THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 ^^^^'M^Mr
 
 MEMOIR 
 
 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 KNIGHTS TEMPLARS 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS AND RHODE ISLAND, 
 
 MAY, 1859. 
 
 PUBLISHED BT AUTHORITT OF THE DE MOLAT ENCAMPMEHT. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 A. WILLIAMS AND COMPANY, 
 
 100 Washington Street. 
 
 1 8 5,i?v ;
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by 
 
 A. WILLIAMS AXD COMPANY, 
 
 in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 
 
 University Press, Cambridge : 
 , . ., Rruutedi by Walch^ Bipelpw, and Company. « ■ « ^« •
 
 //s 
 
 Boston, June 1, 1859. 
 
 •» 
 
 »- 
 
 i^ At a meeting of the Committee of Arrangements having 
 
 ^ in charge the late visit of the Sir Knights of the De Molay 
 
 § Encampment to Richmond, Virginia, it was unanimously 
 
 "^ voted that a full and complete history of their pilgrimage 
 
 <M be published in book form, and that Sir Knight E. C. Bailey 
 
 ^ be a Committee to superintend the publication of the same, 
 
 p and also that he be authorized to employ Mr. Henry E. 
 
 Tracy, of the Boston Herald, to assist him in preparing the 
 
 cJ account for the press. 
 a 
 
 X 
 
 ) 
 
 SERENO D. NICKERS ON, Secretary. 
 
 45r,G61
 
 PREFACE 
 
 The visit of the Knights Templars of Boston 
 and Providence to Richmond in May, 1859, was 
 an event of no common interest, significance, and 
 importance in the annals of the year. It was not 
 only a meeting between companies of that noble 
 Order which has linked a chain of fraternity 
 around the world, but it was a mingling of patri- 
 otic feeling by American citizens whose forefathers 
 mingled their blood in the crimson stains of the 
 Revolutionary battle-fields, and whose martyr dust 
 now mingles in the soil consecrated to freedom 
 by their valor and devotion. It was not only a 
 convocation and festival of the Sir Knights of 
 De Molay and St. John and the Richmond Com- 
 mandery, but it was the children of Massachusetts, 
 Rhode Island, and Virginia clasping each other 
 in a brotherly embrace, and, while enjoying the 
 blessings that flow so richly from the compact
 
 vi PREFACE. 
 
 made by their fathers, strengthening that compact 
 by pledging each other foot to foot, eye to eye, 
 and hand to hand. It was a pilgrimage from the 
 patriot shrines of New England to the land of 
 Washington, of Henry, and of a host of noble 
 spirits now in communion with those good and 
 true men, who rest from their labors, and look 
 down upon a mighty republic, which was builded 
 and fostered by their hands, and guided to a high 
 place among the nations. It was the descendants 
 of the pupils and disciples of Cotton Mather and 
 Roger "Williams, of Warren and Greene, going 
 down to the sacred places where they might listen 
 to the undying echoes of Patrick Henry's cry for 
 liberty, and Washington's Farewell Address. 
 
 All the circumstances of the occasion conspired 
 to render it a memorable and happy event in the 
 lives of those who participated in it. The excur- 
 sionists passed through the chief cities of America. 
 They visited the Capital of the nation, and the 
 Tomb of Washington. Their route led them 
 across the fairest portions of the eastern border 
 of our country, by a mode of conveyance so rapid, 
 while, at the same time, it was most comfortable, 
 that they could see the gradations of climate, as 
 marked in vegetation through a wide range of 
 latitude, giving them a realizing sense of the
 
 \ 
 
 PREFACE. yii 
 
 immense variety of resources embraced in this 
 glorious union of States. Starting from Boston 
 when the herbage was but ankle-deep, they found 
 themselves, at the end of their journey, sur- 
 rounded by roses in full bloom ; after having 
 passed through fields and farms whose trees and 
 grain displayed increasing signs of maturity as 
 they sped southward, until they exchanged their 
 chill and backward climate for one in which Na- 
 ture smiled in all the loveliness of summer. They 
 found the kindly feeling and hospitality of their 
 Southern brethren in as full and expansive bloom 
 as the flowers that decked the fair city of Rich- 
 mond, and were welcomed by hearts as warm as 
 the sunshine which bathed the hills and valleys of 
 the Old Dominion. 
 
 This was the first opportunity ever enjoyed by 
 most of the company to visit "Washington, Mount 
 Yernon, or the soil of Virginia, — that historic 
 ground, so rich in memories of the first settle- 
 ment of this continent hj the men who laid the 
 foundations of our government, — the land where 
 that drama was enacted by Pocahontas which will 
 be famous in history until America has been for- 
 gotten. How well the Sir Knights enjoyed this 
 opportunity, what pleasure it afforded them, and 
 how grateful is their rememljrance of it, can only
 
 viii PKEFACE. 
 
 be told by each for himself. It will doubtless be 
 recorded as one of the happiest experiences of 
 their lives. 
 
 The excursion was conducted with so much 
 skill, that nothing was left to be desired by any 
 one ; for they had only to place themselves in 
 the care of its managers, and they were trans- 
 ported without trouble or annoyance of any kind 
 to the place of their destination, six hundred 
 miles away, and restored in health and safety 
 to their homes at the hour appointed. 
 
 It is not pretended by the compilers of this 
 history of the excursion and the festivities at 
 Eichmond, that it will describe adequately all 
 the interesting scenes and events that occurred, 
 but it is hoped that the record made in the 
 following pages may revive in the bosoms of the 
 Sir Knights many of the pleasurable emotions 
 they experienced, and also afford, in its perusal, 
 some gratification to their brothers of the Ma- 
 sonic fraternity, and to the public.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Visit of the Richmond Commandery, K. T., to Boston, in June, 
 1858. — Their Invitation to De Molay and St. John's Encamp- 
 ments to visit Richmond. 1 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 The Departure of the Sir Knights from Boston. — They take up 
 the Sir Knights of Providence, and proceed to Washington. — 
 Their Reception at the Capital 11 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Sunday in Washington. — Sermons of Rev. Wilham D. Haley 
 
 and Rev. B. Sunderland. 20 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 From Washington to Richmond. — A Dirge for Mount Vernon. — 
 Governor Wise welcomes the Sir Knights. — First Taste of 
 Virginia Hospitality. — Reception by the Richmond Com- 
 manderj'. — Visit to the Theatre, and a Floral Ovation. . 44 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Grand Reception of the Visiting Knights at Mechanics' Hall. — 
 Welcoming Speeches and Responses. — The Sir Knights
 
 X CONTENTS. 
 
 assaulted with Bouquets by Ladies of Richmond. — Presen- 
 tation to the New England Knights. — Another Presentation 
 to the Fiichmond Commandery. — Collation, etc. ... 55 
 
 CHAPTEPv VI. 
 
 Exercises at the Furst Baptist Church. — Oration of Sir Knight 
 Rev. J. Lansing Burrows. — Another Collation. — Prepara- 
 tions for the Family Banquet. 72 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Complimentary Banquet at the Exchange Hotel and Ballard 
 House, Richmond, Virginia, to the De Molay Encampment, 
 Boston, and the St. John's Encampment, Providence, given 
 by the Richmond Commandery of Knights Templars, No. 2, 
 Richmond, Virginia, Tuesday, May 17, 1859. ... 93 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 The Pilgrims visit Ashland. — A Jockey Club Reception and 
 Dinner. — A Panorama, Illumination, and other Festivities 
 in the Evening 138 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Grand Dress Parade of the Knights Templars in Richmond. — 
 Visits to the State Capitol, and to the City Armories. — 
 Floral Tributes from the Ladies of Richmond. — Levee and 
 Ball in the Evening. 151 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Closing Scenes at Richmond. — Departure of the Pilgrims. — 
 Visit to Mount Vernon. — Interview with the Secretary of 
 the Interior. — Presentation to President Buchanan. — Re- 
 turn to Philadelphia 172 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 The Pilgrims in the Quaker City. — Return to New York. — A 
 
 Night upon Long Island Sound. — Reception in Providence. 181
 
 CONTEJilTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Return of the De Slolay Encampment. — Reception of the Pil- 
 grims at Roxbury by the Boston Encampment. — Grand 
 Parade in Boston. — Festival in Nassaii Hall. . . . 192 
 
 APPENDIX, 
 
 List of the Officers and Jlembers of the Richmond Commandery 205 
 List of the Officers and Members of the Boston Encampment . 208
 
 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA. 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 Visit of the Richmond Commandery, K. T., to Boston, ix 
 June, 1858. — Their Invitation to De Molay and St. John's 
 Encampments to visit Eichmond. 
 
 The pilgrimage of the Sir Knights of the De Molay 
 Encampment of Boston, Mass., and the St. John's 
 Encampment, of Providence, R. I., to Richmond, Va., 
 on the 13th of May, 1859, originated under the follow- 
 ing circumstances. 
 
 In response to an invitation extended to them by the 
 De Molay Encampment, the Richmond Coramandeiy 
 No. 2 of Virginia Knights Templars visited Boston on 
 the 23d day of June, 1858, and participated in the cel- 
 ebration of St. John's Day, the 24:th. The Richmond 
 Knights, under command of Tl II. Gill, E. G. C, were 
 met in Providence in the morning by a committee of the 
 De Molay Encampment, and were hospitably received 
 by the St. John's Encampment, with whom they dined. 
 On their arrival in Boston in the afternoon, they were 
 received at the Providence Depot by a delegation of the 
 De Molays, headed by the Hon. Moses Kimball, and 
 1
 
 2 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 escorted across the Common to the quarters provided 
 for them at the American House, in Hanover Street. 
 Several thousand people were assembled upon the Com- 
 mon, and a salute was fired in honor of the arrival of 
 the Richmond Knights by the Light Artillery, under 
 command of Captain Nims. 
 
 The scene upon the Commoa was a brilliant one. 
 Our citizens seemed anxious to greet the strangers from 
 Virginia in the most cordial manner, and lined the route 
 through which they passed to their hotel in great num- 
 bers, manifesting the greatest enthusiasm at the sight of 
 their Southern brethren. 
 
 On the evening of the 23d, the Sir Knights of Rich- 
 mond accepted an invitation to attend the Museum, 
 where ''The Heir at Law" was performed. The next 
 morning they were escorted by the De Molay Encamp- 
 ment, all being in full regalia and accompanied by a 
 band of music, through several of the principal streets, 
 to Charlestown, where they visited Bunker Hill, and 
 were welcomed in a speech by Sir Knight George 
 Washington Warren, President of the Bunker Hill 
 Monument Association. Sir Knight J. B. Crenshaw 
 of Richmond responded, in an eloquent and impressive 
 manner. The Knights were entertained sumptuously 
 by Sir Knight George Stimpson, and other citizens of 
 Charlestown, and, after spending some time very agree- 
 ably in that city, the Commanderies returned to Boston. 
 They marched to the Music Hall, which place they 
 reached at three o'clock, P. M. An interesting ad- 
 dress, in commemoration of St. John's Day, was here 
 delivered by Sir Knight George M. Randall, D. D., of 
 Boston. A poem in honor of De Molay, the martyr, 
 was read by Sir John H. Shepard, and other interest-
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 3 
 
 ing exercises, interspersed with music, completed tlie 
 programme of the occasion. 
 
 From the Music Hall the Commanderies, accompanied 
 by the chief officers of the Masonic Order in New Eng- 
 land, who were the invited guests of the De Molay En- 
 campment, marched to the American House, where in 
 the evening a grand banquet was served. The banquet 
 was succeeded by speeches and toasts, in which a most 
 agreeable interchange of patriotic and friendly sentiment 
 between the gentlemen of the North and the South Avas 
 made. 
 
 On the next morning, it being Friday, the 25th, the 
 Sir Knights of Richmond were taken in carriages by 
 their Boston friends to Mount Auburn, the Arsenal in 
 "Watertown, the Brookline Reservoir, and some other 
 places of interest in the suburbs. The visiting Knights 
 apparently enjoyed very much this excursion in the 
 environs of Boston. In the afternoon of Friday the 
 Commanderies proceeded down the harbor in the steamer 
 Neptune, partaking of a chowder and other refreshments 
 on board. After a very pleasant sail, and a visit to the 
 public institutions upon the islands, the company returned 
 to the city and repaired to the Masonic Temple, where 
 some time was profitably spent in the work of the Order. 
 Li the evening the Knights attended the Boston Theatre 
 in a body. 
 
 On Saturday the Richmond Knights visited the State 
 House, the Free Library, and some other public places, 
 and in the afternoon were escorted to the Providence 
 Depot, whence they took their departure for home. They 
 were handsomely received in Pi'ovidence Ijy tlic mem- 
 bers of the St. John's Encampment, during the brief 
 time they were aljle to remain in tluit city.
 
 4 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 "We have given in brief the leading features of the 
 visit of the Richmond Commandery to Boston. The 
 time was filled up, between the intervals of the more 
 public demonstrations, with acts of kindness and social 
 intercourse, which resulted in binding the Virginians 
 and their New England brothers in the closest bonds 
 of friendship. 
 
 The parade of the Commanderies in regalia on St. 
 John's Day was a pleasing and imposing spectacle, which 
 was witnessed by many thousands of the citizens of 
 Boston and its suburbs, who were attracted to the streets 
 on the route of the procession by the beauty and novelty 
 of the scene. 
 
 This visit of the Richmond Encampment to Boston 
 resulted in their extending an invitation to the encamp- 
 ments of De Molay and St. John to visit Richmond, and 
 prompt action was taken by them, as will appear from 
 the following record of their proceedings, Avhich was duly 
 transmitted to Boston. 
 
 RESOLUTIONS OF THE RICHMOND COMMANDERY. 
 
 At a meeting of Richmond Commandery No. 2, of K. T., 
 Virginia, held in their Asylum in the City of Richmond, on 
 Saturday evening, July 10th, A. L. 5858, A. I. 757, A. D. 
 1858, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted, 
 and a copy ordered to be transmitted to De Molay Encamp- 
 ment of Boston, Massachusetts: — 
 
 1. Tliat no brilliant array of words, nor artistic effort of 
 eloquence, would adequately express our feehngs at the cor- 
 dial welcome and knightly courtesy with which we were 
 received and entertained by De ]\Iolay Encampment, on our 
 late pilgrimage to the tomb of the immortal Warren. We 
 are persuaded " that it was good for us to be there " ; the
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 5 
 
 sentiments then expressed must tend not only to bind in 
 closer union the Sir Knights of our respective Commanderies, 
 heretofore strangers, but now such no longer, and we believe 
 that through them the ancient and firm links between " Old 
 Massachusetts " and " Old Virginia " were in no slight degree 
 renewed and strengthened. 
 
 2. That to particularize the names of individuals, when all 
 did so much to contribute to our hajipiness during our sojourn, 
 would be an invidious, as well as hopeless task; we trust, 
 therefore, that the simple but deep-felt expression of thanks 
 now tendered to each and every member of De Molay En- 
 campment, will be understood to mean all that a Knight 
 Templar could say, and all that a Knight Templar would 
 wish to hear. 
 
 3. That the inestimable relics of our Revolution, memen- 
 tos of the ancient renown of Massachusetts and Virginia, 
 the twin sisters of '76, shall be cherished while life lasts with 
 a veneration as deep as could have been felt by the Sir 
 Knights of old; — jewels indeed are they beyond price; — 
 and dying we will bequeath them to our successors, as a rich 
 legacy, not only because they are memorials of our fathers' 
 achievements, but also to remind them of the late cordial 
 reunion of their children. 
 
 4. That we tender, through De Molay Encampment, our 
 sincere thanks to the municipal authorities, as well as to the 
 citizens of Boston generallj-, ivhose uniformly polite and kind 
 attentions fully entitle their city to be styled the " Athens of 
 America." 
 
 5. That our peculiar thanks arc also due for the beautiful 
 specimen of work exemplified by De Molay Encampment, 
 of which we will mark our appreciation by endeavoring to 
 imitate its excellence. 
 
 6. That in commemoration of our pilgrimage to the tomb 
 of Warren, and as a slight mark of our appreciation of the 
 courtesy and hospitality with which we were received, the 
 Council of De Molay Encampment, Boston, in perpetuity, be 
 and are hereby recorded as Honorary Members of Richmond 
 Commandery 2so. 2.
 
 6 PILGRIMAGE TO VIEGrs^A 
 
 7. That we consider De Molay Encampment pledged to 
 return our visit, either on 13th May, 24th June, or at any 
 other time during the year 1859 that may smt their conven- 
 ience. 
 
 E. H. GILL, E. G. Commander. 
 R. 0. HASKIXS, Generalissimo. 
 JXO. F. REGNAULT, Captain-General. 
 THOS. H. DeWITT, Prelate. 
 W,M. J. EIDDICK, Recorder. 
 
 Ill February last the De Molay Encampment voted 
 to accept the invitation of their Kichmond brothers, and 
 the following letter was addressed to them by Sir Knight 
 "William Parkman. 
 
 De Molat Excajipmest, 
 
 Boston, Feb. 13, 1859. 
 
 Most E. G. Commander and Sir Knights 
 
 OP ElCHMOND COMMANDERY ISTo. 2 : — 
 
 At a regular meeting of De Molay Encampment holden 
 this evening, the communication some time since received 
 from you, conveying to us your very kind regards, and very 
 flattering resolutions, together with your cordial invitation 
 to visit you, was duly placed before the Encampment, and 
 it was unanimously voted that we accept with great pleas- 
 m*e your cordial invitation to visit you upon the coming 
 IZth of May, provided we can obtain a sufficient number 
 to come. We apprise you of this fact at our earliest con- 
 venience ; and as an apology " for seeming neglect " would 
 inform you that our dearly beloved Commander, Sir Knight 
 Walker, has for a long time been so seriously indisposed as 
 to be unable to meet with us, to take any part in the affairs 
 of the Encampment, or even to attend to his private pursuits. 
 He is now away, endeavoring to recruit his shattered health. 
 Meantime, as soon as any of our arrangements are perfected, 
 you shall be advised ; at present we have but determined to 
 come. 
 
