CHAPTER IX.

Washington leaves Philadclpliia and returns to Mount Veruon. — Engages in domestic pursuits. — Letter to General Knox. — Receives address from Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. — His reply. — Receives letter from Master of liis own lodge inviting him to an entertainment. — Accepts it. — Ac- count of this entertainment as published at the time. — His employments.
— Unpleasant position of France towards our Government. — Washington appointed commander of the provisional army. — Letter to him from the Grand Lodge of Maryland, with copy of Constitutions. — His reply. — Public mind excited by the writings of Baruuel and Robison on the subject of lUuminism. — Attempts made to implicate Masonry with it. — Rev. Mr. Snydb:b sends Washington " proofs of a conspiracy." — Copy of accompanying letter from Mr. Snyder. — Washington's reply. — Mr. Snyder writes him a second letter. — His reply. — Contents of these letters considered. — Other clergymen seek to alarm the public in regard to Masonry. — Grand Lodge of Massachusetts address a letter to President Adams. — His reply. — Grand Lodges of Vermont and Maryland also write letters to Mr. Adams, to which he replies. — Extracst from letter of Grand Loilge of Maryland to Mr. Adams.— Extract from his reply. — Rev. Mr. Morse qualifies his sermon when published. — France assumes a more pacific attitude. — Washington's last celebration of his birthday at Mount Vernon. — Marriage of his adopted daughter. — His birthday anniver- saries became National holidays. — Also Masonic holidays. — Dr. Sea- bury dedicates sermon to him. — Curious pamphlet by Rev. Mr. Weems dedicated to him. — Copy of Mr. Weems' letter to him, and liis reply.
A8HINGT0N left Philadelphia iu a few (lay.s and returned to Mount Vernon, where he at once engaged in superintend- ing the improvement of his estate, and arranging his domestic affairs, which had been neglected during the eight years of his presi- dency. He had said in a letter to General Knox.:--
170 ' WASHINGTON.
/
" The remainder of my life, which in the course of nature cannot be long, will be occupied in rural amusements ; and though I shall seclude myself as much as possible from the noisy and bustling crowd, none would more than mj^self be regaled by the company of those I esteem at Mount Vernon — more than twenty miles from whrct^after I ar- rive there, it is not likely I shall ever be.''
He had scarcely settled himseK in liis domestic en- joyments, when the voice of Masonry — ever grateful to his ear — reached him in an address fi'om the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, which bore date March 21, 1797, of which the following is a copy : ~ "'
" The Ead, the West, and the South, of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, for the Common- wealth of Massachusetts, to their most worthy Brother George Washingtox.
" Wishing ever to be foremost in testimonials of respect and admiration of those virtues and services with which you liave 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 tliis Grand Lodge embrace the earliest opportunity of greeting you in the calm retirement yoxx have contemplated to yourself.
" Though as citizens they lose you in the active labors of political life, they hope as Masons to find yon in the pleas- ing 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 tranquillity, the harmony of peace, and the refreshment of pleasin-o. Of these may you partake in all their purity and satisfaction ,■
WASHINGTON. 171
and we will assure ourselves that your attachment to this social plan will encrease ; 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 earnest 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 receive the re- freshment your labors have merited.
" In behalf of the Grand Lodge, we subscribe ourselves, with the highest esteem, your affectionate brethren,
" Paul Revere, Grand Master, " Isaiah Thomas, Senior Grand Warden. " Joseph Laughton, Junior Grand Warden. " Daniel Oliver, Grand Secretary.
"Boston, March 21, 5707."
To this address Washington returned the following reply, which was communicated to the Grand Lodge on the 12th of the following June :
" To THE Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Ma- sons IN THE Commonwealth of Massachusetts :
"Brothers — It was not until within these few days that I have been favored by the receipt (jf your afTectionute address, dated in Boston, the 21st March.
" For the favorable sentiments you have been pleased to express on the occasion of my past services, and for the regrets with which they are accompanied for tlie cessation of my public functions, I pray you to accept my best ac- knowledgments and gratitude.
" No pleasure, except that which results from a consci(jus- ncss of having, to the utmost (jf my aliilitics, discharged the
172 WASHINGTON.
trusts which have been reposed in me by my country, can equal the satisfaction I feel for the unequivocal proofs I continually receive of its approbation of my public con- duct ; and I beg you to be assured that the evidence thereof, which is exhibited by the Grand Lodge of Mas- sachusetts, is not among the least pleasing or grateful to my feelings.
