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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: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** 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 Athen�um.[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 �2. 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 Athen�um, 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 N� 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 N� 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 Athen�um 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
+Athen�um," 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 re�lection. 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 re�lection
+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
+     "pre�minent 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
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WASHINTON'S MASONIC CORRESPONDENCE ***
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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: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** 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.)
+
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+</pre>
+
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p><a name="front" id="front"></a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i001.jpg" alt="The Masonic Portrait of Brother General George Washington." /></div>
+
+<div class="caption"><small>THE MASONIC PORTRAIT OF</small><br />
+BROTHER GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON.<br />
+<br />
+<small>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. &amp; A. M. OF VIRGINIA.
+REPRODUCTION FROM THE UNIQUE COPY IN THE MUSEUM OF THE R. W. GRAND
+LODGE, F. &amp; A. M. OF PENNSYLVANIA.<br />
+<br />
+COPYRIGHTED BY ALEXANDRIA-WASHINGTON LODGE, No. 22, VIRGINIA, AND PRINTED BY ITS PERMISSION.</small></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h1>Washington's<br />
+Masonic Correspondence</h1>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h4>AS FOUND AMONG THE</h4>
+<h2>WASHINGTON PAPERS</h2>
+<h4>IN THE</h4>
+<h2>LIBRARY OF CONGRESS</h2>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h4>Compiled from the original records, under the direction of the Committee
+on Library of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, with annotations.</h4>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h4>BY</h4>
+<h2>JULIUS F. SACHSE</h2>
+<h5>LIBRARIAN, MASONIC TEMPLE PHILADELPHIA</h5>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>PHILADELPHIA<br />
+1915</h3>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h5>Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1915, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C., by <span class="smcap">J. Henry Williams, R.W.G.M.</span></h5>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="Committee on Library">
+<tr><td>COMMITTEE ON LIBRARY</td></tr>
+<tr><td>JOHN WANAMAKER, <i>Chairman</i>,</td></tr>
+<tr><td>SAMUEL W. LATTA,</td></tr>
+<tr><td>NORRIS S. BARRATT,</td></tr>
+<tr><td>HARMAN YERKES,</td></tr>
+<tr><td>HENRY DARRACH,</td></tr>
+<tr><td>WALTER T. TAGGART.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>JULIUS F. SACHSE, <i>Librarian</i>.</td></tr></table>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><i>An Edition of One Thousand Copies has been printed, of which this is No.</i> 355</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h5>PRESS OF<br />
+THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY<br />
+LANCASTER, PA.</h5>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[Pg ii]</a></span></p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i005.jpg" alt="decorative border" /></div>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/sig006.png" title="J. Henry Williams" alt="J. Henry Williams" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>Grand Master<br /> 1914-1915.</i></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i006top.png" alt="J. Henry Williams, Office of the R. W. Grand Master, Masonic Temple Philadelphia" /></div>
+
+<p>The position of eminence, the great respect and the profound reverence
+in which the name of <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>The collection and reproduction of the letters of Brother <span class="smcap">Washington</span>,
+together with the text of this book, have been prepared under my
+supervision, and its publication is heartily approved.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><img src="images/sig006.png" title="J. Henry Williams" alt="J. Henry Williams" /></p>
+<div class="right"><i>Grand Master.</i></div>
+<p><span class="smcap">February</span> 22, A.D. 1915&mdash;A.L. 5915.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</a></span></p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i007.jpg" alt="Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Seal" /></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i008.jpg" alt="image" /></div>
+<h3>CONTENTS.</h3>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="Table of Contents">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td align="right"><span class="smcap">Page</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Foreword</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>The Masonic Correspondence of Washington</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><strong><a href="#ch1">I</a></strong></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Correspondence with Watson and Cassoul</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><strong><a href="#ch2">II</a></strong></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Correspondence with Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, 1783</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><strong><a href="#ch3">III</a></strong></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Correspondence with Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, 1784</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><strong><a href="#ch4">IV</a></strong></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Correspondence with King David's Lodge, No. 1, Newport, R. I., 1790</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><strong><a href="#ch5">V</a></strong></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Correspondence with St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Newbern, N. C., 1791</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><strong><a href="#ch6">VI</a></strong></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Correspondence with Prince George's Lodge, No. 16, Georgetown, S. C., 1791</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_51">51</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><strong><a href="#ch7">VII</a></strong></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Correspondence with Grand Lodge of South Carolina, 1791</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_57">57</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><strong><a href="#ch8">VIII</a></strong></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Georgia, 1791</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><strong><a href="#ch9">IX</a></strong></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1792</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_69">69</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><strong><a href="#ch10">X</a></strong></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 1792</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_80">80</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><strong><a href="#ch11">XI</a></strong></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1796</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_86">86</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><strong><a href="#ch12">XII</a></strong></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Correspondence with Alexandria Lodge, No. 22, Virginia, 1797</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><strong><a href="#ch13">XIII</a></strong></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 1797</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><strong><a href="#ch14">XIV</a></strong></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Maryland, 1798</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_111">111</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><strong><a href="#ch15">XV</a></strong></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Correspondence with G. W. Snyder, 1798</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_117">117</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><strong><a href="#ch16">XVI</a></strong></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Index</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_141">141</a></td></tr></table>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></span></p>
+
+<h3>ILLUSTRATIONS</h3>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="Illustrations">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td align="right"><span class="smcap">Page</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Masonic Portrait of Washington</td><td colspan="2" align="center"><i><a href="#front">Frontispiece</a></i>.</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>J. Henry Williams, R. W. Grand Master</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_ii"><ins class="correction" title="Original reads 'iii'.">ii</ins></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Washington's Headquarters at Newburgh on the Hudson</td><td align="center"><i>Facing</i></td><td><i>page</i></td><td align="right"><a href="#newburgh">22</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Wise's Tavern, Alexandria, Virginia</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="right"><a href="#wise">35</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Moses Michael Hays (Portrait)</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="right"><a href="#moses">15</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Washington, (Houdon Portrait), 1786</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="right"><a href="#houdon">36</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Mordecai Gist, (Portrait)</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="right"><a href="#gist">57</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Residence of President Washington in Philadelphia</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="right"><a href="#residence">69</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Fac-Simile of Address</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="right"><a href="#address">72</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Jonathan Bayard Smith, (Portrait)</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="right"><a href="#smith">76</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Rev. William Smith, D.D., (Portrait)</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="right"><a href="#portrait">88</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Mount Vernon, 1783-1799</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="right"><a href="#vernon">95</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Paul Revere, (Portrait)</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="right"><a href="#revere">105</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Washington, (St. Memin Portrait), 1798</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="right"><a href="#memin">117</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Draft of Letter to Grand Lodge of Maryland</td><td align="center"><i>Between</i></td><td><i>pages</i></td><td align="right"><a href="#letter">112-113</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Press copy of Washington's letter to G. W. Snyder, September 25, 1798</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="right"><a href="#snyder">124-125</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>Press copy of letter, October 24, 1798</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="right"><a href="#press">130-131</a></td></tr></table>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i012.jpg" alt="decorative border (sun)" /></div>
+
+<h3>FOREWORD</h3>
+
+
+<p class='dropcap'><span class="caps">Washington's</span> 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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span> held the Masonic
+Fraternity, of which since his early days he had been an honored member.</p>
+
+<p>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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'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.</p>
+
+<p>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<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span> of these Eleven
+Addresses, which came to him from Seven of the Thirteen Colonies.</p>
+
+<p>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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span> Masonic letters as were still in existence, which
+were successful except in two instances as noted in the text.</p>
+
+<p>It will be noted that on April 30, 1789, <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, 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.</p>
+
+<p>The esteem in which <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s private secretaries, viz:&mdash;Major William
+Jackson: Tobias Lear: Bartholomew Dandridge and G. W. Craik.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to the above copies we have <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s original drafts of
+his letters to Watson and Cassoul, to the Grand Lodges of Massachusetts,
+South Carolina, and Maryland, to Paul Revere, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> as before stated
+press copies of his answers to Mr. Snyder.</p>
+
+<p>A perusal of these original documents, as here presented, affords an
+excellent illustration of the <i>entente cordiale</i>, which existed between
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span> and his Masonic Brethren.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the other hand, how the Masonic Fraternity, during <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s
+lifetime, venerated their august Brother, is shown by the addresses of
+this correspondence as retained by <span class="smcap">Washington</span>.</p>
+
+<p>Also by the various Masonic Memorial services held, after <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'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.</p>
+
+<p>How this veneration of the great <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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 "<span class="smcap">Washington</span>."</p>
+
+<p>Washington Lodges are found in thirty-eight of the forty-eight States of
+the American Union.</p>
+
+<p>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,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> viz:&mdash;Nevada,
+North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to the fifty-three Washington Lodges, there is also one each
+in Canada, the Island of Cuba and the District of Columbia.</p>
+
+<p>In the Masonic Fraternity throughout the world, the name of <span class="smcap">Washington</span>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/sigsac.png" title="Julius F. Sachse." alt="Julius F. Sachse." /></div>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Philadelphia, February</span> 22, A.D. 1915&mdash;A.L. 5915.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i015.jpg" alt="decorative border (books)" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i016.jpg" alt="seal" /></div>
+
+<h1>The Masonic Correspondence<br />
+of Washington</h1>
+<hr style="width: 25%;" />
+
+<p class='dropcap'><span class="caps">Much</span> has been written pro and con about <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>How careful <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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 <span class="smcap">Washington<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></span> held his Brethren of the Masonic
+Fraternity, as well as his own opinion of Freemasonry.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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:<small><a name="f1.1" id="f1.1" href="#f1">[1]</a></small></p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+"They are a part of the Washington papers in<br />
+"the Government's possession, purchased from the<br />
+"Washington family, one lot in 1834 and the re-<br />
+"mainder in 1849, and deposited in the Department<br />
+"of State until 1903, when, by the President's order,<br />
+"they were sent to this Library. They range in date<br />
+"from 1754 to 1799. Some of them are partly<br />
+"or wholly in Washington's hand-writing, and others<br />
+"in the writing of his secretaries and their clerks.<br />
+"There are no volumes of press copies, but there are<br />
+"some press copies among the papers."</div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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 <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span>after
+deliberate consideration, a fair copy would be made either by <span class="smcap">Washington</span>
+or one of his Secretaries and signed by him, and sent to the Masonic
+bodies for which they were intended.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>2. To the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.</p>
+
+<p>3. To the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+<p>4. To the Grand Lodge of South Carolina.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>1. An address from the Grand Lodge of Georgia, together with
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s reply.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>2. A letter to Paul Revere, Grand Master of Massachusetts and his Grand
+Officers.</p>
+
+<p>3. An address from the Brethren of Prince George's Lodge, No. 16,
+Georgetown, South Carolina, presented to President <span class="smcap">Washington</span> during his
+visit to South Carolina, April 30, 1791, also his reply to same.</p>
+
+<p>4. An address from the Brethren of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, of Newbern,
+North Carolina, and the reply to same.</p>
+
+<p>Photostat copies of the above have also been obtained which make the
+most complete collection of the Masonic Correspondence of <span class="smcap">Washington</span>
+which has thus far been compiled.</p>
+
+<p>A careful study of this correspondence so carefully cherished by
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span> puts an entirely new phase upon <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s connection with
+the Masonic Fraternity, and his esteem of Freemasonry.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>Referring to some of their published statements that <span class="smcap">Washington</span> never
+belonged to the Masonic Fraternity, and that there were no authentic
+Masonic letters nor copies thereof among his records so fre<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>quently 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.</p>
+
+<p>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,<small><a name="f2.1" id="f2.1" href="#f2">[2]</a></small> nor any letters to any other
+Lodge or Masonic body whatever, are to be found among the records of his
+correspondence."<small><a name="f3.1" id="f3.1" href="#f3">[3]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>The chief authority upon whom the leaders of the Anti-Masonic movement
+at that time depended in their defamation of <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, was Jared
+Sparks of Boston, who at the time was engaged writing a life of
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span>, and then had access to all the Washington letter-books and
+papers, and from his connection with the Washington correspondence, was
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>supposed to be the best qualified to pass upon their authenticity.</p>
+
+<p>Another of the charges made by the Anti-Masonic bigots whose chief
+object was to controvert facts was:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"That although <span class="smcap">Washington</span> was <i>extremely scrupulous</i> in preserving
+his correspondence with all public or private bodies, there is not
+a line of his <i>relating to Freemasonry</i>, to be found among all his
+papers, except the correspondence with Mr. Snyder!<small><a name="f4.1" id="f4.1" href="#f4">[4]</a></small> It is also a
+fact, that <span class="smcap">Washington</span> was equally scrupulous in dating his letters,
+and it is believed that not one can be found, which is without a
+date."<small><a name="f5.1" id="f5.1" href="#f5">[5]</a></small></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>In return Sparks sent the following letter to the Chairman:</p>
+
+<div class="letter"><div class="right">"Boston, February 18, 1833.</div>
+
+<p>"<i>Sir</i>,&mdash;I received this morning your letter of the 15th instant,
+in which you inquire:</p>
+
+<p>"Whether I have yet seen or had in my possession<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> any original
+letter or letters, in the hand writing of General Washington,
+addressed to any body of men denominating themselves Freemasons.</p>
+
+<p>"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.<small><a name="f6.1" id="f6.1" href="#f6">[6]</a></small></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 3em;">"I am, Sir,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"Very respectfully,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">"Your ob't servant,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">"<span class="smcap">Jared Sparks</span>."</span></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'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.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Washington</span>'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 "<span class="smcap">Washington as a Freemason</span>,"
+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 <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>Anniversary of the Initiation of Brother <span class="smcap">George
+Washington</span> into the Fraternity of Freemasons,<small><a name="f7.1" id="f7.1" href="#f7">[7]</a></small> held in the Masonic
+Temple, in the city of Philadelphia on Wednesday, November 5, 1902.</p>
+
+<p>It must also be remembered that <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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." |</p>
+
+<p>This Sermon was printed and dedicated to Brother <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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 Athe<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>n&aelig;um.<small><a name="f8.1" id="f8.1" href="#f8">[8]</a></small> At
+this service over four hundred pounds were collected for the relief of the poor.</p>
+
+<p>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.:</p>
+
+<p><i>Sermon 1.</i>&mdash;On Brotherly Love, &amp;c. Preached on the Anniversary of St.
+John the Baptist, June 24, 1755,</p>
+
+<p><i>Sermon 2.</i>&mdash;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,</p>
+
+<p><i>Sermon 3.</i>&mdash;Preached before the Grand Lodge of Communication, on St.