 Herewith we would assure your Encampment your very
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAES. 7 
 
 kindly expressions are fully and entirely i-eciproeated by 
 every member of De Molay Encampment, and the distin- 
 guished honor you have conferred upon our Council is duly 
 appreciated. 
 
 In the name and behalf of De ]Molay Encampment, and 
 assuring you of the knightly esteem of our every member, 
 We are, fraternally, 
 
 WILLIAM PARKMAN, Generalissimo. 
 
 To E. H. Gill, 31. E. G. C. Richmond 
 Encampment So. 2. 
 
 The following courteous reply to the above was re- 
 ceived by the De Molay Encampment: — 
 
 Lynchburg, Va., March 7, 1859. 
 Sir Knight and Dear Sir: — 
 
 I was highly gratified by the receipt of your favor of the 
 4th instant, as it sealed the fact that we should have the pleas- 
 ure of grasping the hands of the members of your Encampment 
 once again, and that too in " Old Virginia." In reply to your 
 inquiry, I can only say that we do not intend to celebrate 
 any particular object or occasion other than to do honor to 
 our visiting brethren from Boston and Providence, to whom 
 we feel that all honor is due. The 13th of jMay, bemg the 
 day on which De INlolay suffered martyrdom, has been recom- 
 mended by our General Grand Encampment to subordinates 
 as a day to be observed, and on that account we preferred 
 that you should be with us on that day, particularly as the 
 weather about that time in -this State is exceedingly pleasant. 
 I regret to hear of the indisposition of Commander Walker, 
 and sincerely hope that he will not be ])revcnted from accom- 
 panying you. 
 
 Please present my warmest regards to the Sir Knights of 
 your Encampment, and believe me, 
 
 Eespectfully and fraternally yours, 
 
 K. H. GILL. 
 Sir William Parkmax, C. Gen. iVe.
 
 3 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 Some further correspondence took place, in which 
 the preliminaries of the excursion were settled, and, at 
 the request of the Richmond Commandery, who stated 
 that an intervening Sunday would interfere with the 
 progi'amme they desired to carry out, it was finally de- 
 cided that the visiting Sir Knights should arrive in 
 Richmond on Monday, May 16th, instead of Friday, 
 the loth, as had first been proposed. 
 
 A meeting of the De Molay Encampment was held, 
 April 1st, and the following Sir Knights were appointed 
 a Committee of Arrangements for the visit to Virginia. 
 
 E. C. Bailey, Boston. 
 
 Gen. John S. Tyler, " 
 
 J. W. AVard, 
 
 C. E. King, 
 
 J. J. Whiting, " 
 
 Sereno D. Nickerson, " 
 
 Dr. J. A. CUMMINGS, " 
 
 Gen. William Sutton, Salem. 
 Stephen A. Tripp, New Bedford. 
 
 Lixx.Eus Wood, " 
 
 A meeting of the Committee was promptly held, and 
 they immediately organized by the choice of E. C. Bailey, 
 Chairman, and Sereno D. Nickerson, Secretary. The 
 Committee applied themselves with energy to the dis- 
 charge of their duties, and when the day fixed for their 
 departure arrived, all was in readiness. How successful 
 they were in the prosecution of the enterprise will appear 
 to the reader, as the narrative progresses. 
 
 Meanwhile, the following correspondence took place 
 between the Boston and De Molay Encampments in 
 reference to the excursion, which explains itself suffi- 
 ciently. The Boston Encampment addressed the De 
 Molay Encampment the following letter.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 9 
 
 BOSTOX EXCAMPMEXT, 
 
 Jlay 10, 1859. 
 
 To THE ]\I. E. Grand Commander of 
 De Molay Encampment : — 
 
 Dear Sir and Brother, — Boston Encampment, having 
 heard with much pleasure of the proposed visit of the Sir 
 Knights under your command to our much esteemed brethren 
 in Richmond, Virginia, adopted unanimously, at a special 
 meeting on Thursday last, the following vote : — 
 
 Resolved, That Boston Encampment tender to the De ]\Io- 
 lay Encampment a reception and entertainment upon their 
 return fi-om Virginia. 
 
 The undersigned, the committee to whom the above matter 
 was referred, would respectfully tender to the De Molay En- 
 campment an escort, and collation at Parker's, upon their 
 return ; and, in behalf of Boston Encampment, would be 
 happy to meet them at such time and place as they may 
 designate. 
 
 Fraternally yours, 
 
 WM. ELLISON, 
 JOHN M'CLELLAN, 
 CHAS. B. F. ADAMS, 
 W. BOGLE, 
 JNO. K. HALL, 
 WYZEMAN MARSHALL, 
 SAMUEL PEARCE. 
 
 To the above, tlie De Molay Encampment replied as 
 
 folloAvs : — 
 
 Dk Molay Encampment, 
 Boston, May 12, 1859. 
 
 Dear Sir Knights and Brothers: — 
 
 I am instructed l)y the Committee of Arrangements for the 
 excursion of the De INIolay Encampment to Richmond, to 
 acknowledge the receipt of your esteemed letter of the 10th 
 instant, covering a resolution of your Encampment to " tender 
 to the De Molay Encampment a reception and entertainment 
 upon their return from Virginia."
 
 10 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGIXIA 
 
 The De Molar Eucampment receive this invitation in the 
 same spirit of brotherly love in Avhicli it is tendered, and cheer- 
 fully accept it. 
 
 For the information of the Committee of the Boston En- 
 campment, we beg leave to state that our return to Boston is 
 fixed for Tuesday the 24th instant ; our arrangements are, to 
 leave Providence in the train which starts at two o'clock in 
 the afternoon of that day ; we propose to stoji at the Depot of 
 the Roxbury Crossing, and will receive the escort of your En- 
 campment there, or any other point in Roxbury or Boston 
 which your Committee may deem the most eligible. 
 
 I cannot close this letter without expressing for the Com- 
 mittee, and in behalf of the Encampment for which we are 
 acting, our high appreciative sense of the honor you propose 
 to confer upon us ; and believe me, it will not be the least of 
 the pleasurable recollections connected with the visit to our 
 Virginia brethren, that our esteemed bretliren at home — 
 those who are our more immediate brethren and familiar 
 friends — have united to welcome us back to the spot where 
 our homes, our fondest hopes, and dearest memories reside. 
 Fraternally yours, 
 
 E. C. BAILEY, Chairman. 
 
 To Wm. Ellison, M. E. Grand Commander, John M'Clel- 
 LAx, Chas. B. F. Adams, "Wm. Bogle, John K. Hall, 
 Wyzeman Marshall, Samuel Pearce, Committee of 
 Boston Encampment. 
 
 All things now being prepared for the excursion and 
 the reception at home, we are brought to the conclusion 
 of this chapter.
 
 OF THE KXIGHTS TEMPLARS. H 
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 The Depaeture of the Sir Knights from Bostox. — They 
 TAKE UP the Sir Knights of Providence, and proceed to 
 Washington. — Their Reception at the Capital. 
 
 Ox the afternoon of the thirteenth day of May, the 
 anniversary of the martyrdom of the wise and virtuous 
 James De Molay, who was immolated for refusing to 
 abjure the principles of his order, the De Molay Encamp- 
 ment, Knights Templars, of Boston, set forth upon their 
 pilgrimage to Virginia. The weather was beautiful, and 
 all the circumstances of their departure were auspicious 
 of the success which was to crown their expedition. 
 The Encampment met at Nassua Hall, at three o'clock, 
 where they went through the evolutions of the drill, and 
 marched thence, accompanied by Gilmore's Band, through 
 Common, Tremont, and Eliot Streets, to the Providence 
 Depot. 
 
 At the Depot many hundred gentlemen and ladies 
 were assembled to give a friendly pai-ting word to the 
 Pilgi-im Knights. Hearty cheers ascended and hand- 
 kerchiefs were waved as the cars left the Depot, the 
 band playing the air of "The Girl I left behind me." 
 
 Arriving in Providence at seven o'clock, the Sir 
 Knights found the brothers of the St. John's Encamp- 
 ment in the Depot, ready to proceed to Stoningtoii. The
 
 12 PILGRIMAGE TO MEGDs'IA 
 
 Providence Encampment was accompanied by Green's 
 American Brass Band. They had paraded through the 
 principal streets of the city during the afternoon, attract- 
 ing much attention, and a dense crowd filled the Depot to 
 witness the arrival of the De Molays and the departure 
 of both Encampments. The scene in the neighborhood 
 of the Depot, like that in Boston, was an animated one, — 
 those who remained at home sympathizing with depart- 
 ing friends in their anticipations of pleasure. 
 
 Several of the Sir Knights were accompanied by their 
 wives and sisters, and when fairly embarked for vStoning- 
 ton the entire company was something over two hundi-ed 
 in number. 
 
 The Knights of De Molay wore no distinguishing 
 badge except black cloth caps, ornamented with a narrow 
 gold band and a red Maltese cross. The Knights of St. 
 John were dressed in black frock-coats, with standing 
 collars ornamented with a silver cross upon the right- 
 hand side. They also wore fatigue caps having a silver 
 band, and the Maltese cross in front. The regalia and 
 standards of the Encampments had been forwarded di- 
 rectly to Richmond. 
 
 When fairly embarked together, the two Encampments 
 and the whole company became as one family, and the 
 greatest sociality prevailed. The monotony and the vari- 
 ous discomforts that persons expei'ience when travelling 
 alone were avoided. The baggage of the whole party was 
 under the charge of an agent, who relieved individuals of 
 all care in respect to it. Thus they proceeded comfort- 
 ably and happily to Stonington, and were transferred from 
 the cars to that noble steamer, the Plymouth Rock. 
 
 Good quarters having been secured on board the boat, 
 and supper despatched in a satisfactory style, the com-
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 13 
 
 pany repaired to the grand saloon ; and while the steamer 
 swept on through Long Island Sound, leaving a sheet of 
 foam behind her like the train of a queen's robe, the hours 
 were beguiled in listening to the excellent music of the 
 bands until bed-time. Toward midnight the moonlight, 
 which had flooded the Sound with silver, became mixed 
 with fog in the proportion of two parts of fog to one of 
 moonlight, and the blowing of the steam-whistle and the 
 solemn toll of fog-bells served to give variety to the 
 dreams of the voyagers. 
 
 The boat was so delayed by the fog that she arrived 
 in New York an hour later than usual, and the company 
 on landing were obliged to march immediately to the 
 ferry, to reach the morning train for Philadelphia. Break- 
 fast had been served on board the Plymouth Rock before 
 she reached her pier, and on finding that the Philadel- 
 phia train had waited ten minutes for them, the party 
 took possession of the cars, with many thanks for having 
 escaped an undesirable detention in New York. 
 
 The trip through New Jersey was made with safety, 
 and the verdure of the fields and the champagne blos- 
 soms of the orchards inclined many of the company to 
 acknowledge that this was one of the States, and not 
 an independent kingdom, as has been often intimated by 
 slanderous persons. On arriving in Philadelphia, a num- 
 ber of omnibuses, provided by the Committee of Arrange- 
 ments, conveyed the party across the City of Brotherly 
 Love to the depot of the Baltimore Railroad. Here some 
 of the hungry ones, who had neglected to secure a bi'eak- 
 fast on board the Plymouth Rock, employed the small 
 leisure afforded them in patronizing the eating-houses 
 near at hand, a proceeding which was hardly necessary, 
 for sandwiches and other refreshments were provided by
 
 14 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 the officers of the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Balti- 
 more Railroad Company in their cars for this especial 
 occasion. 
 
 The journey grew more delightful as they proceeded 
 southward, the vegetation of the country on either hand 
 unfolding itself in greater and still greater profusion ; and 
 the excursionists were interested in noting the gradations 
 of forwardness in the gardens and fields, as they receded 
 from the direction of the Arctic regions and approached 
 the tropics. The children were barefoot in New Jersey, 
 the peas were in blossom around Philadelphia, and in 
 "Washington they found trees, flowers, and plants in full 
 foliage and bloom. 
 
 The most disagreeable portion of the trip was that 
 between Baltimore and Washington, where the company 
 were crowded into somewhat scanty space in the train, 
 riding in a cloud of dust that would have done credit to 
 Sahara. 
 
 They arrived in Washington at six o'clock, and were 
 met at the raih'oad station by the Sir Knights of Wash- 
 ington Commandery No. 1, B. B. French, Eminent 
 Grand Commander, arrayed in full regalia, and accom- 
 panied by Withers's Brass Band. The Commanderies 
 formed in line and were escorted to the Capitol and 
 marched through the public grounds, and thence up 
 Pennsylvania Avenue to their quarters at the National 
 HoteL 
 
 Seldom has the sun gilded with his declining rays a 
 fairer scene than on that afternoon. Witbin the area of 
 the public grounds, surrounded with thick, clustering trees 
 heavy laden with foliage, were some thousands of specta- 
 tors, — handsomely dressed ladies and gentlemen, matrons 
 and frolicking children, white babies enveloped in lace in
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 15 
 
 the arms of black nurses, like bouquets of lilies in ebony 
 holders, — the Marine Band, in scarlet uniform, occupy- 
 ing a stand in the centre ; and when the long procession 
 of Sir Knights marched around the semicircular avenue, 
 which sweeps past the steps of the Capitol, to the thrill- 
 ing sounds of martial music, the picture was an animating 
 and exceedingly beautiful one. 
 
 Having arrived at the National Hotel, there was much 
 ablution and dusting of apparel, and some bewailing the 
 mischance by which the baggage of the party had been 
 detained one train, — so that the travellers were bereft 
 of their fresh wardrobe until the next morning. It was 
 not possible, however, to remain uncomfortable for any 
 great length of time under the care and attentions be- 
 stowed upon them by their hosts. An excellent supper 
 at eight o'clock had a wonderful effect in restoring their 
 spirits, after the necessarily irregular meals they had 
 taken for the last twenty-four hours. The evening was 
 spent by each accoi"ding to his pleasure. Some strolled 
 upon the Avenue, and others gave their attention to the 
 music of Gilmore's Band, in front of the hotel, which 
 attracted a crowd of admiring listeners. Later in the 
 evening, a number of the St. John's Encampment, with 
 the Providence Band, proceeded to the White House and 
 serenaded the PresidcTit. 
 
 Ml'. Buchanan, who had retired, came to his chamber- 
 window, and addressed them briefly. He thanked them 
 for the compliment paid him, and said that their music 
 was good ; but there was something more charming to 
 him than music, — the good wishes and kind regards of 
 his fellow-citizens. He rejoiced to see his friends from 
 the East, on their way to Virginia. He believed that 
 these visits of men of the Nortli to men of the South, 
 and men of the South to men of the North, were calcu-
 
 16 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 lated to do away their prejudices against each other, and 
 promote a national feeling among those who ought to be 
 brothers. He was sure that, the better they know each 
 other, the better they will like each other. The President 
 wished the party a pleasant journey to Richmond, and 
 hoped that on their return he might see them by daylight, 
 take them by the hand, and extend to them the honors 
 of the White House. 
 
 The party then proceeded to the mansion of the Mayor, 
 and serenaded him. Mayor Berrett promptly made his 
 appearance, and thanked them cordially for the compli- 
 ment in a brief and happily worded speech. 
 
 Nothing now remained for the Sir Knights but to retire, 
 and prepare for the coming Sabbath. 
 
 At the first roll-call in "Washington, the excursion party 
 was found to consist of the foUowinfj Sir Knights : — 
 
 GRAND ENCAMPMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS AND RHODE 
 ISLAND. 
 
 WixsLOW Lewis, M. D., Grand Master. 
 John Flixt, M. D., Past Grand Master. 
 
 DE MOLAY ENCAMPMENT, OF BOSTON. 
 
 William Parkmax, M. E. G. Commander. 
 
 Charles Robbixs, Generalissimo. 
 
 John S. Tyler, Captain-General. 
 
 L. L. Tarbell, Prelate. 
 
 P. Adams Ames, Senior Warden. 
 
 Bexjamix Deax, Junior Warden. 
 
 JoHX A. CuMMixGS, Treasurer. 
 
 S. H. Gregory, Recorder. 
 
 Isaac Gary, Sword-Bearer. 
 
 J. J. WhITIXG, } c, 1 1 r> 
 
 ^ ,,^ ^^ f otandard-JJearers. 
 
 S. W. Nichols, >
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 
 
 17 
 
 William B. Fowle, Jr., Warder. 
 William F. Davis, Third Guard. 
 Caleb Eatox, Second Guard. 
 MARLBOEOUGn WiLLiAMS, First Guard. 
 John Bigelow, Sentinel. 
 Eben F. Gay, Armorer. 
 
 C. H. Appleton, 
 H. E. Armington, 
 W. K. Bacall, 
 E. C. Bailey, 
 Benjamin Beal, 
 Moses H. Bliss, 
 Edward Bush, 
 Francis Bush, 
 W. W. Capen, 
 T. H. Carruth, 
 J. H. Cheney, 
 George W. Churchill, 
 William Clapp, 
 Cyrus T. Clarke, 
 John IVI. Clarke, 
 S. W. Clifford, 
 J. II. Collins, 
 Edwin Covington, 
 A. S. Cushman, 
 J. S. Damrell, 
 C. K. Darling, 
 C. A. Davis, 
 Henry Davis, 
 C. H. Dillaway, 
 Pierpont Edwards, 
 C. J. Fox, 
 S. L. French, 
 Nathan Frye, 
 Benjamin Graves, 
 Gardner Greenlcaf, 
 
 Peter C. Jones, 
 
 James D. Kent, 
 
 Carmi E. Iving, 
 
 C. B. Leavitt, 
 
 Job Lockwood, 
 
 James M. Lowden, 
 
 AVarren ^Mallard, 
 
 William B. May, 
 
 John F. Mills, ' 
 
 Henry MuUiken, 
 
 S. D. Nickerson, 
 
 Charles B. Rice, 
 
 J. ]\I. Richardson, 
 
 C. E. Robinson, 
 
 Thomas Sprague, 
 
 George Stimpson, Jr. 
 
