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=THE MASONIC PORTRAIT OF
BROTHER GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON.
ORIGINAL PASTEL PORTRAIT FROM LIFE BY WILLIAM WILLIAMS, PHILADELPHIA,
SEPTEMBER 1794, PAINTED AT THE REQUEST OF ALEXANDRIA LODGE, No. 39, A.
Y. M., WARRANTED BY THE GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA, FEBRUARY 3, 1783,
NOW THE ALEXANDRIA-WASHINGTON LODGE, No. 22, A. F. & A. M. OF VIRGINIA.
REPRODUCTION FROM THE UNIQUE COPY IN THE MUSEUM OF THE R. W. GRAND
LODGE, F. & A. M. OF PENNSYLVANIA.
COPYRIGHTED BY ALEXANDRIA-WASHINGTON LODGE, No. 22, VIRGINIA, AND
PRINTED BY ITS PERMISSION.=
Washington's
Masonic Correspondence
AS FOUND AMONG THE
WASHINGTON PAPERS
IN THE
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Compiled from the original records, under the direction of the Committee
on Library of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, with annotations.
BY
JULIUS F. SACHSE
LIBRARIAN, MASONIC TEMPLE PHILADELPHIA
PHILADELPHIA
1915
Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1915, in the Office of
the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C., by J. HENRY WILLIAMS,
R.W.G.M.
COMMITTEE ON LIBRARY
JOHN WANAMAKER, _Chairman_,
SAMUEL W. LATTA,
NORRIS S. BARRATT,
HARMAN YERKES,
HENRY DARRACH,
WALTER T. TAGGART.
JULIUS F. SACHSE, _Librarian_.
_An Edition of One Thousand Copies has been printed, of which this is
No._ 355
PRESS OF
THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY
LANCASTER, PA.
=J. HENRY WILLIAMS
Grand Master
1914-1915.=
J. Henry Williams,
R. W. Grand Master
Office of the
R. W. Grand Master
F. & A. Masons in Pennsylvania,
Masonic Temple Philadelphia,
The position of eminence, the great respect and the profound reverence
in which the name of WASHINGTON is enshrined in the hearts of the
American people, and particularly so, with the members of this
Fraternity, and of all true lovers of liberty and freedom wheresoever
dispersed, is the reason, if any be needed, why everything relating to
this great man and worthy brother should be preserved for the future
generations, to be used by them as a guide, in the cultivation of those
cardinal virtues of Honor and Integrity, that should ever characterize
the conduct of a good man and a good Mason.
The collection and reproduction of the letters of Brother WASHINGTON,
together with the text of this book, have been prepared under my
supervision, and its publication is heartily approved.
J. Henry Williams
_Grand Master._
FEBRUARY 22, A.D. 1915--A.L. 5915.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Foreword 1
The Masonic Correspondence of Washington 5
I
Correspondence with Watson and Cassoul 19
II
Correspondence with Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, 1783 28
III
Correspondence with Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, 1784 34
IV
Correspondence with King David's Lodge, No. 1, Newport, R. I., 1790 37
V
Correspondence with St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Newbern, N. C., 1791 44
VI
Correspondence with Prince George's Lodge, No. 16,
Georgetown, S. C., 1791 51
VII
Correspondence with Grand Lodge of South Carolina, 1791 57
VIII
Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Georgia, 1791 65
IX
Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1792 69
X
Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 1792 80
XI
Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1796 86
XII
Correspondence with Alexandria Lodge, No. 22, Virginia, 1797 95
XIII
Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 1797 102
XIV
Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Maryland, 1798 111
XV
Correspondence with G. W. Snyder, 1798 117
XVI
Index 141
ILLUSTRATIONS
PAGE
Masonic Portrait of Washington _Frontispiece_.
J. Henry Williams, R. W. Grand Master iii
Washington's Headquarters at Newburgh on the Hudson _Facing page_ 22
Wise's Tavern, Alexandria, Virginia " " 35
Moses Michael Hays (Portrait) " " 15
Washington, (Houdon Portrait), 1786 " " 36
Mordecai Gist, (Portrait) " " 57
Residence of President Washington in Philadelphia " " 69
Fac-Simile of Address " " 72
Jonathan Bayard Smith, (Portrait) " " 76
Rev. William Smith, D.D., (Portrait) " " 88
Mount Vernon, 1783-1799 " " 95
Paul Revere, (Portrait) " " 105
Washington, (St. Memin Portrait), 1798 " " 117
Draft of Letter to Grand Lodge of Maryland _Between pages_ 112-113
Press copy of Washington's letter to G. W. Snyder,
September 25, 1798 " " 124-125
Press copy of letter, October 24, 1798 " " 130-131
FOREWORD
WASHINGTON's Masonic correspondence as found among the Washington papers
in the Manuscript department of the Library of Congress, affords an
insight of the great esteem in which WASHINGTON held the Masonic
Fraternity, of which since his early days he had been an honored member.
This is further shown by his great courtesy to the Brethren, in his
replies to their addresses, no matter whether they were from a Grand or
Subordinate Lodge. In this collection, were also found some of the
original drafts of WASHINGTON's replies, together with copies of the
various masonic addresses and letters to him, and in the case of Dominie
Snyder, press copies of his answers.
In the present work an attempt has been made to group this matter
together in chronological order, also to show some of the surroundings
and conditions under which this correspondence was made, and of the
Brethren who were prominent in the presentation of these Eleven
Addresses, which came to him from Seven of the Thirteen Colonies.
A complete set of photostatic fac-similes of these documents in the
Library of Congress, has been secured for the Museum of the Grand Lodge
of Pennsylvania. Efforts were also made to obtain photographic copies of
such of the WASHINGTON Masonic letters as were still in existence, which
were successful except in two instances as noted in the text.
