,,the ,,masonic ,,portrait ,,of ,,brother ,,general ,,george ,,washington4 ,,original ,,pastel ,,portrait ,,from ,,life ,,by ,,william ,,williams1 ,,philadelphia1 ,,september #agid1 ,,painted ,,at ,,the ,,request ,,of ,,alexandria ,,lodge1 ,no4 #ci1 ,a4 ,y4 ,m41 ,,warranted ,,by ,,the ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,pennsylvania1 ,,february #c1 #aghc1 ,,now ,,the ,,alexandria-,,washington ,,lodge1 ,no4 #bb1 ,a4 ,f4 ,a4 ,m4 ,,of ,,virginia4 ,,reproduction ,,from ,,the ,,unique ,,copy ,,in ,,the ,,museum ,,of ,,the ,r4 ,w4 ,,grand ,,lodge1 ,f4 ,a4 ,m4 ,,of ,,pennsylvania4 ,,copyrighted ,,by ,,alexandria-,,washington ,,lodge1 ,no4 #bb1 ,,virginia1 ,,and ,,printed ,,by ,,its ,,permission4 ,washington's ,masonic ,correspondence ,,as ,,found ,,among ,,the ,,washington ,,papers ,,in ,,the ,,library ,,of ,,congress ,compiled from the original records1 under the direction of the ,committee on ,library of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 with annotations4 ,,by ,,julius ,f4 ,,sachse ,,librarian1 ,,masonic ,,temple ,,philadelphia ,,philadelphia #aiae ,entered according to ,act of ,congress in the year #aiae1 in the ,office of the ,librarian of ,congress at ,washington1 ,d4 ,c41 by ,j4 ,,henry ,,williams1 ,r4,w4,g4,m4 ,,committee ,,on ,,library ,,john ,,wanamaker1 ,chairman1 ,,samuel ,w4 ,,latta1 ,,norris ,s4 ,,barratt1 ,,harman ,,yerkes1 ,,henry ,,darrach1 ,,walter ,t4 ,,taggart4 ,,julius ,f4 ,,sachse1 ,librarian4 ,an ,edition of ,one ,thousand ,copies has been printed1 of which this is ,no4 #cee ,,press ,,of ,,the ,,new ,,era ,,printing ,,company ,,lancaster1 ,,pa4 ,j4 ,,henry ,,williams ,grand ,master #aiad-aiae4 ,j4 ,henry ,williams1 ,r4 ,w4 ,grand ,master ,office of the ,r4 ,w4 ,grand ,master ,f4 ,a4 ,masons in ,pennsylvania1 ,masonic ,temple ,philadelphia1 ,the position of eminence1 the great respect and the profound reverence in which the name of ,,washington is enshrined in the hearts of the ,american people1 and particularly so1 with the members of this ,fraternity1 and of all true lovers of liberty and freedom wheresoever dispersed1 is the reason1 if any be needed1 why everything relating to this great man and worthy brother should be preserved for the future generations1 to be used by them as a guide1 in the cultivation of those cardinal virtues of ,honor and ,integrity1 that should ever characterize the conduct of a good man and a good ,mason4 ,the collection and reproduction of the letters of ,brother ,,washington1 together with the text of this book1 have been prepared under my supervision1 and its publication is heartily approved4 ,j4 ,henry ,williams ,grand ,master4 ,,february #bb1 ,a4,d4 #aiae--;,a4,l4 #eiae4 ,,contents4 ,,page ,foreword #a ,the ,masonic ,correspondence of ,washington #e ,i ,correspondence with ,watson and ,cassoul #ai ,,ii ,correspondence with ,alexandria ,lodge1 ,no4 #ci1 #aghc #bh ,,iii ,correspondence with ,alexandria ,lodge1 ,no4 #ci1 #aghd #cd ,,iv ,correspondence with ,king ,david's ,lodge1 ,no4 #a1 ,newport1 ,r4 ,i41 #agij #cg ,v ,correspondence with ,st4 ,john's ,lodge1 ,no4 #b1 ,newbern1 ,n4 ,c41 #agia #dd ,,vi ,correspondence with ,prince ,george's ,lodge1 ,no4 #af1 ,georgetown1 ,s4 ,c41 #agia #ea ,,vii ,correspondence with ,grand ,lodge of ,south ,carolina1 #agia #eg ,,viii ,correspondence with ,grand ,lodge of ,georgia1 #agia #fe ,,ix ,correspondence with ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 #agib #fi ,x ,correspondence with ,grand ,lodge of ,massachusetts1 #agib #hj ,,xi ,correspondence with ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 #agif #hf ,,xii ,correspondence with ,alexandria ,lodge1 ,no4 #bb1 ,virginia1 #agig #ie ,,xiii ,correspondence with ,grand ,lodge of ,massachusetts1 #agig #ajb ,,xiv ,correspondence with ,grand ,lodge of ,maryland1 #agih #aaa ,,xv ,correspondence with ,g4 ,w4 ,snyder1 #agih #aag ,,xvi ,index #ada ,,illustrations ,,page ,masonic ,portrait of ,washington ,frontispiece4 ,j4 ,henry ,williams1 ,r4 ,w4 ,grand ,master iii ,washington's ,headquarters at ,newburgh on the ,hudson ,facing page #bb ,wise's ,tavern1 ,alexandria1 ,virginia #ce ,moses ,michael ,hays 7,portrait7 #ae ,washington1 7,houdon ,portrait71 #aghf #cf ,mordecai ,gist1 7,portrait7 #eg ,residence of ,president ,washington in ,philadelphia #fi ,fac-,simile of ,address #gb ,jonathan ,bayard ,smith1 7,portrait7 #gf ,rev4 ,william ,smith1 ,d4,d41 7,portrait7 #hh ,mount ,vernon1 #aghc-agii #ie ,paul ,revere1 7,portrait7 #aje ,washington1 7,st4 ,memin ,portrait71 #agih #aag ,draft of ,letter to ,grand ,lodge of ,maryland ,between pages #aab-aac ,press copy of ,washington's letter to ,g4 ,w4 ,snyder1 ,september #be1 #agih #abd-abe ,press copy of letter1 ,october #bd1 #agih #acj-aca ,,foreword ,,washington's ,masonic correspondence as found among the ,washington papers in the ,manuscript department of the ,library of ,congress1 affords an insight of the great esteem in which ,,washington held the ,masonic ,fraternity1 of which since his early days he had been an honored member4 ,this is further shown by his great courtesy to the ,brethren1 in his replies to their addresses1 no matter whether they were from a ,grand or ,subordinate ,lodge4 ,in this collection1 were also found some of the original drafts of ,,washington's replies1 together with copies of the various masonic addresses and letters to him1 and in the case of ,dominie ,snyder1 press copies of his answers4 ,in the present work an attempt has been made to group this matter together in chronological order1 also to show some of the surroundings and conditions under which this correspondence was made1 and of the ,brethren who were prominent in the presentation of these ,eleven ,addresses1 which came to him from ,seven of the ,thirteen ,colonies4 ,a complete set of photostatic fac-similes of these documents in the ,library of ,congress1 has been secured for the ,museum of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,efforts were also made to obtain photographic copies of such of the ,,washington ,masonic letters as were still in existence1 which were successful except in two instances as noted in the text4 ,it will be noted that on ,april #cj1 #aghi1 ,,washington1 while ,master of his ,lodge1 was inaugurated ,president of the ,united ,states2 this is the only instance where one of the fourteen ,presidents1 who were ,members of our ,fraternity was a ,master of a ,lodge during their term as ,president4 ,the esteem in which ,,washington held the ,masonic ,fraternity1 is shown by the fact1 that in almost every case he had both the address and his reply1 copied upon opposite pages of one of his folio letter-books1 now in the ,library of ,congress4 ,these copies are respectively in the handwriting of ,,washington's private secretaries1 viz3--,major ,william ,jackson3 ,tobias ,lear3 ,bartholomew ,dandridge and ,g4 ,w4 ,craik4 ,in addition to the above copies we have ,,washington's original drafts of his letters to ,watson and ,cassoul1 to the ,grand ,lodges of ,massachusetts1 ,south ,carolina1 and ,maryland1 to ,paul ,revere1 and as before stated press copies of his answers to ,mr4 ,snyder4 ,a perusal of these original documents1 as here presented1 affords an excellent illustration of the entente cordiale1 which existed between ,,washington and his ,masonic ,brethren4 ,upon the other hand1 how the ,masonic ,fraternity1 during ,,washington's lifetime1 venerated their august ,brother1 is shown by the addresses of this correspondence as retained by ,,washington4 ,also by the various ,masonic ,memorial services held1 after ,,washington's death1 the chief of which was in ,philadelphia1 under the auspices of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,the ,masonic services held in every ,state of the ,union1 the many ,eulogies and ,sermons delivered and printed are matters of history4 ,how this veneration of the great ,,washington continued during the past years1 is shown by the fact that there are no less than #ec ,masonic ,lodges in the ,united ,states1 named after the illustrious ,brother4 ,this is independent of the numerous ,royal ,arch ,chapters1 ,commanderies1 and other ,masonic bodies1 that bear the name ,,washington4 ,washington ,lodges are found in thirty-eight of the forty-eight ,states of the ,american ,union4 ,the other ten ,states1 which thus far have no ,washington ,lodge within their ,jurisdiction1 are ,mississippi and ,texas1 together with the newer western ,states lately admitted into the ,american ,union1 viz3--,nevada1 ,north ,dakota1 ,montana1 ,idaho1 ,wyoming1 ,utah1 ,new ,mexico and ,arizona4 ,in addition to the fifty-three ,washington ,lodges1 there is also one each in ,canada1 the ,island of ,cuba and the ,district of ,columbia4 ,in the ,masonic ,fraternity throughout the world1 the name of ,,washington is ever kept in remembrance1 as one of the brightest luminaries in the ,masonic constellation1 one of the most prominent examples1 being his full length oil portrait in ,masonic clothing in the ,hall of the ,grand ,lodge of ,england at ,london4 ,acknowledgments are due to the ,hon4 ,herbert ,putnam1 ,librarian of ,congress1 for placing these documents at the disposal of the writer1 and giving permission to have photostat copies made of same2 also to ,j4 ,henry ,williams1 ,esq41 ,r4 ,w4 ,grand ,master of ,masons in ,pennsylvania and ,masonic ,jurisdiction thereunto belonging1 for suggestions and encouragement in the preparation of this work4 ,julius ,f4 ,sachse4 ,,philadelphia1 ,,february #bb1 ,a4,d4 #aiae--;,a4,l4 #eiae4 ,the ,masonic ,correspondence of ,washington ,much has been written pro and con about ,,washington and his connection with the ,masonic ,fraternity4 ,thus far no complete set of his ,masonic writings have been compiled or published4 ,such portions as have been printed were fragmentary1 and issued for what may be called local purposes4 ,how careful ,,washington was of his ,masonic correspondence is shown by the fact that he had copies made1 in his private letter books1 of most all letters sent him by the various ,masonic ,grand and ,subordinate bodies1 and his answers thereto1 usually upon opposite pages4 ,he thus had both the addresses and his reply at hand for easy reference4 ,this fact shows the esteem in which ,,washington held his ,brethren of the ,masonic ,fraternity1 as well as his own opinion of ,freemasonry4 ,these letter-books are now in the ,library of ,congress1 and photostat copies of such as relate to ,freemasonry have been made for the ,library of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,as to the authenticity of the ,washington ,letter ,books1 and how they came into the possession of the ,united ,states ,government is explained by the following statement by ,mr4 ,galliard ,hunt1 chief ,manuscript division1 ,library of ,congress3#a ,they are a part of the ,washington papers in the ,government's possession1 purchased from the ,washington family1 one lot in #ahcd and the re- mainder in #ahdi1 and deposited in the ,department of ,state until #aijc1 when1 by the ,president's order1 they were sent to this ,library4 ,they range in date from #aged to #agii4 ,some of them are partly or wholly in ,washington's hand-writing1 and others in the writing of his secretaries and their clerks4 ,there are no volumes of press copies1 but there are some press copies among the papers4 ,,washington in writing his answer to the various greetings1 in most cases would first make a rough copy of his reply1 then digest1 alter1 correct or change such parts or sentences as he thought proper4 ,then after deliberate consideration1 a fair copy would be made either by ,,washington or one of his ,secretaries and signed by him1 and sent to the ,masonic bodies for which they were intended4 ,fortunately some of the original drafts of these ,masonic letters have come down to us2 thus far five autographic copies have been found among the ,washington papers in the ,library of ,congress at ,washington4 #a4 ,draft of letter written at ,newburg1 ,new ,york1 ,august #ai1 #aghb1 to ,watson and ,cassoul of ,nantes1 ,france1 thanking them for the ,masonic ,apron1 embroidered by the nuns at ,nantes1 and which is now in possession of ,alexandria-,washington ,lodge1 ,no4 #bb1 at ,alexandria1 ,virginia4 #b4 ,to the ,grand ,lodge of ,massachusetts4 #c4 ,to the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 #d4 ,to the ,grand ,lodge of ,south ,carolina4 #e4 ,to the ,grand ,lodge of ,maryland2 this draft is a two-page letter written upon a letter sheet and shows many changes and corrections2 it is dated #agih4 ,in addition to the above original drafts there were found several addresses and the accompanying answers1 which thus far have never been published1 in fact no mention of them has ever appeared in print1 viz3-- #a4 ,an address from the ,grand ,lodge of ,georgia1 together with ,,washington's reply4 #b4 ,a letter to ,paul ,revere1 ,grand ,master of ,massachusetts and his ,grand ,officers4 #c4 ,an address from the ,brethren of ,prince ,george's ,lodge1 ,no4 #af1 ,georgetown1 ,south ,carolina1 presented to ,president ,,washington during his visit to ,south ,carolina1 ,april #cj1 #agia1 also his reply to same4 #d4 ,an address from the ,brethren of ,st4 ,john's ,lodge1 ,no4 #b1 of ,newbern1 ,north ,carolina1 and the reply to same4 ,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 compiled4 ,a careful study of this correspondence so carefully cherished by ,,washington puts an entirely new phase upon ,,washington's connection with the ,masonic ,fraternity1 and his esteem of ,freemasonry4 ,these papers absolutely thrust aside all of the statements1 arguments and libels1 brought forth by our misguided enemies at the time of the ,anti-,masonic craze during the last century1 and in a small way kept alive even down to the present day by some people who are blinded by their ignorance or malice4 ,referring to some of their published statements that ,,washington never belonged to the ,masonic ,fraternity1 and that there were no authentic ,masonic letters nor copies thereof among his records so frequently made during the political ,anti-,masonic craze1 which swept over ,new ,england and the ,middle ,states about eighty-five years ago1 the following quotations from the ,masonic literature of the period will prove interesting examples4 ,one of the chief statements made by these people1 and brought before all their conventions and heralded in the public prints was3 ,that though ,general ,washington caused to be carefully copied in books kept for that purpose1 all his letters on every subject1 no trace whatever of any of the five letters under consideration1#b nor any letters to any other ,lodge or ,masonic body whatever1 are to be found among the records of his correspondence4#c ,the chief authority upon whom the leaders of the ,anti-,masonic movement at that time depended in their defamation of ,,washington1 was ,jared ,sparks of ,boston1 who at the time was engaged writing a life of ,,washington1 and then had access to all the ,washington letter-books and papers1 and from his connection with the ,washington correspondence1 was supposed to be the best qualified to pass upon their authenticity4 ,another of the charges made by the ,anti-,masonic bigots whose chief object was to controvert facts was3 ,that although ,,washington was extremely scrupulous in preserving his correspondence with all public or private bodies1 there is not a line of his relating to ,freemasonry1 to be found among all his papers1 except the correspondence with ,mr4 ,snyder6#d ,it is also a fact1 that ,,washington was equally scrupulous in dating his letters1 and it is believed that not one can be found1 which is without a date4#e ,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 inspection4 ,this the ,grand ,officers refused to do4 ,in return ,sparks sent the following letter to the ,chairman3 ,boston1 ,february #ah1 #ahcc4 ,sir1--,i received this morning your letter of the #aeth instant1 in which you inquire3 ,whether ,i have yet seen or had in my possession any original letter or letters1 in the hand writing of ,general ,washington1 addressed to any body of men denominating themselves ,freemasons4 ,in reply1 ,i can only state that ,i have seen no letters from ,general ,washington of the kind described in yours1 nor received any communication on the subject1 either verbal or written4#f ,i am1 ,sir1 ,very respectfully1 ,your ob't servant1 ,,jared ,,sparks4 ,how ,sparks could have overlooked the numerous entries in the letter books whose numbers and folios are here quoted1 also the drafts of replies in ,,washington's hand-writing and signed by him 7copies of which are here given in this work71 can only be accounted for by the fact that he must have been carried away by the political excitement of the day4 ,,washington's connection with the ,masonic ,fraternity has been exhaustively traced by ,brother ,james ,m4 ,lamberton1 ,past ,master of ,perseverance ,lodge1 ,no4 #ba1 in his address ,,washington ,,as ,a ,,freemason1 from the day of his entrance into ,fredericksburg ,lodge1 ,no4 #d1 of ,virginia1 ,september #a1 #ageb1 until the day of his death1 ,december #ad1 #agii1 before the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 at its celebration of the ,sesqui-,centennial ,anniversary of the ,initiation of ,brother ,,george ,,washington into the ,fraternity of ,freemasons1#g held in the ,masonic ,temple1 in the city of ,philadelphia on ,wednesday1 ,november #e1 #aijb4 ,it must also be remembered that ,,washington made a public profession of his membership in ,philadelphia1 ,monday1 ,december #bh1 #aggh1 when he walked in procession with his brethren of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 from the ,college at ,fourth and ,arch ,streets to ,christ ,church on ,second ,street above ,market ,street1 ,philadelphia1 where1 after a prayer by ,rev4 ,william ,white1 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 ,,pennsylvania1 on ,monday1 ,december #bh1 #aghh1 ,celebrated1 agreeable to their ,constitution1 as the ,anniversary of ,,st4 ,,john the ,evangelist1 by ,william ,smith1 ,d4,d41 ,provost of the ,college and ,academy of ,philadelphia4 ,this ,sermon was printed and dedicated to ,brother ,,washington and a copy sent to him1 which was bound with other pamphlets in a volume lettered ,masonic ,sermons1 and is so mentioned in the inventory of his estate and now in the ,boston ,athenum4#h ,at this service over four hundred pounds were collected for the relief of the poor4 ,rev4 ,brother ,william ,smith1 ,d4,d41 preached a number of ,masonic ,sermons in ,pennsylvania1 ,delaware and ,maryland2 three of which delivered at the request of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania were printed1 viz43 ,sermon #a4--,on ,brotherly ,love1 c4 ,preached on the ,anniversary of ,st4 ,john the ,baptist1 ,june #bd1 #agee1 ,sermon #b4--,preached on ,monday1 ,december #bh1 #aggh1 celebrated as the ,anniversary of ,st4 ,john the ,evangelist4 ,with an ,appendix on the ,character of ,lucius ,quintius ,cincinnatus1 ,sermon #c4--,preached before the ,grand ,lodge of ,communication1 on ,st4 ,john the ,baptist's day1 ,june #bd1 #agie4 ,original copies of the above are in the ,library of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,rev4 ,brother ,smith reprinted the above in a ,volume of ,sermons with the following note3#i ,n4 ,b4 ,the above three ,sermons were preached at the request of the ,grand ,lodge of ,communication1 for ,pennsylvania1 and contains in substance all that the ,author thinks it necessary to bequeath to the ,brotherhood1 by way of ,sermons1 preached at different times and in sundry of the neighboring ,states1 during #dh ,years past4 ,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 death4 ,these documents cover the period from #aghb to #agih4 ,as these copies in our possession are photostat fac-similes of the original documents in the ,library of ,congress1 there can never be any question of correctness or of their authenticity4 ,the finding and collating of this material will settle for all time to come the question of ,,washington's connection with the ,ancient ,fraternity1 and his opinion and esteem of ,freemasonry4 ,the earliest record we have of any ,masonic ,body proposing a masonic address to ,general ,,washington1 was the resolution offered in ,king ,david's ,lodge1 ,no4 #a1 at ,newport1 ,rhode ,island1 during ,,washington's visit to ,newport in ,march1 #agha1 while the ,french ,army under ,rochambeau was quartered there4 ,,washington arrived in ,newport on the sixth of ,march and remained there until the thirteenth1 when he left for ,providence by way of ,bristol4 ,it was in anticipation of this visit that the ,brethren of ,king ,david's ,lodge1 of which ,brother ,moses ,michael ,hays#aj was ,worshipful ,master1 that a masonic greeting to ,general ,,washington was proposed4 ,the following entry from the old ,minute ,book of the ,lodge will explain why the project failed to materialize4 ,,moses ,m4 ,,hays ,w4 ,m4 ,,king ,,david',s ,,lodge1 ,no4 #a1 ,,newport1 ,r4 ,i41 #aghj-agha4 ,,grand ,,master ,,of ,,masons ,,in ,,massachusetts1 #aghh-agic4 ,,extract ,,from ,,the ,,records ,,of ,,king ,,david',s ,,lodge4 ,regular ,lodge night1 held at the house of ,mr4 ,james ,tew1 ,wednesday evening1 the #gth ,february1 #agha4 #egha4 ,a motion being made that as our worthy brother1 his ,excellency ,general ,washington1 was daily expected amongst us1 a committee should be appointed to prepare an address in behalf of the ,lodge1 to present him4 ,voted1 ,that the ,right ,worshipful ,master 7,moses ,michael ,hays7 together with brothers ,seixas1 ,peleg ,clark1 ,john ,handy1 and ,robert ,elliot1 be a committee for that purpose1 and that they present the same to this ,lodge at their next meeting for their approbation4 ,at a ,lodge held by request of the ,right ,worshipful ,master1 ,feb4 #adth1 #agha4 #egha1 ,the committee appointed to draught an address to our worthy brother1 ,his ,excellency ,general ,washington1 report1 that on inquiry they find ,general ,washington not to be a ,grand ,master of ,north ,america2 as was supposed1 nor even ,master of any particular ,lodge4 ,they are1 therefore1 of opinion that this ,lodge would not choose to address him as a private brother at the same time1 think it would not be agreeable to our worthy brother to be addressed as such4 ,voted1 ,that the report of the committee be received1 and that the address be entirely laid aside for the present4#aa ,now as to the cause for this uncertainty how to address ,brother ,,washington1 it will be recalled that just at that time1 the proposition sent out by the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania nominating ,general ,,washington as ,grand ,master of all the ,colonies1 was then before the various grand bodies1 but did not find favor in ,new ,england1 in fact the ,grand ,lodge of ,massachusetts was the chief objector1 and finally defeated the scheme to elect ,,washington the ,grand ,master ,general4#ab ,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 ,lodge1 ,no4 #a1 at ,newport labored at that time4 ,during the ,anti-,masonic craze in the last century1 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 ,lodge4 ,following is a complete list of the ,washington ,masonic ,correspondence1 thus far found among the ,washington papers in the ,library of ,congress4 ,draft of ,letter to ,watson and ,cassoul1 ,nantes1 ,france1 ,august #aj1 #aghb4 ,letter to ,alexandria ,lodge1 ,no4 #ci1 ,virginia1 ,december #bh1 #aghc4 ,address from ,king ,david's ,lodge1 ,no4 #a1 ,rhode ,island1 ,august #ag1 #agij1 and ,,washington's ,reply4 ,address from ,st4 ,john's ,lodge1 ,no4 #b1 ,newbern1 ,north ,carolina1 ,april #bj1 #agia1 and his reply4 ,address from ,prince ,george's ,lodge 7,moderns7 ,georgetown1 ,south ,carolina1 ,april #cj1 #agia1 and his reply4 ,draft of reply to ,grand ,lodge of ,south ,carolina1 ,may #e1 #agia4 ,address from ,grand ,lodge of ,georgia1 ,may #ad1 #agia1 and his reply4 ,address from ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 ,march1 #agib1 and his reply4 ,address of the ,grand ,lodge of ,massachusetts1 ,december #bg1 #agib1 and his reply4 ,address from ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 ,december #bg1 #agif1 and his reply4 ,address from ,alexandria ,lodge1 ,no4 #bb1 ,virginia1 ,april #d1 #agig1 and his reply4 ,letter to ,paul ,revere and ,grand ,officers1 ,april #bd1 #agig4 ,draft of ,letter to ,grand ,lodge of ,massachusetts in reply to an address1 ,april #agig4 ,draft of a reply to an address from the ,grand ,lodge of ,maryland1 ,november #h1 #agih4 ,letter from ,g4 ,w4 ,snyder to ,,washington1 ,august #bb1 #agih4 ,,washington's ,reply to ,snyder1 ,september #be1 #agih4 ,,washington's ,reply to ,snyder's letter of ,october #ag1 #agih4 ,,elkanah ,,watson ,b4 ,,plymouth1 ,,mass41 ,,january #bb1 #ageh1 ,d4 ,,at ,,port ,,kent1 ,n4 ,y41 ,,december #e1 #ahdb1 ,,who1 ,,together ,,with ,,his ,,partner ,,cassoul1 ,,presented ,,to ,,washington ,a ,,masonic ,,apron ,,made ,,by ,,the ,,nuns ,,at ,,nantes1 ,,france4 ,,now ,,in ,,the ,,possession ,,of ,,alexandria-,,washington ,,lodge1 ,no4 #bb1 ,,virginia4 ,footnotes3 #a ,letter to ,julius ,f4 ,sachse from ,manuscript ,division1 ,december #ai1 #aiad--;in ,library of ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 #b ,the letters referred to by the ,anti-,masons were the one to ,king ,david's ,lodge at ,newport1 two to the ,grand ,lodge of ,massachusetts1 and one to ,charleston1 ,s4 ,c41 and to the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,the above five ,masonic ,letters were all that were known to the ,anti-,masons at that time4 #c ,vindication of ,general ,washington from the stigma of adherence to ,secret ,societies by ,joseph ,ritner ,governor of the ,commonwealth of ,pennsylvania1 communicated by request of the ,house of ,representatives1 to that body1 on the #hth of ,march1 #ahcg4 ,this address during the ,anti-,masonic period was regarded as an important state paper4 #d ,letter press copies of the ,snyder letters were retained by ,,washington4 ,photostat copies of same are in the ,archives of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 #e ,proceedings of the ,third ,state ,anti-masonic ,convention1 of ,massachusetts1 ,worcester1 #ahcb1 p4 #bg4 #f ,vindication of ,washington before quoted1 p4 #ac4 #g ,the ,ancient ,minute ,book and ,ledger of ,fredericksburg ,lodge1 ,no4 #d1 in ,virginia1 of which we have a photostat1 is still in possession of the ,lodge1 showing that ,,george ,,washington was entered ,november #d1 #ageb1 and on ,november #f1 paid for his entrance #b4 #c4 #j1 ,march #c1 #agec1 ,,george ,,washington was passed to ,fellow-,craft2 ,august #d1 #agec1 ,,george ,,washington was raised ,master ,mason4 #h ,catalogue of ,washington ,collection in ,boston ,athenum1 ,boston1 #ahig1 p4 #ahe4 #i ,cf4 ,works of ,william ,smith1 ,d4,d41 ,philadelphia1 #ahjc1 ,vol4 ,,ii1 pp4 #bg-hh1 also ,life and ,correspondence of ,rev4 ,william ,smith1 ,d4,d41 ,philadelphia1 #ahhj1 ,vol4 ,,ii1 p4 #i4 ,et seq4 #aj ,for an exhaustive sketch of ,brother ,moses ,michael ,hays1 see ,the ,american ,freemason1 ,vol4 ,v1 p4 #egf4 #aa ,newport1 ss4 ,newport1 ,august #ahth1 ,a4,d4 #ahcb4 ,i certify that the extracts taken from the records of ,king ,david's ,lodge1 ,newport1 contained in the above and three foregoing pages1 have been by me compared with the minutes contained in two books purporting and appearing to be the original records of said ,lodge1 and found to be true and accurate copies of the same4 ,quid attestor1 ,,geo4 ,c4 ,,mason4 ,jus4 ,peace and ,pub4 ,not'y4 ,cf4 ,anti-masonic ,republican ,convention of ,massachusetts held at ,worcester1 ,september #e-f1 #ahcb1 p4 #bc4 #ab ,for a full account of this episode1 see ,freemasonry in ,pennsylvania1 ,barratt and ,sachse1 ,philadelphia1 #aijh1 ,vol4 #a1 ,chapter ,,xii2 ,,washington as ,general ,grand ,master1 p4 #cic et seq4 ,i ,,correspondence ,,with ,,watson ,,cassoul1 ,,nantes1 ,,france1 ,,august1 #aghb4 ,the earliest letter of ,general ,,george ,,washington of ,masonic ,import known is the one written while in camp at ,newburgh in ,new ,york1 dated ,state of ,new ,york1 ,august #aj1 #aghb1 to the firm of ,watson and ,cassoul in ,nantes1 ,france1 in which his friend1 ,brother ,elkanah ,watson was the chief partner1 thanking the firm for the ,masonic ,apron and ornaments sent him from ,nantes1 ,france4 ,this apron is now in the possession of the ,alexandria-,washington ,lodge1 ,no4 #bb1 at ,alexandria1 ,virginia4 ,elkanah ,watson in his ,memoirs states3#ac ,wishing to pay some mark of respect to our beloved ,washington1 ,i employed1 in conjunction with my friend ,m4 ,cossoul1 nuns in one of the convents at ,nantes to prepare some elegant ,masonic ornaments1 and gave them a plan for combining the ,american and ,french ,flags on the apron designed for this use4 ,they were executed in a superior and expensive style4 ,we transmitted them to ,america1 accompanied by an appropriate address4 ,by the above extract is shown beyond all doubt the error in the statement so repeatedly made1 that the apron at ,alexandria is the one made by the ,marquise de ,lafayette1 and presented to ,,washington by ,general ,lafayette1 during his visit to ,mount ,vernon in #aghd1 and the one in the ,museum of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 that of ,watson and ,cassoul4#ad ,following letter was sent to ,,washington1 together with the ,masonic ,apron and ,ornaments1 by ,messrs4 ,watson and ,cassoul1 from ,france under date east of ,nantes1 #bc;d #ast ,month1 #eghb4ae ,,to ,,his ,,excellency1 ,,general ,,washington1 ,,america4 ,most ,illustrious and ,respected ,brother3 ,in the moment when all ,europe admire and feel the effects of your glorious efforts in support of ,american liberty1 we hasten to offer for your acceptance a small pledge of our homage4 ,zealous lovers of liberty and its institutions1 we have experienced the most refined joy in seeing our chief and brother stand forth in its defence1 and in defence of a newborn nation of ,republicans4 ,your glorious career will not be confined to the protection of ,american liberty1 but its ultimate effect will extend to the whole human family1 since ,providence has evidently selected you as an instrument in his hands1 to fulfill his eternal decrees4 ,it is to you1 therefore1 the glorious orb of ,america1 we presume to offer ,masonic ornaments1 as an emblem of your virtues4 ,may the ,grand ,architect of the ,universe be the ,guardian of your precious days1 for the glory of the ,western ,hemisphere and the entire universe4 ,such are the vows of those who have the favor to be by all the known numbers4 ,your affectionate brothers1 ,,watson ,,cassoul4 ,east of ,nantes1 #bc;d #ast ,month1 #eghb4 ,,washington',s ,,headquarters ,,newburgh-,,on-,,the-,,hudson ,,where ,,the ,,watson ,,and ,,cassoul ,,letter ,,was ,,written1 ,,august1 #aghb4 ,owing to the uncertain intercourse between the two countries1 it was almost seven months before ,brother ,,washington received the ,masonic apron1 ornaments and letter from ,france4 ,he at that time was in camp with the army at ,newburg on the ,hudson4#af ,in reply ,,washington sent the following autograph letter to the donors in ,nantes1 viz43 ,,state ,,of ,,new ,,york ,augt #ajth #aghb4 ,gentn4 ,the ,masonick ,ornamts which accompanied your ,bro- therly ,address of the #bc;d of ,jany last1 tho' elegant in themselves1 were rendered more valuable by the flattering sentiments1 and affectionate manner1 in which they were presented4-- ,if my endeavours to avert the evil1 with which this ,country was threatned by a deliberate plan of ,tyranny1 should be crowned with the suc cess that is wished--,the praise is due to the ,grand ,architect of the ,universe2 who did not see fit to suffer his superstructures and justice1 to be subjected to the ,ambition of the ,princes of this ,world1 or to the rod of oppression1 in the hands of any power upon ,earth4-- ,for your affectionate ,vows1 permit me to be grateful2 --and offer mine for true ,brothers in all parts of the world2 and to assure you of the sincerity with which ,i am ,yrs ,go4 ,washington ,messrs ,watson ,cosson#ag ,east of ,nantes ,this autograph letter from ,,washington to ,messrs4 ,watson and ,cassoul is now in the possession of the ,grand ,lodge of ,new ,york1 who purchased it from a member of the ,watson family in the year #ahff or #ahfg at a cost of approximately #a1jjj1 and is now framed and secured between two sheets of glass in the collection of the ,committee of ,antiquities of the ,grand ,lodge ,f4 ,a4 ,m4 of ,new ,york4#ah ,it is written upon two pages of an ordinary letter sheet1 and was a copy of one written by ,,washington1 with which he was not entirely satisfied1 as shown by the changes made in the text before it was sent to ,france4 ,the first copy ,,washington retained1 and is now in the ,library of ,congress1 and is here given for comparison1 viz3 ,,state ,,of ,,new ,,york1 ,augt #ajth #aghb4 ,gentn41 ,the ,masonick ,orna- ments which accompanied your ,brotherly ,address of the #bc;d4 of the first month1 tho' elegant in themselves1 were rendered more valuable by the flattering sentiments1 and affectionate manner1 in which they were offered4-- ,if my endeavours to avert the evil1 with which this ,country was threatned1 by a deliberate plan of ,tyranny1 should be crowned with the success that is wished--the praise is due to the ,grand ,architect of the ,universe2 who see fit to who did not suffer his superstruc tures justice1 to be subjected ambition of the ,princes of this world--or to the rod of oppression1 in the hands of any power upon ,earth4 ,for your affectionate vows1 permit me to be grateful2 and offer mine for true ,brothers in all parts of the world2 and to assure you of the sincerity with which ,i am1 ,yrs4 ,go4 ,washington ,endorsed to ,messrs4 ,watson ,cosson--,nantes #ajth ,augt #aghb4 ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,the ,,original ,,draft ,,of ,,washington',s ,,letter ,,to ,,watson ,,and ,,cassoul1 ,,new ,,york1 ,,august #aj1 #aghb4 ,a photographic fac-simile of the letter now in ,new ,york1 and a photostat of the original copy retained by ,,washington are in the collection of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,the firm of ,watson and ,cassoul of ,nantes1 ,france1 acted as confidential agents of the ,american ,government during the ,revolutionary period1 as is shown by their correspondence with ,benjamin ,franklin in the ,franklin ,mss4 collection of the ,american ,philosophical ,society4#ai ,elkanah ,watson was also a bearer of despatches to ,dr4 ,franklin4 ,footnotes3 #ac ,men and ,times of the ,revolution1 or ,memoirs of ,elkanah ,watson1 ,new ,york1 #ahef1 pp4 #ace1 #acf4 #ad ,cf4 ,proceedings ,grand ,lodge of ,new ,york1 #ahfg1 p4 #bh4 #ae ,memoirs of ,elkanah ,watson1 p4 #ace4 #af ,cf4 ,itinerary of ,general ,,washington from ,june #ae1 #agge1 to ,december #bc1 #aghc1 by ,william ,s4 ,baker1 ,philadelphia1 #ahib1 p4 #bga4 #ag ,it will be noted that on both the draft and letter1 ,,washington spells the name ,cassoul--,cosson4 #ah ,catalogue of ,antiquities and ,curios1 ,grand ,lodge ,f4 ,a4 ,m41 ,new ,york1 ,class ,j1 ,no4 #a1 ,new ,york1 #aije4 #ai ,cf4 ,calendar of the ,papers of ,benjamin ,franklin in the ,library of the ,american ,philosophical ,society1 edited by ,i4 ,minis ,hays1 ,volume ,v1 p4 #cab4 ,,ii ,,correspondence ,,with ,,alexandria ,,lodge1 ,,no4 #ci1 ,,virginia1 ,,december1 #aghc4 ,the next ,masonic ,letter of ,brother ,,washington of which we have any knowledge is the one written in answer to a letter sent him1 upon his return to civil life by the ,brethren of ,lodge ,no4 #ci1 on the register of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 which met at ,alexandria1 ,virginia4 ,december #bc1 #aghc1 ,general ,,washington presented himself to ,the ,united ,states in ,congress ,assembled1 at ,annapolis1 ,maryland1 and resigned his ,commission that he had received on ,june #ag1 #agge1 as ,commander-in-,chief of the ,armies of the ,united ,states4 ,upon ,christmas ,eve he returned to ,mount ,vernon1 whereupon the ,brethren at ,alexandria1 who1 it must be remembered1 were working under a ,pennsylvania ,warrant1 at once sent the following ,address signed by the ,officers of ,lodge ,no4 #ci1 to ,brother ,,washington at ,mount ,vernon1#bj viz43 ,sir3 ,whilst all denominations of people bless the happy occasion of your excellency's return to enjoy private and domestic felicity1 permit us1 sir1 the members of ,lodge ,no4 #ci1 lately established in ,alexandria1 to assure your excellency1 that we1 as a mystical body1 rejoice in having a brother so near us1 whose preeminent benevolence has secured the happiness of millions2 and that we shall esteem ourselves highly honored at all times your excellency shall be pleased to join us in the needful business4 ,we have the honor to be1 in the name and behalf of ,no4 #ci1 your excellency's ,devoted friends and brothers1 ,,robert ,,adam1 ,m4 ,e4 ,c4 ,,dick1 ,s4 ,w4 ,j4 ,,allison1 ,j4 ,w4 ,,wm4 ,,ramsay1 ,treas4 ,his ,excellency ,general ,washington4 ,two days later ,brother ,,washington sent following reply1#ba viz43 ,,mount ,,vernon #bhth ,decr4 #aghc4 ,gentlemen3 ,with pleasing sensibility ,i received your favor of the #bfth1 and beg leave to offer you my sincere thanks for the favorable sentiments with which it abounds4-- ,i shall always feel pleasure when it may be in my power to ren- der service to ,lodge ,n #ci1 and in every act of brotherly kindness to the ,members of it2 being with great truth4 ,your affecte ,brother and ,obedt ,servant ,go4 ,washington ,robt ,adam ,esqr ,master1 the ,wardens ,treasr of ,lodge ,n #ci4 ,no copy of either address nor reply of this correspondence has thus far been found among the ,washington papers in the ,library of ,congress1 by the present writer4 ,brother ,robert ,adam1 the ,master of ,alexandria ,lodge1 ,no4 #ci1 was a ,son of the ,rev4 ,john ,adam1 ,d4,d41 and ,janet ,campbell1 of ,kelbride1 ,scotland1 was born ,may #d1 #agca2 he