 William Sutton, 
 
 B. F. Tenny, 
 
 II. F. Thomas, 
 
 Jacob Todd, 
 
 S. A. Tripp, 
 
 E. G. Tucker, 
 
 Job A. Turner, 
 
 J. W. AVar<l, 
 
 G. Washington Warren, 
 
 II. W. Wairen, 
 
 W. A. Williams, 
 
 Hamilton AVilli.s, 
 
 II. T. Woods.
 
 18 PILGRIMAGE TO \1RGIXIA 
 
 ST. JOHN'S EXCAMPMENT, NO. 1, OF PROMDENCE. 
 
 Under the jurisdiction of ^lassachusetts and Riiode Island. 
 
 William C. Barker, 31. E. G. Commander. 
 
 William B. Blandixg, Generalissimo. 
 
 Oliver Johxson, Captain-General. 
 
 J. B. BoRDEX, Prelate. 
 
 A. C. Eddy, Senior Warden. 
 
 George Amsdex, Junior Warden. 
 
 Hexry Butler, Treasurer. 
 
 Samuel B. Swax, Recorder. 
 
 G. T. SwARTS, Standard-Bear er. 
 
 A. B. Rice, Sword-Bearer. 
 
 Joiix Shepley, Warder. 
 
 E. B. White, Sentinel. 
 
 A. B. Gardxer, Third Guard. 
 
 Levi L. Webster, Second Guard. 
 
 Daxiel Wightmax, First Guard. 
 
 George Jexks, Armorer. 
 
 Henry Alden, G. F. Fales, 
 
 S. C. Ai-nold, C. B. Earns worth, 
 
 T. H. Barton, S. Fifield, 
 
 Joseph Belcher, Alfred W. Fisk, 
 
 Thomas Booth, A. B. Gardner, 
 
 Russell Briggs, E. Goddard, 
 
 B. J. Brown, C. A. Hall, 
 
 R. C. Brown, W. A. Haywood, 
 
 William H. Brown, Robert Henry, 
 
 William Butler, William Hicks, 
 
 F. W. Capron, Wilham Ingram, 
 
 James E. Carpenter, A. F. Jenks, 
 
 B. J. Chace, S. A. Jenks, 
 
 J. Cudworth, Jr. C. B. Manchester, 
 
 B. P. Cunningham, Perez Mason, 
 
 Charles R. Dennis, J. E. Morrill, 
 
 George Earle, E. J. Nightingale,
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 
 
 19 
 
 F. A. Page, 
 Stephen Payne, 
 E. F. Pendleton, 
 John ]M. Remington, 
 
 A. G. Russell, 
 
 G. A. Sagendorph, 
 J. S. Simmons, 
 
 B. A. Slocum, 
 George H. Smith, 
 
 Henrj- L. Smith, 
 Simri Smith, 
 Horace H. Snow, 
 E. J. Titcomb, 
 C. D. Tuttle, 
 E. W. Walker, 
 E. B. Williams, 
 Shepley W. Wilson.
 
 20 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGIXIA 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 Sunday in Washington. — Sermons of Eea'. William D. Haley 
 AND Eev. B, Sunderland. 
 
 Sunday morning, May 15th, the Sir Knights arose 
 refreshed with sleep, and their eyes were still further 
 refreshed with the sight of their baggage, piled up moun- 
 tains high in the office of the hotel. Their Sunday toilet 
 made and breakfast eaten, they repaired, at the hour of 
 morning service, to the First Unitarian Church, by invi- 
 tation, to listen to a sermon prepared expressly for the 
 occasion by the pastor of that church and congregation, 
 Rev. William D. Haley. This discourse was listened to 
 with much gratification by the Sir Knights. 
 
 Li the evening, an invitation having been extended to 
 the Encampments by Rev. B. Sunderland, of the Pres- 
 byterian Church, to attend the services at his place of 
 worsliip, they repaired thither at the hour appointed, and 
 were further edified by an excellent discourse from that 
 reverend gentleman. 
 
 On the same evening. Sir Knight Parkman, Com- 
 mander of the De Molay Encampment, at the desire of 
 his command, addressed a note to each of these reverend 
 gentlemen, with a request that they would permit their
 
 OF THE KMGHTS TEMPLARS. 21 
 
 discourses to be printed under the auspices of the En- 
 campment. 
 
 To Eev. Mr. Haley he addressed the following, and 
 received the subjoined reply: — 
 
 National Hotel, Washington, 
 May 15, 1859. 
 Rev. William D. Haley : — 
 
 Dear Sir Knight and Brother, — The Sir Knights of De 
 Molay Encampment, Boston, and their brothers accompany- 
 ing, Su" Knights of the St. John's Encampment, Providence, 
 who at your kind invitation were favored with the privilege of 
 listening to your eloquent discoiu-se this morning, deshe that it 
 should be printed, in order that its excellent precepts may 
 serve for the edification of others who were not so fortunate as 
 to accompany us on our Southern Pilgrimage. If the kindness 
 you have manifested toward us may be so far extended as to 
 furnish a copy of your address for pubhcation, you will confer 
 a great favor upon the Sir Knights from Boston and Provi- 
 dence, and upon 
 
 Yours, fraternally, 
 
 WILLIAM PARKMAN, 
 Commander of De Molay Encampment, Boston. 
 
 371 Third Sti-ect, Washington, 
 May 16, 1859. 
 
 Sir Kxight Parkmax: — 
 
 Dear Sir Knight and Brother, — Please convey to the Sir 
 Knights of De Molay and St. John's Encampments my grateful 
 thanks for theu* kind request. ]\Iy sermon was partly extem- 
 porized, and the manuscrij)t is not as well prepared as it might 
 have been for the hands of the printer. But if it is deemed 
 worthy of the press by tlie Sir Knights who listened to its de- 
 livery, I shall most cheerfully comply with their request, and 
 herewith transmit a copy, which is at your service. 
 
 While I am writing, permit me to express my deep regret,
 
 22 PILGEIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 and the keen sense of mortification felt by my congregation, 
 that by inadvertence, in taking up our usual contribution, we 
 should have taxed those whom we desired to treat as guests. 
 No woi'ds can express my humiliation over this mistake. 
 Fraternally yours, 
 
 WILLIAM D. HALEY. 
 
 SERMON. 
 
 " God forbid that I should glory, save hi the Cross of our Loi-d Jesus 
 Christ." — Gal.vtiaxs vi. 14. 
 
 The Cross has not always contained the same symbolism that 
 now belongs to it ; time was when it was a felon's badge, and 
 was shunned as indicating the last end of infamy. The great 
 prejudice against Christianity wliich existed in the first two or 
 three centuries of its histor}', arose mainly from the fact of 
 Christ's crucifixion ; and no wonder that the popular mind 
 revolted from the claims of Divinity set up in the name of one 
 who had perished in that ignominious way, when the greatest 
 of heathen orators fulminated his fiercest bolts against the head 
 of that tyrant who had actually crucified a Roman citizen. 
 
 Eighteen centuries have passed away, and the Cross every- 
 where meets us ; it has become the most honored symbol of 
 our race ; on hill-tops and in valleys, on banners, on churches, 
 and adorning the person, — everywhere we behold the Cross. 
 
 Now here is a fact which needs no hard logic for its demon- 
 stration, and no extraordinary mental endowments for its com- 
 prehension ; but it is a fact of the greatest importance, and 
 contains the most cheering evidence of the divinity and suffi- 
 ciency of the Christian religion. Through a period of nearly 
 nineteen centuries, an instrument of punishment most feared 
 and despised has been continually gaining a firmer hold of the 
 affections of mankind. I say a firmer hold, for, notwithstand- 
 ing the superstitious veneration paid to It during the dark 
 media?val days of fear, I doubt if ever the Cross had a deeper
 
 OF THE KXIGHTS TEMPLARS. 23 
 
 moi'al significance or a greater moral power than it has this 
 day ; and I hope the time will come when every church and 
 every house will contain that potent sign, — when indeed it will 
 become so potent that it may banish every vestige of Pagan- 
 ism, so that none may fear that his reverence for this great 
 Christian memorial will be considered idolatrous. 
 
 Xow lay aside all metaphysics and all polemics, and here is 
 proof immistakable and unassailable, that some great moral 
 power has at some period been connected with the Cross, so as 
 entirely to change its association in the human mind from 
 strong disgust to admiration and love. The Ci'oss of Christ 
 ■was made of ordinary wood, but while the timbers of all other 
 crosses have decayed and been forgotten, this symbol of the 
 Lord Jesus Christ has become unmortal, and its blood-stained 
 arms have never ceased to be eloquent enough to move the 
 heart and point the way to glory. Surely there is something 
 in this fact for the most sceptical to respect and consider. 
 You may say the Bible is a forgery and the miracles only Mes- 
 merism, you may rail at ordinances and sneer at priestcraft ; 
 Ijut here is a dumb form of w^ood which somehow becomes the 
 universally accepted sjinbol of tender Love, of enduring, 
 courageous Faith, of inspiring Hope, and world-wide Charity. 
 If this is imposture, then must all liumanity have conspired to 
 cheat itself. 
 
 I do not intend, liowever, to speak now of tlie theology of 
 the Cross ; — would God all men Avere willing to take from 
 it the divine moral power which it contains, and were also 
 content to allow the handwriting of dogmatism to be nailed to 
 it, never to be disturbed by mortal hands again ! I wish, in 
 the short time I shall require your attention, to consider its 
 Moral Symbolism, its religious, not its doctrinal aspects. 
 
 I. The Cross of Christ teaches the sublimest lesson of 
 Hope. 
 
 It is very natural f(jr us to feel in our desp(jii(lency, when 
 remorse, calamity, or bereavement overtakes us, that wc are 
 the greatest of earthly sufferers, that the heavy hand of the 
 Almighty is laid wrathfuUy upon us ; and then there is but a
 
 24 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 short transition from sorrow to desiDair. But when, in our 
 deepest trouble, the Cross flashes upon our vision, and we re- 
 member tliat Life, all devoted to goodness and mercy, everj- 
 moment of it used in the service of his Father in Heaven and 
 his brethren on earth ; when we remember the misfortune which 
 dogged his steps like a relentless fate, and the agony in which 
 his earthly career culminated, — we are forced to believe that 
 God may, for some wise object, permit suffering, may even 
 look down upon the cruellest martj-rdom of his creatures, and 
 still be kind, and have reserved in the treasury of heaven an 
 ample recomjiense. O, many a soul, all discouraged, and re- 
 fusing to be comforted by mortal words of condolence, has 
 looked tearfully upwards to the sky, and beheld, like Constan- 
 tino, a fiery cross beneath the sun, and on it the inscription, 
 " Ix HOC SIGXO VINCES ! " — By this sign thou shalt conquer! 
 But unlike that warlike prince, who only half interpreted the 
 meaning of the mysterious presage, and so inscribed it ujion mil- 
 itary standards to be the inspiration of physical conflicts, the 
 trusting, devout soul engraves the message upon the heart, and 
 bears it upon the leading banner in the warfare of endurance. 
 It is the symbol of hope to the weak, the tempted, even to 
 the fallen. In those hours when the spirit becomes faint and 
 its foes gain vantage-ground, — in those hours which make the 
 word Kepentance intelligible, — in those hours when the abase- 
 ment of the soul causes the majesty of God to seem very 
 awful and his presence very actual, — we turn from the cold 
 philosophies and jarring theories of men to that exhibition of 
 love with which the Cross is now for ever associated. In such 
 experiences we do not think of the possible effect of that won- 
 derful transaction upon the Almighty Will and purposes, we 
 do not relinquish our conviction of God's unchangeable and 
 everlasting mercy ; but we catch one rapturous glance of that 
 Great Sufferer, and he is taken to our bosom ; we hang upon 
 his last words, as the words of hope for us ; his promise to the 
 penitent thief lends a divine emphasis to his parable of the 
 Prodigal Son ; his wail of agony is forgotten in the triumphant 
 crv, " It is finished." And so we rise with him from our cross
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 25 
 
 to the glory above ; bitter as may be our self-reproaclies, 
 keen as may be our anguish, fearful as the darkness and rock- 
 ing earthquake that surround us, we catch one glimpse of the 
 Ascension Mount, and grow strong, and believe, and live. 
 There was more than ascetic fanaticism stirring in the hearts 
 of those old penitents, who, retiring from the world to seek 
 relief from sin, remorse, or bereavement, wearily and sadly 
 meditated iipon time and eternity in the gray cloisters of old 
 monasteries, and, as the soft strains of plaintive music dis- 
 turbed the moonlit silence, felt their hearts singing. In spite of 
 their sins or sorrows, that grand Jithilate which modern jDoetr}' 
 interprets thus : — 
 
 " In the Cross of Christ I glory, 
 
 Towering o'er the •vsTCcks of time ; 
 All the light of sacred story 
 Gathers round its head sublime. 
 
 " When the woes of life o'ertake me, 
 Hopes deceive, and fears annoy, 
 Never shall tlie Cross forsake me ; 
 Lo ! it glows with peace and joy. 
 
 "Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure, 
 By the Cross are sanctified ; 
 Peace is there that knows no measure, 
 Joys that tlu'ough all time abide." 
 
 Following these penitents to their poor cells, we should find 
 not much of comfort and nothing of luxury ; in those days 
 penance was not clothed in purple or fed sumptuously. " Lord 
 have mercy upon us, miserable sinners ! " had an awfully real 
 and imploring contrition attached to it ; instead of perfumes, 
 the last fashions, and smirking Pharisaism that would scorn a 
 heaven where there arc no carriages and parties, the accesso- 
 ries of tliis self-condemnatory petition then were sackcloth, and 
 scourgings till the sufferer fainted, and his or her body became 
 emaciated. The abode of these stern, old-fashioned penitents 
 had but few ornaments, and these consisted of a skull, an hour-
 
 26 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 glass to mark the rapid flight of their lives, and a crucifix 
 ■with the form of the Great Sufferer stretched upon it, as if in 
 his last agony. Looking in their lonely meditations upon that 
 skull which seemed with its lipless mouth to smile grimly at 
 the vanities, lusts, and ambitions of life, they grew humble as 
 they remembered that even the mind would one day leave its 
 temple vacant and return to Him who gave it ; the fast ebbing 
 sands in the hour-glass made them shudder, as the conviction 
 stole over them, that life was too short for penitence. And 
 then they turned for Hope to the Crucifix, and while their 
 hearts melted into sympathetic tears, their narrow rooms were 
 illuminated with glory as a vision of the Ascension filled their 
 souls with divine transports ; they knew they had washed away 
 their sins, and went foi'th no longer pilgrims, but Knights of 
 the consecrated Cross. 
 
 Those were days when symbols were more impressive than 
 now, because with the great mass of the people pictures and 
 forms were the only books. And yet it seems to me that we 
 might profit more than we do by symbols. It would not be 
 superstition or folly for us to seclude ourselves occasionally, 
 pilgrim-like, in some penitential cell, to reflect upon the shad- 
 ows we pursue, u^jon the idols we worship under the false 
 names of honor, distinction, wealth. It would be no loss to 
 us if some skull should be in our sight to remind us that we 
 are mortal ; it would not be wrong, I think, to look upon the 
 running sands in an hour-glass to quicken our conviction of 
 the brevity of human life ; it would not be idolatry, if, gazing 
 upon the Crucifix, we found ourselves weeping bitter tears 
 over our recreancy to Him who suffered so much for us ; and 
 if then, while our hearts were tender, some bright vision of 
 his triumphant ascension gladdened our sight, we should go 
 forth better armed and equipped for the Crusade of Life. 
 
 n. The Cross of Christ is the most appropriate svmbol 
 of Faith. 
 
 The coldest admirers of Jesus have wondered at his sublime 
 heroism, and from the day when his form was stretched on the 
 cruel tree, the Cross became the appropriate sj-mbol of sane-
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 27 
 
 tified, courageous Faith. So much true Faith hung upon it 
 that day, that a virtue of inspiration has clung about it and 
 <Tone forth from it ever since. When those who in the hour 
 of their Lord's extremity had deserted him, once more looked 
 upon that fatal Cross, a new energy possessed them, and, dis- 
 graceful as was the instrument of his suffering, they conde- 
 scended to no concealment, attempted no compromise with 
 popular prejvidice, but everywhere preached Christ and him 
 crucified. They were not content to rely, as they might have 
 done, upon the mighty words he had spoken, but into the ear 
 of Jew and Greek, high and low, they poured the whole story 
 of the Crucifixion, and the victory over death in the Resurrec- 
 tion and Ascension. And then, when the truths Christ had 
 revealed were placed beside the facts of his history, hard 
 hearts were melted, obdurate wills relented, and established 
 prejudices were swept away. It was a great miracle, this 
 entire revolution of the symbolic meaning of the Cross from 
 infamy to noblest Faith; but It was wrought by endurance 
 and courage. 
 
 In later times the Cross was worn as the symbol of faith 
 and courage by those rude but chivalric men, who, Insjiii-ed 
 by a knightly longing to rescue the Saviour's tomb from the 
 possession of the Moslemin, settled and ~ fortified rock-girt 
 Islands In mid-ocean, and from their fastnesses, maintained 
 at the price of exile from all that was dear to them, hurled 
 their power from time to time against the Saracenic hordes who 
 thronged the mainland. By these the Cross was deemed the 
 most fitting device for shield and banner and sword-hilt, and 
 after long and peiilous lives spent In obedience to their vews 
 to protect Innocence and vindicate the Christian religion, these 
 stern old iron-clad men asked no higher earthly distinction 
 than to sleep with their crossed feet pointing to the eastward ; 
 and in the Old World, cathedrals and moss-covered churches 
 are filled with the sculptured efiigles of those whose names 
 and honors time has obliterated, but whose crossed feet tell of 
 their zeal, and preach tluis to the distant centuries of the Faith 
 inspired by the Cross.
 