It will be noted that on April 30, 1789, WASHINGTON, while Master of his
Lodge, was inaugurated President of the United States; this is the only
instance where one of the fourteen Presidents, who were Members of our
Fraternity was a Master of a Lodge during their term as President.
The esteem in which WASHINGTON held the Masonic Fraternity, is shown by
the fact, that in almost every case he had both the address and his
reply, copied upon opposite pages of one of his folio letter-books, now
in the Library of Congress. These copies are respectively in the
handwriting of WASHINGTON's private secretaries, viz:--Major William
Jackson: Tobias Lear: Bartholomew Dandridge and G. W. Craik.
In addition to the above copies we have WASHINGTON's original drafts of
his letters to Watson and Cassoul, to the Grand Lodges of Massachusetts,
South Carolina, and Maryland, to Paul Revere, and as before stated
press copies of his answers to Mr. Snyder.
A perusal of these original documents, as here presented, affords an
excellent illustration of the _entente cordiale_, which existed between
WASHINGTON and his Masonic Brethren.
Upon the other hand, how the Masonic Fraternity, during WASHINGTON's
lifetime, venerated their august Brother, is shown by the addresses of
this correspondence as retained by WASHINGTON.
Also by the various Masonic Memorial services held, after WASHINGTON's
death, the chief of which was in Philadelphia, under the auspices of the
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The Masonic services held in every State of
the Union, the many Eulogies and Sermons delivered and printed are
matters of history.
How this veneration of the great WASHINGTON continued during the past
years, is shown by the fact that there are no less than 53 Masonic
Lodges in the United States, named after the illustrious Brother. This
is independent of the numerous Royal Arch Chapters, Commanderies, and
other Masonic bodies, that bear the name "WASHINGTON."
Washington Lodges are found in thirty-eight of the forty-eight States of
the American Union.
The other ten States, which thus far have no "Washington Lodge" within
their Jurisdiction, are Mississippi and Texas, together with the newer
western States lately admitted into the American Union, viz:--Nevada,
North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona.
In addition to the fifty-three Washington Lodges, there is also one each
in Canada, the Island of Cuba and the District of Columbia.
In the Masonic Fraternity throughout the world, the name of WASHINGTON
is ever kept in remembrance, as one of the brightest luminaries in the
Masonic constellation, one of the most prominent examples, being his
full length oil portrait in Masonic clothing in the Hall of the Grand
Lodge of England at London.
Acknowledgments are due to the Hon. Herbert Putnam, Librarian of
Congress, for placing these documents at the disposal of the writer, and
giving permission to have photostat copies made of same; also to J.
Henry Williams, Esq., R. W. Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania and
Masonic Jurisdiction thereunto belonging, for suggestions and
encouragement in the preparation of this work.
Julius F. Sachse.
PHILADELPHIA, FEBRUARY 22, A.D. 1915--A.L. 5915.
The Masonic Correspondence of Washington
Much has been written pro and con about WASHINGTON and his connection
with the Masonic Fraternity. Thus far no complete set of his Masonic
writings have been compiled or published. Such portions as have been
printed were fragmentary, and issued for what may be called local
purposes.
How careful WASHINGTON was of his Masonic correspondence is shown by the
fact that he had copies made, in his private letter books, of most all
letters sent him by the various Masonic Grand and Subordinate bodies,
and his answers thereto, usually upon opposite pages. He thus had both
the addresses and his reply at hand for easy reference. This fact shows
the esteem in which WASHINGTON held his Brethren of the Masonic
Fraternity, as well as his own opinion of Freemasonry.
These letter-books are now in the Library of Congress, and photostat
copies of such as relate to Freemasonry have been made for the Library
of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
As to the authenticity of the Washington Letter Books, and how they came
into the possession of the United States Government is explained by the
following statement by Mr. Galliard Hunt, chief Manuscript division,
Library of Congress:[1]
"They are a part of the Washington papers in
"the Government's possession, purchased from the
"Washington family, one lot in 1834 and the re-
"mainder in 1849, and deposited in the Department
"of State until 1903, when, by the President's order,
"they were sent to this Library. They range in date
"from 1754 to 1799. Some of them are partly
"or wholly in Washington's hand-writing, and others
"in the writing of his secretaries and their clerks.
"There are no volumes of press copies, but there are
"some press copies among the papers."
WASHINGTON in writing his answer to the various greetings, in most cases
would first make a rough copy of his reply, then digest, alter, correct
or change such parts or sentences as he thought proper. Then after
deliberate consideration, a fair copy would be made either by WASHINGTON
or one of his Secretaries and signed by him, and sent to the Masonic
bodies for which they were intended.
Fortunately some of the original drafts of these Masonic letters have
come down to us; thus far five autographic copies have been found among
the Washington papers in the Library of Congress at Washington.
1. Draft of letter written at Newburg, New York, August 19, 1782, to
Watson and Cassoul of Nantes, France, thanking them for the Masonic
Apron, embroidered by the nuns at Nantes, and which is now in possession
of Alexandria-Washington Lodge, No. 22, at Alexandria, Virginia.
2. To the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
3. To the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
4. To the Grand Lodge of South Carolina.
5. To the Grand Lodge of Maryland; this draft is a two-page letter
written upon a letter sheet and shows many changes and corrections; it
is dated 1798.
In addition to the above original drafts there were found several
addresses and the accompanying answers, which thus far have never been
published, in fact no mention of them has ever appeared in print, viz:--
1. An address from the Grand Lodge of Georgia, together with
WASHINGTON's reply.
2. A letter to Paul Revere, Grand Master of Massachusetts and his Grand
Officers.
3. An address from the Brethren of Prince George's Lodge, No. 16,
Georgetown, South Carolina, presented to President WASHINGTON during his
visit to South Carolina, April 30, 1791, also his reply to same.
