Richmond Town (part 1 of 2)

Printed By Authority Of De Molay Commandery

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1SS2, by J. M. Russell, Treasurer of De Molay Commandery of Knights Templars, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.

Introduction

Leaving the Hub in a Rain Storm. - The Night ON THE Sound. - A safe and speedy Run to Washington. - The Roster of the Commandery AND FULL List of the Pilgrims.

In Washington

A Cordial Reception. - Social Courtesies extended. - Visit to Mount Vernon. - A Reception at the White House. - A Carrl\ge Drive about the City.

At Richmond, 37

The Formal Reception. - The Entire City joins in the Welcome. - The Entrance amid Booming Cannon and Cheers. - The Visitors Feasted and Feted for Four Days.

The Monumental City gives a Hearty Greeting TO THE Pilgrims. - An Evening Reception and Banquet by Beauseant Commandery. - A Short BUT Enjoyable Visit.

Page The New York Reception 94

Palestine Commandery offers Shelter to the Pilgrims. - A Lunch at Masonic Hall. - An Enthusiastic Greeting. - The Street Parade. - Off for Boston.

The Boston Commandery extends a Cordial Greeting. - A Street Parade and Banquet. - The Welcome Speeches and Congratulations. - The De Molays dismissed.

Appendix, -109

THE second pilgrimage of the Knights Templars of Massachusetts and Rhode Island to Richmond, calls for the addition of another volume to the history of the friendly relations between the Sir Knights of New England and Virginia. The interchange of visits between the De Molay and St. John's and the Richmond Commanderies has been a notable illustration of the strength of the tie which binds together the Order throughout the Christian world, for the hearty good-will which has been shown in all the intercourse between the "two colonies of Virginia" has not been interrupted even by the sad events of the war. A brief resume of the visits exchanged by the Commanderies of the two sections of the country will best introduce the events of the second pilgrimage of the De Molay and St. John's Commands. An invitation was extended in the year 1858 by the De Molay Commandery, of Boston, to the Richmond Commandery, No. 2, of Richmond, Virginia, to visit Boston and participate in the celebration of St. John's Day of 2 (7) that year, and in response to the invitation, the Richmond Sir Knights arrived in Boston, Thursday, June 23, 1858, to take part in the events of the following day. In addition to the parade on Friday, the visiting Commandery were hospitably entertained in Boston until Saturday evening, and the St. John's Commandery, of Providence, extended courtesies to the Richmond Sir Knights upon their arrival and departure from that city en route. Upon reaching home, the Richmond Commandery passed a series of resolutions acknowledging the courtesies extended during the visit to Boston, and concluding with the statement :

" We consider De Molay Commandery pledged to return our visit, either on May 13, June 24, or at any time during the year 1859 that may suit their convenience."

In February, 1859, correspondence between the two Commands resulted in an arrangement for a return visit of the De Molays in the following May, the events of which have already been duly recorded in a permanent form. Early in the year 1875, when the plans for the celebration of the Centennial of the Battle of Bunker Hill were under discussion, it was decided by the De Molay Commandery to invite the Richmond Commandery to take part in the Masonic parade on that occasion, and renew the acquaintances so long interrupted by the strife of the civil war. Under date of March 31, 1875, ^ cordial letter of invitation was sent by the De Molay Commandery to Richmond, askinsf the Fraters of Vircrinia to come to Massachusetts and allow an opportunity for a return of the generous hospitality extended to the Sir Knights of De Molay and St. John's Commands in 1859. The invitation was accepted by the Richmond Commandery, under date of April 8, 1875, and on Wednesday afternoon, June 16, 1875, the Knights Templars of Boston and vicinity turned out with full ranks and received their Virginia brethren and escorted them to Faneuil Hall, where the city officials welcomed the Southern guests. On the following day the Richmond Knights took part in the great parade and an excursion down the harbor, on Friday they enjoyed a carriage drive through the suburbs, and a banquet on Saturday concluded the festivities of the visit. On Sunday the Sir Knights attended the services at Music Hall, which w^ere led by Rev. W. H. H. Murray, and at 7.30 on Monday morning took the train for Providence. All the courtesies possible to the limited stay of the Virginians in Providence were extended by the Sir Knights of that city. The visit was a fitting part of the long history of friendly intercourse between the Commanderies of the "two colonies of Virginia," and the Richmond guests did not depart for their homes without a promise from their Northern brethren that they should again welcome the De Molays and St. John's to the hospitalities of Richmond. It was in February, 1881, that this promise was recalled

The Members of Richmond Commandery and The Commandery of St. Andrew to the Members of De Molay Commandery, of Boston, and of St. John's Commandery, of Providence. Greeting :

For the purposes of cementing closer and stronger the bonds of knightly fellowship and love which have for so many years existed and be continued between us, we desire again to have you under our vine and fig tree. We therefore extend to you a cordial and knightly invitation to visit us in the City of Richmond, at such period during the year of 188 1 as may best comport with your pleasure, comfort and convenience. The undersigned, a committee, feel honored in being made a medium to convey to their loved Fraters the invitation, and they give expression to the fondly cherished hopes of the members of their Commanderies that the invitation will be accepted by you as cheerfully, heartily and affectionately as it is extended, and then they will feel assured that its purpose will be accomplished.

This invitation was formally accepted by vote of the De ]\Iolay Commandery, and a general committee of twenty-seven was appointed for the duty of making all the arrangements needed for a visit of the Commandery to Richmond in May. The general committee was composed of the following :

Council General Committee

The transportation committee, consisting of Sir Knights William B. Fisher and F. L. Parker, visited Richmond in April to make arrangements for the trip, and received a most cordial welcome from the members of the Richmond Commanderies. At an entertainment given the De Molay committee, by the invitation committee of the

We live in the land where the mocking bird sings, And the butterfly spreads to the sun her bright wings ; Where the peach blossom opens its beautiful eyes Ere the Spring-time has come or Old W^inter dies; Where in forests the fragrant magnolia grows. The cactus, pomegranate, the orange, the rose ; Where the melon is perfect in flavor and size, A charm to the taste, a delight to the eyes ; W^here the small foot of woman treads lightly the earth. Giving proof of her breeding and excellent birth ; Where men are as proud as the proudest of kings, And many as poor as the poorest of things. Yet ready to share the last crumb with a friend. And stand by his side in a fight to the end.

Close by the tree there ran a brook ; It had a merry, happy look, And as it threw its snow'y spray Against a rock right in its way, In sounds of music it did say : " Here's a bath for De Molay."

Across the brook a horse did stray Along a field well set with hay ; He turned and looked, and then did neigh, By which he plainly meant to say : " Saddle me for De Molay."

We'll take you to the outer lines. And there you'll see the Seven Pines; And then we'll show you, if you will, The top of famous Malvern Hill, And take a peep at Gaines's Mill.

We want you to come. Though humble our home, Our tongues and hearts say to De Molay, come ! The Sir Knights of Richmond with emphasis say They wait with impatience the long-looked-for day When the Sir Knights of Boston shall be our guests And wc shall establish by unfailing tests

That we still recollect with unspeakable joy How you every delicate art did employ To make us the happiest men in the world, When, six years ago, our banners unfurled Were cheered by the people of Boston.

It was in response to the invitation that the pilgrimage was made which is the subject of the following pages, and in the records here presented an attempt has been made to put in a permanent form some slight history of the manyhappy events resulting from the visit. It would be impossible to present a full account of all that occurred in the ten days' absence from Boston, for every Sir Knight who joined in the tour had experiences worthy of equal prominence, so that only what may be called official records are given here. While Richmond was the objective point of the pilgrimage, the visiting Sir Knights found hearty greetings at Washington, Fredericksburg, Baltimore and New York, and the interchange of courtesies at each of these cities were quite an important part of the visit. The high standing of the Order in all the cities in which the Sir Knights found "food and shelter" was most fully shown by the space given to the events of their pilgrimage by the local press, that sure and trustworthy mirror of the popular mind. All the addresses delivered were spread out in full by the papers of the day, and the careful and accurate reports presented by the representatives of the several journals deserve a generous recognition in these records. The presence of I\Tr. D. C. Hall and his band of musicians added largely to the pleasures of the trip, as they were always ready to contribute to the enjoyment of the pilgrims, and met the demands upon their services cheerfully and creditably. Nothwithstanding all the fatigues of such an extended journey, w^hich, however, were mitigated largely by the fair weather granted the Sir Knights almost throughout their tour, there was not a case of serious illness to any member of the pilgrims, and the De Molays were complimented upon their admirable bearing in all the parades of the pilgrimage. It may be then safely assumed that the result of this visit tended to the more firmly unite the "two colonies of Virginia," and to strengthen the bonds of knightly love between the pilgrims and their entertainers.

The Start

Leaving the Hub in a Rain Storm. - The Night ON the Sound. - A Safe and Speedy Run to Washington. - The Roster of the Commandery AND Full List of the Pilgrims.