 28 PILGRIMAGE TO \aRGINIA 
 
 Brethren, there is a lesson for us in this page of history; -we 
 need not put on an armor of steel, or unsheathe the sword to 
 do war with wrong ; but we need every one of us to feel 
 that we have long enough worn the pilgi-im's garb, and mourned 
 and lamented over the world, — it is time now to go forth as 
 anointed knights to do battle with a thousand foes more subtle, 
 more vengeful than steel or gunpowder. Innocence suffers, 
 want pleads, blasphemy, lust, crime, all walk your streets in 
 broad daylight and flaunt their challenges in your faces. It 
 was an olden fancy that the sign of the Cross had power to 
 exorcise demons. And yet it was not all a fancy either ; for 
 the message is as fresh, and more potent, to-day, as when Con- 
 stantine fancied he discerned it in words of flame, " Ix HOC 
 SIGNO VINCES ! " By this sign thou slialt conquer ! — the sign 
 of endurance, the sign of labor, the sign of hope, the sign of 
 Faith, — it is under that sign that we must attack and over- 
 throw the cohorts of evil. And how much territory there is 
 for the occupation of the army of Universal Benevolence ! 
 
 We have tamed long enough in our lonely theological islands ; 
 let us engrave the Cross upon our weapons, gather all the 
 Christian army into one vast band, and under the old inspira- 
 tion of Faith march forward to victory. This brings us to the 
 last consideration which, owing to the short time I have had 
 for preparation, I propose to discuss. 
 
 III. The Cross is the symbol of Charity. 
 The outstretched arms of the Cross are mute preachers of 
 fraternity ; through all the weary centuries those dumb ora- 
 tors have been imploring humanity to abandon its digging 
 and raking amongst the rubbish of old temples, and to put 
 brotherly hands to the work of constructing a fairer edifice. 
 There is a temple building more beautiful than Solomon ever 
 dreamed of; noiselessly but rapidly it is rising from the ruins 
 of old superstitions and old atheisms. "WTien it shall be com- 
 pleted and the capstone elevated to its place, the edifice will 
 bear on its outer portals this inscriijtion : " Dedicated to God 
 for the worship of All Souls." The cement of that rare build- 
 ing is Charity ; not the mere doling out of occasional alms, but
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 29 
 
 tliat Charity wliicli extends to opinions and acts. AYe begin to 
 understand, and it is time for ns to have learned the lesson, 
 that the centre of all Christian theology is the Cross; that we are 
 all successors of those Apostles who, after the ascension of their 
 Master, wei*e scattered in divers directions, preaching in a vari- 
 ety of tongues, and by the use of different forms, the same Gos- 
 jiel. Mj- brethren, you very appropriately wear the Cross upon 
 your clothing, and carry it with you upon your banners and 
 regalia ; it is a great symbol, but its virtue can never be tested 
 until it is engraven upon every one of your hearts. It is not 
 enough that we have Faith and Hope, — greatly as these qual- 
 ities are needed by the Church and the world, — but what 
 says the Apostle ? " 2sow abideth Faith, Hope, Charity, these 
 three ; but the greatest of these is Charity." So, too, our 
 worldly experience and worldly wisdom would declare, " Tlie 
 greatest of these is Charity." jNIany a well-clad body contains 
 a tortured mind that needs sympathy, and yet the compassion 
 that would spring to relieve the want expressed by ragged 
 garments and bleeding feet is dammed up and turned into less 
 useful channels when this poor soul seeks fellowship and help. 
 I regret to say that many religious people seem to have sym- 
 pathy, compassion, philanthropy, advice, even money, for every- 
 thing that crotchety brains can devise ; but when theological 
 differences exist or arise, they seem to think the Inquisition 
 a very excellent institution, and in fancy calmly sit in the 
 judgment-seat while the torture racks the limbs and lacerates 
 the flesh of all dissenters. Would to God it were not neces- 
 sary to speak this word ; but as soldiers of the Cross, I adjure 
 you to remember the word of the shipwrecked Apostle, " The 
 greatest of these is Charity." 
 
 Let me say to you, my brethren Avho are here this morning 
 from two distant cities, both of which I know well, and love 
 much, that I am very grateflil to you for your attendance upon 
 my poor ministry ; I have spoken, as you know, some words 
 which it would not be proper for me more fully to explain. I 
 have very faintly drawn the outlines of some thoughts which 
 you can fill uj) more profitably than I can do it for you. Go
 
 30 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 forth, soldiers of the Cross ; bear your badge upon your hearts : 
 let us all live in peace, love, and unity. Accept my thanks for 
 your attention, and know that your presence here this morn- 
 ing will inci-ease, if such a thing be possible, my respect and 
 love for that great fraternity which is spread through all the 
 earth, visited by the glorious sun from the time of his rising in 
 the east, to the closing of the day in the west. 
 
 Finally, brethren, in your hours of trial, doubt, despondency, 
 or temptation, let the beatific vision nerve you for endurance 
 and struggle by reminding you of the promise, 
 
 '• In hoc sigxo yi>XES ! " 
 
 Rev. Mr. Sunderland forwarded bis Sermon, with the 
 following note to Sir Knight Parkman. 
 
 Washington, May 18, 1859. 
 To Sir Knight William Parkman : — 
 
 I have received the very grateful expressions of the Sir 
 Knights and Gentlemen of De Molay and St. John's Encamp- 
 ments, as conveyed through their resolution by yourself, and 
 while returning to you and to them my humble acknowledg- 
 ments for their partiality, I herewith also submit the manu- 
 script of the discourse to Avhich you refer, to be disposed of as 
 you may deem best. 
 
 I ought In justice to add, that I had no thought of its publi- 
 cation. I have no time to revise it, and a portion of the man- 
 uscript is already in the hands of Su- Knight Williams, I 
 believe for another purjiose. He can readily restore it, I 
 doubt not, and so make the best of an effort which, if it did 
 not altogether disappoint my audience, or has in any measure 
 served to strengthen in them those sublime principles to the 
 support of which we have devoted the substance of our lives, 
 I may regard myseF as not having entirely failed in contrib- 
 uting to some pleasing and permanent result. 
 
 Very truly, &c. 
 
 B. SUNDERLAND.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 31 
 
 S E R ]M O X . 
 
 " And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made 
 ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer, 
 nor axe, nor any tool of iron, heard in the house while it was in build- 
 ing." — 1 Kings vi. 7. 
 
 The temple of Solomon at Jerusalem is here meant. It 
 was the most magnificent structure ever raised by human 
 hands. It was after a divine pattern, and became the symbol 
 of spu'itual things. In this light let us consider the points 
 presented in the text. 
 
 1. How is a structure to be upreared for the service of Jeho- 
 vah, who is Maker of heaven and earth, and Lord of all ? It 
 is indeed of perishable material, and will pass away, but for the 
 ends to be subserved in its erection it is most wonderful and 
 glorious. 
 
 2. Again, its chief element was of prepared stone, — one 
 of the most enduring and imposing materials to be found in 
 nature ; and the stone was prepared away in distant places 
 before its transportation to Jerusalem, — it was quarried, hewn, 
 fitted, and polished, and finally brought by beasts of burden 
 into the city. 
 
 3. Again, this material was built in, and the house of God 
 was erected, in comparative silence, -there being no noise of 
 any instrument of iron in all the structure, — only human foot- 
 steps and the voice of man, and the low and steady hum of 
 labor, as of a busy hive in summer, and a certain hush on all 
 things, as under a pervading sanctity. And so the building 
 grew, and one development came out upon another, noiseless 
 but sublime, as all great things appear, not in the clamor and 
 violence of earth, but from the deep mysteries of God's pro- 
 founder silence. 
 
 4. Consider, again, the profusion and variety, the manifold 
 sources and the stupendous costliness of the materials, which 
 composed that structure. The staple element was the granite
 
 32 PILGRIMAGE TO \TPvGIXIA 
 
 and marble of tlie earth ; but then there was gold and silver 
 and brass and h-on ; then the finest beams of cedar, and fir, and 
 all manner of choicest Tvcods ; then decorations of precious 
 stones, and carved work, and splendid appointments, with all 
 the finest hangings of curtains of richest texture and most 
 brilliant dye. A levy was laid upon all the kingdoms of na- 
 ture and all the sovereignties of man to furnish out this temple 
 of the living God. 
 
 5. Consider, again, the labor bestowed on the building : 
 first, in the plan of it, then in the preparation of it, then in its 
 actual construction. David, while king, spent his thoughts 
 thereon. He collected for its erection what was equal to 
 forty-eight thousand tons of gold and silver, besides immense 
 quantities of other materials. He secured the most skilful 
 artificers and mechanics for every part of it, and gave the 
 design, plan, and location, but died without seeing a single step 
 taken in its erection. Then came Solomon, his son, the wisest 
 of all the monarchs, who took in hand the magnificent enter- 
 prise. But he was not sufiicient, and so entered into a league 
 with Hiram, the king of Tyre ; and these two wrought upon it 
 with all the means in their power. It is said, indeed, that there 
 was another ; but he fell a victim to the violence of subordi- 
 nates, and was not. The number of workmen employed, it is 
 said, was no less than 184,000, of whom 3,600 were masters, 
 80,000 hewers of wood, 70,000 drawers of water, and 30,000 
 men of the Jews skilful in all the arts of design and of cunning 
 handicraft, — besides the multitudes of camels and dromedaries 
 used in the work of transportation. Look now away into the 
 forests and mountain fastnesses of Lebanon ; go down into the 
 rough gorges and mines of the earth, and see the gangs of men 
 at work ; hear the dull sound of drUl and hammer that comes 
 up the sunken shaft, or the resounding axe that rings far oflT 
 through the woods where stalwart arms are hewing down the 
 trees. Go into ever so many shops and places of human inge- 
 nuity along the coasts of Sidon, and see there the confusion 
 of blocks and timbers yet unhewn, and note how human toU 
 keeps on from morn to night, tasking so many sinews, and cov-
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 33 
 
 ering so many brows with the sweat of labor. Stand, then, 
 in the gates of Jerusalem, and see the trains of men and beasts 
 of burden coming in daily from all quarters, on every road, — 
 from the mines and the foi'ests, from the mountains and the 
 plains, from the distant tents of the workmen, from the busy 
 marts and havens of the sea, — and bringing with them an- 
 other quota to be laid in its place in that sjilendid pile. Can 
 anything be conceived more truly inspiring than this busy en- 
 terprise, that wrought up that old Hebrew temple which, at 
 the end of seven and a half years, stood there complete in all 
 its glory and magnificence, the joy of Jerusalem, and the most 
 noble edifice the world has ever seen ? 
 
 6. For consider, again, the objects and associations of that 
 sacred structure. It was to be emphatically and pre-eminently 
 the house of the ineffable God ; there should He be in visible 
 presence, shining over the ark of the covenant between the 
 wings of cherubim ; there should be the oracles of eternal 
 wisdom and the responses of the Divine Will to man ; there 
 should be the Aaronic priesthood ; there a thousand sacrifices 
 foreshowing the lineage of Shiloh, and keeping alive among 
 men the coming day of a more perfect and unlimited expia- 
 tion ; there should be the morning and the evening worship, 
 as when a nation's heart bows down in recognition of the Lord 
 of all ; there should be the people's great public and religious 
 festivals ; thither should all men turn their faces in devotion. 
 In that asylum of sanctity, of security, and of succor might 
 the tribes repose, around it the national enthusiasm swell, and 
 there all high-born sentiments of pui'ity, of patriotism, of piety, 
 and of ])atriarclial pride should cluster. The poor and the 
 unfortunate should there find refuge, the exile and the captive 
 turn thither with longing heart ; the children of sorrow should 
 there find consolation, and the sinful and erring should there 
 come for penitence, for sacrifice, and for absolution ; — while 
 prophets and princes, priests and kings, and all the mighty 
 men, should gaze on that proud symbol of their nation's historic 
 glory, and kindle with many memories and hopes, as from age 
 3
 
 34 PILGRIMAGE TO \aRGDaA 
 
 to age, through so many generations, the fire still glowed 
 upon the altar, and the trumpet of the Levite announced the 
 hour of worship. Nay, more, it was the dwelling-place of 
 many an unseen ministry of God, and angels seem to have 
 trodden those consecrated courts, and watched for centuries 
 the coming of Him whose feet at last stood in the temple as 
 he cried : " I am the better Sacrifice ! I am the Resurrection 
 and the Life." Nay, this house, after many reverses and 
 changes of splendor and of gloom, through a thousand years, 
 beheld the final mystery of the crucifixion of the Son of God, 
 and trembled in that hour when its vail was rent in twain from 
 the top to the bottom ; and after a few years of lingering deso- 
 lation, the sad departing angels sung their final dirge over 
 the doomed wonders of Moriah, and the walls fell before the 
 Roman cohorts, who made the spot as a ploughed field, over 
 which ages of invasion and despotism have been rolling until 
 now. 
 
 I said this house was emphatically a symbol of spiritual 
 things. I want now to show some analogies between the 
 points considered and the building up of the human soul, — 
 which is in itself a spiritual thing, the creation and the 
 temple of the living God. We often speak of human char- 
 acter, which is really nothing less than the shape and nature 
 which the soul of man takes on in its growth and develop- 
 ment here under the discipline and culture of our probation. 
 At first the soul is not buUt, — it is but a germ or spiritual 
 principle of immortality, susceptible of action and increment 
 to the designed and desii-ed result. Education is the spiritual 
 erection of the soul, which, according to the divine idea of its 
 existence, admits of enlargement and elevation in three dis- 
 tinct operations, of the sensibilities, the intellect, and the wUl, 
 or of the feelings, thoughts, and pui-poses of the mind. Our 
 consciousness attests the action and operation of building up 
 the soul in these three phases of our being, and they cover 
 all the manifold movements and affections of our experience. 
 See, then, what a creation and what a structure here is to be 
 made for God, — a spiritual and immortal structure to be alive
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 35 
 
 and grander in proportion wlion all the material fabrics of 
 this fair and wondrous creation are powdered into dust, a 
 temple for the dwelling and delight of our adorable Creator. 
 And every man has such a soul, to become such a temple, or 
 else to be the dwelling-place of all abominations ; that is the 
 alternative, and with it goes inevitably hand in hand our 
 everlasting happiness or misery, on it stand the joys of heaven 
 or the pains of hell. Think then of this, you whose souls are 
 building here on earth. Some of you are well-nigh finished, 
 and He that is to occupy will soon take up in the house of 
 your spiritual existence his everlasting dwelling. O shall it 
 be the bright conclave of sinless angels, and the august pres- 
 ence of the Heavenly Father, or shall it be the infernal furies 
 of perdition, — the giant of Remorse and the grim demon of 
 Despau' ? There in you is the house preparing : day by day 
 up goes the structure. Weeks and months and years add all 
 their quota, and every rolling sun and every passing midnight 
 sees the soul growing to completion. At length it will be 
 finished, and to the capstone brought forth with shouting, 
 Heaven shall set its seal of approbation with high hosannas 
 " of grace, grace unto it," or hell will groan in all its horrors 
 over the completion of a polluted spu-it. 
 
 2. Consider again the spiritual material which enters into 
 the buUding of the soul. There is but one element in all the 
 universe that can strengthen and adorn the building, and that, 
 like the hewn stone of the Hebrew temple, is the everlasting 
 ti-uth of Jehovah. Next to God himself is the spu-ituality and 
 eternity of God's truth, — truth in all its aspects and relations, 
 truth in all its attributes and qualities ; for this must underlie 
 and form the very substance of all the soul's affections, plans, 
 and purposes; it must be the material of all our wishes, 
 thoughts, and resolutions, in order that our spiritual structure 
 may stand the test and scrutiny of ages. No mind can abide 
 the action of an everlasting, conscious being, that is not built 
 on the truth and of the truth, for such spiritual substance 
 alone is ever during, and cannot be dissolved ; the soul is 
 unable to have strength and power which is not formed of the
 
 36 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 truth of God. Sins and delusions may indeed be laid in the 
 structure of our spii-itual being, but they will fill it with 
 corruption, and render it at last a very den of iniquity. Ask 
 youi'selves, then, fellow-men, of your own conscious experi- 
 ence, what is the substance of your emotions, your frames of 
 feeling, your many tempers of mind, that daily and hourly 
 appear looking out upon you from within as this spiritual work 
 of the soul's building proceeds apace, and what is the sub- 
 stance of your thoughts, as well as of your study, your constant 
 mental toil. What is it that enters into your convictions, your 
 understanding, and your judgment, making up the whole pro- 
 portion of your spii'itual estate ? What is it which forms the 
 substance of your will, your determinations, your motive and 
 excursive powers ? What makes up the object of your hopes, 
 your aspirations, your foresight and ambition ? what engrosses 
 your constant activities, absorbs and takes you up in all your 
 conscious being, — your life, your conduct, your example, and 
 your influence ? Because whatever it may be that is the 
 material out of which your soul is being constructed, that 
 enters as a chief essential into your personal identity, and 
 forms the element of your good or ill, your joy or woe, your 
 glory or your gloom for ever. Then can you not decide it, — 
 truth or falsehood, righteousness or iniquity, virtue or vice, 
 the good series or the bad series, one or the other constantly 
 building the character of every one of us, and in that build- 
 ing as constantly foreshowing our individual and final doom ? 
 And is it not worth our while to pause under this inevitable 
 consequence of our being, and ask what we are daily doing 
 to our souls, what materials of feeling and of thought and of 
 purpose we are laying up on the walls, and what we are 
 allowing others to do to our souls, and what is being done to 
 them by others without our will, and what we are doing to 
 and for the souls of others, what we are fitting for ourselves 
 and what for our fellow-men ? 
 
