CHAPTER III.

In types xve speal- : hy tokens, secret loays, We teach the ivisdovi of primeval days.
— Douglas Jerrold.
Of the assistance x'endered by one brother to another in cases of danger or distress, many stories have been related, and a selection from the number, showing the influence of Masonry in warfare, and its beneficial effect in soothing the angry passions of those soldiers and sailors who arc ranged under its banner, will be laid before the reader.
As mentioned in another chapter, the statement of Sir Robert Wilson that a French captain owed his life when about to be transfixed by the lance of a Cossack to the fortunate circumstance of giving a Masonic sign, was described by the editor of a leading journal as an incident so incredible that no amount of evidence could induce him to believe it. The story, however, was really very well authenticated, as the narrator and one of the chief per- formers was Sir Robert Wilson himself, who was always on the alert during his numerous campaigns to recognize a brother in the Craft, and of whom a short memoir appears in another portion of this book.
The same fortunate presence of mind in resorting to the language of Masonry saved the life of a gallant officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Tytler, during the last war in which this country was engaged with America, who, when lying on tlie ground with a bayonet at his breast, succeeded in interest- ing a generous American officer in his behalf and saving his life. The truth of this story was vouched for by Sir A. Alison, not only in his " History of Europe," but also in his address to the brethren as Grand Master of the ]Masonic Province of Glasgow. At one of these meetings shortlv after the close of the Crimean War he related tlie
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following anecdote in connection with the attack on the Kedan : — " During that assault an English officer led a small party of soldiers up to one of the guns placed in a recess of the Redan, and most of the men fell before the fire with wdiich they were received. The others were met by a body of Russians, and the English officer was about to be bayoneted when he chanced to catch the hand of the Russian officer, and had presence of mind enough to give him a Masonic grip. The Russian in a moment struck up the bayonets of his soldiers, led his newly-found brother to the rear, and treated him with the kindness of a Mason."
A similar story is related of the late Captain Herbert Vaughan, 90th Foot, of whom a brother officer (the present Commander-in-Chief, Viscount Wolseley) wrote as follows : — " It is quite true that poor Vaughan was the only English officer removed at once from the Redan to the hospital. And this he owed to the fact that he was a Mason."
An incident, which is well attested, in the career of (General James Lindsay, of Balcarres, may also be recorded. While a prisoner in the hands of the Turks in the north of Africa, he made a Masonic sign to an old man who held some employment in the fortress in which he was detained. This man thereupon suggested to him a method of effecting his deliverance from captivity, and on his leaving the fortress provided him with a boat in which he escaped to Gibraltar.
The examples might be greatly multiplied where the accuracy of anecdotes, like the foregoing, has been deposed to by persons of credit and reputation. But it will be sufficient to say, that if the improbability of any of the stories I am about to relate, is the only reason that can be assigned for casting discredit upon them ; then the cir- cumstance that other and similar tales have been (and are) well authenticated, will permit of our reasoning by analogy, which should entirely set at rest the question of probability.
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Naval Anecdotes.
It will be seen from the following examples that the influence of Masonry has made itself felt not only in vessels of war, but also in the merchant navy, and among the crews and commanders of privateers and slavers, and has even operated like a charm in the case of actual buccaneers.
On the 27th November, 1812, a very large and valuable fleet sailed from Spithead for the West Indies, under the convoy of the Qtieen man-of-war. A very short time after their sailing a most violent tempest arose, and this valuable convoy was so much dispersed that only forty sail remained under the protection of the Consort. At this ci'isis it happened that the Gloire, a French frigate of forty-four guns was cruising betwixt the Western Islands and Ferrol, and fell in with the numerous stragglers of this ill-fated convoy. The frigate made many valuable prizes, and among them the Princess Royal, Captain Alexander Foster, a fine ship of 400 tons, laden with plantation stores for the Island of Jamaica. Captain Foster, on being taken on board the Gloire to deliver his papers, took the opportunity of making himself known as a Mason to the brave and chivalrous commander of the frigate. The French officer, after some private conversation, said that the duty which he owed to his country was paramount, but that next to it was the duty he owed as a Mason, '' To help a Brother in the hour of. need." Feeling encumbered by his numerous captives, and wishing to continue a cruise destructive to our com- merce, as being strictly compatible with his duty, he thought that he might with honour show his respect for the Craft by making " Brother Captain Foster " a present of his ship the Princess Royal and her cargo, as cartel to receive from the frigate all the prisoners by whom he was then encumbered — a proposal most gratefully and fraternally accepted.
" During the late war with France," recites an old naval officer, " I was taken, with several others, a jDrisoner of war. We were carried to the Mauritius, and in that island con- fined together in one dungeon. Some few months had
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elapsed, and we had experienced many disagreeable priva- tions, when one of our companions in misfortune requested the use of pens, ink, and paper, and permission to despatch a letter to the Governor. On the day following this event some French gentlemen visited our cell, and paid particular attention to our comrade. Our general condition afterwards was rendered less insupportable ; but what most surj^rised us all, and myself especially, for 1 was not then in the secret, was the mysterious change which took place in our fellow- sufferer's lot. The former Qiiser}' which we had all equally endured was certainly greatly alleviated, but our comrade was soon altogether removed, and, as we subsequently learnt, not only released from prison, but every necessary procured for him, his purse well stocked, and a passage obtained for him to his native country. This man was a Freemason. We, however, remained in confinement, though its former rigour was mitigated, for two years after his departure."
About the year 1824 the ship Leven, engaged on a survey, commanded by Captain Bartholomew, having arrived off' Cape Bolador, crossed the Bar, and anchored in the river Ouro, on the N.W. coast of Africa. The captain and some of the officers, with two boats' crews, proceeded to examine the river. The shore represented, as far as the eye could discover, one vast desert of sand. The boats proceeded, after rowing for about forty miles, to what appeared to be an island. The crews landed and slept there, but in the niorning were awoke by the loud yells of savages, and suddenly surprised also by the appearance of a large number of Arabs, who were armed with Spanish muskets (afterwards found to be loaded with balls and slugs) and long knives. Hostilities seemed to be inevitable, but the captain advanced towards the Arabs and made a Masonic sign, which was answered by their leader, who immediately laid down his musket and embraced tlie British officer. The captain and party were assisted to regain their ship, and the Arab Chief intimated his intention of visiting them on the following day. Nothing, however, was seen of these natives afterwards.
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Within a year or two of the date of the last anecdote an English naval captain was travelling in Egypt. He was accompanied by his sei'vant, an active and intelligent young man. They were attacked in a desert by the Arabs, two of whom they slew, but were ultimately overpowered. It was settled that the captain's life should be forfeited, and he awaited his destiny (the two prisoners having been sepai-ated) with what fortitude he could command. In the morning, however, he was agreeably surprised by his servant's approach with the joyful intelligence that the sentence was not only remitted, but that he was at liberty to resume his journey, and this retributive justice was accompanied by the restoration of all the property of which he had previously been despoiled. It is not to be wondered at that his gratitude to his servant ended in his taking early steps to claim a nearer association with him as a Brother in the Ci-aft, for by the exchange of the mysterious secret the robber of the desert kept faith with a Brother Mason.
Captain O'Brien, R.N. , in his "Adventures," comprising shipwreck, captivity, and escape fi'om various prisons during the war with France, relates that " after many severe and cruel hardships our route was through Hesden and St. Pol to Arras. Some genteel young men of the town, to whom Tuthill and Essel had contrived, in passing to the gaol, by signs to make known that they were Freemasons, obtained permission for both to accompany them for the night to their houses, where they were most hospitably entertained, whilst Ashworth and I were left upon straw and scanty prison fare in the dungeon." After this experience, as may readily be conjectured, the captain embraced the first opportunity which pi-esented itself of being admitted a member of the Masonic Institution.