THE Sir Knights of the De Molay Commandery assembled at Masonic Temple early on Thursday afternoon, May 19, 1881, to prepare for the street parade to the Old Colony depot, from which point they were to take their departure to enter upon the long and pleasantly anticipated Richmond Pilgrimage. A more unpropitious day could hardly have been selected, for a steady rain poured down in such a persistent fashion that all hope of the parade had to be abandoned, and one by one the Sir Knights found their way to the railroad station. Here a large crowd had assembled to give a hearty farewell to the pilgrims, and all sorts of kindly messages and greetings were sent to the Richmond Sir Knights by those who found it impossible to join in the visit. The band engaged by the De Molays for the trip, Hall's Boston Brass, was present, under its leader, Mr. D. C. Hall, and enlivened the scene by playing a number of selections, winding up with the old song, "Carry me back to Old Vir- ginny," the strains of which rang out as the start was made. An uneventful run was made to Fall River, where the St. John's Command, of Providence, joined the De Molays aboard the boat. The Providence Commandery was accompanied by the American Band, of that city, Mr. D. W. Reeves, leader, and after supper the two bands contributed a very enjoyable concert programme, for the entertainment of all on board. On arriving in New York, the weather was found still anything but agreeable, and the trip across to Jersey City was made in a drizzling rain. A pleasant event of the morning was the courtesy shown the ladies of the visiting Commands by a committee from the Palestine Commandery, of New York City, in the presentation to each lady of a beautiful hand bouquet, as they passed from the Fall River boat to take the transfer boat to Jersey City. Taking the special train provided by the Pennsylvania Central Railroad Company at Jersey City, a rapid and uneventful run was made to Washington, where the Commands arrived at three o'clock on Friday afternoon, more than an hour in advance of the schedule time. P'or convenience, the roster of the Boston Sir Knights, with the full list of the ladies accompanying them, is here presented, this list including not only those who started from Boston with the party, but all who subsequently joined it at the several points en route. The entire Command numbers three hundred and sixty members.

In Washington

A Cordial Reception. - Social Courtesies extended. - Visit to Mount Vernon. - A Reception AT THE White House. - A Carriage Drive about the City.

SUCH an unheard of event as the arrival of an excursion party ahead of its schedule time was naturally unanticipated by the Washington Sir Knights, but a telegram informed them of the fact, and the annual parade of the Mounted De Molay Commandery of Washington was cut short, and the several Commands reached the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station about an hour after the train arrived, the time thus afforded the visitors giving ample opportunities for preparing for the reception and parade through the principal streets. After the usual interchange of courtesies between the Reception Committee of the Washington Commands and the visiting Sir Knights, the procession was formed as follows : De Molay Mounted Commandery, No. 4, ninety saddles, headed by a full corps of buglers, under command of Sir M. R. Thorpe, Eminent Commander ; E. F. Lawson, Generalissimo, and C. L. Patten, Captain-General. Potomac Commandery, No. 3, thirty in number, headed by Donch's Band, Sir George E. Corson,

Eminent Commander ; Sir John Lynch, Generalissimo, and Sir Daniel Johnson, Captain-General. Columbia Commandery, No. 2, one hundred in number, Sir William H. Browne, Eminent Commander ; Sir D. B. Ainger, Generalissimo, and Sir John Wilson, Captain-General. Washington Commandery, No. i, seventy in number, headed by the Marine Band, Sir W. J. Stephenson, Eminent Commander ; William G. Brock, Generalissimo, and Sir William G. Moore, Captain- General. St. John's Commandery, of Providence, R. I., sixty-four in number, headed by the American Brass Band, followed by De Molay Commandery, of Boston, Mass., eighty-six in number, headed by Hall's Brass Band. The rear of the procession was composed of carriages containing the lady visitors, under the escort of the Reception Committee. The magnificent caparisoned horses of the mounted Commandery and the splendid uniforms of the Sir Knights presented a gorgeous spectacle as the procession passed over the line of march.

The effect upon the minds of the visitors as they passed through the streets of the National Capital was curiously noticed by the writer. Coming from Northern cities, where the residents are familiar with all organizations contemplating a visit, and make an effort to give all such visitors a welcome, the utter quiet of the crowds which lined the streets was somewhat depressing. Only once on the line of march, which extended through many of the prominent streets and avenues, was there any signs of a recognition of the visiting Sir Knights, and that from Riggs House, from a party of Boston guests. The motley crowd of the real Southern Negro population, which turned out in honor of the guests, presented a new phase of American life to many of the Northern Sir Knights, and the antics caused among this class by the enlivening strains of the bands beggar all description. When the head of the line reached Seventeenth and I Streets, by instructions, the bands ceased playing, as they were nearing the Executive Mansion, on account of the sickness of Mrs. Garfield. At five p. m. the head of the column entered the President's grounds, to pass in review before the Chief Magistrate. A large crowd had assembled within the enclosure, but, to their credit be it said, not the least noise was made. The President, with Attorney-General MacVeagh by his side, took position between the centre columns that face the portico. Then the line marched in review, the officers saluting and the President returning the compliment. Proceeding from the White House, the Commands passed, via Fifteenth, F, Thirteenth streets and Pennsylvania avenue, to Willard's Hotel, where the visitors were left, and the Washington Templars returned to the temple and were dismissed.

Hall, where the formal reception ceremonies were to occur, the ladies of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Commands having preceded their Sir Knights in carriages, under escort of the efficient Ladies' Committee of the Washington Commanderies. After the New England Knights had filed into the hall and stood "front face," Past Commander and Grand Master Noble D. Larner, "approaching the East," said to Eminent Commander Thorp, who stood on the neatly draped platform : " Without further detention, it becomes my duty, on the part of the Executive Committee, to say that they have in charge many weary pilgrims travelling from afar, who have been induced to stop at our tents and partake of what we have to give them. It now becomes my pleasant duty to turn them over to your protecting care." Eminent Commander Thorp then addressed them as follows :

It affords me great pleasure to extend to you and the gallant Sir Knights who accompany you a cordial and fraternal welcome, in the name and on behalf of De Molay Mounted Commandery, No. 4. Words seem totally inadequate to express our gratification in thus being honored by your presence, not only on account of the dignity of the high offices which you hold respectively, but also on account of your personal worth as true types of that knightly chiv'alr)' which is at once the very foundation and bulwark of our noble Order. Representing, as you do, among your number the varied callings which tend to the promotion and encouragement of private enterprise, industry and progress in two of our sister States, component parts of this great and glorious Republic, we feel proud of the honor of being able to take you by the hand and to greet you in this the Capital of the Nation, as true and worthy Sir Knights. You are now engaged upon a pilgrimage, not such as engaged our illustrious predecessors in past ages, the defense of the Christian religion and the protection of helpless widows and orphans, but to exchange those friendly greetings to which we, as Knights Templars, feel ourselves doubly pledged. Although you are far away from your native soil, the distance only tends to bind our hearts in closer unison, and we trust that our efforts to make you feel at home in our midst will be successful. To the ladies who accompany you, and the ladies of our own jurisdiction, we desire especially to extend our hospitality, and we give them the assurance that, although under ordinary circumstances they have what appear good ground for complaint on account of being excluded from our asylum, on this occasion, at least, we will make an exception to our rules, and admit them to all the privileges accorded to their fathers, husbands and brothers, as Knights Templars. To the Commanderies of this jurisdiction, who have so nobly responded to our invitation to be present, we desire to express our hearty thanks. Eminent Commanders and Sir Knights. Even had I the ability, I would not wish to encroach upon your time by indulging in any extended remarks. 1 desire only to renew my assurances of the pride with which we hail this auspicious occasion, and to express the hope that you will not measure delight by the ver^' modest arrangements we have made for your comfort and pleasure, but that you will accept our efforts as an earnest of what we might have done had we been possessed of larger experience in such matters. Now, Sir Knights, ladies and gefitlemen, we extend to you, one and all, a hearty welcome.

It affords me great pleasure to acknowledge your words of welcome, and in behalf of St. John's Commandery I return my sincere thanks. Their hearts are full, more than full, with gratitude. They were weary pilgrims travelling from afar, but they have not found the rough paths their fathers did, but those filled with pleasure. No matter where they went, the memory of this event would ever remain fresh in their hearts.

In behalf of De Molay we thank you for this reception, and are deeply grateful for the kind treatment that we have received. We thank you for the courtesy and hospitality that we have been shown on this, our second pilgrimage through this city. We are glad to be received in the asylum of a Commander}- of the same name as ourselves, representing the loved Jacques De Molay, the man that lived upright under all oppression and died at the stake for principle.

glad to come to Washington and march under the banners of De Molay and partake of their hospitahty. If there was anything that they could do in return, they would do it. This ended the speech-making. The two visiting bands occupied the platform, and for a short time alternately discoursed excellent promenade music. The floor was then yielded to the dancers, and the devotees of Terpsichore enjoyed the pleasure to their hearts' content. It was noticeable that there was very little pretension to rich dressing. The affair was a social event, where Templars and their wives might become better acquainted, pass an enjoyable evening, and pay less attention to Fashion's demands. There was no banquet, but an abundance of refreshments were provided, excellent in quality. It was after midnight before the reception broke and the dancing terminated.

