4th Carolina Regiment and served
+until the close of the War.
+
+ WASHINGTON'S REPLY[37] TO THE BRETHREN OF ST. JOHN'S LODGE.
+
+ "TO THE MASTER, WARDENS, AND MEMBERS OF ST
+ "JOHN'S LODGE NO. 2 OF NEWBERN.
+
+ "_Gentlemen_,
+
+ "I receive the cordial welcome which you
+ "are pleased to give me with sincere gratitude.
+
+ "My best ambition having ever aimed at
+ "the unbiassed approbation of my fellow-citizens,
+ "it is peculiarly pleasing to find my conduct
+ "so affectionately approved by a fraternity whose as-
+ "sociation is founded in justice and benevolence.
+
+ "In reciprocating the wishes contained
+ "in your address, be persuaded that I offer a sincere
+ "prayer for your present and future happiness.
+
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+
+"At the following Meeting of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, April 29, 1791,
+the Master laid before the Lodge the answer of Brother George Washington
+ordered that it be read, which being done, Resolved that it be entered
+on Minutes of this Lodge."[38] "The Address to Brother Washington and
+his answer are both on the Minutes of the Lodge. The original letter may
+have been lost during the late unpleasantness, as the Lodge lost nearly
+everything it possessed."[39]
+
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+[34] In the latter part of the eighteenth century, St. John's Lodge, No.
+2, at Newbern, was very active, at which time it built a two-story
+theatre and Masonic Hall, and took part in a number of local matters.
+
+[35] Extract from Minutes by Brother J. F. Rhem, M.D., Newbern, N. C.
+
+[36] Letter Book 2, pp. 47-48 in Library of Congress, Washington, D. C.;
+photostat in Archives of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
+
+[37] _Ibid._, p. 49; photostat in Archives of Grand Lodge of
+Pennsylvania.
+
+[38] Extract from Minutes by Brother J. F. Rhem, M.D., Newbern, N. C.
+
+[39] Brother J. F. Rhem, Newbern, N. C., in letter to Brother A. B.
+Andrews, Jr., December 14, 1914.
+
+
+
+
+VI
+
+CORRESPONDENCE WITH PRINCE GEORGE'S LODGE, NO. 16, GEORGETOWN, S. C.,
+APRIL, 1791.
+
+
+WASHINGTON left Newbern, North Carolina, under an escort of horse, April
+22, 1791, and arrived at Georgetown, South Carolina, by way of
+Wilmington, N. C., Saturday, April 30, where he was received with a
+salute of cannon, and by a company of infantry, and during the afternoon
+was presented with the following address, by a Committee of Prince
+George's Lodge, No. 16 (Moderns), of Georgetown, South Carolina.
+
+This Lodge was one of the original six Lodges, which had been warranted
+prior to 1756 in South Carolina, under the Jurisdiction of the
+Provincial Grand Lodge, and through it, the Grand Lodge of England. It
+is the only instance where a Lodge of the "Moderns" addressed Brother
+WASHINGTON:
+
+ "TO OUR ILLUSTRIOUS BROTHER GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ "_President of the United States._
+
+ "At a time when all men are emulous to approach
+ "you to express the lively sensations you inspire as
+ "the Father of our country. Permit us the Brethren
+ "of Prince George's Lodge No. 16 to have our share
+ "in the general happiness in welcoming you to
+ "Georgetown, and the pleasure of reflecting that we
+ "behold in you the liberator of our country. the
+ "distributor of its equal laws, and a Brother of our
+ "most ancient and most honorable Order.
+
+ "At the same time indulge us in congratulating
+ "you on the truly honorable and happy situation in
+ "which you now stand, as the Grand Conductor of
+ "the political interests of these United States.
+
+ "Having by your manly efforts caused the beau-
+ "teous light of liberty to beam on this western hemi-
+ "sphere, and by the wisdom Heaven has graciously
+ "endowed you with established the liberties of
+ "America on the justest and firmest basis that was
+ "ever yet recorded in the annuals of history, you
+ "now enjoy the supremest of all earthly happiness
+ "that of diffusing peace, liberty, and safety to mil-
+ "lions of your fellow-citizens.
+
+ "As a true reward for your patriotic, noble and
+ "exalted services we fervently pray the Grand Archi-
+ "tect of the universe long to bless you with health,
+ "stability, and power to continue you the Grand
+ "Pillar of the arch of liberty in this vast empire,
+ "which you have been so eminently distinguished in
+ "raising to this pitch of perfection at which we now
+ "behold it.
+
+ "May the residue of your life be spent in ease
+ "content and happiness, and as the Great Parent of
+ "these United States may you long live to see your
+ "children flourish under your happy auspices and
+ "may you be finally rewarded with eternal happiness.
+
+ "We conclude our present address with a fervent
+ "wish that you will continue as you have hitherto
+ "been, the friend of our ancient and honorable
+ "Order, and of all worthy Masons.
+
+ "I. WHITE
+ "R. GRANT _Committee from_
+ "AB. COHEN _Prince George's Lodge._
+ "JOS. BLYTH.
+ "J. CARSON.
+
+ "George Town 30th April 1791."
+
+
+Of the above signers, three of the brethren had served in the War for
+Independence, viz.: Brother Isaac White, Lieutenant in North Carolina
+Militia at Kings Mountain; Brother Reuben Grant, Ensign in the 6th North
+Carolina Infantry, and Brother Joseph Blythe, Surgeon in 1st North
+Carolina Regiment, taken prisoner at Charleston, May 12th, 1780;
+exchanged June 14, 1781; in 4th North Carolina in February, 1782, and
+served to close of war.
+
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF ADDRESS FROM THE BRETHREN OF PRINCE GEORGE'S LODGE, FOLIO
+NO. 16, GEORGETOWN, SOUTH CAROLINA, APRIL, 1791. LETTER BOOK II, 59-60.=
+
+
+The following reply unfortunately bears no date. Both address and reply
+were entered in Washington Letter Book, No. II, folio 60-61. It is not
+known what has became of the originals. No notice or copies of either of
+the above documents have thus far been published.
+
+ WASHINGTON'S REPLY.
+
+ "TO THE BRETHREN OF PRINCE GEORGE'S LODGE,
+ NO. 16.
+
+ "_Gentlemen_:
+
+ "The cordial welcome which you give me
+ "to George Town, and the congratulations, you are
+ "pleased to offer on my election to the chief
+ "magistracy receive my grateful thanks.
+
+ "I am much obliged by your good wishes
+ "and reciprocate them with sincerity, assuring the
+ "fraternity of my esteem, I request them to believe
+ "that I shall always be ambitious of being considered
+ "a deserving Brother.
+
+ Go. Washington
+
+
+=GENERAL MORDECAI GIST.
+
+B. BALTIMORE, MD., 1743. D. CHARLESTON, S. C., 1792.
+
+WHO, AS GRAND MASTER OF SOUTH CAROLINA, SIGNED THE ADDRESS TO BROTHER
+WASHINGTON.=
+
+
+
+
+VII
+
+CORRESPONDENCE WITH GRAND LODGE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, MAY, 1791.
+
+
+President WASHINGTON left Georgetown at six o'clock in the evening, May
+1, 1791, reaching Charleston, South Carolina, Monday, May 2, in a
+twelve-oared barge rowed by twelve American captains of ships
+accompanied by a great number of boats with gentlemen and ladies in
+them, and two boats with music.[40] Brother WASHINGTON remained in
+Charleston until May 9.
+
+Wednesday, May 4, 1791, General Mordecai Gist, an old companion in arms
+of WASHINGTON, and formerly Master of the Military Lodge in the Maryland
+line (No. 27 upon the register of Pennsylvania),[41] but now Grand
+Master of the Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons of South Carolina,
+attended by the other present and past grand officers,[42] waited on
+their beloved brother, the president of the United States, and presented
+the following address:[43]
+
+ "_Sir_--Induced by a respect for your public and private character,
+ as well as the relation in which you stand with the brethren of
+ this society, we the Grand Lodge of the State of South Carolina,
+ Ancient York Masons, beg leave to offer our sincere congratulations
+ on your arrival in this state.
+
+ "We felicitate you on the establishment and exercise of a permanent
+ government, whose foundation was laid under your auspices by
+ military achievements, upon which have been progressively reared
+ the pillars of the free republic over which you preside, supported
+ by wisdom, strength, and beauty unrivalled among the nations of the
+ world.
+
+ "The fabric thus raised and committed to your superintendence, we
+ earnestly wish may continue to produce order and harmony to
+ succeeding ages, and be the asylum of virtue to the oppressed of
+ all parts of the universe.
+
+ "When we contemplate the distresses of war, the instances of
+ humanity displayed by the Craft afford some relief to the feeling
+ mind; and it gives us the most pleasing sensation to recollect,
+ that amidst the difficulties attendant on your late military
+ stations, you still associated with, and patronized the Ancient
+ Fraternity.
+
+ "Distinguished always by your virtues, more than the exalted
+ stations in which you have moved, we exult in the opportunity you
+ now give us of hailing you brother of our Order, and trust from
+ your knowledge of our institution, to merit your countenance and
+ support.
+
+ "With fervent zeal for your happiness, we pray that a life so dear
+ to the bosom of this society, and to society in general, may be
+ long, very long preserved; and when you leave the temporal symbolic
+ lodges of this world, may you be received into the celestial lodge
+ of light and perfection, where the Grand Master Architect of the
+ Universe presides.
+
+ "Done in behalf of the Grand Lodge.
+
+ "M. GIST, G. M."[44]
+
+ "Charleston, 2d May, 1791."
+
+
+To this address WASHINGTON returned the following reply.[45]
+
+ "_Gentlemen_:--I am much obliged by the respect which you are so
+ good as to declare for my public and private character. I recognize
+ with pleasure my relation to the brethren of your Society, and I
+ accept with gratitude your congratulations on my arrival in South
+ Carolina.
+
+ "Your sentiments, on the establishment and exercise of our equal
+ government, are worthy of an association, whose principles lead to
+ purity of morals, and are beneficial of action.
+
+ "The fabric of our freedom is placed on the enduring basis of
+ public virtue, and will, I fondly hope, long continue to protect
+ the prosperity of the architects who raised it. I shall be happy,
+ on every occasion, to evince my regard for the Fraternity. For your
+ prosperity individually, I offer my best wishes."
+
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+
+This letter was probably destroyed with other Grand Lodge property when
+Columbia, South Carolina, was burned by Sherman's Army during the war
+between the States.[46]
+
+Fortunately, the original draft of WASHINGTON's reply, was found among
+the Washington papers now in the Library of Congress. This is written
+upon two pages of a letter sheet: the first page shows a paragraph which
+was suppressed and did not appear upon the clear copy sent to the Grand
+Lodge of Ancient York Masons of South Carolina.
+
+A photostat of this draft is in the collection of the Grand Lodge of
+Pennsylvania, viz.:
+
+ "TO THE GRAND LODGE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH
+ "CAROLINA ANCIENT YORK MASONS.
+
+ "_Gentlemen_,
+
+ "I am much obliged by the respect
+ "which you are so good as to declare for my
+ "public and private character. I recognise
+ "with pleasure my relation to the Brethren
+ "of your Society--and I accept with gratitude
+ "your congratulations on my arrival in
+ "South Carolina.
+
+ "_Your felicitations It is peculiarly
+ general
+ "pleasing to observe the ^ satisfaction expressed
+ "on the establishment and exercise of the
+ "federal government_--
+ "Your sentiments on the establishment
+ "and exercise of our equal government are
+ "worthy of an association, whose principles
+ "lead to purity of morals, and beneficence
+ "of action--The fabric of our freedom
+ "is placed on the enduring basis of
+ "public virtue, and will long continue
+ "to protect the Posterity of the architects
+ "who raised it.
+
+ "I shall be happy on every
+ regard
+ "occasion to evince my respect for the
+ "Fraternity, for whose happiness individually
+ "I offer my best wishes.
+
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF DRAFT OF WASHINGTON'S REPLY TO ADDRESS FROM GRAND LODGE OF
+SOUTH CAROLINA, MAY, 1791.
+
+HANDWRITING OF MAYOR WILLIAM JACKSON.=
+
+
+Upon the first page the four lines commencing with "Your felicitations"
+and ending with "federal government" were crossed out, and as above
+stated, were not in the reply sent to R. W. Grand Master Gist and his
+officers.
+
+In the third line from the bottom the word "regard" is substituted for
+"respect."
+
+Brother Gist was the original Warrant Master of the Regimental Lodge in
+the Maryland line, No. 27, on the Roster of the Grand Lodge of
+Pennsylvania. After the war, Brother Gist settled in Charleston, South
+Carolina, retaining his old Military Warrant, and, in 1786, applied to
+the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, to renew this warrant, for a Lodge to
+be located at Charleston under the same number. This request was
+granted, and Brother Gist was again named as Warrant Master.
+
+At the formation of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina Ancient York
+Masons in 1787, Brother Gist was elected Deputy Grand Master and served
+as such during the years 1787-88-89, and as Grand Master, 1790-1791.
