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Madras , 20 th February , 1855 . To the Most Noble James Andrew , Marquis of Dalhousie , K . T ., Lord Patron of Masonry in the East , Governor-General of India . My Lord , —On the part of the Masonic Fraternity of Southern India , we eagerly profit by your lordship ' s visit to this presidency , to offer our respectful greeting , and to express our affectionate sympathy in the universal acclaim which has attended your rule over this vast empire .

qualities and your position of patron of Masonry in the East , the brethren in Madras have entrusted me , as Grand Master , with the accompanying address , which at their request I now do myself the honour to lay before you . I have the honour to be , my lord , your most obedient servant , /< R . H . Williamson , Pro . Grand Master . - To the Most Noble the Marquis of Dalhousie , K . T . & c .

The Masons of Madras entered most warmly into the sentiments of their Brethren in Bengal , when hailing as an omen of deep significance and value , your lordship ' s consent , at the dawn of your administration , to be identified with the Craft as its Batron . They would not offend your lordship by using any language which went to detract from the lofty eminence which the principles of our Order in their unsullied purity cause it to occupy ; but we shall not be deemed to forget this , when we acknowledge how Masonry is capable of receiving an added lustre ,

where its true characteristics shine broadly conspicuous in a member commanding the world ' s attention , no less from his exalted position , than from those public and private virtues which awaken an universal regard . In this view , we feel that we are only exercising a happy privilege , in tendering the humble expression of our gratitude and admiration at a career of government , which in your lordship ' s association with the Craft , has so greatly contributed to gild its fame , while advancing the substantial happiness of mankind .

That this happiness has been promoted in India , we are sincerely confident must be the deepest gratification to your lordship , as it has been your highest aim . Herein we recognize that the pure flame of a fervejit charity , that distinguishing feature of Masonry , has burnt brightly and abidingly in your breast ; and it is permitted to us to offer our grateful homage at its shrine , although forbidden to touch upon the tendency and scope of political acts , however their aim may have taken its inspiration from the same source , and their course been dictated by the same spirit of universal benevolence .

It has been with true sympathy that the members of the Craft in Southern India have been acquainted with the cause of your lordship ' s present visit , and they earnestly pray that the Great Architect of the Universe will take you into His special keeping , and in an early restoration of health and strength , bring comfort to your lordship ' s family , and a prolonged opportunity to yourself of continuing to advance the benefit of your fellow-creatures , and the welfare of this great country . We remain , my lord , your lordship ' s most obedient servants , and Faithful Brethren , ( Signed by seventy-four Brethren . )

Ootacamund , March 19 , 1855 . Bight Worshipful Sir and Brother , —I have had the honour of receiving , since my arrival at this place , your letter of the 7 th instant , together with an address which the Masonic Fraternity of Southern India had done me the honour of preparing , to welcome me on my expected visit to Madras . It was a matter of great regret to me that the state of my health compelled me to relinquish my intention of landing there . I now regret it the more that it has deprived me of the opportunity of personally offering my acknowledgment to the Craft in Southern India , for the compliment they have paid me . I pray you , Bight Worshipful Sir , to assure the Masonic Fraternity , on my part ,