 And, moreover, I do conceive that it is one of the most 
 thrilling conditions of our existence, that these materials 
 which are to go to make up our soul's temple are fitting, and
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 37 
 
 have been fitting, and will be incessantly fitting around us, 
 near and remote, in ever so many places, associations, circles, 
 pursuits, and combinations. Our frames of mind are cast and 
 laid in spite of us, out of ever so many contingencies, often 
 from tlie merest casualties of the day, and sometimes from 
 things which break in a mighty sweep, like the thundering 
 avalanche or the giant floods. Our thoughts are being hewn 
 from many a vast quarry of the world ; nay, the whole crea- 
 tion is laid bare, and all her stores are seamed and riven to 
 furnish forth the substance of the human soul. All the soci- 
 eties of earth, all the empires of man in ten thousand 
 prospects open with the hewn stone prepared and fitted for 
 some strong masonry in the uprising fabric of our spiritual 
 nature, and every day and every hour lays on some new 
 material, for the soul must be built for God or for the demons. 
 This is the irrevocable law. Then, I say, since truth only, and 
 more than all, that truth which God has himself prepared to go 
 into this imperishable structure, is above all price, and indis- 
 pensable to the proper erection, does it not become every one 
 of us to guard against its displacement in the spiritual devel- 
 opment of our being ? Nay, is it not our most solemn duty to 
 see that it is not excluded, distorted, broken, and dishonoi'ed ? 
 Tradition informs us, that the keystone of the ancient temple 
 of Solomon was discovered by some imder-workmen who knew 
 neither its place nor its value. An unhappy casualty had 
 consigned it to the refuse and the rubbish of those long years 
 of toil, and the temple remained long unfinished, because 
 there was none able to supply the proportions and the exacti- 
 tude of that capstone of the splendid fabric. Well, now God 
 has given us the capstone of the soul in the truth of his 
 revealed wisdom. There it is in the Bible, the sacred volume 
 of inspiration. And the hallowed building of the human 
 spirit shall remain for ever unfompletcd, till the great arch 
 of its mightiest gateways Ijc filled by that crown and perfec- 
 tion. O, then, look into the quarry of truth which God has 
 opened there, take thence the chosen stones already prejiarcd, 
 take hence the comely promises, take hence the pillars of 
 
 45r>661
 
 38 PILGRIMAGE TO MRCmiA 
 
 instruction, take lience the corner-stones of faith and hope 
 sCnd charity and patience ; take hence the chapiters of all 
 gracious decorations, for all those stones are fitted long ago, 
 and polished and prepared, and the providence of God, and 
 the Church of God, and the living ministry, and the dispen- 
 sation of the Spirit, and manifold prevailing prayers, and 
 countless opportunities, will bring them to us and lay them 
 each in its place on the growing structure of our soul's honor. 
 O, see that they are not lost in the litter and refuse of the 
 world ! O, see they are not trampled under foot of men, and 
 cast out in the mouldering heaps of men's philosophies and the 
 rotting delusions of successive generations ! The hay and 
 stubble which the world has heaped out of its void imagina- 
 tions, its infidel arrogance, and science falsely so called, for 
 ages, — ah me ! that is not the material wherefrom to build a 
 human soul. The atheistic literature, the profane romance, 
 the cavilling speculations, and all the deep abysm of human 
 vagaries which darkens down to perdition, — this shall not 
 furnish a single element to go into the illustrious temple of the 
 human soul, but only those great hewn stones of God, right 
 excellent for shape and beauty, and imperishable for ever. 
 All else the last fire shall burn them up ; but these, purified the 
 more in every conflagration, shall stand before God, at once 
 the chief substance and the crowning ornament of eternity. 
 
 3. But consider again the analogy of silence. The temple 
 of Solomon was built without clamor or violence. So, also, is 
 the temple of the spirit of man. Noise and the din of labor 
 there must be away in the gorges where the materials are 
 gathered, — and this explains what we know of the ceaseless 
 tumult and violence of the present probation ; but when it 
 comes to the spiritual growth of a Christian soul, to the laying 
 up its wishes, thoughts, and purposes in the awful sanctity of 
 our own hidden consciousness, then there must be, there is, no 
 sound of axe or of hammer or any instrument of violence. 
 And this too is one of the most awful and soul-subduing mys- 
 teries of God. All great processes of growth in man and nature 
 are silent, as though it were a fearful thing to be built. He
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEJIPLAES. 39 
 
 that witli heedless noise and superficial uproar rushes about 
 the edifice where a soul is building up for heaven, violates the 
 sanctity of that august development, and obstructs the way of 
 its progress. O Christian, you that see no advancement, that 
 hear no movement, that observe no agitation of your own soul, 
 and, often cast down, begin to fear that no work of grace is 
 begun in you, think not so. When the walls of your spiritual 
 house are laid, God will have no noise ; too hallowed is that 
 work, too much like God himself, too like to Heaven's own 
 holiness, to be mixed with the outcry and confusion of the per- 
 turbed and sacrilegious world. Away in the deepest solitude, 
 in the most profound retnement, — away under the perceptions 
 of our own consciousness, — yea, down behind and beyond all 
 the penetrations of our sharpest sensations, — come the hidden 
 workmen, to lay on — by what process we know not, nor when, 
 nor how — but nevertheless to lay on the carved and polished 
 courses of the soul's magnificent and ever-growing structure, 
 as though some companies of angels, with spirit feet treading 
 lightly round the chambers of the mind, bore thither the sub- 
 stance of our immortality and built it up for us, while we, in 
 this more gross and outward earthly being, may sit weeping 
 in our woe, and almost ready to despair. O thou trembling 
 child, all timid and full of fears, all darkened and full of doubts, 
 for years misgiving in thine own heart, and mourning against 
 thyself that there has been no noise in thee, — that thou hast 
 never heard the din and shouting, the violence and excitement 
 of the great popular religious commotion, that thou hast never 
 felt the surging wave of a great enthusiasm wafting thee to 
 the stars, and thinking, may be, on this account, that thou art 
 not of them who are building for heavenly glory, — be appeased 
 and satisfied, as thou shalt learn that God's most precious things 
 are formed in silence, that it is prayer and watching, waiting 
 and patience, which build the soul. While the temple of his 
 worship is rising, he puts his hand on every clamorous insur- 
 gent, he holds back all the clang and turbulence of human 
 agencies, and lets the soul rise in majestic silence far up into 
 the celestial beauty and pattern of his own glorious image.
 
 40 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 Then do not pine and murmur at this economy. There ■will be 
 shouting enough by and by, yea, and hosannahs musical as the 
 harps of Paradise, in the final jubilation. Silence and awe 
 now, and deep mysterious toil ; but yonder, joy and pealing 
 anthems when aU the work is done, and the spirit of man 
 receives for ever the altar of incense and the beams of the 
 Shechinah. 
 
 4. Need I dwell on a fourth point of analogy, — the variety 
 and costliness of the things which enter into this spiritual con- 
 struction of man ? As I have said, truth fii'st and chief, the 
 prepared truth of God, and then this in all profusion of forms 
 and decorations, — all grand old doctrines, all noble sentiments, 
 all gentle graces bedecking the mind of man, — truth in the 
 sweet humanities and the grateful amenities of life, — truth in 
 the unflinching integrity of justice, and in the flaming heroism 
 of high-souled magnanimity and honor. I need not describe 
 to you the bearing and dignity of a man to whose possession 
 and proper exercise all the ministries of heaven have brought 
 their contributions. Who can tell the value of such a combi- 
 nation ? Who can weigh the worth of such a royal appoint- 
 ment ? So many halls of highest wisdom, so many courts 
 of fairest generosity, so many burning lights of human joy, 
 so many scented beams of blessed constancy, so many shin- 
 ing mirrors reflecting everywhere the luxury of human ben- 
 efaction, and all redolent of the savor of God's i^erpetual 
 worship, all giving present support to the life and future prom- 
 ise to the hope of the human spirit, — say, is not that a costly 
 and stupendous structure into which all the great things of 
 God, of heaven, of immortaUty are builded ? And if, O Chris- 
 tian ! thy soul be such, so full of treasures, — yea, and the lamps 
 that kindle other souls, — how ought thou to guard and cher- 
 ish it evermore, — how ought thou to tend it, walking about its 
 palaces and marking well its bulwarks, ceaseless as the vestal's 
 vigil, faithful at thy sentry-post, watchman of Heaven going 
 thy rounds on earth, and sending back thy answer evermore 
 to each celestial warder's call, " Watchman, what of the 
 night ? " — " All is well ! all 's well ! "
 
 OF THE KXIGHTS TEMPLARS. 41 
 
 5. Then it can hardly be necessary for me either to dwell 
 on the number and kinds of laborers employed in this erection 
 for eternity. The great King himself has devised and pre- 
 pared for it, — nay, the trifold sovereignty of Godhead is 
 embarked upon it. God in his fatherhood has gathered the 
 materials, and lo ! a greater than Solomon has entered on the 
 work, — nay, more than the Sj^rian monarch comes to his 
 assistance, — and under these all the angels and ministers of 
 grace in all the empire of the universe, all great angelic 
 minds, all skilful workmen, yea, and the more subordinate 
 creatures of God, both animate and inanimate, and the grosser 
 ones and the rude and rough countless host ! By these the 
 eternal toil goes on, to fit and bring together and lay up in 
 the soul its own everlasting construction. O, then, here is 
 another solemn verity of life, making it so sacred and of 
 uncounted value. You that feel yourselves alone, you that 
 walk solitary, cut off, as you suppose, from the symj^athies 
 and relationships of men, you that are thrust back into obscu- 
 rity, and no longer dilate on the open walks of social conspi- 
 cuity, — you that feel that none cares for your soul, — do not 
 give way to this untimely melancholy. All the wheels of 
 nature revolve for you, all the live spirits of Jehovah leap on 
 their way for you ; for you the world stands, and the course of 
 centuries proceeds; for you the entire procession of God's 
 vast ministries goes mustering on, and each in his turn hands 
 down to the place of your spiritual building just the fit mate- 
 rial designed fi-om the beginning. Think not, then, you are 
 overlooked or neglected, but hold fast on to tlie promises of 
 Heaven, and see how time shall fulfil the oracle, and finally 
 finish all the work. O tried heart, this is no vain fantasy. 
 Providence is patient, so be thou ; Providence is punctual, so 
 be thou; Providence will sound the hour of consummation, 
 and then, thy conflict ended, thy toil all done, thou shalt hear 
 the plaudits of yonder world, as when a gala-day has dawned. 
 
 6. Then the ultimate ends and aims of such a building of 
 the soul, its origin, its history, its progress and final ])('rl('ction, 
 — this, too, was svmbolized in the building of the Hebrews.
 
 42 PILGRIMAGE TO MRGINIA 
 
 But I sliall only pause to say that we now know but in part, 
 and we prophesy but in part, for it hath not yet entered into 
 the heart of man to conceive the things which God hath pre- 
 pared for tliem that love him. "What Heaven really is, we 
 can only faintly guess ; what an immortality of blessedness is, 
 we can only dimly dream ; what that presence of God is, who 
 dwelleth in light unapproachable and full of glory, we cannot 
 imagine, much less describe ; — but we know this, that the soul 
 constructed as we have now intimated shall enter into all this 
 through a duration that is without change or end, and that all 
 this probationary life is but one sharp section of the eternal 
 order of progression in which the supreme Jehovah is rearing 
 the monuments of his own living grace and power, and that 
 all the movements and tutelages and discipline of this life, 
 whether to the individual or to associated humanity, are but 
 one act of preparation for the deeper and more momentous 
 reahties which lie before us, — that everj-thing here, great as it 
 may be, strange as it may be, costly as it may be, complicated 
 and protracted as it may be, is only preliminary to the more 
 august events which the future will disclose. God made and 
 meant the spirit of man not merely for time and earth, but 
 mainly for eternity and the high field of those immortal doings 
 and deserts. When the building is finished, sure then these 
 time-scaffoldings will fall away, and the light of other worlds 
 will shine around, and the soul will stand revealed, bearing 
 the everlasting impress of her own changeless destiny. 
 
 But there is one feature of the economy of God in the 
 experience of man on earth, which stands out most marked 
 and impressive, to which I will, in concluding, advert. I 
 have spoken in this train of reflection of this world as our pro- 
 bation, and of the soul as in process of construction for a 
 higher and better state. I have alluded to. the fact, that all 
 the agencies of God are out on this great enterprise ; and so 
 of course I mean to include all that series of apparently 
 unpropitious and adverse events by which we are brought 
 into tribulation, and which seem to throng about us with 
 cares and losses, and many hours of desolation, when the mind
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 43 
 
 grows gloomy and distracted, and we feel that all these things 
 are against us. None of you can have lived so long without 
 knowing to what sorrow and bitterness of heart I now allude, 
 and the memory of past occurrences only fills you with appre- 
 hensions for the future. Your path seems thronged Avith a 
 train of hideous and repugnant forms of affliction, from which 
 you shrink with a trembling and affrighted spirit. But so to 
 an observer standing in the gateways of Jerusalem, as he 
 beheld the uncouth beasts of burden wending in their way 
 from many cpiarters to the central summit of Moriah, — those 
 huge and rejjugnant beasts, those swarthy and toil-worn crea- 
 tures of the mountain and the wilderness, working their slow 
 and weary way to the sacred hill of David. But they brought 
 the pillai-s of the temple, yea, and all its goodly decorations. 
 Here, then, see the messengers from which you shrink in your 
 own life experience. This afflictive Providence, which makes 
 you start aghast ; this sudden stroke of sorrow, which has filled 
 you with alarm ; this unexpected struggle, which has fallen on 
 you with a consuming power, — they are all dromedaries of the 
 desert, laden with richest things prepared of God by some wise 
 workman of his choosing, for the better building of your soul 
 for heaven. Take courage, then, and do not pine. AVhen 
 you see a train of trials coming, though ever so forbidding 
 in their look, remember they are the dromedaries from the 
 desert, sent of the Great INIaster to add another course to your 
 spirit as it goes up through these mists of time, one glorious 
 building to be perfected yonder.
 
 44 PILGRIMAGE TO \lPvGDslA 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 From Washington to Richmond. — A Dirge for ]Mount Ver- 
 non. — Governor Wise welcomes the Sir Knights. — First 
 Taste of Virginia Hospitality. — Reception by the Rich- 
 mond Commandery. — Visit to the Theatre, and a Floral 
 Ovation. 
 
 Our excursionists passed a quiet Sabbath in Wash- 
 ington, listening to the sermons contained in the previous 
 chapter, and observing in a proper spirit the sacred char- 
 acter of the day. As the sun Avas descending, a few ven- 
 tured to inspect the Capitol, the White House, and some 
 other objects of interest, and in the evening a concert of 
 sacred music was given by Gilmore's Band in the vesti- 
 bule of the National Hotel, which was listened to Avith 
 great pleasure. 
 
 At six o'clock on Monday morning the Sir Knights 
 embarked on the Potomac River in the steamer Mount 
 Vernon for Aquia Creek. The weather was delightful, 
 and, as they glided down the beautiful river, all nature 
 seemed to smile upon the panorama of water, wooded 
 banks, and green fields. Breakfast was obtained on 
 board the boat. 
 
 About eight o'clock the boat passed Mount Vernon, 
 where AVashington lived and died, and where his sacred 
 dust is deposited. When the spot was pointed out, Gil- 
 more's Band, at the request of the De Molays, played a
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAES. 45 
 
 dirge, Avith great musical expression and effect. The 
 emotions which crowded upon the minds of the company 
 while passing this illustrious ground were too deep for 
 any audible expression; the gentlemen looked grave, 
 and the ladies shed tears. It Avas a touching tribute 
 to that man whose memory will for ever be as green 
 in American hearts as were the fields and forests of 
 Mount Vernon that day. 
 
 When the steamer arrived at Aquia Creek, the whistle 
 of the Richmond train was heard ; and on landing, the Sir 
 Knights were met by a reception committee of the Rich- 
 mond Commandery, of which Sir Knight John H. Bozier 
 was chairman, who had met the excursionists at Wash- 
 ington. 
 
 His Excellency, the Governor of Virginia, Henry A. 
 Wise, who had just arrived in the train from Richmond, 
 was in the Depot, and when the Encampments were 
 drawn up in line. Governor Wise was introduced to Com- 
 mander Sir William Parkmnn, of the De Molay Encamp- 
 ment, by Sir Knight John F. Regnault, of the Richmond 
 Commandery, who said, "Most Eminent Grand Com- 
 mander and Sir Knights of Boston and Providence, it 
 affords me pleasure to introduce to you the Governor of 
 Virginia, Avho will welcome you to her soil and her hospi- 
 tality." 
 
 His Excellency addressed them in a welcoming speech, 
 which was an earnest of the kind reception they met 
 afterwards everywhere in Virginia. He said : — 
 
 " We meet you and greet you by the mystic tic of brother- 
 hood which exists in every land. We meet you as patriots, — 
 men of the same common country. You are no strangers here 
 in Virginia; for we live in a land of the largest hberty, — 
 thank God ! it is a large land. I go to your land, and although
 
 46 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 no man knows me, and though I own no house there, yet there 
 is one house, the Hancock House, that old ball-room of the 
 Boston Tea Party, which is mine as well as yours. Faneuil 
 Hall is there, which is mine too. 
 