+
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+[40] Washington's Diary.
+
+[41] Cf. "Old Masonic Lodges in Pennsylvania," Philadelphia, 1913, Vol.
+2, p. 53 _et seq._
+
+[42] Brother William Drayton, Past Grand Master; Brother Mordecai Gist,
+Grand Master; Brother Thomas B. Bowen, Deputy Grand Master; Brother
+George Miller, Senior Grand Warden; Brother John Mitchell, Junior Grand
+Warden; Brother Thomas Gates, Grand Chaplain; Brother Robert Knox, Grand
+Treasurer; Brother Alexandrer Alexander, Grand Secretary; Brother Israel
+Meyers, Grand Tiler.
+
+[43] _City Gazette_, Friday, May 6, 1791, p. 2, column 4.
+
+[44] For full account of Lodge 27 and Brother Gist, _vide_ "Old Masonic
+Lodges of Pennsylvania," before quoted, Vol. II, pp. 53-63.
+
+[45] Cf. Hayden, "Washington and his Masonic Compeers," p. 135.
+
+[46] William C. Mazyck, Right Worshipful Grand Secretary, G. L. of South
+Carolina.
+
+
+
+
+VIII
+
+CORRESPONDENCE WITH GRAND LODGE OF GEORGIA, MAY, 1791.
+
+
+On the way from Charleston, South Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia,
+WASHINGTON called on Mrs. Greene, the widow of late Brother General
+Nathaniel Greene, at her plantation called Mulberry Grove, reaching
+Savannah, Georgia, on the evening of Thursday, May 12, 1791.
+
+Saturday, May 14, WASHINGTON was waited on by Brethren of the Grand
+Lodge of Georgia and presented with the following address:[47]
+
+ "TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+ "_Sir, and Brother_,
+
+ "The Grand Master, Officers and Members of the
+ "Grand Lodge of Georgia, beg leave to congratulate
+ "you on your arrival in this city. Whilst your ex-
+ "alted character claims the respect and deference of
+ "all men, they from the benevolence of masonic prin-
+ "ciples approach you with the familiar declaration
+ "of fraternal affection.
+
+ "Happy indeed that Society, renowned for its
+ "antiquity, and pervading influence over the en-
+ "lightened world, which having ranked a Frederick
+ "at its head, can now boast of a Washington as a
+ "Brother. A Brother who it justly hailed the Re-
+ "deemer of his country, raised it to glory, and by his
+ "conduct in public and private life has evinced to
+ "Monarchs that true majesty consists not in splendid
+ "royalty, but in intrinsic worth.
+
+ "With these sentiments they rejoice at your pres-
+ "ence in this State, and in common with their fellow-
+ "citizens, greet you, thrice welcome, flattering them-
+ "selves that your stay will be made agreeable.
+
+ "May the great Architect of the Universe pre-
+ "serve you whilst engaged in the work allotted you
+ "on earth, and long continue you the brightest pil-
+ "lar of our Temple, and when the supreme fiat shall
+ "summon you hence, they pray the might I AM
+ "may take you into his holy keeping,
+
+ "Grand Lodge in Savannah
+ "May 14th 5791.
+ "GEO: HOUSTON,
+ "_Grand Master_."
+
+
+=BRO. WASHINGTON'S REPLY TO ADDRESS FROM THE GRAND LODGE OF GEORGIA, MAY,
+1791. LETTER BOOK II, FOLIO 78.=
+
+
+Upon the next day, Sunday, May 15, after attending the morning church
+service, WASHINGTON left Savannah and set out for Augusta, Georgia,
+halting for dinner at Mulberry Grove, the seat of Mrs. Nathaniel Greene.
+The following reply to the Masonic address was sent to the Grand Lodge
+of Georgia,[48] both address and reply now first published:
+
+ "TO THE GRAND MASTER, OFFICERS AND MEMBERS
+ "OF THE GRAND LODGE OF GEORGIA.
+
+ "_Gentlemen_,
+
+ "I am much obliged by your congratulations
+ "on my arrival in this city, and I am highly indebted
+ "to your favorable opinions.
+
+ "Every circumstance contributes to
+ "render my stay in Savannah agreeable, and it
+ "is cause of regret to me that it must be so
+ "short.
+
+ "My best wishes are offered for the welfare
+ "of the fraternity, and for your particular happiness.
+
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+
+=PRESIDENT WASHINGTON'S RESIDENCE IN PHILADELPHIA, A. D. 1790 A. D. 1797.
+
+WHERE THE MASONIC ADDRESSES OF THE GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA WERE
+DELIVERED.
+
+FROM A CONTEMPORARY WATER COLOR PAINTING BELONGING TO THE LIBRARY
+COMPANY OF PHILADELPHIA.
+
+THE FIGURES ARE THOSE OF WASHINGTON AND ROBERT MORRIS.=
+
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+[47] Washington Letter Book, II, folio 77. Photostat in Archives of the
+Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
+
+[48] Address and Reply, Letter Book II, folio 77-78.
+
+
+
+
+IX
+
+CORRESPONDENCE WITH GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA, JANUARY 3, 1792.
+
+
+During the Presidential term of Brother WASHINGTON, the President, when
+in Philadelphia, lived in a large double three-story brick mansion, on
+the south side of Market Street, sixty feet east of Sixth Street, the
+site of which is now occupied by three stores, viz.: Nos. 526, 528, 530.
+
+The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania then held its meetings in the upper
+floor of the Meeting house of the Free Quakers, still standing, at the
+southwest corner of Arch and Fifth Streets; this was but a short
+distance from the presidential mansion. Brother WASHINGTON was
+undoubtedly personally acquainted with many of its members, especially
+such as had been officers during the Revolution, and were fellow members
+of the Cincinnati.
+
+On St. John's Day, December 27, 1791, a Grand Lodge was opened in ample
+form,[49] and the Minutes of the last Grand Communication were read, as
+far as concerns the election of Grand Officers.
+
+The Grand Officers upon this occasion were:
+
+Brother Jonathan Bayard Smith, _R. W. Grand Master_.
+
+Brother Joseph Few, _Deputy Grand Master_.
+
+Brother Thomas Procter, _Senior Grand Warden_.
+
+Brother Gavin Hamilton, _Junior Grand Warden_.
+
+Brother Peter Le Barbier Duplessis, _Grand Secretary_.
+
+Brother Benjamin Mason, _Grand Treasurer_.
+
+The Rev. Brother Dr. William Smith then addressed the Brethren in an
+oration suitable to the Grand Day, and the thanks of the Lodge were
+given to said Brother William Smith for the same.
+
+After which, on motion and seconded, the Rev. Brother Dr. Smith and the
+Right Worshipful Grand Officers were appointed a Committee to prepare an
+address to our Illustrious Brother GEORGE WASHINGTON, President of the
+United States; and this Lodge was adjourned to the second day of January
+next to receive the report of said Committee.
+
+ "PHILADELPHIA, January 2d, 1792.
+
+ "_Grand Lodge, By Adjournment_,[50]
+
+ "A Grand Lodge was opened in ample form, and the Minutes of St.
+ John's Day being read as far as relates to the appointment of a
+ Committee to prepare an Address to our illustrious Brother George
+ Washington, The Revd. Bro. Dr. Wm. Smith, one of the said
+ Committee, presented the Draft of one which was read, Whereupon, on
+ Motion and Seconded, the same was unanimously approved of, and
+ Resolved, That the Rt. Wt. Grand Master, Depy. G. Master, and
+ Grand Officers, with the Revd Bro. Smith, be a Committee to
+ present the said Address in behalf of this Rt. Wt. Grand Lodge,
+ signed by the Right Worshipful Grand Master, and Countersigned by
+ the Grand Secretary.
+
+ "Lodge closed at half past 9 o'clock in Harmony."
+
+
+Following is the address presented to Brother WASHINGTON. Both the
+original draft in the handwriting of Brother William Smith, showing
+minor alterations, as well as a fair copy, are in the archives of the
+Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.[51]
+
+ "TO HIS EXCELLENCY GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+ "_Sir and Brother_:
+
+ "The Ancient _York Masons_ of the Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania, for
+ the first time assembled in General _Communication_ to celebrate
+ the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, since your Election to the
+ _Chair_ of Government in the United States, beg leave to approach
+ you with Congratulations from the East, and in the pride of
+ Fraternal affection to hail you as the _Great Master Builder_
+ (under the Supreme Architect) by whose labours the _Temple of
+ Liberty_ hath been reared in the West, exhibiting to the Nations of
+ the Earth a _Model_ of _Beauty_, _Order_ and _Harmony_ worthy of
+ their Imitation and Praise.
+
+ "Your Knowledge of the Origin and Objects of our Institution; its
+ Tendency to promote the Social Affections and harmonize the Heart,
+ give us a sure pledge that this tribute of our Veneration, this
+ Effusion of our Love will not be ungrateful to you; nor will Heaven
+ reject our _Prayer_ that you may be long continued to adorn the
+ bright list of Master workmen which our Fraternity in the
+ _terrestrial Lodge_; and that you may be late removed to that
+ _Celestial Lodge_ where love and Harmony reign transcendent and
+ Divine; where the great Architect more immediately presides, and
+ where _Cherubim_ and _Seraphim_, wafting our Congratulations from
+ _Earth to Heaven_, shall hail you _Brother_.
+
+ (Seal) "By order and in behalf of the Grand
+ "Lodge of Pennsylvania in general Com-
+ "munication assembled in ample form.
+
+
+ "J B Smith
+
+ (Signed) G.M.
+
+ [Illegible Signature]
+
+ "Attest: Gd. Secry."
+
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF THE ORIGINAL ADDRESS READ BEFORE PRESIDENT WASHINGTON
+BY REV. BRO. WILLIAM SMITH, D.D., JANUARY 3, 1792.
+
+ORIGINAL IN ARCHIVES OF GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA. MSS.--VOLUME
+A.--FOLIO.--21.=
+
+
+On January 3, 1792, Jonathan Bayard Smith, the Right Worshipful Grand
+Master, together with the Grand Officers and Rev. Brother William Smith
+called on the President and delivered the above address.
+
+The deputation was received in the dining room of the presidential
+mansion. This was a room about thirty feet long, and where WASHINGTON
+was accustomed to receive delegations.
+
+At the Quarterly Communication held March 5, 1792, the Right Worshipful
+Grand Master Jonathan B. Smith informed the Brethren that, in conformity
+to the resolve of this Grand Lodge, he had, in company with the Grand
+Officers and the Rev. Brother Dr. Smith, presented the address to our
+illustrious Brother GEORGE WASHINGTON and had received an answer, which
+was read.
+
+ "TO THE ANCIENT YORK MASONS OF THE
+ "JURISDICTION OF PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+ "_Gentlemen and Brothers_,
+
+ "I receive your kind Congratulations
+ "with the purest sensations of fraternal affection:--and
+ "from a heart deeply impressed with your generous
+ "wishes for my present and future happiness, I beg
+ "you to accept my thanks.
+
+ "At the same time I request you will
+ "be assured of my best wishes and earnest prayers
+ "for your happiness while you remain in this terres-
+ "tial Mansion, and that we may thereafter meet
+ "as brethren in the Eternal Temple of the
+ "Supreme Architect.
+
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF WASHINGTON'S REPLY TO GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA,
+JANUARY, 1792. ORIGINAL IN ARCHIVES OF THE GRAND LODGE.=
+
+
+=WASHINGTON'S MASONIC APRON.
+
+EMBROIDERED BY MADAM LAFAYETTE; PRESENTED AUGUST, 1784, BY BRO. GEN.
+LAFAYETTE TO BRO. GEN. WASHINGTON; PRESENTED OCTOBER 26, 1816, BY THE
+LEGATEES OF BRO. WASHINGTON TO THE WASHINGTON BENEVOLENT SOCIETY OF
+PENNSYLVANIA; PRESENTED JULY 3, 1829, BY THE WASHINGTON BENEVOLENT
+SOCIETY TO THE R. W. GRAND LODGE, F. &. A. M. OF PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+ORIGINAL APRON IN MUSEUM OF THE GRAND LODGE.=
+
+
+Whereupon, on motion and seconded, Resolved, unanimously, that the said
+address and the answer thereto, shall be entered on the minutes.
+
+This answer, in possession of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, is in the
+handwriting of Tobias Lear, who was the private secretary of the
+President, and for years attended to the details of WASHINGTON's
+domestic affairs, and was liberally remembered by him in his will.
+
+The letter was signed by WASHINGTON, who had both the address and answer
+copied verbatim in one of his letter books[52] by Bartholomew Dandridge,
+secretary to the President. A photostat copy of above, together with the
+original answer by WASHINGTON is in the Archives of the Grand Lodge of
+Pennsylvania.