"In that retirement which declining years induces me to seek, and which repose, to a mind long employed in public concerns, rendered necessary, my wishes that bounteous Providence will continue to bless and preserve our country in peace, and in the prosperity it has enjoyed, will be warm and sincere ; and my attachment to the Society of which we are members will dispose me always to contribute my best endeavors to promote the honor and interest of the Craft.
" For the prayer you oflFer in my behalf, I entreat you to accept the thanks of a grateful heart, with assurances of fraternal regard, and my best wishes for the honor, hap- piness, and prosperity of all the members of the Grand
Lodge of Massachusetts.
" G'\ "Washington."
Although this Masonic greeting from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts antedates any other Masonic intercourse on record after his retirement from the presidency ; yet before its reception by him, his own lodge at Alexandria also took measures to welcome his return. For this purpose they addressed him the fol- lowing letter :
"Alexandeia, March 28, 1797, " Most Respected Brother — Brothers Ramsey and Mars- teller wait upon you with a copy of an address which
WASHINGTON. 173
has been prepared by the unanimous desire of the Ancient York Masons of Lodge No. 22. It is their earnest request tiiat you will partake of a dinner with them, and that you will please appoint the time most convenient for you to attend.
" I am, most beloved Brother,
" Your most obd't and humble serv't,
"James Gillis, M. "Gexeral Geoege Washington."
Washington accepted the m^itation, and designated the following Saturday as the time when he would meet the brethren of his lodge. The following account of the addresses and ceremonies on the occasion is given in the " Freemasons' Magazine," pubhshed in London in June, 1797 :
" United States of America,
Alexandria, April 4, 1797.
" In consequence of an invitation from the Ancient York Masons of the Alexandria Lodge No. 22 to General George Washington, he joined the brethren on Saturday last, when the following address was delivered :
" ' Most Respected Brother — The Ancient York Masons of Lodge No. 22 offer you their warmest congratulations, on y(nir retirement from your useful labors. Under the Su- ))reme Architect of the Universe, you have been the Master Wcjrkman in erecting the Temple of Liberty in the West, on the broad basis of eqjial rights. In your wise administra- tion of the Government of the United States for the space of eight years, you have kept within the compass of our happy constitution, and acted upon the square with foreign
174 WASHINGTON.
nations, and thereby preserved your country in peace, and promoted the prosperity and happiness of your fellow citizens. And now that you liave returned from the labors of public life, to the refreshment of domestic tranquillity, they ardently pray that you may long enjoy all the happi- ness which the Terrestrial Lodge can afford, and finally be received to a Celestial Lodge, where love, peace, and har- mony forever reign, and cherubim and seraphim shall hail you Brother !
" ' By the unanimous desire of Lodge No. 22.
" ' James Gillis, Master. " ' Gexeral Geoege "Washington.'
" To which the following reply was made :
" ' Brothers of the Ancient York Masons No. 22 — While my heart acknowledges with brotherly love your affectionate congratulations on my retirement from the arduous toils of past years, my gratitude is no less excited by your kind vdshes for my future happiness. If it has pleased the Su- preme Architect of the Universe to make me an humble in- strument to promote the welfare and hajDpiness of my fellow-men, my exertions have been abundantly recom- pensed by the kind partiality with which they have been received. And the assurances you give me of your belief that I have acted upon the square in m}^ public capacity, will be among my principal enjoj^ments in this Terrestrial
Lodge.
" ' G". Washington.'
" After this the lodge went in procession from their room to Mr. Albert's tavern, where they partook of an elegant dinner prepared for the occasion, at which the utmost hai-- mony prevailed. The following were the principal toasts :
WASHINGTON. 175
" 1st. Prosperity to the Most Ancient and Honorable Craft.
" 2d. All those who live within the Compass and the Square.
" 3d. The Temple of Libertj'^ — may its pillars be the poles, its canopy the heavens, and its votaries all mankind.
" 4th. The virtuous nine.
" 5th. The United States of America.
" 6th. The Grand Master of Virginia.
" 1th. All oppressed and distressed, wherever dispersed.
" 8th. Masons' wives, and Masons' bairns, and all who wish to lie in Masons' arms.
" 9th. May brotherly love unite all nations. (By Brother Wasiiixgton.)
" 10th. The Lodge at Alexandria, and all Masons through- out the world.
" After which he retired.