Bright and early on Saturday morning the visiting Sir Knights were astir, and many an old resident of Washington was deluged with queries as to the historical and other facts regarding the National Capital and its peculiarities. By nine o'clock many of the Massachusetts men had become as familiar with the points of interest in and about the city as the oldest inhabitant, and the entire party was eager to participate in the general inspection of the city planned for by the Washington Sir Knights. Soon after nine o'clock carriages were drawn up before Willard's, and the visitors were driven to the White House, to call upon the President. The reception was held in the east room, Past Eminent Commander Noble D. Larner presenting the company to President Garfield. The usual hand-shaking followed, and then, after a very democratic inspection of the White House, the company was driven to the new building of the printing and engraving department. The Rhode Island Senators paid their constituents the compliment of attending the reception at the White House, and Senators Burnside and Anthony greeted each visitor from " Little Rhody," after the presidential hand-shaking. The operations of the printing and engraving departments having been viewed, the Capitol and the Soldiers' Home were visited, and then the Sir Knights and their ladies were driven to a noted German resort, the Schutzen Garden, where a German lunch found very general approval. The return to the hotel was made so as to include a view of the Farragut statue and many public improvementsi and, after dinner, conveyances were taken for the wharf, where the party embarked on a steamer for Mt. Vernon. Words fail to convey any idea of the beauty of the scenery and the general pleasure of the excursion. The day was as perfect as that of the poet's ideal June, and the company gave itself over to its enjoyment. The points of interest at Mt. Vernon were duly visited, and the proper things duly said. Soon after arriving the party proceeded to the tomb, and stood uncovered while the American

Brass Band played a dirge. The Commanderies then broke up into squads, and, accompanied by their ladies, scattered over the grounds, visiting the house and inspecting its various rooms. The company remained at Mt. Vernon until near seven o'clock, and then returned to the steamer. Having an abundance of time, a ride was taken almost to Glymont, when the boat "put about" and headed for Washington, where she arrived at nine o'clock. Words are inadequate to describe the pleasure given the visiting Sir Knights during this long day of unremitting attention from the Washington F" raters ; not an effort was omitted which could add to the entertainment of the visitors, and friendships were made during its happy hours which will be life long.

Sunday proved an equally enjoyable day, for while many of the Sir Knights followed the customs of New England in attending church, either at the morning or evening service, there were so many kind offers made by the Washington Praters in the way of social attentions, that the day was variously employed, as individual taste dictated. The morning service at the Metropolitan Church was conducted by Rev. Sir Knight W. S. Studley, D. D., who selected as the text of his discourse, I Corinthians, iv, 5 :

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall every man have praise of God.

The preacher considered the subject of untimelyjudgments, and spoke in a way to hold the interest of his hearers to the end, the discourse being listened to by a very large congregation, including a numerous delegation of Sir Knights and their ladies, which would undoubtedly have been more numerous had it not been for the social courtesies extended by the members of the Washington Commanderies. During the afternoon and evening the numerous beautiful drives about Washington were fairly alive with public and private conveyances, filled with the visitors and their entertainers ; Arlington Heights, Mt. Pleasant and the Soldiers' Home being the principal points of interest visited. The Washington Sir Knights spared no exertions in their efforts to make the day a pleasant one for their visitors, and the New Englanders fully appreciated the courtesies extended.

Of The Knights Templars. 3 1

THE Sir Knights fell into line shortly before nine o'clock on Monday, May 23, to march to the railroad station, to embark once more upon their pilgrimage, many of the members of the Washington Commands acting as an informal escort and tarrying at the train-house to give a final cheer for Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as the visitors took their departure for Fredericksburg. At about half-past eleven the train arrived at the Fredericksburg station, and the visiting Sir Knights disembarked in the midst of the assembled population of the district for miles around. It was evidently a gala day for all the inhabitants, and joy and satisfaction beamed upon all faces, from the Sir Knights in the lines of the Fredericksburg Commandery, No. i, drawn up to receive the visitors there, to those of the motley crowd which is seen nowhere but in a Southern town. The ladies were quickly cared for by the Special Committee of the Fredericksburg Command, the private equipages of the town being placed at their disposal, and in these conveyances they were driven to the residence of Eminent Commander Chew, pleasantly situated on one of the main thoroughfares. The line was formed after the usual ceremonies of the reception, and the procession moved through the greater portion of the town in the midst of a blinding dust and almost insupportable heat. The enthusiasm of the improvised body guard which attended the Sir Knights throughout this parade can be but faintly realized by those unacquainted with the peculiarities of the colored people of this section, but it was evident that the heart of the townspeople was in the reception and that the welcome was all that it appeared to be. There was hardly a residence or place of business that was not decorated in some way in honor of the visit, and the word "Welcome" and other appropriate expressions were seen on every hand. The doorways and windows were filled with happy faces, and on every hand was to be seen evidence of an effort to make the visitors feel that their visit had been pleasantly anticipated by all the inhabitants. On arriving at Eminent Commander Chew's residence, the visiting Sir Knights began to realize the warmth of Southern hospitality. The large garden in the rear of the house was spread with tables loaded down with the choicest viands, and the home of the Eminent Commander of the Fredericksburg Sir Knights was thrown open for the entertainment of the guests. The visitors

Of The Knights Templars

I would not, if I could, pander to any desire for a display of wordy pyrotechnics. I would not, if I could, air my vocabulary with glittering but cobwebbed generalities on this occasion and in this presence, in order to give expression to the great pleasure and high appreciation that we are sensible of by your coming among us, or to emphasize the warmth of our welcome - rather in English unadorned, homely but honest old Anglo-Saxon, I would more faithfully and truthfully represent the sentiments of my people, and respond more cordially to the impulses of my own nature, by saying unto you, simply yet sincerely, we are glad to meet you - glad that you have allowed us the high privilege of giving expression to our sentiments of you - glad that we who live in different sections of a common country have the opportunity of mingling and commingling together, whereby we may know each other better and love each other more. We think that it is right and proper that your first rest should be here on your present pilgrimage to our capital city - a pilgrimage from the land of Lexington to the land of Yorktown - the very Alpha and the very Omega of those struggles that commenced for and culminated in cementing together the Continental States in a free and great republic - a pilgrimage from where Warren bared his breast to the storm of battle and fighting fell, to where Washington struck, with his spotless and stainless sword, from the too tenacious embrace of the then crouching Lion thirteen stars that have attracted to their orbit the grandest constellation that has ever existed in the tide of time. I say in this pilgrimage from the section of our country thus represented to our own, we conceived it right that your first rest should be here - for this spot, be it said, is sacred, hallowed and consecrated not only to the hearts of all the patriotic people of this great land of ours, but it is eminently and pre-eminently so to the great Masonic heart ; for here he who was first in war and first in peace first saw Masonic light ; here he first trod the tessellated floor, and this is the alma mater of Masonry to the warriorstatesman Washington, and his gallant lieutenant, Mercer, and thinking you would gather fresh inspiration as Masons and as citizens, we bade you come to us - dwell even, but for a too short moment in our own tents - and in the name of that obligation which links us together around a common altar, the very granite foundation and keystone of all the temples, that Masonry that was borne far down the corridors of time, that has ever moved majestically and noiselessly onward and upward, having for its clarion cry and shibboleth, " The brotherhood of man," and of that knighthood that received its new birth and another baptism as the cry from hoary England to the banks of the sacred Jordan rose on the air, " Onward to the Sepulchre of Holy Jesus," and legions bearing aloft banners with its red cross and its *'/« Hoc Signo Vinces," moved towards the coveted tomb. In the name of our own great republic, that has been welded together anew by the martyrdom and the blood-treasure of the best of her sons, which bids us be united, though politicians and partisans would drive and keep asunder those whom God himself has decreed shall live together ; in the name of a people who to-day loyally and lovingly march in one unbroken column under the shadow of the star-spangled banner, to the moving music of a restored and a reinforced Union ; in the name of our own battle-scarred town, which we desire shall not meet the expectations or fulfil the condemnation of that statesman who wrote of it, "It is finished," until, at least, yon monument shall be completed to mark the spot where sleeps the mother of him who was first in the hearts of his countrymen, and until Masonry shall fulfil its high and holy trust of rearing to the memory of her son - our great exemplar - a temple which shall at once testify to the world the character and the life of him who by his practice and his precepts illustrated and illuminated the teachings, tenets and principles of our beloved Order, and shall be as well a very Mecca of Masonry to which we shall pay the tribute of our high honor, and to which the Masonic world shall make pilgrimages - and in the name of this Commandery in whose behalf I speak, Sir Knights from Massachusetts and from Rhode Island, I welcome you - not only as Masons, bearing with us the burdens of a common brotherhood, but as citizens as well, for around the history of your States and mine sacred and solemn memories cling and cluster - memories which ever bear us backward and bid us look forward. Then welcome - thrice welcome - to our hearts and to our homes.

Sir Knight Rev. W. S. Studley, of Boston, was then introduced, and responded most pleasantly on behalf of the visiting Knights. Referring to the generous entertainment which had been shown them in Washington, he said that the evidences of bounteous hospitality seemed to increase as they went on their pilgrimage, and from the outlay before him he wanted a single line for an epitaph, which was written over many another good fellow's grave, "Killed at Fredericksburg."

Three cheers were then given reciprocally by the different Commanderies, and the Knights fell to the discussion of the bounteous spread beneath the cool shade of the lawn trees. After ample justice had been done to the inner man, an hour or more was allowed for the interchange of social courtesies, an informal reception being held by the Fredericksburg ladies in the cool parlors of Commander Chew's residence. The types of Southern beauty and the refinement and culture of Southern society circles was fully appreciated by the visitors at this reception, and the all too brief stay proved a very pleasant occasion for all the participants. Soon after three o'clock the line of march was again formed, and the visitors escorted to the waiting train, and, after again embarking, the Northern Sir Knights moved onward toward Richmond, followed by the cheers of their entertainers and the assembled citizens, and honored by the waving of handkerchiefs and bright smiles of many of the Fredericksburg ladies, who had driven to the station to give a parting token of their hospitality.