+John the Baptist's day, June 24, 1795.</p>
+
+<p>Original copies of the above are in the Library of the Grand Lodge of
+Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+<p>Rev. Brother Smith reprinted the above in a Volume of Sermons with the
+following note:<small><a name="f9.1" id="f9.1" href="#f9">[9]</a></small></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"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 <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>the Brotherhood, by
+way of Sermons, preached at different times and in sundry of the
+neighboring States, during 48 Years past."</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>By referring to the following letters and Documents it is shown that
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s interest in Freemasonry and the Fraternity continued until
+the time of his death.</p>
+
+<p>These documents cover the period from 1782 to 1798.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>The finding and collating of this material will settle for all time to
+come the question of <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s connection with the Ancient
+Fraternity, and his opinion and esteem of Freemasonry.</p>
+
+<p>The earliest record we have of any Masonic Body proposing a masonic
+address to General <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, was the resolution offered in King
+David's Lodge, No. 1, at Newport, Rhode Island, during <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s
+visit to Newport in March, 1781, while the French Army under Rochambeau
+was quartered there. <span class="smcap">Washington</span> arrived in Newport on the sixth of March
+and remained there until the thirteenth, when he left for Providence by
+way of Bristol.</p>
+
+<p>It was in anticipation of this visit that the Brethren of King David's
+Lodge, of which Brother Moses<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> Michael Hays<small><a name="f10.1" id="f10.1" href="#f10">[10]</a></small> was Worshipful Master,
+that a masonic greeting to General <span class="smcap">Washington</span> was proposed. The
+following entry from the old Minute Book of the Lodge will explain why
+the project failed to materialize.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p><a name="moses" id="moses"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i027.jpg" title="Moses M. Hays" alt="Moses M. Hays" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><small>W. M. KING DAVID'S LODGE, No. 1, NEWPORT, R. I., 1780-1781.<br /> GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN MASSACHUSETTS, 1788-1793.</small></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Extract from the Records of King David's Lodge.</span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>"Regular Lodge night, held at the house of Mr. James Tew, Wednesday
+evening, the 7th February, 1781. 5781.</p>
+
+<p>"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."</p>
+
+<p>"At a Lodge held by request of the Right Worshipful Master, Feb. 14th,
+1781. 5781,</p>
+
+<p>"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 <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>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.</p>
+
+<p>"Voted, That the report of the committee be received, and that the
+address be entirely laid aside for the present."<small><a name="f11.1" id="f11.1" href="#f11">[11]</a></small></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>Now as to the cause for this uncertainty how to address Brother
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span>, it will be recalled that just at that time, the proposition
+sent out by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania nominating General
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span> the Grand Master General.<small><a name="f12.1" id="f12.1" href="#f12">[12]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>The means of intercourse between the different <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span> had never presided over any
+Masonic Lodge.</p>
+
+<p>Following is a complete list of the Washington Masonic Correspondence,
+thus far found among the Washington papers in the Library of Congress.</p>
+
+<p>Draft of Letter to Watson and Cassoul, Nantes, France, August 10, 1782.</p>
+
+<p>Letter to Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, Virginia, December 28, 1783.</p>
+
+<p>Address from King David's Lodge, No. 1, Rhode Island, August 17, 1790,
+and <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s Reply.</p>
+
+<p>Address from St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Newbern, North Carolina, April 20,
+1791, and his reply.</p>
+
+<p>Address from Prince George's Lodge (Moderns) Georgetown, South Carolina,
+April 30, 1791, and his reply.</p>
+
+<p>Draft of reply to Grand Lodge of South Carolina, May 5, 1791.</p>
+
+<p>Address from Grand Lodge of Georgia, May 14, 1791, and his reply.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>Address from Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, March, 1792, and his reply.</p>
+
+<p>Address of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, December 27, 1792, and his
+reply.</p>
+
+<p>Address from Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, December 27, 1796, and his
+reply.</p>
+
+<p>Address from Alexandria Lodge, No. 22, Virginia, April 4, 1797, and his
+reply.</p>
+
+<p>Letter to Paul Revere and Grand Officers, April 24, 1797.</p>
+
+<p>Draft of Letter to Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in reply to an address,
+April 1797.</p>
+
+<p>Draft of a reply to an address from the Grand Lodge of Maryland,
+November 8, 1798.</p>
+
+<p>Letter from G. W. Snyder to <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, August 22, 1798.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s Reply to Snyder, September 25, 1798.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s Reply to Snyder's letter of October 17, 1798.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i031.jpg" alt="decorative border (pen and ink)" /></div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i033.jpg" alt="Elkanah Watson" /></div>
+<div class="caption">ELKANAH WATSON,<br />
+<br />
+<small>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.<br /><br /> NOW IN THE POSSESSION OF ALEXANDRIA-WASHINGTON LODGE, No. 22, VIRGINIA.</small></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class="u">Footnotes:</span></p>
+
+<p><a name="f1" id="f1" href="#f1.1">[1]</a> Letter to Julius F. Sachse from Manuscript Division, December 19,
+1914&mdash;in Library of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f2" id="f2" href="#f2.1">[2]</a> 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.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f3" id="f3" href="#f3.1">[3]</a> "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."</p>
+
+<p>This address during the Anti-Masonic period was regarded as an important state paper.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f4" id="f4" href="#f4.1">[4]</a> Letter press copies of the Snyder letters were retained by
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span>. Photostat copies of same are in the Archives of the Grand
+Lodge of Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f5" id="f5" href="#f5.1">[5]</a> "Proceedings of the Third State Anti-masonic Convention, of Massachusetts, Worcester, 1832," p. 27.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f6" id="f6" href="#f6.1">[6]</a> Vindication of Washington before quoted, p. 13.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f7" id="f7" href="#f7.1">[7]</a> The Ancient Minute Book and Ledger of <ins class="correction" title="Original reads 'Fredricksburg'.">Fredericksburg</ins> Lodge,
+No. 4, in Virginia, of which we have a photostat, is still in possession of the
+Lodge, showing that "<span class="smcap">George Washington</span> was entered November 4, 1752, and
+on November 6, paid for his entrance &pound;2. 3. 0, March 3, 1753, <span class="smcap">George
+Washington</span> was passed to Fellow-Craft; August 4, 1753, <span class="smcap">George Washington</span> was raised Master Mason."</p>
+
+<p><a name="f8" id="f8" href="#f8.1">[8]</a> Catalogue of Washington Collection in Boston Athen&aelig;um, Boston, 1897, p. 185.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f9" id="f9" href="#f9.1">[9]</a> 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. <i>Et seq.</i></p>
+
+<p><a name="f10" id="f10" href="#f10.1">[10]</a> For an exhaustive sketch of Brother Moses Michael Hays, see <i>The American Freemason</i>, Vol. V, p. 576.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f11" id="f11" href="#f11.1">[11]</a> "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.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">"Quid attestor,<span class="spacer">&nbsp;</span><span class="spacer">&nbsp;</span>"<span class="smcap">Geo. C. Mason.</span></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 15em;"><i>"Jus. Peace and Pub. Not'y."</i></span></p>
+
+<p>Cf. "Anti-masonic Republican Convention of Massachusetts held at
+Worcester, September 5-6, 1832," p. 23.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f12" id="f12" href="#f12.1">[12]</a> For a full account of this episode, see "Freemasonry in
+Pennsylvania," Barratt and Sachse, Philadelphia, 1908, Vol. 1, Chapter XII; "<span class="smcap">Washington</span> as General Grand Master," p. 393 <i>et seq.</i></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i034.jpg" alt="EXCELSIOR" /></div>
+<h2><a name="ch1" id="ch1"></a>I</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Correspondence with Watson &amp; Cassoul, Nantes, France, August,</span> 1782.</h3>
+
+
+<p class='dropcap'><span class="caps">The</span> earliest letter of General <span class="smcap">George Washington</span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>This apron is now in the possession of the Alexandria-Washington Lodge,
+No. 22, at Alexandria, Virginia.</p>
+
+<p>Elkanah Watson in his Memoirs states:<small><a name="f13.1" id="f13.1" href="#f13">[13]</a></small></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"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<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> 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."</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.<small><a name="f14.1" id="f14.1" href="#f14">[14]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>Following letter was sent to <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, together with the Masonic Apron
+and "Ornaments," by Messrs. Watson and Cassoul, from France under date
+"east of Nantes," 23d 1st Month, 5782.<small><a name="f15.1" id="f15.1" href="#f15">[15]</a></small></p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p class="squash">"<span class="smcap">To his Excellency, General Washington, America.</span></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Most Illustrious and Respected Brother:</i></p>
+
+<p>"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 <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>the most refined
+joy in seeing our chief and brother stand forth in its defence, and
+in defence of a newborn nation of Republicans.</p>
+
+<p>"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.</p>
+
+<p>"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."</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Your affectionate brothers,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"<span class="smcap">Watson &amp; Cassoul.</span>"</span><br />
+<br />
+"East of Nantes, 23<sup>d</sup> 1st Month, 5782."</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>Owing to the uncertain intercourse between the two countries, it was
+almost seven months before Brother <span class="smcap">Washington</span> received the Masonic
+apron, ornaments and letter from France. He at that time was in camp
+with the army at Newburg on the Hudson.<small><a name="f16.1" id="f16.1" href="#f16">[16]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>In reply <span class="smcap">Washington</span> sent the following autograph letter to the donors in
+Nantes, viz.:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p><span style="margin-left: 6em;">"<span class="smcap">State of New York</span></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">"Aug<sup>t</sup> 10<sup>th</sup> 1782.</span></p>
+
+<p>"Gent<sup>n.</sup><br />
+<br />
+"The Masonick Ornam<sup>ts</sup><br />
+"which accompanied your Bro-<br />
+"therly Address of the 23<sup>d</sup> of<br />
+"Jan<sup>y</sup> last, tho' elegant in<br />
+"themselves, were rendered<br />
+"more valuable by the flattering<br />
+"sentiments, and affectionate<br />
+"manner, in which they were<br />
+"presented.&mdash;<br />
+<br />
+"If my endeavours to<br />
+"avert the evil, with which this<br />
+"Country was threatned by a<br />
+"deliberate plan of Tyranny,<br />
+"should be crowned with the suc<br />
+"cess that is wished&mdash;The praise<br />
+"is due to the <i>Grand Architect</i><br />
+"of the Universe; who did not see<br />
+"fit to suffer his superstructures<br />
+"and justice, to be subjected to the<br />
+"Ambition of the Princes of this<br />
+"World, or to the rod of oppression,<br />
+"in the hands of any power upon<br />
+"Earth.&mdash;<br />
+<br />
+"For your affectionate<br />
+"Vows, permit me to be grateful;<br />
+"&mdash;and offer mine for true Brothers<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>"in all parts of the world; and<br />
+"to assure you of the sincerity<br />
+"with which I am</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 6em;">Y<sup>rs</sup></span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span></p>
+
+<p>"Mess<sup>rs</sup><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Watson &amp; Cosson<small><a name="f17.1" id="f17.1" href="#f17">[17]</a></small></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"East of Nantes"</span></p></div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p><a name="newburgh" id="newburgh"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i040.jpg" alt="Washington's Headquarters" /></div>
+<div class="caption">WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS<br />
+<br /><small>NEWBURGH-ON-THE-HUDSON WHERE THE WATSON AND CASSOUL LETTER WAS WRITTEN, AUGUST, 1782.</small></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>This autograph letter from <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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. &amp; A. M. of New York.<small><a name="f18.1" id="f18.1" href="#f18">[18]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>It is written upon two pages of an ordinary letter sheet, and was a copy
+of one written by <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, 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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span> retained, and is now in the Library of
+Congress, and is here given for comparison, viz:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i043.jpg" alt="Fac-simile of the Original Leetter" /></div>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i044.jpg" alt="to Watson and Cossoul" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fac-simile of the Original Draft of Washington's Letter
+to Watson and Cassoul, New York, August</span> 10, 1782.</div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p><span style="margin-left: 6em;">"<span class="smcap">State of New York,</span></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">"Aug<sup>t</sup> 10<sup>th</sup> 1782.</span></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Gent<sup>n</sup>.</i>,<br />
+<br />
+"The Masonick Orna-<br />
+"ments which accompanied your<br />
+"Brotherly Address of the 23d.<br />
+"of the first month, tho' elegant<br />
+"in themselves, were rendered<br />
+"more valuable by the flattering<br />
+"sentiments, and affectionate<br />
+"manner, in which they were<br />
+"offered.&mdash;<br />
+<br />
+"If my endeavours to<br />
+"avert the evil, with which<br />
+"this Country was threatned, by<br />
+"a deliberate plan of Tyranny,<br />
+"should be crowned with the<br />
+"success that is wished&mdash;the<br />
+"praise is due to the <i>Grand</i><br />
+"<i>Architect</i> of the Universe; who<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">see fit to</span><br />
+"who did not ^ suffer his superstruc<br />
+"tures &amp; justice, to be subjected<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">ambition of the Princes of this world&mdash;or</span><br />
+"to the ^ rod of oppression, in the<br />
+"hands of any power upon Earth.<br />
+<br />
+"For your affectionate<br />
+"vows, permit me to be grateful;<br />
+"and offer mine for true Brothers<br />
+"in all parts of the world; and<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>"to assure you of the sincerity<br />
+"with which I am,</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 6em;">Y<sup>rs</sup>.</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span></p>
+
+<p>Endorsed<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">to</span><br />
+"Mess<sup>rs</sup>. Watson &amp;<br />
+"Cosson&mdash;Nantes<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"10<sup>th</sup> Aug<sup>t</sup> 1782."</span></p></div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>A photographic fac-simile of the letter now in New York, and a photostat
+of the original copy retained by <span class="smcap">Washington</span> are in the collection of the
+Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+<p>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.<small><a name="f19.1" id="f19.1" href="#f19">[19]</a></small> Elkanah
+Watson was also a bearer of despatches to Dr. Franklin.</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class="u">Footnotes:</span></p>
+
+<p><a name="f13" id="f13" href="#f13.1">[13]</a> "Men and Times of the Revolution, or Memoirs of Elkanah Watson," New York, 1856, pp. 135, 136.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f14" id="f14" href="#f14.1">[14]</a> Cf. "Proceedings Grand Lodge of New York," 1867, p. 28.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f15" id="f15" href="#f15.1">[15]</a> "Memoirs of Elkanah Watson," p. 135.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f16" id="f16" href="#f16.1">[16]</a> Cf. "Itinerary of General <span class="smcap">Washington</span> from June 15, 1775, to
+December 23, 1783," by William S. Baker, Philadelphia, 1892, p. 271.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f17" id="f17" href="#f17.1">[17]</a> It will be noted that on both the draft and letter, <span class="smcap">Washington</span> spells
+the name Cassoul&mdash;"Cosson."</p>
+
+<p><a name="f18" id="f18" href="#f18.1">[18]</a> Catalogue of Antiquities and Curios, Grand Lodge F. &amp; A. M., New York, Class J, No. 1, New York, 1905.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f19" id="f19" href="#f19.1">[19]</a> 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.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i047.jpg" alt="decoration" /></div>
+<h2><a name="ch2" id="ch2"></a>II</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Correspondence with Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, Virginia, December, 1783</span>.</h3>
+
+<p class='dropcap'><span class="caps">The</span> next Masonic Letter of Brother <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>December 23, 1783, General <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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 Ad<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>dress signed by the
+Officers of Lodge No. 39, to Brother <span class="smcap">Washington</span> at Mount Vernon,<small><a name="f20.1" id="f20.1" href="#f20">[20]</a></small>
+viz.:</p>
+
+<div class="letter"><p>"<i>Sir</i>: 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."</p>
+
+<p>"We have the honor to be, in the name and behalf of No. 39, your
+excellency's</p>
+
+<p>"Devoted friends and brothers,</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">"<span class="smcap">Robert Adam, M.</span></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"<span class="smcap">E. C. Dick, S. W.</span></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"<span class="smcap">J. Allison, J. W.</span></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"<span class="smcap">Wm. Ramsay</span>, <i>Treas.</i>"</span></p>
+
+<p>"His Excellency General Washington."</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>Two days later Brother <span class="smcap">Washington</span> sent following reply,<small><a name="f21.1" id="f21.1" href="#f21">[21]</a></small> viz.:</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">"<span class="smcap">Mount Vernon</span> 28<sup>th</sup> Dec<sup>r</sup>. 1783.</span></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Gentlemen</i>:<br />
+<br />
+"With pleasing sensibility<br />
+"I received your favor of the 26<sup>th</sup>, and<br />
+"beg leave to offer you my sincere thanks<br />
+"for the favorable sentiments with<br />
+"which it abounds.&mdash;<br />
+<br />
+"I shall always feel pleasure<br />
+"when it may be in my power to ren-<br />
+"der service to Lodge N&#176; 39, and in<br />
+"every act of brotherly kindness to the<br />
+"Members of it; being with great truth.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">"Your affect<sup>e</sup> Brother</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"and Obed<sup>t</sup> Servant</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+"Rob<sup>t</sup> Adam Esq<sup>r</sup> Master,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"&amp; the Wardens &amp; Treas<sup>r</sup></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">"of Lodge N&#176; 39."</span></p></div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i050.png" alt="Washington's Reply to Alexandria Lodge" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Washington's Reply to Alexandria Lodge, No. 39. Original in Alexandria-Washington Lodge, No. 22, Alexandria, Virginia.</span></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p>