 " And here in Virginia is Mount Vernon, and that is yours ; 
 and here are Yorktown and Old Raleigh, and they are yoursi 
 And Virginia is yours also ! Sir Knights, I greet you not only 
 as Masons and patriots, but I greet you socially. The citizens 
 of Richmond are your fellow-citizens, and you will find their 
 houses open to receive you. I am sorry that I too cannot be 
 with you, — that business imperatively calls me away. But I 
 have left the Executive Mansion open for you, and have left 
 orders that its beds, its larder, and all it contains, shall be at 
 your disposal. I feel compelled to caution you, my friends, 
 against one thing in Richmond. According to your 'Auto- 
 crat of the Breakfast-Table,' the people of Boston consider 
 that the axletree of the universe sticks out in your city at one 
 end, and we think that the other end sticks out in Richmond. 
 Now we have a way of putting a hub on the end of that axle- 
 tree which strangers would never suspect was a wheel, and of 
 putting a stranger on that wheel and spinning him around 
 untQ he becomes dizzy. There is one arch-enemy of strangers 
 there whose name, when whispered in the ear, rhymes with 
 ' Old Nick,' * and although he is not ' Old Nick,' I must warn 
 you particularly against him. But, gentlemen, I leave you 
 in good hands, and with a welcome to all the houses in Rich- 
 mond." 
 
 Governor "Wise's speech was received with cheers and 
 laughter, and his earnest and genial manner made a 
 profound impression upon the visiting Sir Knights. As 
 soon as the Governor had concluded, the signal for de- 
 parture was given, and the train proceeded towards Eich- 
 mond. 
 
 * This was an allusion to Richard 0. Haskins, a past Com- 
 mancler of the Richmond Commanderv.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 47 
 
 The trip from Aquia Creek was delightful in every 
 respect. The sky Avas bright, and the Virginia landscapes 
 "were decked in Nature's fairest charms. The committee, 
 or advanced guard of the Richmond Commandery, had 
 determined to give their visitors a foretaste of Yu-ginia 
 hospitality, and they had made the forward car of the 
 train a forerunner of the good time coming. The 
 seats had been removed from the car, and through its 
 centre a table loaded with a profusion of refreshments 
 was spread. There was an excellent lunch provided, 
 and nothing that is fitted to assuage thirst in the most 
 satisfactory manner was wanting. Servants were em- 
 ployed in traversing the cars to supply the Sir Knights 
 with the refection, and to many of them who had taken 
 but little breakfast on board the boat, it was most grate- 
 ful, and will be remembered long by them as the first 
 instalment of the bountiful hospitality they received in 
 Virginia. 
 
 "When the train arrived at Fredericksburg, the visiting 
 Knights were invited to step from the cars, and on doing 
 so they were introduced to the Mayor of that city, John 
 L. Marye, Esq., who made an eloquent speech, welcom- 
 ing them to the ancient town. Pie said: — 
 
 I have been deputed by the bretliren of the mystic tie in 
 Fredericksburg to give you, upon this your entrance upon the 
 soil of Virginia, a brother's welcome. And allow me to say, 
 that the sentiment with which we greet you is not confined to 
 the Masonic brotherhood, but you will find it springing up to 
 greet you wherever you may go in this old Commonwealth. 
 The principles of your noble Order entitle you to that esteem 
 and cordial welcome, but there are also other reasons which 
 entitle you to our hospitalities. You come from the land of 
 Bunker Ilill, from that glorious old State whose soil, like the 
 soil of Virginia, was baptized with the best Ijlood of tlic llevo-
 
 48 PILGRIMAGE TO ^^RGINIA 
 
 lution. You are the descendants of the men, and the repre- 
 sentatives of the men, who heart to heart and hand to hand 
 with our fathers met the shock, and, animated by a common 
 patriotism, established the independence and the institutions 
 of this country. And allow me, Sir Knights, to remind you 
 that you now stand on the very play-ground of Washington, 
 and in sight of his mother's grave. In the ]\Iasonic Lodge 
 in this city, too, he was initiated into Masonry, and took the 
 degrees of the craft. 
 
 Is it not fit that on such a spot we, the members of distant 
 parts of this great country, should meet in fraternal inter- 
 course ? I hope that your visit may not only be productive of 
 social intercourse and good feeling, but may result in a better 
 knowledge and a better understanding between the citizens of 
 Virginia and the citizens of Massachusetts. 
 
 Sir Knight William Parkman, Eminent Grand Com- 
 mander of the De Molays, replied appropriately to the 
 Fredericksburg Mayor. He said that last year liis com- 
 mand and himself had enjoyed the pleasure of forming an 
 acquaintance with a Commandery of their Virginia breth- 
 ren, and therefore they were not surprised at receiving 
 a warm reception, when they crossed the boundaries of 
 Virginia. He was happy to come from the precincts of 
 Bunker Hill and Dorchester Heights, to visit the historic 
 ground of the Old Dominion ; and in behalf of all the Sir 
 Knights from New England, he begged leave to tender 
 most hearty thanks for the kind reception they had met 
 with in Fredericksburg. 
 
 Three cheers were then given for His Honor, the Mayor 
 of Fredericksburg, by the Pilgrim Knights. The repre- 
 sentatives of Virginia present sent up a hearty response, 
 and the attention of the company was then directed to 
 some refreshment-tables spread upon the platform of the 
 Depot, upon which were certain huge bowls filled with
 
 OF THE KXIGHTS TEMPLARS. 49 
 
 that delectable compound used so mucli in Riehmond for 
 oiling the axletree spoken of by Governor Wise, — the 
 axletree of that wheel whose "main spoke" is the julep- 
 ladle. 
 
 The party soon resumed their seats in the cars, and 
 were whirled along to Eichmond in a happy frame of 
 mind. The Richmond committee kept the banquet spread 
 in the forward car, replenishing it at every point wher- 
 ever a sign of giving out began to appear, and their 
 servants Avere constantly perambulating the cars with 
 wherewithal to supply those who were "backward in 
 coming forward." In short, these Richmond Saint Johns 
 of the coming era of hospitality succeeded in making their 
 visitors extremely comfortable during the entire trip from 
 Aquia Creek to their home. 
 
 Tlie pilgrims arrived in Richmond at half past three 
 o'clock, P. M. The Richmond Encampment, E. H. Gill, 
 Commander, were on the ground, and a large concourse 
 of people was assembled to witness the arrival. The De 
 Molays and their Providence friends formed under the 
 escort of the Richmond Commandery, and marched to 
 their quarters, passing through Capitol Square on their 
 route, saluting the noble equestrian statue of Washington 
 by uncovering their Jieads. IMcanwhile, a salute of one 
 hundred guns was fired by the Fayette Artillery, Sir 
 Knight Colonel R. M. Nimms commanding, whose loud- 
 mouthed cannon re-echoed the welcome which the Sir 
 Knights and citizens of Virginia had accorded to their 
 visitors from New England. 
 
 The visiting Knights were quartered at the Ballard 
 
 and Exchange Hotels, — two hotels in one, upon the plan 
 
 of the Siamese twins, standing upon opposite sides of the 
 
 same street and united l)y a covered bridge. The whole 
 
 4
 
 50 PILGRIMAGE TO ^^RGINIA 
 
 establishment is leased and conducted bj one person. In 
 a large hall in the Exchange Hotel another season of 
 refreshment was had, immediately after the arrival of the 
 Commanderies, and here the most joyful personal gi-eet- 
 ings took place between the members of the Eichmond 
 Encampment and their Boston friends, whose acquaint- 
 ance was formed on the occasion of the visit of the former 
 to our city. There was many a cordial shaking of hands 
 and "How do you do?" — "God bless you !" — " Don't 
 you remember ? " etc. ^Mien this pleasant reunion was 
 over, each of the visitors sought his quartei's, and made 
 his toilet in preparation for a " family dinner " of the Sir 
 Knights of De Molay and St. John, with a number of the 
 Richmond Commandery. A committee of the Richmond 
 Sir Knights took charge of the attendants at the table, 
 stimulating the negroes to activity, and supplying the 
 wants of their guests with their own hands, in emergen- 
 cies that seemed to require it. 
 
 The dinner having been disposed of, the visiting 
 Knights were warned by their respective Commanders 
 to hold themselves in readiness to attend the theatre, 
 upon the invitation of their Richmond brother Knights. 
 At half past six o'clock the Richmond Commandery 
 assembled at the Mechanics' Institute, and proceeded to 
 the Ballard House, where tliey took their visitors under 
 escort and marched to the theatre. 
 
 On entering the theatre, a striking scene presented 
 itself. The house was crowded in every part except the 
 parquette, the principal portion of which Avas reserved 
 for the accommodation of the Sir Knights. The boxes 
 were filled with ladies mostly, and exhibited a brilliant 
 array of female beauty, and rich and tasteful female cos- 
 tume. The boxes of the lower row were draped with
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TElirLARS. 51 
 
 American flags and bordered with evergreens. Li tlie 
 centre of each was an appropriate Masonic emblem. The 
 piHars which support the second tier of boxes were en- 
 twined with flowers and evergreens, and the panellings 
 of the second tier were ornamented with flags and Ma- 
 sonic devices. The highest tier was hung with Avhite 
 cloth, and handsomely decorated with garlands of flowers. 
 The whole scene, brilliantly illuminated by gas-light, was 
 charming to the highest degree, as the accidental effects 
 produced by the costumes of the audience harmonized 
 Avith the decorations so as to render the picture complete, 
 as a whole, as well as in all its details. 
 
 When the Knights entered and took their seats, they 
 were greeted with loud hurrahs by the audience, and the 
 fair ladies clapped their delicate hands enthusiastically. 
 Even the negroes in the gallery were infected with the 
 "general joy," and cheered as loudly as anybody else. 
 Three cheers " for Old Virginia " were proposed by one 
 of the visiting Knights, and the New England Command- 
 eries responded heartily to his call. 
 
 The proscenium and stage were decorated with flags, 
 and when the curtain rose upon the play of "Masks and 
 Faces," in which the actors appear in the showy costume 
 of our English ancestors, the theatre was gayly di*essed 
 throughout. Mrs. Gladstane appeared in the leading 
 role, and was supported by a good company ; and every- 
 tliing passed oflf satisfactorily. 
 
 At the close of the first act the Sir Knights were sur- 
 prised by a floral ovation, such as is seldom witnessed 
 within tlie walls of a tlieatrc, whore the tossing of bouquets 
 is a common incident and a hackneyed mode of testifying 
 real or pretended admii'ation for actresses and vocalists. 
 On this occasion there was for several minutes a shower
 
 52 PILGRIMAGE TO MRGDs'IA 
 
 of roses descending from a circular opening in the fres- 
 coed ceiling of the auditorium, thrown by a number of 
 invisible hands, and so skilfully directed that the whole 
 parquette was visited by the beautiful and fragrant mes- 
 sengers. It was a very pretty, as well as a novel scene, 
 and it seemed to afford as much gratification to the audi- 
 dence as to the recipients of the floral tribute. 
 
 At the conclusion of the play the audience called en- 
 thusiastically upon the bands from Boston and Providence, 
 who were seated next to the orchestra, in front of the 
 Sir Knights ; and while preparations were in progress on 
 the stage for the closing portion of the entertainment, 
 they played some delicious music, which was loudly ap- 
 plauded. 
 
 When the curtain again rose, Mrs. I. B. Phillips, a 
 beautiful woman and a pleasing actress, came forward 
 and delivered the following Address, written by John 
 R. Thompson, Esq., editor of the Southern Literary Mes- 
 senger. 
 
 WELCOME TO BOSTON AND PROMDENCE SIR KNIGHTS. 
 
 Sir KnightSj right welcome to the Drama's fane ! 
 
 We greet you warmly, though in simple strain, 
 
 Whose honest fervor you will not disdain. 
 
 To celebrate the " deeds of daring high," 
 
 And all the bold emprise of Chivalry, 
 
 In other days, when innocence oppressed 
 
 Eoused the just anger of the knightly breast, 
 
 Has ever been the Drama's chosen part, 
 
 And truest glory of the scenic art. 
 
 What though the sun of Chivalry is set ! 
 
 Its shining virtues linger with us yet ; 
 
 And though the Feudal Knight has had his day. 
 
 The modern Templar may indeed display
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 53 
 
 As lofty courage and as gentle mien 
 As brave Sir Gawaine of the silken sheen. 
 'T was the time valor of the antique age, 
 Whose lustre brightens our historic page, 
 "Which nerved the patriot's arm, on land and sea. 
 To strike the blow which made Columbia free. 
 And you, my friends, descendants of a race 
 Renowned for eveiy ancient, manly grace. 
 Which gave a Warrex to the death of fame, 
 And lent our annals Greene's immortal name. 
 We own as worthy of your glorious sires : 
 To welcome you, Virginia never tires ! 
 For see, in token of the tie which binds 
 In blessed imion both onr hearts and minds, 
 And links together all our future fates, 
 The blended banners of the sister States ! 
 Long may they thus be intertwined above 
 Fair Freedom's temple, in abiding love ; 
 Long may our beauteous rainbow flag of stars 
 Fling to the breeze its bright-emblazoned bars, 
 And on its folds for evermore be seen 
 Each stany sister of the Old Thirteen ! 
 
 Here, gracious auditors, I well might pause. 
 But that I crave a little more applause : 
 To such as are, and yet are not, in tears, — 
 Pit, gallery, boxes, — everv one that hears, 
 I make appeal for three tremendous cheers ! 
 Xot for myself, but for those gallant Knights, 
 Whose presence here Virginia's soul delights, — 
 And, as I make to you my parting bow. 
 Huzza for them as only you know how. 
 
 These lines were well spoken, and elicited entlmsiastic 
 applause from the whole audience. At the line 
 
 " Each stany sister of the Old Tliirtecn," 
 
 a magnificent tableau was disclosed at the back of the 
 stage, consisting of a figure of "Washington, upon a pedes-
 
 54 PILGRIMAGE TO VIEGIMA 
 
 tal, supported on either side by ladies resting on shields, 
 bearing the arms of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 
 and surrounded by thirteen young ladies having shields 
 with the coats of arms of the thirteen original States. 
 This tasteful and appropriate picture was loudly cheered. 
 At the fall of the curtain the Sir Knights fell into line 
 and wei'e escorted to their quarters, where they sat down 
 to a hearty Champagne supper with their Virginia friends, 
 and duly prepared themselves thereby for the fatigues 
 and festivities of the next day.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 55 
 
 CHAPTER Y 
 
 Grand Reception of the Visiting Knights at Mechanics' 
 Hall. — Welcoming Speeches and Responses. — The Sip. 
 Knights assaulted avitii Bouquets by Ladies of Richmond. 
 — Peesentation to the New England Knights. — Another 
 Presentation to the Richmond Commandery. — Collation, 
 etc. 
 
 "When the Knights Templars of New England awoke 
 iu Richmond, Tuesday moi'ning, they found new cause 
 to admire the hospitality of the Virginians. The Rich- 
 mond Commandery had, apparently, imported into their 
 city for the occasion a large lot of Massachusetts weather, 
 thus evincing a strong determination to consult the tastes 
 of their guests in every particular. The sky was over- 
 cast, and the atmosphere was cool. It was Southern 
 weather with Northern principles ; and those who came 
 provided with thin suits found that portion of their ward- 
 lobe entirely superfluous. Similar weather continued 
 during most of the visit; and the coolness enabled the 
 pilgrim Knights to bear the fatigues incident to the oc- 
 casion better than they could have done in sunshine and 
 dust. 
 
 Tuesday morning was appointed for the formal recep- 
 tion of the visiting Sir Knights at the hall of the Me- 
 chanics' Institute. The lowering sky did not prevent 
 the fair ladies of Richmond from assembling to meet the
 
 56 PILGRIMAGE TO YIEGINIA 
 
 brave Knights, and long before the Commanderies arrived 
 at the hall the space allotted to the ladies was filled, — 
 a galaxy of bright eyes flashing their splendors upon 
 either side. 
 
 The entrance of the hall was draped with flags of the 
 United States and of Virginia, confined by a Masonic 
 shield. At the upper end was a stage, the proscenium 
 of which was covered with black cloth, upon which were 
 displayed a variety of Masonic emblems. A portrait of 
 Washington, coi^ied from Houdon's celebrated statue, 
 was placed at the rear of the stage, and over the centre 
 of the proscenium appeared the Virginia coat of arms, 
 enclosed in a floral frame. The arms of Massachusetts 
 were displayed on the right, and of Rhode Island on the 
 left. In front of the gallery, at the lower end of the hall, 
 was a full-length poi'trait of William Lloyd, a proprietor 
 of the Richmond Examiner, and the gallery itself was 
 handsomely draped with flags. The walls were orna- 
 mented richly with flags, Masonic and Knightly devices, 
 and with flowers and evergreens. The ladies were seated 
 upon each side, facing inwards, sufficient room only hav- 
 ing been reserved for the Sir Knights to stand in the 
 middle of the hall. 
 
 The Richmond Commandery, accompanied by the 
 Armory Band of Richmond, received their visitors at 
 their quarters, and, all in full regalia, and accompanied 
 by their musicians, marched to the Hall of the Institute, 
 passing through several of the principal streets. They 
 reached the hall at half past ten o'clock. The Richmond 
 Commandery first marched in, and, forming upon either 
 side of the open area, saluted theii' brother Knights as 
 they entered by presenting arms. 
 
 Sir Knight James Lyons, on the part of the Richmond
 
 OF THE KMGHTS TEMPLARS. 57 
 
 Commanderj, jiresentecl the visitors and pilgrims to 
 M. E. Grand Commander, E. H. Gill, Avho occupied the 
 platform, and to his Commandery. He said : — 
 
 Most Eminent Grand Commander and Sir Knights, — I have 
 been called upon unexpectedly to perform a duty previously 
 assigned to another, who is, by his profound knowledge of 
 Masonry, and an eloquence as charming as it is chaste, much 
 better qualified for the task than I am. I regret that illness 
 has prevented him from being here. 
 
 I have the honor, Sir Knights of Richmond, to present to 
 you the Sir Knights of De ]\Iolay and St. John, from Massa- 
 chusetts and Rhode Island. They are pilgrims from afar, 
 travelling by that light which is the great luminary of our 
 order, and on a crusade of love and friendship to the door of 
 your tent, where they will receive all that generous hospital- 
 ity which Kjiights of our Order are always bound to extend 
 to their brethren. I am glad — it is a peculiar pleasure — to 
 welcome brothers who will uphold the Constitution, maintain 
 the law, do justice, and regard truth ; for to all this are they 
 pledged by the principles which they hold and of which they 
 are noble defenders. They come from a land where their fore- 
 fathers won their claim to Knighthood on the red battle-field 
 under the eye of our Grand Commander, Geoi'ge Washington. 
 