+
+This address was read by Rev. Brother William Smith, one of the most
+noted Episcopal preachers in Philadelphia, and the first Provost of the
+College of Philadelphia, now the University of Pennsylvania. Brother
+William Smith, D.D., had been an active member of the Masonic
+Fraternity in Pennsylvania for forty years; he was the Chaplain of the
+Grand Lodge of Moderns for almost a quarter of a century. In winter of
+1778 he joined the Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons, and for some time
+served as Grand Secretary.[53]
+
+Jonathan Bayard Smith, the Grand Master of Pennsylvania, was one of
+Philadelphia's prominent citizens. During the Revolutionary period he
+was an ardent patriot; he was among the earliest of those who espoused
+the cause of independence. In 1775 he was chosen secretary of the
+Committee of Safety, and in February, 1777, he was elected by the
+assembly a delegate to the Continental Congress. He was a second time
+chosen to this post, serving in the congresses of 1777-8. From April 4,
+1777, till Nov. 13, 1778, he was prothonotary of the court of Common
+Pleas.
+
+On December 1, 1777, he presided at the public meeting, in Philadelphia,
+of "Real Whigs," by whom it was resolved "That it be recommended to the
+council of safety that in this great emergency ... every person between
+the age of sixteen and fifty years be ordered out under arms." During
+this year he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of a battalion of
+"Associators."
+
+
+=J B SMITH
+
+B. FEB. 21, 1742; D. JUNE 16, 1812.
+
+GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN PENNSYLVANIA, 1789-1794.=
+
+
+In 1778 he was appointed a justice of the court of Common Pleas, Quarter
+Sessions, and Orphans' Court, which post he held for many years. He
+was appointed in 1781, one of the auditors of the accounts of
+Pennsylvania troops in the service of the United States. In 1792, and
+subsequently, he was chosen an alderman of the city, which was an office
+of great dignity in his day, and in 1794 he was elected auditor-general
+of Pennsylvania.
+
+Brother Jonathan B. Smith was an active member of the Grand Lodge of
+Pennsylvania. He was the Senior Grand Warden in 1786, at the time when
+the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania: "_Resolved_, that the Grand
+Lodge is, and ought to be perfectly independent and free of any such
+foreign jurisdiction."[54]
+
+In the two following years he was appointed Deputy Grand Master by Right
+Worshipful Grand Master William Adcock; he was elected Right Worshipful
+Grand Master in 1789 and served in that capacity for six years
+(1789-1794). In the year 1798 he was again elected to that honorable
+office, serving five more consecutive years (1798 to 1802), when he
+declined reelection. The following action was taken by the Grand
+Lodge:[55]
+
+ "On Motion made and Seconded the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
+ impressed with a grateful sense of the long assiduous and highly
+ useful labours of their late R. W. Grand Master, Bror Jonathan
+ Bayard Smith, Esqr, previous to and during his service in the
+ high Station which he has left, Resolved Unanimously, That the most
+ respectful Thanks of the said G. Lodge be presented to their said
+ Brother Jonathan Bayard Smith for the eminent services he has
+ rendered to the Craft generally and more especially for the able,
+ diligent and impartial manner in which he has discharged the Duties
+ of the Chair and while they deplore the necessity of his now
+ retiring from the Official Station amongst them which he has so
+ Honourably filled, they hope for a continuance of his Brotherly
+ Love, Aid and information and finally that he be requested to
+ receive the best wishes of the Grand Lodge for a prolongation of
+ his useful life, a commensurate enjoyment of his Health and his
+ final Happiness in the Mansion of Everlasting Rest."
+
+
+Brother Joseph Few, Deputy Grand Master, was also a Revolutionary
+Soldier, having served as Regimental Quarter Master with the 4th
+Continental Artillery.
+
+Brother Thomas Procter, Senior Grand Warden, formerly Colonel of the
+Pennsylvania Artillery, and Warrant Master of the Military Lodge, No.
+19, upon the Roster of Pennsylvania was prominent in both civil and
+political affairs during WASHINGTON's administration. A full account of
+Brother Thomas Procter and this Military Lodge will be found in the
+History of the Old Masonic Lodges of Pennsylvania, published by the
+Grand Lodge in 1913.[56]
+
+For a sketch of Brother Peter Le Barbier Duplessis, the reader is
+referred to the same volume.[57]
+
+
+=WASHINGTON'S PAST MASTER'S JEWEL.
+
+Replica in the Museum of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.=
+
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+[49] Reprint of Minutes of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Vol. I, p. 178.
+
+[50] _Ibid._, p. 180.
+
+[51] MSS. Volume A, folio 17, 19, 21.
+
+[52] Letter Book II, pp. 104-105.
+
+[53] Cf. "Old Masonic Lodges of Pennsylvania," Vol. I, p. 201.
+
+[54] Cf. Reprint of Minutes of Grand Lodge, Vol. I, p. 96 _et seq._
+
+[55] _Ibid._, Vol. II, p. 68.
+
+[56] Volume II, Chapter XXVI, pp. 1-36. Cf. also "Freemasonry in
+Pennsylvania," Vol. I and II, for various references to Col. Procter.
+
+[57] Cf. "Old Lodges," Vol. II, pp. 256 _et seq._
+
+
+
+
+X
+
+CORRESPONDENCE WITH GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS, DECEMBER, 1792.
+
+
+ "At Grand Lodge held at Concert Hall, Boston, 10th of December, 5792,
+ being a Quarterly Communication it was
+
+ "_Resolved_, That the Grand Master, with the Grand Wardens, present
+ to our Most Beloved Brother
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON,
+
+ the new Book of Constitutions, with a suitable address."
+
+
+At the next Quarterly Communication we find that,
+
+ "Agreeably to a resolve at the last Quarterly Communication, the
+ Grand Master, with his Wardens, reported:
+
+ "That they had written to our beloved President and Brother, George
+ Washington, and presented him with a Book of Constitutions, to
+ which letter he had been pleased to make answer. The letter and
+ answer were read, and Voted to be inserted in the records of the
+ Grand Lodge."
+
+
+This address was evidently sent to President WASHINGTON at Philadelphia,
+and was answered from the presidential office in that city. No date nor
+place appears upon either the original so far as known, nor the copy in
+the letter book, both address and reply therein being in the handwriting
+of Bartholomew Dandridge, Secretary to the President.
+
+The following copy of both address and reply are taken from Letter Book
+II, folio 106-108.
+
+ "An Address of the Grand Lodge of Free &
+ "Accepted Masons for the Commonwealth
+ "of Massachusetts, To their honored and
+ "Illustrious Brother.
+
+ GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ "Whilst the Historian is describing the
+ "career of your glory, and the inhabitants
+ "of an extensive Empire are made happy
+ "in your unexampled exertions:--whilst some
+ "celebrate the Hero so distinguished in li-
+ "berating United America; and others the Patriot
+ "who presides over her Councils, a Band of bro-
+ "thers, having always joined the acclamations
+ "of their countrymen, now testify their res-
+ "pect for those milder virtues which have
+ "ever graced the man.
+
+ "Taught by the precepts of our Society;
+ "that all its members _stand upon a level_, we
+ "venture to assume this station & to approach
+ "you with that freedom which diminishes
+ "our diffidence without lessening our respect.
+
+ "Desirous to enlarge the boundaries of
+ "social happiness, and to vindicate the cere-
+ "monies of their institution, this Grand Lodge
+ "have published a "Book of Constitutions," (and
+ "a copy for your acceptance accompanies
+ "this) which by discovering the principles that
+ "actuate will speak the Eulogy of the Society;
+ "though they fervently wish the conduct of its;
+ "Members may prove its higher commendation.
+
+ "Convinced of his attachment to its
+ "cause, and readiness to encourage its bene-
+ "volent designs; they have taken the liberty to
+ "dedicate this work to one, the qualities of
+ "whose heart and the actions of whose life
+ "have contributed to improve personal virtue,
+ "and extend throughout the world, the most endear-
+ "ing cordialities; and they humbly hope he will
+ "pardon this freedom, and accept the tribute of
+ "their esteem & homage.
+
+ "May the supreme architect of the uni-
+ "verse protect & bless you, give you length of
+ "days & increase of Felicity in this world, and then
+ "receive you to the harmonious & exalted So-
+ "ciety in Heaven.--
+
+ "JOHN CUTLER, _Grand Master_
+ "JOSIAH BARTLETT }
+ "MUNGO MACHEY } _Grd Wardens_.
+
+ "Boston
+ "Decem. 27, A.D. 1792."
+
+
+The following reply was sent by President WASHINGTON from Philadelphia
+to the Brethren of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. It will be noticed
+that there was no date or place mentioned upon the copy in the Letter
+Book, nor on the original letter, which at present is believed to be in
+the Library of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
+
+ WASHINGTON'S REPLY
+
+ "TO THE GRAND LODGE OF FREE & ACCEPTED MA-
+ "SONS, FOR THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHU-
+ "SETTS.
+
+ "Flattering as it may be to the human
+ "mind, & truly honorable as it is to receive
+ "from our fellow citizens testimonies of appro-
+ "bation for exertions to promote the public wel-
+ "fare, it is not less pleasing to know, that the
+ "milder virtues of the heart are highly respected
+ "by a Society whose liberal principles must be
+ "founded in the immutable laws of truth and
+ "justice.--
+
+ "To enlarge the sphere of social happi-
+ "ness is worthy the benevolent design of a ma-
+ "sonic institution; and it is most fervently to
+ "be wished, that the conduct of every member
+ "of the fraternity, as well as those publications
+ "that discover the principles which actuate them;
+ "may tend to convince mankind that the grand
+ "object of Masonry is to promote the happiness
+ "of the human race.
+
+ "While I beg your acceptance of
+ "my thanks for the "Book of Constitutions" which
+ "you have sent me, & the honor you have done
+ "me in the dedication, permit me to assure you
+ "that I feel all those emotions of gratitude
+ "which your affectionate address & cordial
+ "wishes are calculated to inspire; and I
+ "sincerely pray that the Great Architect
+ "of the Universe may bless you here, and
+ "receive you hereafter into his immortal Temple.
+
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+
+No fac-simile copy of the original letter was obtainable for the
+Collection of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
+
+
+=WASHINGTON'S REPLY TO THE GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS. LETTER BOOK II,
+FOLIO 108.=
+
+
+
+
+XI
+
+CORRESPONDENCE WITH GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA, DECEMBER, 1796.
+
+
+September 18, 1796, President WASHINGTON issued his farewell address.
+His second term was drawing to a close; the term had been a more or less
+exciting one: The passing of the Neutrality Act; Genet's appeal from the
+executive to the people; the Fugitive Slave Act; the whiskey
+insurrection in western Pennsylvania; the adoption of the Eleventh
+amendment; the purchase of peace from Algiers, Tripoli and Tunis; the
+troubles with Great Britain about the non-delivery of the military posts
+and later the Jay Treaty, all came within President WASHINGTON's second
+and last term.[58]
+
+During these troublous times WASHINGTON had no stauncher supporters than
+his Masonic Brethren of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Further, that
+WASHINGTON kept more or less in touch with his Masonic Brethren of the
+Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania is shown by the fact that he attended the
+services at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, on Third Street below Walnut,
+on St. John's Day, December 27, 1793, where a charity sermon was
+preached by Rev. Brother Samuel Magaw, D.D., Vice-Provost of the
+University of Pennsylvania, before the Grand and Subordinate Lodges for
+the purpose of increasing the relief fund, for the widows and orphans of
+the yellow fever epidemic which ravaged the capital city during the past
+summer.[59]
+
+When the Brethren found that WASHINGTON positively declined reelection
+in 1796, and that John Adams was elected to succeed him on the fourth of
+March following, the Brethren of the Grand Lodge at their Quarterly
+Communication, December 5, 1796, determined that it would be right and
+proper to present him with an address before his retirement from office,
+whereupon, it was resolved: "On Motion and seconded, that a Committee be
+appointed to frame an Address to be presented on the ensuing Feast of
+St John, Decemr 27th, to the Great Master Workman, our Illustrious Br.
+Washington, on the occasion of his intended retirement from Public
+Labor, to be also laid before the said Grand Lodge on St John's Day, and
+the Rt W. Grand Master, Deputy G. M. Brs Sadler, Milnor and Williams,
+were accordingly appointed."
+
+At a Grand Lodge held on St. John's Day, Philadelphia, December 27,
+5796, "The Committee appointed to prepare an Address to our Brother
+George Washington, President of the United States, presented an Address
+by them drawn up, which was ordered to be read, and was in the words
+following, to wit:
+
+ "To GEORGE WASHINGTON PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+ "The Address of the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl-
+ "vania.
+
+ "_Most Respected Sir and Brother_,
+
+ "Having announced your intention to retire from
+ "_Public Labour_ to that _Refreshment_ to which your
+ "preeminent Services for near Half a Century have
+ "so justly entitled you. Permit the Grand Lodge
+ "of Pennsylvania at this last Feast of our Evangelic
+ "Master St. John, on which we can hope for an im-
+ "mediate Communication with you to join the grate-
+ "ful Voice of our Country in Acknowledging that
+ "you have carried forth the Principles of the Lodge
+ "into every Walk of your Life, by your constant
+ "Labours for the Prosperity of that Country, by
+ "your unremitting Endeavours to promote Order,
+ "Union and Brotherly Affection amongst us, and
+ "lastly by the Vows of your Farewell Address to
+ "your Brethren and Fellow Citizens. An Address
+ "which we trust Our Children and Our Childrens
+ "Children will ever look upon as a most invaluable
+ "Legacy from a _Friend_ a _Benefactor_ and a _Father_.