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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.<small><a name="f22.1" id="f22.1" href="#f22">[22]</a></small> 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 <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>under the name and number "Alexandria Lodge No. 39."</p>
+
+<p>Upon the records of the Lodge, Brother Dick appears as both predecessor
+and successor of Brother <span class="smcap">Washington</span> as Master. Brother Dick was the
+first consulting physician in <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s last illness, and also
+conducted the Masonic services at <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s funeral on December 18,
+1799. A biography of Dr. Dick is in the Library of the Grand Lodge of
+Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>Brother William Ramsay, Treasurer of Lodge No. 39, was an old personal
+friend of <span class="smcap">Washington</span>.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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.<small><a name="f23.1" id="f23.1" href="#f23">[23]</a></small></p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class="u">Footnotes:</span></p>
+
+<p><a name="f20" id="f20" href="#f20.1">[20]</a> Cf. "Old Masonic Lodges of Pennsylvania&mdash;Moderns and Ancients,"
+Julius F. Sachse, Philadelphia, 1913, Vol. II, p. 157. Also <i>Vide</i>
+"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.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f21" id="f21" href="#f21.1">[21]</a> Original among Washington relics in Alexandria-Washington Lodge,
+No. 22, Alexandria, Virginia. Fac-simile in Washington collection of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f22" id="f22" href="#f22.1">[22]</a> 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.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f23" id="f23" href="#f23.1">[23]</a> Cf. "The Lodge of Washington," by F. L. Brocket, Alexandria, Va., 1876.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i053.jpg" alt="shield" /></div>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="ch3" id="ch3"></a>III</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Correspondence with Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, Virginia, June,</span> 1784.</h3>
+
+
+<p class='dropcap'><span class="caps">The</span> 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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span> sent the following reply, accepting the fraternal
+invitation.</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p class="right">"<span class="smcap">Mount Vernon</span>, June 19, 1784.<small><a name="f24.1" id="f24.1" href="#f24">[24]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Dear Sir</i>: With pleasure, I received the invitation 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<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> have expressed their
+wishes, you will please accept my thanks."</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"With esteem and respect,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"I am, dear sir,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">"Your most Ob't serv't</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span><br />
+<br />
+"Wm. Herbert, Esquire."</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p><a name="wise" id="wise"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i055.jpg" alt="PLACE OF MEETING OF ALEXANDRIA LODGE" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><small>PLACE OF MEETING OF ALEXANDRIA LODGE, No. 39, ON
+PENNSYLVANIA REGISTER, ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA, WHERE GENERAL WASHINGTON
+ACCEPTED HONORARY MEMBERSHIP, JUNE 24, 1784.</small></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>No copy of this invitation nor acceptance, has thus far been found among
+the Washington papers.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>This banquet was held at Wise's tavern<small><a name="f25.1" id="f25.1" href="#f25">[25]</a></small> and was participated in by
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span>, 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.</p>
+
+<p>This fact further contradicts the Anti-Masonic<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> arguments based upon the
+Snyder letter so extensively used during the years 1826-1833, that
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span> never belonged to any Masonic Lodge, after his initiation in
+the Fredericksburg Lodge in 1752.</p>
+
+<p>The above note as recorded upon the Minutes of Alexandria Lodge, No. 39,
+shows that <span class="smcap">Washington</span> was in complete harmony with the Masonic
+Fraternity; further, that by his acceptance of membership, <span class="smcap">Washington</span>
+became a Pennsylvania Mason.</p>
+
+<p>Among the cherished relics in the Alexandria Lodge, there is none more
+valuable than the Masonic portrait of Brother <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, which forms
+the frontispiece of this volume. This was painted from life in pastel,
+by William Williams, at Philadelphia in 1794.</p>
+
+<p>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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span> as a
+man and Mason, neither heroized nor idealized.<small><a name="f26.1" id="f26.1" href="#f26">[26]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i057.jpg" alt="world and eye" /></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a name="houdon" id="houdon"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i059.jpg" alt="George Washington" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><small>BY JEAN ANTOINE HOUDON, 1785.</small></div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class="u">Footnotes:</span></p>
+
+<p><a name="f24" id="f24" href="#f24.1">[24]</a> "Washington and his Masonic Compeers," by Sidney Hayden, New York, 1866, p. 104.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f25" id="f25" href="#f25.1">[25]</a> 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.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f26" id="f26" href="#f26.1">[26]</a> <i>Vide</i> "Abstract of Proceedings of the Proceedings Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, During the Year 1910," pp. 110-117.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i060.jpg" alt="anchor" /></div>
+<h2><a name="ch4" id="ch4"></a>IV</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Correspondence with King David's Lodge, No. 1, Rhode Island, August,</span>1790.</h3>
+
+
+<p class='dropcap'><span class="caps">The</span> 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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, August 17,
+1790, during his visit to New England.</p>
+
+<p>By referring to the Minutes of this old Lodge following entry is found:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+"At a Lodge, called by request of several Breth-<br />
+"ren on Tuesday evening, August 17, 5790, an<br />
+"Entered Apprentice Lodge being opened in due<br />
+"form proceeded to business, when it was proposed<br />
+"to address the President of the United States.<br />
+"The R. W. Master (Moses Seixas) Henry Sher-<br />
+"burne, and the Secretary, [William Littlefield]<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> "were appointed a committee for that purpose,<br />
+"after which the Lodge closed."<small><a name="f27.1" id="f27.1" href="#f27">[27]</a></small></div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>Following address was prepared and according to local tradition was
+publicly presented, by the Committee to President <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, in the
+Venerable Sanctuary of the Jewish Congregation at Newport; the Brethren of King David's Lodge being present:</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"<span class="smcap">To George Washington</span>, <i>President of the United</i><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 12em;"><i>States of America.</i></span></p>
+
+<p>"We the Master, Wardens, and Brethren of<br />
+"King David's Lodge in New Port Rhode Island<br />
+"with joyful hearts embrace this opportunity to<br />
+"greet you as a Brother, and to hail you welcome<br />
+"to Rhode Island. We exult in the thought that<br />
+"as Masonry has always been patronised by the<br />
+"wise, the good, and the great, so that it stood<br />
+"and ever will stand, as its fixtures are on the<br />
+"immutable pillars of faith, hope, and charity.<br />
+<br />
+"With unspeakable pleasure we gratulate<br />
+"you as filling the presidential chair with the<br />
+"applause of a numerous and enlightened people<br />
+"Whilst at the same time we felicitate ourselves<br />
+"in the honor done the brotherhood by your many<br />
+"exemplary virtues and emanations of goodness<br />
+"proceeding from a heart worthy of possessing<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>"the ancient mysteries of our craft; being persuaded<br />
+"that the wisdom and grace with which heaven<br />
+"has endowed you, will square all your thoughts,<br />
+"words, and actions by the eternal laws of honor,<br />
+"equity, and truth, so as to promote the advancement<br />
+"of all good works, your own happiness, and that<br />
+"of mankind.<br />
+<br />
+"Permit us then, illustrious Brother,<br />
+"cordially to salute you with three times three<br />
+"and to add our fervent supplications that the<br />
+"sovereign architect of the universe may always<br />
+"encompass you with his holy protection.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">"<span class="smcap">Moses Seixas</span><small><a name="f28.1" id="f28.1" href="#f28">[28]</a></small> <i>Master</i></span><br />
+"New Port Aug<sup>t</sup> 17, 1790.<span style="margin-left: 3em;"><i>Committee</i>.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">"<span class="smcap">H<sup>y</sup> Sherburne</span></span><br />
+"By order<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">"<span class="smcap">W<sup>m</sup> Littlefield</span>, <i>Sec<sup>y</sup>.</i>"</span></p></div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>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 <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>name of the Jewish
+congregation to <span class="smcap">George Washington</span> when the latter visited Newport, and
+it was to him that <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s answer was addressed.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>So far as known this address was the first of Masonic import made to
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s letter book.</p>
+
+<p>The original address and <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s reply to the Master, Wardens and
+Brethren of King David's Lodge in Newport, the latter signed in
+autograph by <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, are in the Athen&aelig;um collection at Boston,
+Massachusetts.<small><a name="f29.1" id="f29.1" href="#f29">[29]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>Following copy of the President's answer is taken from his letter
+book.<small><a name="f30.1" id="f30.1" href="#f30">[30]</a></small> Both address and answer in the letter book are in the
+handwriting of Major William Jackson, secretary to the President.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i064.png" alt="Fac-simile of Reply to King David's Lodge" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fac-simile of Reply to King David's Lodge, No.</span> 1,
+<span class="smcap">Newport, R. I. Letter Book II, Folio</span> 29.</div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>President <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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.<small><a name="f31.1" id="f31.1" href="#f31">[31]</a></small></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Washington</span> left Providence, Saturday, August 21, and arrived in New York
+upon the following day, Sunday, August 22, 1790,<small><a name="f32.1" id="f32.1" href="#f32">[32]</a></small> and sent the following reply to the Newport Brethren:</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"<span class="smcap">To the Master, Wardens, and Brethren of</span><br />
+<span class="smcap">"King Davids Lodge in Newport Rhode Island.</span>"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Gentlemen</i>,</p>
+
+<p>"I receive the welcome which you<br />
+"give me to Rhode Island with pleasure, and I<br />
+"acknowledge my obligations for the flattering<br />
+"expressions of regard, contained in your address,<br />
+"with grateful sincerity.<br />
+<br />
+"Being persuaded that a just<br />
+"application of the principles, on which the Masonic<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>"Fraternity is founded, must be promotive of<br />
+"private virtue and public prosperity, I shall<br />
+"always be happy to advance the interests of<br />
+"the Society, and to be considered by them as<br />
+"a deserving brother.<br />
+<br />
+"My best wishes, Gentlemen,<br />
+"are offered for your individual happiness."<small><a name="f33.1" id="f33.1" href="#f33">[33]</a></small></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span></p></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i066.jpg" alt="Notice" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">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.</span></div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class="u">Footnotes:</span></p>
+
+<p><a name="f27" id="f27" href="#f27.1">[27]</a> 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.</p>
+
+<p>Cf. also a verified copy of the Minute in "Proceedings of the Anti-Masonic Republican Convention of Massachusetts, Boston, 1832," p. 22.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f28" id="f28" href="#f28.1">[28]</a> <i>Vide</i> "The Jews and Masonry in the United States," by Samuel Oppenheim, New York, 1810, p. 22 <i>et seq.</i></p>
+
+<p><a name="f29" id="f29" href="#f29.1">[29]</a> Cf. "Catalogue of the Washington Collection in the Boston Athen&aelig;um," Boston, 1897, p. 331.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f30" id="f30" href="#f30.1">[30]</a> Letterbook II, p. 29.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f31" id="f31" href="#f31.1">[31]</a> Cf. "Washington after the Revolution," W. S. Baker, Philadelphia, 1898, p. 192.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f32" id="f32" href="#f32.1">[32]</a> Cf. <i>Pennsylvania Packet</i>, August 30-31 1790.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f33" id="f33" href="#f33.1">[33]</a> Copy of Address in Letter Book II, pp. 27-28, Photostat of same in Archives of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i067.jpg" alt="ESSE QUAM VIDERI" /></div>
+<h2><a name="ch5" id="ch5"></a>V</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Correspondence with St. John's Lodge, No. 2 at Newbern, N. C., April,</span> 1791.</h3>
+
+<p class='dropcap'><span class="caps">The</span> next Masonic letter of President <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>April 7, 1791, <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>When advice of this proposed presidential visit reached Newbern, the
+brethren of St. John's Lodge, No. 2,<small><a name="f34.1" id="f34.1" href="#f34">[34]</a></small> at the stated meeting held on
+April 1, 1791, passed the following resolution. "<i>Resolved</i>, that an
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>address shall be presented to Brother <span class="smcap">George Washington</span>, in behalf of
+this Lodge, on his arriving in this town."<small><a name="f35.1" id="f35.1" href="#f35">[35]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>Upon his arrival at Newbern, N. C., April 20, following address was
+presented to the President,<small><a name="f36.1" id="f36.1" href="#f36">[36]</a></small> which, together with the reply, has thus
+far never been in print or noted:</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"<span class="smcap">To the President of the United States of</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">America.</span></span></p>
+
+<p>"The Address of St Johns Lodge No. 2 of Newbern.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Right Worshipful Sir</i>,</p>
+
+<p>"We the Master, Officers, and Members of St.<br />
+"Johns Lodge No 2, of Newbern, beg leave to hail<br />
+"you welcome with three times three.<br />
+<br />
+"We approach you not with the language of<br />
+"adulation, but sincere fraternal affection&mdash;your<br />
+"works having proved you to be the true and faith-<br />
+"ful brother, the skilful and expert Craftsman, the<br />
+"just and upright man, &nbsp; &nbsp; But the powers of elo-<br />
+"quence are too feeble to express with sufficient<br />
+"energy the cordial warmth with which our bosoms<br />
+"glow toward you.<br />
+<br />
+"We therefore most ardently wish, most fervently<br />
+"and devoutly pray, That the Providence of the<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>"most high may strengthen, establish, and protect<br />
+"you, in your walk through this life; and when you<br />
+"shall be called off from your terrestrial labours by<br />
+"command of our divine grand master, and your<br />
+"operations sealed with the mark of his approbation,<br />
+"may your soul be eternally refreshed with the<br />
+"streams of living water which flow at the right<br />
+"hand of God, and when the supreme architect of<br />
+"all worlds shall collect his most precious jewels as<br />
+"ornaments of the celestial Jerusalem, may you<br />
+"everlastingly shine among those of the brightest<br />
+"lustre.<br />
+<br />
+"We are in our own behalf, and that of the<br />
+"Members of this Lodge,</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 6em;">"Right worshipful Sir;</span><br />
+"St Johns Lodge No. 2.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">"Your true and faithful brethren</span><br />
+"April 20<sup>th</sup> 5791.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">"<span class="smcap">Isaac Guion</span> <i>Master</i>.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">"<span class="smcap">Samuel Chapman</span> <i>Senior Warden</i>.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">"<span class="smcap">William Johnston</span>, <i>Junior Warden</i>.</span><br />
+"<span class="smcap">Solomon Halling, Edw. Pasteur, Ja<sup>s</sup> Carney, F. Lowthrop</span>.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">"<i>Members of the Committee</i>."</span></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i069.png" alt="Fac-simile of Address from St. John's Lodge, No. 2," /></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i070.png" alt="Newbern, N. C. Letter Book II, Folio" /></div>
+
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fac-simile of Address from St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Newbern, N. C. Letter Book II, Folio</span> 47-48.</div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>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<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>Brother Hailing was Surgeon of the 4th Carolina Regiment and served
+until the close of the War.</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Washington's Reply<small><a name="f37.1" id="f37.1" href="#f37">[37]</a></small> to the Brethren of St. John's Lodge</span>.</p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">To the Master, Wardens, and Members of S<sup>t</sup></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">John's Lodge No. 2 of Newbern.</span></span></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Gentlemen</i>,</p>
+
+<p>"I receive the cordial welcome which you<br />
+"are pleased to give me with sincere gratitude.<br />
+<br />
+"My best ambition having ever aimed at<br />
+"the unbiassed approbation of my fellow-citizens,<br />
+"it is peculiarly pleasing to find my conduct<br />
+"so affectionately approved by a fraternity whose as-<br />
+"sociation is founded in justice and benevolence.<br />
+<br />
+"In reciprocating the wishes contained<br />
+"in your address, be persuaded that I offer a sincere<br />
+"prayer for your present and future happiness.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"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."<small><a name="f38.1" id="f38.1" href="#f38">[38]</a></small> "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."<small><a name="f39.1" id="f39.1" href="#f39">[39]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i073.jpg" alt="GRAND LODGE PENNSYLVANIA VIRTUTE SILENTIO AMORE" /></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class="u">Footnotes:</span></p>
+
+<p><a name="f34" id="f34" href="#f34.1">[34]</a> 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.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f35" id="f35" href="#f35.1">[35]</a> Extract from Minutes by Brother J. F. Rhem, M.D., Newbern, N. C.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f36" id="f36" href="#f36.1">[36]</a> Letter Book 2, pp. 47-48 in Library of Congress, Washington, D. C.; photostat in Archives of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f37" id="f37" href="#f37.1">[37]</a> <i>Ibid.</i>, p. 49; photostat in Archives of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f38" id="f38" href="#f38.1">[38]</a> Extract from Minutes by Brother J. F. Rhem, M.D., Newbern, N. C.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f39" id="f39" href="#f39.1">[39]</a> Brother J. F. Rhem, Newbern, N. C., in letter to Brother A. B. Andrews, Jr., December 14, 1914.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i074.jpg" alt="South Carolina Seal" /></div>
