trious Brother, George
Washington, Esq'r, when the M.W. Paul Revere, Grand Master, R.W.
John Warren, Rev. Bro. Thaddeus M. Harris, R.W. Josiah Bartlett,
Bro. Thomas Edwards, were appointed a committee for that purpose."

In response to above resolution the following address was sent to
Brother WASHINGTON at Mount Vernon dated Boston, March 21, 5797, viz.:

"_The East, the West and the South, of the Grand Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts._

_To Their Most Worthy George Washington._"

"Wishing ever to be foremost in testimonials of respect and
admiration for those virtues and services with which you have so
long adorned and benefited our common country; and not the last nor
least, to regret the cessation of them, in the public councils of
the Union; your Brethren of the Grand Lodge embrace the earliest
opportunity of greeting you in the calm retirement you have
contemplated to yourself. Though as citizens they lose you in the
active labors of political life, they hope, as Masons, to find you
in the pleasing sphere of Fraternal engagement.

"From the cares of state and the fatigues of public business our
institution opens a recess affording all the relief of tranquility,
the harmony of peace and the refreshment of pleasure. Of these may
you partake in all their purity and satisfaction; and we will
assure ourselves that your attachment to this social plan will
increase; and that under the auspices of your encouragement,
assistance and patronage, the Craft will attain its highest
ornament, perfection and praise. And it is our ardent prayer, that
when your light shall be no more visible in this earthly temple,
you may be raised to the All Perfect Lodge above; be seated on the
right of the Supreme Architect of the Universe, and there receive
the refreshment your labors merited.

"In behalf of the Grand Lodge, we subscribe ourselves with the
highest esteem,

"Your affectionate Brethren,
"PAUL REVERE, _Grand Master_.
"ISAIAH THOMAS, _S. Grand Warden._
"JOSEPH LAUGHTON, _J. Grand Warden_.
"Daniel Oliver, Grand Secretary,
"Boston, 21st March, 5797."

For some unaccountable reason the delivery of the address was delayed
and not received at Mount Vernon until late in April. The original dra