 Sir Knights of Massachusetts and of Rhode Island, I wel- 
 come you to the Asylum of your brethren in Virginia, where 
 you will meet the same generous hospitality you so nobly 
 extended to them in the old Bay State, the Pilgrim State. 
 
 Commander Gill replied in the following terms : — 
 
 ]Most Eminent Commanders, and Sir Knights of De IMolay 
 and St. John's Encampments, — I greet you, and in behalf of 
 Richmond Commandery bid you welcome, a cordial welcome, 
 to our Asylum, to our homes and firesides, and to our hearts. 
 
 Nearly a year has elapsed since it was our good fortune, 
 when on a pilgrimage to the tomb of the lamented Warren,
 
 58 PILGRIMAGE TO \1RGINIA 
 
 to have been in your midst. We met as strangers to each 
 other, but your warm reception, your hospitality, your care 
 that our every want should be supplied, and each wish grati- 
 fied, taught us that we were among friends and brethren ; and 
 when the painful moment of separation arrived, we felt as 
 though we were parting with the friends of by-gone years, the 
 friends of " Lang Syne." The recollection of that occasion 
 Is still vivid in our memories, and cannot be effaced. We 
 regard it as one of the most interesting reminiscences of our 
 lives, and recur to it more as a pleasing vision than as a re- 
 ality. 
 
 " 0, long be our hearts with such memories filled, 
 Like the vase in which roses have once been distilled ; 
 You may break, you may ruin the vase if you will, 
 But the scent of the roses will hang round it still," 
 
 Sir Knights of Providence and Boston, I again bid you wel- 
 come, thrice welcome. Welcome as fi-Iends, welcome as breth- 
 ren, welcome as the descendants of those noble patriots who 
 stood side by side with the sons of Virginia, in the council and 
 in the field. In the darkest hours of the Revolution, in the times 
 that tried men's souls, battling for " liberty or for death." 
 
 Welcome as the sons of the soil that gave birth to Warren, 
 to Greene, to Hancock, and to Webster. Welcome to the 
 " Old Dominion," the birthplace of Washington, of Henry, of 
 Marshall, and of Clay. 
 
 Most Eminent Grand Commander William Parkman 
 of the De Molay Encampment replied in an earnest and 
 feeling manner to these eloquent words of welcome, on 
 behalf of his Commandery. He said : — 
 
 Sir Knights and Brethren, — I feel no ordinary degree of 
 embarrassment in responding to your most kind and brotherly 
 address of welcome, for I can assure you that this is the first 
 time in my life that I ever raised my voice in an assembly so 
 large as this. I feel embarrassed also by recollections of kind- 
 ness wliich we have already experienced in Alrginia.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 59 
 
 Why, yesterday, wlien we first touohed the shore of Vir- 
 ginia, we were met and welcomed by the Chief Magistrate of 
 the State, and felt that we were indeed in the Old Dominion, 
 and truly at home. We knew before that we were coming to 
 Virginia, but did not know what Virginia hospitality was. 
 Coming from the chilly North, where, I will admit, we are not 
 as genial to outsiders, we were not prepared for such a recep- 
 tion, — a reception that will never be forgotten. I must con- 
 fess that I arose from a sick bed to come here to speak to 
 those brethren who met us last year in Boston. I speak not 
 for myself alone, in expressing these sentiments of friendship, 
 but for my brethren, whose hearts are pulsating with them at 
 this moment. We come from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 
 where men fought for a country of which every American 
 should be proud. We come to re2:)resent not only the Knights 
 Templars of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, but those in 
 other States who have a love for their whole country. We 
 come to sow and propagate the seeds of brotherly love. 
 
 "When it was first heard in our Encampment that the Sir 
 Knights of Virginia were about visiting Boston, I arose and 
 asked, " Brethren, what shall we do ? " A dozen Knights 
 leaped fronl their seats, and exclaimed, " Why, invite them, 
 and entertain them as we should." The results of that meet- 
 ing he would not speak of; but he hoped it had sowed the 
 seeds of fi-iendship in bosoms where the fruit would be for ever 
 green, and their growth ever nurtured. We have never met 
 since, that we have not spoken of you. You left one of your 
 uniforms with us, which is hung up in our Hall, and it is an 
 incident of frequent occurrence that our Knights, upon enter- 
 ing, go up to it and say, " How do you do, Virginia ? " And 
 we have never met our brothers of the St. John's Encampment 
 that we have not interchanged kind recollections of that visit. 
 
 We rejoice to meet you, brethren, on your own soil, and we 
 feel that, when we take Virginians by the hand, we arc grasp- 
 ing the hands of the whole South. 
 
 Sir Knight Parkman's remarks were enthusiastically 
 applauded.
 
 60 PILGRIMAGE TO \T:RGIXIA 
 
 M. E. G. Commander Barker replied to the welcoming 
 address on belialf of the Knights of St. John. He said : — 
 
 Most Eminent Commander, — Accept our sincere thanks 
 for the courteous and knightly reception with which you and 
 your Commandery have honored us on this occasion. 
 
 When your Commandery favored us with a visit last June, 
 little did we think, or expect, that in less than one year from 
 that time we should find ourselves transported to this heau- 
 tiful city, and stand side by side with those vaUant and mag- 
 nanimous Knights who then for the first time made a pilgrimage 
 to the tomb of our beloved Warren. 
 
 This is to most of us our fii'st visit to your Commandery, or 
 to the noble Commonwealth of Virginia. We rejoice to see 
 this day. And we assure you, that it affords us peculiar 
 pleasure to have it in our power to accept your knightly 
 invitation, to make this visit, and to take by the hand these 
 loyal Templars whom it was our privilege to welcome last 
 season in Providence. 
 
 It has been said, the Knights, our honored ancestors of old, 
 were engaged in hostile array and in mortal combat with Sar- 
 acen and infidel. With sword and spear, hehnet'and shield, 
 battle-axe and claymore, they fought in defence of the inno- 
 cent, the destitute, the helpless, and the Christian religion. 
 
 Their motives were pure, their aspirations holy. With the 
 strictest and most rigid Christian and military discipline, united 
 under one common head, they were irresistible. 
 
 They went forth "conquering and to conquer," and thou- 
 sands of ensanguined fields, made red with the blood of their 
 enemies and their own commingled, attest their noble daring 
 and heroic prowess. They stopped not to count their enemies 
 until they were prostrate in dust. Three to one — nay, ofl- 
 times, ten to one — against them, had no terror in their eyes. 
 They had faith in their motto. In hoc Signo vinces, and they 
 did conquer. They accompUshed in their day their mission. 
 
 Now how changed the scene, how different the pursuit, ends, 
 and aims of the Knights of the present day ! Kow om- pilgrim-
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 61 
 
 ages are friendship, love, and knightly hospitality ; — no un- 
 friendly Turk or Mussulman to retard our visitation, -we come 
 from one extreme part of our extended country to the other, 
 from the Xorth to the South, from the East to the West, know- 
 ing no difference, all feeling that we are brothers. May we 
 not hope that, under the direction of our blessed Emmanuel, 
 these our interchanges of visits and commingling of feeling 
 may prove a blessing to our entire country, and be the means 
 of holding together and cementing more strongly the ties of 
 Union and Friendship, not only of the members of the Masonic 
 orders, but of the entire citizenship of the whole of our beloved 
 United States of America, so that all may be able to say, 
 Magna est Veritas, et prevalehit .' 
 
 Commander Parkman of tlie Do Molav?, at the con- 
 clusion of the remarks of Commander Barker, intro- 
 duced Dr. Winslow Lewis, Grand Master of the Grand 
 Encampment of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In 
 response Dr. Lewis made one of his characteristic 
 speeches, full of honhommie, as well as good sense, and 
 dignity. His remarks were received in the same sjiirit 
 which dictated them, and were warmly applauded. lie 
 said that he had been unexpectedly called upon, not from 
 any merit of his own, but because he held the highest 
 office in the brotherhood in Massachusetts and Rhode 
 Island. But high official position does not confer upon 
 its possessor the gift of oratory. He stood mute, over- 
 whelmed by the presence of the fair outsiders who sur- 
 rounded them. He felt as if he had been perforated in 
 all directions by tlie shots from their bright eyes. The 
 wounds they inflicted diil not ])roduce anguish, but 
 ecstasy, j-et they deprived him of the power to com- 
 mand language appropriate to express his thanks for the 
 kind reception the Sir Knights from New England had 
 met with. He represented Massachusetts, whose history
 
 62 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 is Avell known, and Rhode Island, the land of Roger Wil- 
 liams, the defender of religious liberty. He appeared 
 as a venerable father, for his hairs were gray, and he 
 pointed with pride to these his children, the Sir Knights 
 of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, of whom he could 
 say Avith the Spartan mother, " These are my jewels," 
 and with Christopher Wren, the architect of St. Paul's, 
 Si requiris monumenta circumsjnce. 
 
 When the pleasant remarks of Doctor Lewis were 
 concluded, the Richmond ladies commenced an assault 
 upon the visiting Knights, which for the moment discon- 
 certed them, although they manifested no disposition to 
 fly the field. Numberless bouquets of the rarest and 
 fairest flowers were thrown over the heads of the Rich- 
 mond Knights, directly into the ranks of the New-Eng- 
 landers, and if the attacking force had followed up their 
 advantage promptly, they might have captured the entire 
 battalion of Sir Knights from abroad. While the ladies 
 were making this hostile demonstration, the Providence 
 Band, stationed in the gallery, struck up an enlivening 
 air, and when it was concluded, the Grand Commanders, 
 Sir Knights Lewis, Pai-kman, and Barker, were escorted 
 to the platform, the audience cheering loudly during the 
 proceeding. 
 
 Sir Knight Lyons received them, and said that one 
 Knight had extolled the great courage and daring of the 
 Templars in the olden times, who could conquer though 
 the odds were ten to one ; but one of the visiting Knights 
 (Dr. Lewis) just now confessed that he was compelled 
 to lower the point of his lance when he found himself in 
 an ambuscade of ladies. Yet what could he have done 
 save to surrender? What could any true Knight do 
 but lay down his arms, and yield himself to the tender
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 63 
 
 mercies of sucli arms as surrounded them ? He sympa- 
 thized with that Sir Knight in his sufferings, for he knew 
 that intense pleasure produces a degi-ee of suffering, and 
 he feared that his friend would be pained still more be- 
 fore he was done with his Virginia friends. His suffer- 
 ings, and those of his companions, were not yet over, for 
 even now he had to present to them a ])iece of the handi- 
 Avork of the wife of a Sir Knight. 
 
 He then presented to them a floral Maltese cross, 
 suspended in an elegant wreath of artificial flowers. 
 The flowers were attached to the frame of the cross by 
 golden breastpins, each of which was a Masonic emblem. 
 The most exquisite taste was displayed in this beautiful 
 offering. 
 
 Sir Knight Lyons proceeded to say : " But this is not 
 all ; for the pilgrim has always some new hardship to en- 
 counter, the Knight some new danger to meet. I am 
 about to add to the sweet perfume of flowers, the bewitch- 
 ing words of woman." He then read the following poet- 
 ical " Welcome," written by Mrs. Wirt Robinson : — 
 
 WELCOME TO THE PILGRIMS. 
 
 We bid ye welcome from the East, 
 
 Tlirice welcome to our homes ; 
 "With cordial grasp we now attest, 
 
 Brother to brother comes. 
 As Pilgrim Fathers, who of old 
 
 Achieved a noble fame, 
 So your beneficence excelled 
 
 When our Knigiit Templar's name 
 Was registered with those most dear 
 
 Beneath your proud roof-tree, 
 Whose germination blest the care 
 
 Of Mason ancestry.
 
 64 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 With stranger worship at your shrine. 
 
 Though Craftsman tried and true, 
 They came with cross, device, and sign, 
 
 " Voluntas Dei," too. 
 Liive brethren long loved and known, 
 
 Masons of high degree, 
 Ye made each day a magic zone, — 
 
 Each hour a memory, — 
 That twined around your altar-stone 
 
 Memento wreaths, so rare, 
 That, till life's latest thought has flown, 
 
 Their charms will cluster there. 
 
 Could woman's voice proclaim in song, 
 
 LiJiC poean chants of yore, 
 Responsive echoes, pure and strong, 
 
 Her heart-strings pulsate o'er, — 
 'T would tell how nobly good, and true 
 
 To suffering mankind. 
 Amid the haunts where joys are few. 
 
 Thy footprints we e'er find. 
 Within the sorrow-clouded home. 
 
 Beneath the pall of grief. 
 With ministry of peace ye come, 
 
 With solace and relief. 
 In many a cot, hoWever poor, 
 
 By many a saddened hearth, 
 Thy sacred mission opes the door, 
 
 And points above the earth. 
 Like dew-drops on the arid soil, 
 
 Like balm unto the heart. 
 So Charity, like holy oil, 
 
 Lends life a better part : 
 That while it blesses, elevates. 
 
 In comfoiting, it cheers, 
 Through life the spirit it elates. 
 
 In death bright hopes it rears. 
 Let floral incense emblem well 
 
 The friendship we 'd extend. 
 And beauty of each tinted bell 
 
 "Bright hieroglyphic" lend.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAES. 65 
 
 Till, like a precious rosary, 
 
 Each blossom seems a prayer, 
 Each petal hallowed imagery. 
 
 To " all who 've passed the square." 
 
 The presentation of the cross and circle, and reading of 
 tlie poem, were followed by loud and prolonged applause. 
 Gilmore's Band next performed an elaborate piece, ar- 
 ranged from operatic music, which was listened to with 
 much apparent gratification by the entire audience. 
 
 M. E. Grand Commander Parkman addressed the 
 ladies in a pleasant speech of thanks for the tokens of 
 their esteem. Man has his cross to bear, he said, but 
 one so beautiful as this, laid on by the fair hands of wo- 
 man, becomes a pleasing burden, — such a one as every 
 Knight of New England would be anxious to bear. 
 
 A stalwart Sir Knight of New Jersey, Sir M. J. 
 Drummond, of the Hugh de Payen Commandery of that 
 State, now came forward, and, on behalf of his Command- 
 cry, presented to the Richmond Templars a handsome 
 banner, — the Beauseant, or battle-flag of the Order. 
 It was a beautiful standard, the lower half black, the 
 upper half white, with two black bars, suspended upon a 
 mahogany staff, surmounted by a gold cross. In present- 
 ing the banner, Sir Knight Drummond made the follow- 
 ing address : — 
 
 "Worthy Sii* Kniglit, Eminent Sir, and Sir Kniglits, — I have 
 the honor to tender, for your acceptance, with all knightly cour- 
 tesy, from the Hugh de Payen Commandery of Knights Tem- 
 plars of Xew Jersey, the celebrated Beauseant, or battle-stand- 
 ard, of our Order. To the veteran Sir Kniglits an explanation 
 of tlie celebrated flag may be deemed unnecessary, but to the 
 younger or newly initiated Sir Knights there may be no im- 
 propriety in explaining the definition of the word Beauseant, 
 5
 
 66 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 Avliicli means " fair and pleasant to Christians, Ijut black and 
 terrible to infidels." The Beanseaut was first raised by Huwh 
 de Payen, Geoffrey of St. Omer's, and seven other validnt 
 Knights, who fought under the banners of Godfrey of Bouil- 
 lon, and assisted at the siege and capture of Jerusalem, A. D. 
 1099. A score of years had elapsed after that event ; when 
 these pious and valiant Knights, in consequence of the shocking 
 cruelties perpetrated on the unoffending ^iilgrims, bound them- 
 selves by a solemn vow to devote the remainder of their lives 
 to warfare against the ferocious Saracens, who occupied the 
 mountain passes, and to protect the poor and weary pilgrims, 
 male and female, travelling from afar, who at the shrine of our 
 Lord and Saviour desired to offer up theii* orisons, and pay 
 their vows ; for so numerous had they become, that they were 
 styled " the armies of the Lord " ; and it is recorded that seven 
 thousand pilgrims, old and young, females and childi'en, visited 
 the Holy Sepulchre in one year. The Beauseant was thus 
 raised to protect the Christian maiden, the destitute widow, the 
 helpless orphan, and the Christian religion, — whence they were 
 first termed " the poor fellow-soldiers of Jesus Christ," after- 
 wards styled Templars. 
 
 And when battling at the walls of Jerusalem, in the moun- 
 tain passes of Lebanon, the burning deserts of Syria, or the 
 flowery fields of Damascus, whether in the open field or mount- 
 ing the deadly breach, the Beauseant was at all times first in 
 the assault, and the last in retreat. The Order had become 
 so feared and respected for its desperate courage, that it was 
 deemed the strong arm of defence against the infidel, and even 
 the lion-hearted Richard deigned to invoke its protection on 
 his departure to Europe. 
 
 The Beauseant, for two hundred years engaged in all the 
 gi-eat battles of Palestine, is hallowed by a thousand endear- 
 ing recollections to every true and valiant Templar, and I 
 now present it in the name of Hugh de Payen, without spot or 
 blemish, and with it this pious offering of a Christian virgin,* — 
 
 * The speaker had received one of the flowers thrown by the ladies.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 67 
 
 one of the band I have sworn by my knightly obligation to 
 defend vrith my sword and purse, if necessary- ; for I know too 
 well my obligation as given by St. Bernard in 1128, Article 
 43, — that no Knight shall receive a gift imless he first obtain 
 permission of the Grand Master. The Beauseant once floated 
 proudly in Palestine, but the machinations of a Philip and a 
 Clement trailed it in the dust, and with it that model of cour- 
 age and integi'ity, James De INIolay, who suffered martyrdom 
 at the stake rather than tarnish its fair fame. In presence of 
 the noble descendants of the Templars now before us, and the 
 right valiant Knights of St. John, I raise the Beauseant, and, 
 backed by their stout hearts and shaq? sabres, will cheerfully 
 defend it ; and to Richmond Commandery we now intrust its 
 future keeping, feeling that, in the hands of Knights whose fame 
 is spread both far and wide for deeds of charity and knightly 
 hospitality, its fame will be untarnished ; and that, when raised 
 by command of their chief, willing hearts, strong arms, and 
 keen sabres will support and defend it. Receive it, worthy Sir 
 Knight, and place it in the West, that the brilliant rays of the 
 rising sun, shedding their lustre on It, may encourage and ani- 
 mate all true and courteous Knights, and confound and dismay 
 their enemies. 
 