+<h2><a name="ch6" id="ch6"></a>VI</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Correspondence with Prince George's Lodge, No.</span> 16, <span class="smcap">Georgetown, S. C., April,</span> 1791.</h3>
+
+
+<p class='dropcap'><span class="caps">Washington</span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span>:</p>
+
+<div class="letter"><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em">"<span class="smcap">To Our illustrious Brother George Washington.</span></span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em">"<i>President of the United States.</i></span></p>
+
+<p>"At a time when all men are emulous to approach<br />
+"you to express the lively sensations you inspire as<br />
+"the Father of our country. Permit us the Brethren<br />
+"of Prince George's Lodge No. 16 to have our share<br />
+"in the general happiness in welcoming you to<br />
+"Georgetown, and the pleasure of reflecting that we<br />
+"behold in you the liberator of our country. the<br />
+"distributor of its equal laws, and a Brother of our<br />
+"most ancient and most honorable Order.<br />
+<br />
+"At the same time indulge us in congratulating<br />
+"you on the truly honorable and happy situation in<br />
+"which you now stand, as the Grand Conductor of<br />
+"the political interests of these United States.<br />
+<br />
+"Having by your manly efforts caused the beau-<br />
+"teous light of liberty to beam on this western hemi-<br />
+"sphere, and by the wisdom Heaven has graciously<br />
+"endowed you with established the liberties of<br />
+"America on the justest and firmest basis that was<br />
+"ever yet recorded in the annuals of history, you<br />
+"now enjoy the supremest of all earthly happiness<br />
+"that of diffusing peace, liberty, and safety to mil-<br />
+"lions of your fellow-citizens.<br />
+<br />
+"As a true reward for your patriotic, noble and<br />
+"exalted services we fervently pray the Grand Archi-<br />
+"tect of the universe long to bless you with health,<br />
+"stability, and power to continue you the Grand<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>"Pillar of the arch of liberty in this vast empire,<br />
+"which you have been so eminently distinguished in<br />
+"raising to this pitch of perfection at which we now<br />
+"behold it.<br />
+<br />
+"May the residue of your life be spent in ease<br />
+"content and happiness, and as the Great Parent of<br />
+"these United States may you long live to see your<br />
+"children flourish under your happy auspices and<br />
+"may you be finally rewarded with eternal happiness.<br />
+<br />
+"We conclude our present address with a fervent<br />
+"wish that you will continue as you have hitherto<br />
+"been, the friend of our ancient and honorable<br />
+"Order, and of all worthy Masons.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;"><span class="smcap">I. White</span></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;"><span class="smcap">R. Grant</span></span><span class="spacer">&nbsp;</span> <i>Committee from</i><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;"><span class="smcap">A<sup>B</sup>. Cohen</span></span><span class="spacer">&nbsp;</span><i>Prince George's Lodge.</i><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;"><span class="smcap">Jos. Blyth</span>.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;"><span class="smcap">J. Carson</span>.</span><br />
+<br />
+"George Town 30<sup>th</sup> April 1791."</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i077.jpg" alt="Fac-simile of Address from the Brethren of Prince George's Lodge" /></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i078.jpg" alt="Folio No. 16, Georgetown, South Carolina, April, 1791. Letter Book II, 59-60" /></div>
+
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fac-simile of Address from the Brethren of Prince
+George's Lodge, Folio No. 16, Georgetown, South Carolina, April, 1791. Letter Book II</span>, 59-60.</div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>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.</p>
+
+<div class="letter"><p class="center"><span class="smcap">Washington's Reply</span>.</p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">To the Brethren of Prince George's Lodge,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">No</span>. 16.</span></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Gentlemen</i>:</p>
+
+<p>"The cordial welcome which you give me<br />
+"to George Town, and the congratulations, you are<br />
+"pleased to offer on my election to the chief<br />
+"magistracy receive my grateful thanks.<br />
+<br />
+"I am much obliged by your good wishes<br />
+"and reciprocate them with sincerity, assuring the<br />
+"fraternity of my esteem, I request them to believe<br />
+"that I shall always be ambitious of being considered<br />
+"a deserving Brother.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a name="gist" id="gist"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i081.jpg" alt="General Mordecai Gist" /></div>
+
+<div class="caption">GENERAL MORDECAI GIST.<br />
+<br /><small>B. BALTIMORE, MD., 1743. D. CHARLESTON, S. C., 1792.<br />
+<br />
+WHO, AS GRAND MASTER OF SOUTH CAROLINA, SIGNED THE ADDRESS TO BROTHER WASHINGTON.</small></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i082.jpg" alt="South Carolina Seal" /></div>
+<h2><a name="ch7" id="ch7"></a>VII</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Correspondence with Grand Lodge of South Carolina, May, 1791</span>.</h3>
+
+<p class='dropcap'><span class="caps">President</span> <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.<small><a name="f40.1" id="f40.1" href="#f40">[40]</a></small> Brother <span class="smcap">Washington</span> remained in
+Charleston until May 9.</p>
+
+<p>Wednesday, May 4, 1791, General Mordecai Gist, an old companion in arms
+of <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, and formerly Master of the Military Lodge in the Maryland
+line (No. 27 upon the register of Pennsylvania),<small><a name="f41.1" id="f41.1" href="#f41">[41]</a></small> but now Grand
+Master of the Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons of South Carolina,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>attended by the other present and past grand
+officers,<small><a name="f42.1" id="f42.1" href="#f42">[42]</a></small> waited on
+their beloved brother, the president of the United States, and presented
+the following address:<small><a name="f43.1" id="f43.1" href="#f43">[43]</a></small></p>
+
+<div class="letter"><p>"<i>Sir</i>&mdash;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.</p>
+
+<p>"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.</p>
+
+<p>"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.</p>
+
+<p>"When we contemplate the distresses of war, the instances of
+humanity displayed by the Craft afford <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>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.</p>
+
+<p>"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.</p>
+
+<p>"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.</p>
+
+<p>"Done in behalf of the Grand Lodge.<br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">"M. <span class="smcap">Gist</span>, G. M."<small><a name="f44.1" id="f44.1" href="#f44">[44]</a></small></span><br />
+<br />
+"Charleston, 2d May, 1791."</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>To this address <span class="smcap">Washington</span> returned the following reply.<small><a name="f45.1" id="f45.1" href="#f45">[45]</a></small></p>
+
+<div class="letter"><p>"<i>Gentlemen</i>:&mdash;I am much obliged by the respect which you are so
+good as to declare for my public <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>
+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.</p>
+
+<p>"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.</p>
+
+<p>"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."</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>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.<small><a name="f46.1" id="f46.1" href="#f46">[46]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>Fortunately, the original draft of <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'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 <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>upon the clear copy sent to the Grand
+Lodge of Ancient York Masons of South Carolina.</p>
+
+<p>A photostat of this draft is in the collection of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, viz.:</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"<span class="smcap">To the Grand Lodge of the State of South</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">"Carolina Ancient York Masons</span></span>.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Gentlemen</i>,</p>
+
+<p>"I am much obliged by the respect<br />
+"which you are so good as to declare for my<br />
+"public and private character. I recognise<br />
+"with pleasure my relation to the Brethren<br />
+"of your Society&mdash;and I accept with gratitude<br />
+"your congratulations on my arrival in<br />
+"South Carolina.<br />
+<br />
+"<i>Your felicitations It is peculiarly</i><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;"><i>general</i></span><br />
+"<i>pleasing to observe the ^ satisfaction expressed</i><br />
+"<i>on the establishment and exercise of the</i><br />
+"<i>federal government</i>&mdash;<br />
+"Your sentiments on the establishment<br />
+"and exercise of our equal government are<br />
+"worthy of an association, whose principles<br />
+"lead to purity of morals, and beneficence<br />
+"of action&mdash;The fabric of our freedom<br />
+"is placed on the enduring basis of<br />
+"public virtue, and will long continue<br />
+"to protect the Posterity of the architects<br />
+"who raised it.<br />
+<br />
+"I shall be happy on every<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9em;">regard</span><br />
+"occasion to evince my respect for the<br />
+"Fraternity, for whose happiness individually<br />
+"I offer my best wishes.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i087.png" alt="Fac-simile of Draft of Washington's Reply to Address from Grand Lodge of South Carolina, May, 1791" /></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i088.png" alt="Handwriting of Mayor William Jackson" /></div>
+
+
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fac-simile of Draft of Washington's Reply to Address from Grand Lodge of South Carolina, May, 1791</span>.<br />
+<span class="smcap">Handwriting of Mayor William Jackson</span>.</div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p>
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>In the third line from the bottom the word "regard" is substituted for "respect."</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class="u">Footnotes:</span></p>
+
+<p><a name="f40" id="f40" href="#f40.1">[40]</a> Washington's Diary.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f41" id="f41" href="#f41.1">[41]</a> Cf. "Old Masonic Lodges in Pennsylvania," Philadelphia, 1913, Vol. 2, p. 53 <i>et seq.</i></p>
+
+<p><a name="f42" id="f42" href="#f42.1">[42]</a> 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.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f43" id="f43" href="#f43.1">[43]</a> <i>City Gazette</i>, Friday, May 6, 1791, p. 2, column 4.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f44" id="f44" href="#f44.1">[44]</a> For full account of Lodge 27 and Brother Gist, <i>vide</i> "Old Masonic Lodges of Pennsylvania," before quoted, Vol. II, pp. 53-63.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f45" id="f45" href="#f45.1">[45]</a> Cf. Hayden, "Washington and his Masonic Compeers," p. 135.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f46" id="f46" href="#f46.1">[46]</a> William C. Mazyck, Right Worshipful Grand Secretary, G. L. of South Carolina.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i090.jpg" alt="CONSTITUTION: WISDOM JUSTICE MODERATION" /></div>
+
+<h2><a name="ch8" id="ch8"></a>VIII</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Georgia</span>, <span class="smcap">May</span>, 1791.</h3>
+
+
+<p class='dropcap'><span class="caps">On</span> the way from Charleston, South Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia,
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>Saturday, May 14, <span class="smcap">Washington</span> was waited on by Brethren of the Grand
+Lodge of Georgia and presented with the following address:<small><a name="f47.1" id="f47.1" href="#f47">[47]</a></small></p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"<span class="smcap">To the President of the United States</span>.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Sir, and Brother</i>,</p>
+
+<p>"The Grand Master, Officers and Members of the<br />
+"Grand Lodge of Georgia, beg leave to congratulate<br />
+"you on your arrival in this city. Whilst your ex-<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>"alted character claims the respect and deference of<br />
+"all men, they from the benevolence of masonic prin-<br />
+"ciples approach you with the familiar declaration<br />
+"of fraternal affection.<br />
+<br />
+"Happy indeed that Society, renowned for its<br />
+"antiquity, and pervading influence over the en-<br />
+"lightened world, which having ranked a Frederick<br />
+"at its head, can now boast of a Washington as a<br />
+"Brother. A Brother who it justly hailed the Re-<br />
+"deemer of his country, raised it to glory, and by his<br />
+"conduct in public and private life has evinced to<br />
+"Monarchs that true majesty consists not in splendid<br />
+"royalty, but in intrinsic worth.<br />
+<br />
+"With these sentiments they rejoice at your pres-<br />
+"ence in this State, and in common with their fellow-<br />
+"citizens, greet you, thrice welcome, flattering them-<br />
+"selves that your stay will be made agreeable.<br />
+<br />
+"May the great Architect of the Universe pre-<br />
+"serve you whilst engaged in the work allotted you<br />
+"on earth, and long <ins class="correction" title="Original reads 'contiuue'.">continue</ins> you the brightest pil-<br />
+"lar of our Temple, and when the supreme fiat shall<br />
+"summon you hence, they pray the might I AM<br />
+"may take you into his holy keeping,</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">"Grand Lodge in Savannah</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">May 14<sup>th</sup> 5791.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;"><span class="smcap">Geo: Houston</span>,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10em;"><i>Grand Master</i>."</span></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i092.png" alt="Bro. Washington's Reply to Address from the Grand Lodge of Georgia, May, 1791" /></div>
+
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Bro. Washington's Reply to Address from the Grand Lodge
+of Georgia, May, 1791. Letter Book II, Folio 78.</span></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>Upon the next day, Sunday, May 15, after attending the morning church
+service, <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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,<small><a name="f48.1" id="f48.1" href="#f48">[48]</a></small> both address and reply now first published:</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"<span class="smcap">To the Grand Master, Officers and Members</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">"of the Grand Lodge of Georgia.</span></span></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Gentlemen</i>,</p>
+
+<p>"I am much obliged by your congratulations<br />
+"on my arrival in this city, and I am highly indebted<br />
+"to your favorable opinions.<br />
+<br />
+"Every circumstance contributes to<br />
+"render my stay in Savannah agreeable, and it<br />
+"is cause of regret to me that it must be so<br />
+"short.<br />
+<br />
+"My best wishes are offered for the welfare<br />
+"of the fraternity, and for your particular happiness.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span></p></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i093.jpg" alt="Eye and World" /></div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class="u">Footnotes:</span></p>
+
+<p><a name="f47" id="f47" href="#f47.1">[47]</a> Washington Letter Book, II, folio 77. Photostat in Archives of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f48" id="f48" href="#f48.1">[48]</a> Address and Reply, Letter Book II, folio 77-78.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p><a name="residence" id="residence"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i095.jpg" alt="WASHINGTON'S RESIDENCE IN PHILADELPHIA" /></div>
+
+<div class="caption">PRESIDENT WASHINGTON'S RESIDENCE IN PHILADELPHIA, A. D. 1790 A. D. 1797.<br />
+<small>WHERE THE MASONIC ADDRESSES OF THE GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA WERE DELIVERED.<br />
+FROM A CONTEMPORARY WATER COLOR PAINTING BELONGING TO THE LIBRARY COMPANY OF PHILADELPHIA.<br />
+THE FIGURES ARE THOSE OF WASHINGTON AND ROBERT MORRIS.</small></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i096.jpg" alt="VIRTUE LIBERTY INDEPENDENCE" /></div>
+
+<h2><a name="ch9" id="ch9"></a>IX</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, January 3, 1792.</span></h3>
+
+
+<p class='dropcap'><span class="caps">During</span> the Presidential term of Brother <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, 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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>On St. John's Day, December 27, 1791, a Grand Lodge was opened in ample
+form,<small><a name="f49.1" id="f49.1" href="#f49">[49]</a></small> and the Minutes <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>of the
+last Grand Communication were read, as far as concerns the election of Grand Officers.</p>
+
+<p>The Grand Officers upon this occasion were:</p>
+
+<p>Brother Jonathan Bayard Smith, <i>R. W. Grand Master</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Brother Joseph Few, <i>Deputy Grand Master</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Brother Thomas Procter, <i>Senior Grand Warden</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Brother Gavin Hamilton, <i>Junior Grand Warden</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Brother Peter Le Barbier Duplessis, <i>Grand Secretary</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Brother Benjamin Mason, <i>Grand Treasurer</i>.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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 <span class="smcap">George Washington</span>, President of the
+United States; and this Lodge was adjourned to the second day of January
+next to receive the report of said Committee.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="right">"<span class="smcap">Philadelphia</span>, January 2<sup>d</sup>, 1792.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Grand Lodge, By Adjournment</i>,<small><a name="f50.1" id="f50.1" href="#f50">[50]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>"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<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>
+Washington, The Rev<sup>d</sup>. Bro. D<sup>r</sup>. W<sup>m</sup>. 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 R<sup>t</sup>. W<sup>t</sup>. Grand Master, Dep<sup>y</sup>. G. Master, and
+Grand Officers, with the Rev<sup>d</sup> Bro. Smith, be a Committee to
+present the said Address in behalf of this R<sup>t</sup>. W<sup>t</sup>. Grand Lodge,
+signed by the Right Worshipful Grand Master, and Countersigned by the Grand Secretary.</p>
+
+<p>"Lodge closed at half past 9 o'clock in Harmony."</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>Following is the address presented to Brother <span class="smcap">Washington</span>. 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.<small><a name="f51.1" id="f51.1" href="#f51">[51]</a></small></p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"<span class="smcap">To His Excellency George Washington, President of the United States.</span></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Sir and Brother</i>:</p>
+
+<p>"The Ancient <i>York Masons</i> of the Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania, for
+the first time assembled in General <i>Communication</i> to celebrate
+the Feast of S<sup>t</sup>. John the Evangelist, since your Election to the
+<i>Chair</i> 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 <i>Great Master Builder</i>
+(under the Supreme Architect) by whose labours the <i>Temple of</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>
+<i>Liberty</i> hath been reared in the West, exhibiting to the Nations of
+the Earth a <i>Model</i> of <i>Beauty</i>, <i>Order</i> and <i>Harmony</i> worthy of their Imitation and Praise.</p>
+
+<p>"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 <i>Prayer</i> that you may be long continued to adorn the
+bright list of Master workmen which our Fraternity in the
+<i>terrestrial Lodge</i>; and that you may be late removed to that
+<i>Celestial Lodge</i> where love and Harmony reign transcendent and
+Divine; where the great Architect more immediately presides, and
+where <i>Cherubim</i> and <i>Seraphim</i>, wafting our Congratulations from
+<i>Earth to Heaven</i>, shall hail you <i>Brother</i>.</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="letter end">
+<tr><td>(Seal)</td><td>"By order and in behalf of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in general Communication assembled in ample form.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2"><img src="images/i099sig1.png" alt="J B Smith" /></td></tr>