+
+ "To these our grateful Acknowledgments (leav-
+ "ing to the impartial Pen of History to record the
+ "important Events in which you have borne so illus-
+ "trious a part) permit us to add our most fervent
+ "prayers, that after enjoying to the utmost of
+ "Human Life, every Felicity which the Terrestial
+ "Lodge can afford, you may be received by the
+ "great Master Builder of this World and of Worlds
+ "unnumbered, into the Ample Felicity of that _Celes-
+ "tial Lodge_ in which alone distinguished Virtues and
+ "distinguished Labours can be eternally rewarded.
+
+ "By unanimous order of the Grand Lodge of
+ "Pennsylvania at their communication held the 27th
+ "Day of December Anno Domini 5796.
+
+ "Wm Moore Smith"
+
+
+=REV. BRO. WILLIAM SMITH, D. D.
+
+B. ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND, 1727. D. PHILADELPHIA, MAY 14, 1803.
+
+GRAND CHAPLAIN "MODERNS," 1755. GRAND SECRETARY "ANCIENTS," 1779-1784.
+
+WHO PRESENTED THE PENNSYLVANIA ADDRESSES TO BRO. WASHINGTON, 1792-1796.=
+
+
+It was then moved and seconded that the same be adopted. Upon the
+question being taken it appeared that it was approved of. On motion and
+seconded, it was agreed that a committee be appointed to wait on Brother
+WASHINGTON to acquaint him that it is the intention of this Grand Lodge
+to present an address to him, and to know what time he shall be pleased
+to appoint to receive it. The committee appointed to perform this duty
+were Brothers William Smith, Peter Le Barbier Duplessis and Thomas
+Procter, who, after having waited on him, reported that he had appointed
+to-morrow, December 28, 1796, at twelve o'clock to receive it. Said
+committee, to wit, Brothers W. Smith, Duplessis and Procter, together
+with Right Worshipful Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and Junior
+Wardens, Grand Secretary and the Masters of the different Lodges in the
+City, were then appointed a Deputation to present the said Address.
+
+This deputation consisted of Right Worshipful Grand Master William Moore
+Smith, Gavin Hamilton, Deputy Grand Master, Thomas Town, Senior Grand
+Warden, Thomas Armstrong, Esqr., Junior Grand Warden, George A.
+Baker, Grand Secretary, John McElwee, Grand Treasurer, and the following
+Masters of the Philadelphia Lodges, viz.: David Irwin, No. 2, Israel
+Israel, No. 3, Andrew Nilson No. 9, Eleaser Oswald, No. 19, Cadawalder
+Griffith, No. 52, Richard E. Cusack, No. 59, Thomas Bradley, No. 67,
+William Nelson, No. 71; together with the appointed Committee, Brothers
+William Smith D.D., Le Barbier Duplessis and Thomas Procter.
+
+President WASHINGTON received the august deputation of the Brethren at
+the appointed time; the address was read before him by the Rev. Brother
+William Smith, D.D., whereupon he returned them a reply. This
+document, still in the Library of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, is
+entirely in the handwriting of WASHINGTON and signed by him, viz.:
+
+ "FELLOW-CITIZENS AND BROTHERS,
+ "OF THE GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+ "I have received your address
+ "with all the feelings of brotherly affection,
+ "mingled with those sentiments, for the
+ "Society, which it was calculated to excite.
+
+ "To have been, in any degree, an
+ "instrument in the hands of Providence,
+ "to promote order and union, and erect upon
+ "a solid foundation the true principles of
+ "government, is only to have shared with
+ "many others in a labour, the result of
+ "which let us hope, will prove through
+ "all ages, a sanctuary for brothers and
+ "a lodge for the virtues,--
+
+ "Permit me to reciprocate your
+ "prayers for my temporal happiness,
+ "and to supplicate that we may all
+ "meet thereafter in that eternal temple,
+ "whose builder is the great architect
+ "of the Universe.
+
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF WASHINGTON'S REPLY TO GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA, DECEMBER,
+1796. ORIGINAL IN ARCHIVES OF THE GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA.=
+
+
+Brother William Moore Smith, Right Worshipful Grand Master of
+Pennsylvania, whose first official act as Grand Master was to head the
+committee to call on the President, was a son of the Rev. William Smith,
+D.D., born in Philadelphia, June 1, 1759. He was a lawyer by profession
+and served as Deputy Grand Master for the year 1795 under the Venerable
+William Ball, and as Right Worshipful Grand Master for the years
+1796-1797. He was appointed by the President as agent for the settlement
+of claims that were provided for in the Sixth Article of John Jay's
+Treaty, and visited England in 1803 to close the commission. He died at
+the Smith Homestead at Falls of Schuylkill, March 12, 1821.
+
+Both the address and reply were copied in WASHINGTON's Letter Book III,
+pp. 244-245, in the handwriting of one of his secretaries, G. W. Craik,
+a son of Dr. James Craik, WASHINGTON's "compatriot in arms, and old and
+intimate friend," who attended him during his last illness.
+
+Photostat copies of above are in the Library of the Grand Lodge of
+Pennsylvania, also the original draft of the address, presented to the
+President (Mss. Volume A, folio 23).
+
+This autograph Masonic letter from WASHINGTON to the Grand Lodge of
+Pennsylvania has been reproduced in fac-simile, published and circulated
+(in most cases without the knowledge or consent of the Grand Lodge of
+Pennsylvania) more widely than any other known letter of WASHINGTON.
+Some of these copies are treasured by their owners under the impression
+that they have the original letter. Several cases of this kind have of
+late come under the notice of the writer. In one case where one of these
+reproductions was offered for sale, hundreds of dollars were asked for
+the reproduction, and it was with great difficulty that the owner could
+be convinced of its character.
+
+Another use made of this letter by unprincipled persons was to make a
+photo-lithographic copy of the letter, and substitute the name of
+another state for that of Pennsylvania, and then palm it off upon the
+authorities of that state as an original letter to their Grand Lodge.
+The latest case of this kind known to the writer is that of the Grand
+Lodge of Georgia, who were thus imposed upon.
+
+Then again the letter has been extensively used for advertising purposes
+by publishing houses of Masonic literature.
+
+The letter has also been printed in most all books bearing upon Masonic
+history during the revolutionary period.
+
+It was also frequently quoted and criticised during the Anti-Masonic
+craze which swept over the country some eighty-odd years ago, it being
+the chief Masonic letter of the five known to the leaders of those
+misguided persons. The main point of their argument was that it bore no
+date and therefore was not authentic.
+
+
+=MOUNT VERNON
+
+DURING WASHINGTON'S OCCUPANCY, 1788-1799.=
+
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+[58] Cf. The Religious and Social Conditions of Philadelphia, under the
+Federal Constitution, 1790-1800. Julius F. Sachse, Philadelphia, 1900.
+
+[59] Cf. "Freemasonry in Pennsylvania," before quoted, Vol. II, pp.
+190-197; original copy in archives of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
+
+
+
+
+XII
+
+CORRESPONDENCE WITH ALEXANDRIA LODGE, NO. 22, VIRGINIA.
+
+
+Upon pages 244 and 245 of WASHINGTON's folio Letter Book No. III in the
+Library of Congress are recorded a letter and address to WASHINGTON from
+the Master of Alexandria Lodge, No. 22, of Virginia, together with
+WASHINGTON's reply.
+
+WASHINGTON and his family had left Philadelphia, Thursday, March 9,
+1797, for Mount Vernon, and arrived at Baltimore, Sunday, March 12, and
+at Mount Vernon, March 15, where he again settled down to the life of a
+private gentleman, free from the cares and concerns of public life.
+
+March 28, 1797, he was waited on at Mount Vernon by Brothers Dennis
+Ramsay and Phillip G. Marsteller, and presented with the following
+letter and address from James Gillies, the Master of Alexandria Lodge,
+No. 22, of Virginia, viz.:
+
+ "ALEXA March 28th, 5797.
+
+ "_Most respected Brother_,
+
+ "Brother Ramsay & Marsteller wait upon you
+ "with a copy of an address which has been prepared
+ "by the unanimous desire of the Ancient York Ma-
+ "sons of Lodge No. 22. It is their earnest request
+ "that you will partake of a Dinner with them and
+ "that you will please appoint the time most conve-
+ "nient for you to attend.--
+
+ "I am most beloved Brother,
+ "Your Mo. Obt Hble Servt
+ "JAMES GILLIES, _M._
+
+ "Genl Geo Washington."
+
+
+The letter was an invitation to dine with the Lodge. This WASHINGTON
+accepted.
+
+ "_Most respected Brother_,
+
+ "The ancient York Masons of Lodge No. 22 offer you
+ "their warmest congratulations on your retire-
+ "ment from your useful labors. Under the su-
+ "preme architect of the Universe you have been the
+ "Master Workman in erecting the Temple of Lib-
+ "erty in the west, on the broad basis of equal rights.
+ "In your wise administration of the government of
+ "the United States for the space of eight years, you
+ "have kept within the compass of our happy Consti-
+ "tution and acted on the square with foreign Na-
+ "tions and thereby preserved your country in peace
+ "and promoted the prosperity and happiness of your
+ "fellow Citizens, and now that you have retired from
+ "the labours of public life to the refreshment of
+ "domestic tranquility, they ardently pray that you
+ "may long enjoy all the happiness which the Terres-
+ "tial Lodge can afford and finally be removed to that
+ "celestial Lodge where Love, Peace and Harmony
+ "for ever reign and where cherubims and seraphims
+ "shall hail you Brother.--
+
+ "By the unanimous desire of Lodge
+ "No. 22
+ "JAMES GILLIES, _Master_."
+
+ "Gen Geo Washington.
+
+
+WASHINGTON attended the meeting of his Lodge at Alexandria, on Saturday,
+April 1, 1797, when his reply to Brother Gillies' address was read in
+open Lodge, viz.:
+
+ "BROTHERS OF THE ANCIENT YORK MASONS OF
+ "LODGE NO. 22.
+
+ "While my heart acknowledges with Brotherly
+ "Love, your affectionate congratulations on my re-
+ "tirement from the arduous toils of past years, my
+ "gratitude is no less excited by your kind wishes for
+ "my future happiness.--
+
+ "If it has pleased the supreme architect of the
+ "universe to make me an humble instrument to pro-
+ "mote the welfare and happiness of my fellow men,
+ "my exertions have been abundantly recompensed
+ "by the kind partiality with which they have been
+ "received; and the assurance you give me of your
+ "belief that I have acted upon the square in my
+ "public capacity, will be among my principles en-
+ "joyments in this Terrestial Lodge.
+
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF LETTER FROM W. M. OF ALEXANDRIA LODGE TO BRO. WASHINGTON,
+MARCH, 1797. LETTER BOOK II, FOLIO 294.=
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF ADDRESS FROM ALEXANDRIA LODGE, NO. 22, TO WASHINGTON, MARCH,
+1797. LETTER BOOK II, FOLIO 294-295.=
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF WASHINGTON'S REPLY TO ALEXANDRIA LODGE, NO. 22, VIRGINIA,
+MARCH, 1797.=
+
+
+After which the Brethren went in procession from their room to Abert's
+Tavern,[60] where they partook of an "elegant" dinner, following which a
+number of toasts were offered. The tenth toast was by Brother
+WASHINGTON, "The Lodge at Alexandria, and all Masons throughout the
+World," after which he returned to Mount Vernon under an escort of
+mounted troops of the town.[61]
+
+The copies of the letter, address and reply in WASHINGTON's Letter Book
+are in the handwriting of his secretary, Tobias Lear. Photostats of all
+are in the collection of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. No direct
+photograph of the original in possession of Alexandria-Washington Lodge,
+No. 22, was obtainable.
+
+
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+[60] Abert's Tavern, formerly "John Wise's." _Vide_ p. 35 _supra_.
+
+[61] Cf. "Washington after the Revolution," W. S. Baker, p. 347.
+
+
+
+
+XIII
+
+CORRESPONDENCE WITH GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS, MARCH, 1797.
+
+
+At a Grand Lodge in Quarterly Communication, held at Concert Hall,
+Boston, on the evening of March 18, A.L. 5797.
+
+ "On motion it was Voted, That a committee be appointed to draft an
+ Address, to be presented to our Illustrious Brother, George
+ Washington, Esq'r, when the M.W. Paul Revere, Grand Master, R.W.
+ John Warren, Rev. Bro. Thaddeus M. Harris, R.W. Josiah Bartlett,
+ Bro. Thomas Edwards, were appointed a committee for that purpose."
