Original Correspondence.

in a few Words . King Edward III . took so great an affection to Windscr , the Place of his Birth , that he instituted the Order of the Garter there , rebuilt and enlarged the Castle , with the Church and Chapel of St . George : This was a great Wotk , and required a great many Hands ; and for carrying it on , Writs were directed to the Sheriffs of several Counties to send thither , under the Penalty of

tool ., such a number of Masons by a Day appointed ; London sent 40 , so did Devon , Somerset , and several other Counties ; but several dying of the Plague , and others deserting the Service , new Writs were issued to send up Supplies ; Yorkshire sent 60 , and other Counties proportionable , as may be seen in Ashmole's History of the Order of the Garter at large , and Orders were given that

no one should entertain or shelter any of these runaway Masons , under pain of Forfeiture of all their Goods : Hereupon the Masons enter'd into a Combination not to work unless at higher Wages ( just as we have of late seen the Taylors and Weavers combining to raise their Wages ) : They agreed upon Tokens , & c ., to know one another by , and to assist one another against being impressed , and not

to work unless free , and on their own Terms : Hence they called themselves Free-Masons , and this Combination continu'd , during the carrying on of these Buildings , for several Years . The Wars between the two Houses coming on in the next Reign , the Discontented herded together in the same Manner , and the Gentry also underhand supporting the Malcontents , occasion'd several Acts of Parliament

against Masons , and Combinations of other Persons under that Denomination , the Title of which Acts are still to be seen in the printed statutes of those Reigns ; and tho ' the occasion is now obsolete , yet there has ever since remain'd a Succession of the Name and Ceremonies , which of late has been revived by an odd Humour , without Thought or Inquiry into the Original of this Famous Order

equal in Antiquity , and had the same Place for Institution as the Antient and Noble One of the Garter . The famous Bishop of Winchester was Supervisor of Ihese Works , at is . per Day , and is . more when he travelled ; and tho' it does not appear he was a Mason , yet his College at Winchester for educating the Children , whose Parents must otherwise have bred them to hard Labour , and his Care

afterwards to maintain them in Ease at Oxford , shews he was so far a Friend to the Glorious Cause of Liberty , that his Kinsmen should not be abliged to Labour , unless at their free Will , and at a good Price . "One of the Acts referred to above , viz ., 3 d . Henr . VI ., Cap . I ., 1425 , has the following Clause : Whereas by yearly Congregations and Confederacies , etc ., etc . ( it does

not seem necessary to reprint the whole ) . " From such a reputable Beginning has this worthy Fraternity derived their boasted Glories , in this in some Measure account for the Reason of making and keeping the Secret , since at first their Necks were in Danger by the discovering it . From the like infamous Origin commenced those pernicious Names of Distinction , Whig and Tory

which we have heard gloried in , tho' at first the Nicknames of Enemies , and Terms extremely opprobrious ; the first signifying , from the supposed narrow Principles and crude and indigested Notions of the Field Conventiclers in Scotland , Soure Milk ; the last , Irish Bapperies and Rcbbers . " It must be confessed that there is a Society abroad ,

from whom the English Free-Masons ( asham'd of their true Origin , as above ) have copied a few Ceremonies , and take great Pains to persuade the World that they are derived from them , and are the same with them . These are called Rosicrucians , from their Prime Officers ( such as our Brethren call Grand Master , Wardens , & c . ) being distinguished on their High Days with Red Crosses . This

is said to be a worthy , tho' they affect to be thought a mystical Society , and promote cheerfully one another ' s Benefit in a very extraordinary manner , they meeting for better Purposes than Eating and Drinning , or glorying , like Batts , those amphibious Brds of Night , in their Wings of Leather . On this Society have our Moderns , as we have said , endeavour'd to ingraft themselves , tho' they

know nothing of their most material Constitutions , and are acquainted only with some of their Signs of Probation and Entrance , insomuch that 'tis but of late years ( being better inform'd by some kind Rosicrucian ) that they knew John the Evangelist to be their right Patron , having before kept for his Day that dedicated to John the Baptist , who , we all know , lived in a Desert , and knew nothing of the Architecture and Mystery which , with so much Plausibility ,

they impute to the Author of the Revelations . " Such , Sir , was the Rise of Free-Masons in England , which will shew how vainly they b ;> ast of their Origin from Solomon , from Hiram , from Nimrod , or from Noah ' s Ark , and even , according to a venerable bard , lately entered among them , from Pandemonium , the Capital of the Infernal Wegions , in Milton , in which case we will leave it to his new brethren to judge who must be the first Grand Master .