The following appeared over the nom cle plume of " An Old Soldier" in a Masonic Journal of 1839 : — " I was some years in the Foot Guards, from which I was dischai'ged in consequence of ill health, and was induced in 1831 to enter the service of the Queen of Portugal ; and in 1833 returned to England and joined a ship just fitted out for the
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Portuguese service, as a non-coramissioned officer of marines. We had on board a complement of 120 seamen and 14 marines. When passing Dover, in consequence of some little misunderstanding between the captain and crew, the latter attempted to run the ship aground upon the sands, and but for the prompt and determined spirit of the marines the ship would have been lost. They, however, succeeded (with the most determined assistance of the officers of the ship) in driving the whole crew below, with the exception of one very young man, who was at the helm at the time, and who remained there for tivelve hours, aiding the captain in the most praiseworthy manner, the officers and marines working the ship all night ; and in the morning, after a proper concession from the crew, all was amicably arranged, and we sailed direct for Oporto to join the fleet of Admiral Carlos de Pouza (Napier), where we arrived on the 19th of June, 1833, but he had sailed twelve hours previous. We, howevei", spent that night in Oporto roads, where we had an opportunity of seeing the constant firing of shell, shot, and small arms, carried on the whole night between the armies of Pedro and Miguel. We sailed next morning for the south, but were, most unfortunately, wrecked on the following morning at Peneche, a strongly fortified place belonging to the enemy, Don Miguel, and lost everything we had except our clothes that we had on at the moment. We had amongst us a petty officer, wdio spoke very good Portviguese, and who had an opportunity of making Itwiself known to the Provost Marshal, wdio, it appeared, was enlightened as well as ourselves. From that moment he devoted all in his power to our interest and comfort, always giving us the lightest work to do, and sometimes a little wine, a great luxury at times, and some- times a little extra food, our allowance being a pound of coarse, black bread per day, with some boiled beans that an English pig would not eat, and were worked very hard, from five in the morning until seven at night, resting about three hours in the middle of the day, our employment burying those who died of the cholera (about fifty or sixty a day). We had to carry naked dead bodies about two miles in the broiling sun, and lost four of our own men
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by the same dreadful disease. I had an attack myself slightly, and attribute my recovery to the indulgence received as above alluded to. In a country like Portugal, torn by contending armies, where father was divided against son, and brother against brother, I consider it as an unlooked-for mercy, that a man should, from principle, protect and shelter a foreigner fighting against him on his own native shore ; and it shows at once the full advantage, as well as sound principle, of Freemasonry."
The late gallant Commander J. A. Pritchard, E,.N., when employed on the coast of Africa in the suppression of the slave trade, rendered important services to his country by his daring and successful capture of slavers. On one occasion, off the dreaded Bight of Benin (where it is said, in reference to the fearful mortality from fever which prevails there, " a hundred come out where a thousand go in "), H.M.S. hove to and lowered two boats, each con- taining fifteen seamen and marines, for the purpose of boarding a suspicious-looking barqiie-rigged vessel, then under full sail and steering directly out of the Bight. Commander Pritchard, then a lieutenant, had charge of the two boats — they neared the dark sides of the rakish craft and hailed her captain to heave to, but were answered with a shower of musketiy bullets, which wounded three of the crew of each boat — the wind lulled almost immediately into a calm (another remarkable scientific mystery of these climes, perhaps the concussion or report of the firearms having something to do with it). Amid the unwelcome salutation the stern, clear voice of the lieutenant was heard *' board her, boys, starboard and port " (which means one boat to each side). The crews bent to their oars, and ere they reached the sides a broadside from the slaver com- mander passed harmlessly over their heads, and cutlass in hand, with a dash and spontaneous British cheer, both boats' crews at the same moment were clambering either side of the fated craft ; the struggle was sharp and severe. Lieutenant P. had two pistol balls through the collar of his coat each side of the neck, and his face blackened by powder; he gained the deck, and was in the act of cutting
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down the captain, an American, when the latter made the M M. sign of distress and cried out " I am your prisoner." Lieiitenant P., being a brother of the mj^stic tie, sheathed his sword and spared his victim ; then taking- possession of the slaver, with five hundred slaves on board, permitted the reckless American to keep his sword and have as much liberty as he liked. The captain was afterwards tried for his life, in making armed resistance, but the energetic appeal of Lieutenant P., in conjunction witli others of the Masonic fraternity, turned the sentence of death passed npon the inhuman fellow, into one of a term of im])risonment, thus in a two-fold manner saving the life of a fellow-creature and ilhistrating in a noble manner the glorious principles of our Order when thoroughly acted upon.
At a meeting of the Liverpool Marine Board on September 8th, 1869, a presentation of a splendid telescope was made to Captain Sharp, of the Jeff Davis schooner, of 237 tons, for rescuing the crew of the water-logged barque Albert, when about 200 miles oS Cape Hatteras, at the eastern edge of the Gulf Stream. A frightful gale prevailed at the time of the rescue, and the crew of the Jeff' Davis had for thirty- four days subsequently to go on half-allowance, till the schooner reached Bermuda. Captain Sharp said that the other captain having passed the Freemason's sign, he felt himself doubly bound to rescue him, if possible.
In 1823 a merchant ship belonging to Sweden was wrecked upon the coast of Africa, about five hundred miles from Cape Town. The crew, about seventy in number, ■were saved, and afterwards conveyed to the latter place. Fifty-seven of ship's company, including the captain, were Freemasons, and immediately made themselves known to the Dutch Lodges there. They were supplied with food, clothing, and every necessary for about a month, until an opportunity occurred of sending them homs, passage free. In consequence of this benevolent act, the inhabitants of Cape Town opened a subscription and sent home the remainder of the men, so that the benefits of Masonry were experienced by the entire crew.
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About the year 1742, Captain Preverot. of the French Navy, brother of the celebrated Doctor of Medicine (of the f island, the governor of which was a P'reemason, who hearing of his misfortunes, and learning that he too was a brother, conducted him to his house, where he was furnished with all the comforts of life until a ship bound for France touched at the place. Before liis departure, however, his benefactor loaded him with presents, and gave him as much money as was sufficient to carry him to his native country.
In the summer of 18.35 (writes an inhabitant of the Shetland Islands), the schooner Vigilant, Captain Berguin, from Dunkirk, arrived in Lerwick harbour with loss of sails and other damage. The captain procured an agent with whom he agreed for the necessary repairs, which were soon effected, and the vessel declared ready for sea. A mis- understanding, however, arose between the captain and agent on the charges incurred, which, in the sequel, proved to be excessive. The captain threatened to sail without acknowledging the account, unless corrected, whereupon a meditations fugcp warrant was procured against him. As he understood the English language very imperfectly I yjroffercd my services in his forlorn state. He earnestly requested that a Freemason might be sent him, and to some of these I made his case known. The agent who procured the warrant, the judge who signed it, and the captain who suffered by it were all Freemasons. Instant justice was rendered, and the captain immediately liberated.
In 1762, two French prisoners in Edinburgh Castle, who were Freemasons, were allowed four guineas from the Grand Lodge. In the same year the Earl of Elgin and Kincardine, Grand Master, ordered the several Lodges under his juris- diction to assume Don Antonio de Pizarro, Governor of Tarragona in Spain, as a nominal member, the reason for this being as follows : —
Mr. Dickson, a Scottish Mason, was Sfiiling from Giliraltar to Italy, and during the voyage a storm compelled him to rxin his ship ashore under the Avails of Tarragona. Tlie
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captain and crew were seized as prisoners of the Spanish King, and brought before the Governor, Don Antonio de Pizarro, who, however, treated them with the utmost humanity. After conversing for a while, the Governor inquired of the captain concerning some persons at Gibraltar whom he knew to be Freemasons, which made him con- jecture that Don Antonio Inmself was a member of the Society. Mr. Dickson, therefore, made a sign, which was returned by the Governor, who gave orders that nothing should impede the captain's journey, whom, because of his being a brother, he allowed with his crew to return to Gibraltar, and supplied them with all necessaries for the passage. On arriving at Gibraltar, Mr. Dickson informed the Governor of what had occurred, who was so charmed with the story that he forthwith released sixteen Spaniards belonging to Ihe garrison of Tarragona, and the same night he was made a Mason. The captain afterwards sent an account of the whole affi\ir to the Grand Master of Scotland, who, with his own hand wrote a letter of thanks to Don Antonio, and ordered the story to be recorded in the books of the Grand Lodge. Also, as the noble behaviour of Don Antonio de Pizarro had done honour to Masonry, the Earl of Elgin and Kincardine ordered that he should be assumed as a nominal member of all the regular Lodges in Scotland. The Governor of Gibraltar, referred to in this anecdote, would appear to have been Major-General Parslow (1761), who was preceded in that office by the Earl of Home, and followed by Lieut. -General the Hon. Edward Cornwallis, both of whom ai-e known to have been active members of the fraternity at a much earlier date.