At Richmond

The Formal Reception. - The Entire City joins IN THE Welcome, - The Entrance amid Booming Cannon and Cheers, - The Visitors Feasted and Feted for Four Days,

THE run to Richmond afforded the visitors an opportunity to rest from the fatigues of the Fredericksburg march, and, as the train neared the Mecca of their pilgrimage, the Northern Sir Knights prepared themselves for the welcome which they knew full well awaited them. The train arrived at Franklin Street, in the suburbs of the city, at about six o'clock, and the visitors landed upon the "sacred soil" amid the shouts of the immense multitude and the booming of the Howitzer's guns, which were stationed on Broad Street, near the Richmond College; the line was formed opposite the northern end of Monroe Park, and at six o'clock the Providence Commandery in the right of the line reached the stand, which was already occupied by several of the officials of the Richmond Knights. The visitors formed on the west of the grand stand, the Providence Knights being in the advance, and those of Boston massed in the rear. The Richmond Templars faced their brethren, standing on the eastern side of the

Sir Knights of Boston and Providence - At the western gates of our city we meet you, to greet you and to welcome you and your ladies, and your guests that accompany you.

In tones of thunder our artillery has saluted you; and now, in tones not so loud, but just as emphatic, we say welcome ! In the name of this vast crowd here assembled, we bid you welcome ! In the name of a still larger number of citizens not able to be here, we say welcome ! In the name of these, our citizen soldiers, who have courteously tendered their services to escort you to your quarters, we extend you a soldier's welcome ! In the name of these Richmond Knights, with both hands - one to Boston and one to Providence - we give you a knightly welcome to our asylums, to our hearts, and to our homes. Our tongues would be false to the sentiment of hospitality now glowing in our hearts, if they did not say, in all sincerity, welcome ! Many of us have been the recipients of generous hospitalities and graceful kindnesses extended to us by you individually, by your Commanderies, by your citizens, and by your State and city officials.

Why shouldn't we be glad to see you ? We are not only brothers of the mystic tie, but we are members of one grand republic. We speak the same language. We live under the same Constitution and National laws. We have a common country. We honor in common the illustrious names of Webster and of Claj% of Jefferson and Adams, of Hancock and of Marshall, of Warren, Greene and Washington. Bunker Hill is ours. Yorktown is yours. The past in our history is our joint inheritance and our undivided glory. The present demands and is receiving our earnest and unbroken co-operation. Our hopes for the future are links in that chain of affection which should closely bind us each to the other. God grant that, as the years roll on, we may be even more firmly united.

De Molay, Richmond, St. John's and St. Andrevv''s Commanderies form a solid square of fraternal feeling that no sectional or sectarian or political assailants can ever penetrate or break. Being able to frame, to pronounce aright our Masonic shibboleth, you have crossed the Potomac, on which you found all quiet, and not a man of you has fallen. We have met you, and you are ours and we are yours. With arms, but without force, you have passed the lines of the Old Dominion. These swords of yours are not hostile weapons, but with ours and with the glittering blades of all true Knights Templars the world over form a canopy of steel dedicated and pledged to the defence of innocent maidens destitute widows, helpless orphans, and the Christian religion.

Pilgrims, we know that you are weary, and we must therefore no longer hinder or impede you on your journey. We will, however, proceed to examine your scrip and replenish your bottle of water. We will then take you to our tent, where, having performed the necessary ablutions, you will sit down and rest and refresh yourselves. To-morrow his Honor the Mayor will offer you the freedom of our city, to go where you please, to say what you please, to do what you please. And so at present, in the name of everybody in Richmond, with-

The welcome address was briefly answered by Commanders Walbridge of the De Molays and Rhodes of the St. John's, and then the line was formed for the parade to the Exchange Hotel, the headquarters of both Commands. Scenes of enthusiasm rapidly succeeded each other during this parade, as the visitors passed through the crowded thoroughfares to their hotel, and on all sides there were displays of decoration suited to the occasion. The route into the city was by Franklin Street. At the corner of Adams the procession turned into Main Street. One of the pleasant incidents on that thoroughfare was the crowning of the banners of De Molay and St. John's Commanderies by Mrs. J. H. Capers and Mrs. J. V. Bidgood. The wreaths were composed of choicest flowers, etc. The procession turned again into Franklin Street, from Main, at the corner- of Fifth, passing by Dr. Hoge's Church on that street. At the residence of Eminent Commander Sir Thomas J. Evans, on Franklin Street, a large banner (adorned with triple crosses) across the street marked the points at which the Knights made a brief halt, and the following young misses gracefully distributed among the visitors their favors in the shape of bouquets : Misses Loulie Evans, Lizzie Brock, Virgie Brock, Hattie Tanner, Mary Cameron, Mary Sheppard, Irene Bodeker, Louise Randolph and Lillian Gilliam. At the corner of Sixth Street the line was turned towards Grace Street, down which the procession moved towards the Capitol Square. As that park was entered the Howitzers fired another salute of thirty-eight guns. The Knights and their escort passed under and by the beautiful Masonic emblems and decorations placed on the Grace-street entrance of the Square. As the line passed the Washington Monument many a knightly chapeau was reverently lifted, and the whole line passed in review before Governor Hoi liday, who stood uncovered in the front porch of the Executive Mansion, the soldiers, officers and Knights saluting as they passed. Upon arriving at the Exchange Hotel, Sir Knight W. O. English welcomed the guests to their Richmond home as follows :

Sir Knight W. O. English'S Address

Sir Knights of De Molay and St. John's Commanderies, - You have already heard the kind words of welcome from Eminent Commander Sir Thomas J. Evans.

It only remains for me, as you enter this hospitable mansion to partake of some refreshments and to make it the place of your abode during your stay with us, to add a word, and in the name of the Sir Knights of Richmond to extend to you and your ladies a most cordial welcome, and to remind you of those fraternal feelings which have so long existed between the Templars of Boston and Providence and those of Richmond.

before. Even had you been strangers, the greeting you have already received would have been an earnest of our welcome. For what means it that an eager Committee of Reception, unable to await your coming, should start several days in advance to meet you in Washington ; that another committee should go to-day to meet you at Fredericksburg, where you were all made prisoners of hospitality by the Templars of that noble old town - a town intimately associated with the early days of Washington and his mother, that model of American women ?

Upon your arrival here, what is the meaning of the roar of artillery, which echoing back from the seven hills of Richmond resounds your welcome far and wide? What mean these volunteer soldiers who come so gladly to escort you ? What the streaming banners waving from our houses ? What the thronging citizens crowding you as you wend your way through our streets ? Why is it that the very air is redolent with interest but that we all combine to welcome 3'ou to the hospitality of our city ? This is the greeting I am here to extend you in the name of all. I welcome you, the descendants of Warren, Hancock, Adams and Roger Williams, to the land of Washington, Jefferson and Patrick Henry ; I welcome you to the historic associations of our cit}', of our river, on whose banks the first American colony was planted ; I welcome you to the land of Jefferson,, who penned that great charter of American freedom, the Declaration of Independence ; I welcome you to the scene of the life of Patrick Henry, the forest-born Demosthenes, who here, in this city, in Old St. John's Church, on yonder hill, uttered those memorable words, "Give me liberty or give me death," which, echoed back by patriotic hearts from the plains of Boston, resounded throughout the length and breadth of the land, and at the summons of a common country and a common cause Virginia sent Washington to the plains of Boston to command the armies of the American Revolution, Thus Massachusetts and Virginia, the two oldest Commonwealths, stood side by side in the great struggle for liberty and independence, and Bunker Hill in Massachusetts, and Yorktown in Virginia, were the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of the American Revolution.

In Virgil, the most elegant of the great classic writers, we read that when ^neas, on his way from the East to found the Roman Empire, landed at the City of Carthage, Queen Dido welcomed him and his wear)' pilgrims to the hospitality of her palace in these words : Hu7ic laetum Tyrusque diem Trojaque profectis Esse velis, nostrosque htijiis mefninisse mifwres ; Adsit laetitiae Bacchus dator, et bona yutio. "May this be a joyful day both to the Tyrians [Providence] and to those who have set out from Troy [Bostonians]. May Bacchus, the giver of joy, and good Juno be with us." So, my friends, would we now welcome you, -

In the evening the ladies of Richmond tendered a reception to the ladies of the visiting Sir Knights at the Richmond Theatre, and the affair proved an eminently enjoyable occasion. The parquet was floored over for the dancers, and an excellent orchestra furnished music for the evening. A pleasant feature of the entertainment was the reading of a poem by Rev. Sir Knight W. S. Studley, called " The Yankee Mirror," in which the peculiar characteristics of New Englanders were happily presented in a vein of good-natured satire. At eleven o'clock the curtain was raised upon a beautiful scene, in which tastefully-set tables, filled with sweets and confections of all kinds, were conspicuous. The refreshments were done ample justice to, and soon thereafter the guests began to disperse, while some lingered to take a parting dance to the inspiring strains of the orchestra. The theatre was profusely decorated, the flags being of all nations and every state in the Union, with the additions of the coat-of-arms of the different states. Masonic and Templar banners, streamers, the English red cross, etc.