" Yours , & c , "A . Z . " I do not think much of the historical value of this account , but in one point it seems to be of greater interest—I mean the pretended influence of the so-called Rosicrucians on Freemasonry . Connecting our account in this point with Samber ' s preface to his " Long Livers " with the preface

to "The Secret History of the Free-Masons" ( London , 1924 and 1925 ) , and with Bro . Oakly's speech of 1728 , we are inclined to agree that during the decade from 1720 to 1730 a kind of Rosicrucian or Hermetic influence must have taken place in the lodges of London , and there are indeed some things in the ritual and terminology of

Masonry after 1730 that cannot be derived at all trom Operative lodges , but are taken from the works of Kosicrucians and Cabbalists . In all rases it is of some importance to have a new proof that at 1 hat period people believed in this influence , and that Freemasons themselves boasted of their connection with Rosicrucians . DR . VV . BEGEMANN . Rostock , Mecklenburg , Germany .

JUBILEE HONOURS . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , It has been asked of me on several occasions what is going to be done for the provinces in the way of

Grand Lodge Honours in this Jubilee year ; and I have , of course , not been able to provide an answer . It occurs to me , however , that the advisers of the M . W . G . M . might at any rate suggest that past rank should be conferred on the peputy Piovincial Grand Master of each province who is

Original Correspondence.

not a Grand Officer , and that in the provinces whose Deputies are Grand Officers some other brother of distinction therein' should be promoted . It would , of course , be impossible to find present Grand offices for such an extra number of appointments , but , under the special circumstances of this year , I can see no reason why brevet rank should not be conferred in the way I suggest . —I am , yours fraternally , April 5 th . PROVINCIAL .

THE REV . R . UNDERWOOD'S PORTRAIT . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Seeing Bro . VV . J . Hughan ' s communication in the Freemason of Saturday last , I thought it might be interesting to brethren of the Province of Herefordshire to

know that I have in my possession a very fine engraving of the Rev . Richard Underwood ( 14 in . by 20 in . ) , with the following inscription : — "A . J . Oliver Pinx * - Chas . Turner Sculp - "THE REV -RICHARD UNDERWOOD . " Deputy Provincial Grand Master of the Masonic Lodges

of Herefordshire . " This print is dedicated by permission to the R' - Worshipful the Master , the Wardens and the rest of the Brethren of the Palladian and the other Lodges in that District by their obliged " humble servant , " Ri- Cribb .

"London Published 14 TH APRIL 1 S 06 " . by R - Cribb 28 S Holborn . " My grandmother ' s brother , curate near Hereford , was a member ot the Palladian Lodge and Chapter ( and a personal friend of the Rev . R , Underwood , Canon of Hereford ) . The print was given to me by an aunt , still living , aged S 7 , who often speaks of this friendship . I also have

the jewel worn by my great uncle , dated 1 S 07 , made by T . Harper , Fleet-street , and his sash . In his diary ( commenced abcut 1 S 02 ) are a few entries relating to Masonic meetings ; one in particular I remember referring to the installation of Bro . Scudamore , who is named as one of the founders of the Palladian Chapter . In the print the Rev . Richard Underwood is represented seated in the Master's chair , right hand on a volume of the

Book of Constitutions , left hand raised with index finger pointing , as if in the act of addressing the lodge . Compasses suspended by collar . On sash two stars . On breast Royal Arch jewel . The apron seems nothing like those at present worn ; no emblems whatever on it . — Yours faithfully and fraternally , GEO . POWELL , P . M . 11 S 5 , and H . S 6 , Avondale-square , London , S . E ., April 5 th , 1 S 87 .

Reviews

REVIEWS

"FREEMASONS' CALENDAR FORSUFFOLK , 1 S 87-S . " The indefatigable Bro . N . Tracy , as Editor of the Calendar for Suffolk , has introduced some new features in the present issue , which considerably add to its usefulness and interest . The arrangement of the votes in pages , instead of a long table , is also a great improvement , and the Prov . G . Secretary puis the best side towards Loudon

by reckoning in the total the votes for April and October ; thus giving 784 Girls and S 62 Boys , but really half that number united , by the usual computation , viz ., 823 , and with those of the " Benevolent , " a total of 1949 . This , for S 64 members connected with the twenty-one lodges , makes a good record . The account of the Prov . Grand Lodge will prove most acceptable to the members thereof .