+
+
+In response to above resolution the following address was sent to
+Brother WASHINGTON at Mount Vernon dated Boston, March 21, 5797, viz.:
+
+ "_The East, the West and the South, of the Grand Lodge of Free and
+ Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts._
+
+ _To Their Most Worthy George Washington._"
+
+ "Wishing ever to be foremost in testimonials of respect and
+ admiration for those virtues and services with which you have so
+ long adorned and benefited our common country; and not the last nor
+ least, to regret the cessation of them, in the public councils of
+ the Union; your Brethren of the Grand Lodge embrace the earliest
+ opportunity of greeting you in the calm retirement you have
+ contemplated to yourself. Though as citizens they lose you in the
+ active labors of political life, they hope, as Masons, to find you
+ in the pleasing sphere of Fraternal engagement.
+
+ "From the cares of state and the fatigues of public business our
+ institution opens a recess affording all the relief of tranquility,
+ the harmony of peace and the refreshment of pleasure. Of these may
+ you partake in all their purity and satisfaction; and we will
+ assure ourselves that your attachment to this social plan will
+ increase; and that under the auspices of your encouragement,
+ assistance and patronage, the Craft will attain its highest
+ ornament, perfection and praise. And it is our ardent prayer, that
+ when your light shall be no more visible in this earthly temple,
+ you may be raised to the All Perfect Lodge above; be seated on the
+ right of the Supreme Architect of the Universe, and there receive
+ the refreshment your labors merited.
+
+ "In behalf of the Grand Lodge, we subscribe ourselves with the
+ highest esteem,
+
+ "Your affectionate Brethren,
+ "PAUL REVERE, _Grand Master_.
+ "ISAIAH THOMAS, _S. Grand Warden._
+ "JOSEPH LAUGHTON, _J. Grand Warden_.
+ "Daniel Oliver, Grand Secretary,
+ "Boston, 21st March, 5797."
+
+
+For some unaccountable reason the delivery of the address was delayed
+and not received at Mount Vernon until late in April. The original draft
+of WASHINGTON's reply to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in his own
+handwriting and signature as well as an autograph note of apology for
+the seeming delay to Grand Master Paul Revere and his officers dated
+Mount Vernon, April 24, 1797, are in the Manuscript Department in the
+Library of Congress, viz.:
+
+ "TO PAUL REVERE GRAND MASTER, ISAIAH
+ "THOMAS SENIOR GRAND WARDEN AND
+ "JOSEPH LAUGHTON JUNR GRAND WARDEN.
+
+ "_Brothers_,
+
+ "I am sorry that the en-
+ "closed answer to the affectionate address
+ "of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and
+ "Accepted Masons, of the Commonwealth
+ "of Massachusetts transmitted under your
+ "signatures, should appear so much out
+ from
+ "of season; but ^ the lapse of time between
+ "the date & reception of the address (from
+ "what cause I know not) it was not to be
+ "avoided, and is offered as an apology, for
+ "the delay. With brotherly affection
+
+ "I am always yours,
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+ "Mount Vernon,
+ "24th April 1797."
+
+
+=PAUL REVERE
+
+1735-1818.
+
+GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN MASSACHUSETTS, 1797.=
+
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF AUTOGRAPH LETTER FROM WASHINGTON TO PAUL REVERE AND THE
+OFFICERS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS, APRIL 24, 1797.=
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF ORIGINAL DRAFT OF WASHINGTON'S REPLY TO THE ADDRESS FROM
+THE GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS IN LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.=
+
+
+Following is a copy of WASHINGTON's original draft of his reply to the
+Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. It is written upon two pages of a letter
+sheet entirely in his handwriting and signed by him.
+
+ "TO THE GRAND LODGE OF ANCIENT, FREE &
+ "ACCEPTED MASONS, OF THE COMMONWEALTH
+ "OF MASSACHUSETTS.
+
+ "_Brothers_,
+
+ "It was not until within
+ "these few days that I have been favoured by
+ "the receipt of your affectionate Address
+ "dated in Boston the 21st of March
+
+ "For the favourable sentiments
+ "you have been pleased to express on the
+ "occasion of my past services, and for the
+ "regrets with which they are accompani-
+ "ed for the cessation of my public functions,
+ "I pray you to accept my best acknowledg-
+ "ments and gratitude.--
+
+ "No pleasure, except that wch
+ "results from a consciousness of having, to
+ "the utmost of my abilities, discharged,
+ "the trusts which have been reposed in
+ "me by my Country, can equal the satis
+ "faction I feel from the unequivocal proofs
+ "I continually receive of its approbation
+ "of my public conduct, and I beg you to be
+ "assured that the evidence thereof which
+ "is exhibited by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
+ "is not among the least pleasing, or grate
+ "ful to my feelings.--
+
+ "In that retirement which decli-
+ "ning years induced me to seek, and which
+ "repose, to a mind long employed in pub-
+ "lic concerns, rendered necessary, my wish
+ "es that bounteous Providence will conti-
+ "nue to bless & preserve our country in
+ "Peace & in the prosperity it has enjoyed, will
+ "be warm & sincere; and my attachment
+ "to the Society of which we are members
+ "will dispose me always, to contribute my best
+ "endeavours to promote the honor &
+ "interest of the _Craft_.--
+
+ "For the prayer you offer in
+ "my behalf I entreat you to accept the
+ "thanks of a grateful heart; with the as-
+ "surance of fraternal regard and best
+ "wishes for the honor, happiness & prospe-
+ "rity of all the members of the Grand Lodge
+ "of Massachusetts.
+
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+
+The original letter is said to be in possession of the Grand Lodge of
+Massachusetts. No photographic fac-simile of the document, however,
+could be obtained.
+
+
+=ANCIENT JEWEL OF THE GRAND LODGE OF MARYLAND.=
+
+
+
+
+XIV
+
+CORRESPONDENCE WITH GRAND LODGE OF MARYLAND, NOVEMBER, 1798.
+
+
+In the year 1798, the danger of a war with France had become so
+imminent, on account of the aggressions of that government towards the
+United States, that Congress ordered a provisional army to be raised,
+the command of which was tendered to WASHINGTON, with the rank of
+Lieutenant-General, an honor which was reluctantly accepted by
+WASHINGTON. During the summer a scourge of yellow fever had again
+visited Philadelphia, which caused Congress to adjourn, July 16, and the
+public offices to be removed for the time being to Trenton, N. J. All
+danger of the fever being over, WASHINGTON, on November 5, started for
+Trenton. He arrived at Baltimore, November 7, and was waited on at his
+quarters by William Belton, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Maryland,
+his Deputy and other Brethren and presented with a copy of the New
+Ahiman Rezon and the following address,[62] viz.:
+
+ "TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, ESQ.,
+ Lieutenant General and Commander-in-chief of the Armies of the
+ United States.
+
+ "_Sir and Brother:_
+
+ "The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free Masons for the State of
+ Maryland, wishing to testify the respect in which the whole
+ fraternity in this State hold the man who is at once the ornament
+ of the Society and of his country, vote a copy of the Constitution
+ of Masonry, lately printed under its authority, to be presented to
+ you.
+
+ "Accept, Sir and Brother, from our hands this small token of the
+ veneration of men who consider it as the greatest boast of their
+ Society, that a WASHINGTON openly avows himself a member of it, and
+ thinks it worthy of his approbation. With it accept also our
+ warmest congratulations in the name of the body which we represent,
+ on your reappointment to that elevated station in which you
+ formerly wrought the salvation of your country; and on your
+ restoration to the inestimable blessing of health which, that the
+ Almighty disposer of events may continue to accord to you
+ uninterruptedly, is the most earnest prayer of your most
+ respectfully affectionate Brethren and most humble servants.
+
+ "Signed, WM. BELTON, R.. W..G..M..
+ "Peter Little, Grand Secretary,
+ "Baltimore, November 5th, 1798."
+
+
+=FAC-SIMILE (REDUCED) OF THE ORIGINAL DRAFT OF WASHINGTON'S LETTER TO THE
+GRAND LODGE OF MARYLAND.--ELKTON, MD., NOV. 8, 1798.=
+
+
+To this address WASHINGTON sent a reply, the original draft of which is
+in the Library of Congress, written upon two pages of a letter sheet,
+and differs somewhat from the final copy sent to the Grand Lodge from
+Elkton, where WASHINGTON spent the next day. It will be recalled that
+but two weeks had elapsed since he wrote his last letter to Dominie
+Snyder of Fredericktown, and this fact was evidently in his mind when he
+wrote this letter to the Maryland Brethren.
+
+Upon second thought he eliminated the lines bearing upon the
+insinuations in Snyder's letter. Following is a copy of the letter as
+originally written, viz.:
+
+ "TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF FREE
+ "MASONS FOR THE STATE OF MARYLAND.
+
+ "_Gentlemen & Brothers_,
+
+ "Your obliging & affectionate
+ "letter, together with a copy of the Constitutions of
+ "Masonry has been put into my hands by
+ "your Grand Master; for which I pray you to
+ "accept my best thanks.--
+
+ "So far as I am
+ "acquainted with the principles & Doctrines of
+ "Free Masonry, I conceive it to be founded
+ "in benevolence and to be exercised only
+ "for the good of mankind. _If it has been a
+ "Cloak to promote improper or nefarious
+ "objects, it is a melancholly proof that
+ "in unworthy hands, the best institutions
+ "may be made use of to promote the worst
+ "designs._--
+
+ "While I offer my grateful
+ "acknowledgements for your congratulations on my
+ "late appointments, and for the favorable sentiments
+ "you are pleased to express of my conduct, permit
+ "me to observe, that at this important &
+ "critical moment, when repeated and
+ "high indignities have been offered to this
+ "government your country and the rights & property
+ "of our Citizens plundered without a prospect of
+ "redress, I conceive it to be the _indispensable_
+ "duty of every American, let his situation & cir
+ "cumstances in life be what they may, to come
+ "forward in support of the government of his country
+ "and to give all the aid in his power toward
+ "maintaining that independence which we have
+ "so dearly purchased; and under this impression,
+ "I did not hesitate to lay aside all personal
+ "considerations and accept my appointment.
+
+ "I pray you to be assured that I ap-
+ "preciate, with sincerity your kind wishes for
+ "my health & happiness.
+
+ "I am Gentln & brothers
+ "very respectfully
+ "Yr most obt servt.
+
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+
+Before this letter was sent, the five words on the tenth line and the
+whole of next five lines were eliminated; there was also a slight change
+made in the last paragraph on the second page.
+
+Following is a copy of the letter as received by the Grand Lodge of
+Maryland. The original letter was in the possession of the Grand Lodge
+of Maryland, as late as 1833, but it has since disappeared.[63]
+
+ "TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF FREE MASONS FOR THE STATE OF
+ MARYLAND.
+
+ "_Gentlemen and Brothers:_
+
+ "Your obliging and affectionate letter, together with a copy of the
+ Constitution of Masonry, has been put into my hands by your Grand
+ Master, for which I pray you to accept my best thanks. So far as I
+ am acquainted with the principles and doctrines of Freemasonry, I
+ conceive them to be founded on benevolence, and to be exercised for
+ the good of mankind; I cannot, therefore, upon this ground
+ withdraw my approbation from it.
+
+ "While I offer my grateful acknowledgements for your
+ congratulations on my late appointment, and for the favorable
+ sentiments you are pleased to express of my conduct, permit me to
+ observe, that, at this important and critical moment, when high and
+ repeated indignities have been offered to the Government of our
+ country, and when the property of our citizens is plundered without
+ a prospect of redress, I conceive it to be the indispensable duty
+ of every American, let his station and circumstances in life be
+ what they may, to come forward in support of the Government of his
+ choice and to give all the aid in his power towards maintaining
+ that independence which we have so dearly purchased; and under this
+ impression, I did not hesitate to lay aside all personal
+ considerations and accept my appointment. I pray you to be assured
+ that I receive with gratitude your kind wishes for my health and
+ happiness and reciprocate them with sincerity.
+
+ "I am, Gentlemen and Brothers,
+ "Very Respectfully,
+ "Your most Ob't Servant,
+
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+ "Elkton, November 8th, 1798."
+
+
+=GEORGE WASHINGTON
+
+BY CHARLES BALTHAZAR FEVERET DE SAINT MEMIN.
+
+THE LAST PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON FROM LIFE, TAKEN IN PHILADELPHIA,
+NOVEMBER, 1798.=
+
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+[62] Cf. "Freemasonry in Maryland," by Edw. J. Schultz, Baltimore, 1884,
+Vol. I, pp. 265-266.
+
+[63] _Ibid._, p. 266.
+
+
+
+
+XV
+
+CORRESPONDENCE WITH G. W. SNYDER, 1798.
+
+
+As to the correspondence with one G. W. Snyder (Schneider), who
+represented himself as a preacher of the Reformed Church of
+Fredericktown, Maryland, our late Brother James M. Lamberton, in his
+address before the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, at the
+celebration of the "Sesqui-centennial Aniversary of the initiation of
+Brother GEORGE WASHINGTON into the Fraternity of Freemasons," held in
+the Masonic Temple, in the City of Philadelphia on Wednesday, November
+the fifth, A. D. 1902, states:[64]
+
+ "It is well known that during the French Revolution religion was
+ dethroned, and reason installed in the place of Deity. The
+ spreading of such doctrines was by many ascribed to the
+ 'Illuminati,' who were supposed to be Masons. During this period
+ clubs like the Jacobin Clubs in France were formed in this
+ country, and the spread of these doctrines was greatly feared,
+ especially by the clergy, and in 1798 one of them, one G. W.