The visiting Commands were made acquainted with the desires of their hosts, in regard to the entertainments planned for their pleasure, by a well-arranged programme, giving full details of the various parades, excursions, etc., during their stay, and in conformity with this the line was formed at ten o'clock on Tuesday morning, to proceed to the Richmond Theatre, where the formal reception on the part of the State and city authorities was to occur. The clear skies of the preceding day continued, and the march through the leading thoroughfare attracted a large assemblage of lookers-on. When the Commanderies entered the theatre the audience were seated as follows : Bands in rear of the stage, City Council and officers on the west and in front of them ; Judges B. R. Wellford, George L. Christian, Joseph Christian and Hon. J. W. Daniel, with Rev. A. W. Weddell and Rev. Dr. J. B. Hawthorne on the east side. To the front were seated Masonic and Templar dignitaries, lady guests, etc. Governor Holliday occupied a seat on the east side of the stage, as did other speakers. The body of the parquet was occupied immediately fronting the stage by De Molay on the east and St. John's on the west. Immediately in the rear, in the order named, were seated Richmond Commandery, No. 2, and St. Andrew's, No. 13. In the centre of the stage was a handsome floral design, with a cross in the centre, the mottoes above and below forming an Anchor of Hope, with the inscriptions "/« Hoc Signo Vinces," and ^^ Magna est Veritas et Prcvalibit." Just in front of this and on either side of it were two other exquisite floral adornments, the gift of Mr. John Morton through Sir Knight S. Derbyshire to Richmond Commandery, consisting of a beautiful Maltese cross of scarlet geraniums and roses, and a cross and crown. The crown was about two and a half feet in diameter, of white pinks, calla lilies and white rosebuds, and the handsome cross in carnation double geraniums and red roses made a beautiful contrast with it.

After prayer had been offered up by Rev. Sir Knight W. C. Schaeffer, prelate of St. Andrew's Commandery, Eminent Commander Sir Thomas J. Evans introduced his Excellency Governor Holliday, the Providence band playing " Hail to the Chief " as the Governor stepped to the centre of the stage. As the selection concluded he spoke as follows :

It is well for the sons of the New England Puritan to visit the sons of the Cavalier in their Metropolis ; it is most agreeable for the sons of the Cavalier to give them cordial greeting m the presence of Richmond's manhood, intellect and beauty.

Old things are passing away, and behold ! all things are becoming new. The Puritan has put on the annor and the helmet of the Knight over his work-a-day clothes, and the Cavalier has put on work-a-day clothes over the glittering harness of the Knight. The one has found that there are elevating sentiments that can flourish and fill our daily life with beauty and grace amid the whir of the shuttle and the rattle of the wheel ; the other is learning that there is strength and nobility in labor, which can gather the wealth of nature's vast resources, and bring them with gladness to deck the fields of chivalry.

I bid you welcome. Sir Knights ; whilst together we rejoice in this renaissance. You will tell us how your fathers earned the name of " Pilgrim " in their loneinsfs after liberty and their sufferings in its behalf ; how they have made the rugged country to which they sped to bloom and blossom as the rose ; how population and wealth have converted the wilderness into the homes of a progressive and cultured people ; how their progeny have blazed their way in the van of Empire to the Western Sea.

We will tell you how our sires came to seek a home on this site years before the Mayflower landed its crew on Plymouth Rock ; how sprung from the loins of those " Sword-smiting Battle-Smiths," who girdled the world with their conquests, they by different modes of thought sought the same ends ; how they made it the scene where the conflicts of ideas that were to affect the continent were for so many generations fought, and either won or lost ; how from their armory have gone some of the knightiiest men who have ever wielded sword or pen for human rights.

And, now, here together we will talk in friendliest sort of how the Gage of battle was joined, and in earnest fight we tested our convictions ; of how the glories of a thousand fields have gone to swell the fame of our common blood and lineage ; of how peace came, and we hoped a jubilee had also come, when all debts of bitterness and animosity should be forgiven, and the incense of the great sacrifice should strengthen and glorify the new regime.

For a new regime it is. New England has found that labor can be rendered attractive by the adornment of the gentler graces. Virginia has learned that it does no harm to the gentler graces to have them supported by the vigorous thews of Labor.

Out of this union there will spring harmony and substantial growth for both. History' tells us of what your country was, and what it is. How every blow of your industrious has told. The future will speak of us ; for already does the bosom of the Old Commonwealth seem to have been touched by Prospero's wand, and there is coming from its vast resources promise of imperial wealth.

And now, if there be any animosities surviving, 'let them be buried in the graves of our great and loved ones on either side. With chivalric generosity, let us do justice to virtue and valor wherever found. Remitting the camp-followers, the shriekers and the demagogues, both North and South, to everlasting oblivion, let the Puritan and the Cavalier, and their offspring, wherever they may live, rise up in the majesty of a united faith and a fast reconciliation, and command the peace : in that peace we will talk over the deeds of our heroes and martyrs, and the renown they have conferred upon our common race and country, and with high and knightly courtesy and love we will carry their effigies in triumphal procession, and place them side by side in the Republic's Pantheon. We bid you. Sir Knights of New England, cordial welcome to Virginia !

At the conclusion of the Governor's address the Boston band played the " Zampa " Overture, and at its conclusion Rev. Sir Knight Studley, of the De Molay Command, was introduced by Eminent Sir Knight L. L. Bass, and replied to the Governor as follows :

Rev. Sir Knight Studlev'S Reply

I have not been so moved, your Excellency, for many a day as by your magnetic words. I know of nothing that has afforded to my mind a brighter outlook for the future than the sentiment expressed by your Governor, that the laborer has put on his armor over his worka-day garments, and I believe this country of ours is to be redeemed, if redeemed at all, by Labor.

I believe the day is coming when, as Virginia and New England stood shoulder to shoulder in the struggle for independence, they will stand hand in hand and heart to heart. I have just remarked to the Governor that the Virginians are like Shakspeare's lover, declaring over and over again, " I love you ! I love you ! " for from the time I and my friends entered Virginia soil we have been treated in this cordial way. I want to say this - that you are always welcome to New England. The doors of our homes are always open, our hearts are always open to you, and all that we have is yours.

As Sir Knight Studley took his seat the Boston band struck up " Carry me back to Old Virginny," and after the enthusiasm over this selection had subsided Mayor Carrington, of Richmond, was introduced.

Mayor Carrington'S Address

We thank you greatly for bringing to our homes and hearts your prizes from Nature's matchless studio, and rejoice to be honored by the presence of the female escort of your Commanderies. As is the duty of all chivalrous, knightly men, we of Richmond first pay respects to this protecting outer guard - these fair guardian angels - and greet them with unfeigned welcome. How grand the country, how beneficent the laws, how broad the principles of government must be, when in a land so vast as this the men of every clime can meet, and with peaceful current of common pride, without a thorn of discord to mar their harmony, or repulsive law to jar their interests, and be greeted as I now greet you in that treasured name of " Fellow- Americans." He next alluded to the joint efforts of Virginia, Massachusetts and Rhode Island in achieving the independence of this country in the Revolutionary War. Liberty was cradled in Massachusetts, fostered in Rhode Island, and burst into manhood in Virginia. Grand trio they make - Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Virginia ! True types of true Knights and true freemen, well may their hands unite and their hearts flow in golden streams of fraternal friendship.

If this be so, then Richmond Knights Templars have homes in Providence and Boston, for their hearts have been with you for years in strongest bond of unbroken love. Distance may have interposed a barrier through which the eye cannot gaze into yours to see responsive loving look, but there is a heart - telephone line that links us to you in never-ceasing current of spirit and of prayer - and by the heaven-born sound of faith's electricity we hear you speak back again. From the classic valley of our James, in Richmond, the love-laden air bears freighted wish up to Boston and Providence that peace may dwell, harmony prevail, and prosperity attend you. And we feel that you make responsive wish and do responsive act for us.

Of The Knights Templars. 5 I.

Then, with this long-established heart-bond, shall it take any words to vouch you welcome, when look and hand and act so plainly say it ? We greet you gladly, and bid you freely take our store of good, and only feel regret at the limited supply. It is useless to bid you enter to our hearts, for your noble works and good deeds have already taken possession of that fort ; but our homes are open to you - our city and all its beauties and its pleasures we turn over to your control, and declare you welcome to them all.

Generalissimo George H. Burnham, of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, being introduced, responded with a few pleasant and extemporary remarks. He said all the receptions had been so thorough and hearty that the informal reception was enough without the "formal reception." They had been gradually killing him with kindness ever since he put foot on Virginia's soil, and if he really died his widow would have to place the cause at the door of Virginia hospitality. Their hearts, he continued, were full, and language would not express the sentiments of gratitude they felt, and they would like to take each of their hosts individually by the hand ; and returning thanks on behalf of the visiting Knights he hoped they would soon journey North and visit their homes. Sir Knight A. R. Courtney, of Richmond Commandery, No. 2, was then introduced, and spoke as follows :

Sir Knights of De Molay Commandery and the Commandery of St. John's, - As citizens of Massachusetts and Rhode Island you have been formally welcomed to Virginia, " the Mother of States," by our knightly Governor, in words of earnest and fraternal patriotism, which but echo the feelings of the whole people.