The first Prov . G . Master was Bro . Rowland Holt , who was Deputy Grand Master of England from 1775 for many years . The present Prov . Grand Master is the seventh in order , and succeeded Lord Waveney , who died in February of last year . There have been seven Deputy Prov . Grand Masters from 1 S 16 , the present respected holder of that office being Bro . the Rev . C . J . Martyn , P . G . C . of

England . Bro . Tracy draws attention to the curious fact that Bro . J . Schulen , W . M . of St . Luke's Lodge in 1816 , and Bro . Field Harmerin 1817 , were " raised"at the Prov . G . Lodge held at Ipswich , " agreeably to the system promulgated by the Lodge of Reconciliation . " The oldest lodge in the province ( No . 71 ) was chartered in 1747 , the second being the British Union , No . 114 , of 1762 . According to

Bro . Lane ' s " Masonic Records , " the first was originally warranted for Norwich , getting to Accle in 17 S 5 , and then at Yarmouth in 1793 . From 1 S 14 it has been at Lowestoft , and has an ordinary centenary jewel warrant , so also has No . 114 . There are seven R . A . chapters in Suffolk , three Mark lodges , two K . Templar preceptories , and one Rose Croix chapter , all of which are duly attended to , many

of the particulars being most useful for all concerned . The rules of the "Charity Association" and "Subscribers ' Association " for Suffolk are given . We are surprised , however , to see that the latter is confined to lodges and other Masonic bodies , individuals being excluded . This is surely a pity , for many such organisations do an immense

work tor the Charities by such means . Another time , we should like to see the by-laws of the Prov . G . Lodge and Prov . G . Chapter , because they would be preserved in a handy form for reference , besides being read by many more than under present circumstances . The calendar portion is exceedingly well done .

THE EARLIER YEARS OF FORTITUDE , No . 281 , LANCASTER , 18 S 7 . Bro . H . Longman has kindly sent us a reproduction " of his paper read before the Lodge of Fortitude , No . 281 , Lancaster , on February gth , 1 S 87 , and has also forwarded us a letter expressive of his appreciation of the reviews of his and other Masonic Calendars , appearing from time to

time , in the Freemason . It is pleasant to find that our efforts to lay before our readers the special characteristics of these most useful annuals are being so generally approved of , and we trust that our suggestions , based on an intimate acquaintance with such publications , will bear fruit in successive issues . The lecture by Bro . Longman deals with the records , so far traced , of the lodge , the

Reviews

earliest preserved being for the year 1795 . It is amusing to find how much the Treasurer and Secretary of 1701 ; intended to do , and the elaborate preparations made to that end , but sad to a reflective mind to find how little was really done—the maximum of promise , but alas ! the minimum of deed ! In 1816 mention is made of a new Book of Constitutions then received . This would be the

first edition after the " Union , " and was for the year 1 S 15 , In 1 S 25 a lodge seal is mentioned . Every lodge was re ! quired to have one , by the Constitutions , for some years after the " Union , " and , to our mind , it is a pity the regulation was omitted in the later editions . The reference to a Masonic Calendar about 1 S 25 doubtless meant the one published annually by the Grand Lodge of England , as it

is not likely that any local Directory was published at that time . Bro . Longman ' , states that on 27 th December , 1827 the lodge was opened in the "P . M . 's Degree , " and a brother was passed to the chair in form . This was to qualify , likely enough , for the Royal Arch , as brethren were made virtual ( not actual ) Past Masters for years after 1813 , according to the old custom . A little later on

another brother " passed the chair , " and took the Mark . Bro . Longman asks , " What does it meant " Simply this that as with many other lodges of that period , the Mark was worked from what is known as " time immemorial authority . " We are sorry the records throw no light on the number on the warrant being different to that given it by the Grand Lodge . We hope the paper of Bro . Long , man ' s will lead to others of a similar character .