4. An address from the Brethren of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, of Newbern,
North Carolina, and the reply to same.
Photostat copies of the above have also been obtained which make the
most complete collection of the Masonic Correspondence of WASHINGTON
which has thus far been compiled.
A careful study of this correspondence so carefully cherished by
WASHINGTON puts an entirely new phase upon WASHINGTON's connection with
the Masonic Fraternity, and his esteem of Freemasonry.
These papers absolutely thrust aside all of the statements, arguments
and libels, brought forth by our misguided enemies at the time of the
Anti-Masonic craze during the last century, and in a small way kept
alive even down to the present day by some people who are blinded by
their ignorance or malice.
Referring to some of their published statements that WASHINGTON never
belonged to the Masonic Fraternity, and that there were no authentic
Masonic letters nor copies thereof among his records so frequently made
during the political Anti-Masonic craze, which swept over New England
and the Middle States about eighty-five years ago, the following
quotations from the Masonic literature of the period will prove
interesting examples.
One of the chief statements made by these people, and brought before all
their conventions and heralded in the public prints was: "That though
General Washington caused to be carefully copied in books kept for that
purpose, all his letters on every subject, no trace whatever of any of
the five letters under consideration,[2] nor any letters to any other
Lodge or Masonic body whatever, are to be found among the records of his
correspondence."[3]
The chief authority upon whom the leaders of the Anti-Masonic movement
at that time depended in their defamation of WASHINGTON, was Jared
Sparks of Boston, who at the time was engaged writing a life of
WASHINGTON, and then had access to all the Washington letter-books and
papers, and from his connection with the Washington correspondence, was
supposed to be the best qualified to pass upon their authenticity.
Another of the charges made by the Anti-Masonic bigots whose chief
object was to controvert facts was:
"That although WASHINGTON was _extremely scrupulous_ in preserving
his correspondence with all public or private bodies, there is not
a line of his _relating to Freemasonry_, to be found among all his
papers, except the correspondence with Mr. Snyder![4] It is also a
fact, that WASHINGTON was equally scrupulous in dating his letters,
and it is believed that not one can be found, which is without a
date."[5]
It appears that the chairman of a committee of citizens of Boston called
upon the officers of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts to submit their
two Washington letters to Jared Sparks for his inspection. This the
Grand Officers refused to do.
In return Sparks sent the following letter to the Chairman:
"Boston, February 18, 1833.
"_Sir_,--I received this morning your letter of the 15th instant, in
which you inquire:
"Whether I have yet seen or had in my possession any original letter
or letters, in the hand writing of General Washington, addressed to
any body of men denominating themselves Freemasons.
"In reply, I can only state that I have seen no letters from General
Washington of the kind described in yours, nor received any
communication on the subject, either verbal or written.[6]
"I am, Sir,
"Very respectfully,
"Your ob't servant,
"JARED SPARKS."
How Sparks could have overlooked the numerous entries in the letter
books whose numbers and folios are here quoted, also the drafts of
replies in WASHINGTON's hand-writing and signed by him (copies of which
are here given in this work), can only be accounted for by the fact that
he must have been carried away by the political excitement of the day.
WASHINGTON's connection with the Masonic Fraternity has been
exhaustively traced by Brother James M. Lamberton, Past Master of
Perseverance Lodge, No. 21, in his address "WASHINGTON AS A FREEMASON,"
from the day of his entrance into Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4, of
Virginia, September 1, 1752, until the day of his death, December 14,
1799, before the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, at its celebration of the
Sesqui-Centennial Anniversary of the Initiation of Brother GEORGE
WASHINGTON into the Fraternity of Freemasons,[7] held in the Masonic
Temple, in the city of Philadelphia on Wednesday, November 5, 1902.
It must also be remembered that WASHINGTON made a public profession of
his membership in Philadelphia, Monday, December 28, 1778, when he
walked in procession with his brethren of the Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania, from the College at Fourth and Arch Streets to Christ
Church on Second Street above Market Street, Philadelphia, where, after
a prayer by Rev. William White, a sermon was preached for the "[Benefit
of the POOR] by appointment of and before | The General Communication |
of | Free and Accepted | MASONS | of the | State of PENNSYLVANIA, | on
Monday, December 28, 1788, | Celebrated, agreeable to their
Constitution, | as the Anniversary of | ST. JOHN the Evangelist, | by
William Smith, D.D., | Provost of the College and Academy of
Philadelphia." |
This Sermon was printed and dedicated to Brother WASHINGTON and a copy
sent to him, which was bound with other pamphlets in a volume lettered
"Masonic Sermons," and is so mentioned in the inventory of his estate
and now in the Boston Athenaeum.[8] At this service over four hundred
pounds were collected for the relief of the poor.
Rev. Brother William Smith, D.D., preached a number of Masonic Sermons
in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland; three of which delivered at the
request of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania were printed, viz.:
_Sermon 1._--On Brotherly Love, &c. Preached on the Anniversary of St.
John the Baptist, June 24, 1755,
_Sermon 2._--Preached on Monday, December 28, 1778, celebrated as the
Anniversary of St. John the Evangelist. With an Appendix on the
Character of Lucius Quintius Cincinnatus,
_Sermon 3._--Preached before the Grand Lodge of Communication, on St.
John the Baptist's day, June 24, 1795.
Original copies of the above are in the Library of the Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania.
Rev. Brother Smith reprinted the above in a Volume of Sermons with the
following note:[9]
"N. B. The above three Sermons were preached at the request of the
Grand Lodge of Communication, for Pennsylvania, and contains in
substance all that the Author thinks it necessary to bequeath to the
Brotherhood, by way of Sermons, preached at different times and in
sundry of the neighboring States, during 48 Years past."
