XIII Correspondence With Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, March, 1797
At a Grand Lodge in Quarterly Communication, held at Concert Hall, Boston, on the evening of March 18, A.L. 5797.
“On motion it was Voted, That a committee be appointed to draft an Address, to be presented to our Illustrious Brother, George Washington, Esq’r, when the M.W. Paul Revere, Grand Master, R.W. John Warren, Rev. Bro. Thaddeus M. Harris, R.W. Josiah Bartlett, Bro. Thomas Edwards, were appointed a committee for that purpose.”
In response to above resolution the following address was sent to Brother Washington at Mount Vernon dated Boston, March 21, 5797, viz.:
“The East, the West and the South, of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
To Their Most Worthy George Washington.”
“Wishing ever to be foremost in testimonials of respect and admiration for those virtues and services with which you have so long adorned and benefited our common country; and not the last nor least, to regret the cessation of them, in the public councils of the Union; your Brethren of the Grand Lodge embrace the earliest opportunity of greeting you in the calm retirement you have contemplated to yourself. Though as citizens they lose you in the active labors of political life, they hope, as Masons, to find you in the pleasing sphere of Fraternal engagement.
“From the cares of state and the fatigues of public business our institution opens a recess affording all the relief of tranquility, the harmony of peace and the refreshment of pleasure. Of these may you partake in all their purity and satisfaction; and we will assure ourselves that your attachment to this social plan will increase; and that under the auspices of your encouragement, assistance and patronage, the Craft will attain its highest ornament, perfection and praise. And it is our ardent prayer, that when your light shall be no more visible in this earthly temple, you may be raised to the All Perfect Lodge above; be seated on the right of the Supreme Architect of the Universe, and there receive the refreshment your labors merited.
“In behalf of the Grand Lodge, we subscribe ourselves with the highest esteem,
“Your affectionate Brethren,
“Paul Revere, Grand Master.
“Isaiah Thomas, S. Grand Warden.
“Joseph Laughton, J. Grand Warden.
“Daniel Oliver, Grand Secretary,
“Boston, 21st March, 5797.”
For some unaccountable reason the delivery of the address was delayed and not received at Mount Vernon until late in April. The original draft of Washington’s reply to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in his own handwriting and signature as well as an autograph note of apology for the seeming delay to Grand Master Paul Revere and his officers dated Mount Vernon, April 24, 1797, are in the Manuscript Department in the Library of Congress, viz.:
“To Paul Revere Grand Master, Isaiah
“Thomas Senior Grand Warden and
“Joseph Laughton Junr Grand Warden.
“Brothers,
“I am sorry that the en-
“closed answer to the affectionate address
“of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and
“Accepted Masons, of the Commonwealth
“of Massachusetts transmitted under your
“signatures, should appear so much out
from
“of season; but ^ the lapse of time between
“the date & reception of the address (from
“what cause I know not) it was not to be
“avoided, and is offered as an apology, for
“the delay. With brotherly affection
“I am always yours,
“Mount Vernon,
24th April 1797.”
1735-1818.
GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN MASSACHUSETTS, 1797.
Following is a copy of Washington’s original draft of his reply to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. It is written upon two pages of a letter sheet entirely in his handwriting and signed by him.
“To the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free &
“Accepted Masons, of the Commonwealth
“of Massachusetts.
“Brothers,
“It was not until within
“these few days that I have been favoured by
“the receipt of your affectionate Address
“dated in Boston the 21st of March
“For the favourable sentiments
“you have been pleased to express on the
“occasion of my past services, and for the
“regrets with which they are accompani-
“ed for the cessation of my public functions,
“I pray you to accept my best acknowledg-
“ments and gratitude.—
“No pleasure, except that wch
“results from a consciousness of having, to
“the utmost of my abilities, discharged,
“the trusts which have been reposed in
“me by my Country, can equal the satis
“faction I feel from the unequivocal proofs
“I continually receive of its approbation
“of my public conduct, and I beg you to be
“assured that the evidence thereof which
“is exhibited by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
“is not among the least pleasing, or grate
“ful to my feelings.—
“In that retirement which decli-
“ning years induced me to seek, and which
“repose, to a mind long employed in pub-
“lic concerns, rendered necessary, my wish
“es that bounteous Providence will conti-
“nue to bless & preserve our country in
“Peace & in the prosperity it has enjoyed, will
“be warm & sincere; and my attachment
“to the Society of which we are members
“will dispose me always, to contribute my best
“endeavours to promote the honor &
“interest of the Craft.—
“For the prayer you offer in
“my behalf I entreat you to accept the
“thanks of a grateful heart; with the as-
“surance of fraternal regard and best
“wishes for the honor, happiness & prospe-
“rity of all the members of the Grand Lodge
“of Massachusetts.
The original letter is said to be in possession of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. No photographic fac-simile of the document, however, could be obtained.