" 11th. Our most respected Brother George Washikgtox. Which was drunk with all Masonic honors."
These Masonic incidents in "Washington's life oc- curred while he was busily preparing to rearrange the domestic concerns of his estate, which had been some- what neglected during the presidency. In a letter to a friend he says :
" I find myself in the situation of a new beginuor ; for although I have not houses to build (except one which I must erect for the accommodation and security of my mili- tary, civil, and private papers, which arc voluminous, and may be interesting), yet I have scarcely an}' thing else about me that does not require considerable repairs. In a word, I am already surrounded witli joiners, masons, and
176 WASHINGTON.
painters ; and such is mj' anxiety to get out of their hands, that I have scarcely a room to put a friend into or to sit in myself, without the music of hammers or the odoriferous smell of paint."
But Washington was not permitted to enjoj the quietness of Mount Yernon undisturbed by public cai:es. Before liis administration had closed, the goT- ernment of France assumed an unpleasant position towards our own, and the clouds of war were again gathering thick above our horizon, and threatening to burst upon our country with all their complicated gloom. So imminent had the danger become, that in 1798 a provisional army was ordered to be raised, and all eyes in America were turned on Washington as its commander. He received and reluctantly accepted the appointment, and in the fall of that year again left his own quiet home and repaired to Philadelphia to arrange the details of a perfect military organization of the country for the anticipated contest. T^'^lile he was engaged in these duties, he received from the Grand Lodge of the State of Maryland a copy of its Book of Constitutions, which had been published the previous jesir, accompanied by a letter from that Grand Lodge, to which he returned the following reply, dated November 8, 1798 :
" To THE Eight Worshipfui, Graxd Lodge of Freemasons of THE State of Maryland :
" Brethren and Brothers— Your obliging" and affectionate letter, together with a copy of the ' Constitutions of Masonrj',' has been put in my hands by your Grand Master, for which,
WASHINGTON. 177
I pray you, to accept my best thanks. So far as I am ac- quainted with the principles and doctrines of Freemasonry, I conceive them to be founded on benevolence, and to be exercised only for the good of mankind. I cannot, there- fore, upon this ground, withdraw my approbation from it. While I oifer my grateful acknowledgments for j^our con- gratulations on my late appointment, and for the favorable sentiments you are pleased to express of my conduct, per- mit me to observe, that, at this important and critical mo- ment, when high and repeated indignities have been offered to the Government of our countrj'-, and when the property of our citizens is plundered without a prospect of redress, I conceive it to be the indispensable duty of every American, let his station and circumstances in life be what they may, to come forward in support of the Government of his choice, and to give all the aid in his power towards main- taining that independence which we have so dearly pur- chased ; and, under this impression, I did not hesitate to lay aside all personal considerations and accept my appointment.
" I pray you to be assured that I receive with gratitude your kind wishes for my health and happiness, and recipro- cate them with sincerity.
" I am, gentlemen and brotliers, very respectfully,
" Your most obed't serv't,
" G". Washington." "November 8, 179S."
The student of Masonic history •will remember that this reply from Washington to the Grand Lodge of Maryland was written when our country was agitated with a threatened war with Franco ; and that the in- testine commotions tliat had distracted that repubUc,
178 WASHINGTON.
were ascribed to the influence of German and French " illuiniuism," which a Bareuel and a BoBisoN asserted had been planted and fostered there through the in- fluence of Masonic lodges.
Baeruel — who was a French Jesuit, used all his pro- fessional cunning to implicate Masonry in the excesses of the Jacobins of France — and Robison, who was a Scotchman of some literary notoriety, had each issued a work in which they the}' sought to demonstrate that Masonic lodges were all schools of lUumimsm, in which infiddity and red-republicanism were taught. These works had just made their appearance in this country, and the excesses of the French at home, and their hostile and insolent attitude to our Government, caused them to receive an attention and make an impression on the public mind which would have been impossible under other circumstances. It is worthy of note that the author of one of these productions was a Papist, and that of the other a Scotch Presbyterian.
Masonic lodges in this country had multiplied since the Revolution to an extent unknown before ; their membership embraced men in all the honorable walks of life, and higher organizations and Masonic grades of office were being formed in many of the States. PtOBisON had openly asserted that illuminism was a gTade in Masonry, which had already been intro- duced in the United States ; and public agitators in this country sought to identify the infidehty of Germany, and the excesses of France, with Masonry in America.