You have been hailed as friends by our Mayor in words of poesy and sentiment, which but express the joy that thrills the hearts of our citizens. And now the Templars of Richmond, your fellow-soldiers of the Cross, come to salute and greet you as pilgrim warriors travelling from afar, and as Fraters of an ancient and honored Order Like the hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem, whose asylum was always open to the defenders of the Cross, the Templars of Richmond have sent out their heralds to hail you to their asylum; and having provided an abundant supply of good bread and pure water, just such as pilgrims need, in their names and by their commission I bid you welcome, a hearty welcome, to our tents and our temples, our homes, our hearts and our hospitalities.

But not alone as valiant and magnanimous Sir Knights, enlisted under the same emblematic banner, and bound by the same high purposes and principles with ourselves, do we welcome you; these considerations were, indeed, enough to arouse our liveliest interest, and to call forth our kindliest attentions. But in you, Sir Knights, we recognize more than these ; in you we recognize our old familiar friends - comrades on many a hard-fought field - our hosts of 1S58 and 1875, ^^^ our honored and thrice-welcomed guests of 1S59, We see before us to-day the same banners that welcomed Virginia Templars to Providence and Boston in 1858, and which the next year waved along our own streets in response to the huzzas of our people, who turned out to welcome you without regard to sect or society - the same banner which was welcomed by floral offerings from thousands of Virginia's fair daughters.

We see here to-day the De Molay and St. John's Commanderies, who met us in 1875 on our pilgrimage to Bunker Hill and Concord, with the same grip and word with which we parted in 1858 and 1859. If affected at all by time and circumstances, that grip was more affectionate and the word of welcome tenderer and heartier than before.

Twenty-two long, eventful years have passed away, Sir Knights, since your former pilgrimage to our shores. During this period " Time, the tomb-builder," has been at work in our ranks, and many of our gallant ones who joined in the happy scenes and brilliant entertainments of your reception on that occasion (among them our then Eminent Commander) have gone before us on their final pilgrimage, and are now at rest in "that house not made with hands." But some of our members who met you on that crusade still survive, and they are all here to-day to welcome you ; and the mantles of those who have ceased to answer our roll-call have fallen upon the shoulders of other worthy Sir Knights with whom your names are household words, and they are here also to welcome you.

It matters not whether he be a veteran or a raw recruit in our ranks - whether he be of old Richmond Commandery, which was the immediate recipient of your hospitalities, or of her daughter the Commander)' of St. Andrew, born since our last pilgrimage - ever}- Richmond Templar recognizes and welcomes you as their guests, and will vie with each other in doing you honor. Neither time nor death nor internal changes have weakened our attachments for you, or effaced from our memory the recollections of "Auld Lang Syne." Sir Knights, the history of Richmond Templarism is dotted with your names and the names of your Commanderies ; and its brightest pages are those which record the events of our fraternal inter-visitations. Those pilgrimages constitute epochs in our history ever to be remembered by our children and our children's children to the remotest generation. The scenes of those days are stamped in living and eternal colors on the camera of our hearts, and there too are drawn in letters of gold your words of welcome and good cheer, and your lofty sentiments of Christian fellowship and fraternity; and as each Spring with its ethereal mildness bursts the obdurate crust of Nature, and perfumes the morning air with the redolent buds and blossoms of May, Providence and Boston, " Rocky Point " and " Downer's Landing," ever and anon rise unbidden before the mind's eye of every Richmond Templar, and he goes to and fro in his daily avocation keeping step to the music of 185S and 1859 and 1875, which is still sounding in his ear, and enjoys over and over again in imagination your prodigal hospitalities.

St. John and De Molay ! Honored names in the past ! The lustre of their names is undimmed in your knighthood. Peter, on the Mount of Olives, having cut off the right ear of his adversary, has put up the sword, and has left to you and all true Sir Knights to wage a relentless war in behalf of innocence and the Christian religion, by precept and example. The order of St. John of the twelfth century has passed away, but their valor and magnanimity have made its impress on the great heart of the world. James De Molay, the last Grand Master of Templars of the olden time, has been burned at the stake, but from his ashes truth has grown, and spread over many lands. The Crusades and the Order of Knighthood as it existed at that day have also passed away. The pomp and pageant, the exercises and the games, which accompanied them, are only known in song and story. But that the world is better for their having been, no one can deny. The work which was wrought by Knighthood and the Crusades in scotching the wheels of infidelity, and in advancing the Christian faith, eternity alone will reveal. That they should pass away is but to suffer the lot of all earthly things.

" All flesh is grass, and all its glory fades Like the fair flower, dishevelled in the winds ; Riches have wings, and grandeur is a dream. ***** The only amaranthine flower on earth Is Virtue; the only lasting treasure, Truth."

But, Sir Knights, the j^resence of these, your fair ladies, who have undertaken to share with you the hardships of your pilgrimage, is another and an unerring proof of your orthodoxy in the knightly spirit that found expression in the lives of those for whom you are named. Woman was the grand central luminary of the system of knightly orders from its commencement to its close. From woman chivalry drew its light and life, and it was her smile that preserved its being ; and she, on the other hand, true to her distinguishing traits - reverence for religion and admiration for the brave - accompanied her true knight over the seas and desert wastes into the very field of battle. It was hers to buckle on his armor for the fight, and to weave the chaplet for his victorious brow. It was hers to while away his leisure hours with song and story, and all the arts of love; and, "when feverish pain wrung the hot drops of anguish from his brow," it was hers to soothe his soul and to cool his burning brain. To think of a Templar on a pilgrimage without his lady, is to think of an odorless rose, a starless night, or a home without love. She is the Templar's crown and joy; but whether crown or cross, she reigns and rules supreme, and sooner or later every Knight must be her slave.

You are greatly honored. Sir Knights, in having this fair convoy to our gates. They have honored both you and us by their presence ; and, more than all, they have not only secured for you a heartier welcome, but without them, I cannot say but that you would have almost forfeited your reception. I bid you welcome, then, gallant Sir Knights and fair ladies - all. Thrice welcome to you, our old friends of the past, and, we trust, our fast friends forever.

A voice from heaven has proclaimed, '' Peace on earth, and good-will amongst men." Lay aside, then, the helmet and the shield, the sword and lance, and all the implements of warfare, and come into our asylum and enjoy with us the innocent pleasures of that blessed peace.

Dear Brethren and Sir Knights of Richmond, - Early impressions are said to be the most lasting. T\vent3'-two years ago, when only a child in Masonry, I was invited, one beautiful May-day, to go out to Roxbur\', then in the suburbs of Bostons, and greet the Sir Knights of De Molay Commandery on their return from Richmond. I did so, with many others, and felt it was like greeting pilgrims from the Holy Land ; and as I listened to their recital of the events of their journey, the princely reception they met with at the hands and hearts of their Fraters of Virginia, I thought the land did indeed "flow with milk and honey." Like Caleb and Joshua of old, they seemed to have plucked the grapes, and came marching home with the rich clusters upon their shoulders.

From that time to the present that pilgrimage has been alluded to in speech and song as the greatest event in the history of our Commandery. To show you that my early impressions are not exaggerated, I will state what some of the old veterans said to me just before starting : " You cannot have such a good time as we had when we went to Richmond," but we were eager to take our chances.

There is a beautiful appropriateness in the union between Massachusetts and Virginia. We have literally descended from the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share the same hopes. Both colonies were originally established under one charter (j6o6) - the London company to be called the " First Colony of Virginia," the Plymouth Company to be called the " Second Colony of Virginia." Therefore we are Virginians, and have come to visit our sister, bound by the ties of consanguinity if not by the divine right of kings.

It is true that some people do rub New England once in a while about the the "blue laws," and say that, under them, " mothers were forbidden to kiss their babies on Sunday ; " but that cannot be found upon record. They were rather strict, however; and, so far as the records show, there was but little difference in this respect between the two colonies. Even in good old Virginia absence from public worship cost the absentee a fine of a pound of tobacco, and thirty pounds for an absence of thirty days. A minister's salary was to be paid out of the first and best of tobacco and corn, and no crop could be sold until the church dues were paid ; and, besides this, he was to have the twentieth calf, pig and kid. He was forbidden to drink to excess, or play at cards, dice, or other unlawful games.

But, dropping this pleasantry, there is another reason for this union. We were united in the grand stmggle for national independence. Old Virginia was the first to occupy the soil, and first to move, in the Continental Congress, the resolution of independence, but the

" Second Virginia " was the first to shed her blood in the American Revolution. You gave us for commander the immortal Washington, and we fought side by side until the final blow of victory was struck at your own Yorktown. Bunker Hill and Yorktown ! Washington and Warren! - and these two immortal patriots were distinguished Masons - why shouldn't we love each other?

More than that : the mystic tie of a fraternity founded upon the Christian religion and the practice of the Christian virtues, makes this union beautifully appropriate. It knows no north, no south, no east, no west. It is as broad as the universe. Your own distinguished orator, Patrick Henry, once said, " We are not Virginians; we are Americans." And we say. We are not Bostonians or New Englanders - we are Knights Templars, with hearts as broad as the religion on which our Order is founded, and which points unerringly to a glorious immortality.

We have come from the land of the Adamses, Hancock and Warren ; from Concord, Lexington and Bunker Hill, to see the Mother of Presidents - of Washington, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe - to cement a union based upon the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.