By referring to the following letters and Documents it is shown that
WASHINGTON's interest in Freemasonry and the Fraternity continued until
the time of his death.
These documents cover the period from 1782 to 1798.
As these copies in our possession are photostat fac-similes of the
original documents in the Library of Congress, there can never be any
question of correctness or of their authenticity.
The finding and collating of this material will settle for all time to
come the question of WASHINGTON's connection with the Ancient
Fraternity, and his opinion and esteem of Freemasonry.
The earliest record we have of any Masonic Body proposing a masonic
address to General WASHINGTON, was the resolution offered in King
David's Lodge, No. 1, at Newport, Rhode Island, during WASHINGTON's
visit to Newport in March, 1781, while the French Army under Rochambeau
was quartered there. WASHINGTON arrived in Newport on the sixth of March
and remained there until the thirteenth, when he left for Providence by
way of Bristol.
It was in anticipation of this visit that the Brethren of King David's
Lodge, of which Brother Moses Michael Hays[10] was Worshipful Master,
that a masonic greeting to General WASHINGTON was proposed. The
following entry from the old Minute Book of the Lodge will explain why
the project failed to materialize.
=MOSES M. HAYS
W. M. KING DAVID'S LODGE, No. 1, NEWPORT, R. I., 1780-1781. GRAND MASTER
OF MASONS IN MASSACHUSETTS, 1788-1793.=
EXTRACT FROM THE RECORDS OF KING DAVID'S LODGE.
"Regular Lodge night, held at the house of Mr. James Tew, Wednesday
evening, the 7th February, 1781. 5781.
"A motion being made that as our worthy brother, his Excellency
General Washington, was daily expected amongst us, a committee
should be appointed to prepare an address in behalf of the Lodge, to
present him. Voted, That the Right Worshipful Master (Moses Michael
Hays) together with brothers Seixas, Peleg Clark, John Handy, and
Robert Elliot, be a committee for that purpose, and that they
present the same to this Lodge at their next meeting for their
approbation."
"At a Lodge held by request of the Right Worshipful Master, Feb.
14th, 1781. 5781,
"The committee appointed to draught an address to our worthy
brother, His Excellency General Washington, report, that on inquiry
they find General Washington not to be a Grand Master of North
America; as was supposed, nor even Master of any particular Lodge.
They are, therefore, of opinion that this Lodge would not choose to
address him as a private brother at the same time, think it would
not be agreeable to our worthy brother to be addressed as such.
"Voted, That the report of the committee be received, and that the
address be entirely laid aside for the present."[11]
Now as to the cause for this uncertainty how to address Brother
WASHINGTON, it will be recalled that just at that time, the proposition
sent out by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania nominating General
WASHINGTON as Grand Master of all the Colonies, was then before the
various grand bodies, but did not find favor in New England, in fact the
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was the chief objector, and finally
defeated the scheme to elect WASHINGTON the Grand Master General.[12]
The means of intercourse between the different Masonic Bodies at that
early day were so limited and uncertain that it offers a clear
explanation for the uncertainty under which the brethren of King David's
Lodge, No. 1, at Newport labored at that time.
During the Anti-Masonic craze in the last century, the above minute was
extensively used by the political leaders of the Anti-Masonic party to
strengthen their claim that WASHINGTON had never presided over any
Masonic Lodge.
Following is a complete list of the Washington Masonic Correspondence,
thus far found among the Washington papers in the Library of Congress.
Draft of Letter to Watson and Cassoul, Nantes, France, August 10, 1782.
Letter to Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, Virginia, December 28, 1783.
Address from King David's Lodge, No. 1, Rhode Island, August 17, 1790,
and WASHINGTON's Reply.
Address from St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Newbern, North Carolina, April 20,
1791, and his reply.
Address from Prince George's Lodge (Moderns) Georgetown, South Carolina,
April 30, 1791, and his reply.
Draft of reply to Grand Lodge of South Carolina, May 5, 1791.
Address from Grand Lodge of Georgia, May 14, 1791, and his reply.
Address from Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, March, 1792, and his reply.
Address of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, December 27, 1792, and his
reply.
Address from Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, December 27, 1796, and his
reply.
Address from Alexandria Lodge, No. 22, Virginia, April 4, 1797, and his
reply.
Letter to Paul Revere and Grand Officers, April 24, 1797.
Draft of Letter to Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in reply to an address,
April 1797.
Draft of a reply to an address from the Grand Lodge of Maryland,
November 8, 1798.
Letter from G. W. Snyder to WASHINGTON, August 22, 1798.
WASHINGTON's Reply to Snyder, September 25, 1798.
WASHINGTON's Reply to Snyder's letter of October 17, 1798.
=ELKANAH WATSON
B. PLYMOUTH, MASS., JANUARY 22, 1758, D. AT PORT KENT, N. Y., DECEMBER
5, 1842, WHO, TOGETHER WITH HIS PARTNER CASSOUL, PRESENTED TO WASHINGTON
A MASONIC APRON MADE BY THE NUNS AT NANTES, FRANCE.
NOW IN THE POSSESSION OF ALEXANDRIA-WASHINGTON LODGE, No. 22,
VIRGINIA.=
Footnotes:
[1] Letter to Julius F. Sachse from Manuscript Division, December 19,
1914--in Library of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
[2] The letters referred to by the Anti-Masons were the one to King
David's Lodge at Newport, two to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and
one to Charleston, S. C., and to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The
above five Masonic Letters were all that were known to the Anti-Masons
at that time.
[3] "Vindication | of | General Washington | from the stigma | of
adherence to | Secret Societies | by | Joseph Ritner | Governor of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, | communicated | by | request of the House
of Representatives, to that body,| on the 8th of March, 1837."
