ft
of WASHINGTON's reply to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in his own
handwriting and signature as well as an autograph note of apology for
the seeming delay to Grand Master Paul Revere and his officers dated
Mount Vernon, April 24, 1797, are in the Manuscript Department in the
Library of Congress, viz.:

"TO PAUL REVERE GRAND MASTER, ISAIAH
"THOMAS SENIOR GRAND WARDEN AND
"JOSEPH LAUGHTON JUNR GRAND WARDEN.

"_Brothers_,

"I am sorry that the en-
"closed answer to the affectionate address
"of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and
"Accepted Masons, of the Commonwealth
"of Massachusetts transmitted under your
"signatures, should appear so much out
from
"of season; but ^ the lapse of time between
"the date & reception of the address (from
"what cause I know not) it was not to be
"avoided, and is offered as an apology, for
"the delay. With brotherly affection

"I am always yours,
"Go. Washington"

"Mount Vernon,
"24th April 1797."

=PAUL REVERE

1735-1818.

GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN MASSACHUSETTS, 1797.=

=FAC-SIMILE OF AUTOGRAPH LETTER FROM WASHINGTON TO PAUL REVERE AND THE
OFFICERS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS, APRIL 24, 1797.=

=FAC-SIMILE OF ORIGINAL DRAFT OF WASHINGTON'S REPLY TO THE ADDRESS FROM
THE GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS IN LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.=

Following is a copy of WASHINGTON's original draft of his reply to the
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. It is written upon two pages of a letter
sheet entirely in his handwriting and signed by him.

"TO THE GRAND LODGE OF ANCIENT, FREE &
"ACCEPTED MASONS, OF THE COMMONWEALTH
"OF MASSACHUSETTS.

"_Brothers_,

"It was not until within
"these few days that I have been favoured by
"the receipt of your affectionate Address
"dated in Boston the 21st of March

"For the favourable sentiments
"you have been pleased to express on the
"occasion of my past services, and for the
"regrets with which they are accompani-
"ed for the cessation of my public functions,
"I pray you to accept my best acknowledg-
"ments and gratitude.--

"No pleasure, except that wch
"results from a consciousness of having, to
"the utmost of my abilities, discharged,
"the trusts which have been reposed in
"me by my Country, can equal th