During the last war with France, a small coasting vessel, trading between Plymouth and Hampshire, was captured by a French privateer. The officer who boarded the vessel discovered among its papers the certificate of a Master Mason, which belonged to the English captain. The cir- cumstance having been reported to the French Commander, who was a member of the Craft, he came on board the prize and proposed to his captive tliat if he would pledge his word, as a man of honour and a Mason, to use his best exertions to
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obtain the release of his (the French captain's) brother, who was then a prisoTier of war at Plymouth, he would restore his vessel and allow him to proceed on his voyage. The terms were glndly acceded to, and the grateful English- man proceeded to his destination, where, on landing, he assembled the Masters of the Plymouth Lodges and com- mvmicated to them this remarkable convention. One of the Masters was employed by the government in the management and supply of the prison, and, on reporting the facts to the Head Board in London, received by the next post an order to complete with despatch and fidelity an exchange which the French Brother had commenced with so much confidence and generosity.
On the resumption of the war^after the short "Peace of Amiens" — in 1803, Captain Akerman was returning from Newfoundland to Poole, and his vessel was captured by a French privateer off Portland, nearly in sight of his native place. On nearing the coast of France, as the prize-master was overhauling the ship's papers, he observed a Masonic certificate, dated September 10th, 1783, showing that the captain belonged to the Lodge of Amity at Poole. He then called one of the crew who could speak English, and through him conveyed to Captain Akerman his great regret at not knowing sooner that he was a Mason, or he would have put him on shore at Portland or Albany Head. On landing at Bordeaux the captain was ti-eated very kindly, and legularly billetted at the house of a Freemason when proceeding to Verdun on his parole. At that depot the unfortunate victim of war remained until the peace of 1814, but during his eleven years of imprisonment often experienced the kindness of his captor. While thus detained, Napoleon passed through Verdun, and, hearing that several Masons Avere among the prisoners, he inquired how they conducted themselves, and, on receiving a favourable report, ordered a dinner to be given them. They were invited accordingly, and, after a due examination by the proper officers, sat down (on Christmas Day) to an excellent repast, the Commandant presiding. At the close of the meeting each P^nglishman was presented with a five-franc-piece in the Emperor's name,
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which they gratefully received, though from the hands of their national enemy.
In the year 1807, Avrites another victim of the war, I became a prisoner in France, and was for a time detained at Verdun. But in the following year, from some caprice of the French Government, several of the detenus were ordered to Givet, another depot for English prisoners, and a place at a considerable distance from Verdun. We left, a party five, four naval officers and one civilian, escorted by gendarmes. Occasionally we were handcuffed to deserters from the French Army, and otherwise illtreated, particularly at night. This continued until our arrival at Mezieres or Sedan (I forget which), where a rest of three days occurred. This interval was made use of by the civilian already men- tioned, who, discovering that there was a Masonic Lodge in the town, contrived to send a note which fell into the hands of the fraternity. Shortly after, a gentleman came to the prison and conversed with the writer, whom he supplied with money and informed him that better food would be furnished during the remainder of our stay there, also that the rest of our journey should be rendered more easy and agreeable. These promises were strictly carried into effect. We were at once supplied with abundant fare, including wine of the best quality, and indulged with a ramble in the town under the escort of a solitary gendarme, while the concluding part of our journey was rendered more like a tour of pleasure than the march of prisoners from one de[)ot to another — and all this because one of our party happened to be a Freemason.
During the early part of the present century, on the arrival of a British frigate at Havannah, the captain received a letter urgently soliciting his protection on behalf of some British sailors who were forcibly detained, on board a privateer, then at anchor. A lieutenant was immediately despatched with a proper complement of hands to demand the men. He duly executed his task and returned to the frigate with his countrymen, but, on leaving the ship where they had been detaiued, the master of the vessel swore that before night he would be revenged.
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In the evening the lieutenant went on shore and engaged in a game at billiards. While thus occupied he oLserved a swarthy, ill-looking man watching him most intently. In a corner of the room there was also a slender young man with a pale countenance also regarding him very earnestly. To his surprise a "Sign" was hastily given. It was fortunately exchanged, and a few seconds after a note was put into his hand containing these words, — " Beware ! Take caution from a Brother.'' Two other persons now accosted him and behaved in a manner likely to provoke a quarrel, in which they would probably have succeeded but for the caution he had just received. Prudence, however, came to his aid, and feigning an excuse he left the room, but with- out his hat, the better to deceive the persons of whose unfriendly intentions he had no longer any doubt. With (lithculty he reached the house of the American Consul, four men pursuing him with knives in their hands, but the door iipened in time and he was saved.
On the 6th November, 1812, the schooner United Sinters, of Poole, Joseph Webb, Master, was captured off the Start Point by Le Furet, French privateer, nnder the command of Captain Louis Mariencourt. Later in the same day, the Irish sloop Three Friends, of Yoiighal, James Campbell, Master, hove in sight, and was also taken possession of by the enemy. Soon, however, the signals of Masonry were exchanged between the three commanders, and instantly, ship, cargo, and liberty were bestowed on each of the prisoners of war, by the captain of the Privateer, Bro. Joseph W^ebb pledging his word to effect if possible the release, in exchange for the liberation of himself and his ship's company of Bro. J. Gautier of the French Schooner La Confiance, who had been captured in the earlier part of the same year, and was at that time detained on board the prison ship Crown Prince at Chatham.
Conduct so trnly noble was soon reported by Bro. James Campbell to his Lodge, the Union, No. 1-3, at Limerick, and a silver vase of one hundred gninens value was voted to the generoiis Frenchman who, in the meantime, with his vessel, had been captured by the British Frigate Modeste.
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This votive tribute, which, owing to the speedy liberation and subseqiient death of the gallant iMariencourt, could not be presented, has since been reverentially preserved as the Ijrightest ornament of the Lodge, and is the St. Jolui's Box in all appeals to the sympathies of the brethren.
It is gratifying to relate that the efforts of the other Merchant Captain, Bro. Joseph Webb, to shorten the captivity of Bro. J. Gautier, were crowned with success.
The narrator of the following, shipped as a lad on board a vessel called the Rover, commanded by James Holley, and l)0und to the Bay of Hondui-as, from Kingston in the Island of Jamaica. One night about the middle watch, they were surprised, overpowered, and captured in an incredibly short period, by a French privateer. All hands were taken on board the Frenchman, and the vessel and crew plundered and made prisoners. The moon at this moment burst out in unusual splendour, and they could observe all that was going on upon the cpiarter-deck ; and it appeared to him and the others that the conmiander of the privateer was question- ing their captain as to what his vessel had on board. When, after a short time, they approached each other, made some signs, and were at last locked hand in hand, the lookers on thought that they had each found in the other some long lost friend. A few hours afterwards everything was returned that had been taken, and the vessel delivered to the English captain, while the two men Avho had been enemies only such a short time before, now parted with the' greatest apparent reluctance. They were Brother Masons.