This address during the Anti-Masonic period was regarded as an important
state paper.
[4] Letter press copies of the Snyder letters were retained by
WASHINGTON. Photostat copies of same are in the Archives of the Grand
Lodge of Pennsylvania.
[5] "Proceedings of the Third State Anti-masonic Convention, of
Massachusetts, Worcester, 1832," p. 27.
[6] Vindication of Washington before quoted, p. 13.
[7] The Ancient Minute Book and Ledger of Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4, in
Virginia, of which we have a photostat, is still in possession of the
Lodge, showing that "GEORGE WASHINGTON was entered November 4, 1752, and
on November 6, paid for his entrance L2. 3. 0, March 3, 1753, GEORGE
WASHINGTON was passed to Fellow-Craft; August 4, 1753, GEORGE WASHINGTON
was raised Master Mason."
[8] Catalogue of Washington Collection in Boston Athenaeum, Boston, 1897,
p. 185.
[9] Cf. "Works of William Smith, D.D.," Philadelphia, 1803, Vol. II, pp.
27-88, also "Life and Correspondence of Rev. William Smith, D.D.,"
Philadelphia, 1880, Vol. II, p. 9. _Et seq._
[10] For an exhaustive sketch of Brother Moses Michael Hays, see _The
American Freemason_, Vol. V, p. 576.
[11] "Newport, ss. Newport, August 18th, A.D. 1832. I certify that the
extracts taken from the records of King David's Lodge, Newport,
contained in the above and three foregoing pages, have been by me
compared with the minutes contained in two books purporting and
appearing to be the original records of said Lodge, and found to be true
and accurate copies of the same.
"Quid attestor, "GEO. C. MASON.
_"Jus. Peace and Pub. Not'y."_
Cf. "Anti-masonic Republican Convention of Massachusetts held at
Worcester, September 5-6, 1832," p. 23.
[12] For a full account of this episode, see "Freemasonry in
Pennsylvania," Barratt and Sachse, Philadelphia, 1908, Vol. 1, Chapter
XII; "WASHINGTON as General Grand Master," p. 393 _et seq._
I
CORRESPONDENCE WITH WATSON & CASSOUL, NANTES, FRANCE, AUGUST, 1782.
The earliest letter of General GEORGE WASHINGTON of Masonic Import known
is the one written while in camp at Newburgh in New York, dated State of
New York, August 10, 1782, to the firm of Watson and Cassoul in Nantes,
France, in which his friend, Brother Elkanah Watson was the chief
partner, thanking the firm for the Masonic Apron and ornaments sent him
from Nantes, France.
This apron is now in the possession of the Alexandria-Washington Lodge,
No. 22, at Alexandria, Virginia.
Elkanah Watson in his Memoirs states:[13]
"Wishing to pay some mark of respect to our beloved Washington, I
employed, in conjunction with my friend M. Cossoul, nuns in one of
the convents at Nantes to prepare some elegant Masonic ornaments,
and gave them a plan for combining the American and French Flags on
the apron designed for this use. They were executed in a superior
and expensive style. We transmitted them to America, accompanied by
an appropriate address."
By the above extract is shown beyond all doubt the error in the
statement so repeatedly made, that the apron at Alexandria is the one
made by the Marquise de Lafayette, and presented to WASHINGTON by
General Lafayette, during his visit to Mount Vernon in 1784, and the one
in the Museum of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, that of Watson and
Cassoul.[14]
Following letter was sent to WASHINGTON, together with the Masonic Apron
and "Ornaments," by Messrs. Watson and Cassoul, from France under date
"east of Nantes," 23d 1st Month, 5782.[15]
"TO HIS EXCELLENCY, GENERAL WASHINGTON, AMERICA.
"_Most Illustrious and Respected Brother:_
"In the moment when all Europe admire and feel the effects of your
glorious efforts in support of American liberty, we hasten to offer
for your acceptance a small pledge of our homage. Zealous lovers of
liberty and its institutions, we have experienced the most refined
joy in seeing our chief and brother stand forth in its defence, and
in defence of a newborn nation of Republicans.
"Your glorious career will not be confined to the protection of
American liberty, but its ultimate effect will extend to the whole
human family, since Providence has evidently selected you as an
instrument in his hands, to fulfill his eternal decrees.
"It is to you, therefore, the glorious orb of America, we presume
to offer Masonic ornaments, as an emblem of your virtues. May the
Grand Architect of the Universe be the Guardian of your precious
days, for the glory of the Western Hemisphere and the entire
universe. Such are the vows of those who have the favor to be by
all the known numbers."
"Your affectionate brothers,
"WATSON & CASSOUL."
"East of Nantes, 23d 1st Month, 5782."
=WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS
NEWBURGH-ON-THE-HUDSON WHERE THE WATSON AND CASSOUL LETTER WAS WRITTEN,
AUGUST, 1782.=
Owing to the uncertain intercourse between the two countries, it was
almost seven months before Brother WASHINGTON received the Masonic
apron, ornaments and letter from France. He at that time was in camp
with the army at Newburg on the Hudson.[16]
In reply WASHINGTON sent the following autograph letter to the donors in
Nantes, viz.:
"STATE OF NEW YORK
"Augt 10th 1782.
"Gentn.