+<tr><td>(Signed)</td><td align="right">G.M.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2"><img src="images/i099sig2.png" alt="V illegible" /></td></tr>
+<tr><td>"Attest:</td><td align="right">G<sup>d</sup>. Secry.</td></tr></table></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p><a name="address" id="address"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i100.jpg" alt="FAC-SIMILE OF THE ORIGINAL ADDRESS READ BEFORE PRESIDENT WASHINGTON" /></div>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i101.jpg" alt="ORIGINAL IN ARCHIVES OF GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA" /></div>
+<div class="caption">FAC-SIMILE OF THE ORIGINAL ADDRESS READ BEFORE PRESIDENT
+WASHINGTON BY REV. BRO. WILLIAM SMITH, D.D., JANUARY 3, 1792.<br />
+<br />
+<small>ORIGINAL IN ARCHIVES OF GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA. MSS.&mdash;VOLUME A.&mdash;FOLIO.&mdash;21.</small></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>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.</p>
+
+<p>The deputation was received in the dining room of the presidential
+mansion. This was a room about thirty feet long, and where <span class="smcap">Washington</span>
+was accustomed to receive delegations.</p>
+
+<p>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 D<sup>r</sup>. Smith, presented the address to our
+illustrious Brother <span class="smcap">George Washington</span> and had received an answer, which was read.</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"<span class="smcap">To the ancient YORK MASONS of the</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">"Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.</span></span></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Gentlemen and Brothers</i>,</p>
+
+<p>"I receive your kind Congratulations<br />
+"with the purest sensations of fraternal affection:&mdash;and<br />
+"from a heart deeply impressed with your generous<br />
+"wishes for my present and future happiness, I beg<br />
+"you to accept my thanks.<br />
+<br />
+"At the same time I request you will<br />
+"be assured of my best wishes and earnest prayers<br />
+"for your happiness while you remain in this terres-<br />
+"tial Mansion, and that we may thereafter meet<br />
+"as brethren in the Eternal Temple of the<br />
+"Supreme Architect.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span></p></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i103.jpg" alt="Fac-simile of Washington's Reply to Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fac-simile of Washington's Reply to Grand Lodge of
+Pennsylvania, January, 1792. Original in Archives of the Grand Lodge.</span></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i104tmb.jpg" alt="WASHINGTON'S MASONIC APRON" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><a href="images/i104full.jpg">WASHINGTON'S MASONIC APRON.</a><br />
+<small>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. &amp;. A. M. OF PENNSYLVANIA.<br />
+ORIGINAL APRON IN MUSEUM OF THE GRAND LODGE.</small></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>Whereupon, on motion and seconded, Resolved, unanimously, that the said
+address and the answer thereto, shall be entered on the minutes.</p>
+
+<p>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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s
+domestic affairs, and was liberally remembered by him in his will.</p>
+
+<p>The letter was signed by <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, who had both the address and answer
+copied verbatim in one of his letter books<small><a name="f52.1" id="f52.1" href="#f52">[52]</a></small> by Bartholomew Dandridge,
+secretary to the President. A photostat copy of above, together with the
+original answer by <span class="smcap">Washington</span> is in the Archives of the Grand Lodge of
+Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+<p>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 <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>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.<small><a name="f53.1" id="f53.1" href="#f53">[53]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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."</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p><a name="smith" id="smith"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i108.jpg" alt="J B Smith" /></div>
+<div class="caption">B. FEB. 21, 1742; D. JUNE 16, 1812.<br />
+GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN PENNSYLVANIA, 1789-1794.</div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>In 1778 he was appointed a justice of the court of Common Pleas, Quarter
+Sessions, and Orphans' <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>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.</p>
+
+<p>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: "<i>Resolved</i>, that the Grand
+Lodge is, and ought to be perfectly independent and free of any such
+foreign jurisdiction."<small><a name="f54.1" id="f54.1" href="#f54">[54]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>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 re&euml;lection. The following action was taken by the Grand
+Lodge:<small><a name="f55.1" id="f55.1" href="#f55">[55]</a></small></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"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, Bro<sup>r</sup> Jonathan
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>Bayard Smith, Esq<sup>r</sup>, 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."</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>Brother Joseph Few, Deputy Grand Master, was also a Revolutionary
+Soldier, having served as Regimental Quarter Master with the 4th
+Continental Artillery.</p>
+
+<p>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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s administration. A full account of
+Brother Thomas Procter and this Military Lodge will be found in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> the
+History of the Old Masonic Lodges of Pennsylvania, published by the
+Grand Lodge in 1913.<small><a name="f56.1" id="f56.1" href="#f56">[56]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>For a sketch of Brother Peter Le Barbier Duplessis, the reader is referred to the same volume.<small><a name="f57.1" id="f57.1" href="#f57">[57]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i112.jpg" alt="Washington's Past Master's Jewel" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Washington's Past Master's Jewel.</span><br />
+Replica in the Museum of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.</div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class="u">Footnotes:</span></p>
+
+<p><a name="f49" id="f49" href="#f49.1">[49]</a> Reprint of Minutes of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Vol. I, p. 178.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f50" id="f50" href="#f50.1">[50]</a> <i>Ibid.</i>, p. 180.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f51" id="f51" href="#f51.1">[51]</a> <span class="smcap">Mss.</span> Volume A, folio 17, 19, 21.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f52" id="f52" href="#f52.1">[52]</a> Letter Book II, pp. 104-105.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f53" id="f53" href="#f53.1">[53]</a> Cf. "Old Masonic Lodges of Pennsylvania," Vol. I, p. 201.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f54" id="f54" href="#f54.1">[54]</a> Cf. Reprint of Minutes of Grand Lodge, Vol. I, p. 96 <i>et seq.</i></p>
+
+<p><a name="f55" id="f55" href="#f55.1">[55]</a> <i>Ibid.</i>, Vol. II, p. 68.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f56" id="f56" href="#f56.1">[56]</a> Volume II, Chapter XXVI, pp. 1-36. Cf. also "Freemasonry in Pennsylvania," Vol. I and II, for various references to Col. Procter.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f57" id="f57" href="#f57.1">[57]</a> Cf. "Old Lodges," Vol. II, pp. 256 <i>et seq.</i></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i113.jpg" alt="illustration" /></div>
+
+<h2><a name="ch10" id="ch10"></a>X</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, December, 1792.</span></h3>
+
+<p class='dropcap'><span class="caps">"At</span> Grand Lodge held at Concert Hall, Boston, 10th of December, 5792,
+being a Quarterly Communication it was</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"<i>Resolved</i>, That the Grand Master, with the Grand Wardens, present
+to our Most Beloved Brother</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">George Washington</span>,</p>
+
+<p>the new Book of Constitutions, with a suitable address."</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>At the next Quarterly Communication we find that,</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Agreeably to a resolve at the last Quarterly Communication, the
+Grand Master, with his Wardens, reported:</p>
+
+<p>"That they had written to our beloved President and Brother, George
+Washington, and presented<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> 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."</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>This address was evidently sent to President <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>The following copy of both address and reply are taken from Letter Book II, folio 106-108.</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"An Address of the Grand Lodge of Free &amp;<br />
+"Accepted Masons for the Commonwealth<br />
+"of Massachusetts, To their honored and<br />
+"Illustrious Brother.<br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">GEORGE WASHINGTON.</span><br />
+<br />
+"Whilst the Historian is describing the<br />
+"career of your glory, and the inhabitants<br />
+"of an extensive Empire are made happy<br />
+"in your unexampled exertions:&mdash;whilst some<br />
+"celebrate the Hero so distinguished in li-<br />
+"berating United America; and others the Patriot<br />
+"who presides over her Councils, a Band of bro-<br />
+"thers, having always joined the acclamations<br />
+"of their countrymen, now testify their res-<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>"pect for those milder virtues which have<br />
+"ever graced the man.<br />
+<br />
+"Taught by the precepts of our Society;<br />
+"that all its members <i>stand upon a level</i>, we<br />
+"venture to assume this station &amp; to approach<br />
+"you with that freedom which diminishes<br />
+"our diffidence without lessening our respect.<br />
+<br />
+"Desirous to enlarge the boundaries of<br />
+"social happiness, and to vindicate the cere-<br />
+"monies of their institution, this Grand Lodge<br />
+"have published a "Book of Constitutions," (and<br />
+"a copy for your acceptance accompanies<br />
+"this) which by discovering the principles that<br />
+"actuate will speak the Eulogy of the Society;<br />
+"though they fervently wish the conduct of its;<br />
+"Members may prove its higher commendation.<br />
+<br />
+"Convinced of his attachment to its<br />
+"cause, and readiness to encourage its bene-<br />
+"volent designs; they have taken the liberty to<br />
+"dedicate this work to one, the qualities of<br />
+"whose heart and the actions of whose life<br />
+"have contributed to improve personal virtue,<br />
+"and extend throughout the world, the most endear-<br />
+"ing cordialities; and they humbly hope he will<br />
+"pardon this freedom, and accept the tribute of<br />
+"their esteem &amp; homage.<br />
+<br />
+"May the supreme architect of the uni-<br />
+"verse protect &amp; bless you, give you length of<br />
+"days &amp; increase of Felicity in this world, and then<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>"receive you to the harmonious &amp; exalted So-<br />
+"ciety in Heaven.&mdash;</p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="signatures">
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">"John Cutler</span>,</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td><i>Grand Master</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">"Josiah Bartlett</span><br /><span class="smcap">"Mungo Machey</span></td><td><span class="bracket2">}</span></td><td><i>Gr<sup>d</sup> Wardens</i>.</td></tr></table>
+
+<p>"Boston<br />"Decem. 27, A.D. 1792."</p></div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>The following reply was sent by President <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;"><span class="smcap">Washington's Reply</span></span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">"To the Grand Lodge of Free &amp; accepted Ma-</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"<span class="smcap">sons, For the Commonwealth of Massachu-</span></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"<span class="smcap">setts.</span></span></p>
+
+<p>"Flattering as it may be to the human<br />
+"mind, &amp; truly honorable as it is to receive<br />
+"from our fellow citizens testimonies of appro-<br />
+"bation for exertions to promote the public wel-<br />
+"fare, it is not less pleasing to know, that the<br />
+"milder virtues of the heart are highly respected<br />
+"by a Society whose liberal principles must be<br />
+"founded in  the immutable laws of truth and<br />
+"justice.&mdash;<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span><br />
+"To enlarge the sphere of social happi-<br />
+"ness is worthy the benevolent design of a ma-<br />
+"sonic institution; and it is most fervently to<br />
+"be wished, that the conduct of every member<br />
+"of the fraternity, as well as those publications<br />
+"that discover the principles which actuate them;<br />
+"may tend to convince mankind that the grand<br />
+"object of Masonry is to promote the happiness<br />
+"of the human race.<br />
+<br />
+"While I beg your acceptance of<br />
+"my thanks for the "Book of Constitutions" which<br />
+"you have sent me, &amp; the honor you have done<br />
+"me in the dedication, permit me to assure you<br />
+"that I feel all those emotions of gratitude<br />
+"which your affectionate address &amp; cordial<br />
+"wishes are calculated to inspire; and I<br />
+"sincerely pray that the Great Architect<br />
+"of the Universe may bless you here, and<br />
+"receive you hereafter into his immortal Temple.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>No fac-simile copy of the original letter was obtainable for the
+Collection of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i117.jpg" alt="Washington's Reply to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Washington's Reply to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Letter Book II, Folio 108</span>.</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i119.jpg" alt="Philadelphia" /></div>
+
+<h2><a name="ch11" id="ch11"></a>XI</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, December, 1796.</span></h3>
+
+
+<p class='dropcap'><span class="caps">September</span> 18, 1796, President <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s second
+and last term.<small><a name="f58.1" id="f58.1" href="#f58">[58]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>During these troublous times <span class="smcap">Washington</span> had no stauncher supporters than
+his Masonic Brethren of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Further, that
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span> kept more or less in touch with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>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.<small><a name="f59.1" id="f59.1" href="#f59">[59]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>When the Brethren found that <span class="smcap">Washington</span> positively declined re&euml;lection
+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
+S<sup>t</sup> John, Decem<sup>r</sup> 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 R<sup>t</sup> W. Grand Master, Deputy G. M. B<sup>rs</sup> Sadler, Milnor and Williams,
+were accordingly appointed."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>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:</p>
+
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"To <span class="smcap">George Washington President of The United States</span>.</p>
+
+<p>"The Address of the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl-<br />"vania.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Most Respected Sir and Brother</i>,</p>
+
+<p>"Having announced your intention to retire from<br />
+"<i>Public Labour</i> to that <i>Refreshment</i> to which your<br />
+"pre&euml;minent Services for near Half a Century have<br />
+"so justly entitled you. Permit the Grand Lodge<br />
+"of Pennsylvania at this last Feast of our Evangelic<br />
+"Master St. John, on which we can hope for an im-<br />
+"mediate Communication with you to join the grate-<br />
+"ful Voice of our Country in Acknowledging that<br />
+"you have carried forth the Principles of the Lodge<br />
+"into every Walk of your Life, by your constant<br />
+"Labours for the Prosperity of that Country, by<br />
+"your unremitting Endeavours to promote Order,<br />
+"Union and Brotherly Affection amongst us, and<br />
+"lastly by the Vows of your Farewell Address to<br />
+"your Brethren and Fellow Citizens. An Address<br />
+"which we trust Our Children and Our Childrens<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>"Children will ever look upon as a most invaluable<br />
+"Legacy from a <i>Friend</i> a <i>Benefactor</i> and a <i>Father</i>.<br />
+<br />
+"To these our grateful Acknowledgments (leav-<br />
+"ing to the impartial Pen of History to record the<br />
+"important Events in which you have borne so illus-<br />
+"trious a part) permit us to add our most fervent<br />
+"prayers, that after enjoying to the utmost of<br />
+"Human Life, every Felicity which the Terrestial<br />
+"Lodge can afford, you may be received by the<br />
+"great Master Builder of this World and of Worlds<br />
+"unnumbered, into the Ample Felicity of that <i>Celes-</i><br />
+"<i>tial Lodge</i> in which alone distinguished Virtues and<br />
+"distinguished Labours can be eternally rewarded.<br />
+<br />
+"By unanimous order of the Grand Lodge of<br />
+"Pennsylvania at their communication held the 27<sup>th</sup><br />
+"Day of December Anno Domini 5796.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;"><img src="images/sig124.png" alt="Wm Moore Smith" /></span></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p><a name="portrait" id="portrait"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i122.jpg" alt="REV. BRO. WILLIAM SMITH" /></div>
+<div class="caption">REV. BRO. WILLIAM SMITH, D. D.<br />
+<small>B. ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND, 1727. D. PHILADELPHIA, MAY 14, 1803.<br />
+GRAND CHAPLAIN "MODERNS," 1755. GRAND SECRETARY "ANCIENTS," 1779-1784.<br />
+WHO PRESENTED THE PENNSYLVANIA ADDRESSES TO BRO. WASHINGTON, 1792-1796.</small></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>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
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span> to acquaint him that it is the intention of this Grand Lodge
+to present an address to him, and to know what time he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>This deputation consisted of Right Worshipful Grand Master William Moore
+Smith, Gavin Hamilton, Deputy Grand Master, Thomas Town, Senior Grand
+Warden, Thomas Armstrong, Esq<sup>r</sup>., 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.</p>
+
+<p>President <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> a reply. This
+document, still in the Library of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, is
+entirely in the handwriting of <span class="smcap">Washington</span> and signed by him, viz.:</p>
+
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Fellow-citizens and Brothers,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">"of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.</span></span></p>
+
+<p>"I have received your address<br />
+"with all the feelings of brotherly affection,<br />
+"mingled with those sentiments, for the<br />
+"Society, which it was calculated to excite.<br />
+<br />
+"To have been, in any degree, an<br />
+"instrument in the hands of Providence,<br />
+"to promote order and union, and erect upon<br />
+"a solid foundation the true principles of<br />
+"government, is only to have shared with<br />
+"many others in a labour, the result of<br />
+"which let us hope, will prove through<br />
+"all ages, a sanctuary for brothers and<br />
+"a lodge for the virtues,&mdash;<br />
+<br />
+"Permit me to reciprocate your<br />
+"prayers for my temporal happiness,<br />
+"and to supplicate that we may all<br />
+"meet thereafter in that eternal temple,<br />
+"whose builder is the great architect<br />
+"of the Universe.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i126.png" alt="Fac-simile of Washington's Reply to Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania" /></div>
+
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fac-simile of Washington's Reply to Grand Lodge of
+Pennsylvania, December, 1796. Original in Archives of the Grand Lodge of
+Pennsylvania.</span></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>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.</p>
+
+<p>Both the address and reply were copied in <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s Letter Book III,
+pp. 244-245, in the handwriting of one of his secretaries, G. W. Craik,
+a son of Dr. James Craik, <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s "compatriot in arms, and old and
+intimate friend," who attended him during his last illness.</p>
+
+<p>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).</p>
+
+<p>This autograph Masonic letter from <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> any other known letter of <span class="smcap">Washington</span>.