In April, 1804, Lieut.-Colonel Duncan Campbell, of the Royals, arrived at Barbadoes from Guadaloupe. He had been captured together with Majors Blair and McDonel (of Kepjjoch), by a French privateer, on his way from England to join his regiment. On its being discovered that Major McDonel was a Freemason, the privateer's captain was particularly kind to him, as well as to his companions, and their baggage was preserved fi'om plunder. He was intro- duced at a Mason's Lodge in Guadaloupe, where the whole party received great attention. Soon afterwards, having
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been supplied with money, they were permitted to leave the island on their parole \mtil exchanged.
The following inscription is attached to a Biscuit which is enclosed in a glass case and preserved by the Lodge of Amity, No. 137, Poole : —
" This Blscuit
is preserved by the Lodge of Amity as a memorial of their gratitude and brotherly affection for Jacques de Bon, captain of the Jinioii. French privateer, of St. Malo, who captured at sea, on the 13th of December, 1S13. at Ham. in lat. 4'J"oO North — long, 7 West, the brig Oak, of Poole. Bro. Stephen Pack. Master, belonging to Bros. G. W. Ledgard and John Goss. on her passage from Bill^ao to Poole, who. after treating him and his crew with every mark of kindness, restored him his vessel, and sent on board a dog. which Ijefore had been taken fi'om a brother, with this Biscuit suspended by a string round his neck, signifying he would not keep a brother's dog in bondage nor see him want bread. Thus the man who holds forth his hand for the relief of his necessitous In-ethren, is fully repaid by the gratitude of those whom he obliges, by the approbation of his own mind, and the favour of that Omnii)otent Being Avho cannot behold such a bright display of Masonic virtues without asserting his divine and everlasting approbation."
Then came Captain L. with his five daughters (writes Harriet Martineau), he looked too old to be their father, and well he might. When master of a vessel, he was set ashore by pirates, Avith his crew, on a desert island, where he was thirty-six days without food. Almost all his crew were dead, and he was just dying, when help arrived — by means of Freemasonry. Among the pirates was a Scotchman, a Mason, as was Captain L. The two exchanged signs. The Scotchman could not render aid at the moment, but after many fruitless attempts he contrived to sail back at the risk of his life, and landed on the desert island on the thirtv- sixth day from his leaving it. He had no expectation of finding the party alive, but not to throw away a chance he went ashore with a kettle full of wine in his hand. He l)oured wine down the throats of the few whom he found still breathing, and treated them so judiciously that they recovered. At least it was called recovery. Captain L. took the Scotchman home, and cherished him to the day of his death.
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Of Babastro, a renowned Spanish corsair, who, nnder the protection of Napoleon, did much injury to British small- craft in the Mediterranean I must (says Mrs. Bronghton'), in justice and charity, trace one redeeming trait. After the capture of an English prize by this so oft-named corsair, and while his crew were following their usual practice of stripping our unfortunate coimtrymen — to which they compelled submission by holding over them unsheathed knives — it so occurred that the master of the English vessel while under- going this unceremonious disrobing, made use of one of those mystic gestures invisible to all but the initiated brethren of the trowel and apron. Whatever that sign was, it did not pass unnoticed, for the hand of the giver was immediately clasped in that of Babastro, who at once ordered his satellites to release the English captain from their grasp, and he desired that whatever property was exclusively his own shoiild be held sacred and restored to him. All that I recollect besides of this chieftain of the privateers which so long infested the coast of Algiers is, that the Emperor Napoleon judged him worthy of being named a member of the Legion of Honour.
A vessel of some 250 tons, with a crew of eighteen hands had left the Havannah, and was passing through the Keys, when a sail was descried, and the ship neared them every instant. The merchantman being a heavy sailer, was soon boarded by at least fifty men, the captain and crew ordered below, and the work of pillage commenced. A short time sufficed to sec\ire all the portable valuables, which were put into a boat and conveyed on board the pirate. The captain and supercargo were then ordered on deck and interrogated as to the cargo itself. Concealment or subterfuge being entirely out of the question, they rendered the best accoinit their indifferent knowledge of the Spanish language would permit. Matters Avere apparently assuming a civil character, when on the pirate's boat boarding for the second time, the captain observed in the bow a man standing upright in " the bloody shirt," with an axe resting on his shoulder. The party soon came on deck, and the captain was ordered to go forward ; the supercargo insisted on accompanying
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him. They had scarcely proceeded a few paces when the captain felt himself struck a severe blow on the shoulder, and turning quickly round I)eheld the supercargo struggling. It appeared that the latter, observing the intention to strike off the captain's head, had averted the blow — the other coolly remarked that he thought the chance afforded him of saving time and torture was lost, and that, therefore, the windlass would be a good block for the purpose. Not a moment was allowed for preparation. They reached the windlass, the captain and siipercai'go embraced. The former knelt down, and was about to place his head on the block, when, in addressing a short prayer to his God, he made a sign — the axe that all but gleamed for its fatal purpose fell at his feet. The pirates swore they saw a ship, and that no time must be lost in clearing the cargo. In two hours they sacked the vessel, left a few days' provisions, gave the captain his ship, and spared the lives of all.
Some three years afterwards the supercargo, on I'evisiting the Havannah, was accosted by a man who intjuired after his captain, and hoped he was well, saying that he, the supercargo, was lucky in liaving sailed with " one of them " (alluding to the captain being a Freemason), as otherwise they would all have been beheaded. A promise was also made that if the captain should re -visit those parts he should go " free."
In June, 1823, the Minerva, a Dutch merchant vessel, returning from Batavia to Eiirope with several rich passengers, most of whom wei"e Freemasons, including Bro. Engelhard, Deputy Grand Master of the Lodges in India, was attacked off the coast of Brazil, and defeated by a corsair under Spanish colours. Pillage and massacre were about to take place. In this extremity Bro. Engelhard made a Masonic signal, when the commander of the corsair, who the moment before was insensible to prayers and entreaties, became moved even to softness. He was himself a Mason, as well as several of his crew. He acknowledged the Brethren, embraced them, restored their vessel and property, made compensation for the damage inflicted, and only demanded in return the favour of affiliation with a Dutch Lodge
72
Tn the year 1830, a Bro. Glen, afterwards a member of
the Phoenix Lodge, Sunderland, but who liad not then been
initiated into Masonry, was mate of a merchant vessel
bound for the island of Cuba. The crew, besides the
captain and mate, consisted of seven seamen. When
approaching their port of destination they discovered a
suspiciousdooking schooner hovering in their course, which
bore down quickly upon them, and the merchantman was
boarded by twenty -five desperadoes, all of whom were armed
with pistols and cutlasses. The commander of the pirate
was a Spaniard, and from the appearance of the lieutenant,
who was dressed inapecidiar manner, Bro. Glen conjectured
that he must have been a Maltese. The unfortunate crew
of the merchantman were bound and secured in the fore
part of the vessel. The captain and Bro. Glen were also
tied to two pillars in the stern cabin. The work of plunder
being finished, directions were given for the destruction of
the vessel by fire. Gunpowder, tar-barrels, and other
combustible materials were brought from the schooner, and
the train was actually laid. At this juncture the lieutenant
of the pirates went aft and entered the cabin where Bro.