"The Masonick Ornamts
"which accompanied your Bro-
"therly Address of the 23d of
"Jany last, tho' elegant in
"themselves, were rendered
"more valuable by the flattering
"sentiments, and affectionate
"manner, in which they were
"presented.--
"If my endeavours to
"avert the evil, with which this
"Country was threatned by a
"deliberate plan of Tyranny,
"should be crowned with the suc
"cess that is wished--The praise
"is due to the _Grand Architect_
"of the Universe; who did not see
"fit to suffer his superstructures
"and justice, to be subjected to the
"Ambition of the Princes of this
"World, or to the rod of oppression,
"in the hands of any power upon
"Earth.--
"For your affectionate
"Vows, permit me to be grateful;
"--and offer mine for true Brothers
"in all parts of the world; and
"to assure you of the sincerity
"with which I am
"Yrs
"Go. Washington"
"Messrs
"Watson & Cosson[17]
"East of Nantes"
This autograph letter from WASHINGTON to Messrs. Watson and Cassoul is
now in the possession of the Grand Lodge of New York, who purchased it
from a member of the Watson family in the year 1866 or 1867 at a cost of
approximately $1,000, and is now framed and secured between two sheets
of glass in the collection of the Committee of Antiquities of the Grand
Lodge F. & A. M. of New York.[18]
It is written upon two pages of an ordinary letter sheet, and was a copy
of one written by WASHINGTON, with which he was not entirely satisfied,
as shown by the changes made in the text before it was sent to France.
The first copy WASHINGTON retained, and is now in the Library of
Congress, and is here given for comparison, viz:
"STATE OF NEW YORK,
"Augt 10th 1782.
"_Gentn._,
"The Masonick Orna-
"ments which accompanied your
"Brotherly Address of the 23d.
"of the first month, tho' elegant
"in themselves, were rendered
"more valuable by the flattering
"sentiments, and affectionate
"manner, in which they were
"offered.--
"If my endeavours to
"avert the evil, with which
"this Country was threatned, by
"a deliberate plan of Tyranny,
"should be crowned with the
"success that is wished--the
"praise is due to the _Grand
"Architect_ of the Universe; who
see fit to
"who did not ^ suffer his superstruc
"tures & justice, to be subjected
ambition of the Princes of this world--or
"to the ^ rod of oppression, in the
"hands of any power upon Earth.
"For your affectionate
"vows, permit me to be grateful;
"and offer mine for true Brothers
"in all parts of the world; and
"to assure you of the sincerity
"with which I am,
"Yrs.
"Go. Washington"
Endorsed
to
"Messrs. Watson &
"Cosson--Nantes
"10th Augt 1782."
=FAC-SIMILE OF THE ORIGINAL DRAFT OF WASHINGTON'S LETTER TO WATSON AND
CASSOUL, NEW YORK, AUGUST 10, 1782.=
A photographic fac-simile of the letter now in New York, and a photostat
of the original copy retained by WASHINGTON are in the collection of the
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
The firm of Watson and Cassoul of Nantes, France, acted as confidential
agents of the American Government during the Revolutionary period, as is
shown by their correspondence with Benjamin Franklin in the Franklin
Mss. collection of the American Philosophical Society.[19] Elkanah
Watson was also a bearer of despatches to Dr. Franklin.
Footnotes:
[13] "Men and Times of the Revolution, or Memoirs of Elkanah Watson,"
New York, 1856, pp. 135, 136.
[14] Cf. "Proceedings Grand Lodge of New York," 1867, p. 28.
[15] "Memoirs of Elkanah Watson," p. 135.
[16] Cf. "Itinerary of General WASHINGTON from June 15, 1775, to
December 23, 1783," by William S. Baker, Philadelphia, 1892, p. 271.
[17] It will be noted that on both the draft and letter, WASHINGTON
spells the name Cassoul--"Cosson."
[18] Catalogue of Antiquities and Curios, Grand Lodge F. & A. M., New
York, Class J, No. 1, New York, 1905.
[19] Cf. "Calendar of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin in the Library of
the American Philosophical Society," edited by I. Minis Hays, Volume V,
p. 312.
II
CORRESPONDENCE WITH ALEXANDRIA LODGE, NO. 39, VIRGINIA, DECEMBER, 1783.
The next Masonic Letter of Brother WASHINGTON of which we have any
knowledge is the one written in answer to a letter sent him, upon his
return to civil life by the Brethren of Lodge No. 39, on the register of
the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, which met at Alexandria, Virginia.
December 23, 1783, General WASHINGTON presented himself to "The United
States in Congress Assembled," at Annapolis, Maryland, and resigned his
Commission that he had received on June 17, 1775, as Commander-in-Chief
of the Armies of the United States.
Upon Christmas Eve he returned to Mount Vernon, whereupon the Brethren
at Alexandria, who, it must be remembered, were working under a
Pennsylvania Warrant, at once sent the following Address signed by the
Officers of Lodge No. 39, to Brother WASHINGTON at Mount Vernon,[20]
viz.:
"_Sir_: Whilst all denominations of people bless the happy occasion
of your excellency's return to enjoy private and domestic felicity,
permit us, sir, the members of Lodge No. 39, lately established in
Alexandria, to assure your excellency, that we, as a mystical body,
rejoice in having a brother so near us, whose preeminent
benevolence has secured the happiness of millions; and that we
shall esteem ourselves highly honored at all times your excellency
shall be pleased to join us in the needful business."
"We have the honor to be, in the name and behalf of No. 39, your
excellency's
"Devoted friends and brothers,
"ROBERT ADAM, M.
"E. C. DICK, S. W.
"J. ALLISON, J. W.
"WM. RAMSAY, _Treas._"
"His Excellency General Washington."
Two days later Brother WASHINGTON sent following reply,[21] viz.:
"MOUNT VERNON 28th Decr. 1783.
"_Gentlemen_:
"With pleasing sensibility
"I received your favor of the 26th, and
"beg leave to offer you my sincere thanks
"for the favorable sentiments with
"which it abounds.--
"I shall always feel pleasure
"when it may be in my power to ren-
"der service to Lodge No 39, and in
"every act of brotherly kindness to the
"Members of it; being with great truth.