+ Snyder, of Fredericktown, Maryland, wrote to Washington sending at
+ the same time a book entitled 'Proofs of a Conspiracy,' etc., by
+ John Robison,[65] the conspiracy being 'to overturn all government
+ and all religion'."[66]
+
+
+This letter, sent to WASHINGTON at Mount Vernon covered no less than six
+pages; following is a verbatim copy of the original now in the Library
+of Congress.
+
+ "TO HIS EXCELLENCY GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+ "_Sir_,--You will, I hope, not think it a Pre | sumption in a
+ Stranger, whose Name, | perhaps never reached your Ears, to ad | dress
+ himself to you, the Commanding | General of a great Nation. I am a |
+ German, born and liberally educated | in the city of Heydelberg, in
+ the Pa | latinate of the Rhine. I came to this | Country in 1776, and
+ felt soon after my | arrival, a close Attachment to the | Liberty for
+ which these confederated | States then struggled. The same
+ attachment | still remains not glowing, but burning in | my Breast.
+ At the same Time that I am | exulting in the Measures adopted by
+ our | Government, I feel myself elevated in | the Idea of my adopted
+ Country, I am | attached, both from the Bent of Educa | tion and
+ mature Enquiry and Search | to the simple Doctrines of Christianity, |
+ which I have the Honor to teach in | Public; and I do heartily
+ Despise all the | Cavils of Infidelity. Our present Time | pregnant
+ with the most shocking Events | and Calamities, threatens Ruin to |
+ our Liberty and Government. | The most secret Plans are in
+ Agitation; | Plans calculated to ensnare the Unwary, | to attract the
+ Gay irreligious, and to | entice even the Well-Disposed to combine
+ in | the general Machine for overturning all | Government and all
+ Religion.
+
+ "It was some Time since that a Book | fell into my hands, entitled
+ 'Proofs | of a Conspiracy, &c. by John Robison,' which | gives a full
+ Account of a Society of Free | Masons, that distinguishes itself by
+ the | name of 'Illuminati,' whose Plan is to over | throw all
+ Government and all Religion, even | natural; and who endeavor to
+ eradicate | every Idea of a Supreme Being, and distin | guish Man from
+ Beast by his shape only. | A Thought suggested itself to me, that
+ some | of the Lodges in the United States might | have caught the
+ Infection, and might co-oper | ate with the Illuminati or the Jacobin
+ Club | in France. Fauchet is mentioned by Robinson | as a zealous
+ Member; and who can doubt | Genet and Adet? Have not these their
+ con | fidants in this country? They use the same | Expressions, and
+ are generally Men of no | Religion. Upon serious Reflection I was
+ led | to think that it might be within your | Power to prevent the
+ horrid Plan from | corrupting the Brethren of the English Lodges |
+ over which you preside.
+
+ "I send you the 'Proof of a Conspiracy,' &c. | which I doubt not,
+ will give you Satis | faction, and afford you matter for a | Train of
+ ideas, that may operate to our | national Felicity. If, however, you
+ have | already perused the Book, it will not, | I trust, be
+ disagreeable to you that I | have presumed to address you with this |
+ Letter and the Book accompanying it. | It proceeded from the
+ Sincerity of my | Heart, and my ardent Wishes for the | common Good.
+
+ "May the Supreme Ruler of all | Things continue You long with us in |
+ these perilous Times: may he endow you | with Strength and Wisdom to
+ save our | Country in the threating Storms and | gathering Clouds of
+ Factions and Com | motions! and after you have completed his | Work,
+ on this terrene Spot, may He | bring you to the full Possession of
+ the | glorious Liberty of the Children of God, | is the hearty and
+ most sincere Wish of
+
+ "Your Excellency's | very humble and |
+ "devoted Servant,
+ "G. W. SNYDER.
+
+ "Fredericktown, (Maryland) Aug. 22, 1798.
+ "His Excellency General George Washington."
+
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF FIRST PAGE OF LETTER FROM G. W. SNYDER TO WASHINGTON,
+AUGUST 22, 1798.=
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF FOURTH PAGE OF LETTER FROM G. W. SNYDER TO WASHINGTON,
+AUGUST 22, 1798.=
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF PRESS COPY OF WASHINGTON'S ANSWER TO REV. G. W.
+SNYDER.--SEPTEMBER 25, 1798.=
+
+
+This man Snyder (Schneider) was an agitator and thoroughly irresponsible
+person, having no ecclesiastical connection with any organized Church
+Body.
+
+In the year 1787, Schneider came from Albany, New York, to Frederick,
+ostensibly to collect money to build a Church. He was kindly received
+and permitted to preach in the Reformed Congregation, where he soon
+fomented discord and trouble.
+
+Schneider was soon driven out of Frederick Town, but returned again in
+1794, when he renewed the trouble in the Church, which ended in a
+schism. The matter finally got into the Civil Court, and on February 15,
+1800 the case was decided against him, which ended his activity in
+Frederick Town; soon after which he left for parts unknown.[67]
+
+Snyder, who was not a native of this country, evidently labored under
+the impression that WASHINGTON was a Grand Master General, who presided
+over all of the English (or Symbolic) Masonic Lodges in the United
+States. Snyder evidently used the term "English" Lodges, to distinguish
+them from the Masonic bodies working in the so-called higher (Scotch)
+degrees, as are now known as the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.
+
+How important WASHINGTON considered this correspondence is shown by his
+precaution in taking a press copy of both of his letters to Snyder, who
+he was led to believe was the regular pastor of the German Reformed
+Congregation at Fredericktown. These are now in the Library of Congress.
+It will be noted that in all of his other Masonic correspondence, copies
+were made in his regular letter books by his clerks, of both address and
+reply. Brother WASHINGTON evidently surmised that this letter from
+Snyder was nothing more or less than a scheme to entrap him. It was not
+until a month had elapsed, and then only after due consideration, that
+the following reply was sent to Fredericktown, viz.:
+
+ "MOUNT VERNON, 25th Sept. 1798.
+
+ "_Sir_,
+
+ "Many apologies are
+ "due to you, for my not acknowledging
+ "the receipt of your obliging favour of
+ for
+ "the 22d ult, and ^ not thanking you, at
+ "an earlier period for the Book you
+ "had the goodness to send me.
+
+ "I have heard much of the ne-
+ "farious & dangerous plan, & doctrines
+ "of the Illuminati, but never saw the
+ "Book until you were pleased to send
+ "it to me. The same causes which
+ "have prevented my acknowledging the
+ "receipt of your letter, have prevented
+ "my reading the Book, hitherto, name-
+ "ly, the multiplicity of matters which
+ me
+ "pressed upon before, & the debilitated
+ "state in which I was left after a se
+ "vere fever had been removed, and
+ "which allows me to add little more now,
+ "than thanks for your kind wishes and
+ "favourable sentiments, except to cor-
+ "rect an error you have run into, of my
+ "presiding over the English Lodges in
+ "this Country. The fact is, I preside over
+ "none, nor have I been in one, more than
+ thirty
+ "once or twice, within the last years.
+
+ "I believe notwithstanding, that
+ "none of the Lodges in this Country are
+ "contaminated with the principles as-
+ "cribed to the society of the Illuminati."
+
+ "With respect
+ "I am, Sir,
+ "Your Obedt Hble Servt
+
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+ "The Revd Mr Snyder.
+ Endorsed
+ to
+ "The Revd Mr. Snyder.
+ "25th Sep. 1798."
+
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF PRESS COPY OF WASHINGTON'S SECOND LETTER TO REV. G. W.
+SNYDER.--OCTOBER 24, 1798.=
+
+
+In this letter WASHINGTON was correct in stating that he had not
+presided over the "English Lodges in this Country," undoubtedly meaning
+as Grand Master General.
+
+Where WASHINGTON says "_The fact is I preside over none_," he meant that
+he did not then preside over any individual lodge, as he at that time
+was a Past Master of Alexandria Lodge, No. 22, of Virginia.[68]
+
+Where he says "_Nor have I been in one_, [meaning an individual lodge]
+_more than once or twice within the last thirty years_," he obviously
+had in view his occasional visits to the various lodges during that
+period, and that he could not, on account of his official duties and
+other conditions, attend any lodge regularly.
+
+As a matter of record, WASHINGTON was a member of Alexandria Lodge, No.
+39, of Pennsylvania,[69] and attended some of its meetings at Alexandria
+in 1783 and 1784, as is shown by the Minutes of the Lodge, and the
+records here presented.[70] Further, that when the Brethren of
+Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, changed their allegiance from Pennsylvania to
+Virginia, General WASHINGTON was especially named in the warrant, after
+his consent having been first obtained,[71] and thereby became the
+Warrant Master of Lodge No. 22, under the Virginia jurisdiction, April
+28, 1788, serving as such until December 20 following, when, as the
+minutes of that date show,[72] he was unanimously elected to succeed
+himself for the full term, serving in all about twenty months.
+
+The records further show that, in 1778, WASHINGTON occupied the chief
+position in the procession at the celebration of St. John the Evangelist
+by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia in 1778, in which
+more than three hundred Brethren joined.[73]
+
+He also occupied the same position when he laid the corner stone of the
+present capitol at Washington, September 18, 1793, clothed with the
+Masonic Apron presented by Lafayette, which is now in the Museum of the
+Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Upon both of these occasions, WASHINGTON
+made a public profession of his membership in the Masonic Fraternity.
+
+Records show that WASHINGTON was present at the meeting of American
+Union Lodge (a Military Lodge), at Morristown, N. J., December 27,
+1779;[74] at American Union Lodge at Nelson's point on the Hudson June
+24, 1782;[75] at King Solomon's Lodge of Poughkeepsie, December 27,
+1782, and occasionally at Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, in 1783-1784, and
+the Virginia Lodge, No. 22, between the years 1788 and 1797.[76]
+
+WASHINGTON in the next paragraph of his letter to Snyder makes his
+meaning absolutely clear, that while he had not attended any Lodge
+regularly during the past thirty years he plainly states: "I believe
+notwithstanding, that none of the Lodges in this Country are
+contaminated with the principles ascribed to the society of the
+Illuminati."
+
+This belief is further accentuated by the letter to the Grand Lodge of
+Maryland a few weeks after the above letter was written to Snyder.
+
+In addition to above records, there are numerous traditions of
+WASHINGTON's occasional visits to Masonic Lodges and functions:[77] all
+of which fall within the thirty years mentioned in the Snyder
+Letter.[78]
+
+Further, WASHINGTON's great interest in Freemasonry is shown by the
+many addresses received from different Grand and Subordinate Lodges
+throughout the Union, all of which he acknowledged in fraternal terms,
+also by the various Masonic constitutions and sermons dedicated to him,
+which he received with thanks and were preserved in his library.
+
+It will be noted that in the fifth line from the bottom, "_Within the
+last thirty years_," which in all Anti-Masonic publications is printed
+in italics, the word "_thirty_" was not in the body of the letter as
+originally written, but was an afterthought and interlined before the
+press copy was taken.
+
+In the press copy of this letter, it will be noted that the word written
+over the words "_last years_," is almost indecipherable; in the
+photostat it is completely so. This has led some investigators to
+question whether the interlined word is really "_thirty_."
+
+The surmise that the blur in the press copy of WASHINGTON's letter to
+Snyder, was "thirty" was first promulgated by Jared Sparks, when he
+furnished the text of the letter to the Anti-Masonic agitators, during
+the political excitement which swept over the New England States in the
+second decade of the nineteenth century.
+
+Snyder, upon receipt of this letter, undoubtedly after consultation with
+persons who were politically opposed to WASHINGTON or antagonistic to
+the Masonic Fraternity, wrote a second letter and sent it to Mount
+Vernon under date of October 17, 1798; no copy of this letter has thus
+far been found among the WASHINGTON papers in the Library of Congress.
+
+WASHINGTON immediately sent the following sharp reply to Snyder, in
+which he plainly sets forth his belief that the Masonic Lodges in the
+United States were not interested in the propagation of the tenets of
+what was then known as Jacobism or the Illuminati. The words as
+underscored in the original letter by WASHINGTON were to emphasize his
+meaning upon this subject.
+
+Photostats of both of the above letter press copies are in the Archives
+of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
+
+ "MOUNT VERNON 24th Oct. 1798.
+
+ "_Rev. Sir_,
+
+ "I have you favor of the
+ tive
+ "17th instant before me and my only mo:
+ "to trouble you with the receipt of this let
+ "ter, is to explain, and correct a mistake
+ "which I perceive the hurry in which I
+ "am obliged, often to write letters, have
+ "led you into.--
+
+ "It was not my intention to doubt
+ "that, the doctrines of the Illuminati, and
+ "principles of Jacobism had not spread
+ "in the United States. On the contrary, no
+ "one is more, fully satisfied of this fact
+ "that I am.