Glen and his captain were secured. The latter, fortunately
for himself and crew, happened to be a Mason. As a last
resource he attracted the pirate's attention, and addressed
him (in the language of the Craft) as an apprentice. The
other regarded the captain steadfastly for an instant, and
replied as a Fellow Craft. Some further communication
then passed between them, though neither could understand
the speech of the other ; but in this short interval they had
made themselves understood by the universal medium of
Masonry. The lieutenant then returned to the deck, where,
as it subsequently appeared, he dissuaded his commander
from burning the vessel. After this he went again into the
cabin and wrote a short note in the Spanish language,
which he carefully folded up and left on the table. Next
he cut the cords with which Bro. Glen had been boinid, and
making a gesture of caution left the ship with the remaining
portion of the boarding party. Bro. Glen speedily released
his captain, who said that he had made himself known to
the pirate as a jNIason, and to that circumstance their
73
deliverance must be uttributed. After waiting for a while they cautioiisly jtroeeeded to the deck and released the crew. Nothing particular occurred until the second day following, when to their consternation they again espied the piratical schooner, which bore down upon them as before. They lioisted their English colours, when the pirate recog- nising the vessel as the same which had been recently pillaged, merely displayed his black flag, the terrible ensign of his dreadful calling, which he immediately loAvered, and then altering his course was seen by them no more. The letter which had been left on the cabin table Avas couched in the following terms: — "Brother, — Having recognized you as a Mason, I have induced the captain to spare the lives of yourself and crew — but for this you would all have perished." It only remains to be stated that Bro. Glen on liis return to England lost no time in seeking admission into a Society, which, under Providence, had been instru- mental in the preservation of his life.
In tlie year 1795, the ship Betsy, belonging to a Boston merchant, sailed from AVest Gardner, Maine. It was commanded b}' Captain Chapin Sampson, who had been received into Masonry, in what is now St. George's Lodge of Harmony, at Liverpool, on the 15th of August, 1793. The vessel was taken off Malaga, by an Xebec from Tripoli, and carried with all on board into that port. There, the captain and crew were stripped of their clothing, except a slight piece of cotton about the waist. Being the first Americans brought into Tripoli, they were driven through the city chained, and were pelted by every offensive missile. The captain was thrown into a dungeon, but after a few days taken Qwt and set at work clearing the cargo from his shi[). While tlms engaged, an officer named Hassan Bey, occupying a high station in Tripoli, made himself known as a Freemason. Captain Sampson was soon liberated, clothed, and furnished with many comforts. An opportunity of releasing him was found, and when about to leave, Hassan Bey, still mindful of his Masonic duties, made him numeroiis presents. This worthy native of 'J'rijjoli, and faithful brother, had been initiated in France. Captain Sampson, then eighty 3'ears of age, was living at West Gardner, Alaine, in 1845.
74
Military Axecdotbs.
June 18tb, 1815. — A Belgian officer during the engage- ment, recognised in the opposing army about six in the evening, a former associate and Brother Mason, member of the same Lodge ; they were at such distance apart that he feared the chance of a mutual greeting was impossible, but he dreaded more the possibility of a personal conflict. At length when he saw his friend attacked and woimded — he forgot everything but that they were brothers. The Belgian rushed into the melee, and at the risk of being- considered a traitor, he protected him — made him prisoner — placed him in safety — and, after the battle, renewed his friendship. On the same evening, about nine o'clock, about fifty men, nearly all wounded, the miserable remains of two French regiments, found themselves encompassed by a considerable party of the enemy ; after performing prodigies of valour, finding retreat impossible, they decided on laying- down their arms ; but the enemy, irritated by their obstinate defence and the havoc they had made, continued to fire on them. 'J'he lieutenant in conunand, as well as the men, considered that nothing but a miracle could save them ; a sudden inspiration seized the officer, he advanced to the front in the midst of the firing, and made the sign of distress. Two Hanoverian officers observed him, and by a spontaneous movement, without consulting their com- mander, ordered the troops to cease firing, and, after securing the prisoners, they placed themselves at the disposal of tlieir General for the breach of military discipline ; he also was a Mason, and instead of punishing he approved of their generous conduct.
A French officer at the battle of Waterloo was so badly wounded as to be miable to keep up with liis regiment, and in that situation was discovered by a Scottish Dragoon of the Bi'itish Army, who piit spiu's to his horse and galloped up to dispatch him. But just as he was on the point of striking the fatal blow, the officer gave a Masonic sign of distress. This was recognised by the Scotsman, whose arm was immediately unnerved. Love and sympathy were depicted in his countenance, and as he turned his horse to
ride away, he was heard to nay, " 'I'he Lord bless and protect thee, my Brother ! "
On the memorable 16th of June, 1815, at the moment when the allied army commenced a retrograde movement, a Scottish field officer, who had been seriously wounded' in the atl'air of Quatre Bras, was left on the field of battle. Trampled on by the French Cavalry, he thought but of death, when he perceived the patrols of the enemy who came to succour the wounded. Kallying the little strength that remained, he cried out in a faint tone, and implored the assistance of his brethren. This attracted the attention of a French surgeon, who, recognising in him a Mason, hastened to his aid. He first dressed those wounds which presented the greatest danger, and then raised and carried the patient to the sick quarters — placed him on his own pallet — watched by his side — and directed him to be conveyed to Valenciennes, where he was warmly recom- mended to his friends, from whom the officer received the kindest attention, and by whose care he was completely restored to health.
The 17th (French) Chasseurs, entering the town of Genappe, made prisoners of all they found. Some musket shots, fired from the windows of a house, struck several of the soldiers, who instantly 'attacked the house, vowing revenge, and determining to put to the sword nine wounded enemies that were lying there. The chief of the Chasseurs was at their head. At the critical moment he observed one of these poor wounded fellows, a Brunswick officer, who made the " sign of distress." Vengeance ceased — war lost its vigour — the Masonic appeal conquered. He threw himself between his own soldiers and the wounded men, and then genei'ously saved their lives. This noble action was not unrewarded, for, on the morrow, he was wounded in his turn, and taken prisoner by the Prussians. He was recognised as a Mason by an officer, who took him under his care, attended to his wants, and restored to him the money of which he had been despoiled as a booty.
76
At the close of the fierce battle of the Moskowa, in the general melee which ensued, two members of the Craft, a French officer of Cavalry and a Faissian officer of Infantry, engaged in a hand-to-hand combat. The foi'mer's sword had shivered that of the latter, and was already uplifted to cut him down, when he made a Masonic sign. The sign was recognised, and although it was made too late to stop the descending blow altogether, yet it was not made too late to weaken its force. The Russian officer was only slightly Avounded, and instead of being killed he became a prisoner, and received such succour as in the circumstances it was possible for his captor to afford. This story is related on the autliority of an e^^e-witness of the incident to which it refers, M. de Beaufort, who served as Chef de Bataillon during the Russian campaign, and greatly distinguished himself at the Moskowa, receiving the cross of the Legion of Honour from the Emperor Napoleon on the field of battle.
A French officer, at the battle of Austerlitz, had, with his company, been separated from his regiment at the com- mencement of the action. After performing prodigies of valour, the devoted band were cut to pieces, and the officer dangerously Avounded, but he still refused to give up his sword, until, exhausted by loss of blood, he fell, making the Masonic sign. The Prussian officer in connnand, who was one of the initiated, on perceiving this, ran forward and drew off" his men, who, in their fury, were preparing to strike the death-blow. Faithful to his Masonic principles, he had his brother, no longer his enemy, carried to his own tent, Avhere his kindness and attention was so great that his prisoner was in doubt whether he ought not to bless his glorious defeat. When his health Avas completely restored, he perceived the necessity of complying Avitli the laAvs of Avar, and prepared to dej^art to the place assigned to the prisoners ; but he first demanded an intervicAv Avith his captor. What Avas his gratitude and astonishment to learn that he was free ! The Prussian officer had managed to get his name placed on the first list of those Avho were to be exchano'ed
Again, in the time of the late war, the Prussians invested the frontiers of France, and committed all sorts of outrages. They one day entei-ed a Cliateau, and after insulting the inmates and destroying everything they could lay their hands on, seized a box containing a large sum of money. The owner, on trying to prevent their taking his property, would have fared very hardly had he not, on a sudden thought, made the sign. The officer, who was a Mason, was immediately recalled to the duties which he had unknowingly violated. He dismissed his men, and placed a guard at the Chateau to prevent similar outrages.
