FAC-SIMILE OF THE ORIGINAL ADDRESS READ BEFORE PRESIDENT WASHINGTON BY REV. BRO. WILLIAM SMITH, D.D., JANUARY 3, 1792.
ORIGINAL IN ARCHIVES OF GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA. MSS.—VOLUME A.—FOLIO.—21.
On January 3, 1792, Jonathan Bayard Smith, the Right Worshipful Grand Master, together with the Grand Officers and Rev. Brother William Smith called on the President and delivered the above address.
The deputation was received in the dining room of the presidential mansion. This was a room about thirty feet long, and where Washington was accustomed to receive delegations.
At the Quarterly Communication held March 5, 1792, the Right Worshipful Grand Master Jonathan B. Smith informed the Brethren that, in conformity to the resolve of this Grand Lodge, he had, in company with the Grand Officers and the Rev. Brother Dr. Smith, presented the address to our illustrious Brother George Washington and had received an answer, which was read.
"To the ancient YORK MASONS of the
"Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.
"Gentlemen and Brothers,
"I receive your kind Congratulations
"with the purest sensations of fraternal affection:—and
"from a heart deeply impressed with your generous
"wishes for my present and future happiness, I beg
"you to accept my thanks.
"At the same time I request you will
"be assured of my best wishes and earnest prayers
"for your happiness while you remain in this terres-
"tial Mansion, and that we may thereafter meet
"as brethren in the Eternal Temple of the
"Supreme Architect.