While the pubhc mind was poisoned with these in- sinuations, and the country was threatened with an
WASHINGTON. 179
invasion by France, Washington received from a clergyman, by the name of Snyder, who resided at Fredericktown, in Maryland, a copy of Mr. Eobison's work, which had just been republished in America, entitled " Proofs of a Conspiracy against all the Re- Hgions and Governments of Europe, carried on in the secret meetings of Freemasons, Illuminati, and Read- ing Societies." The book was also accompanied by the followiner letter to him from Mr. Snyder :
" Sir — You will, I hope, not think it presumption in a stranger, whose name, perhaps, never reached your ears, to address himself to you, the commanding general of a great nation. I am a German born, and liberally educated in the city of Heidelberg, in the Palatinate of the Rhine. I came to this country in 1776, and felt soon after my arrival a chjse attachment to the liberty for which these Confederated States then struggled. The same attachment still remains, not glowing, but burning in my breast. At the same time ■that I am exulting in the measures adopted by our Govern- ment, I feel myself elevated in the idea of my adopted country. I am attached, both from the best of education and mature inquir}'' and research, to the simple doctrines of Christianity, which I have the honor to teach in public ; and I do heartily despise all the cavils of inlidclity. Our present time is pregnant with the most shocking evils and calami- ties, which threaten ruin to our liberty and Government. Secretly the most secret plans are in agitation ; plans calculated to ensnare the unwary, to attract the gay and irreligious, and to entice even the well-disposed to con)bine in the general machine for overturning all government and religion.
180 WASHINGTON.
" It was some time since that a book fell iuto my hands, entitled 'Proofs of a Conspiracy, etc., by John Robisox,' which gives a full account of a Society of Freemasons, that distinguishes itself by the name of ' Illuminati,'. whose ■plan is to overturn all government and all religion, even natural, and who endeavor to eradicate every idea of a Supreme Being, and distinguish man from beast by his shape only.
" A thought suggested itself to me that some of the lodges in the United States might have caught the infec- tion, and might co-operate with the Illuminati, or the Jaco- bine clubs in France.
" Fauchet is mentioned by Robisox as a zealous mem- ber ; and who can doubt Genet and Adet ? Have not these their confidants in this country ? They use the same ex- pressions, and are generally men of no religion. Upon serious reflection I was led to tliiuk that it might be within your power to prevent tlie horrid plan from corrupting the Ijrethren of the English lodges over which you preside. I send you tlie ' Proofs of a Conspiracy,' etc., which, I doubt not, will give 3'ou satisfaction, and afford you matter for a train of ideas that may operate to our national felicity. If, however, you have already perused the book, it wUl not, I trust, be disagreeable to you that I address you with this letter, and tlie book accompanying it. It proceeded from tlie sincerity of my heart, and m}'^ ardent wishes for the i-ommon good.
" May tlie Supreme Ruler of all things continue yoti long with us in these perilous times ; may He endue you with strength and wisdom to save our country in the threatening storms and gathering clouds of factions and commotions ; and after you have completed His work on this terrene spot, may He bring yoti to the full possession of the glorious
WASHINGTON. ISl
liberty of the children of God, is the hearty and most sin- cere wish of
" Your Excellency's
" Very humble and devoted servant,
" G. W. Snyder. " His Excellency General George Washington. " Fredericktown, Maryland, August 22, 1798."
To this letter "Washington replied as follows :
"Mount Vernon, 25th September, 1708.
"The Rev. Mr. Snyder: Sir — Many apologies are due to you for my not acknowledging- the receipt of your obliging favor of the 22d ult., and not thanking you, at an earlier period, for the book you had the goodness to send me.
" I have heard much of the nefarious and dangerous plan and doctrines of the lUuminati, but never saw the book un- til you were pleased to send it to me. The same causes which have prevented my acknowledging the receipt of your letter have prevented my reading the book hitherto — namely, the multiplicity of matters which pressed upon me before, and the debilitated state in which I was left after a severe fever had been removed, and which allows me to add but little more than thanks for your kind wishes and favor- able sentiments, except to correct an error you have run into, of my presiding over the English lodges in this country. The fact is, I preside over none, nor have I been in one more than once or twice within the last thirty years. I be- lieve, notwithstanding, that none of the lodges in this coun- try are contaminated with, the principles ascribed to the society of the Illuminati.
"With respect, I am, sir,
" Your obedient, humble servant,
" (i". Washington."
