"PHILADELPHIA, Tuesday Evening.

"MY DEAR GENERAL:-I have already had the pleasure to acquaint you with my arrival in America, and am endeavoring to reach Mount Vernon as soon as possible. My first plan was only to stay here two days, but the affectionate reception I have met with in this city, and the returning some compliments to the Assembly, render it necessary for me to stay one day longer. On Friday I will be at the head of Elk, the next day at Baltimore, and by Sunday or Monday I hope at last to be blessed with a sight of my dear General. There is no rest for me until I go to Mount Vernon. I long for the pleasure to embrace you, my dear General, and the happiness of being once more with you will be so great that no words can ever express it. In a few days I will be at Mount Vernon, and I do already feel delighted with so charming a prospect. My best respects wait upon Mrs. Washington, and not long after you receive this I shall tell you myself how respectfully and affectionately I have the honor to be, my dear General,

"Your most obedient, humble servant,

"In case your affairs call you to the Springs, I beg leave either to go there after you, or to accompany you in your journey."

Lafayette arrived at Mount Vernon on the 17th, and remained twelve days in the enjoyment of the most sincere friendship and genuine hospitality. During that time Mount Vernon was crowded with other guests, who came to meet the great benefactor of America; and when he departed for Balti

more, quite a cavalcade of gentlemen accompanied him far on

his way.

There was a bond of union, of peculiar strength, between Washington and Lafayette other than that of mere personal friendship. They were members of the fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, and both loved the mystic brotherhood sincerely. Madame Lafayette was deeply interested in every thing that engaged the attention of her husband; and she had learned to reverence Washington with a feeling closely allied to that of devotion. She had corresponded with him, and received from him cordial invitations to the simple delights of rural life at Mount Vernon. She had, no doubt, earnestly desired to present some visible testimonial of her regard to the

great patriot of the New World; and when her husband resolved to visit him in his retirement at Mount Vernon, she prepared, with her own hands, an apron of white satin, upon

which she wrought, in needlework, the various emblems of the Masonic order. This apron Lafayette brought with him, and presented to his distinguished brother at Mount Vernon. It was kept by Washington as a cherished memorial of a noble. woman; and, after his death, his legatees formally presented

it t the Washington Benevolent Society of Philadelphia, in the following words:

"TO THE WASHINGTON BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

"The legatees of General Washington, impressed with the most profound sentiments of respect for the noble institution which they have the honor to address, beg leave to present to them the enclosed relic of the revered and lamented Father of his Country. They are persuaded that the apron, which was once possessed by the man whom Philadelphians always delighted to honor, will be considered most precious to the society distinguished by his name, and by the benevolent and grateful feelings to which it owes its foundation. That this perishable memento of a hero, whose fame is more durable than brass, may confer as much pleasure upon those to whom it is presented as is experienced by the donors, is the sincere wish of the legatees.

"October 26th, 1816."

When the society to which this apron was presented was dissolved, the precious memento of Washington and his fair friend was presented to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and now occupies a conspicuous place upon the walls of the Grand Master's room in Masonic Hall, Philadelphia, carefully preserved under glass, in a frame.

More than two years previous to the visit of Lafayette, Washington received from the late Elkanah Watson, and his business partner, M. Cossoul, several Masonic ornaments, accompanied by the following letter:

"TO HIS EXCELLENCY, GENERAL WASHINGTON, AMERICA. 'Most Illustrious and Respected Brother:

169

"In the moment when all Europe admire and feel the effects of your glorious efforts in support of American liberty, we hasten to offer for your acceptance a small pledge of our homage. Zealous lovers of liberty and its institutions, we have experienced the most refined joy in seeing our chief and brother stand forth in defence of a new-born nation of republicans.

"Your glorious career will not be confined to the protection of American liberty, but its ultimate effect will extend to the whole human family, since Providence has evidently selected you as an instrument in His hands to fulfil His eternal decrees.

"It is to you, therefore, the glorious orb of America, we presume to offer Masonic ornaments, as an emblem of your virtues. May the Grand Architect of the universe be the guardian of your precious days, for the glory of the western hemisphere and the entire universe. Such are the vows of those who have the favor to be by all the known numbers, "Your affectionate brothers,

“EAST OF NANTES, 23d 1st Month, 5782."

"WATSON & CosSOUL.

Washington replied as follows, from his head-quarters at Newburgh:

"STATE OF NEW YORK, August 10th, 1782.

"GENTLEMEN:-The Masonic ornaments which accompanied your brotherly address of the 23d of January last, though