emigrated to ,america in #agec1 and1 after a short residence at ,annapolis1 ,md41 established himself at a pleasant country residence in ,fairfax ,county1 ,virginia1 about four miles from ,alexandria4 ,he was a gentleman of refined taste1 cultivation and wealth1 and interested himself in everything that could promote the prosperity of his adopted home4 ,,washington',s ,,reply ,,to ,,alexandria ,,lodge1 ,,no4 #ci4 ,,original ,,in ,,alexandria-,,washington ,,lodge1 ,,no4 #bb1 ,,alexandria1 ,,virginia4 ,it appears that during his residence at ,annapolis1 he was made a ,mason in a clandestine or irregular ,lodge1 and in the year #aghc applied for a dispensation from the ,grand ,master of ,pennsylvania1 to apply to ,lodge ,no4 #b1 for initiation and membership4 ,brother ,dr4 ,elisha ,cullen ,dick1 ,senior ,warden of ,lodge ,no4 #ci1 was a native of ,pennsylvania1 born near ,marcus ,hook1 in ,delaware ,county1 about #agec1 and died at ,alexandria1 ,va41 ,september #bb1 #ahbe4 ,he was a son of ,archibald ,dick1 a member of ,lodge ,no4 #b at ,philadelphia1 and joined the same ,lodge1 ,september #ae1 #aggi4bb ,brother ,elisha ,c4 ,dick was a graduate of the old ,pequea ,academy1 and of the ,college of ,pennsylvania4 ,he began the study of medicine under ,drs4 ,william ,shippen and ,benjamin ,rush4 ,after graduating he settled in ,alexandria1 ,va41 and at once became active in ,masonic circles in that city1 and was instrumental in having the petition presented to the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania for a warrant1 which was granted under the name and number ,alexandria ,lodge ,no4 #ci4 ,upon the records of the ,lodge1 ,brother ,dick appears as both predecessor and successor of ,brother ,,washington as ,master4 ,brother ,dick was the first consulting physician in ,,washington's last illness1 and also conducted the ,masonic services at ,,washington's funeral on ,december #ah1 #agii4 ,a biography of ,dr4 ,dick is in the ,library of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,brother ,john ,allison1 the ,junior ,warden of ,lodge ,no4 #ci1 had served as ,major in the #ast ,virginia ,state ,regiment1 and later as ,lieutenant ,colonel4 ,brother ,william ,ramsay1 ,treasurer of ,lodge ,no4 #ci1 was an old personal friend of ,,washington4 ,for a history of ,alexandria ,lodge1 ,no4 #ci1 warranted by the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 ,february #c1 #aghc1 which was constituted on the second floor of a large three-story frame building1 known as the ,lamb ,tavern1 on the twenty-fifth of ,february1 #aghc1 the ,masonic student is referred to ,old ,masonic ,lodges of ,pennsylvania1 ,philadelphia1 #aiac1 ,chapter ,,xlvi1 pp4 #aec-afh4 ,this tavern was situated on the west side of ,union ,street1 between ,prince and ,duke ,streets1 ,alexandria1 the site of which is now known as ,no4 #ee ,south ,union ,street4#bc ,footnotes3 #bj ,cf4 ,old ,masonic ,lodges of ,pennsylvania--,moderns and ,ancients1 ,julius ,f4 ,sachse1 ,philadelphia1 #aiac1 ,vol4 ,,ii1 p4 #aeg4 ,also ,vide ,washington the ,man and the ,mason1 by ,charles ,h4 ,callahan1 published under the auspices of the ,memorial ,temple ,committee of the ,george ,washington ,masonic ,national ,memorial ,association1 ,washington1 ,d4 ,c41 #aiac4 #ba ,original among ,washington relics in ,alexandria-,washington ,lodge1 ,no4 #bb1 ,alexandria1 ,virginia4 ,fac-simile in ,washington collection of ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 #bb ,elisha ,c4 ,dick's petition was presented in ,lodge ,no4 #b1 ,september #ad1 #aggi1 approved and entered by virtue of a dispensation from the ,grand ,master1 ,september #ae2 passed and raised1 ,september #bc4 ,freemasonry in ,pennsylvania1 ,vol4 ,i1 pp4 #ceb1 #cec4 #bc ,cf4 ,the ,lodge of ,washington1 by ,f4 ,l4 ,brocket1 ,alexandria1 ,va41 #ahgf4 ,,iii ,,correspondence ,,with ,,alexandria ,,lodge1 ,,no4 #ci1 ,,virginia1 ,,june1 #aghd4 ,the next ,washington letter of ,masonic import in chronological order is his reply to an invitation to join the brethren of ,alexandria ,lodge1 ,no4 #ci1 in the celebration of ,st4 ,john the ,baptist's ,day1 ,june #bd1 #aghd1 to which ,,washington sent the following reply1 accepting the fraternal invitation4 ,,mount ,,vernon1 ,june #ai1 #aghd4bd ,dear ,sir3 ,with pleasure1 ,i received the invita- tion of the master and members of ,lodge ,no4 #ci1 to dine with them on the approaching anniversary of ,st4 ,john the ,baptist4 ,if nothing unforeseen at present interferes1 ,i will have the honor of doing it4 ,for the polite and flattering terms in which you have expressed their wishes1 you will please accept my thanks4 ,with esteem and respect1 ,i am1 dear sir1 ,your most ,ob't serv't ,go4 ,washington ,wm4 ,herbert1 ,esquire4 ,,place ,,of ,,meeting ,,of ,,alexandria ,,lodge1 ,no4 #ci1 ,,on ,,pennsylvania ,,register1 ,,alexandria ,,virginia1 ,,where ,,general ,,washington ,,accepted ,,honorary ,,membership1 ,,june #bd1 #aghd4 ,no copy of this invitation nor acceptance1 has thus far been found among the ,washington papers4 ,the original of this letter is also said to be among the relics of ,alexandria-,washington ,lodge1 ,no4 #bb4 ,as no fac-simile copy was obtainable1 an engrossed copy for same was substituted in the collection of ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,this banquet was held at ,wise's tavern#be and was participated in by ,,washington1 who upon this festive occasion was elected an honorary ,member of ,lodge ,no4 #ci1 upon the ,pennsylvania register1 and thus became a ,pennsylvania ,freemason1 and his name is duly recorded as such upon the minutes of ,lodge ,no4 #ci4 ,this fact further contradicts the ,anti-,masonic arguments based upon the ,snyder letter so extensively used during the years #ahbf-ahcc1 that ,,washington never belonged to any ,masonic ,lodge1 after his initiation in the ,fredericksburg ,lodge in #ageb4 ,the above note as recorded upon the ,minutes of ,alexandria ,lodge1 ,no4 #ci1 shows that ,,washington was in complete harmony with the ,masonic ,fraternity2 further1 that by his acceptance of membership1 ,,washington became a ,pennsylvania ,mason4 ,among the cherished relics in the ,alexandria ,lodge1 there is none more valuable than the ,masonic portrait of ,brother ,,washington1 which forms the frontispiece of this volume4 ,this was painted from life in pastel1 by ,william ,williams1 at ,philadelphia in #agid4 ,in the year #aiaj a fac-simile of this portrait was made in oil by ,miss ,fanny ,m4 ,burke1 an artist of repute1 and a great-granddaughter of ,thomas ,jefferson4 ,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 ,mason1 neither heroized nor idealized4#bf ,,george ,,washington ,,by ,,jean ,,antoine ,,houdon1 #aghe4 ,footnotes3 #bd ,washington and his ,masonic ,compeers1 by ,sidney ,hayden1 ,new ,york1 #ahff1 p4 #ajd4 #be ,john ,wise's tavern1 in which the above ,masonic ,banquet was held1 is a large three-story brick building still standing on high ground at the northeast corner of ,cameron and ,fairfax ,streets1 ,alexandria4 ,at that time it had an unobstructed view of the ,potomac4 #bf ,vide ,abstract of ,proceedings of the ,proceedings ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 ,during the ,year #aiaj1 pp4 #aaj-aag4 ,,iv ,,correspondence ,,with ,,king ,,david',s ,,lodge1 ,,no4 #a1 ,,rhode ,,island1 ,,august1 #agij4 ,the next correspondence in chronological order is the letter1 sent in reply to the ,address delivered by the ,brethren of ,king ,david's ,lodge1 ,no4 #a1 at ,newport1 ,rhode ,island1 to ,president ,,washington1 ,august #ag1 #agij1 during his visit to ,new ,england4 ,by referring to the ,minutes of this old ,lodge following entry is found3 ,at a ,lodge1 called by request of several ,breth- ren on ,tuesday evening1 ,august #ag1 #egij1 an ,entered ,apprentice ,lodge being opened in due form proceeded to business1 when it was proposed to address the ,president of the ,united ,states4 ,the ,r4 ,w4 ,master 7,moses ,seixas7 ,henry ,sher- burne1 and the ,secretary1 ,william ,littlefield were appointed a committee for that purpose1 after which the ,lodge closed4#bg ,following address was prepared and according to local tradition was publicly presented1 by the ,committee to ,president ,,washington1 in the ,venerable ,sanctuary of the ,jewish ,congregation at ,newport2 the ,brethren of ,king ,david's ,lodge being present3 ,,to ,,george ,,washington1 ,president of the ,united ,states of ,america4 ,we the ,master1 ,wardens1 and ,brethren of ,king ,david's ,lodge in ,new ,port ,rhode ,island with joyful hearts embrace this opportunity to greet you as a ,brother1 and to hail you welcome to ,rhode ,island4 ,we exult in the thought that as ,masonry has always been patronised by the wise1 the good1 and the great1 so that it stood and ever will stand1 as its fixtures are on the immutable pillars of faith1 hope1 and charity4 ,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 craft2 being persuaded that the wisdom and grace with which heaven has endowed you1 will square all your thoughts1 words1 and actions by the eternal laws of honor1 equity1 and truth1 so as to promote the advancement of all good works1 your own happiness1 and that of mankind4 ,permit us then1 illustrious ,brother1 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 protection4 ,,moses ,,seixas#bh ,master ,new ,port ,augt #ag1 #agij4 ,committee4 ,,hy ,,sherburne ,by order ,,wm ,,littlefield1 ,secy4 ,brother ,moses ,seixas was born in ,new ,york1 ,march #bh1 #agdd2 died in ,new ,york ,city1 ,november #bi1 #ahji4 ,he was a merchant in ,newport1 ,rhode ,island1 and one of the founders of the ,newport ,bank of ,rhode ,island1 of which he was cashier until his death4 ,he succeeded ,brother ,moses ,m4 ,hays as ,worshipful ,master of ,king ,david's ,lodge at ,newport4 ,he was also the first ,grand ,master of the ,grand ,lodge of ,rhode ,island4 ,it was ,moses ,seixas who addressed a letter of welcome in the name of the ,jewish congregation to ,,george ,,washington when the latter visited ,newport1 and it was to him that ,,washington's answer was addressed4 ,the ,town ,hall at ,newport being out of repair at that time the ancient ,jewish ,synagogue on the main street was used1 upon that and several other public occasions4 ,it is an interesting fact that this sacred edifice is still preserved in the same condition as it was during the ,colonial period4 ,so far as known this address was the first of ,masonic import made to ,,washington as ,president4 ,unfortunately1 the exact date of presentation and receipt of his answer is not known to a certainty1 as there does not appear to be any date upon either the original documents or the copies in ,,washington's letter book4 ,the original address and ,,washington's reply to the ,master1 ,wardens and ,brethren of ,king ,david's ,lodge in ,newport1 the latter signed in autograph by ,,washington1 are in the ,athenum collection at ,boston1 ,massachusetts4#bi ,following copy of the ,president's answer is taken from his letter book4#cj ,both address and answer in the letter book are in the handwriting of ,major ,william ,jackson1 secretary to the ,president4 ,a photostat of the original entry is in the ,archives of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,it will be noted that there is neither place nor date given4 ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,reply ,,to ,,king ,,david',s ,,lodge1 ,,no4 #a1 ,,newport1 ,r4 ,i4 ,,letter ,,book ,,ii1 ,,folio #bi4 ,president ,,washington arrived at ,newport1 ,r4,i41 at eight o'clock on ,tuesday morning1 ,august #ag1 #agij4 ,on the next day1 ,wednesday1 the ,president and his suite left on the ,packet ,hancock at nine o'clock in the morning for ,providence4 ,his company consisted of ,governor ,clinton of ,new ,york1 ,thomas ,jefferson1 ,secretary of ,state1 ,senator ,theodore ,foster1 ,judge ,blair1 ,mr4 ,smith of ,south ,carolina and ,mr4 ,gorman of ,new ,hampshire2 members of ,congress4#ca ,,washington left ,providence1 ,saturday1 ,august #ba1 and arrived in ,new ,york upon the following day1 ,sunday1 ,august #bb1 #agij1cb and sent the following reply to the ,newport ,brethren3 ,,to ,,the ,,master1 ,,wardens1 ,,and ,,brethren ,,of ,,king ,,davids ,,lodge ,,in ,,newport ,,rhode ,,island4 ,gentlemen1 ,i receive the welcome which you give me to ,rhode ,island with pleasure1 and ,i acknowledge my obligations for the flattering expressions of regard1 contained in your address1 with grateful sincerity4 ,being persuaded that a just application of the principles1 on which the ,masonic ,fraternity is founded1 must be promotive of private virtue and public prosperity1 ,i shall always be happy to advance the interests of the ,society1 and to be considered by them as a deserving brother4 ,my best wishes1 ,gentlemen1 are offered for your individual happiness4#cc ,go4 ,washington ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,notice ,,sent ,,to ,,brother ,,washington ,,at ,,mount ,,vernon ,,to ,,attend ,,his ,,lodge4 ,,treasured ,,by ,,the ,,wife ,,of ,,president ,,madison ,,until ,,her ,,death4 ,,original ,,in ,,archives ,,of ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,pennsylvania4 ,,mss4 ,,vol4 ,a1 ,,folio #ha4 ,footnotes3 #bg ,a copy of the ,extracts from the ,records of ,king ,david's ,lodge1 ,no4 #a1 as made by ,ara ,hildreth1 ,esq41 is in the ,archives of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 ,mss4 ,volume ,q1 ,r4,i4 #g4 ,cf4 also a verified copy of the ,minute in ,proceedings of the ,anti-,masonic ,republican ,convention of ,massachusetts1 ,boston1 #ahcb1 p4 #bb4 #bh ,vide ,the ,jews and ,masonry in the ,united ,states1 by ,samuel ,oppenheim1 ,new ,york1 #ahaj1 p4 #bb et seq4 #bi ,cf4 ,catalogue of the ,washington ,collection in the ,boston ,athenum1 ,boston1 #ahig1 p4 #cca4 #cj ,letterbook ,,ii1 p4 #bi4 #ca ,cf4 ,washington after the ,revolution1 ,w4 ,s4 ,baker1 ,philadelphia1 #ahih1 p4 #aib4 #cb ,cf4 ,pennsylvania ,packet1 ,august #cj-ca #agij4 #cc ,copy of ,address in ,letter ,book ,,ii1 pp4 #bg-bh1 ,photostat of same in ,archives of ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,v ,,correspondence ,,with ,,st4 ,,john',s ,,lodge1 ,,no4 #b ,,at ,,newbern1 ,n4 ,c41 ,,april1 #agia4 ,the next ,masonic letter of ,president ,,washington was written1 in answer to an address by the brethren of ,st4 ,john's ,lodge1 ,no4 #b1 at ,newbern1 ,north ,carolina1 during his southern tour in #agia4 ,april #g1 #agia1 ,,washington started on a tour through the ,southern ,states1 by way of ,fredericksburg1 ,richmond1 and ,petersburg1 ,virginia2 ,halifax1 ,tarborough1 ,newbern1 and ,wilmington1 ,north ,carolina2 ,georgetown1 and ,charleston1 ,south ,carolina2 and ,savannah1 ,georgia4 ,when advice of this proposed presidential visit reached ,newbern1 the brethren of ,st4 ,john's ,lodge1 ,no4 #b1cd at the stated meeting held on ,april #a1 #agia1 passed the following resolution4 ,resolved1 that an address shall be presented to ,brother ,,george ,,washington1 in behalf of this ,lodge1 on his arriving in this town4#ce ,upon his arrival at ,newbern1 ,n4 ,c41 ,april #bj1 following address was presented to the ,president1#cf which1 together with the reply1 has thus far never been in print or noted3 ,,to ,,the ,,president ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,,of ,,america4 ,the ,address of ,st ,johns ,lodge ,no4 #b of ,newbern4 ,right ,worshipful ,sir1 ,we the ,master1 ,officers1 and ,members of ,st4 ,johns ,lodge ,no #b1 of ,newbern1 beg leave to hail you welcome with three times three4 ,we approach you not with the language of adulation1 but sincere fraternal affection--your works having proved you to be the true and faith- ful brother1 the skilful and expert ,craftsman1 the just and upright man1 ,but the powers of elo- quence are too feeble to express with sufficient energy the cordial warmth with which our bosoms glow toward you4 ,we therefore most ardently wish1 most fervently and devoutly pray1 ,that the ,providence of the most high may strengthen1 establish1 and protect you1 in your walk through this life2 and when you shall be called off from your terrestrial labours by command of our divine grand master1 and your operations sealed with the mark of his approbation1 may your soul be eternally refreshed with the streams of living water which flow at the right hand of ,god1 and when the supreme architect of all worlds shall collect his most precious jewels as ornaments of the celestial ,jerusalem1 may you everlastingly shine among those of the brightest lustre4 ,we are in our own behalf1 and that of the ,members of this ,lodge1 ,right worshipful ,sir2 ,st ,johns ,lodge ,no4 #b4 ,your true and faithful brethren ,april #bjth #egia4 ,,isaac ,,guion ,master4 ,,samuel ,,chapman ,senior ,warden4 ,,william ,,johnston1 ,junior ,warden4 ,,solomon ,,halling1 ,,edw4 ,,pasteur1 ,,jas ,,carney1 ,f4 ,,lowthrop4 ,members of the ,committee4 ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,address ,,from ,,st4 ,,john',s ,,lodge1 ,,no4 #b1 ,,newbern1 ,n4 ,c4 ,,letter ,,book ,,ii1 ,,folio #dg-dh4 ,brothers3 ,isaac ,guion1 ,worshipful ,master1 ,samuel ,chapman1 ,senior ,warden1 ,william ,johnston1 ,junior ,warden1 and ,solomon ,halling1 signers to above petition had all seen service in the ,continental ,army during the ,revolutionary ,war4 ,brother ,guion served as ,surgeon and ,paymaster2 ,brother ,chapman1 ,captain in #hth ,north ,carolina1 serving until the close of the ,war2 ,brother ,johnston1 ,captain in ,north ,carolina ,militia and present at ,kings ,mountain4 ,brother ,hailing was ,surgeon of the #dth ,carolina ,regiment and served until the close of the ,war4 ,,washington',s ,,reply#cg ,,to ,,the ,,brethren ,,of ,,st4 ,,john',s ,,lodge4 ,,to ,,the ,,master1 ,,wardens1 ,,and ,,members ,,of ,,st ,,john',s ,,lodge ,,no4 #b ,,of ,,newbern4 ,gentlemen1 ,i receive the cordial welcome which you are pleased to give me with sincere gratitude4 ,my best ambition having ever aimed at the unbiassed approbation of my fellow-citizens1 it is peculiarly pleasing to find my conduct so affectionately approved by a fraternity whose as- sociation is founded in justice and benevolence4 ,in reciprocating the wishes contained in your address1 be persuaded that ,i offer a sincere prayer for your present and future happiness4 ,go4 ,washington ,at the following ,meeting of ,st4 ,john's ,lodge1 ,no4 #b1 ,april #bi1 #agia1 the ,master laid before the ,lodge the answer of ,brother ,george ,washington ordered that it be read1 which being done1 ,resolved that it be entered on ,minutes of this ,lodge4#ch ,the ,address to ,brother ,washington and his answer are both on the ,minutes of the ,lodge4 ,the original letter may have been lost during the late unpleasantness1 as the ,lodge lost nearly everything it possessed4#ci ,footnotes3 #cd ,in the latter part of the eighteenth century1 ,st4 ,john's ,lodge1 ,no4 #b1 at ,newbern1 was very active1 at which time it built a two-story theatre and ,masonic ,hall1 and took part in a number of local matters4 #ce ,extract from ,minutes by ,brother ,j4 ,f4 ,rhem1 ,m4,d41 ,newbern1 ,n4 ,c4 #cf ,letter ,book #b1 pp4 #dg-dh in ,library of ,congress1 ,washington1 ,d4 ,c42 photostat in ,archives of ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 #cg ,ibid41 p4 #di2 photostat in ,archives of ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 #ch ,extract from ,minutes by ,brother ,j4 ,f4 ,rhem1 ,m4,d41 ,newbern1 ,n4 ,c4 #ci ,brother ,j4 ,f4 ,rhem1 ,newbern1 ,n4 ,c41 in letter to ,brother ,a4 ,b4 ,andrews1 ,jr41 ,december #ad1 #aiad4 ,,vi ,,correspondence ,,with ,,prince ,,george',s ,,lodge1 ,,no4 #af1 ,,georgetown1 ,s4 ,c41 ,,april1 #agia4 ,,washington left ,newbern1 ,north ,carolina1 under an escort of horse1 ,april #bb1 #agia1 and arrived at ,georgetown1 ,south ,carolina1 by way of ,wilmington1 ,n4 ,c41 ,saturday1 ,april #cj1 where he was received with a salute of cannon1 and by a company of infantry1 and during the afternoon was presented with the following address1 by a ,committee of ,prince ,george's ,lodge1 ,no4 #af 7,moderns71 of ,georgetown1 ,south ,carolina4 ,this ,lodge was one of the original six ,lodges1 which had been warranted prior to #agef in ,south ,carolina1 under the ,jurisdiction of the ,provincial ,grand ,lodge1 and through it1 the ,grand ,lodge of ,england4 ,it is the only instance where a ,lodge of the ,moderns addressed ,brother ,,washington3 ,,to ,,our ,,illustrious ,,brother ,,george ,,washington4 ,president of the ,united ,states4 ,at a time when all men are emulous to approach you to express the lively sensations you inspire as the ,father of our country4 ,permit us the ,brethren of ,prince ,george's ,lodge ,no4 #af to have our share in the general happiness in welcoming you to ,georgetown1 and the pleasure of reflecting that we behold in you the liberator of our country4 the distributor of its equal laws1 and a ,brother of our most ancient and most honorable ,order4 ,at the same time indulge us in congratulating you on the truly honorable and happy situation in which you now stand1 as the ,grand ,conductor of the political interests of these ,united ,states4 ,having by your manly efforts caused the beau- teous light of liberty to beam on this western hemi- sphere1 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 history1 you now enjoy the supremest of all earthly happiness that of diffusing peace1 liberty1 and safety to mil- lions of your fellow-citizens4 ,as a true reward for your patriotic1 noble and exalted services we fervently pray the ,grand ,archi- tect of the universe long to bless you with health1 stability1 and power to continue you the ,grand ,pillar of the arch of liberty in this vast empire1 which you have been so eminently distinguished in raising to this pitch of perfection at which we now behold it4 ,may the residue of your life be spent in ease content and happiness1 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 happiness4 ,we conclude our present address with a fervent wish that you will continue as you have hitherto been1 the friend of our ancient and honorable ,order1 and of all worthy ,masons4 ,i4 ,,white ,r4 ,,grant ,committee from ,,ab4 ,,cohen ,prince ,george's ,lodge4 ,,jos4 ,,blyth4 ,j4 ,,carson4 ,george ,town #cjth ,april #agia4 ,of the above signers1 three of the brethren had served in the ,war for ,independence1 viz43 ,brother ,isaac ,white1 ,lieutenant in ,north ,carolina ,militia at ,kings ,mountain2 ,brother ,reuben ,grant1 ,ensign in the #fth ,north ,carolina ,infantry1 and ,brother ,joseph ,blythe1 ,surgeon in #ast ,north ,carolina ,regiment1 taken prisoner at ,charleston1 ,may #abth1 #aghj2 exchanged ,june #ad1 #agha2 in #dth ,north ,carolina in ,february1 #aghb1 and served to close of war4 ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,address ,,from ,,the ,,brethren ,,of ,,prince ,,george',s ,,lodge1 ,,folio ,,no4 #af1 ,,georgetown1 ,,south ,,carolina1 ,,april1 #agia4 ,,letter ,,book ,,ii1 #ei-fj4 ,the following reply unfortunately bears no date4 ,both address and reply were entered in ,washington ,letter ,book1 ,no4 ,,ii1 folio #fj-fa4 ,it is not known what has became of the originals4 ,no notice or copies of either of the above documents have thus far been published4 ,,washington',s ,,reply4 ,,to ,,the ,,brethren ,,of ,,prince ,,george',s ,,lodge1 ,,no4 #af4 ,gentlemen3 ,the cordial welcome which you give me to ,george ,town1 and the congratulations1 you are pleased to offer on my election to the chief magistracy receive my grateful thanks4 ,i am much obliged by your good wishes and reciprocate them with sincerity1 assuring the fraternity of my esteem1 ,i request them to believe that ,i shall always be ambitious of being considered a deserving ,brother4 ,go4 ,washington ,,general ,,mordecai ,,gist4 ,b4 ,,baltimore1 ,,md41 #agdc4 ,d4 ,,charleston1 ,s4 ,c41 #agib4 ,,who1 ,,as ,,grand ,,master ,,of ,,south ,,carolina1 ,,signed ,,the ,,address ,,to ,,brother ,,washington4 ,,vii ,,correspondence ,,with ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,south ,,carolina1 ,,may1 #agia4 ,president ,,washington left ,georgetown at six o'clock in the evening1 ,may #a1 #agia1 reaching ,charleston1 ,south ,carolina1 ,monday1 ,may #b1 in a twelve-oared barge rowed by twelve ,american captains of ships accompanied by a great number of boats with gentlemen and ladies in them1 and two boats with music4#dj ,brother ,,washington remained in ,charleston until ,may #i4 ,wednesday1 ,may #d1 #agia1 ,general ,mordecai ,gist1 an old companion in arms of ,,washington1 and formerly ,master of the ,military ,lodge in the ,maryland line 7,no4 #bg upon the register of ,pennsylvania71#da but now ,grand ,master of the ,grand ,lodge of ,ancient ,york ,masons of ,south ,carolina1 attended by the other present and past grand officers1#db waited on their beloved brother1 the president of the ,united ,states1 and presented the following address3#dc ,sir--,induced by a respect for your public and private character1 as well as the relation in which you stand with the brethren of this society1 we the ,grand ,lodge of the ,state of ,south ,carolina1 ,ancient ,york ,masons1 beg leave to offer our sincere congratulations on your arrival in this state4 ,we felicitate you on the establishment and exercise of a permanent government1 whose foundation was laid under your auspices by military achievements1 upon which have been progressively reared the pillars of the free republic over which you preside1 supported by wisdom1 strength1 and beauty unrivalled among the nations of the world4 ,the fabric thus raised and committed to your superintendence1 we earnestly wish may continue to produce order and harmony to succeeding ages1 and be the asylum of virtue to the oppressed of all parts of the universe4 ,when we contemplate the distresses of war1 the instances of humanity displayed by the ,craft afford some relief to the feeling mind2 and it gives us the most pleasing sensation to recollect1 that amidst the difficulties attendant on your late military stations1 you still associated with1 and patronized the ,ancient ,fraternity4 ,distinguished always by your virtues1 more than the exalted stations in which you have moved1 we exult in the opportunity you now give us of hailing you brother of our ,order1 and trust from your knowledge of our institution1 to merit your countenance and support4 ,with fervent zeal for your happiness1 we pray that a life so dear to the bosom of this society1 and to society in general1 may be long1 very long preserved2 and when you leave the temporal symbolic lodges of this world1 may you be received into the celestial lodge of light and perfection1 where the ,grand ,master ,architect of the ,universe presides4 ,done in behalf of the ,grand ,lodge4 ,m4 ,,gist1 ,g4 ,m4#dd ,charleston1 #b;d ,may1 #agia4 ,to this address ,,washington returned the following reply4#de ,gentlemen3--,i am much obliged by the respect which you are so good as to declare for my public and private character4 ,i recognize with pleasure my relation to the brethren of your ,society1 and ,i accept with gratitude your congratulations on my arrival in ,south ,carolina4 ,your sentiments1 on the establishment and exercise of our equal government1 are worthy of an association1 whose principles lead to purity of morals1 and are beneficial of action4 ,the fabric of our freedom is placed on the enduring basis of public virtue1 and will1 ,i fondly hope1 long continue to protect the prosperity of the architects who raised it4 ,i shall be happy1 on every occasion1 to evince my regard for the ,fraternity4 ,for your prosperity individually1 ,i offer my best wishes4 ,go4 ,washington ,this letter was probably destroyed with other ,grand ,lodge property when ,columbia1 ,south ,carolina1 was burned by ,sherman's ,army during the war between the ,states4#df ,fortunately1 the original draft of ,,washington's reply1 was found among the ,washington papers now in the ,library of ,congress4 ,this is written upon two pages of a letter sheet3 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 ,carolina4 ,a photostat of this draft is in the collection of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 viz43 ,,to ,,the ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,the ,,state ,,of ,,south ,,carolina ,,ancient ,,york ,,masons4 ,gentlemen1 ,i am much obliged by the respect which you are so good as to declare for my public and private character4 ,i recognise with pleasure my relation to the ,brethren of your ,society--and ,i accept with gratitude your congratulations on my arrival in ,south ,carolina4 ,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 association1 whose principles lead to purity of morals1 and beneficence of action--,the fabric of our freedom is placed on the enduring basis of public virtue1 and will long continue to protect the ,posterity of the architects who raised it4 ,i shall be happy on every regard occasion to evince my respect for the ,fraternity1 for whose happiness individually ,i offer my best wishes4 ,go4 ,washington ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,draft ,,of ,,washington',s ,,reply ,,to ,,address ,,from ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,south ,,carolina1 ,,may1 #agia4 ,,handwriting ,,of ,,mayor ,,william ,,jackson4 ,upon the first page the four lines commencing with ,your felicitations and ending with federal government were crossed out1 and as above stated1 were not in the reply sent to ,r4 ,w4 ,grand ,master ,gist and his officers4 ,in the third line from the bottom the word regard is substituted for respect4 ,brother ,gist was the original ,warrant ,master of the ,regimental ,lodge in the ,maryland line1 ,no4 #bg1 on the ,roster of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,after the war1 ,brother ,gist settled in ,charleston1 ,south ,carolina1 retaining his old ,military ,warrant1 and1 in #aghf1 applied to the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 to renew this warrant1 for a ,lodge to be located at ,charleston under the same number4 ,this request was granted1 and ,brother ,gist was again named as ,warrant ,master4 ,at the formation of the ,grand ,lodge of ,south ,carolina ,ancient ,york ,masons in #aghg1 ,brother ,gist was elected ,deputy ,grand ,master and served as such during the years #aghg-hh-hi1 and as ,grand ,master1 #agij-agia4 ,footnotes3 #dj ,washington's ,diary4 #da ,cf4 ,old ,masonic ,lodges in ,pennsylvania1 ,philadelphia1 #aiac1 ,vol4 #b1 p4 #ec et seq4 #db ,brother ,william ,drayton1 ,past ,grand ,master2 ,brother ,mordecai ,gist1 ,grand ,master2 ,brother ,thomas ,b4 ,bowen1 ,deputy ,grand ,master2 ,brother ,george ,miller1 ,senior ,grand ,warden2 ,brother ,john ,mitchell1 ,junior ,grand ,warden2 ,brother ,thomas ,gates1 ,grand ,chaplain2 ,brother ,robert ,knox1 ,grand ,treasurer2 ,brother ,alexandrer ,alexander1 ,grand ,secretary2 ,brother ,israel ,meyers1 ,grand ,tiler4 #dc ,city ,gazette1 ,friday1 ,may #f1 #agia1 p4 #b1 column #d4 #dd ,for full account of ,lodge #bg and ,brother ,gist1 vide ,old ,masonic ,lodges of ,pennsylvania1 before quoted1 ,vol4 ,,ii1 pp4 #ec-fc4 #de ,cf4 ,hayden1 ,washington and his ,masonic ,compeers1 p4 #ace4 #df ,william ,c4 ,mazyck1 ,right ,worshipful ,grand ,secretary1 ,g4 ,l4 of ,south ,carolina4 ,,viii ,,correspondence ,,with ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,georgia1 ,,may1 #agia4 ,on the way from ,charleston1 ,south ,carolina1 to ,savannah1 ,georgia1 ,,washington called on ,mrs4 ,greene1 the widow of late ,brother ,general ,nathaniel ,greene1 at her plantation called ,mulberry ,grove1 reaching ,savannah1 ,georgia1 on the evening of ,thursday1 ,may #ab1 #agia4 ,saturday1 ,may #ad1 ,,washington was waited on by ,brethren of the ,grand ,lodge of ,georgia and presented with the following address3#dg ,,to ,,the ,,president ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states4 ,sir1 and ,brother1 ,the ,grand ,master1 ,officers and ,members of the ,grand ,lodge of ,georgia1 beg leave to congratulate you on your arrival in this city4 ,whilst your ex- alted character claims the respect and deference of all men1 they from the benevolence of masonic prin- ciples approach you with the familiar declaration of fraternal affection4 ,happy indeed that ,society1 renowned for its antiquity1 and pervading influence over the en- lightened world1 which having ranked a ,frederick at its head1 can now boast of a ,washington as a ,brother4 ,a ,brother who it justly hailed the ,re- deemer of his country1 raised it to glory1 and by his conduct in public and private life has evinced to ,monarchs that true majesty consists not in splendid royalty1 but in intrinsic worth4 ,with these sentiments they rejoice at your pres- ence in this ,state1 and in common with their fellow- citizens1 greet you1 thrice welcome1 flattering them- selves that your stay will be made agreeable4 ,may the great ,architect of the ,universe pre- serve you whilst engaged in the work allotted you on earth1 and long continue you the brightest pil- lar of our ,temple1 and when the supreme fiat shall summon you hence1 they pray the might ,i ,,am may take you into his holy keeping1 ,grand ,lodge in ,savannah ,may #adth #egia4 ,,geo3 ,,houston1 ,grand ,master4 ,,bro4 ,,washington',s ,,reply ,,to ,,address ,,from ,,the ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,georgia1 ,,may1 #agia4 ,,letter ,,book ,,ii1 ,,folio #gh4 ,upon the next day1 ,sunday1 ,may #ae1 after attending the morning church service1 ,,washington left ,savannah and set out for ,augusta1 ,georgia1 halting for dinner at ,mulberry ,grove1 the seat of ,mrs4 ,nathaniel ,greene4 ,the following reply to the ,masonic address was sent to the ,grand ,lodge of ,georgia1#dh both address and reply now first published3 ,,to ,,the ,,grand ,,master1 ,,officers ,,and ,,members ,,of ,,the ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,georgia4 ,gentlemen1 ,i am much obliged by your congratulations on my arrival in this city1 and ,i am highly indebted to your favorable opinions4 ,every circumstance contributes to render my stay in ,savannah agreeable1 and it is cause of regret to me that it must be so short4 ,my best wishes are offered for the welfare of the fraternity1 and for your particular happiness4 ,go4 ,washington ,,president ,,washington',s ,,residence ,,in ,,philadelphia1 ,a4 ,d4 #agij ,a4 ,d4 #agig4 ,,where ,,the ,,masonic ,,addresses ,,of ,,the ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,pennsylvania ,,were ,,delivered4 ,,from ,a ,,contemporary ,,water ,,color ,,painting ,,belonging ,,to ,,the ,,library ,,company ,,of ,,philadelphia4 ,,the ,,figures ,,are ,,those ,,of ,,washington ,,and ,,robert ,,morris4 ,footnotes3 #dg ,washington ,letter ,book1 ,,ii1 folio #gg4 ,photostat in ,archives of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 #dh ,address and ,reply1 ,letter ,book ,,ii1 folio #gg-gh4 ,,ix ,,correspondence ,,with ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,pennsylvania1 ,,january #c1 #agib4 ,during the ,presidential term of ,brother ,,washington1 the ,president1 when in ,philadelphia1 lived in a large double three-story brick mansion1 on the south side of ,market ,street1 sixty feet east of ,sixth ,street1 the site of which is now occupied by three stores1 viz43 ,nos4 #ebf1 #ebh1 #ecj4 ,the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania then held its meetings in the upper floor of the ,meeting house of the ,free ,quakers1 still standing1 at the southwest corner of ,arch and ,fifth ,streets2 this was but a short distance from the presidential mansion4 ,brother ,,washington was undoubtedly personally acquainted with many of its members1 especially such as had been officers during the ,revolution1 and were fellow members of the ,cincinnati4 ,on ,st4 ,john's ,day1 ,december #bg1 #agia1 a ,grand ,lodge was opened in ample form1#di and the ,minutes of the last ,grand ,communication were read1 as far as concerns the election of ,grand ,officers4 ,the ,grand ,officers upon this occasion were3 ,brother ,jonathan ,bayard ,smith1 ,r4 ,w4 ,grand ,master4 ,brother ,joseph ,few1 ,deputy ,grand ,master4 ,brother ,thomas ,procter1 ,senior ,grand ,warden4 ,brother ,gavin ,hamilton1 ,junior ,grand ,warden4 ,brother ,peter ,le ,barbier ,duplessis1 ,grand ,secretary4 ,brother ,benjamin ,mason1 ,grand ,treasurer4 ,the ,rev4 ,brother ,dr4 ,william ,smith then addressed the ,brethren in an oration suitable to the ,grand ,day1 and the thanks of the ,lodge were given to said ,brother ,william ,smith for the same4 ,after which1 on motion and seconded1 the ,rev4 ,brother ,dr4 ,smith and the ,right ,worshipful ,grand ,officers were appointed a ,committee to prepare an address to our ,illustrious ,brother ,,george ,,washington1 ,president of the ,united ,states2 and this ,lodge was adjourned to the second day of ,january next to receive the report of said ,committee4 ,,philadelphia1 ,january #b;d1 #agib4 ,grand ,lodge1 ,by ,adjournment1#ej ,a ,grand ,lodge was opened in ample form1 and the ,minutes of ,st4 ,john's ,day being read as far as relates to the appointment of a ,committee to prepare an ,address to our illustrious ,brother ,george ,washington1 ,the ,revd4 ,bro4 ,dr4 ,wm4 ,smith1 one of the said ,committee1 presented the ,draft of one which was read1 ,whereupon1 on ,motion and ,seconded1 the same was unanimously approved of1 and ,resolved1 ,that the ,rt4 ,wt4 ,grand ,master1 ,depy4 ,g4 ,master1 and ,grand ,officers1 with the ,revd ,bro4 ,smith1 be a ,committee to present the said ,address in behalf of this ,rt4 ,wt4 ,grand ,lodge1 signed by the ,right ,worshipful ,grand ,master1 and ,countersigned by the ,grand ,secretary4 ,lodge closed at half past #i o'clock in ,harmony4 ,following is the address presented to ,brother ,,washington4 ,both the original draft in the handwriting of ,brother ,william ,smith1 showing minor alterations1 as well as a fair copy1 are in the archives of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4#ea ,,to ,,his ,,excellency ,,george ,,washington1 ,,president ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states4 ,sir and ,brother3 ,the ,ancient ,york ,masons of the ,jurisdiction of ,pennsylvania1 for the first time assembled in ,general ,communication to celebrate the ,feast of ,st4 ,john the ,evangelist1 since your ,election to the ,chair of ,government in the ,united ,states1 beg leave to approach you with ,congratulations from the ,east1 and in the pride of ,fraternal affection to hail you as the ,great ,master ,builder 7under the ,supreme ,architect7 by whose labours the ,temple of ,liberty hath been reared in the ,west1 exhibiting to the ,nations of the ,earth a ,model of ,beauty1 ,order and ,harmony worthy of their ,imitation and ,praise4 ,your ,knowledge of the ,origin and ,objects of our ,institution2 its ,tendency to promote the ,social ,affections and harmonize the ,heart1 give us a sure pledge that this tribute of our ,veneration1 this ,effusion of our ,love will not be ungrateful to you2 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 ,lodge2 and that you may be late removed to that ,celestial ,lodge where love and ,harmony reign transcendent and ,divine2 where the great ,architect more immediately presides1 and where ,cherubim and ,seraphim1 wafting our ,congratulations from ,earth to ,heaven1 shall hail you ,brother4 7,seal7 ,by order and in behalf of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania in general ,com- munication assembled in ample form4 ,j ,b ,smith 7,signed7 ,g4,m4 ,illegible ,signature ,attest3 ,gd4 ,secry4 ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,the ,,original ,,address ,,read ,,before ,,president ,,washington ,,by ,,rev4 ,,bro4 ,,william ,,smith1 ,d4,d41 ,,january #c1 #agib4 ,,original ,,in ,,archives ,,of ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,pennsylvania4 ,,mss4--,,volume ,a4--,,folio4--#ba4 ,on ,january #c1 #agib1 ,jonathan ,bayard ,smith1 the ,right ,worshipful ,grand ,master1 together with the ,grand ,officers and ,rev4 ,brother ,william ,smith called on the ,president and delivered the above address4 ,the deputation was received in the dining room of the presidential mansion4 ,this was a room about thirty feet long1 and where ,,washington was accustomed to receive delegations4 ,at the ,quarterly ,communication held ,march #e1 #agib1 the ,right ,worshipful ,grand ,master ,jonathan ,b4 ,smith informed the ,brethren that1 in conformity to the resolve of this ,grand ,lodge1 he had1 in company with the ,grand ,officers and the ,rev4 ,brother ,dr4 ,smith1 presented the address to our illustrious ,brother ,,george ,,washington and had received an answer1 which was read4 ,,to ,,the ,,ancient ,,york ,,masons ,,of ,,the ,,jurisdiction ,,of ,,pennsylvania4 ,gentlemen and ,brothers1 ,i receive your kind ,congratulations with the purest sensations of fraternal affection3--and from a heart deeply impressed with your generous wishes for my present and future happiness1 ,i beg you to accept my thanks4 ,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 ,mansion1 and that we may thereafter meet as brethren in the ,eternal ,temple of the ,supreme ,architect4 ,go4 ,washington ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,washington',s ,,reply ,,to ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,pennsylvania1 ,,january1 #agib4 ,,original ,,in ,,archives ,,of ,,the ,,grand ,,lodge4 ,,washington',s ,,masonic ,,apron4 ,,embroidered ,,by ,,madam ,,lafayette2 ,,presented ,,august1 #aghd1 ,,by ,,bro4 ,,gen4 ,,lafayette ,,to ,,bro4 ,,gen4 ,,washington2 ,,presented ,,october #bf1 #ahaf1 ,,by ,,the ,,legatees ,,of ,,bro4 ,,washington ,,to ,,the ,,washington ,,benevolent ,,society ,,of ,,pennsylvania2 ,,presented ,,july #c1 #ahbi1 ,,by ,,the ,,washington ,,benevolent ,,society ,,to ,,the ,r4 ,w4 ,,grand ,,lodge1 ,f4 4 ,a4 ,m4 ,,of ,,pennsylvania4 ,,original ,,apron ,,in ,,museum ,,of ,,the ,,grand ,,lodge4 ,whereupon1 on motion and seconded1 ,resolved1 unanimously1 that the said address and the answer thereto1 shall be entered on the minutes4 ,this answer1 in possession of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 is in the handwriting of ,tobias ,lear1 who was the private secretary of the ,president1 and for years attended to the details of ,,washington's domestic affairs1 and was liberally remembered by him in his will4 ,the letter was signed by ,,washington1 who had both the address and answer copied verbatim in one of his letter books#eb by ,bartholomew ,dandridge1 secretary to the ,president4 ,a photostat copy of above1 together with the original answer by ,,washington is in the ,archives of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,this address was read by ,rev4 ,brother ,william ,smith1 one of the most noted ,episcopal preachers in ,philadelphia1 and the first ,provost of the ,college of ,philadelphia1 now the ,university of ,pennsylvania4 ,brother ,william ,smith1 ,d4,d41 had been an active member of the ,masonic ,fraternity in ,pennsylvania for forty years2 he was the ,chaplain of the ,grand ,lodge of ,moderns for almost a quarter of a century4 ,in winter of #aggh he joined the ,grand ,lodge of ,ancient ,york ,masons1 and for some time served as ,grand ,secretary4#ec ,jonathan ,bayard ,smith1 the ,grand ,master of ,pennsylvania1 was one of ,philadelphia's prominent citizens4 ,during the ,revolutionary period he was an ardent patriot2 he was among the earliest of those who espoused the cause of independence4 ,in #agge he was chosen secretary of the ,committee of ,safety1 and in ,february1 #aggg1 he was elected by the assembly a delegate to the ,continental ,congress4 ,he was a second time chosen to this post1 serving in the congresses of #aggg-h4 ,from ,april #d1 #aggg1 till ,nov4 #ac1 #aggh1 he was prothonotary of the court of ,common ,pleas4 ,on ,december #a1 #aggg1 he presided at the public meeting1 in ,philadelphia1 of ,real ,whigs1 by whom it was resolved ,that it be recommended to the council of safety that in this great emergency 444 every person between the age of sixteen and fifty years be ordered out under arms4 ,during this year he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of a battalion of ,associators4 ,j ,b ,,smith ,b4 ,,feb4 #ba1 #agdb2 ,d4 ,,june #af1 #ahab4 ,,grand ,,master ,,of ,,masons ,,in ,,pennsylvania1 #aghi-agid4 ,in #aggh he was appointed a justice of the court of ,common ,pleas1 ,quarter ,sessions1 and ,orphans' ,court1 which post he held for many years4 ,he was appointed in #agha1 one of the auditors of the accounts of ,pennsylvania troops in the service of the ,united ,states4 ,in #agib1 and subsequently1 he was chosen an alderman of the city1 which was an office of great dignity in his day1 and in #agid he was elected auditor-general of ,pennsylvania4 ,brother ,jonathan ,b4 ,smith was an active member of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,he was the ,senior ,grand ,warden in #aghf1 at the time when the ,provincial ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania3 ,resolved1 that the ,grand ,lodge is1 and ought to be perfectly independent and free of any such foreign jurisdiction4#ed ,in the two following years he was appointed ,deputy ,grand ,master by ,right ,worshipful ,grand ,master ,william ,adcock2 he was elected ,right ,worshipful ,grand ,master in #aghi and served in that capacity for six years 7#aghi-agid74 ,in the year #agih he was again elected to that honorable office1 serving five more consecutive years 7#agih to #ahjb71 when he declined relection4 ,the following action was taken by the ,grand ,lodge3#ee ,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 ,r4 ,w4 ,grand ,master1 ,bror ,jonathan ,bayard ,smith1 ,esqr1 previous to and during his service in the high ,station which he has left1 ,resolved ,unanimously1 ,that the most respectful ,thanks of the said ,g4 ,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 able1 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 filled1 they hope for a continuance of his ,brotherly ,love1 ,aid and information and finally that he be requested to receive the best wishes of the ,grand ,lodge for a prolongation of his useful life1 a commensurate enjoyment of his ,health and his final ,happiness in the ,mansion of ,everlasting ,rest4 ,brother ,joseph ,few1 ,deputy ,grand ,master1 was also a ,revolutionary ,soldier1 having served as ,regimental ,quarter ,master with the #dth ,continental ,artillery4 ,brother ,thomas ,procter1 ,senior ,grand ,warden1 formerly ,colonel of the ,pennsylvania ,artillery1 and ,warrant ,master of the ,military ,lodge1 ,no4 #ai1 upon the ,roster of ,pennsylvania was prominent in both civil and political affairs during ,,washington's administration4 ,a full account of ,brother ,thomas ,procter and this ,military ,lodge will be found in the ,history of the ,old ,masonic ,lodges of ,pennsylvania1 published by the ,grand ,lodge in #aiac4ef ,for a sketch of ,brother ,peter ,le ,barbier ,duplessis1 the reader is referred to the same volume4#eg ,,washington',s ,,past ,,master',s ,,jewel4 ,replica in the ,museum of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,footnotes3 #di ,reprint of ,minutes of ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 ,vol4 ,i1 p4 #agh4 #ej ,ibid41 p4 #ahj4 #ea ,,mss4 ,volume ,a1 folio #ag1 #ai1 #ba4 #eb ,letter ,book ,,ii1 pp4 #ajd-aje4 #ec ,cf4 ,old ,masonic ,lodges of ,pennsylvania1 ,vol4 ,i1 p4 #bja4 #ed ,cf4 ,reprint of ,minutes of ,grand ,lodge1 ,vol4 ,i1 p4 #if et seq4 #ee ,ibid41 ,vol4 ,,ii1 p4 #fh4 #ef ,volume ,,ii1 ,chapter ,,xxvi1 pp4 #a-cf4 ,cf4 also ,freemasonry in ,pennsylvania1 ,vol4 ,i and ,,ii1 for various references to ,col4 ,procter4 #eg ,cf4 ,old ,lodges1 ,vol4 ,,ii1 pp4 #bef et seq4 ,x ,,correspondence ,,with ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,massachusetts1 ,,december1 #agib4 ,at ,grand ,lodge held at ,concert ,hall1 ,boston1 #ajth of ,december1 #egib1 being a ,quarterly ,communication it was ,resolved1 ,that the ,grand ,master1 with the ,grand ,wardens1 present to our ,most ,beloved ,brother ,,george ,,washington1 the new ,book of ,constitutions1 with a suitable address4 ,at the next ,quarterly ,communication we find that1 ,agreeably to a resolve at the last ,quarterly ,communication1 the ,grand ,master1 with his ,wardens1 reported3 ,that they had written to our beloved ,president and ,brother1 ,george ,washington1 and presented him with a ,book of ,constitutions1 to which letter he had been pleased to make answer4 ,the letter and answer were read1 and ,voted to be inserted in the records of the ,grand ,lodge4 ,this address was evidently sent to ,president ,,washington at ,philadelphia1 and was answered from the presidential office in that city4 ,no date nor place appears upon either the original so far as known1 nor the copy in the letter book1 both address and reply therein being in the handwriting of ,bartholomew ,dandridge1 ,secretary to the ,president4 ,the following copy of both address and reply are taken from ,letter ,book ,,ii1 folio #ajf-ajh4 ,an ,address of the ,grand ,lodge of ,free ,accepted ,masons for the ,commonwealth of ,massachusetts1 ,to their honored and ,illustrious ,brother4 ,,george ,,washington4 ,whilst the ,historian is describing the career of your glory1 and the inhabitants of an extensive ,empire are made happy in your unexampled exertions3--whilst some celebrate the ,hero so distinguished in li- berating ,united ,america2 and others the ,patriot who presides over her ,councils1 a ,band of bro- thers1 having always joined the acclamations of their countrymen1 now testify their res- pect for those milder virtues which have ever graced the man4 ,taught by the precepts of our ,society2 that all its members stand upon a level1 we venture to assume this station to approach you with that freedom which diminishes our diffidence without lessening our respect4 ,desirous to enlarge the boundaries of social happiness1 and to vindicate the cere- monies of their institution1 this ,grand ,lodge have published a ,book of ,constitutions1 7and a copy for your acceptance accompanies this7 which by discovering the principles that actuate will speak the ,eulogy of the ,society2 though they fervently wish the conduct of its2 ,members may prove its higher commendation4 ,convinced of his attachment to its cause1 and readiness to encourage its bene- volent designs2 they have taken the liberty to dedicate this work to one1 the qualities of whose heart and the actions of whose life have contributed to improve personal virtue1 and extend throughout the world1 the most endear- ing cordialities2 and they humbly hope he will pardon this freedom1 and accept the tribute of their esteem homage4 ,may the supreme architect of the uni- verse protect bless you1 give you length of days increase of ,felicity in this world1 and then receive you to the harmonious exalted ,so- ciety in ,heaven4-- ,,john ,,cutler1 ,grand ,master ,,josiah ,,bartlett ,,mungo ,,machey ,grd ,wardens4 ,boston ,decem4 #bg1 ,a4,d4 #agib4 ,the following reply was sent by ,president ,,washington from ,philadelphia to the ,brethren of the ,grand ,lodge of ,massachusetts4 ,it will be noticed that there was no date or place mentioned upon the copy in the ,letter ,book1 nor on the original letter1 which at present is believed to be in the ,library of the ,grand ,lodge of ,massachusetts4 ,,washington',s ,,reply ,,to ,,the ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,free ,,accepted ,,ma- ,,sons1 ,,for ,,the ,,commonwealth ,,of ,,massachu- ,,setts4 ,flattering as it may be to the human mind1 truly honorable as it is to receive from our fellow citizens testimonies of appro- bation for exertions to promote the public wel- fare1 it is not less pleasing to know1 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 justice4-- ,to enlarge the sphere of social happi- ness is worthy the benevolent design of a ma- sonic institution2 and it is most fervently to be wished1 that the conduct of every member of the fraternity1 as well as those publications that discover the principles which actuate them2 may tend to convince mankind that the grand object of ,masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race4 ,while ,i beg your acceptance of my thanks for the ,book of ,constitutions which you have sent me1 the honor you have done me in the dedication1 permit me to assure you that ,i feel all those emotions of gratitude which your affectionate address cordial wishes are calculated to inspire2 and ,i sincerely pray that the ,great ,architect of the ,universe may bless you here1 and receive you hereafter into his immortal ,temple4 ,go4 ,washington ,no fac-simile copy of the original letter was obtainable for the ,collection of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,,washington',s ,,reply ,,to ,,the ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,massachusetts4 ,,letter ,,book ,,ii1 ,,folio #ajh4 ,,xi ,,correspondence ,,with ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,pennsylvania1 ,,december1 #agif4 ,september #ah1 #agif1 ,president ,,washington issued his farewell address4 ,his second term was drawing to a close2 the term had been a more or less exciting one3 ,the passing of the ,neutrality ,act2 ,genet's appeal from the executive to the people2 the ,fugitive ,slave ,act2 the whiskey insurrection in western ,pennsylvania2 the adoption of the ,eleventh amendment2 the purchase of peace from ,algiers1 ,tripoli and ,tunis2 the troubles with ,great ,britain about the non-delivery of the military posts and later the ,jay ,treaty1 all came within ,president ,,washington's second and last term4#eh ,during these troublous times ,,washington had no stauncher supporters than his ,masonic ,brethren of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,further1 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 ,st4 ,paul's ,episcopal ,church1 on ,third ,street below ,walnut1 on ,st4 ,john's ,day1 ,december #bg1 #agic1 where a charity sermon was preached by ,rev4 ,brother ,samuel ,magaw1 ,d4,d41 ,vice-,provost of the ,university of ,pennsylvania1 before the ,grand and ,subordinate ,lodges for the purpose of increasing the relief fund1 for the widows and orphans of the yellow fever epidemic which ravaged the capital city during the past summer4#ei ,when the ,brethren found that ,,washington positively declined relection in #agif1 and that ,john ,adams was elected to succeed him on the fourth of ,march following1 the ,brethren of the ,grand ,lodge at their ,quarterly ,communication1 ,december #e1 #agif1 determined that it would be right and proper to present him with an address before his retirement from office1 whereupon1 it was resolved3 ,on ,motion and seconded1 that a ,committee be appointed to frame an ,address to be presented on the ensuing ,feast of ,st ,john1 ,decemr #bgth1 to the ,great ,master ,workman1 our ,illustrious ,br4 ,washington1 on the occasion of his intended retirement from ,public ,labor1 to be also laid before the said ,grand ,lodge on ,st ,john's ,day1 and the ,rt ,w4 ,grand ,master1 ,deputy ,g4 ,m4 ,brs ,sadler1 ,milnor and ,williams1 were accordingly appointed4 ,at a ,grand ,lodge held on ,st4 ,john's ,day1 ,philadelphia1 ,december #bg1 #egif1 ,the ,committee appointed to prepare an ,address to our ,brother ,george ,washington1 ,president of the ,united ,states1 presented an ,address by them drawn up1 which was ordered to be read1 and was in the words following1 to wit3 ,to ,,george ,,washington ,,president ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states4 ,the ,address of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsyl- vania4 ,most ,respected ,sir and ,brother1 ,having announced your intention to retire from ,public ,labour to that ,refreshment to which your preminent ,services for near ,half a ,century have so justly entitled you4 ,permit the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania at this last ,feast of our ,evangelic ,master ,st4 ,john1 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 ,life1 by your constant ,labours for the ,prosperity of that ,country1 by your unremitting ,endeavours to promote ,order1 ,union and ,brotherly ,affection amongst us1 and lastly by the ,vows of your ,farewell ,address to your ,brethren and ,fellow ,citizens4 ,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 ,father4 ,to these our grateful ,acknowledgments 7leav- ing to the impartial ,pen of ,history to record the important ,events in which you have borne so illus- trious a part7 permit us to add our most fervent prayers1 that after enjoying to the utmost of ,human ,life1 every ,felicity which the ,terrestial ,lodge can afford1 you may be received by the great ,master ,builder of this ,world and of ,worlds unnumbered1 into the ,ample ,felicity of that ,celes- tial ,lodge in which alone distinguished ,virtues and distinguished ,labours can be eternally rewarded4 ,by unanimous order of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania at their communication held the #bgth ,day of ,december ,anno ,domini #egif4 ,wm ,moore ,smith ,,rev4 ,,bro4 ,,william ,,smith1 ,d4 ,d4 ,b4 ,,aberdeen1 ,,scotland1 #agbg4 ,d4 ,,philadelphia1 ,,may #ad1 #ahjc4 ,,grand ,,chaplain ,,moderns1 #agee4 ,,grand ,,secretary ,,ancients1 #aggi-aghd4 ,,who ,,presented ,,the ,,pennsylvania ,,addresses ,,to ,,bro4 ,,washington1 #agib-agif4 ,it was then moved and seconded that the same be adopted4 ,upon the question being taken it appeared that it was approved of4 ,on motion and seconded1 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 him1 and to know what time he shall be pleased to appoint to receive it4 ,the committee appointed to perform this duty were ,brothers ,william ,smith1 ,peter ,le ,barbier ,duplessis and ,thomas ,procter1 who1 after having waited on him1 reported that he had appointed to-morrow1 ,december #bh1 #agif1 at twelve o'clock to receive it4 ,said committee1 to wit1 ,brothers ,w4 ,smith1 ,duplessis and ,procter1 together with ,right ,worshipful ,grand ,master1 ,deputy ,grand ,master1 and ,junior ,wardens1 ,grand ,secretary and the ,masters of the different ,lodges in the ,city1 were then appointed a ,deputation to present the said ,address4 ,this deputation consisted of ,right ,worshipful ,grand ,master ,william ,moore ,smith1 ,gavin ,hamilton1 ,deputy ,grand ,master1 ,thomas ,town1 ,senior ,grand ,warden1 ,thomas ,armstrong1 ,esqr41 ,junior ,grand ,warden1 ,george ,a4 ,baker1 ,grand ,secretary1 ,john ,mc,elwee1 ,grand ,treasurer1 and the following ,masters of the ,philadelphia ,lodges1 viz43 ,david ,irwin1 ,no4 #b1 ,israel ,israel1 ,no4 #c1 ,andrew ,nilson ,no4 #i1 ,eleaser ,oswald1 ,no4 #ai1 ,cadawalder ,griffith1 ,no4 #eb1 ,richard ,e4 ,cusack1 ,no4 #ei1 ,thomas ,bradley1 ,no4 #fg1 ,william ,nelson1 ,no4 #ga2 together with the appointed ,committee1 ,brothers ,william ,smith ,d4,d41 ,le ,barbier ,duplessis and ,thomas ,procter4 ,president ,,washington received the august deputation of the ,brethren at the appointed time2 the address was read before him by the ,rev4 ,brother ,william ,smith1 ,d4,d41 whereupon he returned them a reply4 ,this document1 still in the ,library of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 is entirely in the handwriting of ,,washington and signed by him1 viz43 ,,fellow-,,citizens ,,and ,,brothers1 ,,of ,,the ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,pennsylvania4 ,i have received your address with all the feelings of brotherly affection1 mingled with those sentiments1 for the ,society1 which it was calculated to excite4 ,to have been1 in any degree1 an instrument in the hands of ,providence1 to promote order and union1 and erect upon a solid foundation the true principles of government1 is only to have shared with many others in a labour1 the result of which let us hope1 will prove through all ages1 a sanctuary for brothers and a lodge for the virtues1-- ,permit me to reciprocate your prayers for my temporal happiness1 and to supplicate that we may all meet thereafter in that eternal temple1 whose builder is the great architect of the ,universe4 ,go4 ,washington ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,washington',s ,,reply ,,to ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,pennsylvania1 ,,december1 #agif4 ,,original ,,in ,,archives ,,of ,,the ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,pennsylvania4 ,brother ,william ,moore ,smith1 ,right ,worshipful ,grand ,master of ,pennsylvania1 whose first official act as ,grand ,master was to head the committee to call on the ,president1 was a son of the ,rev4 ,william ,smith1 ,d4,d41 born in ,philadelphia1 ,june #a1 #agei4 ,he was a lawyer by profession and served as ,deputy ,grand ,master for the year #agie under the ,venerable ,william ,ball1 and as ,right ,worshipful ,grand ,master for the years #agif-agig4 ,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 ,treaty1 and visited ,england in #ahjc to close the commission4 ,he died at the ,smith ,homestead at ,falls of ,schuylkill1 ,march #ab1 #ahba4 ,both the address and reply were copied in ,,washington's ,letter ,book ,,iii1 pp4 #bdd-bde1 in the handwriting of one of his secretaries1 ,g4 ,w4 ,craik1 a son of ,dr4 ,james ,craik1 ,,washington's compatriot in arms1 and old and intimate friend1 who attended him during his last illness4 ,photostat copies of above are in the ,library of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 also the original draft of the address1 presented to the ,president 7,mss4 ,volume ,a1 folio #bc74 ,this autograph ,masonic letter from ,,washington to the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania has been reproduced in fac-simile1 published and circulated 7in most cases without the knowledge or consent of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania7 more widely than any other known letter of ,,washington4 ,some of these copies are treasured by their owners under the impression that they have the original letter4 ,several cases of this kind have of late come under the notice of the writer4 ,in one case where one of these reproductions was offered for sale1 hundreds of dollars were asked for the reproduction1 and it was with great difficulty that the owner could be convinced of its character4 ,another use made of this letter by unprincipled persons was to make a photo-lithographic copy of the letter1 and substitute the name of another state for that of ,pennsylvania1 and then palm it off upon the authorities of that state as an original letter to their ,grand ,lodge4 ,the latest case of this kind known to the writer is that of the ,grand ,lodge of ,georgia1 who were thus imposed upon4 ,then again the letter has been extensively used for advertising purposes by publishing houses of ,masonic literature4 ,the letter has also been printed in most all books bearing upon ,masonic history during the revolutionary period4 ,it was also frequently quoted and criticised during the ,anti-,masonic craze which swept over the country some eighty-odd years ago1 it being the chief ,masonic letter of the five known to the leaders of those misguided persons4 ,the main point of their argument was that it bore no date and therefore was not authentic4 ,,mount ,,vernon ,,during ,,washington',s ,,occupancy1 #aghh-agii4 ,footnotes3 #eh ,cf4 ,the ,religious and ,social ,conditions of ,philadelphia1 under the ,federal ,constitution1 #agij-ahjj4 ,julius ,f4 ,sachse1 ,philadelphia1 #aijj4 #ei ,cf4 ,freemasonry in ,pennsylvania1 before quoted1 ,vol4 ,,ii1 pp4 #aij-aig2 original copy in archives of ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,,xii ,,correspondence ,,with ,,alexandria ,,lodge1 ,,no4 #bb1 ,,virginia4 ,upon pages #bdd and #bde of ,,washington's folio ,letter ,book ,no4 ,,iii in the ,library of ,congress are recorded a letter and address to ,,washington from the ,master of ,alexandria ,lodge1 ,no4 #bb1 of ,virginia1 together with ,,washington's reply4 ,,washington and his family had left ,philadelphia1 ,thursday1 ,march #i1 #agig1 for ,mount ,vernon1 and arrived at ,baltimore1 ,sunday1 ,march #ab1 and at ,mount ,vernon1 ,march #ae1 where he again settled down to the life of a private gentleman1 free from the cares and concerns of public life4 ,march #bh1 #agig1 he was waited on at ,mount ,vernon by ,brothers ,dennis ,ramsay and ,phillip ,g4 ,marsteller1 and presented with the following letter and address from ,james ,gillies1 the ,master of ,alexandria ,lodge1 ,no4 #bb1 of ,virginia1 viz43 ,,alexa ,march #bhth1 #egig4 ,most respected ,brother1 ,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 ,no4 #bb4 ,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 attend4-- ,i am most beloved ,brother1 ,your ,mo4 ,obt ,hble ,servt ,,james ,,gillies1 ,m4 ,genl ,geo ,washington4 ,the letter was an invitation to dine with the ,lodge4 ,this ,,washington accepted4 ,most respected ,brother1 ,the ancient ,york ,masons of ,lodge ,no4 #bb offer you their warmest congratulations on your retire- ment from your useful labors4 ,under the su- preme architect of the ,universe you have been the ,master ,workman in erecting the ,temple of ,lib- erty in the west1 on the broad basis of equal rights4 ,in your wise administration of the government of the ,united ,states for the space of eight years1 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 ,citizens1 and now that you have retired from the labours of public life to the refreshment of domestic tranquility1 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 ,love1 ,peace and ,harmony for ever reign and where cherubims and seraphims shall hail you ,brother4-- ,by the unanimous desire of ,lodge ,no4 #bb ,,james ,,gillies1 ,master4 ,gen ,geo ,washington4 ,,washington attended the meeting of his ,lodge at ,alexandria1 on ,saturday1 ,april #a1 #agig1 when his reply to ,brother ,gillies' address was read in open ,lodge1 viz43 ,,brothers ,,of ,,the ,,ancient ,,york ,,masons ,,of ,,lodge ,,no4 #bb4 ,while my heart acknowledges with ,brotherly ,love1 your affectionate congratulations on my re- tirement from the arduous toils of past years1 my gratitude is no less excited by your kind wishes for my future happiness4-- ,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 men1 my exertions have been abundantly recompensed by the kind partiality with which they have been received2 and the assurance you give me of your belief that ,i have acted upon the square in my public capacity1 will be among my principles en- joyments in this ,terrestial ,lodge4 ,go4 ,washington ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,letter ,,from ,w4 ,m4 ,,of ,,alexandria ,,lodge ,,to ,,bro4 ,,washington1 ,,march1 #agig4 ,,letter ,,book ,,ii1 ,,folio #bid4 ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,address ,,from ,,alexandria ,,lodge1 ,,no4 #bb1 ,,to ,,washington1 ,,march1 #agig4 ,,letter ,,book ,,ii1 ,,folio #bid-bie4 ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,washington',s ,,reply ,,to ,,alexandria ,,lodge1 ,,no4 #bb1 ,,virginia1 ,,march1 #agig4 ,after which the ,brethren went in procession from their room to ,abert's ,tavern1#fj where they partook of an elegant dinner1 following which a number of toasts were offered4 ,the tenth toast was by ,brother ,,washington1 ,the ,lodge at ,alexandria1 and all ,masons throughout the ,world1 after which he returned to ,mount ,vernon under an escort of mounted troops of the town4#fa ,the copies of the letter1 address and reply in ,,washington's ,letter ,book are in the handwriting of his secretary1 ,tobias ,lear4 ,photostats of all are in the collection of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,no direct photograph of the original in possession of ,alexandria-,washington ,lodge1 ,no4 #bb1 was obtainable4 ,footnotes3 #fj ,abert's ,tavern1 formerly ,john ,wise's4 ,vide p4 #ce supra4 #fa ,cf4 ,washington after the ,revolution1 ,w4 ,s4 ,baker1 p4 #cdg4 ,,xiii ,,correspondence ,,with ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,massachusetts1 ,,march1 #agig4 ,at a ,grand ,lodge in ,quarterly ,communication1 held at ,concert ,hall1 ,boston1 on the evening of ,march #ah1 ,a4,l4 #egig4 ,on motion it was ,voted1 ,that a committee be appointed to draft an ,address1 to be presented to our ,illustrious ,brother1 ,george ,washington1 ,esq'r1 when the ,m4,w4 ,paul ,revere1 ,grand ,master1 ,r4,w4 ,john ,warren1 ,rev4 ,bro4 ,thaddeus ,m4 ,harris1 ,r4,w4 ,josiah ,bartlett1 ,bro4 ,thomas ,edwards1 were appointed a committee for that purpose4 ,in response to above resolution the following address was sent to ,brother ,,washington at ,mount ,vernon dated ,boston1 ,march #ba1 #egig1 viz43 ,the ,east1 the ,west and the ,south1 of the ,grand ,lodge of ,free and ,accepted ,masons of the ,commonwealth of ,massachusetts4 ,to ,their ,most ,worthy ,george ,washington4 ,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 country2 and not the last nor least1 to regret the cessation of them1 in the public councils of the ,union2 your ,brethren of the ,grand ,lodge embrace the earliest opportunity of greeting you in the calm retirement you have contemplated to yourself4 ,though as citizens they lose you in the active labors of political life1 they hope1 as ,masons1 to find you in the pleasing sphere of ,fraternal engagement4 ,from the cares of state and the fatigues of public business our institution opens a recess affording all the relief of tranquility1 the harmony of peace and the refreshment of pleasure4 ,of these may you partake in all their purity and satisfaction2 and we will assure ourselves that your attachment to this social plan will increase2 and that under the auspices of your encouragement1 assistance and patronage1 the ,craft will attain its highest ornament1 perfection and praise4 ,and it is our ardent prayer1 that when your light shall be no more visible in this earthly temple1 you may be raised to the ,all ,perfect ,lodge above2 be seated on the right of the ,supreme ,architect of the ,universe1 and there receive the refreshment your labors merited4 ,in behalf of the ,grand ,lodge1 we subscribe ourselves with the highest esteem1 ,your affectionate ,brethren1 ,,paul ,,revere1 ,grand ,master4 ,,isaiah ,,thomas1 ,s4 ,grand ,warden4 ,,joseph ,,laughton1 ,j4 ,grand ,warden4 ,daniel ,oliver1 ,grand ,secretary1 ,boston1 #bast ,march1 #egig4 ,for some unaccountable reason the delivery of the address was delayed and not received at ,mount ,vernon until late in ,april4 ,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 ,vernon1 ,april #bd1 #agig1 are in the ,manuscript ,department in the ,library of ,congress1 viz43 ,,to ,,paul ,,revere ,,grand ,,master1 ,,isaiah ,,thomas ,,senior ,,grand ,,warden ,,and ,,joseph ,,laughton ,,junr ,,grand ,,warden4 ,brothers1 ,i am sorry that the en- closed answer to the affectionate address of the ,grand ,lodge of ,ancient1 ,free and ,accepted ,masons1 of the ,commonwealth of ,massachusetts transmitted under your signatures1 should appear so much out from of season2 but the lapse of time between the date reception of the address 7from what cause ,i know not7 it was not to be avoided1 and is offered as an apology1 for the delay4 ,with brotherly affection ,i am always yours1 ,go4 ,washington ,mount ,vernon1 #bdth ,april #agig4 ,,paul ,,revere #agce-ahah4 ,,grand ,,master ,,of ,,masons ,,in ,,massachusetts1 #agig4 ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,autograph ,,letter ,,from ,,washington ,,to ,,paul ,,revere ,,and ,,the ,,officers ,,of ,,the ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,massachusetts1 ,,april #bd1 #agig4 ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,original ,,draft ,,of ,,washington',s ,,reply ,,to ,,the ,,address ,,from ,,the ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,massachusetts ,,in ,,library ,,of ,,congress4 ,following is a copy of ,,washington's original draft of his reply to the ,grand ,lodge of ,massachusetts4 ,it is written upon two pages of a letter sheet entirely in his handwriting and signed by him4 ,,to ,,the ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,ancient1 ,,free ,,accepted ,,masons1 ,,of ,,the ,,commonwealth ,,of ,,massachusetts4 ,brothers1 ,it was not until within these few days that ,i have been favoured by the receipt of your affectionate ,address dated in ,boston the #bast of ,march ,for the favourable sentiments you have been pleased to express on the occasion of my past services1 and for the regrets with which they are accompani- ed for the cessation of my public functions1 ,i pray you to accept my best acknowledg- ments and gratitude4-- ,no pleasure1 except that wch results from a consciousness of having1 to the utmost of my abilities1 discharged1 the trusts which have been reposed in me by my ,country1 can equal the satis faction ,i feel from the unequivocal proofs ,i continually receive of its approbation of my public conduct1 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 pleasing1 or grate ful to my feelings4-- ,in that retirement which decli- ning years induced me to seek1 and which repose1 to a mind long employed in pub- lic concerns1 rendered necessary1 my wish es that bounteous ,providence will conti- nue to bless preserve our country in ,peace in the prosperity it has enjoyed1 will be warm sincere2 and my attachment to the ,society of which we are members will dispose me always1 to contribute my best endeavours to promote the honor interest of the ,craft4-- ,for the prayer you offer in my behalf ,i entreat you to accept the thanks of a grateful heart2 with the as- surance of fraternal regard and best wishes for the honor1 happiness prospe- rity of all the members of the ,grand ,lodge of ,massachusetts4 ,go4 ,washington ,the original letter is said to be in possession of the ,grand ,lodge of ,massachusetts4 ,no photographic fac-simile of the document1 however1 could be obtained4 ,,ancient ,,jewel ,,of ,,the ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,maryland4 ,,xiv ,,correspondence ,,with ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,maryland1 ,,november1 #agih4 ,in the year #agih1 the danger of a war with ,france had become so imminent1 on account of the aggressions of that government towards the ,united ,states1 that ,congress ordered a provisional army to be raised1 the command of which was tendered to ,,washington1 with the rank of ,lieutenant-,general1 an honor which was reluctantly accepted by ,,washington4 ,during the summer a scourge of yellow fever had again visited ,philadelphia1 which caused ,congress to adjourn1 ,july #af1 and the public offices to be removed for the time being to ,trenton1 ,n4 ,j4 ,all danger of the fever being over1 ,,washington1 on ,november #e1 started for ,trenton4 ,he arrived at ,baltimore1 ,november #g1 and was waited on at his quarters by ,william ,belton1 ,grand ,master of the ,grand ,lodge of ,maryland1 his ,deputy and other ,brethren and presented with a copy of the ,new ,ahiman ,rezon and the following address1#fb viz43 ,,to ,,george ,,washington1 ,,esq41 ,lieutenant ,general and ,commander-in-chief of the ,armies of the ,united ,states4 ,sir and ,brother3 ,the ,right ,worshipful ,grand ,lodge of ,free ,masons for the ,state of ,maryland1 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 country1 vote a copy of the ,constitution of ,masonry1 lately printed under its authority1 to be presented to you4 ,accept1 ,sir and ,brother1 from our hands this small token of the veneration of men who consider it as the greatest boast of their ,society1 that a ,,washington openly avows himself a member of it1 and thinks it worthy of his approbation4 ,with it accept also our warmest congratulations in the name of the body which we represent1 on your reappointment to that elevated station in which you formerly wrought the salvation of your country2 and on your restoration to the inestimable blessing of health which1 that the ,almighty disposer of events may continue to accord to you uninterruptedly1 is the most earnest prayer of your most respectfully affectionate ,brethren and most humble servants4 ,signed1 ,,wm4 ,,belton1 ,r44 ,w44,g44,m44 ,peter ,little1 ,grand ,secretary1 ,baltimore1 ,november #eth1 #agih4 ,,fac-,,simile 7,,reduced7 ,,of ,,the ,,original ,,draft ,,of ,,washington',s ,,letter ,,to ,,the ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,maryland4--,,elkton1 ,,md41 ,,nov4 #h1 #agih4 ,to this address ,,washington sent a reply1 the original draft of which is in the ,library of ,congress1 written upon two pages of a letter sheet1 and differs somewhat from the final copy sent to the ,grand ,lodge from ,elkton1 where ,,washington spent the next day4 ,it will be recalled that but two weeks had elapsed since he wrote his last letter to ,dominie ,snyder of ,fredericktown1 and this fact was evidently in his mind when he wrote this letter to the ,maryland ,brethren4 ,upon second thought he eliminated the lines bearing upon the insinuations in ,snyder's letter4 ,following is a copy of the letter as originally written1 viz43 ,,to ,,the ,,right ,,worshipful ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,free ,,masons ,,for ,,the ,,state ,,of ,,maryland4 ,gentlemen ,brothers1 ,your obliging affectionate letter1 together with a copy of the ,constitutions of ,masonry has been put into my hands by your ,grand ,master2 for which ,i pray you to accept my best thanks4-- ,so far as ,i am acquainted with the principles ,doctrines of ,free ,masonry1 ,i conceive it to be founded in benevolence and to be exercised only for the good of mankind4 ,if it has been a ,cloak to promote improper or nefarious objects1 it is a melancholly proof that in unworthy hands1 the best institutions may be made use of to promote the worst designs4-- ,while ,i offer my grateful acknowledgements for your congratulations on my late appointments1 and for the favorable sentiments you are pleased to express of my conduct1 permit me to observe1 that at this important critical moment1 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 redress1 ,i conceive it to be the indispensable duty of every ,american1 let his situation cir cumstances in life be what they may1 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 purchased2 and under this impression1 ,i did not hesitate to lay aside all personal considerations and accept my appointment4 ,i pray you to be assured that ,i ap- preciate1 with sincerity your kind wishes for my health happiness4 ,i am ,gentln brothers very respectfully ,yr most obt servt4 ,go4 ,washington ,before this letter was sent1 the five words on the tenth line and the whole of next five lines were eliminated2 there was also a slight change made in the last paragraph on the second page4 ,following is a copy of the letter as received by the ,grand ,lodge of ,maryland4 ,the original letter was in the possession of the ,grand ,lodge of ,maryland1 as late as #ahcc1 but it has since disappeared4#fc ,,to ,,the ,,right ,,worshipful ,,grand ,,lodge ,,of ,,free ,,masons ,,for ,,the ,,state ,,of ,,maryland4 ,gentlemen and ,brothers3 ,your obliging and affectionate letter1 together with a copy of the ,constitution of ,masonry1 has been put into my hands by your ,grand ,master1 for which ,i pray you to accept my best thanks4 ,so far as ,i am acquainted with the principles and doctrines of ,freemasonry1 ,i conceive them to be founded on benevolence1 and to be exercised for the good of mankind2 ,i cannot1 therefore1 upon this ground withdraw my approbation from it4 ,while ,i offer my grateful acknowledgements for your congratulations on my late appointment1 and for the favorable sentiments you are pleased to express of my conduct1 permit me to observe1 that1 at this important and critical moment1 when high and repeated indignities have been offered to the ,government of our country1 and when the property of our citizens is plundered without a prospect of redress1 ,i conceive it to be the indispensable duty of every ,american1 let his station and circumstances in life be what they may1 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 purchased2 and under this impression1 ,i did not hesitate to lay aside all personal considerations and accept my appointment4 ,i pray you to be assured that ,i receive with gratitude your kind wishes for my health and happiness and reciprocate them with sincerity4 ,i am1 ,gentlemen and ,brothers1 ,very ,respectfully1 ,your most ,ob't ,servant1 ,go4 ,washington ,elkton1 ,november #hth1 #agih4 ,,george ,,washington ,,by ,,charles ,,balthazar ,,feveret ,,de ,,saint ,,memin4 ,,the ,,last ,,portrait ,,of ,,washington ,,from ,,life1 ,,taken ,,in ,,philadelphia1 ,,november1 #agih4 ,footnotes3 #fb ,cf4 ,freemasonry in ,maryland1 by ,edw4 ,j4 ,schultz1 ,baltimore1 #ahhd1 ,vol4 ,i1 pp4 #bfe-bff4 #fc ,ibid41 p4 #bff4 ,,xv ,,correspondence ,,with ,g4 ,w4 ,,snyder1 #agih4 ,as to the correspondence with one ,g4 ,w4 ,snyder 7,schneider71 who represented himself as a preacher of the ,reformed ,church of ,fredericktown1 ,maryland1 our late ,brother ,james ,m4 ,lamberton1 in his address before the ,right ,worshipful ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 at the celebration of the ,sesqui-centennial ,aniversary of the initiation of ,brother ,,george ,,washington into the ,fraternity of ,freemasons1 held in the ,masonic ,temple1 in the ,city of ,philadelphia on ,wednesday1 ,november the fifth1 ,a4 ,d4 #aijb1 states3#fd ,it is well known that during the ,french ,revolution religion was dethroned1 and reason installed in the place of ,deity4 ,the spreading of such doctrines was by many ascribed to the ',illuminati1' who were supposed to be ,masons4 ,during this period clubs like the ,jacobin ,clubs in ,france were formed in this country1 and the spread of these doctrines was greatly feared1 especially by the clergy1 and in #agih one of them1 one ,g4 ,w4 ,snyder1 of ,fredericktown1 ,maryland1 wrote to ,washington sending at the same time a book entitled ',proofs of a ,conspiracy1' etc41 by ,john ,robison1#fe the conspiracy being 'to overturn all government and all religion'4#ff ,this letter1 sent to ,,washington at ,mount ,vernon covered no less than six pages2 following is a verbatim copy of the original now in the ,library of ,congress4 ,,to ,,his ,,excellency ,,george ,,washington4 ,sir1--,you will1 ,i hope1 not think it a ,pre sumption in a ,stranger1 whose ,name1 perhaps never reached your ,ears1 to ad dress himself to you1 the ,commanding ,general of a great ,nation4 ,i am a ,german1 born and liberally educated in the city of ,heydelberg1 in the ,pa latinate of the ,rhine4 ,i came to this ,country in #aggf1 and felt soon after my arrival1 a close ,attachment to the ,liberty for which these confederated ,states then struggled4 ,the same attachment still remains not glowing1 but burning in my ,breast4 ,at the same ,time that ,i am exulting in the ,measures adopted by our ,government1 ,i feel myself elevated in the ,idea of my adopted ,country1 ,i am attached1 both from the ,bent of ,educa tion and mature ,enquiry and ,search to the simple ,doctrines of ,christianity1 which ,i have the ,honor to teach in ,public2 and ,i do heartily ,despise all the ,cavils of ,infidelity4 ,our present ,time pregnant with the most shocking ,events and ,calamities1 threatens ,ruin to our ,liberty and ,government4 ,the most secret ,plans are in ,agitation2 ,plans calculated to ensnare the ,unwary1 to attract the ,gay irreligious1 and to entice even the ,well-,disposed to combine in the general ,machine for overturning all ,government and all ,religion4 ,it was some ,time since that a ,book fell into my hands1 entitled ',proofs of a ,conspiracy1 c4 by ,john ,robison1' which gives a full ,account of a ,society of ,free ,masons1 that distinguishes itself by the name of ',illuminati1' whose ,plan is to over throw all ,government and all ,religion1 even natural2 and who endeavor to eradicate every ,idea of a ,supreme ,being1 and distin guish ,man from ,beast by his shape only4 ,a ,thought suggested itself to me1 that some of the ,lodges in the ,united ,states might have caught the ,infection1 and might co-oper ate with the ,illuminati or the ,jacobin ,club in ,france4 ,fauchet is mentioned by ,robinson as a zealous ,member2 and who can doubt ,genet and ,adet8 ,have not these their con fidants in this country8 ,they use the same ,expressions1 and are generally ,men of no ,religion4 ,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 preside4 ,i send you the ',proof of a ,conspiracy1' c4 which ,i doubt not1 will give you ,satis faction1 and afford you matter for a ,train of ideas1 that may operate to our national ,felicity4 ,if1 however1 you have already perused the ,book1 it will not1 ,i trust1 be disagreeable to you that ,i have presumed to address you with this ,letter and the ,book accompanying it4 ,it proceeded from the ,sincerity of my ,heart1 and my ardent ,wishes for the common ,good4 ,may the ,supreme ,ruler of all ,things continue ,you long with us in these perilous ,times3 may he endow you with ,strength and ,wisdom to save our ,country in the threating ,storms and gathering ,clouds of ,factions and ,com motions6 and after you have completed his ,work1 on this terrene ,spot1 may ,he bring you to the full ,possession of the glorious ,liberty of the ,children of ,god1 is the hearty and most sincere ,wish of ,your ,excellency's very humble and devoted ,servant1 ,g4 ,w4 ,,snyder4 ,fredericktown1 7,maryland7 ,aug4 #bb1 #agih4 ,his ,excellency ,general ,george ,washington4 ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,first ,,page ,,of ,,letter ,,from ,g4 ,w4 ,,snyder ,,to ,,washington1 ,,august #bb1 #agih4 ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,fourth ,,page ,,of ,,letter ,,from ,g4 ,w4 ,,snyder ,,to ,,washington1 ,,august #bb1 #agih4 ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,press ,,copy ,,of ,,washington',s ,,answer ,,to ,,rev4 ,g4 ,w4 ,,snyder4--,,september #be1 #agih4 ,this man ,snyder 7,schneider7 was an agitator and thoroughly irresponsible person1 having no ecclesiastical connection with any organized ,church ,body4 ,in the year #aghg1 ,schneider came from ,albany1 ,new ,york1 to ,frederick1 ostensibly to collect money to build a ,church4 ,he was kindly received and permitted to preach in the ,reformed ,congregation1 where he soon fomented discord and trouble4 ,schneider was soon driven out of ,frederick ,town1 but returned again in #agid1 when he renewed the trouble in the ,church1 which ended in a schism4 ,the matter finally got into the ,civil ,court1 and on ,february #ae1 #ahjj the case was decided against him1 which ended his activity in ,frederick ,town2 soon after which he left for parts unknown4#fg ,snyder1 who was not a native of this country1 evidently labored under the impression that ,,washington was a ,grand ,master ,general1 who presided over all of the ,english 7or ,symbolic7 ,masonic ,lodges in the ,united ,states4 ,snyder evidently used the term ,english ,lodges1 to distinguish them from the ,masonic bodies working in the so-called higher 7,scotch7 degrees1 as are now known as the ,ancient and ,accepted ,scottish ,rite4 ,how important ,,washington considered this correspondence is shown by his precaution in taking a press copy of both of his letters to ,snyder1 who he was led to believe was the regular pastor of the ,german ,reformed ,congregation at ,fredericktown4 ,these are now in the ,library of ,congress4 ,it will be noted that in all of his other ,masonic correspondence1 copies were made in his regular letter books by his clerks1 of both address and reply4 ,brother ,,washington evidently surmised that this letter from ,snyder was nothing more or less than a scheme to entrap him4 ,it was not until a month had elapsed1 and then only after due consideration1 that the following reply was sent to ,fredericktown1 viz43 ,,mount ,,vernon1 #beth ,sept4 #agih4 ,sir1 ,many apologies are due to you1 for my not acknowledging the receipt of your obliging favour of for the #bb;d ult1 and not thanking you1 at an earlier period for the ,book you had the goodness to send me4 ,i have heard much of the ne- farious dangerous plan1 doctrines of the ,illuminati1 but never saw the ,book until you were pleased to send it to me4 ,the same causes which have prevented my acknowledging the receipt of your letter1 have prevented my reading the ,book1 hitherto1 name- ly1 the multiplicity of matters which me pressed upon before1 the debilitated state in which ,i was left after a se vere fever had been removed1 and which allows me to add little more now1 than thanks for your kind wishes and favourable sentiments1 except to cor- rect an error you have run into1 of my presiding over the ,english ,lodges in this ,country4 ,the fact is1 ,i preside over none1 nor have ,i been in one1 more than thirty once or twice1 within the last years4 ,i believe notwithstanding1 that none of the ,lodges in this ,country are contaminated with the principles as- cribed to the society of the ,illuminati4 ,with respect ,i am1 ,sir1 ,your ,obedt ,hble ,servt ,go4 ,washington ,the ,revd ,mr ,snyder4 ,endorsed to ,the ,revd ,mr4 ,snyder4 #beth ,sep4 #agih4 ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,press ,,copy ,,of ,,washington',s ,,second ,,letter ,,to ,,rev4 ,g4 ,w4 ,,snyder4--,,october #bd1 #agih4 ,in this letter ,,washington was correct in stating that he had not presided over the ,english ,lodges in this ,country1 undoubtedly meaning as ,grand ,master ,general4 ,where ,,washington says ,the fact is ,i preside over none1 he meant that he did not then preside over any individual lodge1 as he at that time was a ,past ,master of ,alexandria ,lodge1 ,no4 #bb1 of ,virginia4#fh ,where he says ,nor have ,i been in one1 meaning an individual lodge more than once or twice within the last thirty years1 he obviously had in view his occasional visits to the various lodges during that period1 and that he could not1 on account of his official duties and other conditions1 attend any lodge regularly4 ,as a matter of record1 ,,washington was a member of ,alexandria ,lodge1 ,no4 #ci1 of ,pennsylvania1#fi and attended some of its meetings at ,alexandria in #aghc and #aghd1 as is shown by the ,minutes of the ,lodge1 and the records here presented4#gj ,further1 that when the ,brethren of ,alexandria ,lodge1 ,no4 #ci1 changed their allegiance from ,pennsylvania to ,virginia1 ,general ,,washington was especially named in the warrant1 after his consent having been first obtained1#ga and thereby became the ,warrant ,master of ,lodge ,no4 #bb1 under the ,virginia jurisdiction1 ,april #bh1 #aghh1 serving as such until ,december #bj following1 when1 as the minutes of that date show1#gb he was unanimously elected to succeed himself for the full term1 serving in all about twenty months4 ,the records further show that1 in #aggh1 ,,washington occupied the chief position in the procession at the celebration of ,st4 ,john the ,evangelist by the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania at ,philadelphia in #aggh1 in which more than three hundred ,brethren joined4#gc ,he also occupied the same position when he laid the corner stone of the present capitol at ,washington1 ,september #ah1 #agic1 clothed with the ,masonic ,apron presented by ,lafayette1 which is now in the ,museum of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,upon both of these occasions1 ,,washington made a public profession of his membership in the ,masonic ,fraternity4 ,records show that ,,washington was present at the meeting of ,american ,union ,lodge 7a ,military ,lodge71 at ,morristown1 ,n4 ,j41 ,december #bg1 #aggi2gd at ,american ,union ,lodge at ,nelson's point on the ,hudson ,june #bd1 #aghb2ge at ,king ,solomon's ,lodge of ,poughkeepsie1 ,december #bg1 #aghb1 and occasionally at ,alexandria ,lodge1 ,no4 #ci1 in #aghc-aghd1 and the ,virginia ,lodge1 ,no4 #bb1 between the years #aghh and #agig4gf ,,washington in the next paragraph of his letter to ,snyder makes his meaning absolutely clear1 that while he had not attended any ,lodge regularly during the past thirty years he plainly states3 ,i believe notwithstanding1 that none of the ,lodges in this ,country are contaminated with the principles ascribed to the society of the ,illuminati4 ,this belief is further accentuated by the letter to the ,grand ,lodge of ,maryland a few weeks after the above letter was written to ,snyder4 ,in addition to above records1 there are numerous traditions of ,,washington's occasional visits to ,masonic ,lodges and functions3#gg all of which fall within the thirty years mentioned in the ,snyder ,letter4#gh ,further1 ,,washington's great interest in ,freemasonry is shown by the many addresses received from different ,grand and ,subordinate ,lodges throughout the ,union1 all of which he acknowledged in fraternal terms1 also by the various ,masonic constitutions and sermons dedicated to him1 which he received with thanks and were preserved in his library4 ,it will be noted that in the fifth line from the bottom1 ,within the last thirty years1 which in all ,anti-,masonic publications is printed in italics1 the word thirty was not in the body of the letter as originally written1 but was an afterthought and interlined before the press copy was taken4 ,in the press copy of this letter1 it will be noted that the word written over the words last years1 is almost indecipherable2 in the photostat it is completely so4 ,this has led some investigators to question whether the interlined word is really thirty4 ,the surmise that the blur in the press copy of ,,washington's letter to ,snyder1 was thirty was first promulgated by ,jared ,sparks1 when he furnished the text of the letter to the ,anti-,masonic agitators1 during the political excitement which swept over the ,new ,england ,states in the second decade of the nineteenth century4 ,snyder1 upon receipt of this letter1 undoubtedly after consultation with persons who were politically opposed to ,,washington or antagonistic to the ,masonic ,fraternity1 wrote a second letter and sent it to ,mount ,vernon under date of ,october #ag1 #agih2 no copy of this letter has thus far been found among the ,,washington papers in the ,library of ,congress4 ,,washington immediately sent the following sharp reply to ,snyder1 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 ,illuminati4 ,the words as underscored in the original letter by ,,washington were to emphasize his meaning upon this subject4 ,photostats of both of the above letter press copies are in the ,archives of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,,mount ,,vernon #bdth ,oct4 #agih4 ,rev4 ,sir1 ,i have you favor of the tive #agth instant before me and my only mo3 to trouble you with the receipt of this let ter1 is to explain1 and correct a mistake which ,i perceive the hurry in which ,i am obliged1 often to write letters1 have led you into4-- ,it was not my intention to doubt that1 the doctrines of the ,illuminati1 and principles of ,jacobism had not spread in the ,united ,states4 ,on the contrary1 no one is more1 fully satisfied of this fact that ,i am4 ,the idea ,i meant to convey1 was1 that ,i did not believe that the ,lodges of ,free ,masons in this ,country had1 as ,societies1 endeavoured to propagate the diabolical tenets of the first1 or the per- nicious principles of the latter1 7if they are susceptible