e satis
"faction I feel from the unequivocal proofs
"I continually receive of its approbation
"of my public conduct, and I beg you to be
"assured that the evidence thereof which
"is exhibited by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
"is not among the least pleasing, or grate
"ful to my feelings.--

"In that retirement which decli-
"ning years induced me to seek, and which
"repose, to a mind long employed in pub-
"lic concerns, rendered necessary, my wish
"es that bounteous Providence will conti-
"nue to bless & preserve our country in
"Peace & in the prosperity it has enjoyed, will
"be warm & sincere; and my attachment
"to the Society of which we are members
"will dispose me always, to contribute my best
"endeavours to promote the honor &
"interest of the _Craft_.--

"For the prayer you offer in
"my behalf I entreat you to accept the
"thanks of a grateful heart; with the as-
"surance of fraternal regard and best
"wishes for the honor, happiness & prospe-
"rity of all the members of the Grand Lodge
"of Massachusetts.

"Go. Washington"

The original letter is said to be in possession of the Grand Lodge of
Massachusetts. No photographic fac-simile of the document, however,
could be obtained.

=ANCIENT JEWEL OF THE GRAND LODGE OF MARYLAND.=

XIV

CORRESPONDENCE WITH GRAND LODGE OF MARYLAND, NOVEMBER, 1798.

In the year 1798, the danger of a war with France had become so
imminent, on account of the aggressions of that government towards the
United States, that Congress ordered a provisional army to be raised,
the command of which was tendered to WASHINGTON, with the rank of
Lieutenant-General, an honor which was reluctantly accepted by
WASHINGTON. During the summer a scourge of yellow fever had again
visited Philadelphia, which caused Congress to adjourn, July 16, and the
public offices to be removed for the time being to Trenton, N. J. All
danger of the fever being over, WASHINGTON, on November 5, started for
Trenton. He arrived at Baltimore, November 7, and was waited on at his
quarters by William Belton, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Maryland,
his Deputy and other Brethren and presented with a copy of the New
Ahiman Rezon and the following address,[62] viz.:

"TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, ESQ.,
Lieutenant General and Commander-in-chief of the Armies of