To George Washington from Alexandria Masons, 22 December 1797
From Alexandria Masons
Alexa. 22d Decr [1]797
Respected Brother
The Members of Lodge No. 22 Solicit your Company, to Partake of a refreshment at Mr Gadsby’s Tavern, on the 27th Inst, at 6 OClock in the Evening in Celebration of the Anniversary of Saint John—on behalf of the Brethren.1
Henry Rose | Managers | |
G. Deneale | ||
Wm. B. Page | ||
Robt Young | ||
W. Jones | ||
M. Flanery |
L, DLC:GW. The letter is dated “22 Decr 5797.” The Ancient Craft Masons commence their era with the creation of the world, or the “year of Light,” a symbolic reference to the “Light of Masonry,” 4,000 years before the birth of Christ (
17).1. There is no indication in GW’s diary that he attended the “refreshment.” In DLC:GW there is a printed advertisement, dated 30 Sept. 1797, announcing the publication of The Free-Mason’s Pocket-Book, for the Year 1798, which GW docketed.