Knights Templar.

under the English or Irish Constitution , but such is the case . A member of an encampment meeting in Oxford , was recently proposed for affiliation into the Priory of Ayr , but as there existed in the minds of some a doubt as to whether that could be constitutionally clone , I felt it to be my duty to apply to the Secretary of the Grand

Priory of Scotland for direction in the circumstances . In reply to my query , thac Sir Knight , who is also Registrar to the Chapter-General , most unhesitatingly stated that no Masonic Knight Templar was admissible as a member of any encampment holding of the Chapter-General of the Religious and Military Order of the Temple , and

that as both the English and Irish Grand Conclaves of Knights Templar were Masonic bodies , no one dubbed in their encampments could be admitted by affiliation into a Scottish Priory . The Office-bearers of the Ayr Priory had therefore , to reject the applicant referred to . Great dissimilarity exists , I am told , between the ritual

used in the Scottish Encampments and that employed by those of England . I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , D . MUERAY LYON , Prior of Ayr Priory , No . 4 . Ayr , October 23 rd , 1862 .

Bro. Rob. Morris Of Kentucky.

BRO . ROB . MORRIS OF KENTUCKY .

TO THE EDITOR OP THE EllEEJIASONs' MAGA 2 I 3 TE A 5 TD JIASOIfIC MIlUiOK . DEAR SIR AXD BROTHER , —It is with feelings of the deepest regret we learn that the intestine hostilities in which America is so lamentably engaged have at length caused our dearly beloved friend and frater , Rob . Morris , to drop his Masonic pen , which has been so prolific of

good to the Craft , and grasp the sword in defence of the principles his conscience has led him to espouse . The Confederates baving invaded Kentucky , that State is now the scene of indescribable ruin and bloodshed . Many of its inhabitants have fled from the homes so dear to them ; others have felt ifc their duty to remain , and give

proof of their devotion , to the cause of the Union , by dedicating themselves to military service . Foremost among these we discover Rob . Morris , who has been entrusted wifch bhe command of a regiment of the State Guard . While it is gratifying to know that our

distinguished brother has attained to such an honourable ancl responsible military position , we cannot but regret that it should also be one of imminent personal clanger to the holder of it . The sword of Colonel Morris has not been left long to rest in its scabbard . From the official report of a skirmish in which that officer was engaged on the

night of the 27 th September we extract the following : — " I moved to Newcastle on Saturday night wifch 120 men , to surprise Jessop ' s party of 150 . He was forewarned by Secession spies , withdrew , got reinforced , and attacked me with 400 men under Colonel Maxwell , a regular army officer . I killed three , and wounded four of his men . I

withdrew from town , took a position' 300 yards east , and offered him battle , but he declined . There was no surrender , no burning of houses , nor did I have a single man killed or wounded . " Colonel Morris was also present at the light at Newcastle next day ( Sunday ) , in which the Confederates lost 1100 killed , ancl 50 . 0 taken prisoners .

The critical position in which our brother is placed will be shown by tbe following quotation from the Louisville Democrat .- — " We learn that during the fight at Newcastle on Sunday the grossest and most shameful treachery was manifested by tbe Secessionists there . They communicated , through the alleys and back yards of fche town , every movement and order of Colonel Morris to the

enemy , passed across the range of his guns with the coolest impudence , and expressed their disloyalty in terms as offensive as they were treasonable . " That the God of battles may cover the head of our gallant brother , and preserve him amid the scenes of conflict through which he may yet have to go , must surely be

the earnest wish of the readers of the MAGAZIXE , whose pages have , iu years gone by , been enriched wifch the contributions of his talented pen . In the last communication he addressed to us ( August ' 62 ) , he spoke hopefully of the future , and fully anticipated being enabled to continue the publication ofthe Voice , which had been

resumed in magazine form in the month of April of this year , a copy of which he sent us . The realisation of his dream of peaceful labour in the Masonic vineyard , and calm repose iu the bosom of his family , have , for tbe present been denied him , and he is now called to go forth , with his life in his hand , for the protection of home and fatherland .

In his " Salutation , " addressed to the readers of the Voice , on its reappearance in April , Bro . Morris thus feelingly expresses himself : — "If our old friends ( Heaven ' s blessing shield and protect them in these dangerous times i ) feel a tithe of the pleasure that kindles up our countenance as we commence this Salutation , then there will be ten thousand more happy faces in the country

than history gives credit for . Eor a thousand joyous memories throng upon us . A multitude of faces , glowing with the fervour of brotherly love , seem to look out from the page upon which we write . A multitude of cheerful

voices salute our ears . Our room is crowded with shadows , whose originals are found ia the five thousand lodges of the land , some cf them , alas ! in the silent home Since last July we have mourned the necessity of silence . The country was too much agitated with the realities and the anticipations of war , and there was no call for The Voice of Masonry . The excitement of the

clay absorbed all attention . The things of peacereligion , science , education , Masonry—encouraged no organ ; if an organ was published , it was afc the heavyloss of the proprietors . We have waited , patiently abiding our time , and our time now has como . The end of the war seems now not hopelessly distant . The excitement ancl sensations of strife are beginning to pall

upon the appetite . A demand has reached us from all quarters that we resume Tha Voice , ancl promises in abundance have been tendered of patronage ancl material aid . We look up , then , tho old pen , refill the editorial inkstand , open the various portfolios ( labelled wifch the old titles with which , as headings , our readers are acquainted ) and proceed to indite our ' salutation . '

, . . . . Brethren , one and all , we salute you 1 Refreshed by our eight months' rest and various extended journeys through the length and breadth of the land , we sifc clown to our old , aud , we think , genial task , with a feeling of satisfaction which we cannot but deem prophetic of that which will animate those to whom our labours are iven . So mote ifc be !"

g Thinking this notice of Eob . Morris would interest yourself ancl your numerous readers , I have thus encroached upon your space . I am , clear Sir ancl Brother , yours fraternally , D . MUERAY LYON . Ayr , November 6 th , 1862 .