of separation7 ,that individuals of them may have done it1 or that the founder1 or instrument employ ed to found the ,democratic ,societies in the ,united ,states1 may have had these objects1 and actually had a separation of the people from their ,government in view1 is too evident to be questioned4 ,my occupations are such1 that but little leisure is allowed me to read ,news ,papers1 or ,books of any kind4 ,the reading of letters and preparing answers1 absorb much of my time4-- ,with respect1--,i remain1 ,revd ,sir1 ,your ,most ,obedt ,hble ,servt ,go4 ,washington ,the ,revd4 ,mr ,snyder4 ,endorsed to ,the ,revd ,mr ,snyder1 #bdth ,oct4 #agih4 ,it is a historical fact that ,,washington had always retained the highest respect for the people of ,maryland1 and especially the citizens of ,frederick ,county4 ,no man ever stood higher in the estimation of the people of ,maryland than ,,washington1 and his death awakened genuine sorrow4 ,on ,february #bb;d1 #ahjj1 memorial services were observed in the ,reformed ,church at ,fredericktown4#gi ,it was a solemn day and the whole ,county was in mourning2 at which time ,ex-,governor ,thomas ,johnson pronounced the funeral oration4 ,snyder took no part in these services4 ,the two letters to ,snyder were chiefly relied upon by the ,anti-,masons to support their political claims4 ,that ,washington was never in a ,lodge but twice1 in his life2 that he paid no attention to ,masonry during the war2 that in #agha he declined being addressed by ,masons as a brother ,mason1 and in #agih was very particular to insist upon the fact that he had not been in a ,lodge1 but once or twice in #cj years1 and knew nothing of their principles and practices4#hj ,how false these statements so frequently made1 is shown by the many proofs here presented in fac-simile of the originals1 which also absolutely controvert the statement in ,governor ,ritner's ,vindication8 viz3-- ,that all the letters said to be written by ,washington to ,lodges are spurious4 ,this is rendered nearly certain3 ,first1 by the non-production of the originals3 ,second1 by the absence of copies among the records of his letters3 ,third1 by their want of dates3 ,fourth1 by the fact that his intimate friend and biographer1 ,chief ,justice ,marshall1#ha 7himself a ,mason in his youth17 says that he never heard ,washington utter a syllable on the subject1 a matter nearly impossible1 if ,washington had for years been engaged in writing laudatory letters to the ,grand ,lodges of ,south ,carolina1 ,pennsylvania1 and ,massachusetts4#hb ,the movement to elect ,general ,,washington a ,grand ,master over all the ,brethren in the ,united ,states originated at a meeting of ,american ,union ,lodge1 held at the encampment of the ,american ,army at ,morristown1 ,new ,jersey1 ,december #ae1 #aggi4 ,this ,lodge was a ,regimental ,lodge of the ,connecticut ,line1 originally warranted by the ,provincial ,grand ,master of ,massachusetts4 ,this movement continued to find favor amongst the craft1 especially in ,pennsylvania1 and culminated in a motion to that effect at a ,general ,grand ,communication of the ,grand ,lodge1 ,december #bj1 #aggi4 ,this resulted in a ,grand ,lodge of ,emergency being convened ,january #ac1 #aghj1 when the following action was taken3#hc ,this ,lodge being called by ,order of the ,grand ,master1 upon the request of ,sundry ,brethren1 and also in pursuance of a ,motion made at the last ,general ,communication1 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 ,states1 as the ,correspondence which the ,rules of ,masonry require cannot now be carried on with the ,grand ,lodge of ,london1 under whose ,jurisdiction the ,grand ,lodges in these ,states were originally constituted2 ,the ,ballot was put upon the ,question3 ,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 ,lodge2 and it was unanimously determined in the affirmative4 ,sundry respectable ,brethren being then put in nomination1 it was moved that the ,ballot be put for them separately1 and ,his ,excellency ,george ,washington1 ,esquire1 ,general and ,commander-in-chief of the ,armies of the ,united ,states being first in nomination1 he was ballotted for accordingly as ,grand ,master1 and ,elected by the unanimous vote of the whole ,lodge4 ,ordered1 ,that the minutes of this ,election and appointment be transmitted to the different ,grand ,lodges in the ,united ,states1 and their ,concurrence therein be requested1 in ,order that application be made to his ,excellency in due form1 praying that he will do the ,brethren and ,craft the honor of accepting their appointment4 ,a ,committee was appointed to expedite the ,business4 ,the movement was further advanced at a ,convention of representatives of the ,army ,lodges1 held at ,morristown1 ,n4 ,j41 on ,february #g1 #aghj1 when1 fortified by the pronounced action of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 a committee was chosen of which ,brother ,mordecai ,gist of ,maryland was chairman and ,brother ,otho ,williams of ,delaware1 secretary4#hd ,,fac-,,simile ,,of ,,final ,,letter ,,from ,,boston1 ,,ending ,,the ,,attempt ,,to ,,make ,,gen4 ,,washington ,,general ,,grand ,,master4 ,this ,committee issued the celebrated address3 ,to the ,,right ,,worshipful1 ,the ,grand ,masters of the several ,lodges in the ,respective ,united ,states of ,america4 ,,union----,,force----,,love4 ,this address was signed by representatives of no less than seven states1 viz43 ,maryland1 ,connecticut1 ,new ,jersey1 ,pennsylvania1 ,massachusetts ,bay1 ,new ,york and ,delaware2 in addition to those of the ,american ,union ,lodge1 ,artillery1 ,st4 ,john's ,regimental ,lodge and the ,staff of the ,american ,army4 ,it was further ordered that the foregoing address with an exact copy of these proceedings signed by the ,president and ,secretary1 be sent to the respective ,provincial ,grand ,masters in the ,united ,states4#he ,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 ,pennsylvania1 and then only in response to a letter written by our ,grand ,secretary1 ,rev4 ,brother ,dr4 ,william ,smith4 ,this matter led to more or less correspondence between the ,grand ,lodges of ,pennsylvania and ,massachusetts and was in abeyance1 until ,january1 #agha1 when the following letter was received from ,joseph ,webb1 ,grand ,master of ,massachusetts4#hf ,,boston1 ,jany #ag1 #agha4 ,revd ,sir and ,respected ,brother ,last ,friday ,evening the ,grand ,lodge met1 agreeable to adjournment and after a long debate on the subject1 whether it was expedient at present to elect a ,grand ,master ,general for the ,united ,states1 it passed in the negative4 ,inclosed ,i transmit you the vote from the ,g4 ,sec'y4 ,yr ,affecte ,brother ,hble ,servt ,jos3 ,,webb4 ,rev ,dr ,smith ,philadelphia4 ,the belief that ,,washington was the ,grand ,master of the ,united ,states was widespread1 and1 as our late ,bro4 ,james ,m4 ,lamberton said in his address before mentioned1#hg notwithstanding the fact that the project to elevate ,general ,,washington fell through1 that the action of the ,army ,lodges and of our ,grand ,lodge got abroad1 is shown by translations of two letters from a ,lodge at ,cape ,francois1#hh on the island of ,san ,domingo1 directed to ,general ,,washington as ,grand ,master of all ,america1 soliciting a charter1 which were presented to our ,grand ,lodge1 ,february #c1 #aghf4 ,the same thing is shown by a medal struck in #agig1 the obverse showing the bust of ,,washington1 with the legend1 ,g4 ,washington ,president4 #agig1 the reverse showing many ,masonic emblems1#hi with the legend ,amor4 ,honor4 ,et ,justica ,g4,w4,g4,g4,m4 7i4 e41 ,george ,washington1 ,general ,grand ,master74 ,the writer of the letters to ,,washington1 ,snyder1 quoted at the beginning of this chapter1 being of foreign birth1 and not a member of the ,masonic ,fraternity1 nor even living where a ,masonic ,lodge existed1 evidently labored under the same delusion as the ,brethren at ,cape ,francois4 ,the ,masonic ,correspondence of ,,washington as represented upon these pages1 should settle for all time to come the question1 as to the esteem in which ,,washington held the ,masonic ,fraternity1 of which he was an honored ,member4 ,it is stated that there are still a large number of ,washington papers in the ,library of ,congress1 that are not accessible1 as they have thus far not been classified or indexed4 ,thus it is in the possibilities that there may be still further documentary evidence found of ,masonic import1 in addition to such as are set forth upon these pages4 ,the ,arms of ye most ,ancient ,honorable ,fraternity of ,free and ,accepted ,masons4 ,footnotes3 #fd ,memorial ,volume1 ,washington ,sesqui-centennial ,anniversary1 ,philadelphia1 #aijb1 p4 #afe4 #fe ,,proofs of a ,,conspiracy against all the ,,religions and ,,governments of ,,europe carried on in the secret meetings of ,,free ,,masons1 ,,illuminati1 and ,,reading ,,societies1 collected from ,good ,authorities by ,,john ,,robison1 ,a4 ,m4 --,,edinburgh1 #agig4 #ff ,the original letter of ,august #bb1 #agih1 is among the ,washington papers in the ,library of ,congress2 a photostat of same is in the ,archives of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 #fg ,cf4 ,historical sketch of the ,evangelical ,reformed ,church of ,frederick1 ,maryland1 #aijd1 pp4 #bb-be4 #fh ,cf4 ,washington1 ,the ,man and ,mason1 p4 #bhh4 #fi ,vide ,sesqui-,centennial ,anniversary of the ,initiation of ,brother ,george ,washington before quoted1 p4 #adi4 #gj ,cf4 ,chapters ,,ii and ,,iii supra4 #ga ,cf4 ,washington1 ,the ,man and ,mason1 p4 #bhf4 #gb ,ibid41 ,december #bj1 #aghi4 ,his excellency1 ,general ,,washington1 unanimously elected ,master2 ,robert ,mc,crea1 ,senior ,warden2 ,william ,hunter1 ,jr41 ,junior ,warden2 ,william ,hodgson1 ,treasurer2 ,joseph ,greenway1 ,secretary2 ,dr4 ,frederick ,spambergen1 ,senior ,deacon2 ,george ,richards1 ,junior ,deacon4 ,extract from ,minutes1 p4 #bhh4 #gc ,vide ,freemasonry in ,pennsylvania1 #agbg-aijg1 ,vol4 ,i1 ,chapter ,x1 pp4 #bie et seq4 #gd ,ibid41 ,vol4 ,i1 ,chapter ,,xii1 pp4 #cii et seq4 ,vide ,washington and his ,masonic ,compeers1 ,chapter ,,viii1 pp4 #adi et seq4 #ge ,ibid41 pp4 #hf-hg4 ,also records of ,king ,solomon's ,lodge1 ,no4 #a1 ,poughkeepsie1 ,new ,york4 #gf ,ibid41 pp4 #aej et seq4 #gg ,ibid41 pp4 #aci et seq4 #gh ,,washington1 so far as known1 attended the following public ,masonic functions3 #a4 ,procession in ,philadelphia1 ,festival of ,st4 ,john the ,evangelist1 ,december #bh1 #aggh4 #b4 ,festival of ,st4 ,john the ,baptist1 ,june #bd1 #aggi1 with the ,american ,union ,lodge1 at the ,robinson ,house on the ,hudson1 ,new ,york4 #c4 ,festival of ,st4 ,john the ,evangelist1 ,december #bg1 #aggi1 with ,american ,union ,lodge1 at the ,morris ,hotel1 ,morristown1 ,new ,jersey4 #d4 ,festival of ,st4 ,john the ,evangelist1 ,december #bg1 #aghb1 with ,king ,solomon's ,lodge1 at ,poughkeepsie1 ,new ,york4 #e4 ,festival of ,st4 ,john the ,baptist1 ,june #bd1 #aghd1 with ,lodge ,no4 #ci1 at ,alexandria1 ,virginia4 #f4 ,the ,masonic funeral of ,brother ,william ,ramsay1 ,february #ab1 #aghe1 at ,alexandria4 #g4 ,laying of the cornerstone of the capitol at the ,federal ,city 7,washington1 ,d4 ,c471 ,september #ah1 #agic1 upon which occasion ,,washington walked in the procession4 #gi ,cf4 ,historical sketch before quoted1 p4 #bd4 #hj ,anti-,masonic ,republican ,convention before quoted1 p4 #bf4 #ha ,grand ,master of ,virginia1 #agic-agie4 #hb ,vindication of ,general ,washington before quoted1 p4 #ae4 #hc ,cf4 ,reprint of ,minutes of ,grand ,lodge1 ,vol4 ,i1 p4 #ai4 #hd ,freemasonry in ,pennsylvania1 #agbg-agha1 ,vol4 ,i1 p4 #ci4 #he ,address in full1 ibid41 pp4 #cii-djb4 #hf ,all of the original correspondence is in the ,archives of the ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 ,mss41 ,vol4 ,a4 #hg ,washington ,sesqui-,centennial ,celebration1 ,nov4 #e1 #aijb1 ,memorial ,volume1 pp4 #ace-f4 #hh ,cf4 ,old ,masonic ,lodges of ,pennsylvania1 ,vol4 ,,ii1 ,chapter ,,liii1 pp4 #bdb-bej4 #hi ,specimen in ,museum of ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania4 ,,index4 ,aberts ,tavern1 #aja ,adam1 ,rev4 ,john1 #cj ,adam1 ,robert1 #bi1 #cj ,adcock1 ,william1 #gg ,alexander1 ,alexander1 #eh ,alexandria ,lodge1 ,no4 #bb1 ,address and ,reply1 #ah2 ,letter and ,address to ,washington1 #if2 ,washington's ,reply1 #ig ,alexandria ,lodge1 ,no4 #ci1 #ag2 ,correspondence with1 #bh2 ,address to ,washington1 #bi2 ,meets at ,lamb ,tavern1 #cc2 ,invites ,washington to dine with them1 #cd ,allison1 ,john1 #bi1 #cc ,anti-,masonic ,craze1 mention of1 #h2 ,attack ,washington's memory1 #aj2 ,certify to ,records1 #af ,armstrong1 ,thomas1 #ij ,baker1 ,george ,a41 #ij ,ball1 ,william1 #ic ,bartlett1 ,josiah1 #hc1 #ajb ,belton1 ,william1 #aaa1 #aac ,blair1 ,judge1 #db ,blyth1 ,joseph1 #ec ,bowen1 ,thomas ,b41 #eh ,bradley1 ,thomas1 #ij ,burk1 ,miss ,fanny ,m41 ,copies1 ,portrait for ,grand ,lodge of ,pennsylvania1 #cf ,carson1 ,j41 #ec ,chapman1 ,samuel1 #dh1 #di ,clark1 ,peleg1 #ae ,clinton1 ,governor1 #db ,cohen1 ,abraham1 #ec ,corney1 ,james1 #dh ,craik1 ,george ,w41 #b1 #ic ,craik1 ,dr4 ,james1 #ic ,cutler1 ,john1 #hc ,cusack1 ,richard ,e41 #ij ,dandridge1 ,bartholomew1 #b1 #ge1 #ha ,dick1 ,archibald1 #cb ,dick1 ,elisha ,c41 #bi1 #cb2 ,conducts ,masonic ,services at ,washington's ,funeral1 #cc ,drayton1 ,william1 #eh ,duplessis1 ,peter le ,barbier1 #gj2 ,autograph1 #gb1 #gi1 #hj ,edwards1 ,thomas1 #ajb ,elliot1 ,robert1 #ae ,few1 ,joseph1 #gj2 mention of1 #gh ,foster1 ,theo41 #db ,franklin1 ,benjamin1 mention of1 #bg ,fredericktown1 ,maryland1 #aag ,freemasonry in ,pennsylvania 7,barratt and ,sachse71 ,referred to1 #af ,free ,quaker ,meeting ,house1 #fi ,gates1 ,thomas1 #eh ,georgia ,grand ,lodge1 ,address and ,reply1 #g1 #ag2 ,fraudulent letter to1 #id ,gillies1 ,james1 #ie1 #if1 #ig ,gist1 ,mordecai1 #eg1 #eh1 #ei2 ,sketch of1 #fd1 #acd ,gorman1 ,mr41 of ,new ,hampshire1 #db ,grant1 ,reuben1 #ec ,greene1 ,mrs4 ,nathaniel1 #ff ,griffith1 ,cadawalder1 #ij ,guion1 ,isaac1 #dh1 #di ,halling1 ,solomon1 #dh1 #di ,hamilton1 ,gavin1 #gj1 #ij ,handy1 ,john1 #ae ,harris1 ,thaddeus ,m41 #ajb ,hayes1 ,moses ,michael1 mention of1 #ae ,hildreth1 ,ara1 #ch ,houston1 ,george1 #ff ,hunt1 ,galliard1 mention of1 #f ,illuminati1 #aag ,irwin1 ,david1 #ij ,israel1 ,israel1 #ij ,jackson1 ,major ,william1 #b2 ,copies ,address and ,answer1 #dj ,jefferson1 ,thomas1 #cf1 #db ,johnson1 ,william1 #dh1 #di ,king ,david's ,lodge1 ,no4 #a1 ,newport1 ,r4 ,i41 ,proposed ,masonic ,address to ,general ,washington1 #ad2 ,extracts from ,records1 #ae1 #ag2 ,correspondence with1 #cg2 ,sends ,address to ,washington1 #ch2 ,fac-simile of ,washington's ,reply1 #da ,knox1 ,robert1 #eh ,lamb ,tavern1 ,alexandria meeting place of ,lodge1 ,no4 #ci1 #cc ,lamberton1 ,j4 ,m41 ,address ,washington as a ,freemason1 #aa2 quoted1 #aag ,laughton1 ,joseph1 #ajd ,lear1 ,tobias1 #b1 #ge1 #aja ,letter ,books in ,library of ,congress1 #f ,littlefield1 ,william1 #cg ,lodge ,no4 #bg1 on ,pennsylvania ,roster1 #eg1 #ei ,lowthorp1 ,f41 #dh ,machey1 ,mungo1 #hc ,marshall1 ,john1 ,chief ,justice1 #acb ,marsteller1 ,phillip ,g41 #ie1 #if ,maryland ,grand ,lodge1 ,draft of ,letter to #g1 #ah2 ,address to ,washington1 #aab2 ,washington ,reply1 #aac2 ,original ,draft of ,reply1 ib4 ,mason1 ,benjamin1 #gj ,masonic ,aprons1 #bj ,masonic ,portrait of ,washington in ,alexandria ,lodge1 #cf ,massachusetts ,grand ,lodge1 ,draft of ,letter to1 #g2 ,letter to1 #h2 ,objects to ,washington as ,grand ,master ,general1 #af2 ,address and ,reply1 #ah2 ,address to ,washington1 #hc2 ,reply1 #he2 ,letter to ,paul ,revere1 #ajd2 ,reply to ,grand ,lodge1 #ajf2 ,refuses to nominate ,washington as ,grand ,master ,general1 #acf ,mazyck1 ,william ,c41 #fj ,mc,elwee1 ,john1 #ij ,meyers1 ,israel1 #eh ,miller1 ,george1 #eh ,mitchell1 ,john1 #eh ,nelson1 ,william1 #ij ,newburgh1 ,washington in ,camp at1 #ba ,nilson1 ,andrew1 #ij ,oliver1 ,daniel1 #ajd ,oswald1 ,eleaser1 #ij ,pasteur1 ,edward1 #dh ,pennsylvania ,grand ,lodge1 ,draft of ,letter to1 #g2 ,address and ,reply1 #ah2 ,resolutions1 #fi2 ,address to ,washington1 #ga2 ,washington's ,reply1 #gc2 ,address to ,washington1 #agif1 #hh2 ,address1 #agig1 #ajc2 ,nominated ,washington as ,grand ,master ,general1 #acc ,prince ,george's ,lodge1 ,no4 #af1 ,georgetown1 ,s4 ,c41 ,address and ,reply1 #h1 #ag2 ,correspondence with1 #ea2 ,sketch of1 ib42 ,address to ,washington1 #eb2 ,fac-simile1 #ed1 #ee2 ,washington's ,reply1 #ef ,procter1 ,thomas1 #gj2 ,sketch of1 #gh1 #ij ,providence1 ,r4 ,i41 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#bh2 ,returns to ,mount ,vernon1 ib42 ,address from ,lodge ,no4 #ci1 #bi2 ,reply to ,lodge ,no4 #ci1 #cj2 ,fac-simile1 #ca2 ,invites ,washington to dine with the ,lodge1 #cd2 ,acceptance1 #ce2 ,accepts ,honorary ,membership1 ib42 ,portrait of in ,alexandria ,lodge1 #cf2 ,address from ,king ,david's ,lodge1 #ch2 ,arrives at ,newport1 ,r4 ,i41 #db2 ,providence1 ib42 ,reply to ,king ,david's ,lodge1 ib2 ,starts on ,southern ,tour1 #dd2 ,reply to ,st4 ,john's ,lodge1 #di2 ,arrives at ,georgetown1 ,s4 ,c41 #ea2 ,washington's ,reply to ,prince ,george's ,lodge1 #ef2 ,arrives at ,charleston1 ,s4 ,c41 #eg2 ,receives ,address from ,grand ,lodge of ,south ,carolina1 #eh2 ,washington's ,reply1 #ei2 ,calls on ,mrs4 ,nathaniel ,greene1 #fe2 ,receives ,address from ,grand ,lodge1 ,georgia1 #ff2 ,leaves ,savannah1 #fh2 ,replies to ,grand ,lodge of ,georgia1 ib42 ,residence in ,philadelphia1 #fi2 ,received ,address from ,grand ,lodge1 ,pennsylvania1 #ga2 ,reply #gc2 ,master's ,jewel1 #gi2 ,address 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#aca2 ,grand ,master ,general1 #acb2 ,address by ,army ,lodges1 #acd2 ,massachusetts refuses to concur1 #acf2 ,universal belief that ,washington was ,grand ,master ,general1 #acg2 ,medal struck as such1 #ach ,washington1 ,lodges in ,united ,states1 #c ,watson and ,cassoul1 ,draft and ,letter to1 #g1 #ag2 ,send ,masonic ,apron to ,washington1 #ai2 ,reply to1 #bb2 ,fac-simile of original ,draft to1 #bd1 #be2 mention of1 #bg ,watson1 ,elkanah1 #ai2 ,letter to ,washington1 #bj1 #bg ,webb1 ,joseph1 #ace ,white1 ,isaac1 #ec ,white1 ,rev4 ,william1 ,prayer by1 #ab ,williams1 ,j4 ,henry1 ,authorization1 iii2 mention of1 #d ,williams1 ,otho1 #acd ,williams1 ,william1 ,paints ,washington's ,masonic ,portrait1 #cf ,wise's ,tavern1 ,alexandria1 #ce ,transcriber's ,notes3 ,passages in italics are indicated by underscore4 ,image captions are indicated by caption4 ,illustrations without captions are not identified in this text version4 ,superscripted letters are not identified in this text version4 ,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 text4 ,the following misprints have been corrected3 contiuue corrected to continue 7page #ff7 ,illumaniti corrected to ,illuminati 7page #acj7 ,fredricksburg corrected to ,fredericksburg 7footnote #g7 ,dick1 ,elisah corrected to ,dick1 ,elisha 7index7 ,all other spelling and punctuation is presented as in the original4 ,the index has been correctly alphabetized4