Fac-simile of Reply to King David's Lodge, No. 1, Newport, R. I. Letter Book II, Folio 29.
President Washington arrived at Newport, R.I., at eight o'clock on Tuesday morning, August 17, 1790. On the next day, Wednesday, the President and his suite left on the Packet "Hancock" at nine o'clock in the morning for Providence.
His company consisted of Governor Clinton of New York, Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, Senator Theodore Foster, Judge Blair, Mr. Smith of South Carolina and Mr. Gorman of New Hampshire; members of Congress.[31]
Washington left Providence, Saturday, August 21, and arrived in New York upon the following day, Sunday, August 22, 1790,[32] and sent the following reply to the Newport Brethren:
"To the Master, Wardens, and Brethren of
"King Davids Lodge in Newport Rhode Island."
"Gentlemen,
"I receive the welcome which you
"give me to Rhode Island with pleasure, and I
"acknowledge my obligations for the flattering
"expressions of regard, contained in your address,
"with grateful sincerity.
"Being persuaded that a just
"application of the principles, on which the Masonic
"Fraternity is founded, must be promotive of
"private virtue and public prosperity, I shall
"always be happy to advance the interests of
"the Society, and to be considered by them as
"a deserving brother.
"My best wishes, Gentlemen,
"are offered for your individual happiness."[33]