+
+ "The idea I meant to convey, was,
+ "that I did not believe that the _Lodges_
+ "of Free Masons in _this_ Country had, as
+ "_Societies_, endeavoured to propagate the
+ "diabolical tenets of the first, or the per-
+ "nicious principles of the latter, (if they
+ "are susceptible of separation) That
+ "individuals of them may have done it, or
+ "that the _founder_, or _instrument_ employ
+ "ed to found the Democratic Societies
+ "in the United States, may have had these
+ "objects, and actually had a separation
+ "of the _people_ from their _Government_
+ "in view, is too evident to be questioned.
+
+ "My occupations are such, that
+ "but little leisure is allowed me to read News
+ "Papers, or Books of any kind. The reading
+ "of letters and preparing answers, absorb
+ "much of my time.--
+
+ "With respect,--I remain,
+ "Revd Sir,
+ "Your Most Obedt Hble Servt
+
+ "Go. Washington"
+
+ "The Revd.
+ "Mr Snyder."
+ Endorsed
+ to
+ "The Revd Mr Snyder,
+ "24th Oct. 1798."
+
+
+It is a historical fact that WASHINGTON had always retained the highest
+respect for the people of Maryland, and especially the citizens of
+Frederick County. No man ever stood higher in the estimation of the
+people of Maryland than WASHINGTON, and his death awakened genuine
+sorrow. On February 22d, 1800, memorial services were observed in the
+Reformed Church at Fredericktown.[79] It was a solemn day and the whole
+County was in mourning; at which time Ex-Governor Thomas Johnson
+pronounced the funeral oration. Snyder took no part in these services.
+
+The two letters to Snyder were chiefly relied upon by the Anti-Masons to
+support their political claims.
+
+ "That Washington was never in a Lodge but twice, in his life; that
+ he paid no attention to Masonry during the war; that in 1781 he
+ declined being addressed by Masons as a brother Mason, and in 1798
+ was very particular to insist upon the fact that he had not been in
+ a Lodge, but once or twice in 30 years, and knew nothing of their
+ principles and practices."[80]
+
+
+How false these statements so frequently made, is shown by the many
+proofs here presented in fac-simile of the originals, which also
+absolutely controvert the statement in Governor Ritner's Vindication?
+viz:--
+
+ "That all the letters said to be written by Washington to Lodges
+ are spurious. This is rendered nearly certain: First, by the
+ non-production of the originals: Second, by the absence of copies
+ among the records of his letters: Third, by their want of dates:
+ Fourth, by the fact that his intimate friend and biographer, Chief
+ Justice Marshall,[81] (himself a Mason in his youth,) says that he
+ never heard Washington utter a syllable on the subject, a matter
+ nearly impossible, if Washington had for years been engaged in
+ writing laudatory letters to the Grand Lodges of South Carolina,
+ Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts."[82]
+
+
+The movement to elect General WASHINGTON a Grand Master over all the
+Brethren in the United States originated at a meeting of American Union
+Lodge, held at the encampment of the American Army at Morristown, New
+Jersey, December 15, 1779. This Lodge was a Regimental Lodge of the
+Connecticut Line, originally warranted by the Provincial Grand Master of
+Massachusetts.
+
+This movement continued to find favor amongst the craft, especially in
+Pennsylvania, and culminated in a motion to that effect at a General
+Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge, December 20, 1779.
+
+This resulted in a Grand Lodge of Emergency being convened January 13,
+1780, when the following action was taken:[83]
+
+ "This Lodge being called by Order of the Grand Master, upon the
+ request of Sundry Brethren, and also in pursuance of a Motion made
+ at the last General Communication, to consider the Propriety as
+ well as the necessity of appointing a Grand Master over all the
+ Grand Lodges formed or to be formed in these United States, as the
+ Correspondence which the Rules of Masonry require cannot now be
+ carried on with the Grand Lodge of London, under whose Jurisdiction
+ the Grand Lodges in these States were originally constituted; The
+ Ballot was put upon the Question: Whether it be for the Benefit of
+ Masonry that 'a Grand Master of Masons thro'out the United States'
+ shall be now nominated on the part of this Grand Lodge; and it was
+ unanimously determined in the affirmative.
+
+ "Sundry respectable Brethren being then put in nomination, it was
+ moved that the Ballot be put for them separately, and His
+ Excellency George Washington, Esquire, General and
+ Commander-in-chief of the Armies of the United States being first
+ in nomination, he was ballotted for accordingly as Grand Master,
+ and Elected by the unanimous vote of the whole Lodge.
+
+ "Ordered, That the minutes of this Election and appointment be
+ transmitted to the different Grand Lodges in the United States, and
+ their Concurrence therein be requested, in Order that application
+ be made to his Excellency in due form, praying that he will do the
+ Brethren and Craft the honor of accepting their appointment. A
+ Committee was appointed to expedite the Business."
+
+
+The movement was further advanced at a Convention of representatives of
+the Army Lodges, held at Morristown, N. J., on February 7, 1780, when,
+fortified by the pronounced action of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, a
+committee was chosen of which Brother Mordecai Gist of Maryland was
+chairman and Brother Otho Williams of Delaware, secretary.[84]
+
+
+=FAC-SIMILE OF FINAL LETTER FROM BOSTON, ENDING THE ATTEMPT TO MAKE
+GEN. WASHINGTON GENERAL GRAND MASTER.=
+
+
+This Committee issued the celebrated address:
+
+ "To the RIGHT WORSHIPFUL, The Grand Masters of the several Lodges
+ in the Respective United States of America.
+
+ "UNION----FORCE----LOVE."
+
+
+This address was signed by representatives of no less than seven states,
+viz.: Maryland, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts
+Bay, New York and Delaware; in addition to those of the American Union
+Lodge, Artillery, St. John's Regimental Lodge and the Staff of the
+American Army.
+
+It was further ordered that the foregoing address with an exact copy of
+these proceedings signed by the President and Secretary, be sent to the
+respective Provincial Grand Masters in the United States.[85]
+
+It was not until the middle of October that a reply was received from
+the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts to the circular letter sent out by the
+Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and then only in response to a letter
+written by our Grand Secretary, Rev. Brother Dr. William Smith.
+
+This matter led to more or less correspondence between the Grand Lodges
+of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts and was in abeyance, until January,
+1781, when the following letter was received from Joseph Webb, Grand
+Master of Massachusetts.[86]
+
+
+ "BOSTON, Jany 17, 1781.
+
+ "_Revd Sir and
+ "Respected Brother_
+
+ "Last Friday Evening the Grand Lodge met, agreeable to adjournment
+ and after a long debate on the subject, whether it was expedient at
+ present to elect a Grand Master General for the United States, it
+ passed in the negative.
+
+ "Inclosed I transmit you the vote from the G. Sec'y.
+
+ "Yr Affecte Brother
+ "& Hble Servt
+ "Jos: WEBB.
+
+ "Rev Dr Smith
+ "Philadelphia."
+
+
+The belief that WASHINGTON was the Grand Master of the United States was
+widespread, and, as our late Bro. James M. Lamberton said in his address
+before mentioned,[87] notwithstanding the fact that the project to
+elevate General WASHINGTON fell through, "that the action of the Army
+Lodges and of our Grand Lodge got abroad, is shown by translations of
+two letters from a Lodge at Cape Francois,[88] on the island of San
+Domingo, directed to General WASHINGTON as Grand Master of all America,
+soliciting a charter, which were presented to our Grand Lodge, February
+3, 1786. The same thing is shown by a medal struck in 1797, the obverse
+showing the bust of WASHINGTON, with the legend, "G. Washington
+President. 1797," the reverse showing many Masonic emblems,[89] with the
+legend "Amor. Honor. Et Justica G.W.G.G.M." (_i. e.,_ George Washington,
+General Grand Master).
+
+The writer of the letters to WASHINGTON, Snyder, quoted at the beginning
+of this chapter, being of foreign birth, and not a member of the Masonic
+Fraternity, nor even living where a Masonic Lodge existed, evidently
+labored under the same delusion as the Brethren at Cape Francois.
+
+The Masonic Correspondence of WASHINGTON as represented upon these
+pages, should settle for all time to come the question, as to the esteem
+in which WASHINGTON held the Masonic Fraternity, of which he was an
+honored Member.
+
+It is stated that there are still a large number of Washington papers in
+the Library of Congress, that are not accessible, as they have thus far
+not been classified or indexed. Thus it is in the possibilities that
+there may be still further documentary evidence found of Masonic import,
+in addition to such as are set forth upon these pages.
+
+
+
+=_The Arms of ye most Ancient & Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted
+Masons._=
+
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+[64] "Memorial Volume, Washington Sesqui-centennial Anniversary,"
+Philadelphia, 1902, p. 165.
+
+[65] "PROOFS | of a| CONSPIRACY | against all the | RELIGIONS and
+GOVERNMENTS | of | EUROPE | carried on | in the secret meetings | of | FREE
+MASONS, ILLUMINATI, | and | READING SOCIETIES, | " collected from Good
+Authorities | by | JOHN ROBISON, A. M. |--EDINBURGH, | 1797. |
+
+[66] The original letter of August 22, 1798, is among the Washington
+papers in the Library of Congress; a photostat of same is in the
+Archives of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
+
+[67] Cf. Historical sketch of the Evangelical Reformed Church of
+Frederick, Maryland, 1904, pp. 22-25.
+
+[68] Cf. "Washington, The Man and Mason," p. 288.
+
+[69] _Vide_ "Sesqui-Centennial Anniversary of the Initiation of Brother
+George Washington before quoted," p. 149.
+
+[70] Cf. Chapters II and III _supra_.
+
+[71] Cf. "Washington, The Man and Mason," p. 286.
+
+[72] _Ibid_., December 20, 1789. His excellency, General WASHINGTON,
+unanimously elected Master; Robert McCrea, Senior Warden; William
+Hunter, Jr., Junior Warden; William Hodgson, Treasurer; Joseph Greenway,
+Secretary; Dr. Frederick Spambergen, Senior Deacon; George Richards,
+Junior Deacon. Extract from Minutes, p. 288.
+
+[73] _Vide_ "Freemasonry in Pennsylvania, 1727-1907," Vol. I, Chapter X,
+pp. 295 _et seq_.
+
+[74] _Ibid._, Vol. I, Chapter XII, pp. 399 _et seq_.
+
+_Vide_ "Washington and his Masonic Compeers," Chapter VIII, pp. 149 _et
+seq_.
+
+[75] _Ibid._, pp. 86-87. Also records of King Solomon's Lodge, No. 1,
+Poughkeepsie, New York.
+
+[76] _Ibid._, pp. 150 _et seq_.
+
+[77] _Ibid._, pp. 139 _et seq_.
+
+[78] WASHINGTON, so far as known, attended the following public Masonic
+functions:
+
+1. Procession in Philadelphia, Festival of St. John the Evangelist,
+December 28, 1778.
+
+2. Festival of St. John the Baptist, June 24, 1779, with the American
+Union Lodge, at the Robinson House on the Hudson, New York.
+
+3. Festival of St. John the Evangelist, December 27, 1779, with American
+Union Lodge, at the Morris Hotel, Morristown, New Jersey.
+
+4. Festival of St. John the Evangelist, December 27, 1782, with King
+Solomon's Lodge, at Poughkeepsie, New York.
+
+5. Festival of St. John the Baptist, June 24, 1784, with Lodge No. 39,
+at Alexandria, Virginia.
+
+6. The Masonic funeral of Brother William Ramsay, February 12, 1785, at
+Alexandria.
+
+7. Laying of the cornerstone of the capitol at the Federal City
+(Washington, D. C.), September 18, 1793, upon which occasion WASHINGTON
+walked in the procession.
+
+[79] Cf. Historical sketch before quoted, p. 24.
+
+[80] Anti-Masonic Republican Convention before quoted, p. 26.
+
+[81] Grand Master of Virginia, 1793-1795.
+
+[82] Vindication of General Washington before quoted, p. 15.
+
+[83] Cf. "Reprint of Minutes of Grand Lodge," Vol. I, p. 19.
+
+[84] "Freemasonry in Pennsylvania, 1727-1781," Vol. I, p. 39.
+
+[85] Address in full, _ibid._, pp. 399-402.
+
+[86] All of the original correspondence is in the Archives of the Grand
+Lodge of Pennsylvania, Mss., Vol. A.
+
+[87] "Washington Sesqui-Centennial Celebration, Nov. 5, 1902, Memorial
+Volume," pp. 135-6.
+
+[88] Cf. "Old Masonic Lodges of Pennsylvania," Vol. II, Chapter LIII,
+pp. 242-250.
+
+[89] Specimen in Museum of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
+
+
+
+
+INDEX.