The following appears in the autobiography of M. Gerard (blaster at one time of the Globe Lodge, Vincennes) who for his military services was decorated with the Legion of Honour in the Kremlin, at Moscow, in the year 1812 : —
"On the 2nd of May 1810, during the sanguinarj^ revolt at ^ladrid. I belonged to a troop of Dragoons ordered to that much- disturbed city. We reached our destination towards the end of April, and were temporarily stationed in a village about thi-ee miles distant from the city on the road leading to France.
■■ A few days after our arrival, I mentioned to a young officer, a nephew of our Colonel, that I desired very much to visit Madrid, of which I had heard a great deal. He expressed also a Avish to spend a few hours in a visit to its far-famed churches and other public buildings, and promised me to ask for leave of absence. His request was granted by the Colonel and we obtained a pass for the 1st and 2nd of May.
'"As soon as we had obtained our onuje. we made good use of our time and entered the city early in the morning and spent the "w hole day in examining the gorgeous churches and half-oriental public places, of which I had heard so much when a boy. Weary and exhausted we spent the night at the house of a French tavern-keeper upon the Scjuare Del Sol, where the officers and employers of our army were in the habit of congi-egating. The next morning we took our breakfast at an early hour, and were just preparing to resume our sight-seeing, w'hen several officers of the staff abruptly entered the house and requested us to repair immediately to the liarracks or to our quarters. They also informed us that the troops had been ordered to remain in their quarters, that everywhere they were beating to arms, and that the streets and squares Avere swarming with armed Spaniards evidently much excited. No time w^as to be lost and we resolved to leave instantly, in order to quit the city and repair to our quarters.
'■ As soon as we had gained the oi)en air. we heard the terrible sound of a general vappitl — drummers were everywhere beating to
78
arms. We endeavoured to redouble our speed, but perceived very soon that it was impossible to reach our quarters while thus surrounded. A large number of Spaniards, armed with deadly weapons of every conceivable kind, now advanced upon us and obstructed the street through which we had to pass. We knew that attempting a passage through their ranks would be certain death : we, therefore, looked for an opening through which to escape, but we could perceive onlj- a little street or rather blind allej- on our right. My friend seized me bj' the arm, and. dragging
me along, cried. ' Come let us enter into .' But before he had
time to hnish the sentence he fell dead at my feet, pierced by several balls. I escaped with only a ball through my hat ; but confused by the sudden attack, and wholly at a loss how to attempt any further escape, I already gave mj'self up for lost, when it happil}- occurred to me that I had been made a Masoti, and I made use of the means which the Craft had placed in my hands to call for help in imminent danger. My appeal was not made in vain. That happy thought saved n\y life. The door of the house, from which the shots had been fired, was immediately thrown open, and a powerful and tall man with a heavy moustache and a military overcoat rushed out and drew me into the house while he whispered to me in French. ' Fear not, and follow me, a brother leads the way.' When he had taken me into an outhouse and fastened the door, he proceeded to test me, and we exchanged those proofs known onlj" to the initiated.
'■ Having satisfied himself of my claim to his protection, he offered me a goat-skin filled with wine and we fraternized. He then bade me wait for him a little while he went out and locked the door behind him. In less than five minutes he returned with a soDthj'ci'o and a large Spanish cloak in his hand. Disguised in these, he led me from the house and through different streets until we reached the gates of the city. After we had passed them by means of the countersign in his possession, he pointed out to me my quarters, of which I had given him a description. Before he took leave of me, he threw his arms around my neck and said : ' My Brother, I am a Captain in the English infantry, but now on a secret mission in Spain. My name is Henry Sueton. If ever the Great Ai-chitect should offer you an opportunity to save the life of any of my countrymen, do for them what I have this day •done for you. Farewell, God speed you."
'■ The name of this dear brother has ever since remained engraven upon my heart and there it will remani until it shall cease to beat.
" Ever since that epoch in my life have I sought to learn more concerning the fate of my noble preserver ; but only lately have I been able to ascertain from a Captain of the English army, whom I met in the South of France, that Brother Sueton fell in 1H12 at the Cape of Good Hope, after he had attained to the rank of Major.
" May the Great Architect cause the earth to rest lightly upon his grave."
79
The memorable battle of Mars-le-Tour (the second day's battle at Metz), at aboiit 2 o'clock, p m., the third company of the Ninth Battalion of Prussian Kifles were ordered to dis- lodge the enemy from a copse of wood about loO yards in front. The men advanced under a galling tire, which in less than two minutes, cut down about half of them. Notwith- standing, they advanced at a run with a hurrah ! and, reaching the wood, charged the French, who were of the Sixty-fourth Regiment of the line, about 200 strong. Many were bayonetted, many taken prisoners, and the remainder fled, save a company of about thirteen, who stood their ground, got behind a large log, refusing to surrender, and unable to get away. They were all shot down except three, one of them a corporal. Half-a-dozen Prussians jumping over the log, were about to bayonet them, when the corporal gave the "sign of distress." Instantly, non-commissioned officer Hertran called out, " Don't harm him ! he is my brother !" and with his own rifle, parried the blow aimed at him. The Frenchman was disarmed and led away, but his life Avas saved through the silent language of the Craft.
Captain Laurent Michel, wlio was initiated in the Lodge, "Disciples of Solomon," Marseilles, in 1811, was dis- tinguished as a good man and brave soldier, and became known as the saviour of the " Holy Battalion," a title earned by his prompt and energetic condiict. He was one of those of whom Dryden says,
" Oh, but "tis brave to be admired, to see The crowds with heads uncovered cry, that" s he."
When the star of the Emperor Napoleon was declining, and the wish for peace had become as unanimous as the previous desire for fame, among the earlier movements were those of the national guards for centralization and union, in opposition to the Emperor. A portion of the imperial troops had fallen into an ambuscade — carefully planned by a large division of the national guards, and many "a good tall fellow " who had escaped the bullets of the enemy, must have met his death at the hands of his countrymen, had it not been for the occurrence which I am about to relate. Marseilles was aa'ain to be the theatre of destnietion, the
80
scene of blood. The troops of Fort St. Nicholas had already received orders to march, already had the hour arrived for the death of the devoted little band — the line was formed, the command to make ready and present being given — but one word, one minute more, and the souls of the doomed men had been sent before their impartial Judge. Every hand was prepared for destruction, when the Captain of the Artillery, Laurent Michel, crying '' stop ! " in a voice of tliTuider, threw himself before the guns of the Artillery under his command. A powerful and pathetic appeal to his companions in arms, soon convinced the national guards of the error they were about to commit, and they yielded to his eloquence by allowing the troops they had encompassed to disperse. It appears that Avhen the unfortunate battalion had arrived at the trap prepared for it, and saw that every avenue for escape had been closed — that not a hope remained — one man, with desperate resolve, appealed by a sign of distress to the sympathy of his opponents, Laurent Michel's eagle eye watched the motion of his brother — and to see, to recognise, and to place his life in the most imminent danger to save others, was the work of a moment.
The following is given on the authority of an American captain of infantry, who took pai't in the capture of Fort George, diiring tlie last war (1812). The British troops were informed that orders had been issued to the American soldiers to give no quarter. This had probably been done for the purpose of inducing them to fight with greater desperation, and to prevent desertion. After Captain Arrowsmith's Company had landed and formed, he led them •to the charge. The British troops retired as the Americans advanced, leaving a young woimded officer directly in the line of Arrowsmith's Company. As they approached he arose on one leg (the other was broken) and attempted to get out of the way, believing they would bayonet him if he did not. Unable, however, to accomplish his pm-pose he fell, but turning to them as he sat on the groimd, he gave the soul-thrilling appeal of a Mason. Captain Arrowsmith described his feelings at that moment as the most extra-
81
ordinary lie had ever experienced. I felt, said he, as if the hairs of my head stood upright and held off my hat. But he instantly called out to the wounded man, "don't be afraid my brave fellow, you shan't be hurt." Soon after he saw a surgeon, and informed him that a friend of his, with a red coat on, lay wounded in the rear near a certain bush, and requested his attention to him, a wish that was imme- diately complied with. Arrowsmith, who was wounded in the head din-ing the same battle, was shortly afterwards laid by the side of his friend with the red coat, where they had time to cultivate an intimate friendship, which lasted for many years.