FREEMASONS' MANUAL FOR KENT , 1887 . In our previous notices of this most complete Masonic Directory we have about exhausted all we can say as to its conspicuous merits . Bro . T . S . VVarne has edited the Manual for ten years , and certainly has earned for himself the best thanks of the large Province of Freemasons for whom he has catered so long and so well . It was started

on the same lines as the Directory for Cornwall originated and edited by Bro . Hughan , from 1 S 70 , but the one for Kent has far exceeded its prototype in size , having to chronicle the returns of the large number of 55 lodges , iS R . A . chapters , 16 Mark lodges , the membership of each body being respectively 3174 , 467 , and 43 6 . Other Masonic Societies are also duly represented , neither are the

interests of the Central Masonic Charities forgotten , the Table at the end , compiled by Bro . J . D . Terson , the publisher , showing a grand total of 7035 votes for the province . Another capital table appended gives the average cost of Pupils and Annuitants during the past year , which , exclusive of £ 92 us . for the "Mark Educational Fund , " runs up to the substantial sum of £ 1534 10 s . 4 d .,

so that the reciprocity is not all on one side . Dates of Charters , Centenary Warrants , names of P . M . 's , officers , addresses of the numerous correspondents , days of installation , and other particulars of the lodges , chapters , & c , are duly inserted in the Manual by the painstaking and accurate Editor , who also has printed the By-laws of the Prov . Grand Lodge and of the Prov . Grand Chapter ,

also statements of the Treasurers accounts for the Craft , Arch , and Mark Provinces , carefully detailed . The Prov . G . L . was formed in 1773 , the beloved and R . W . Bro . the Earl Amherst being the eleventh Prov . G . M ., and also the Grand Superintendent , his Lordship's Deputy Prov . G . M ., and the Prov . G . H ., being the well known and

honoured Bro . James Smith Eastes . The 16 Mark lodges in Kent are presided over by one of the most energetic and intelligent Freemasons in England , viz ., the Rev . Thomas Robinson , M . A ., who is not only a Masonic veteran , but is as active as ever for the welfare of the Craft . Success , we say , to Bro . VVarne and his Manual for 18 S 7 .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

721 ] THOMAS DUNCKERLEY . In reply to No . 719 , per Bro . Lamb Smith , I have to state that the portrait in the " Freemasons' Magazine , " Vol . I ., for 1 793 ( October number ) , is declared to be of "Thomas Dunckerley Esq ., P . G . M ., From a Painting by T . Beach . J . Jones , Sculp . "— " London , Printed and Published by J . W . Bunney , Newcastle Street , Strand , Octr ., 1703 . "

( In an interesting " Catalogue of Valuable Books and Manuscripts relating to Freemasonry " ( October , 1 S 7 6 ) published by Bro . George Kenning , a print occurs tor sale from this very painting . I have seen it , and consider it a " fine copy , " as slated . ) Bro . Bunney , apparently , was the editor of the magazine . No reference is made to the

plate in the sketch of Dunckerley ' s life , which follows the portrait . I am glad to hear that the " Worcester Lodge , " N 0 . 2 S 0 , has portraits of Bros . Dunckerley and Underwood in its varied collection . Should Bro . Lamb Smith desire a few of the early volumes of the "Freemasons' Magazine " he can have them . W . J . HUGHAN .

Bro . Lord George Hamilton , M . P ., First Lord , and Lord Charles Beresford , M . P ., Naval Lord , accompanied the Colonial delegates on their visit to Portsmouth , and inspection of different men-of-war in harbour , on Wednesday . Before returning to town the party were hospitably entertained by Bro . Admiral Sir George VVilles , Commander-in-chief , at Admiralty House .

The principal holiday event at Manchester was the production of the Drury Lane Drama , " A Run of Luck , " at the Theatre Royal , on Easter Monday . As the scenery was only arriving at the Central Station at ten o ' clock on Sunday night , Mr . Stringer had his work cut out for him to be ready in time . During the previous week a most charming play" I" with Willie Edouin and — —to _

, vy , , . . . _ ,, .. j , " ii » » ......- " —— . , Alice Atherton in the principal parts , deservedly receivea the heartiest applause . They will produce this play at the Royalty to-morrow ( Saturday ) . "FOR MORE THAN FORTY YEARS I HAVE RECOMMENDED B" - LOCOCK ' S PULMONIC WAFERS as a very excellent medicine <¦ " Couehs . Colds , and all disorders nf Hi » rhi-nt and LunRS , " .

frequently take them myself for Irritation of the Throat an occasional coughing . " ( Signed ) W . Ireland , Chemist , EgremOT .. Cumberland . —DR . LOCOCK ' S PULMONIC WAFERS instantly re're and rapidiy cure Asthma , Consumption , Bronchitis , Colds , ^ J te ness of Breaih , Fains in the Chest , Rheumatism — and » pleasantly . Sold at is . j _ d ., as . gd ., 4 s . 6 d ., and lis . per box ., " / all Druggists . —[ ADVT , ]