+
+
+ Aberts Tavern, 101
+
+ Adam, Rev. John, 30
+
+ Adam, Robert, 29, 30
+
+ Adcock, William, 77
+
+ Alexander, Alexander, 58
+
+ Alexandria Lodge, No. 22, Address and Reply, 18;
+ Letter and Address to Washington, 96;
+ Washington's Reply, 97
+
+ Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, 17;
+ Correspondence with, 28;
+ Address to Washington, 29;
+ Meets at Lamb Tavern, 33;
+ Invites Washington to dine with them, 34
+
+ Allison, John, 29, 33
+
+ Anti-Masonic Craze, mention of, 8;
+ Attack Washington's memory, 10;
+ Certify to Records, 16
+
+ Armstrong, Thomas, 90
+
+
+ Baker, George A., 90
+
+ Ball, William, 93
+
+ Bartlett, Josiah, 83, 102
+
+ Belton, William, 111, 113
+
+ Blair, Judge, 42
+
+ Blyth, Joseph, 53
+
+ Bowen, Thomas B., 58
+
+ Bradley, Thomas, 90
+
+ Burk, Miss Fanny M., Copies, Portrait for Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 36
+
+
+ Carson, J., 53
+
+ Chapman, Samuel, 48, 49
+
+ Clark, Peleg, 15
+
+ Clinton, Governor, 42
+
+ Cohen, Abraham, 53
+
+ Corney, James, 48
+
+ Craik, George W., 2, 93
+
+ Craik, Dr. James, 93
+
+ Cutler, John, 83
+
+ Cusack, Richard E., 90
+
+
+ Dandridge, Bartholomew, 2, 75, 81
+
+ Dick, Archibald, 32
+
+ Dick, Elisha C., 29, 32;
+ Conducts Masonic Services at Washington's Funeral, 33
+
+ Drayton, William, 58
+
+ Duplessis, Peter le Barbier, 70;
+ Autograph, 72, 79, 80
+
+
+ Edwards, Thomas, 102
+
+ Elliot, Robert, 15
+
+
+ Few, Joseph, 70;
+ mention of, 78
+
+ Foster, Theo., 42
+
+ Franklin, Benjamin, mention of, 27
+
+ Fredericktown, Maryland, 117
+
+ Freemasonry in Pennsylvania (Barratt and Sachse), Referred to, 16
+
+ Free Quaker Meeting House, 69
+
+
+ Gates, Thomas, 58
+
+ Georgia Grand Lodge, Address and Reply, 7, 17;
+ Fraudulent letter to, 94
+
+ Gillies, James, 95, 96, 97
+
+ Gist, Mordecai, 57, 58, 59;
+ Sketch of, 64, 134
+
+ Gorman, Mr., of New Hampshire, 42
+
+ Grant, Reuben, 53
+
+ Greene, Mrs. Nathaniel, 66
+
+ Griffith, Cadawalder, 90
+
+ Guion, Isaac, 48, 49
+
+
+ Halling, Solomon, 48, 49
+
+ Hamilton, Gavin, 70, 90
+
+ Handy, John, 15
+
+ Harris, Thaddeus M., 102
+
+ Hayes, Moses Michael, mention of, 15
+
+ Hildreth, Ara, 38
+
+ Houston, George, 66
+
+ Hunt, Galliard, mention of, 6
+
+
+ Illuminati, 117
+
+ Irwin, David, 90
+
+ Israel, Israel, 90
+
+
+ Jackson, Major William, 2;
+ Copies Address and Answer, 40
+
+ Jefferson, Thomas, 36, 42
+
+ Johnson, William, 48, 49
+
+
+ King David's Lodge, No. 1, Newport, R. I., Proposed Masonic Address to
+ General Washington, 14;
+ Extracts from Records, 15, 17;
+ Correspondence with, 37;
+ Sends Address to Washington, 38;
+ Fac-simile of Washington's Reply, 41
+
+ Knox, Robert, 58
+
+
+ Lamb Tavern, Alexandria meeting place of Lodge, No. 39, 33
+
+ Lamberton, J. M., Address Washington as a Freemason, 11;
+ quoted, 117
+
+ Laughton, Joseph, 104
+
+ Lear, Tobias, 2, 75, 101
+
+ Letter Books in Library of Congress, 6
+
+ Littlefield, William, 37
+
+ Lodge No. 27, on Pennsylvania Roster, 57, 59
+
+ Lowthorp, F., 48
+
+
+ Machey, Mungo, 83
+
+ Marshall, John, Chief Justice, 132
+
+ Marsteller, Phillip G., 95, 96
+
+ Maryland Grand Lodge, Draft of Letter to 7, 18;
+ Address to Washington, 112;
+ Washington Reply, 113;
+ Original Draft of Reply, _ib._
+
+ Mason, Benjamin, 70
+
+ Masonic Aprons, 20
+
+ Masonic Portrait of Washington in Alexandria Lodge, 36
+
+ Massachusetts Grand Lodge, Draft of Letter to, 7;
+ Letter to, 8;
+ Objects to Washington as Grand Master General, 16;
+ Address and Reply, 18;
+ Address to Washington, 83;
+ Reply, 85;
+ Letter to Paul Revere, 104;
+ Reply to Grand Lodge, 106;
+ Refuses to nominate Washington as Grand Master General, 136
+
+ Mazyck, William C., 60
+
+ McElwee, John, 90
+
+ Meyers, Israel, 58
+
+ Miller, George, 58
+
+ Mitchell, John, 58
+
+
+ Nelson, William, 90
+
+ Newburgh, Washington in Camp at, 21
+
+ Nilson, Andrew, 90
+
+
+ Oliver, Daniel, 104
+
+ Oswald, Eleaser, 90
+
+
+ Pasteur, Edward, 48
+
+ Pennsylvania Grand Lodge, Draft of Letter to, 7;
+ Address and Reply, 18;
+ Resolutions, 69;
+ Address to Washington, 71;
+ Washington's Reply, 73;
+ Address to Washington, 1796, 88;
+ Address, 1797, 103;
+ Nominated Washington as Grand Master General, 133
+
+ Prince George's Lodge, No. 16, Georgetown, S. C.,
+ Address and Reply, 8, 17;
+ Correspondence with, 51;
+ Sketch of, _ib._;
+ Address to Washington, 52;
+ Fac-simile, 54, 55;
+ Washington's Reply, 56
+
+ Procter, Thomas, 70;
+ Sketch of, 78, 90
+
+ Providence, R. I., Washington Arrives at, 42
+
+ Putnam, Herbert, mention of, 4
+
+
+ Ramsay, Dennis, 95, 96
+
+ Ramsay, William, 29, 33
+
+ Rehm, Dr. J. F., 50
+
+ Revere, Paul, 2;
+ Letter from Washington, 8;
+ Letter to, 18, 102, 104
+
+ Ritner, Governor, Vindication, 132
+
+ Robison, John, "Proofs of Conspiracy," 118
+
+ Rush, Dr. Benjamin, 32
+
+
+ Seixas, Moses, 15, 37;
+ Sketch of, 39
+
+ Sherburne, Henry, 37
+
+ Shippen, Dr. William, 32
+
+ Smith, Jonathan Bayard, 70;
+ Autograph, 72, 73;
+ Sketch of, 76
+
+ Smith, Mr. of South Carolina, 42
+
+ Smith, Rev. William, D.D., Sermon by, 12;
+ Masonic Sermons by, 13;
+ Addresses the Brethren, 70;
+ Drafts Address, 71, 73;
+ Masonic Record, 76, 90;
+ Writes to Grand Lodge, Massachusetts, 135
+
+ Smith, William Moore, Autograph, 89, 90;
+ Sketch of, 93;
+ Snyder (Schneider), G. W., 3;
+ Letter to Washington, 18, 113;
+ Fac-simile of Letter, 119, 121;
+ Sketch of, 123
+
+ South Carolina Grand Lodge, Draft of Letter to, 7, 17;
+ Correspondence with, 57;
+ Address to Washington, 59;
+ Washington's Reply, 59;
+ Original Draft of Reply, 61;
+ Fac-simile, 62, 63
+
+ Sparks, Jared, 9;
+ Letter from, 10, 129
+
+ St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Newbern, N. C., Address and Reply, 8, 17;
+ Correspondence with, 44;
+ Resolution, 44;
+ Address to Washington, 45;
+ Fac-Simile, 46, 47
+
+
+ Thomas, Isaiah, 104
+
+ Town, Thomas, 90
+
+
+ Warren, John, 102
+
+ Washington, George, Master of Lodge while President, 2;
+ Masonic Bodies named after, 3;
+ Full length Portrait in London, 4;
+ Copies of all Masonic Letters, 5;
+ Letter to Paul Revere, 7;
+ Memory attacked by Anti-Masons, 10;
+ At Newport, R. I., 1781, 14;
+ At Providence, R. I., _ib._;
+ Report on, 15;
+ As Grand Master, 16;
+ Replies to Snyder, 18;
+ Receives Masonic Ornaments from Watson & Cassoul, 20;
+ Masonic Apron from Lafayette, 20;
+ Reply to Watson & Cassoul, 21;
+ In camp at Newburg, 21;
+ Resigns his commission at Annapolis, 28;
+ Returns to Mount Vernon, _ib._;
+ Address from Lodge No. 39, 29;
+ Reply to Lodge No. 39, 30;
+ Fac-simile, 31;
+ Invites Washington to dine with the Lodge, 34;
+ Acceptance, 35;
+ Accepts Honorary Membership, _ib._;
+ Portrait of in Alexandria Lodge, 36;
+ Address from King David's Lodge, 38;
+ Arrives at Newport, R. I., 42;
+ Providence, _ib._;
+ Reply to King David's Lodge, ib;
+ Starts on Southern Tour, 44;
+ Reply to St. John's Lodge, 49;
+ Arrives at Georgetown, S. C., 51;
+ Washington's Reply to Prince George's Lodge, 56;
+ Arrives at Charleston, S. C., 57;
+ Receives Address from Grand Lodge of South Carolina, 58;
+ Washington's Reply, 59;
+ Calls on Mrs. Nathaniel Greene, 65;
+ Receives Address from Grand Lodge, Georgia, 66;
+ Leaves Savannah, 68;
+ Replies to Grand Lodge of Georgia, _ib._;
+ Residence in Philadelphia, 69;
+ Received Address from Grand Lodge, Pennsylvania, 71;
+ Reply 73;
+ Master's Jewel, 79;
+ Address from Grand Lodge, Massachusetts, 81;
+ Washington's Reply, 84;
+ Farewell Address, 86;
+ At Philadelphia, 87;
+ Address from Grand Lodge, Pennsylvania, 88;
+ Washington Receives Deputation, 90;
+ Reply, 91;
+ Letters counterfeited, 94;
+ Arrives at Mount Vernon, 95;
+ Letter & Address from Alexandria Lodge, No. 22, 96;
+ Reply, 97;
+ Dines with Lodge No. 22, 101;
+ Letter to Paul Revere, 104;
+ Draft of Reply to Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 106;
+ Lieutenant General, 111;
+ At Baltimore, _ib._;
+ Draft of Reply to Grand Lodge of Maryland, 113;
+ Reply, 115;
+ Sesqui-Centennial Anniversary, 117;
+ Letter and Book from G. W. Snyder, 118;
+ Reply to Snyder's Letter of September 15, 1798, 123;
+ Explanation of, 125;
+ Member of Alexandria Lodge, 126;
+ Lays Corner-Stone of Capitol, 127;
+ Masonic Record of, _ib._;
+ Traditions of, 128;
+ Second Letter from Snyder, 129;
+ Washington's Reply, 130;
+ Refutation of the Anti-Masonic Slanders, 131;
+ Grand Master General, 132;
+ Address by Army Lodges, 134;
+ Massachusetts refuses to concur, 136;
+ Universal belief that Washington was Grand Master General, 137;
+ Medal struck as such, 138
+
+ Washington, Lodges in United States, 3
+
+ Watson and Cassoul, Draft and Letter to, 7, 17;
+ Send Masonic Apron to Washington, 19;
+ Reply to, 22;
+ Fac-simile of original Draft to, 24, 25;
+ mention of, 27
+
+ Watson, Elkanah, 19;
+ Letter to Washington, 20, 27
+
+ Webb, Joseph, 135
+
+ White, Isaac, 53
+
+ White, Rev. William, Prayer by, 12
+
+ Williams, J. Henry, Authorization, iii;
+ mention of, 4
+
+ Williams, Otho, 134
+
+ Williams, William, Paints Washington's Masonic Portrait, 36
+
+ Wise's Tavern, Alexandria, 35
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+ Passages in italics are indicated by _underscore_.
+
+ Image captions are indicated by =caption=.
+
+ Illustrations without captions are not identified in this text version.
+
+ Superscripted letters are not identified in this text version.
+
+ Additional spacing after some of the quotes is intentional to indicate
+ both the end of a quotation and the beginning of a new paragraph as
+ presented in the original text.
+
+ The following misprints have been corrected:
+ "contiuue" corrected to "continue" (page 66)
+ "Illumaniti" corrected to "Illuminati" (page 130)
+ "Fredricksburg" corrected to "Fredericksburg" (footnote 7)
+ "Dick, Elisah" corrected to "Dick, Elisha" (index)
+
+ All other spelling and punctuation is presented as in the original.
+
+ The index has been correctly alphabetized.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Washington's Masonic Correspondence, by
+Julius F. Sachse
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