182 WASHINGTON,
Mr. Snyder wrote a second letter to "Washington, in the following month, on the same subject; and for this we have also made strict search in the archives of the Federal State Department, where the Washington papers are deposited ; but it is nowhere to be found. A copy of Washington's reply to this second letter, however, we are able to lay before our readers.
" MoiTNT Veexox, 24th October, 1798.
" Reverend Sir — I have your favor of the l*Ith instant before me, aiid my only motive for troubling you Avith the receipt of the letter is to explain and correct a mistake which, I believe, the hurry in which I am obliged often to write letters has led you into.
" It was not my intention to doubt that the doctrines of the Illuminati, and the principles of Jacobinism bad not spread in the United States. On the contrary, no one is more fully satisfied of this fact than I am.
" The idea I meant to convey was, that I did not believe that the lodges of Freemasons in this country had, as so- cieties, endeavored to propagate the diabolical tenets of the former, or the pernicious principles of the latter, if they are susceptible of separation. That individuals of them may have done it, or that the founder, or instruments em- ployed to found, the democratic societies in the United States may have had these objects, and actually had a separation of the people from their Government in view, is too evident to be questioned.
" My occupations are such that little leisure is allowed me to read newspapers or books of any kind. The reading of letters and preparing answers absorbs much of my time. " With respect, I remain, sir, etc.,
" G°. Washington."
WASHINGTON. 183
The first letter of General Washington to Mr. Snyder has been often quoted, in some of its parts, to attempt to show that Washington disclaimed all connection with Masonry during his mature and latter years. His statement, that he presided over none of the English lodges of this country, nor had been in one more than once or twice in the last thirty years, is given as if the quahfying designation of English lodges was not there ■sn-itten and fully meant by him. It is well known, as any fact in history, that previous to the Revolution all regular lodges of Masons in this country derived their authority, either directly or indirectly, from one of the Grand Lodges of Great Britain, and Masonry in this country was IciTowh as English Masonry, in contradis- tinction to some of the existing systems of Continental Europe. When the independence of the United States was fully confirmed, Masonry, as an institution, con- formed its organizations and government to the new existing political state of the country; and its lodges, with but few exceptions, relinquished all dependence on their Enghsh progenitor and head. American lodges, therefore, in 1798, were as distinct from Enghsh lodges, as the independent States were from their former colonial dependence, except in a few in- stances, where individual lodges, like St. Andrew's in Boston, still continued their fealty to the foreign Grand Lodge, to which they owed their birth, and decHned to acknowledge the supremacy or legitimacy of any independent American Grand Lodge. Some of these lodges thus continued until after the commence- ment of the present century.
There were also many lodges in America, while the
184 WASHINGTON.
Pro"vdncial Grand Lodge system was in vogue here, wliicli had their warrants from the Grand Lodges of England direct, and were never subject to the govern- ment of the American Provincial Grand Bodies ; and there were other English Military Lodges in this coun- try, both during the Revolution and previous to it, vv^hich had no connection with the Provincial Grand Lodges in America, except in owing a common alle- giance to the English Grand Easts, from which they sprung. In which of these Washington may " once or twice" have been, we have no record to determine, while we have abundant records to show that he often met with his American brethren in their lodges, and was to the close of his life an aflfihated member, and as such received Masonic burial at their hands.
Mr. Snyder was not the only clergyman in America whose fears w^ere aroused by the artful statements of Mr. Eobison's book, for it pervaded to a great extent among the Scotch Presbyterians ; and in New England many of all classes suffered themselves to be very much alarmed by its statements. Mr. Adams, as Pres- ident of the United States, had recommended a na- tional fast-day to be observed on the 9th of May, 1798; and on that occasion many clergymen introduced the subject of Illuminism into their discourses, and at- tempted to show from the writings of Baeruel and BOBISON, that Masonry was an institution dangerous to civil and rehgious Hberty. Much feeling was aroused in New England by these discourses, and the fears of many were excited that Masonry in this coun- try was about to work the sanie eyiis here that had been falsely attributed to it in Europe.
