t its ultimate effect will extend to the whole
human family, since Providence has evidently selected you as an
instrument in his hands, to fulfill his eternal decrees.

"It is to you, therefore, the glorious orb of America, we presume
to offer Masonic ornaments, as an emblem of your virtues. May the
Grand Architect of the Universe be the Guardian of your precious
days, for the glory of the Western Hemisphere and the entire
universe. Such are the vows of those who have the favor to be by
all the known numbers."

"Your affectionate brothers,
"WATSON & CASSOUL."

"East of Nantes, 23d 1st Month, 5782."

=WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS

NEWBURGH-ON-THE-HUDSON WHERE THE WATSON AND CASSOUL LETTER WAS WRITTEN,
AUGUST, 1782.=

Owing to the uncertain intercourse between the two countries, it was
almost seven months before Brother WASHINGTON received the Masonic
apron, ornaments and letter from France. He at that time was in camp
with the army at Newburg on the Hudson.[16]

In reply WASHINGTON sent the following autograph letter to the donors in
Nantes, viz.:

"STATE OF NEW YORK
"Augt 10th 1782.

"Gentn.

"The Masonick Ornamts
"which accompanied your Bro-
"therly Address of the 23d of
"Jany last, tho' elegant in
"themselves, were rendered
"more valuable by the flattering
"sentiments, and affectionate
"manner, in which they were
"presented.--

"If my endeavours to
"avert the evil, with which this
"Country was threatned by a
"deliberate plan of Tyranny,
"should be crowned with the suc
"cess that is wished--The praise
"is due to the _Grand Architect_
"of the Universe; who did not see
"fit to suffer his superstructures
"and justice, to be subjected to the
"Ambition of the Princes of this
"World, or to the rod of oppression,
"in the hands of any power upon
"Earth.--

"For your affectionate
"Vows, permit me to be grateful;
"--and offer mine for true Brothers
"in all parts of the world; and
"to assure you of the sincerity
"with which I am

"Yrs
"Go. Washington"

"Messrs
"Watson & Cosson[17]
"East of Nantes"

This autograph letter from WASHINGTON to Messrs. Watson and Cassoul is
now in the possession of the Grand Lodge of New York, who purchase