About the year 1815, while the 4th Regiment of Foot, commonly known as the " King's Own," was passing through the Bermudas, on its way to take part in the last war with America, both the officers and men experienced the iitmost inconvenience and distress, their pay being greatly in a'rrear, and their rations extremely limited. At this crisis in their affairs the officers were one day invited to the tal)le of a merchant residing in one of the principal towns. In the course of the entertainment the generous host did not fail to discover that among his guests there was one for whom, though a stranger, he felt the warmth of friendship, and with whom, though a foreigner, he felt the ties of brother- hood. In a word they were Masons. To draw the brother aside, to hear the record of sufferings and privations, and to furnish ample means of relief and consolation, was but the work of a few moments. A considerable sum of money was advanced by the merchant for the use of the regiment, and thus — by the existence of a certain principle of action in two individiials — a multitude were raised from a state of suffering and destitution to one of comparative ease and enjoyment.
Captain (ieorge Smith, K.A., Inspector of the Royal INlilitary Academy at Woolwich, in his " Use and Abuse of Freemasonry," a work published in 1783, and dedicated to " Mankind in (leneral, and the Ladies in particular," relates that a Scotch officer, in the Prussian service, who luifortu-
82
iiately was taken prisoner at the battle of Lutzen, with foiir hundred of his companions was conveyed to Prague. The Scotchman made himself known as a Mason, was imme- diately released from confinement, had the honoiir to dine daily at the tables of the most distinguished of the Society, was always requested to assist at their meetings, and desired to think himself a Freemason and not a prisoner of war. On the exchange of prisoners, which hajjpened about three months after the engagement, the Scotch gentleman was in the politest manner presented with a pnrse of sixty dncats, to defray his expenses to the regiment. This circumstance, adds Captain Smith, was commimicated to him by the officer himself, in a letter dated ^lay 13th, 1760.
The following was related at a meeting of the Shakespeare Lodge, No. 99, in 1839 : — A Brother, whose pursuits led him to that scene of turmoil and strife, the Basque provinces, saw mxich of the nature of the intestine war that was raging, and which was marked by little else than rapine, murder, and all the effects of faithless depravity. Upon one occasion he witnessed the capture of four prisoners, who were little accounted, and ordered for execution. The fiat went forth, and there was no appeal- no hope — the Durango Decree consigned the captives to an ignominious and merciless death. On the following morning the jailor brought three of the prisoners from their dungeon and delivered them to the fatal guard, by whom they were shot. But where was the fourth 1 The answer was, "Dangerously ill — he would die before night." The jailor, accustomed to deal with — to obey the oi-ders of a despot — and to witness the ghastliness of doomed men on ±he verge of eternity — himself without feeling, for all feeling had been blunted by the customs of his horrid office — indifferent to everything passing around him — such a man — this man was arrested in his course of unholy occupation on being reminded of his obligation by one of those unhappy captives, who pleaded for mercy to his God through the hope— the last hope that was left— the trial of strength, from the bursting chords of his heart, to affect that of the executioner with the sign of
S3
sympathy and distress. Mysterious agency ! Freemasonry triumphed — tlie man that was callous to all other humanities blenched at the signal, and saved the Brother. The continued horrors prevented immediate inquiries after the subject of this anecdote. It was at length annoiuiced that he had died, and no one cared what had become of his body ; indeed, little inquiry was ever made after those whom the Decy^ee had denounced. The jailor, however, had secured the Brother iintil he found means to favour his escape, and thus, in a measure, has made some reparation to society, by showing that if war be declared against society, the feelings of humanity, by the blessed aid of Freemasonry, will triiunph over the Demon of Darkness.
Early in 1S3T an English gentleman arrived at St. Jean de Luz, and after resting for a night at an inn, rang the bell and asked the servant girl to inquire if there was any boat about to start for St. Sebastian. The girl soon returned with the information that a boat would be ready in an hour. But on arriving at the beach the traveller found to his surprise and vexation, that the craft in Avhich he was about to trust himself was a small sailing lugger of about twelve tons burthen. The passage across the bar was rough in the extreme, but the weather then moderated, and at this juncture the skipper addressed his passenger rather freely, nitimating his belief that he was a military man, and declared it would be impossible to make for St. Sebastian, but that he should put into Fontarabia. The traveller's eyes were now clearly opened. The Diirango Decree rang in his ears — he had heard that the Carlists paid as much as £20 to any boat that landed a Christino officer. He implored in turn all hands to alter their course, but iu- etfectually, and the dreaded harbour was in sight. Provi- dence, at this awful moment, suggested the attempt ti> practise the Masonic test. Forlorn hope as it was it succeeded. The skipper came deliberately forward, took the traveller by the hand, called him "Brother'," and ordered the mate to "put about." The course was altered, and he was safely landed at Passages, and even escorted to the protection of his friends.
84
At the battle of Dettingen, in 1743, one of the French Guards, having had his horse killed under him, became so entangled as to be unable to extricate himself. While in this condition an English Dragoon galloped up, and, sabre in hand, was aboiit to deprive him of life. The French soldier, however, made the signs of Masonry, which, the Dragoon recognizing, not only saved his life, but freed him from his perilous sitiiation — making him, of course, a prisoner, as the fraternal ties cannot dissolve those of patriotism.
Not among civilized men only has the \iniversal genius of Masonry extended her purifying and pi'otecting influences. Joseph Brandt, a celebrated Mohawk Indian, chief of the Six Nations, who had received the advantages of an English education, subsequently went to Englano, where he was initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry. On his return to America, however, the habits of early life resumed their influence, while the acquired ones of education were abandoned ; and Brandt, throwing oft" the dress and usages of civilization, assumed once more the blanket and the rifle, and seemed to forget in the wilds of his native forest the lessons he had learned in his ti'ansatlantic schools. But the sequel of the story Avill show that, to whatever extent his memory may have been treacherous in other things, on one subject, at least, it proved to be admirably retentive.
During the Revolutionary War, at the battle of the Cedars, thirty miles above Montreal, on the St. Lawrence, Colonel McKinstry, then a captain in Paterson's regiment of ■Continental troops, was twice wounded, and afterwards taken prisoner by the Indians employed in the British service.
The previous bravery and success of Captain ^IcKinstry had excited at once the fears and resentment of his Indian conquerors; and, in accordance with the customs of savage warfare, he was forthwith doomed to die at the stake, accompanied with all those horrid and protracted torments which the Indians know so well how Ijotli to inflict and to
85
endure. Alreudy liad ho been fastened to the fatal tree, and the preparations for the human sacrifice were rapidly proceeding, when, in the strong agony of his despair, and .scarcely conscious of a hope, the captive made the great mystic appeal of a Mason in tlie hour of danger. It was seen, and understood, and felt by the Chief of the Six Nations, also a Colonel unattached in the British Army, who was present on the occasion. Brandt at once inter- posed, and succeeded, by the influence of his position, in rescuing his American Brother from his impending fate. Having freed him from his bonds, he conducted and guarded him in safety to Qiiebec, where he placed him in the hands of the English, by whom he was permitted to return to America on his parole.
A pleasing incident — with which is associated another anecdote relating to the same Indian Chief — occurred at the raising to the third degree of the Hon. Thomas S. Wilson, of Iowa : — Upon his admission to the Lodge he saw an Indian present, sitting with the members. After being introduced to him he learned that he was the grandson of tlie cele- brated Colonel Brandt, who commanded the Indian allies of the British during the war of the Revolution.