+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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>Then again the letter has been extensively used for advertising purposes
+by publishing houses of Masonic literature.</p>
+
+<p>The letter has also been printed in most all books bearing upon Masonic
+history during the revolutionary period.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p><a name="vernon" id="vernon"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i131.jpg" alt="MOUNT VERNON" /></div>
+<div class="caption">MOUNT VERNON<br />
+<small>DURING WASHINGTON'S OCCUPANCY, 1788-1799.</small></div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class="u">Footnotes:</span></p>
+
+<p><a name="f58" id="f58" href="#f58.1">[58]</a> Cf. The Religious and Social Conditions of Philadelphia, under the
+Federal Constitution, 1790-1800. Julius F. Sachse, Philadelphia, 1900.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f59" id="f59" href="#f59.1">[59]</a> Cf. "Freemasonry in Pennsylvania," before quoted, Vol. II, pp.
+190-197; original copy in archives of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i132.jpg" alt="Sic Semper Tyrannis" /></div>
+
+<h2><a name="ch12" id="ch12"></a>XII</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Correspondence with Alexandria Lodge, No. 22, Virginia.</span></h3>
+
+
+<p class='dropcap'><span class="caps">Upon</span> pages 244 and 245 of <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s folio Letter Book No. III in the
+Library of Congress are recorded a letter and address to <span class="smcap">Washington</span> from
+the Master of Alexandria Lodge, No. 22, of Virginia, together with
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s reply.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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.:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">"<span class="smcap">Alex<sup>A</sup></span> March 28<sup>th</sup>, 5797.</span></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Most respected Brother</i>,</p>
+
+<p>"Brother Ramsay &amp; Marsteller wait upon you<br />
+"with a copy of an address which has been prepared<br />
+"by the unanimous desire of the Ancient York Ma-<br />
+"sons of Lodge No. 22. It is their earnest request<br />
+"that you will partake of a Dinner with them and<br />
+"that you will please appoint the time most conve-<br />
+"nient for you to attend.&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I am most beloved Brother,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"Your Mo. Ob<sup>t</sup> H<sup>ble</sup> Serv<sup>t</sup></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;"><span class="smcap">"James Gillies</span>, <i>M.</i></span><br />
+<br />
+"Gen<sup>l</sup> Geo Washington."</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>The letter was an invitation to dine with the Lodge. This <span class="smcap">Washington</span> accepted.</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"<i>Most respected Brother</i>,</p>
+
+<p>"The ancient York Masons of Lodge No. 22 offer you<br />
+"their warmest congratulations on your retire-<br />
+"ment from your useful labors. Under the su-<br />
+"preme architect of the Universe you have been the<br />
+"Master Workman in erecting the Temple of Lib-<br />
+"erty in the west, on the broad basis of equal rights.<br />
+"In your wise administration of the government of<br />
+"the United States for the space of eight years, you<br />
+"have kept within the compass of our happy Consti-<br />
+"tution and acted on the square with foreign Na-<br />
+"tions and thereby preserved your country in peace<br />
+"and promoted the prosperity and happiness of your<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>"fellow Citizens, and now that you have retired from<br />
+"the labours of public life to the refreshment of<br />
+"domestic tranquility, they ardently pray that you<br />
+"may long enjoy all the happiness which the Terres-<br />
+"tial Lodge can afford and finally be removed to that<br />
+"celestial Lodge where Love, Peace and Harmony<br />
+"for ever reign and where cherubims and seraphims<br />
+"shall hail you Brother.&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"By the unanimous desire of Lodge</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">"No. 22</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"<span class="smcap">James Gillies</span>, <i>Master</i>."</span><br />
+<br />
+"Gen Geo Washington."</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.:</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Brothers of the Ancient York Masons of</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Lodge No. 22.</span></span></p>
+
+<p>"While my heart acknowledges with Brotherly<br />
+"Love, your affectionate congratulations on my re-<br />
+"tirement from the arduous toils of past years, my<br />
+"gratitude is no less excited by your kind wishes for<br />
+"my future happiness.&mdash;<br />
+<br />
+"If it has pleased the supreme architect of the<br />
+"universe to make me an humble instrument to pro-<br />
+"mote the welfare and happiness of my fellow men,<br />
+"my exertions have been abundantly recompensed<br />
+"by the kind partiality with which they have been<br />
+"received; and the assurance you give me of your<br />
+"belief that I have acted upon the square in my<br />
+"public capacity, will be among my principles en-<br />
+"joyments in this Terrestial Lodge.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span></p></div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i135.png" alt="Fac-simile of Letter from W. M. of Alexandria Lodge" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fac-simile of Letter from W. M. of Alexandria Lodge to
+Bro. Washington, March, 1797. Letter Book II, Folio 294.</span></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i136.jpg" alt="Fac-simile of Address from Alexandria Lodge" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fac-simile of Address from Alexandria Lodge, No. 22, to
+Washington, March, 1797. Letter Book II, Folio 294-295.</span></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i137.jpg" alt="Fac-simile of Washington's Reply to Alexandria Lodge" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fac-simile of Washington's Reply to Alexandria Lodge, No.
+22, Virginia, March, 1797.</span></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>After which the Brethren went in procession from their room to Abert's
+Tavern,<small><a name="f60.1" id="f60.1" href="#f60">[60]</a></small> where they partook of an "elegant" dinner, following which a
+number of toasts were offered. The tenth toast was by Brother
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span>, "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.<small><a name="f61.1" id="f61.1" href="#f61">[61]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>The copies of the letter, address and reply in <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'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.</p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class="u">Footnotes:</span></p>
+
+<p><a name="f60" id="f60" href="#f60.1">[60]</a> Abert's Tavern, formerly "John Wise's." <i>Vide</i> p. 35 <i>supra</i>.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f61" id="f61" href="#f61.1">[61]</a> Cf. "Washington after the Revolution," W. S. Baker, p. 347.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i139.jpg" alt="Ense Petit Placidam" /></div>
+
+<h2><a name="ch13" id="ch13"></a>XIII</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Correspondence With Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, March, 1797.</span></h3>
+
+
+<p class='dropcap'><span class="caps">At</span> a Grand Lodge in Quarterly Communication, held at Concert Hall,
+Boston, on the evening of March 18, A.L. 5797.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"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."</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>In response to above resolution the following address was sent to
+Brother <span class="smcap">Washington</span> at Mount Vernon dated Boston, March 21, 5797, viz.:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"<i>The East, the West and the South, of the Grand Lodge of Free and
+Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>To Their Most Worthy George Washington.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"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.</p>
+
+<p>"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.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>"In behalf of the Grand Lodge, we subscribe ourselves with the
+highest esteem,</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Your affectionate Brethren,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"<span class="smcap">Paul Revere</span>, <i>Grand Master</i>.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"<span class="smcap">Isaiah Thomas</span>, <i>S. Grand Warden.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"<span class="smcap">Joseph Laughton</span>, <i>J. Grand Warden</i>.</span><br />
+"Daniel Oliver, Grand Secretary,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Boston, 21st March, 5797."</span></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'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.:</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"<span class="smcap">To Paul Revere Grand Master, Isaiah</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">"Thomas Senior Grand Warden and</span></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">"Joseph Laughton Jun<sup>r</sup> Grand Warden.</span></span></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Brothers</i>,</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry that the en-<br />
+"closed answer to the affectionate address<br />
+"of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and<br />
+"Accepted Masons, of the Commonwealth<br />
+"of Massachusetts transmitted under your<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>"signatures, should appear so much out<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5.5em;">from</span><br />
+"of season; but ^ the lapse of time between<br />
+"the date &amp; reception of the address (from<br />
+"what cause I know not) it was not to be<br />
+"avoided, and is offered as an apology, for<br />
+"the delay. With brotherly affection</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I am always yours,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span><br />
+<br />
+"Mount Vernon,<br />
+24<sup>th</sup> April 1797."</p></div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p><a name="revere" id="revere"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i143.jpg" alt="Paul Revere" /></div>
+<div class="caption">1735-1818.<br />
+GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN MASSACHUSETTS, 1797.</div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i144.png" alt="Fac-simile of Autograph Letter from Washington to Paul Revere" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fac-simile of Autograph Letter from Washington to Paul Revere and the Officers of the
+Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, April 24, 1797.</span></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i145.jpg" alt="Fac-simile of Original Draft of Washington's Reply" /></div>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i146.png" alt="to the Address from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in Library of Congress" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fac-simile of Original Draft of Washington's Reply to the
+Address from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in Library of Congress.</span></div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>Following is a copy of <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'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.</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"<span class="smcap">To the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free &amp;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">"Accepted Masons, of the Commonwealth</span></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">"of Massachusetts.</span></span></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Brothers</i>,</p>
+
+<p>"It was not until within<br />
+"these few days that I have been favoured by<br />
+"the receipt of your affectionate Address<br />
+"dated in Boston the 21<sup>st</sup> of March<br />
+<br />
+"For the favourable sentiments<br />
+"you have been pleased to express on the<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>"occasion of my past services, and for the<br />
+"regrets with which they are accompani-<br />
+"ed for the cessation of my public functions,<br />
+"I pray you to accept my best acknowledg-<br />
+"ments and gratitude.&mdash;<br />
+<br />
+"No pleasure, except that w<sup>ch</sup><br />
+"results from a consciousness of having, to<br />
+"the utmost of my abilities, discharged,<br />
+"the trusts which have been reposed in<br />
+"me by my Country, can equal the satis<br />
+"faction I feel from the unequivocal proofs<br />
+"I continually receive of its approbation<br />
+"of my public conduct, and I beg you to be<br />
+"assured that the evidence thereof which<br />
+"is exhibited by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts<br />
+"is not among the least pleasing, or grate<br />
+"ful to my feelings.&mdash;<br />
+<br />
+"In that retirement which decli-<br />
+"ning years induced me to seek, and which<br />
+"repose, to a mind long employed in pub-<br />
+"lic concerns, rendered necessary, my wish<br />
+"es that bounteous Providence will conti-<br />
+"nue to bless &amp; preserve our country in<br />
+"Peace &amp; in the prosperity it has enjoyed, will<br />
+"be warm &amp; sincere; and my attachment<br />
+"to the Society of which we are members<br />
+"will dispose me always, to contribute my best<br />
+"endeavours to promote the honor &amp;<br />
+"interest of the <i>Craft</i>.&mdash;<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span><br />
+"For the prayer you offer in<br />
+"my behalf I entreat you to accept the<br />
+"thanks of a grateful heart; with the as-<br />
+"surance of fraternal regard and best<br />
+"wishes for the honor, happiness &amp; prospe-<br />
+"rity of all the members of the Grand Lodge<br />
+"of Massachusetts.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i149.jpg" alt="Ancient Jewel of the Grand Lodge of Maryland" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Ancient Jewel of the Grand Lodge of Maryland.</span></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i150.jpg" alt="CRESCITE ET MULTIPLICAMINI" /></div>
+<h2><a name="ch14" id="ch14"></a>XIV</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Maryland, November, 1798.</span></h3>
+
+
+<p class='dropcap'><span class="caps">In</span> 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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, with the rank of
+Lieutenant-General, an honor which was reluctantly accepted by
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span>. 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, <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, 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<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> Brethren and presented with a copy of the New
+Ahiman Rezon and the following address,<small><a name="f62.1" id="f62.1" href="#f62">[62]</a></small> viz.:</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"<span class="smcap">To George Washington, Esq.</span>,<br />
+Lieutenant General and Commander-in-chief of the Armies of the United States.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Sir and Brother:</i></p>
+
+<p>"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.</p>
+
+<p>"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.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 5em;">"Signed, <span class="smcap">Wm. Belton</span>, R.. W..G..M..</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Peter Little, Grand Secretary,</span><br />
+"Baltimore, November 5th, 1798."</p></div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p><a name="letter" id="letter"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i153.jpg" alt="FAC-SIMILE (REDUCED) OF THE ORIGINAL DRAFT OF WASHINGTON'S LETTER" /></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i154.jpg" alt="TO THE GRAND LODGE OF MARYLAND" /></div>
+<div class="caption">FAC-SIMILE (REDUCED) OF THE ORIGINAL DRAFT OF WASHINGTON'S LETTER TO THE GRAND LODGE OF MARYLAND.&mdash;<small>ELKTON, MD., NOV. 8, 1798.</small></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>To this address <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>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.:</p>
+
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"<span class="smcap">To the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">"Masons for the State of Maryland.</span></span></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Gentlemen &amp; Brothers</i>,</p>
+
+<p>"Your obliging &amp; affectionate<br />
+"letter, together with a copy of the Constitutions of<br />
+"Masonry has been put into my hands by<br />
+"your Grand Master; for which I pray you to<br />
+"accept my best thanks.&mdash;<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span><br />
+"So far as I am<br />
+"acquainted with the principles &amp; Doctrines of<br />
+"Free Masonry, I conceive it to be founded<br />
+"in benevolence and to be exercised only<br />
+"for the good of mankind. <i>If it has been a</i><br />
+"<i>Cloak to promote improper or nefarious</i><br />
+"<i>objects, it is a melancholly proof that</i><br />
+"<i>in unworthy hands, the best institutions</i><br />
+"<i>may be made use of to promote the worst</i><br />
+"<i>designs.</i>&mdash;<br />
+<br />
+"While I offer my grateful<br />
+"acknowledgements for your congratulations on my<br />
+"late appointments, and for the favorable sentiments<br />
+"you are pleased to express of my conduct, permit<br />
+"me to observe, that at this important &amp;<br />
+"critical moment, when repeated and<br />
+"high indignities have been offered to this<br />
+"government your country and the rights &amp; property<br />
+"of our Citizens plundered without a prospect of<br />
+"redress, I conceive it to be the <i>indispensable</i><br />
+"duty of every American, let his situation &amp; cir<br />
+"cumstances in life be what they may, to come<br />
+"forward in support of the government of his country<br />
+"and to give all the aid in his power toward<br />
+"maintaining that independence which we have<br />
+"so dearly purchased; and under this impression,<br />
+"I did not hesitate to lay aside all personal<br />
+"considerations and accept my appointment.<br />
+<br />
+"I pray you to be assured that I ap-<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>"preciate, with sincerity your kind wishes for<br />
+"my health &amp; happiness.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">"I am Gentl<sup>n</sup> &amp; brothers</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">"very respectfully</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">"Yr most ob<sup>t</sup> serv<sup>t</sup>."</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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.<small><a name="f63.1" id="f63.1" href="#f63">[63]</a></small></p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>"<span class="smcap">To the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free Masons for the State of Maryland.</span></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Gentlemen and Brothers:</i></p>
+
+<p>"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 <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>mankind; I cannot, therefore, upon this ground
+withdraw my approbation from it.</p>
+
+<p>"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.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">"I am, Gentlemen and Brothers,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">"Very Respectfully,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">"Your most Ob't Servant,</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span></p>
+
+<p>"Elkton, November 8th, 1798."</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p><a name="memin" id="memin"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i161.jpg" alt="George Washington" /></div>
+<div class="caption">BY CHARLES BALTHAZAR FEVERET DE SAINT MEMIN.<br />
+<small>THE LAST PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON FROM LIFE, TAKEN IN PHILADELPHIA, NOVEMBER, 1798.</small></div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class="u">Footnotes:</span></p>
+
+<p><a name="f62" id="f62" href="#f62.1">[62]</a> Cf. "Freemasonry in Maryland," by Edw. J. Schultz, Baltimore, 1884, Vol. I, pp. 265-266.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f63" id="f63" href="#f63.1">[63]</a> <i>Ibid.</i>, p. 266.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i162.jpg" alt="EXITUS ACTA PROBAT" /></div>
+<h2><a name="ch15" id="ch15"></a>XV</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Correspondence with G. W. Snyder, 1798.</span></h3>
+
+
+<p class='dropcap'><span class="caps">As</span> 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 <span class="smcap">George Washington</span> into the Fraternity of Freemasons," held in
+the Masonic Temple, in the City of Philadelphia on Wednesday, November
+the fifth, A. D. 1902, states:<small><a name="f64.1" id="f64.1" href="#f64">[64]</a></small></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"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
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>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,<small><a name="f65.1" id="f65.1" href="#f65">[65]</a></small> the conspiracy being 'to overturn all government
+and all religion'."<small><a name="f66.1" id="f66.1" href="#f66">[66]</a></small></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>This letter, sent to <span class="smcap">Washington</span> at Mount Vernon covered no less than six
+pages; following is a verbatim copy of the original now in the Library of Congress.</p>
+
+<div class="letter"><p>"<span class="smcap">To His Excellency George Washington.</span></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Sir</i>,&mdash;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<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>"It was some Time since that a Book | fell into my hands, entitled
+'Proofs | of a Conspiracy, &amp;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<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>"I send you the 'Proof of a Conspiracy,' &amp;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.</p>
+
+<p>"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</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Your Excellency's | very humble and |</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10em;">"devoted Servant,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 12em;"><span class="smcap">"G. W. Snyder.</span></span><br />
+<br />
+"Fredericktown, (Maryland) Aug. 22, 1798.<br />
+"His Excellency General George Washington."</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i164.png" alt="Fac-simile of First Page" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fac-simile of First Page of Letter from G. W. Snyder to Washington, August 22, 1798.</span></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i166.png" alt="Fac-simile of Fourth Page" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fac-simile of Fourth Page of Letter from G. W. Snyder to Washington, August 22, 1798.</span></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p><a name="snyder" id="snyder"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i169.jpg" alt="FAC-SIMILE OF PRESS COPY OF WASHINGTON'S" /></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i170.jpg" alt="ANSWER TO REV. G. W. SNYDER" /></div>
+<div class="caption">FAC-SIMILE OF PRESS COPY OF WASHINGTON'S ANSWER TO REV. G. W. SNYDER.&mdash;SEPTEMBER 25, 1798.</div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>This man Snyder (Schneider) was an agitator and thoroughly irresponsible
+person, having no ecclesiastical connection with any organized Church
+Body.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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.<small><a name="f67.1" id="f67.1" href="#f67">[67]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>Snyder, who was not a native of this country, evidently labored under
+the impression that <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.</p>
+
+<p>How important <span class="smcap">Washington</span> considered this correspondence is shown by his
+precaution in taking a press copy of both of his letters to Snyder, who
+he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.:</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">"<span class="smcap">Mount Vernon</span>, 25<sup>th</sup> Sept. 1798.</span></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Sir</i>,</p>
+
+<p>"Many apologies are<br />
+"due to you, for my not acknowledging<br />
+"the receipt of your obliging favour of<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">for</span><br />
+"the 22<sup>d</sup> ult, and ^ not thanking you, at<br />
+"an earlier period for the Book you<br />
+"had the goodness to send me.<br />
+<br />
+"I have heard much of the ne-<br />
+"farious &amp; dangerous plan, &amp; doctrines<br />
+"of the Illuminati, but never saw the<br />
+"Book until you were pleased to send<br />
+"it to me. The same causes which<br />
+"have prevented my acknowledging the<br />
+"receipt of your letter, have prevented<br />
+"my reading the Book, hitherto, name-<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>"ly, the multiplicity of matters which<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">me</span><br />
+"pressed upon before, &amp; the debilitated<br />
+"state in which I was left after a se<br />
+"vere fever had been removed, and<br />
+"which allows me to add little more now,<br />
+"than thanks for your kind wishes and<br />
+"favourable sentiments, except to cor-<br />
+"rect an error you have run into, of my<br />
+"presiding over the English Lodges in<br />
+"this Country. The fact is, I preside over<br />
+"none, nor have I been in one, more than<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10.5em;">thirty</span><br />
+"once or twice, within the last years.<br />
+<br />
+"I believe notwithstanding, that<br />
+"none of the Lodges in this Country are<br />
+"contaminated with the principles as-<br />
+"cribed to the society of the Illuminati."</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"With respect</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"I am, Sir,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">"Your Obed<sup>t</sup> H<sup>ble</sup> Serv<sup>t</sup></span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"The Rev<sup>d</sup> M<sup>r</sup> Snyder.</span><br />
+Endorsed<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">to</span><br />
+"The Rev<sup>d</sup> Mr. Snyder.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"25<sup>th</sup> Sep. 1798."</span></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p><a name="press" id="press"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i175.jpg" alt="FAC-SIMILE OF PRESS COPY OF WASHINGTON'S SECOND" /></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i176.jpg" alt="LETTER TO REV. G. W. SNYDER" /></div>
+<div class="caption">FAC-SIMILE OF PRESS COPY OF WASHINGTON'S SECOND LETTER TO REV. G. W. SNYDER.&mdash;OCTOBER 24, 1798.</div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>In this letter <span class="smcap">Washington</span> was correct in stating that he had not
+presided over the "English Lodges in this Country," undoubtedly meaning
+as Grand Master General.</p>
+
+<p>Where <span class="smcap">Washington</span> says "<i>The fact is I preside over none</i>," 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.<small><a name="f68.1" id="f68.1" href="#f68">[68]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>Where he says "<i>Nor have I been in one</i>, [meaning an individual lodge]
+<i>more than once or twice within the last thirty years</i>," 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.</p>
+
+<p>As a matter of record, <span class="smcap">Washington</span> was a member of Alexandria Lodge, No.
