Chapter II: Part 2

[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.