Owing to the uncertain intercourse between the two countries, it was almost seven months before Brother Washington received the Masonic apron, ornaments and letter from France. He at that time was in camp with the army at Newburg on the Hudson.[16]
In reply Washington sent the following autograph letter to the donors in Nantes, viz.:
"State of New York
"Augt 10th 1782.
"Gentn.
"The Masonick Ornamts
"which accompanied your Bro-
"therly Address of the 23d of
"Jany last, tho' elegant in
"themselves, were rendered
"more valuable by the flattering
"sentiments, and affectionate
"manner, in which they were
"presented.—
"If my endeavours to
"avert the evil, with which this
"Country was threatned by a
"deliberate plan of Tyranny,
"should be crowned with the suc
"cess that is wished—The praise
"is due to the Grand Architect
"of the Universe; who did not see
"fit to suffer his superstructures
"and justice, to be subjected to the
"Ambition of the Princes of this
"World, or to the rod of oppression,
"in the hands of any power upon
"Earth.—
"For your affectionate
"Vows, permit me to be grateful;
"—and offer mine for true Brothers
"in all parts of the world; and
"to assure you of the sincerity
"with which I am
Yrs
"Messrs
"Watson & Cosson[17]
"East of Nantes"