+39, of Pennsylvania,<small><a name="f69.1" id="f69.1" href="#f69">[69]</a></small> 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.<small><a name="f70.1" id="f70.1" href="#f70">[70]</a></small> Further, that when the Brethren of
+Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, changed their allegiance from Pennsylvania to
+Virginia, General <span class="smcap">Washington</span> was especially named in the warrant, after
+his consent having been <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>first obtained,<small><a name="f71.1" id="f71.1" href="#f71">[71]</a></small>
+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,<small><a name="f72.1" id="f72.1" href="#f72">[72]</a></small> he was unanimously elected to succeed
+himself for the full term, serving in all about twenty months.</p>
+
+<p>The records further show that, in 1778, <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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.<small><a name="f73.1" id="f73.1" href="#f73">[73]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>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, <span class="smcap">Washington</span>
+made a public profession of his membership in the Masonic Fraternity.</p>
+
+<p>Records show that <span class="smcap">Washington</span> was present at the meeting of American
+Union Lodge (a Military <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>Lodge), at Morristown, N. J., December 27,
+1779;<small><a name="f74.1" id="f74.1" href="#f74">[74]</a></small> at American Union Lodge at Nelson's point on the Hudson June
+24, 1782;<small><a name="f75.1" id="f75.1" href="#f75">[75]</a></small> 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.<small><a name="f76.1" id="f76.1" href="#f76">[76]</a></small></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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."</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to above records, there are numerous traditions of
+<span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s occasional visits to Masonic Lodges and functions:<small><a name="f77.1" id="f77.1" href="#f77">[77]</a></small> all
+of which fall within the thirty years mentioned in the Snyder
+Letter.<small><a name="f78.1" id="f78.1" href="#f78">[78]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>Further, <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'s great interest in Free<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>masonry 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.</p>
+
+<p>It will be noted that in the fifth line from the bottom, "<i>Within the
+last thirty years</i>," which in all Anti-Masonic publications is printed
+in italics, the word "<i>thirty</i>" was not in the body of the letter as
+originally written, but was an afterthought and interlined before the press copy was taken.</p>
+
+<p>In the press copy of this letter, it will be noted that the word written
+over the words "<i>last years</i>," is almost indecipherable; in the
+photostat it is completely so. This has led some investigators to
+question whether the interlined word is really "<i>thirty</i>."</p>
+
+<p>The surmise that the blur in the press copy of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> <span class="smcap">Washington</span>'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.</p>
+
+<p>Snyder, upon receipt of this letter, undoubtedly after consultation with
+persons who were politically opposed to <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span> papers in the Library of Congress.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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 <ins class="correction" title="Original reads 'Illumaniti'.">Illuminati</ins>. The words as
+underscored in the original letter by <span class="smcap">Washington</span> were to emphasize his
+meaning upon this subject.</p>
+
+<p>Photostats of both of the above letter press copies are in the Archives
+of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p><span style="margin-left: 6em;">"<span class="smcap">Mount Vernon</span> 24<sup>th</sup> Oct. 1798.</span></p>
+
+<p>"<i>Rev. Sir</i>,</p>
+
+<p>"I have you favor of the<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 14em;">tive</span><br />
+"17<sup>th</sup> instant before me and my only mo:<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>"to trouble you with the receipt of this let<br />
+"ter, is to explain, and correct a mistake<br />
+"which I perceive the hurry in which I<br />
+"am obliged, often to write letters, have<br />
+"led you into.&mdash;<br />
+<br />
+"It was not my intention to doubt<br />
+"that, the doctrines of the Illuminati, and<br />
+"principles of Jacobism had not spread<br />
+"in the United States. On the contrary, no<br />
+"one is more, fully satisfied of this fact<br />
+"that I am.<br />
+<br />
+"The idea I meant to convey, was,<br />
+"that I did not believe that the <i>Lodges</i><br />
+"of Free Masons in <i>this</i> Country had, as<br />
+"<i>Societies</i>, endeavoured to propagate the<br />
+"diabolical tenets of the first, or the per-<br />
+"nicious principles of the latter, (if they<br />
+"are susceptible of separation) That<br />
+"individuals of them may have done it, or<br />
+"that the <i>founder</i>, or <i>instrument</i> employ<br />
+"ed to found the Democratic Societies<br />
+"in the United States, may have had these<br />
+"objects, and actually had a separation<br />
+"of the <i>people</i> from their <i>Government</i><br />
+"in view, is too evident to be questioned.<br />
+<br />
+"My occupations are such, that<br />
+"but little leisure is allowed me to read News<br />
+"Papers, or Books of any kind. The reading<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>"of letters and preparing answers, absorb<br />
+"much of my time.&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">"With respect,&mdash;I remain,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">"Rev<sup>d</sup> Sir,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">"Your Most Obed<sup>t</sup> H<sup>ble</sup> Serv<sup>t</sup></span></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;"><img src="images/washsig.png" alt="Go. Washington" /></span></p>
+
+<p>"The Rev<sup>d</sup>.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"M<sup>r</sup> Snyder."</span><br />
+Endorsed<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">to</span><br />
+"The Rev<sup>d</sup> M<sup>r</sup> Snyder,<br />
+"24<sup>th</sup> Oct. 1798."</p></div>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>It is a historical fact that <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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 <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, and his death awakened genuine
+sorrow. On February 22d, 1800, memorial services were observed in the
+Reformed Church at Fredericktown.<small><a name="f79.1" id="f79.1" href="#f79">[79]</a></small> 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.</p>
+
+<p>The two letters to Snyder were chiefly relied upon by the Anti-Masons to
+support their political claims.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>"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."<small><a name="f80.1" id="f80.1" href="#f80">[80]</a></small></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>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:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"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,<small><a name="f81.1" id="f81.1" href="#f81">[81]</a></small> (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."<small><a name="f82.1" id="f82.1" href="#f82">[82]</a></small></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>The movement to elect General <span class="smcap">Washington</span> a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>This resulted in a Grand Lodge of Emergency being convened January 13,
+1780, when the following action was taken:<small><a name="f83.1" id="f83.1" href="#f83">[83]</a></small></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"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<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> United States'
+shall be now nominated on the part of this Grand Lodge; and it was
+unanimously determined in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p>"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.</p>
+
+<p>"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."</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>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.<small><a name="f84.1" id="f84.1" href="#f84">[84]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i189.jpg" alt="Fac-simile of Final Letter from Boston" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fac-simile of Final Letter from Boston, Ending the Attempt to make Gen. Washington General Grand Master.</span></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>This Committee issued the celebrated address:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"To the RIGHT WORSHIPFUL, The Grand Masters of the several Lodges
+in the Respective United States of America.</p>
+
+<p>"UNION&mdash;&mdash;FORCE&mdash;&mdash;LOVE."</p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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.<small><a name="f85.1" id="f85.1" href="#f85">[85]</a></small></p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>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.<small><a name="f86.1" id="f86.1" href="#f86">[86]</a></small></p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p>
+<div class="letter">
+<p class="right">"<span class="smcap">Boston</span>, Jany 17, 1781.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Rev<sup>d</sup> Sir and<br />
+"Respected Brother</i></p>
+
+<p>"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.</p>
+
+<p>"Inclosed I transmit you the vote from the G. Sec'y.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 6em;">"Yr Affect<sup>e</sup> Brother</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">"&amp; Hble Serv<sup>t</sup></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10em;">"Jos: <span class="smcap">Webb</span>.</span><br />
+"Rev Dr Smith<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Philadelphia."</span></p></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>The belief that <span class="smcap">Washington</span> was the Grand Master of the United States was
+widespread, and, as our late Bro. James M. Lamberton said in his address
+before mentioned,<small><a name="f87.1" id="f87.1" href="#f87">[87]</a></small> notwithstanding the fact that the project to
+elevate General <span class="smcap">Washington</span> 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,<small><a name="f88.1" id="f88.1" href="#f88">[88]</a></small> on the island of San
+Domingo, directed to General <span class="smcap">Washington</span> as Grand Master of all America,
+soliciting a charter, which were presented to our Grand Lodge, February
+3, 1786. The same <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>thing is shown by a medal struck in 1797, the obverse
+showing the bust of <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, with the legend, "G. Washington
+President. 1797," the reverse showing many Masonic emblems,<small><a name="f89.1" id="f89.1" href="#f89">[89]</a></small> with the
+legend "Amor. Honor. Et Justica G.W.G.G.M." (<i>i. e.,</i> George Washington, General Grand Master).</p>
+
+<p>The writer of the letters to <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, 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.</p>
+
+<p>The Masonic Correspondence of <span class="smcap">Washington</span> as represented upon these
+pages, should settle for all time to come the question, as to the esteem
+in which <span class="smcap">Washington</span> held the Masonic Fraternity, of which he was an
+honored Member.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i193.jpg" alt="Arms of the Free and Accepted Masons" /></div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class="u">Footnotes:</span></p>
+
+<p><a name="f64" id="f64" href="#f64.1">[64]</a> "Memorial Volume, Washington Sesqui-centennial Anniversary," Philadelphia, 1902, p. 165.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f65" id="f65" href="#f65.1">[65]</a> "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. |&mdash;EDINBURGH, | 1797. |</p>
+
+<p><a name="f66" id="f66" href="#f66.1">[66]</a> 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.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f67" id="f67" href="#f67.1">[67]</a> Cf. Historical sketch of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Frederick, Maryland, 1904, pp. 22-25.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f68" id="f68" href="#f68.1">[68]</a> Cf. "Washington, The Man and Mason," p. 288.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f69" id="f69" href="#f69.1">[69]</a> <i>Vide</i> "Sesqui-Centennial Anniversary of the Initiation of Brother George Washington before quoted," p. 149.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f70" id="f70" href="#f70.1">[70]</a> Cf. Chapters II and III <i>supra</i>.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f71" id="f71" href="#f71.1">[71]</a> Cf. "Washington, The Man and Mason," p. 286.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f72" id="f72" href="#f72.1">[72]</a> <i>Ibid</i>., December 20, 1789. His excellency, General <span class="smcap">Washington</span>,
+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.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f73" id="f73" href="#f73.1">[73]</a> <i>Vide</i> "Freemasonry in Pennsylvania, 1727-1907," Vol. I, Chapter X, pp. 295 <i>et seq</i>.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f74" id="f74" href="#f74.1">[74]</a> <i>Ibid.</i>, Vol. I, Chapter XII, pp. 399 <i>et seq</i>.</p>
+
+<p><i>Vide</i> "Washington and his Masonic Compeers," Chapter VIII, pp. 149 <i>et seq</i>.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f75" id="f75" href="#f75.1">[75]</a> <i>Ibid.</i>, pp. 86-87. Also records of King Solomon's Lodge, No. 1, Poughkeepsie, New York.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f76" id="f76" href="#f76.1">[76]</a> <i>Ibid.</i>, pp. 150 <i>et seq</i>.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f77" id="f77" href="#f77.1">[77]</a> <i>Ibid.</i>, pp. 139 <i>et seq</i>.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f78" id="f78" href="#f78.1">[78]</a> <span class="smcap">Washington</span>, so far as known, attended the following public Masonic functions:</p>
+<div class="letter">
+<p class="hang">1. Procession in Philadelphia, Festival of St. John the Evangelist, December 28, 1778.</p>
+
+<p class="hang">2. Festival of St. John the Baptist, June 24, 1779, with the American Union Lodge, at the Robinson House on the Hudson, New York.</p>
+
+<p class="hang">3. Festival of St. John the Evangelist, December 27, 1779, with American Union Lodge, at the Morris Hotel, Morristown, New Jersey.</p>
+
+<p class="hang">4. Festival of St. John the Evangelist, December 27, 1782, with King Solomon's Lodge, at Poughkeepsie, New York.</p>
+
+<p class="hang">5. Festival of St. John the Baptist, June 24, 1784, with Lodge No. 39, at Alexandria, Virginia.</p>
+
+<p class="hang">6. The Masonic funeral of Brother William Ramsay, February 12, 1785, at Alexandria.</p>
+
+<p class="hang">7. Laying of the cornerstone of the capitol at the Federal City
+(Washington, D. C.), September 18, 1793, upon which occasion <span class="smcap">Washington</span> walked in the procession.</p></div>
+
+<p><a name="f79" id="f79" href="#f79.1">[79]</a> Cf. Historical sketch before quoted, p. 24.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f80" id="f80" href="#f80.1">[80]</a> Anti-Masonic Republican Convention before quoted, p. 26.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f81" id="f81" href="#f81.1">[81]</a> Grand Master of Virginia, 1793-1795.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f82" id="f82" href="#f82.1">[82]</a> Vindication of General Washington before quoted, p. 15.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f83" id="f83" href="#f83.1">[83]</a> Cf. "Reprint of Minutes of Grand Lodge," Vol. I, p. 19.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f84" id="f84" href="#f84.1">[84]</a> "Freemasonry in Pennsylvania, 1727-1781," Vol. I, p. 39.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f85" id="f85" href="#f85.1">[85]</a> Address in full, <i>ibid.</i>, pp. 399-402.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f86" id="f86" href="#f86.1">[86]</a> All of the original correspondence is in the Archives of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Mss., Vol. A.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f87" id="f87" href="#f87.1">[87]</a> "Washington Sesqui-Centennial Celebration, Nov. 5, 1902, Memorial Volume," pp. 135-6.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f88" id="f88" href="#f88.1">[88]</a> Cf. "Old Masonic Lodges of Pennsylvania," Vol. II, Chapter LIII, pp. 242-250.</p>
+
+<p><a name="f89" id="f89" href="#f89.1">[89]</a> Specimen in Museum of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i194.jpg" alt="emblem" /></div>
+
+<h2><a name="ch16" id="ch16"></a>INDEX.</h2>
+
+<p>
+Aberts Tavern, <a href="#Page_101">101</a><br />
+<br />
+Adam, Rev. John, <a href="#Page_30">30</a><br />
+<br />
+Adam, Robert, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_30">30</a><br />
+<br />
+Adcock, William, <a href="#Page_77">77</a><br />
+<br />
+Alexander, Alexander, <a href="#Page_58">58</a><br />
+<br />
+Alexandria Lodge, No. 22, Address and Reply, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Letter and Address to Washington, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Washington's Reply, <a href="#Page_97">97</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Correspondence with, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Address to Washington, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Meets at Lamb Tavern, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Invites Washington to dine with them, <a href="#Page_34">34</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Allison, John, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a><br />
+<br />
+Anti-Masonic Craze, mention of, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Attack Washington's memory, <a href="#Page_10">10</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Certify to Records, <a href="#Page_16">16</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Armstrong, Thomas, <a href="#Page_90">90</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Baker, George A., <a href="#Page_90">90</a><br />
+<br />
+Ball, William, <a href="#Page_93">93</a><br />
+<br />
+Bartlett, Josiah, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>, <a href="#Page_102">102</a><br />
+<br />
+Belton, William, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_113">113</a><br />
+<br />
+Blair, Judge, <a href="#Page_42">42</a><br />
+<br />
+Blyth, Joseph, <a href="#Page_53">53</a><br />
+<br />
+Bowen, Thomas B., <a href="#Page_58">58</a><br />
+<br />
+Bradley, Thomas, <a href="#Page_90">90</a><br />
+<br />
+Burk, Miss Fanny M., Copies, Portrait for Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, <a href="#Page_36">36</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Carson, J., <a href="#Page_53">53</a><br />
+<br />
+Chapman, Samuel, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>, <a href="#Page_49">49</a><br />
+<br />
+Clark, Peleg, <a href="#Page_15">15</a><br />
+<br />
+Clinton, Governor, <a href="#Page_42">42</a><br />
+<br />
+Cohen, Abraham, <a href="#Page_53">53</a><br />
+<br />
+Corney, James, <a href="#Page_48">48</a><br />
+<br />
+Craik, George W., <a href="#Page_2">2</a>, <a href="#Page_93">93</a><br />
+<br />
+Craik, Dr. James, <a href="#Page_93">93</a><br />
+<br />
+Cutler, John, <a href="#Page_83">83</a><br />
+<br />
+Cusack, Richard E., <a href="#Page_90">90</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Dandridge, Bartholomew, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_81">81</a><br />
+<br />
+Dick, Archibald, <a href="#Page_32">32</a><br />
+<br />
+Dick, <ins class="correction" title="Original reads 'Elisah'.">Elisha</ins> C., <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Conducts Masonic Services at Washington's Funeral, <a href="#Page_33">33</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Drayton, William, <a href="#Page_58">58</a><br />
+<br />
