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diff --git a/29949.txt b/29949.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..51f6b7e --- /dev/null +++ b/29949.txt @@ -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. 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