Ames Ic A.

Fraternity in this jurisdiction to he in a highly prosperous and harmonious condition . The delegation was very large—unusually so , and yet there was the most friendly spirit prevailing . This was so apparent that it called forth remarks , after its termination , from all with whom I was brought in contact .

The venerable and universally-esteemed "Father in Masonry , " in this State , the Bev . G . Chaplain , Salem Town , was present , and enjoyed the privilege with great satisfaction ; and it may not be void of interest to your readers to know that he is enjoying remarkably good health for one so far advanced in life . He is hale and hearty , vigorous and cheerful , firm and energetic , in his devotion to the

interests of the Fraternity . Long may he be spared to cheer us with his presence and kindly counsels , warning the Brethren when they may be inclined to wander from the landmarks , and furnish a living example to all who desire to exemplify the truthful nature of our principles , and the effects of a conscientious devotion to them .

The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented a report which will eclipse all their previous efforts . Every topic which has been agitating the Fraternity in the various jurisdictions , has received attention , and is treated upon in a clear , concise , and , I may say , masterly manner , which will cause this document to compare favourably with similar ones from other jurisdictions . It will render my letter too long for your columns if I dwell , and must , therefore , proceed to give you an account of such prominent acts as will be of general interest .

The mediation of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was most respectfully and fraternally declined , and it is perhaps to be regretted that the course of that Grand Body , during the past year , rendered it necessary to suspend intercourse between the two bodies , in consequence of the edicts of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania having deprived New York Masons of the privilege of visiting Lodges in their jurisdiction .

The election of the present Grand Officers , and the passing of certain resolutions giving to them certain powers during the recess , will , it is confidently anticipated , bring about a more fraternal feeling among the Masons of New York than could possibly have resulted from any mediation , even if the mediators had stood in a more friendly relation to the Grand Lodge of the State of New York , as now universally recognized , except by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania .

Before closing this long communication , I must revert to the spirit of Brotherly Love which seemed to mark every act and movement during the deliberations of the sessions just closed . The former distinctions and rivalries , which have heretofore obtruded themselves into the deliberations , are "in the deep bosom of oblivion buried . " Our future prospects are bright and cheering . The Subordinate Officers have not yet been appointed . As soon as I learn who they are , I will apprise you .

M . W . Bro . Joseph D . Evans , though still a cripple , was present , and is gradually recovering .

TEXAS . Morton Lodge { No . 72 ) . —In the year 1825 , American settlements on the Brazos river were few and far between . Almost the only one between the present site of San Felipe De Austin was that of William Morton , who had commenced a plantation at the place where the flourishing town of Richmond now stands . Morton was a Mason , and , as such , nearly alone on the Brazos . In those days travellers were always sure of a welcome when it was their good fortune to be overtaken by ni ^ ht at a settler ' s house , and at no place in the country was there

a more hospitable door than that of William Morton . It fell out that a native of Scotland , and a recent emigrant from the land of the thistle , Robert Gillespie , by name , was seeking a home in the newly-found Utopia , as Texas was then , and is now , by many regarded . Whilst travelling over the almost boundless prairies , he was attacked with fever , and only by dint of great exertion did he succeed in reaching shelter . It was his good fortune to find this under Morton ' s roof . His disease and exposure proved too much for his