WASHINGTON. 185
To counteract this false impression on the pubHc mind, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, at their ses- sion on the 11th of June of that year, addressed the following communication to John Adams, as President of the United States :
"BosTox, Jnne 11, 1798. " To THE President of the United States :
" Sir — Flattery and a discussion of political opinions are inconsistent with the principles of our Fraternity ; but while we are bound to cultivate benevolence, and extend the arm of charity to our brethren of every clime, we feel the strongest obligations to support the civil authority which protects us. And when the illiberal attacks of a foreign enthusiast, aided by the unfounded prejudices of his followers, are tending to embarrass the public mind with respect to the real views of our society, we think it our duty to join in full concert with our fellow-citizens in ex- pressing our gratitude to the Supreme Architect of the Universe, for endowing you with that wisdom, patriotism, firmness, and integrity which has characterized your public conduct.
" While the independence of our country, and the opera- tion of just and equal laws, have contributed to enlarge the sphere of social happiness, we rejoice that our Masonic brethren throughout the United States have discovered by their conduct a zeal to promote the public welfare, and that many of them have been conspicuous for their talents and unwearied exertions. Among those, your venerable prede- cessor is the most illustrious example ; and the memory of our beloved Wakrex, who from the chair of this Grand Lodge has often urged the members to tlie exercise of patl'iotism and philanthropy, and who sealed liis |irinci))lf!S
186 WASHINGTON.
with his blood, shall ever animate us to a laudable imita- tion of his virtues.
" Sincerely we deprecate the calamities of war, and have fervently wished success to every endeavor for the preser- vation of peace. But, sir, if we disregard the blessings of liberty, we are unworthy to enjoy them. In vain have our statesmen labored in their public assemblies and by their midnight tapers ; in vain have our mountains and valleys been stained with the blood of our heroes, if we want firm- ness to repel the assaults of every presumptive invader. And while, as citizens of a Free Republic, we engage our utmost exertions in the cause of our country, and offer our services to protect the fair inheritance of our ancestors, as Masons we will cultivate the precepts of our institution, and alleviate the miseries of all who by the fortunes of war, or the ordinary concerns of life, are the objects of our at- tention.
" Long may you continue a patron of the useful arts, and an ornament to the present generation ; may you finish your public labors with an approving conscience, and be gathered to the sepulchres of your compatriots, with the benedictions of your countrymen ; and__fin ally, jn ay you be admitted to that celestial temple,- whei;©— all— aational dis- tinctions arc lost in undissembled friendship and universal peace.
" JosiAH Bartlett, Grand Master.
" Samuel Dunn, D. G. Master.
"Joseph Laughton,
" Wm. Little, "Attest: Daniel Olitee, G. Secretary."
^^'' I G. Wardens.
To this address, Mr. Adams sent tlie following cour- teous and respectful reply.
WASHINGTOiSr. 18Y
" Gentlemen — As I never had the honor to be one of your ancient fraternity, I feel myself under the greater obliga- tions to you for your respectful and affectionate address. Many of my best friends have been Masons, and two of these, my professional patron, the learned GRmLEY, and my intimate friend, your immortal AVarrex, whose life and death are lessons of patriotism and philanthropy, were Grand Masters. Yet so it has happened, that I never had the felicity to be initiated. Such examples as these, and a greater still in my venerable predecessoi; would have been sufficient to induce me to hold the Institution and Fraternity in esteem and honor, as favorable to the support of civil authorit}^, if I had not known their love of the fine arts, their delight in hospitality, and devotion to humanity.
" Your indulgent opinion of my conduct, and your benev- olent wish for the fortunate termination of my public labors, have my sincere thanks.
" The public engagement of your utmost exertions in the cause of your country, and the offer of your services to pro- tect the fair inheritance of your ancestors, are proofs that you are not chargeable with those designs, the imputation of which, iu other parts of the world, has embarrassed the public mind with respect to the real views of your society.
" JOHX AoAiis.
"Philadelphia, June 22, 1798."
Mr. Adams had, a few months previous, received a similar letter from the Grand Master of Maryland, in behalf of the Fraternity of that State, to which ho also replied. From this letter and reply, we give the following extracts. Mr. Belton, the Grand Master, in his letter, bearing date Baltimore, July 12, 1798, said :
188 WASHINGTON.
******** « Permit us to offer our most sincere con- gratulations on an occurrence the most interesting to Ameri- cans. We again behold our Washington ! — the glory of his country — the boast, the honor of our Societ}' and of man- kind, relinquishing in old age the tranquil scene. Sum- moned by the voice of his country, we again behold the Hero and the Patriot, willing and forward to sacrifice his private ease fc^r her safety ! What heart can be so cold, what heart can so languidly move, as not to beat high and strong at the thought of being once more commanded by that highest ornament of the human character — our true, ever-beloved Brother George Washington ! The name alone will form a sure defence."
