For the latter I pray you to accept my thanks.—I have read it, and the Appendix with pleasure, and wish the latter, at least, could meet a more general circulation than it probably will have, for it contains important information, as little known, out of a small circle as the dissemination of it would be useful, if spread through the community.
With great respect,
I am,—Revd. Sir,
Your most Obdt. Servant,
Go. Washington.”
The Revd. Mr. Morse
Washington Collection, New York Public Library.
Washington’s copy of Morse’s sermon may be found in the Athenaeum, Boston.
[925] The Fraternal Tribute of Respect Paid to the Masonic Character of Washington, in the Union League, in Dorchester, January 7th., A. L. 5800. Charlestown, 1800, p. 11. (The address appeared anonymously.)
[926] Charlestown Masons went so far as to hold out the olive branch of peace and good-will to Morse, in connection with the Masonic mourning which followed Washington’s death. It is recorded that the lodge in Charlestown presented to Morse the cloth which for a time hung under the portrait of its “beloved Brother, George Washington.” The gift was gratefully accepted by Morse and was made into a coat which he afterwards wore. Cf. By-Laws of King Solomon’s Lodge, Charlestown, etc. Boston, 1885, p. 83.