" In one of the battles which occurred in Pennsylvania the grandfather of Judge Wilson was, with others, captured, and the company of which he was a member turned over to the Indians as their share of the trophies of victory. With a view to having some sport with their captives, the Indians would cause the American soldiers to kneel down, wdien an Indian would mount his back, compel him to creep to the water and crawl in, when the Indian would duck his head sometimes strangling them to death. When it came Soldier Wilson's turn, being a very stout man, he rose and threw the Indian over his head into the water, which, while it amused the Indians upon the bank, very much incensed the one victimized, whereupon he demanded that he and the remaining soldiei's who had survived the ordeal should be tomahawked. Accordingly they were ranged into line, when Wilson said to his companion that he was going to appeal to the Indians and make the Masonic sign of
86
distress. His companion laughed at the idea bat joined in and gave the sign, wlien instantly the Indian chief rushed to their rescue and they were saved. The Indian chief proved to be the celebrated warrior Brandt, the gmndfather of the one pr^ent who witnessed the introduction into Masonry of the grandson of the soldier whose life his grand- father had saved, many years later, and in a territory wholly unknown to the civilized world at the time of the incident to which I have referred."
Similar tales are related of Tecumseh,the famous Shawanee warrior and orator, in connection with the war of 1812, during which he was an ally of the British, with the rank of Brigadier General.
There is a circumstance connected with the life of Major- General Israel Putnam (U.S.A.) which is not generally known. In tlie French and Indian Wars he C(nnmanded a corps of partizans on the frontiers. In a severe skirmish it was his fate to become a captive to the Indians. So gallant a warrior was worthy of no ordinaiy death. After being- insulted and tortured in their villages he was led to the stake. The faggots were piled around him ; the flames leaped and played over his wasted form. He had taken his last look of earth, and was consigning his soul to God when he belield a French officer approaching. As a last resort he hailed him in a way that speaks with more than trumpet tones to the heart of a genuine Brother. Quick as lightning the cords were severed, the burning faggots were dispersed, and the officer rescued Putnam at the imminent peril of his O-.vu ii.'e.
So powerful is the word that binds our Brethren in the hour of peril ! Putnam always said that he owed his life to Masonry, as he felt confident the Frenchman never would have incurred the risk of displeasing the Indians so much, to save any but a Brofher. Through life his zeal and services to the " good cause " were equal to the debt he owed, and after a long life spent in tlie service of his country, "on the square," he met the grim tyrant with the firmness of a Mason, and the hopeful resignation of a Christian.
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At the eventful battle of Buena Vista (in the Mexican war), a scene occurred which is worthy of being recorded. During the fiercest moments of the fight, a young soldier of the 2nd Kentucky Infantry, the ranks of which \\ere more than decimated during the engagement, fell wounded, but apparently not mortally, on the ground. A score of lances pointed to his heart, but at that trying moment the young man thew himself upon that faith which so rarely fails. He made the sign, and the next instant a Mexican dashed past the gleaming instruments of death, and raised his prostrate /W, now his brother, and bore him off. The youth, however, ultimately perished with liis protector, but the act itself still lives as a memento of the force and purity of the Masonic tie.
Among the prisoners taken by the Union troops at the time Picket made his great charge at Gettysburg, was a Virginian sergeant. He was a Mason. Captain John A. Kellogg, of the Sixth Wisconsin, gave him a drink of some- thing reviving from his canteen, and put some rations in his empty haversack. Their parting was that of brothers.
In December, 1864, when Kellogg was a colonel com- manding his regiment (says the I'elator of the anecdote), I accompanied him on a ride along the picket line, a few miles to the left of Petersburg. By some means and without knowing it, we got beyond the picket lines. We w^ere brought to a halt suddenly by the immilitary salute : " Is that you. Captain Kellogg 1 "
Looking up and about two rods to the right Ave saw a lieutenant and a dozen men in grey, who had apparently just taken their arms in preparation for serious business.
"That's my name, sir," answered the colonel.
" Beg pardon — Colonel Kellogg. You were a captain at Gettysburg. Allow me to extend congratulations upon your promotion."
It was becoming interesting, and both of us were making plans for a shooting match between a dozen confederate pickets with guns in their hands, and two officers with only revolvers, and they not in hand.
" (iuess you don't remember me, colonel ? '
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" I guess that is so," said Kellogg ; and he was more nervous than I eA'er saw him in battle.
" I'm the sergeant you gave a nip from your canteen and whose haversack you filled at Gettysburg. They have made me a lieutenant since then. I'd like to have a visit with you, but the ofticer of the day is due here. Guess you had better get back to your lines."
" Thank you, lieutenant," said the colonel, saluting, and as we turned to leave, the confederate gave the command : " Shoulder arms ! Eight dress ! Present arms ! " Then both of us lifted our hats. There was fraternity for you.
My friend, General John Corson Smith, writes : — "When in Murfeesboro.' (Tennessee), among the Confederate })risoners under my charge I found the adjutant of an Alabama regiment wearing a Masonic charm, I asked him if he was a Freemason, and receiving an afhrmative answer, without letting him know that I was member of the Ci'aft, I accepted his personal parole within the lines, and sent him to the house of Judge Ready, the father-in-law of the Con- federate General, John H. Morgan. When about to be sent to the rear for exchange, the adjutant asked me why I had so much confidence in him as to parole him. I answered "Because I knew you to be a Freemason."
From the same informant I learn that during the memorable raid made by Grant's army, on Petersburg (Virginia), in April, 1865, when Lee's lines were broken, a young Confederate officer lay in the road severely wounded, and when, without a moment's warning, a compau}' of "Federal Cavalry rode down towards him at full galloi) ; he saw death staring liim in the face. His first thought was that possibl}' there might be a Mason among them, and he gave a sign of distress, known only to Masons. Then the Federal captain rode quickly to his side, dismounted and parted the company in tije centre, Avithout molesting the man in the least. He was quickly picked up, though a prisoner, taken to the rear and tenderly cared for, and in the course of time entirely restored to health.
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General Smith also states that at the battle of Pea Ridge, Lieutenant-Colonel (afterwards General) Frank J. Herron, of Iowa, was lying wounded, and an Indian, of General Albert Pike's command, was about to tomahawk him, when he gave a Masonic sign. He was made a prisoner and subsequently exchanged.
From the same source of authority I derive the following : — " General Smith D. Atkins, of Illinois, relates that during the Atlanta campaign, when pressing the enemy, he saw a little white apron nailed to a cabin door, and riding up to the cabin he asked a woman he found there its significance, and was told that her husband was in Forest's Cavalry, which was then fighting ; that her husband was a Free- mason, and on leaving his home had said : ' There are many Freemasons in the Federal army, and if she would nail a white apron upon her door and let the Federals know she was the wife of a Freemason she would be protected.'" It is unnecessary to say that she was unmolested.
The late Charles A. Dana tells the following story of General A. Rawlins, who was General Grant's chief of the statf from the time the latter became a brigadier-general, until he resigned his commission as Commander of the Armies of the United States, to become president of the gTeat nation, the unity of which he had done so much to preserve : " At the battle of Champion's Hill, on leaving Logan, Rawlins and I were joined by several officers, and we coi^tinued our ride over the field. On the hill, where the thickest of the fight had taken place, we stopped and were looking around at the dead and dying men lying all about us, when suddenly a man, perhaps 45 or 50 years old who had a Confederate uniform on, lifted himself up on his elbow and said :
" ' For God's sake, gentlemen, is there a Mason among you?'^
" •' Yes,' said Rawlins, ' I am a Mason.' He got off his horse and kneeled by the dying man, who gave him some letters out of his pocket. AVlien he came back Rawlins had tears on his cheek. The man, he told us, wanted liim to
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couvej some souvenir, a miniature or a ring — I do not remember what — to his wife, who was in Alabama. Rawlins took the package and some time afterwards he succeeded in sending it to tlie woman." General Rawlins — -as 1 am told by his comrade in arms, General J. C. Smith — was made a Mason in Galena, Illinois (1858), and while Secretary of War, U S.A., died at his post of duty in Washington City 1869