"Your affecte Brother
"and Obedt Servant
"Go. Washington"
"Robt Adam Esqr Master,
"& the Wardens & Treasr
"of Lodge No 39."
No copy of either address nor reply of this correspondence has thus far
been found among the Washington papers in the Library of Congress, by
the present writer.
Brother Robert Adam, the Master of Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, was a Son
of the Rev. John Adam, D.D., and Janet Campbell, of Kelbride, Scotland,
was born May 4, 1731; he emigrated to America in 1753, and, after a
short residence at Annapolis, Md., established himself at a pleasant
country residence in Fairfax County, Virginia, about four miles from
Alexandria. He was a gentleman of refined taste, cultivation and wealth,
and interested himself in everything that could promote the prosperity
of his adopted home.
=WASHINGTON'S REPLY TO ALEXANDRIA LODGE, NO. 39. ORIGINAL IN
ALEXANDRIA-WASHINGTON LODGE, NO. 22, ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA.=
It appears that during his residence at Annapolis, he was made a Mason
in a clandestine or irregular Lodge, and in the year 1783 applied for a
dispensation from the Grand Master of Pennsylvania, to apply to Lodge
No. 2, for initiation and membership.
Brother Dr. Elisha Cullen Dick, Senior Warden of Lodge No. 39, was a
native of Pennsylvania, born near Marcus Hook, in Delaware County, about
1753, and died at Alexandria, Va., September 22, 1825. He was a son of
Archibald Dick, a member of Lodge No. 2 at Philadelphia, and joined the
same Lodge, September 15, 1779.[22] Brother Elisha C. Dick was a
graduate of the old Pequea Academy, and of the College of Pennsylvania.
He began the study of medicine under Drs. William Shippen and Benjamin
Rush. After graduating he settled in Alexandria, Va., and at once became
active in Masonic circles in that city, and was instrumental in having
the petition presented to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania for a warrant,
which was granted under the name and number "Alexandria Lodge No. 39."
Upon the records of the Lodge, Brother Dick appears as both predecessor
and successor of Brother WASHINGTON as Master. Brother Dick was the
first consulting physician in WASHINGTON's last illness, and also
conducted the Masonic services at WASHINGTON's funeral on December 18,
1799. A biography of Dr. Dick is in the Library of the Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania.
Brother John Allison, the Junior Warden of Lodge No. 39, had served as
Major in the 1st Virginia State Regiment, and later as Lieutenant
Colonel.
Brother William Ramsay, Treasurer of Lodge No. 39, was an old personal
friend of WASHINGTON.
For a history of Alexandria Lodge, No. 39, warranted by the Grand Lodge
of Pennsylvania, February 3, 1783, which was constituted on the second
floor of a large three-story frame building, known as the "Lamb Tavern,"
on the twenty-fifth of February, 1783, the Masonic student is referred
to "Old Masonic Lodges of Pennsylvania," Philadelphia, 1913, Chapter
XLVI, pp. 153-168.
This tavern was situated on the west side of Union Street, between
Prince and Duke Streets, Alexandria, the site of which is now known as
No. 55 South Union Street.[23]
Footnotes:
[20] Cf. "Old Masonic Lodges of Pennsylvania--Moderns and Ancients,"
Julius F. Sachse, Philadelphia, 1913, Vol. II, p. 157. Also _Vide_
"Washington the Man and the Mason," by Charles H. Callahan, published
under the auspices of the "Memorial Temple Committee of the George
Washington Masonic National Memorial Association," Washington, D. C.,
1913.
[21] Original among Washington relics in Alexandria-Washington Lodge,
No. 22, Alexandria, Virginia. Fac-simile in Washington collection of
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
[22] Elisha C. Dick's petition was presented in Lodge No. 2, September
14, 1779, approved and entered by virtue of a dispensation from the
Grand Master, September 15; passed and raised, September 23.
"Freemasonry in Pennsylvania," Vol. I, pp. 352, 353.
[23] Cf. "The Lodge of Washington," by F. L. Brocket, Alexandria, Va.,
1876.
III
CORRESPONDENCE WITH ALEXANDRIA LODGE, NO. 39, VIRGINIA, JUNE, 1784.
The next Washington letter of Masonic import in chronological order is
his reply to an invitation to join the brethren of Alexandria Lodge, No.
39, in the celebration of St. John the Baptist's Day, June 24, 1784, to
which WASHINGTON sent the following reply, accepting the fraternal
invitation.
"MOUNT VERNON, June 19, 1784.[24]
"_Dear Sir_: With pleasure, I received the invita- tion of the
master and members of Lodge No. 39, to dine with them on the
approaching anniversary of St. John the Baptist. If nothing
unforeseen at present interferes, I will have the honor of doing it.
For the polite and flattering terms in which you have expressed
their wishes, you will please accept my thanks."
"With esteem and respect,
"I am, dear sir,
"Your most Ob't serv't
"Go. Washington"
"Wm. Herbert, Esquire."
=PLACE OF MEETING OF ALEXANDRIA LODGE, No. 39, ON PENNSYLVANIA REGISTER,
ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA, WHERE GENERAL WASHINGTON ACCEPTED HONORARY MEMBERSHIP,
JUNE 24, 1784.=
No copy of this invitation nor acceptance, has thus far been found among
the Washington papers.
The original of this letter is also said to be among the relics of
Alexandria-Washington Lodge, No. 22. As no fac-simile copy was
obtainable, an engrossed copy for same was substituted in the collection
of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
This banquet was held at Wise's tavern[25] and was participated in by
WASHINGTON, who upon this festive occasion was elected an honorary
Member of Lodge No. 39, upon the Pennsylvania register, and thus became
a Pennsylvania Freemason, and his name is duly recorded as such upon the
minutes of Lodge No. 39.
