fore the Grand and Subordinate Lodges for
the purpose of increasing the relief fund, for the widows and orphans of
the yellow fever epidemic which ravaged the capital city during the past
summer.[59]

When the Brethren found that WASHINGTON positively declined reelection
in 1796, and that John Adams was elected to succeed him on the fourth of
March following, the Brethren of the Grand Lodge at their Quarterly
Communication, December 5, 1796, determined that it would be right and
proper to present him with an address before his retirement from office,
whereupon, it was resolved: "On Motion and seconded, that a Committee be
appointed to frame an Address to be presented on the ensuing Feast of
St John, Decemr 27th, to the Great Master Workman, our Illustrious Br.
Washington, on the occasion of his intended retirement from Public
Labor, to be also laid before the said Grand Lodge on St John's Day, and
the Rt W. Grand Master, Deputy G. M. Brs Sadler, Milnor and Williams,
were accordingly appointed."

At a Grand Lodge held on St. John's Day, Philadelphia, December 27,
5796, "The Committee appointed to prepare an Address to our Brother
George Washington, President of the United States, presented an Address
by them drawn up, which was ordered to be read, and was in the words
following, to wit:

"To GEORGE WASHINGTON PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

"The Address of the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl-
"vania.

"_Most Respected Sir and Brother_,

"Having announced your intention to retire from
"_Public Labour_ to that _Refreshment_ to which your
"preeminent Services for near Half a Century have
"so justly entitled you. Permit the Grand Lodge
"of Pennsylvania at this last Feast of our Evangelic
"Master St. John, on which we can hope for an im-
"mediate Communication with you to join the grate-
"ful Voice of our Country in Acknowledging that
"you have carried forth the Principles of the Lodge
"into every Walk of your Life, by your constant
"Labours for the Prosperity of that Country, by
"your unremitting Endeavours to promote Order,
"Union and Brotherly Affection amongst us, and
"lastly by the Vows of your Farewell Address to
"your Brethren and Fellow Citizens. An Address
"which we trust Our Children and Our Childrens
"Children will ever look upon as a most invaluable
"Legacy from a _Friend_ a _Benefactor_ and a _Father_.