[734] The full title of this journal was The Columbian Centinel and Massachusetts Federalist. Here was an instance in which Masonic affiliations quite overrode ardent Federalist loyalty. To this the following letter of editor Benjamin Russell to William Bentley testifies:
“Boston, Aug. 9, 1798.
… As to Morse, I think him meddling in an affair which but little concerns him, and of which he has less knowledge. It would be better to let him flounder on, and he will speedily blow himself out. He cannot hurt the craft,—and his wit is as pointless, as his holy zeal is unchangeable. Although I wish not to engage in a controversy, which has no politick in its ingredients, I should nevertheless have published your communication had I received it.—As it is it may be best that the controversy should be carried on in one paper. You will see by this day’s Mercury, that M. is still floundering.—I intend to barb him a little at the Installation at Reading, if he is present. If not he shall hear of a toast or two.” (William Bentley Correspondence, vol. iv, 117).
[735] Columbian Centinel, Sept. 8, 1798.
[736] Ibid., Sept. 12, 1798.
[737] Ibid., Jan. 5, 1799.
[738] Ibid.
[739] Columbian Centinel, Jan. 5, 1799. This communication including the Böttiger letter, was promptly copied by the Massachusetts Mercury, and thus given a wider publicity. Cf. the Mercury of Jan. 11, 1799.
[740] Op. Cit.
[741] Somewhat later the Mercury offered to its readers relevant passages from Lathrop’s sermon of the preceding September and from French’s thanksgiving sermon. Cf. the Mercury for Jan. 11 and Feb. 26, 1799.