Generalissimo George H. Burnham, on behalf of St. John's Commandcry, here presented, with appropriate speech, to Eminent Commanders William T. Allen and Thomas J. Evans, of Richmond Commandery, Xo. 2, and St. Andrew's Commandery, respectively, handsome jewelled badges of St. John's Commandery. Sir Knight Rev. A.

W. Weddell then presented to De Molay and St. John's Commanderies, on behalf of the two Richmond Commanderies, two very handsome swords, which were accepted, on behalf of the two Commands, by their commanders, in brief but eloquent words of acknowledgment. The sword presented to the De Molay Commander}-^ is of elegant design, the hilt being fashioned out of a gold statuette of a Knight in full armor, six inches in height, the right hand resting upon an unsheathed burnished blade, while the blade of the knightly weapon is ornamented with designs of Knights at tilt and in various other positions. The cross-bar of the hilt is composed of emblems of the Order, and the whole is a fine specimen of workmanship. On the scabbard is a figure in bas relief of a pilgrim with scrip and staff, "travelling from afar," and bas relief designs of the Order. The inscription reads :

The belt and straps are of scarlet velvet, gold embroidered, and the clasp is ornamented with a bas relief of a troop of mounted Knights with lances at rest. The case of the sword is elegantly finished and lined with blue satin, the whole making an elegant gift, which will be jealously guarded as a souvenir of the Richmond pilgrimage. Rev. J. B. Hawthorne then presented a banner in behalf of the ladies of Richmond to Richmond Commandery, No. 2, which was suitably acknowledged by Eminent Commander William T. Allen, and with this ceremony the exercises of the morning were brought to a close.

After the conclusion of the exercises the line was re-formed, and a tour of inspection of the city's attractions made. The visits paid to the tobacco factories proved highly interesting to the guests, the employes giving not only exhibitions of their proficiency in handling the raw material, and producing the various forms of it in readiness for market, but adding musical selections of the quaintest character as they worked. In some of the factories great pride is taken in the musical abilities of the men and women employed, and the songs of the plantation are sung with a peculiar charm by these native vocalists. While the Sir Knights were en route the streets were filled with enthusiastic lookers-on, and the visitors were cheered on all sides. When the Commanderies were returning from Gamble's Hill Park they were halted at St. Alban's Hall, Main Street, where an inspection of that building disclosed the fact that the Richmond Knights, " with provident care and circumspection," under the leadership of Sir Knight Thomas J. Evans, of the committee, had provided an abundant collation for the delectation of the inner man of any thirsty and hungry brother

Knight. The provender, liquid and solid, was afterwards enjoyed by the visiting Sir Knights, the Richmond brethren and invited guests. It was the occasion of much pleasant hilarity, as well as a substantial bracer to those who had done a good deal of marching. The Ladies' Committee were meanwhile attending to their duties, and their particular guests were enjoying the beautiful drives in and about the city, the day being thus filled with pleasures for all the Northern guests.

In the evening the Mozart Association, an amateur musical organization, gave an entertainment at its hall in honor of the guests of the Richmond Commands, the attraction being a performance of Julius Eichberg's opera of " The Doctor of Alcantara," with the following cast :

Donna Lucrezia, Wife of Dr. Paracelsus, . Miss Isa Smith. Isabella, her Daughter .... Miss May Thomas. Inez, her Maid . . Mad. Caroline Richings Bernard.

The events of Wednesday, May 25, will be long and pleasantly remembered by all who joined in the Richmond pilgrimage. The Richmond Commanderies took the members of the De Molay and

St. John's Commanderies, and their ladies, under escort early in the morning, and marched to the river wharf, where a large excursion steamer, brought from Norfolk for the occasion, was in waiting, and the party, with the ladies of the Richmond Knights, in all about four hundred, steamed down the river for a day's sail. On the way down the James to Dutch Gap the events of the war in this vicinity were freely discussed, and much unwritten history of the Richmond siege was narrated by its participants on both sides of the lines. Nearly all the prominent points of interest were seen to have lost all traces of their occupancy during the war ; the shores being newly wooded, and the wharves along the river bank, used during the war, having tumbled to pieces and disappeared. Passing through the Gap the sail was continued down to a fleet of monitors, at anchor off City Point, where, through the courtesy of Captain Johnson, the company boarded the Catskill, and inspected it throughout. Before leaving the boat "Wally" Reeves conceived the idea of giving the ladies a dance on the fine deck, and a waltz, played by the Providence Band, started the company to tripping the light fantastic very generally. The sail was then continued to Westover, a plantation about sixty miles from Richmond, where a landing was made. The plantation has figured in history for nearly two centuries, and the present manorhouse dates back nearly a century and a half. A genuine southern welcome was given here by the ladies of the manor, and an opportunity to see plantation life as it was before the war was afforded the company. The knowledge that there was some *' white water " to be had here caused a stampede to the rear porch, where a stately house servant supplied the visitors with water such as had not gladdened their sight for many days. After an hour on the plantation, during which the bands gave a concert on the lawn, and Sir Knight H. C. Barnaby entertained the company with songs and sketches, the party returned to Richmond, the only notable event of the trip being a mock slave auction, in which a picaninny was knocked down to the highest bidder, the price being deposited in a cotton glove, and tied round the little darky's neck as a present from the company. The long but delightful sail afforded opportunities for extended interchange of opinion between the visitors and hosts, which were fully utilized, and a more congenial and unanimous party than that which came back to the city is seldom seen.

The closing events of the Richmond visit occurred on the following day, Thursday, May 26, and it seemed as if a special edict had gone forth from Old Prob., that clear skies and cool breezes should i^revail throughout the "Richmond days," for another perfect day was granted for the great parade arranged for. Early in the morning a special order was quietly issued to the De Molays, of Boston, the line was formed without undue commotion, and the Sir Knights marched to Capitol

Square, and decorated the statue of Gen. Stonewall Jackson with flowers. On the march a passing salute was paid Governor Holliday, as the Commandery marched through his grounds, and, after the scene at the Jackson statue, the Command paid a similar tribute at the Washington monument, and then saluted the statue of Washington, in the vestibule of the Capitol, as they marched through the building. During the morning, while the Sir Knights were on the parade, the ladies of the party went sight-seeing through the city, under their special committee's escort. On the march the Sir Knights made a halt at St. John's Church, built in 1740, and at the old Mason's Hall, the first building erected for strictly Masonic purposes in America. Other interesting points were viewed on the march, and the residents along the route decorated their houses, and paid the visiting Commands many compliments as they passed. Miss Van Lew, who held the office of postmistress of Richmond, by President Grant's appointment, decorated her house with portraits of Andrew, Sumner and Grant, in honor of the visit of the Boston Sir Knights, and entertained those who called upon her with many interesting reminiscences of her war experiences. The day being Decoration Day, Hall's Band went to Holyhood Cemetery, and entertained the thousands of visitors there in the afternoon with a concert, while the Providence Band gave a public concert on Main Street in the evening. The series of entertain- ments planned for the visiting pilgrims closed with a banquet at the Richmond Theatre in the evening, and the end was quite in keeping with all that had preceded. The visiting Commands were taken under escort by the Richmond Sir Knights a little after nine o'clock, and the march to the theatre was an inspiriting event. The streets were one mass of humanity, and on all sides there were displays of fireworks of great beauty, while cheers rent the air as the column of Sir Knights moved onward. On entering the theatre a scene of rare beauty presented itself, the tables for three hundred and fifty guests being set with excellent taste, and, with the gay decorations, the balconies filled with ladies, and the glitter of the brilliant gas lights above and about, an effect of fairy land was almost realized. After the benediction had been pronounced, the ladies withdrew and the serious business of the evening was begun. The menu, in the form of a Greek cross, contained all the delicacies of the season, with a corresponding array of wines. There were three tables extending the full length of the parquette, and five parallel ones across the stage. At the head of the middle table sat Eminent Commander Thomas J. Evans, of- St. Andrew's, No. 13, as presiding genius of the occasion. Many of the home Sir Knights stood ready to see that the visiting Knights were well looked to. The banquet progressed to a conclusion, when Eminent Commander Evans read seriatim the following toasts, which were repeated at the

The Toasts And Responses

The eloquence of the evening was largely of an unreportable character, having the sparkle of the true after-dinner effort, which is so utterly lost in its reproduction upon the printed page. There were, however, some of the responses which should be included in a record like this, and none have a stronger claim than the eloquent words of Rev. Sir Knight Dadmun's words in recognition of the toast in honor of "Woman."

Toast To Woman

" Woman," the last, the best, the most beautiful of all the works of God. An intelligent, honest, loving woman is a priceless jewel ; worth more than the most costly diamonds ever possessed or worn by king, queen, or any other potentate. She is an ornament to society, a beacon light to lighten the pathway of all who associate with her. You can trust her with your character and reputation and with untold wealth, and she will never betray you. Her presence makes Nature look more beautiful - the flowers have a richer hue, and their fragrance is more delicious.

Look at that noble, honorable, high-minded young man, as he takes his evening walk with the pure, gentle, loving young lady, whom he has chosen for the companion of his life ; or when he takes a drive along the meadows, over the mountains and through the valleys ; or when he takes a sail on the river, or over the lakes and ocean. Did Nature ever before look so beautiful ? And what is the cause of this transformation ? It is the charms and virtues of a pure, noble-minded woman,

I do not wonder that all the Sir Knights who could do so brought their wives or daughters with them. The sunny South, in this beautiful spring-time, with all her majestic rivers, fragrant flowers, singing birds, rippling brooks, and genial, generous, loving households, will appear much brighter and more beautiful. Our Order makes it our solemn duty to aid "innocent virgins, distressed widows, and helpless orphans." In one State alone (Indiana) our Fraternity has distributed among the widows and orphans of deceased Masons $2,000,000.

