Correspondence with Grand Lodge of Maryland, November, 1798.
In the year 1798, the danger of a war with France had become so imminent, on account of the aggressions of that government towards the United States, that Congress ordered a provisional army to be raised, the command of which was tendered to Washington, with the rank of Lieutenant-General, an honor which was reluctantly accepted by Washington. During the summer a scourge of yellow fever had again visited Philadelphia, which caused Congress to adjourn, July 16, and the public offices to be removed for the time being to Trenton, N. J. All danger of the fever being over, Washington, on November 5, started for Trenton. He arrived at Baltimore, November 7, and was waited on at his quarters by William Belton, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Maryland, his Deputy and other Brethren and presented with a copy of the New Ahiman Rezon and the following address,[62] viz.:
"To George Washington, Esq.,
Lieutenant General and Commander-in-chief of the Armies of the United States.
"Sir and Brother:
"The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free Masons for the State of Maryland, wishing to testify the respect in which the whole fraternity in this State hold the man who is at once the ornament of the Society and of his country, vote a copy of the Constitution of Masonry, lately printed under its authority, to be presented to you.
"Accept, Sir and Brother, from our hands this small token of the veneration of men who consider it as the greatest boast of their Society, that a WASHINGTON openly avows himself a member of it, and thinks it worthy of his approbation. With it accept also our warmest congratulations in the name of the body which we represent, on your reappointment to that elevated station in which you formerly wrought the salvation of your country; and on your restoration to the inestimable blessing of health which, that the Almighty disposer of events may continue to accord to you uninterruptedly, is the most earnest prayer of your most respectfully affectionate Brethren and most humble servants.
"Signed, Wm. Belton, R.. W..G..M..
"Peter Little, Grand Secretary,
"Baltimore, November 5th, 1798."