To this sentiment Mr. Adams replied under date of July 18, 1798 :
****** (( \Yith heartfelt satisfaction, I reciprocate your most sincere congratulations on an occasion the most interesting to Americans. No light or trivial cause would have given you the opportunity of beholding your Wash- ington again relinquishing the tranquil scenes in delicious shades. To complete the character of French philosophy and French policy, at the end of the eighteenth century, it seemed to be necessary to combat this Patriot and Hero."
These addresses and replies show that Washington's connection -with Masonry was as fully recognized at this period by all classes of American citizens as it was proudly claimed by his brethren, and that the misinterpretation of his Adews by its enemies had not then been attempted. Even the Rev. Jedediah Morse, who in his fast- day sermon at Boston, on the 9th of
WASHINGTOiSr. 189
May, had entered largel}- into the spmt of Barruel and RoBisoN, when he permitted the sermon to appear in print a few months later, softened his accusations in a marginal note by saying :
" Judging from the characters iu general who compose the Masonic Fraternity iu America, at the head of which stands the immortal Washingtox, and particularly the char- acters of the Masons in New England, who, as a bod}^ have ever shown themselves firm and decided supporters of civil and religious order, we may presume that this leaven has not found its way into our American lodges, especially in the Eastern States. If it has been introduced among us, it has probably been insinuated through different channels."
Thus was Washington's fame as a Mason publicly acknowledged and unimpeached, even by those of his contemporaries who assailed the integrity and objects of the institution.
The last year of Washington's life was spent in quietness at his home on the Potomac. His duties as lieutenant-general of the Provisional army did not call him into the field, for France assumed a more pacific attitude towards our Government, and he was spared the necessity of directing a bloody conflict with our former ally. The 22d of February, 1799, was a gala- day at Moiuit Vernon. It was Washington's last celebration of his birthday ; and on this occasion his adopted daughter, Nelly Custis, was given by him as the bride of his nephcAv, Lawrence Lewis. 8he was the daughter of his stepson, John Parke Custis, who died near Yorktown in 1781. His two youngest chil- dren, a son and a daughter, as before stated, had on
190 WASHINGTON.
that occasion been adopted by Washington ; and of these Nelly was his favorite, and the bridal flower that graced Mount Vernon on his last birthday.
While the States were EngHsh colonies, the king's birthday anniversaries were public holidays ; and as such, the 4th of June was King George's day with the people : but after the close of the Revolution, the cele- bration of Washington's birthday took the place of that ; and the 22d of February became a festival day in our country. It was thus observed in Alexandria as early as 1784; and the birth-iiight balls of February 22d have been successively continued there. We have also seen notices of it in Richmond as early as 1786, and in Philadelphia, 1790. It also Ixcame, during Washington's presidency, a Masonic festival. St, John's Lodge at Newark, New Jersey, kept it as such as early as 1792 ; and that veirerable lodge has, from that time to the present, yearly convened on that day to commemorate the Masonic \drtues of Washington. Little did those brethren, who first met to celebrate it as Masons, reflect how many millions in after-years would regard it as
" The gayest festival iu all the year."
Even at the yearly festivals of more ancient origin to commemorate the two St. Johns, it had become the custom to remember Washington in one of the standing Masonic toasts at that day. He was also still remem- bered in published Masonic addresses dedicated to him. One of these, delivered before a special session of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, at Nor-^dch, on the 24th of June, 1795, by Dr. Samuel Seabuky, the first conse-
WASHINGTON. 191
crated Bishop in America, bore the following dedica- tion by him to Washington :
" To the Most Worshipful George Washixgtox, President of the United States of America, the following discourse is respectfully inscribed, by his affectionate brother, and most devoted servant,
" Samuel Seabury."
It is a curious fact in the Masonic history of our country during Washington's lifetime, that most dedi- cations of Masonic literature were made to him, while other publications also were in some instances thus dedicated. A curious semi-dedication of a quaint pamphlet, by the Piev. Mason L. Weems, an early biographer of Washington, published in 1799, was thus given, which we here reproduce as the last written correspondence with Washington in which Masonic allusions are made. The pamphlet was entitled,
" The Philanthropist, or Political Feace-llaker between all honest men of both parties. With the recommendation pre- fixed by George Washington in his own handwriting-, by