s & Doctrines of
"Free Masonry, I conceive it to be founded
"in benevolence and to be exercised only
"for the good of mankind. _If it has been a
"Cloak to promote improper or nefarious
"objects, it is a melancholly proof that
"in unworthy hands, the best institutions
"may be made use of to promote the worst
"designs._--

"While I offer my grateful
"acknowledgements for your congratulations on my
"late appointments, and for the favorable sentiments
"you are pleased to express of my conduct, permit
"me to observe, that at this important &
"critical moment, when repeated and
"high indignities have been offered to this
"government your country and the rights & property
"of our Citizens plundered without a prospect of
"redress, I conceive it to be the _indispensable_
"duty of every American, let his situation & cir
"cumstances in life be what they may, to come
"forward in support of the government of his country
"and to give all the aid in his power toward
"maintaining that independence which we have
"so dearly purchased; and under this impression,
"I did not hesitate to lay aside all personal
"considerations and accept my appointment.

"I pray you to be assured that I ap-
"preciate, with sincerity your kind wishes for
"my health & happiness.

"I am Gentln & brothers
"very respectfully
"Yr most obt servt.

"Go. Washington"

Before this letter was sent, the five words on the tenth line and the
whole of next five lines were eliminated; there was also a slight change
made in the last paragraph on the second page.

Following is a copy of the letter as received by the Grand Lodge of
Maryland. The original letter was in the possession of the Grand Lodge
of Maryland, as late as 1833, but it has since disappeared.[63]

"TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF FREE MASONS FOR THE STATE OF
MARYLAND.

"_Gentlemen and Brothers:_

"Your obliging and affectionate letter, together with a copy of the
Constitution of Masonry, has been put into my hands by your Grand
Master, for which I pray you to accept my best thanks. So far as I
am acquainted with the principles and doctrines of Freemasonry, I
conceive them to be founded on benevolence, and to be exercised for
the good of mankind; I canno