of a numerous and enlightened people
"Whilst at the same time we felicitate ourselves
"in the honor done the brotherhood by your many
"exemplary virtues and emanations of goodness
"proceeding from a heart worthy of possessing
"the ancient mysteries of our craft; being persuaded
"that the wisdom and grace with which heaven
"has endowed you, will square all your thoughts,
"words, and actions by the eternal laws of honor,
"equity, and truth, so as to promote the advancement
"of all good works, your own happiness, and that
"of mankind.

"Permit us then, illustrious Brother,
"cordially to salute you with three times three
"and to add our fervent supplications that the
"sovereign architect of the universe may always
"encompass you with his holy protection.

"MOSES SEIXAS[28] _Master_
"New Port Augt 17, 1790. _Committee_.
"HY SHERBURNE
"By order
"WM LITTLEFIELD, _Secy._"

Brother Moses Seixas was born in New York, March 28, 1744; died in New
York City, November 29, 1809. He was a merchant in Newport, Rhode
Island, and one of the founders of the Newport Bank of Rhode Island, of
which he was cashier until his death. He succeeded Brother Moses M. Hays
as Worshipful Master of King David's Lodge at Newport. He was also the
first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island. It was Moses
Seixas who addressed a letter of welcome in the name of the Jewish
congregation to GEORGE WASHINGTON when the latter visited Newport, and
it was to him that WASHINGTON's answer was addressed.

The Town Hall at Newport being out of repair at that time the ancient
Jewish Synagogue on the main street was used, upon that and several
other public occasions. It is an interesting fact that this sacred
edifice is still preserved in the same condition as it was during the
Colonial period.

So far as known this address was the first of Masonic import made to
WASHINGTON as President. Unfortunately, the exact date of presentation
and receipt of his answer is not known to a certainty, as there does not
appear to be any date upon either the original documents or the copies
in WASHINGTON's letter book.

The original address and WASHINGTON's reply to the Master, Wardens and
Brethren of King David's Lodge in Newport, the latter signed in
autograph by WASHINGTON, are in the Athenaeum collection at Boston,
Massachu