This fact further contradicts the Anti-Masonic arguments based upon the
Snyder letter so extensively used during the years 1826-1833, that
WASHINGTON never belonged to any Masonic Lodge, after his initiation in
the Fredericksburg Lodge in 1752.
The above note as recorded upon the Minutes of Alexandria Lodge, No. 39,
shows that WASHINGTON was in complete harmony with the Masonic
Fraternity; further, that by his acceptance of membership, WASHINGTON
became a Pennsylvania Mason.
Among the cherished relics in the Alexandria Lodge, there is none more
valuable than the Masonic portrait of Brother WASHINGTON, which forms
the frontispiece of this volume. This was painted from life in pastel,
by William Williams, at Philadelphia in 1794.
In the year 1910 a fac-simile of this portrait was made in oil by Miss
Fanny M. Burke, an artist of repute, and a great-granddaughter of Thomas
Jefferson. This replica made for the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania is the
only one ever made of this portrait and shows Brother WASHINGTON as a
man and Mason, neither heroized nor idealized.[26]
=GEORGE WASHINGTON
BY JEAN ANTOINE HOUDON, 1785.=
Footnotes:
[24] "Washington and his Masonic Compeers," by Sidney Hayden, New York,
1866, p. 104.
[25] John Wise's tavern, in which the above Masonic Banquet was held, is
a large three-story brick building still standing on high ground at the
northeast corner of Cameron and Fairfax Streets, Alexandria. At that
time it had an unobstructed view of the Potomac.
[26] _Vide_ "Abstract of Proceedings of the Proceedings Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania, During the Year 1910," pp. 110-117.
IV
CORRESPONDENCE WITH KING DAVID'S LODGE, NO. 1, RHODE ISLAND, AUGUST,
1790.
The next correspondence in chronological order is the letter, sent in
reply to the Address delivered by the Brethren of King David's Lodge,
No. 1, at Newport, Rhode Island, to President WASHINGTON, August 17,
1790, during his visit to New England.
By referring to the Minutes of this old Lodge following entry is found:
"At a Lodge, called by request of several Breth-
"ren on Tuesday evening, August 17, 5790, an
"Entered Apprentice Lodge being opened in due
"form proceeded to business, when it was proposed
"to address the President of the United States.
"The R. W. Master (Moses Seixas) Henry Sher-
"burne, and the Secretary, [William Littlefield]
"were appointed a committee for that purpose,
"after which the Lodge closed."[27]
Following address was prepared and according to local tradition was
publicly presented, by the Committee to President WASHINGTON, in the
Venerable Sanctuary of the Jewish Congregation at Newport; the Brethren
of King David's Lodge being present:
"TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, _President of the United
States of America._
"We the Master, Wardens, and Brethren of
"King David's Lodge in New Port Rhode Island
"with joyful hearts embrace this opportunity to
"greet you as a Brother, and to hail you welcome
"to Rhode Island. We exult in the thought that
"as Masonry has always been patronised by the
"wise, the good, and the great, so that it stood
"and ever will stand, as its fixtures are on the
"immutable pillars of faith, hope, and charity.
"With unspeakable pleasure we gratulate
"you as filling the presidential chair with the
"applause of a numerous and enlightened people
"Whilst at the same time we felicitate ourselves
"in the honor done the brotherhood by your many
"exemplary virtues and emanations of goodness
"proceeding from a heart worthy of possessing
"the ancient mysteries of our craft; being persuaded
"that the wisdom and grace with which heaven
"has endowed you, will square all your thoughts,
"words, and actions by the eternal laws of honor,
"equity, and truth, so as to promote the advancement
"of all good works, your own happiness, and that
"of mankind.
"Permit us then, illustrious Brother,
"cordially to salute you with three times three
"and to add our fervent supplications that the
"sovereign architect of the universe may always
"encompass you with his holy protection.
"MOSES SEIXAS[28] _Master_
"New Port Augt 17, 1790. _Committee_.
"HY SHERBURNE
"By order
"WM LITTLEFIELD, _Secy._"
Brother Moses Seixas was born in New York, March 28, 1744; died in New
York City, November 29, 1809. He was a merchant in Newport, Rhode
Island, and one of the founders of the Newport Bank of Rhode Island, of
which he was cashier until his death. He succeeded Brother Moses M. Hays
as Worshipful Master of King David's Lodge at Newport. He was also the
first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island. It was Moses
Seixas who addressed a letter of welcome in the name of the Jewish
congregation to GEORGE WASHINGTON when the latter visited Newport, and
it was to him that WASHINGTON's answer was addressed.
The Town Hall at Newport being out of repair at that time the ancient
Jewish Synagogue on the main street was used, upon that and several
other public occasions. It is an interesting fact that this sacred
edifice is still preserved in the same condition as it was during the
Colonial period.
So far as known this address was the first of Masonic import made to
WASHINGTON as President. Unfortunately, the exact date of presentation
and receipt of his answer is not known to a certainty, as there does not
appear to be any date upon either the original documents or the copies
in WASHINGTON's letter book.
The original address and WASHINGTON's reply to the Master, Wardens and
Brethren of King David's Lodge in Newport, the latter signed in
autograph by WASHINGTON, are in the Athenaeum collection at Boston,
Massachusetts.[29]
Following copy of the President's answer is taken from his letter
book.[30] Both address and answer in the letter book are in the
handwriting of Major William Jackson, secretary to the President.
A photostat of the original entry is in the Archives of the Grand
Lodge of Pennsylvania. It will be noted that there is neither place nor
date given.
=FAC-SIMILE OF REPLY TO KING DAVID'S LODGE, NO. 1, NEWPORT, R. I. LETTER
BOOK II, FOLIO 29.=