Early History Of Freemasonry In America.

lin's letter , dated November 28 , 1734 , to the Grand Master of the Grand . Lodge of Massachusetts . This letter Avas as folloAvs : — "Right Worshipful Grand Master , and Most Worthy and Dear

Brethren—We acknoAvledge your favour of the 23 rd of October past , and rejoice that the Grand Master ( whom God bless ) hath so happily recovered from his late indisposition : and Ave UOAV , glass in hand , drink to the establishment of his health , and the prosperity of your Avhole Lodge .

" We have seen in the Boston prints an article of news from London , importing that at a Grand Lodge held there in August last , Mr . Price ' s deputation and poAver was extended over all America , Avhich advice Ave hope is

true , and Ave heartily congratulate him thereupon , and although this has not been as yet regularly signified to us by you , yet , giving credit thereto , Ave think it our duty to lay before your Lodge AvhatAve apprehend needful to be done for

us , in order to promote and strengthen the interest of Masonry in this Province ( which seems to Avant the sanction of some authority derived from home , to give the proceedings and determinations of our Lodge their clue Aveight ) , to wit , a Deputation or Charter granted by the

Right Worshipful Mr . Price , by virtue of his commission from Britain , confirming the Brethren of Pennsylvania in the privilege they at present enjoy , of holding annually their GEAND LODGE , choosing their Grand Master ,

Wardens and other officers , who may manage all affairs relating to the brethren here Avith full poAver and authority , according to the customs and usages of Masons , the said Grand Master of Pennsylvania only yielding his chair

when the Grand Master of all America shall be in place . This , if it seems good and reasonable to you to grant , Avill not only be extremely agreeable to us , but will also , Ave are confident , conduce much to the Avelfare , establishment , and reputation of Masonry in these puts . We therefore submit it

for your consideration , and , as Ave hope our request Avill be complied with , we desire that it may be done as soon as possible , and also accompanied with a copy of the R . W . Grand Master ' s first deputationand of the instrument

, by Avhich it appears to be enlarged as above mentioned , witnessed by your Wardens , and signed by the Secretary ; for Avhich favours this Lodge doubt not of being able to believe as not to be thought ungrateful .

"We are , R . W . Grand Master and Most Worthy Brethren , your affectionate Brethren and obliged humble servants , "B . FKANKLIN , G . M .

" Philadelphia , Nov . 28 , 1734 . " [ The italics are mine . ] Accompanying thisAvas another letter _ in the nature of a postscript , as follows " Dear Brother Price , —I am glad to

hear of your recovery . I hoped to have seen you here this fall , agreeable to the expectation you Avere so good as to give me ; but since sickness has prevented your coming while the weather Avas moderateI have no room to flatter

, myself Avith a visit from you before the Spring , Avhen a deputation of the brethren here Avill have an opportunity of sliOAving IIOAV much they esteem you .

1 beg leave to recommend their request to you , and to inform you that some false and rebel brethren , AVIIO are foreigners , being about to set up a distinct Lodge in opposition to the old and true brethren here , pretending to make Masons

for a boAvl of punch , and the Craft is like to come into disesteem among us , unless the true brethren are countenanced and distinguished by some special authority as herein desired . I entreat , therefore , that whatever you

shall think proper to do therein may be sent by the next post , if possible , or the next folloAving . " I am , your affectionate brother and humble servant , "B . FRANKLIN , G . M ., " Pennsylvania . " P . S . —If more of the Constitutions