+Duplessis, Peter le Barbier, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Autograph, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>, <a href="#Page_80">80</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Edwards, Thomas, <a href="#Page_102">102</a><br />
+<br />
+Elliot, Robert, <a href="#Page_15">15</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Few, Joseph, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">mention of, <a href="#Page_78">78</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Foster, Theo., <a href="#Page_42">42</a><br />
+<br />
+Franklin, Benjamin, mention of, <a href="#Page_27">27</a><br />
+<br />
+Fredericktown, Maryland, <a href="#Page_117">117</a><br />
+<br />
+Freemasonry in Pennsylvania (Barratt and Sachse), Referred to, <a href="#Page_16">16</a><br />
+<br />
+Free Quaker Meeting House, <a href="#Page_69">69</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>
+Gates, Thomas, <a href="#Page_58">58</a><br />
+<br />
+Georgia Grand Lodge, Address and Reply, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Fraudulent letter to, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Gillies, James, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a><br />
+<br />
+Gist, Mordecai, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sketch of, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>, <a href="#Page_134">134</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Gorman, Mr., of New Hampshire, <a href="#Page_42">42</a><br />
+<br />
+Grant, Reuben, <a href="#Page_53">53</a><br />
+<br />
+Greene, Mrs. Nathaniel, <a href="#Page_66">66</a><br />
+<br />
+Griffith, Cadawalder, <a href="#Page_90">90</a><br />
+<br />
+Guion, Isaac, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>, <a href="#Page_49">49</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Halling, Solomon, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>, <a href="#Page_49">49</a><br />
+<br />
+Hamilton, Gavin, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>, <a href="#Page_90">90</a><br />
+<br />
+Handy, John, <a href="#Page_15">15</a><br />
+<br />
+Harris, Thaddeus M., <a href="#Page_102">102</a><br />
+<br />
+Hayes, Moses Michael, mention of, <a href="#Page_15">15</a><br />
+<br />
+Hildreth, Ara, <a href="#Page_38">38</a><br />
+<br />
+Houston, George, <a href="#Page_66">66</a><br />
+<br />
+Hunt, Galliard, mention of, <a href="#Page_6">6</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Illuminati, <a href="#Page_117">117</a><br />
+<br />
+Irwin, David, <a href="#Page_90">90</a><br />
+<br />
+Israel, Israel, <a href="#Page_90">90</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Jackson, Major William, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Copies Address and Answer, <a href="#Page_40">40</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Jefferson, Thomas, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a><br />
+<br />
+Johnson, William, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>, <a href="#Page_49">49</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+King David's Lodge, No. 1, Newport, R. I., Proposed Masonic Address to General Washington, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Extracts from Records, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Correspondence with, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sends Address to Washington, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Fac-simile of Washington's Reply, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>,</span><br />
+<br />
+Knox, Robert, <a href="#Page_58">58</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Lamb Tavern, Alexandria meeting place of Lodge, No. 39, <a href="#Page_33">33</a><br />
+<br />
+Lamberton, J. M., Address Washington as a Freemason, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">quoted, <a href="#Page_117">117</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Laughton, Joseph, <a href="#Page_104">104</a><br />
+<br />
+Lear, Tobias, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_101">101</a><br />
+<br />
+Letter Books in Library of Congress, <a href="#Page_6">6</a><br />
+<br />
+Littlefield, William, <a href="#Page_37">37</a><br />
+<br />
+Lodge No. 27, on Pennsylvania Roster, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a><br />
+<br />
+Lowthorp, F., <a href="#Page_48">48</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Machey, Mungo, <a href="#Page_83">83</a><br />
+<br />
+Marshall, John, Chief Justice, <a href="#Page_132">132</a><br />
+<br />
+Marsteller, Phillip G., <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a><br />
+<br />
+Maryland Grand Lodge, Draft of Letter to <a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Address to Washington, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Washington Reply, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Original Draft of Reply, <i>ib.</i></span><br />
+<br />
+Mason, Benjamin, <a href="#Page_70">70</a><br />
+<br />
+Masonic Aprons, <a href="#Page_20">20</a><br />
+<br />
+Masonic Portrait of Washington in Alexandria Lodge, <a href="#Page_36">36</a><br />
+<br />
+Massachusetts Grand Lodge, Draft of Letter to, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Letter to, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Objects to Washington as Grand Master General, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Address and Reply, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Address to Washington, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reply, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Letter to Paul Revere, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reply to Grand Lodge, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Refuses to nominate Washington as Grand Master General, <a href="#Page_136">136</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Mazyck, William C., <a href="#Page_60">60</a><br />
+<br />
+McElwee, John, <a href="#Page_90">90</a><br />
+<br />
+Meyers, Israel, <a href="#Page_58">58</a><br />
+<br />
+Miller, George, <a href="#Page_58">58</a><br />
+<br />
+Mitchell, John, <a href="#Page_58">58</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Nelson, William, <a href="#Page_90">90</a><br />
+<br />
+Newburgh, Washington in Camp at, <a href="#Page_21">21</a><br />
+<br />
+Nilson, Andrew, <a href="#Page_90">90</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Oliver, Daniel, <a href="#Page_104">104</a><br />
+<br />
+Oswald, Eleaser, <a href="#Page_90">90</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Pasteur, Edward, <a href="#Page_48">48</a><br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span><br />
+Pennsylvania Grand Lodge, Draft of Letter to, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Address and Reply, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Resolutions, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Address to Washington, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Washington's Reply, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Address to Washington, 1796, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Address, 1797, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Nominated Washington as Grand Master General, <a href="#Page_133">133</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Prince George's Lodge, No. 16, Georgetown, S. C., Address and Reply, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Correspondence with, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sketch of, <i>ib.</i>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Address to Washington, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Fac-simile, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Washington's Reply, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Procter, Thomas, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>;
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sketch of, <a href="#Page_78">78</a>, <a href="#Page_90">90</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Providence, R. I., Washington Arrives at, <a href="#Page_42">42</a><br />
+<br />
+Putnam, Herbert, mention of, <a href="#Page_4">4</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Ramsay, Dennis, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a><br />
+<br />
+Ramsay, William, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a><br />
+<br />
+Rehm, Dr. J. F., <a href="#Page_50">50</a><br />
+<br />
+Revere, Paul, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Letter from Washington, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Letter to, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_104">104</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Ritner, Governor, Vindication, <a href="#Page_132">132</a><br />
+<br />
+Robison, John, "Proofs of Conspiracy," <a href="#Page_118">118</a><br />
+<br />
+Rush, Dr. Benjamin, <a href="#Page_32">32</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Seixas, Moses, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sketch of, <a href="#Page_39">39</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Sherburne, Henry, <a href="#Page_37">37</a><br />
+<br />
+Shippen, Dr. William, <a href="#Page_32">32</a><br />
+<br />
+Smith, Jonathan Bayard, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Autograph, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sketch of, <a href="#Page_76">76</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Smith, Mr. of South Carolina, <a href="#Page_42">42</a><br />
+<br />
+Smith, Rev. William, D.D., Sermon by, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Masonic Sermons by, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Addresses the Brethren, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Drafts Address, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Masonic Record, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Writes to Grand Lodge, Massachusetts, <a href="#Page_135">135</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Smith, William Moore, Autograph, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sketch of, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Snyder (Schneider), G. W., <a href="#Page_3">3</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Letter to Washington, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Fac-simile of Letter, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_121">121</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sketch of, <a href="#Page_123">123</a></span><br />
+<br />
+South Carolina Grand Lodge, Draft of Letter to, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Correspondence with, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Address to Washington, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Washington's Reply, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Original Draft of Reply, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Fac-simile, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Sparks, Jared, 9;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Letter from, <a href="#Page_10">10</a>, <a href="#Page_129">129</a></span><br />
+<br />
+St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Newbern, N. C., Address and Reply, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Correspondence with, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Resolution, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Address to Washington, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Fac-Simile, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_47">47</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Thomas, Isaiah, <a href="#Page_104">104</a><br />
+<br />
+Town, Thomas, <a href="#Page_90">90</a><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Warren, John, <a href="#Page_102">102</a><br />
+<br />
+Washington, George, Master of Lodge while President, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Masonic Bodies named after, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Full length Portrait in London, <a href="#Page_4">4</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Copies of all Masonic Letters, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Letter to Paul Revere, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Memory attacked by Anti-Masons, <a href="#Page_10">10</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">At Newport, R. I., 1781, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">At Providence, R. I., <i>ib.</i>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Report on, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">As Grand Master, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Replies to Snyder, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Receives Masonic Ornaments from Watson &amp; Cassoul, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Masonic Apron from Lafayette, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reply to Watson &amp; Cassoul, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">In camp at Newburg, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Resigns his commission at Annapolis, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Returns to Mount Vernon, <i>ib.</i>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Address from Lodge No. 39, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reply to Lodge No. 39, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Fac-simile, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>;</span><br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Invites Washington to dine with the Lodge, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Acceptance, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Accepts Honorary Membership, <i>ib.</i>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Portrait of in Alexandria Lodge, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Address from King David's Lodge, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Arrives at Newport, R. I., <a href="#Page_42">42</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Providence, <i>ib.</i>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reply to King David's Lodge, ib;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Starts on Southern Tour, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reply to St. John's Lodge, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Arrives at Georgetown, S. C., <a href="#Page_51">51</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Washington's Reply to Prince George's Lodge, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Arrives at Charleston, S. C., <a href="#Page_57">57</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Receives Address from Grand Lodge of South Carolina, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Washington's Reply, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Calls on Mrs. Nathaniel Greene, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Receives Address from Grand Lodge, Georgia, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Leaves Savannah, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Replies to Grand Lodge of Georgia, <i>ib.</i>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Residence in Philadelphia, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Received Address from Grand Lodge, Pennsylvania, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reply <a href="#Page_73">73</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Master's Jewel, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Address from Grand Lodge, Massachusetts, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Washington's Reply, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Farewell Address, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">At Philadelphia, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Address from Grand Lodge, Pennsylvania, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Washington Receives Deputation, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reply, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Letters counterfeited, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Arrives at Mount Vernon, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Letter &amp; Address from Alexandria Lodge, No. 22, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reply, <a href="#Page_97">97</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Dines with Lodge No. 22, <a href="#Page_101">101</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Letter to Paul Revere, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Draft of Reply to Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lieutenant General, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">At Baltimore, <i>ib.</i>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Draft of Reply to Grand Lodge of Maryland, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reply, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Sesqui-Centennial Anniversary, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Letter and Book from G. W. Snyder, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reply to Snyder's Letter of September 15, 1798, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Explanation of, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Member of Alexandria Lodge, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lays Corner-Stone of Capitol, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Masonic Record of, <i>ib.</i>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Traditions of, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Second Letter from Snyder, <a href="#Page_129">129</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Washington's Reply, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Refutation of the Anti-Masonic Slanders, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Grand Master General, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Address by Army Lodges, <a href="#Page_134">134</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Massachusetts refuses to concur, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Universal belief that Washington was Grand Master General, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Medal struck as such, <a href="#Page_138">138</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Washington, Lodges in United States, <a href="#Page_3">3</a><br />
+<br />
+Watson and Cassoul, Draft and Letter to, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Send Masonic Apron to Washington, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Reply to, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Fac-simile of original Draft to, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">mention of, <a href="#Page_27">27</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Watson, Elkanah, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Letter to Washington, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>, <a href="#Page_27">27</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Webb, Joseph, <a href="#Page_135">135</a><br />
+<br />
+White, Isaac, <a href="#Page_53">53</a><br />
+<br />
+White, Rev. William, Prayer by, <a href="#Page_12">12</a><br />
+<br />
+Williams, J. Henry, Authorization, <a href="#Page_iii">iii</a>;<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">mention of, <a href="#Page_4">4</a></span><br />
+<br />
+Williams, Otho, <a href="#Page_134">134</a><br />
+<br />
+Williams, William, Paints Washington's Masonic Portrait, <a href="#Page_36">36</a><br />
+<br />
+Wise's Tavern, Alexandria, <a href="#Page_35">35</a></p>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="u">Transcriber's Notes:</span></p>
+<p>Due to the movement of illustrations to the end of the nearest paragraph or letter, some of the page numbers in this e-text do not exactly match their placement in the original work.</p>
+<p>Corrected misprints are noted by hover information in the text. Otherwise, spelling and punctuation are presented as in the original text.</p>
+<p>The index has been correctly alphabetized.</p>
+<p>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.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Washington's Masonic Correspondence, by 
+Julius F. Sachse
+
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+</body>
+</html>
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@@ -0,0 +1,4619 @@
+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
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WASHINTON'S MASONIC CORRESPONDENCE ***
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #29949 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/29949)