"To George Washington, President of the United
States of America.
"We the Master, Wardens, and Brethren of
"King David's Lodge in New Port Rhode Island
"with joyful hearts embrace this opportunity to
"greet you as a Brother, and to hail you welcome
"to Rhode Island. We exult in the thought that
"as Masonry has always been patronised by the
"wise, the good, and the great, so that it stood
"and ever will stand, as its fixtures are on the
"immutable pillars of faith, hope, and charity.
"With unspeakable pleasure we gratulate
"you as filling the presidential chair with the
"applause of a numerous and enlightened people
"Whilst at the same time we felicitate ourselves
"in the honor done the brotherhood by your many
"exemplary virtues and emanations of goodness
"proceeding from a heart worthy of possessing
"the ancient mysteries of our craft; being persuaded
"that the wisdom and grace with which heaven
"has endowed you, will square all your thoughts,
"words, and actions by the eternal laws of honor,
"equity, and truth, so as to promote the advancement
"of all good works, your own happiness, and that
"of mankind.
"Permit us then, illustrious Brother,
"cordially to salute you with three times three
"and to add our fervent supplications that the
"sovereign architect of the universe may always
"encompass you with his holy protection.
"Moses Seixas[28] Master
"New Port Augt 17, 1790.Committee.
"Hy Sherburne
"By order
"Wm Littlefield, Secy."
Brother Moses Seixas was born in New York, March 28, 1744; died in New York City, November 29, 1809. He was a merchant in Newport, Rhode Island, and one of the founders of the Newport Bank of Rhode Island, of which he was cashier until his death. He succeeded Brother Moses M. Hays as Worshipful Master of King David's Lodge at Newport. He was also the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island. It was Moses Seixas who addressed a letter of welcome in the name of the Jewish congregation to George Washington when the latter visited Newport, and it was to him that Washington's answer was addressed.
The Town Hall at Newport being out of repair at that time the ancient Jewish Synagogue on the main street was used, upon that and several other public occasions. It is an interesting fact that this sacred edifice is still preserved in the same condition as it was during the Colonial period.
So far as known this address was the first of Masonic import made to Washington as President. Unfortunately, the exact date of presentation and receipt of his answer is not known to a certainty, as there does not appear to be any date upon either the original documents or the copies in Washington's letter book.
The original address and Washington's reply to the Master, Wardens and Brethren of King David's Lodge in Newport, the latter signed in autograph by Washington, are in the Athenæum collection at Boston, Massachusetts.[29]
Following copy of the President's answer is taken from his letter book.[30] Both address and answer in the letter book are in the handwriting of Major William Jackson, secretary to the President.
A photostat of the original entry is in the Archives of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. It will be noted that there is neither place nor date given.