In our own Masonic Temple there are two beautiful paintings upon the walls. Both are full-sized female figures. One represents the genius of Freemasonry, and is placed in the centre of the ceiling of Corinthian Hall. In the back-ground is the starry-decked heavens, and in the centre is a full-sized female flying through the air, accompanied by two beautiful cherubs ; in her right hand she holds the square and compass - Masonic emblems - which teach us to harmonize our conduct by the principles of morality and virtue ; in her left she holds the plumb, which admonishes us to make our passions and prejudices coincide with the line of our duty. The other female figure, which is painted upon the north side of the hall, represents secrecy. The right hand is placed upon the left breast, the lips are closed and compressed with the forefinger of the left hand, teaching the brethren not to divulge to the uninitiated the secrets of our Order.

Now why should we select the figure of a woman to represent secrecy ? We answer, because a true woman is the embodiment of beauty and virtue, and caji keep a secret. Then, you may say, why not admit her as a member ? First, the rules of the Order will not admit of it. Freemasonry was originally a society of builders - operative masons - but within the last three centuries it has become more of a social and charitable society, and yet adhering to the fundamental rules of its organization. Secondly, if women were admitted it would give cause for scandal. Scandal-mongers, tattlers and brawlers would gloat over the fact that women were associated with men in a secret society, however unreasonable it might appear to us. There is no institution that respects and honors woman more than does Freemasonry.

" Not she with trait'rous kiss her Master stung, Not she denied Him with unfaithful tongue ; She, when apostles fled, could danger brave, Last at His cross, and earliest at His grave."

The response by Sir Knight William B. Isaacs, of the Richmond Commandery, to the toast in honor of the several Commanderies, is also worthy of a place in these records, its words of eloquence arousing enthusiasm on all sides during their delivery.

you than to myself that it should be known that my mind has for several weeks been full, and for the past several days my mind, my hands, my arms and my heart have been too full for any personal consideration or preparation. The sentiment that has just been drank opens a wide field for comment, and under any and all circumstances should have been entrusted to a mind of more vigor, versatility and comprehension than I claim to possess. De Molay, St. John's, Richmond, St. Andrew, a solid square, cemented by true knightly love, the strongest and purest attributes of the human heart. There is only one solid square under the canopy of heaven of equal strength, solidity, and endurance - that is, " Mother, wife, daughter, sister." This is, Eminent Sir, a remarkable country of ours. Even while looked at through the reflective light of the " Yankee mirror," while the President of the United States does not preside over the same extent of territory, nor rule the destinies of as many people as her Majesty the Queen of England, yet I verily believe he can find within his dominion as great a variety of climate, as great a variety of products, and as heterogeneous mass of people. The trees which are not indigenous to the other, if of any value, are cultivated as an exotic in the other. Why, sir, the banyan tree is indigenous to a portion of her Majesty's dominion, and it has been successfully cultivated as an exotic in this. In the year of 1858 a small band of pilgrims planted its seed in the soil of the States of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and it at once sprang into active, young and vigorous life. Its boughs were planted in the soil of the Old Dominion in 1859, and, like its parent plant, was vigorous from its youth. It is true, alas, too true, that its spread for a few years was stayed, but, watered by our knightly tears, its life was preserved. In the year of 1875 another band of pilgrims restored its vitalit}', and now, in 1881, its tendrils are dropped in our soil, throwing its cooling, genial shade, and spreading its beneficent influences over the vast extent of this country, and in its life-giving bowers of love all who are worthy may recline in safet}-, and without fear of the assaults of section or sectarian, for they can never penetrate or break while protected and defended by the knightly swords of De Molay, St. John's, Richmond and St. Andrew, forming this solid square of fraternal love and affection in which sectionalism or sectarians can never live. -

1. Our Guests: The Junior Wardens of the South call the Worshipfuls from the East from labor to refreshment. Welcome, Zerubbabels, all. Responded to by Rev. Sir Knight J. W. Dadmun.

2. The Grand Encamp7nent of the United States : The circle which touches every point in Masonr)\ Responded to by Sir Knight George H. Burnham, Gene ralissimo of the Grand Encampment of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

4. Freemasonry : Hoary with age. Her ancient landmarks have been faithfully transmitted. May her charities ever be as unbounded as the wants of humanity. Responded to by Judge B. R. Wellford, Jr.

5. Woman : Mother, daughter, sister, wife. Without her, man would be an Odd fellow and not a Mason. Responded to by Rev. Sir J. W. Dadmun, of Boston, and Sir Knight Parker, of Columbia Commandery, Washington, D. C.

6. De Molay, Richmond, St. jfohn's, and St. Andrew Commanderies : They form a solid square of fraternal feeling which no sectional or sectarian assailants can ever penetrate or break. Responded to by Sir W. B. Isaacs and Sir George H. Burnham.

8. The Grand Com7natidery of Virginia: May she long enjoy the reign o' peace and plenty. Responded to by Sir Knights John F. Regnault and F. A. Reed, of Alexandria.

9. The Lodge St. Andrew: The owners of the house from which went the first Red men who ever understood true American liberty. They suited the times to a Tea ! Responded to by Sir Henry G. Jordan, Senior Warden, of Boston.

10. Bunker Hill arid Yorktowti : The Alpha and Omega of the American Revolution. Responded to by Sir George F. Wright, Captain-General, of Boston, and Judge Joseph Christian.

11. Washington, Warren, Marshall and Greene: Names to be remembered and honored as long as Masonry and patriotism are cherished by American freemen. (To be drunk standing.) Responded to by Sir H. P. Hemenway, Generalissimo, of Boston.

12. Massachusetts and Rhode Island: The pioneers of civil and religious liberty in America. Responded to by Rev. Sir W. S. Studlev, of Boston.

From The Absent Ones

My Dear Sir Knight, - As I promised, I sit me down to write a pleasant word to you, though I am sure there is little need, in your case, while your every moment is now replete with happiness from unalloyed enjoyment, in the company of our true and greatly beloved friends, your royal hosts of Richmond. What you are enjoying I can only think of by that anticipation of pleasure I had and cannot partake of. What I did enjoy in Virginia, and particularly in Richmond, in 1S59, has not faded from nor palled upon my memory.

welcome from Governor Wise, at Aquia Creek, as we first set foot within the borders of Virginia, with courtly grace, in behalf of his friends of Richmond Knights Templars, tendering the homes and hospitalities of all Virginia to us of De Molay - his own executive mansion, with wide open doors for our disposal - presenting a career of regal pleasure for us, the recollection of which still thrills and throbs the hearts of every Sir Knight whose happy portion it was to join in that grand ovation of " unbounded hospitality."

I remember Richmond - our reception at the theatre, the roses showered upon us from its open dome - the great parade in the streets of the city, and the barrels full of aromatic, cooling, comforting liquid, in readiness to quench ouf thirst, on every street, and at each frequent halt. I remember the ladies - the beautiful ladies - of that lovely city, distributing boquets of fragrant flowers among our Sir Knights all along the route. I remember the armory of the "Richmond Blues," where ice-cooled nectar of " Cliquot " was quaffed from endless streams, from flowing bowls. I remember one occasion, while on a friendly call with Mayor Mayo, I was declared to be a life member of that brave and gallant company ; if any yet remain - and God grant there may be many - I send them hearty greeting, and still claim membership. I remember Sir Knight Mayor Mayo. Who that knew him can ever forget his courtly grace, his elegant person and manly form ! I delight to remember him, he was " the friend and companion of my youth." How I wish I could call by name every Sir Knight of '59, to recount his deeds of chivalrous courtesy to us. Their lovingkindness will never be forgotten, it is all engraven on our hearts. I remember the banquet ; the outpouring of generous sentiment, and the hearty greeting by the unequalled courteous Knights of Richmond. Ever)-- thing done and said may proudly be remembered, and nothing should ever be forgotten of all that five days happy interchange of courtesies in and by old Virginia.

To recount the whole cannot be told in one short letter ; 'tis a tale of joy for every life greeting of ours, and by this time you are tasting and relishing the sweets of a second term of overflowing hospitality from those Knights of 1859, and their worthy heirs and successors.

You know all of 1875 ^"^ 'l^^ ^^^ I know all of the great value of your services to me - devoted and un. tiring - so cheerfully given day and night to make the second pilgrimage of the Richmond Knights Templars to Bunker Hill pleasurable and successful. You are now, as Captain-General, associated with your Commander and Generalissimo, entrusted with the honor of De Molay, and I know that you will not let our banner trail, nor the stars of our glory grow dim.

To Eminent Sirs Isaacs, Tanner, Bass, Evans, and to each and every Sir Knight of Richmond and Virginia, I send cordial affectionate greeting.

I have a letter from Eminent Sir Lucien L. liass, chairman of the Richmond Reception Committee, inquiring as to my being with you, and expressing his desire, and the wish of his command, that I should come with you ; to this I made reply, with much regret, that 1 was obliged to forego the great pleasure of a personal greeting with them on this joyous occasion, and I have from Riglu