 Sir Knight Thomas J. Evans, of Richmond, replied as 
 follows, on behalf of the Richmond Commandery : — 
 
 With jileasure and with pride, and in the knightly spirit 
 with which it is tendered, we accept this beautiful flag. Allow 
 me. Sir Knight, in the name of the Richmond Commandery, 
 which I have the honor to represent, to return through you to 
 the Hugh de Payen Commandery of New Jersey, of which 
 you are the Most Eminent Commander, our thanks — our sin- 
 cere thanks — for this token of your fraternal kindness, so fitly 
 expressed in the presentation of this flag. 
 
 Allow me to assure you. Sir Knight, that while we shall 
 greatly prize it for its intrinsic value and its beauty, to us it 
 will have a higher value, — we shall prize it the more for the
 
 68 PILGRIMAGE TO VIEGIXIA 
 
 generous spirit wliicli prompted the donation. TTe shall be con- 
 stantly reminded that it was a gift from New Jersey to Virginia. 
 It will ever remind us, too, of the deeds of noble daring of the 
 valiant founders of our Order, who bore its like on the field of 
 honor and of battle only in defence of merit and of truth. 
 May the spirit of Hugh de Payen ever inspire us with a fixed 
 and steady purpose of mind to preserve without stain or tarnish 
 the Beauseant of ancient days. 
 
 It is said that the days of chivalry have passed away. True, 
 its peculiar manifestations may not now be seen, but I cannot 
 believe that its spirit is extinct. The last hundred years have 
 given to the world instances of heroism and courage of which 
 the proudest Knights of antiquity might well have been proud. 
 Nor need we wander from the shores of our own continent for 
 illustrations. Bunker Hill and Quebec; Germantown and 
 Trenton ; Yorktown, Lundy's Lane, and Chippewa ; Chepulte- 
 pec and Cherubusco ; Buena Vista and Cerro Gordo, — have 
 been the scenes of valor unsurpassed in any land and in any 
 period of the world's history. 
 
 I cannot doubt then, that, if to protect the honor of innocent 
 maidens, to defend destitute widows, helpless orphans, our 
 glorious country, or our blessed religion, we should be called to 
 the field of battle, the Knights of our Order and of our day 
 wUl be as ready to di-aw the trusty SM'ord as in daj-s of yore ; 
 and that these of the Kichmond Commandery will not suffer 
 this time-honored flag to trail in the dust till the last lance be 
 broken and the last sword be shattered. 
 
 We liciil this flag as the evidence of another Hnk in that 
 chain of confidence and affection which now binds the citizens 
 of om' sister States. Closer and tighter may that silver chain 
 be drawn, and palsied be the arm that would strike a blow at 
 its integrity. But we claim to be men of deeds rather than of 
 words. 
 
 Again, Sir Knight, we thank thee, 
 And rest assured, my gallant Knight, 
 That in defence of truth and right, 
 " Beneath this flag we'll proudly fight, 
 And die, if need be."
 
 OF THE KXIGHTS TEMPLARS. 69 
 
 Sir Knights of the Richmond Commanclery, I charge you, 
 defend it, — by the recollection of the past, the dignity of the 
 present, and the solemnity of the future, I invoke you to guai'd 
 it fi'om dishonor. 
 
 The exercises at the liall were now concluded, and the 
 Templars filed out, and were soon followed by the audi- 
 ence. The ceremonies of the reception were simple, 
 characterized by no pomjj or straining after effect ; 
 but they excited constant interest during their progress, 
 and produced the deepest gratification in the bosoms of 
 the visiting Templars. The fine body of Sir Ejiights 
 occupying the middle portion of the hall, bordered on 
 each side by rows of female beauty, and beleaguered by 
 bright eyes, — the insignia of the Order displayed upon 
 the walls, — the rich and beautiful floral decorations on 
 every hand, — together produced an impression that will 
 not soon be erased from the minds of those who wit- 
 nessed the unusual scene. 
 
 On leaving the Mechanics' Institute Hall, the Encamp- 
 ments were escorted by the Richmond Commandery down 
 Bank Street to Nineteenth, up Nineteenth to Broad, along 
 Broad to the corner of Twenty-fifth, down Twenty-fifth to 
 Main, up Main to Nineteenth, up Nineteenth to Franklin, 
 then up Franklin to the Masonic Hall. 
 
 The knightly procession was witnessed by thousands of 
 the citizens of Richmond, whose admiration of the si^ec- 
 tacle was freely expressed. Before reaching Masonic 
 Hall a shower began to fall ; but a grateful asylum 
 was found within, where tables were spread and tempt- 
 ing viands collated with all the accessories the most 
 exigent bon-vivant would desire at a feast. The boun- 
 tiful refreshments were highly appreciated by the Sir
 
 70 PILGRIMAGE TO ^^RGIXIA 
 
 Knights after the fatigues of the march, and they re- 
 mained in the hall a considerable time, enjoying the 
 shelter of the outer man from the rain, and the recrea- 
 tion of the inner man as well. 
 
 When the feasting was ended, Sir Knight Benjamin 
 Deane, of the De Molay Encampment, requested the 
 attention of the comjiany while he read the following 
 telegraphic despatch : — 
 
 Boston, May 17, 1859. 
 To Ben.tamix Deaxe, De JSIolcnj Encampment : — 
 
 The mangled remains of Winslow Lewis Lodge to their 
 wandering brethren send fraternal greeting, that is, with lov- 
 ing hearts to our half-sister De Molay Encampment, we give 
 our best wishes, as we have already given our most precious 
 jewels. Peace and prosperity be with you. So mote it be. 
 
 CLEMENT A. WALKER, 
 Past Master Winslow Lewis Lodge. 
 
 Three cheers were heartily given for "Winslow Lewis 
 Lodge of Boston, and a season of social interchange of 
 sentiment followed. 
 
 A toast proposed by Commander Parkman of the De 
 Molay Encampment was received with cheers, and Sir 
 Knight Joseph Mayo, Mayor of Richmond, responded in 
 a genial strain. He welcomed the Pilgrim Knights of 
 New England to Richmond, claiming a right to do so, as 
 he had been made " boss " of the city by the suffrages of 
 his fellow-citizens. Three cheers were immediately pro- 
 posed, and given, for the " boss " of Richmond. 
 
 Further j^leasant remarks were made by Sir Knights 
 Parkman and Mayo, and the band played '' Yankee 
 Doodle " by way of adding spirit to the scene. 
 
 Sir Knight Hamilton Willis of the De Molay Encamp-
 
 OF THE KXIGHTS TEMPLAES. 71 
 
 ment, being called upon, made a humorous response to the 
 remarks of the Honorable Mayor, and the festivities were 
 closed with " America," — 
 
 " My native country, thee, 
 Land of the noble free, 
 
 Of thee I sing," &c., — 
 
 played by the band and sung by the whole company. 
 
 The Sir Knights now left Masonic Hall, and, taking 
 up their line of march, proceeded up Franklin Street to 
 Eighteenth, down Eighteenth to Main, up Main to Ninth, 
 thence to the Capitol Square, thence to Thirteenth Street, 
 and thence to the First Baptist Church.
 
 72 PILGRIMAGE TO VIEGINIA 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Exercises at the First Baptist Church. — Oration of Sir 
 Knight Rev. J. Lansing Burrows. — Another Collation. — 
 Preparations for the Family Banquet. 
 
 The Pilgrim Knights and their friends, on arriving at 
 the First Baptist Cliurch, found that spacious building 
 well filled, chiefly with ladies, who had assembled, in 
 spite of the rain, to listen to an Oration by Eev. J. Lan- 
 sing Burrows, pastor of the Church. On entering the 
 church the Templars took positions in the aisles, and 
 the three bands of musicians marched to the galleries. 
 The Sir Knights took seats in the body of the house 
 which had been assigned for them, and listened first to 
 the " Wedding March," from Mendelssohn's Midsummer 
 Night's Dream, played with much effect by Gilmore's 
 Band. The choir belonging to the St. Paul's Church 
 then sang an anthem, with much taste and expression. 
 
 After the singing, Sir Knight Rev. F. J. Boggs, of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, addressed the Throne of 
 Grace in the following 
 
 PRAYER. 
 
 Almighty and most merciful God, our Heavenly Father: 
 We adore and Ijless thy great and exalted name for the innu- 
 merable benefits thou hast bestowed upon us. We acknowl-
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEIH^LARS. 73 
 
 edge thy mercy in sparing onr lives, tliougli we confess om' 
 sins have rendered us unworthy of thy care ; yet, O Lord, we 
 humbly pray thee, enter not into judgment with us. 
 . We thank thee for the light of thy truth, by which we are 
 enabled to discover the nature and force of our obligations to 
 thee, and find the highest encouragements in the performance 
 of our duties. Pardon, we beseech thee, our indifference in 
 discovering thy will concerning us, and our many imperfections 
 in serving thee, and may it be our aim to increase in knowl- 
 edge, vii'tue, and every grace that may illustrate the purity of 
 our principles and a proper devotion to thy cause. 
 
 We render thanks unto thee, O Lord, for vouchsafing unto 
 us the pleasures of this joyous occasion, and especially for the 
 privilege afforded us, as pilgrims, in meeting together and 
 exchanging our warm congratulations. Help lis, we pray, 
 that under the force of truth, and in the light of the valuable 
 tenets of our Order, it may be an occasion of pure rejoicing 
 and profit to us all. ^ 
 
 Bless our time-honored institution. May the light of thy 
 favor continue to rest upon it. j\Iay we never be a reproach 
 in the earth, nor derogate fi-om the high character of our pro- 
 fession ; and grant that we may not be unmindful of the sol- 
 emn and impressive lessons we 'have received, — " whether 
 treading the tessellated floor, ascending into the middle cham- 
 ber, entering the sanctum sanctorum, passing the gates of the 
 temple, working amid the ruins of its arches," or contem- 
 plating that impressive scene that inspires the hope of a glori- 
 ous resurrection. Especially may we, as Sir Knights, cherish 
 a sacred remembrance of our obligations, and seek to "succor, 
 defend, and protect the helpless and distressed," and stand 
 forth as champions to espouse that cause that should be en- 
 deared to the heart of every valiant and magnanimous Knight. 
 
 Help us to inculcate, enforce, and practise virtue, ever re- 
 membering that " armed with the mystic sword of Faith, Hope, 
 and Charity, with Justice, Fortitude, and Mercy," we shall 
 have a strong defence of right, and an assurance of a glorious 
 triumph over error.
 
 74 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 And now, Lord, we ask thy merciful and protecting care 
 over these, our brethren, pilgrims from afar, who meet with us 
 in these friendly dominions to cement and strengthen those ties 
 of our order which no sectional or political strife has ever torn 
 asunder, and which Ave trust, in the hour of danger, will be 
 found enduring, and assist in perpetuating the union of our 
 free and happy land. Prosper them in their pilgrimage. Bless 
 them with health while amongst us. Save them fi'om accident. 
 Watch over the fi-iends and families they have left behind, and 
 grant them a safe retm-n and pleasant recollections of their 
 pilgi'image. 
 
 Command thy blessing upon us in our social gi-eetings, and 
 may we engage in notliing that will tarnish our names or offend 
 thee. 
 
 Let not our minds be dazzled with that which is merely 
 external, forgetting to have engTaven upon our hearts the 
 importance of a proper discharge of our duties, and the sol- 
 emn truth that our earthly pilgrimage is fast drawing to an 
 end ; but may we live faithful to our obligations to thee, that 
 we may die in the triumphs of a hope of immortality, and land 
 on the blissful shore, and in the presence of the just be greeted 
 and received as brethren in the heavenly Asylum, and receive 
 at the hands of our risen Saviour the welcome plaudit of 
 " Well done, good and faitliful servant, enter thou into the joy 
 of thy Lord." 
 
 And to thy great and glorious name we will ascribe eternal 
 praise, through Christ our Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 Sir Knight TJev. J. Lansing Burrows then proceeded 
 to deliver, in presence of the assembled Knights Templars, 
 the following 
 
 ORATION. 
 
 Shades of Miles Standish and "Walter Raleigh ! of Colonel 
 Pride and Prince Rupert I of Oliver Cromwell and Charles I. ! 
 do ye witness this scene ? Look ye from the dim spirit-land 
 with complacency or Avith scorn upon this affable mingling of
 
 OF THE KXIGIITS TEMPLARS. 75 
 
 voiir posterity, courteously fraternizing, smiling upon each 
 other, winding their arms around each other's shoulders in 
 brotherly embrace, transmitting and absorbing convivial in- 
 spiration from each other's laughing eyes? 
 
 Ye gi-im old Roundheads, and jocund Ca^saliers ! ye stern 
 Regicides and scofhng Malignauts I ye earnest Protesters and 
 zealous Engagers ! ye shaggy Crop-ears and profane Love- 
 locks ! can ye not send to us, through some reliable spiritual- 
 istic media, a specimen of the temper and sentiment with 
 which ye apprehend such doings as these, if indeed ye appre- 
 hend them at all? 
 
 Those doughty fathers of oui-s, irreconcilable in life, perhaps 
 fancied that they should perpetuate theu' feuds into the com- 
 ing generations, and that their chikb*en and children's chil- 
 dren should be religiously taught to crop their hair or curl 
 their locks, and hate and fight each other through all ages, 
 world without end. The short hair of the one faction would 
 have bristled " like quills upon the fretful porcupine," and the 
 incurvated locks of the other party would have straightened 
 out like vine-tendrils under a white frost, at the bare idea 
 that their children should ever forget their faith or principles, — 
 the essence of which was, to abhor and throttle each other. 
 
 I am happy to believe that, if they now take any interest in 
 mundane affairs, they are pleased that the legacies they be- 
 queathed have been dissipated ; that then- wills have not 
 found executors ; or that the executors have found no goods 
 of this sort to distril)ute. 
 
 It is far better as it is. It is much pleasanter to meet in the 
 rivalry of mutual fellowship and affection, than with our hands 
 in each other's hair, and our gi-asp upon each other's throats. 
 There is something in the atmosphere and sunlight of this 
 land — something in its social, spiritual, and civil institutions — 
 fitted to assimilate all the different nationalities into one new 
 and homogeneous race. Old prejudices and peculiarities can 
 scarcely be transmitted beyond one generation. The dust of 
 the fatherland may cling to the feet that have trodden in it, 
 but when the children come, their little feet are bare and clean,
 
 76 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 and yoii can hardly make them other than one people. Into 
 the caldron of political and social affinities we baptize all 
 comers, and they emerge smelted, jinrified ; all the different 
 metals combining to form a new one, more malleable and jjrac- 
 ticable for purposes useful and ornamental, than any or all the 
 separate original elements. 
 
 What do we see here ? Massachusetts, picking up Rhode 
 Island in courteous fellowship, on the way to Virginia. The 
 sons of John Cotton impressing into a loving communion — a 
 travelling sodality — the sons of Roger Williams, and both 
 marching to greet, in loving fi-aternity and affection, the chil- 
 dren of Pocahontas and John Smith. We would that it 
 should not be forgotten that the first of the illustrious Ameri- 
 can family of John Smith was a Vii'ginian ; while, gentlemen, 
 we do you the justice to acknowledge that the first eminent 
 Co//OM-grower was a Massachusetts man. 
 
 And now, illustrious Sir Knights of New England, as you 
 have ventured here upon our soil, it may be weU that, at the 
 . outset, we should come to a mutual undei*standing as to cer- 
 tain differences between us. 
 
 Scarce a year has elapsed since certain of our Virginia 
 Templars were found by you on jNIassachusetts soil. We have 
 heard with, I trust, suitable emotions, of the treatment which 
 these wandering Knights received at your hands in Boston 
 and Providence. We understand that they were seized, made 
 captives, and jiut upon their ransom ; that they were watched, 
 guarded, paraded about the sti-cets as a show, scarcely per- 
 mitted to pass beyond their prison doors without watchful 
 attendance ; that they were fed upon — well, I will not trust 
 myself to say what they were fed upon ; and that the drink 
 you provided for them was not always pure — water. 
 
 We learn that you refused even to permit them to sleep 
 sufficiently for the needs of nature, keeping them from their 
 beds vmtil late hours at night, or early hours in the morning, 
 and even then sometimes following them into their- chambers, 
 as though fearful of trusting them out of your sight. 
 
 We are informed that you forced them to the very verge of
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 77 
 
 all sorts of perils, pushing them to the very edge of the fi'ight- 
 fiil pond on Boston Common, leading them to the dome of the 
 State House, forcing them to drag their wearied limbs to the 
 top of Bunker Hill Monument, and bidding them look over, 
 making their heads giddy, while you stood behind them laugh- 
 ing at their terror as they shrank back. Why, Sir Knights, 
 if you had pushed our companions over from that height, some 
 of them might have had broken arms or legs ; or at least might 
 have scratched theii* comely fiices, thus marring theu' beauty : 
 or bruised their armor, thus putting them to expense ! You 
 even marshalled them through a graveyard, as if to terrify them 
 with the emblems of death, or threaten them with a speedy 
 burial. Various other modes did you adojit for expressing the 
 jierturbation and boisterousness of your emotions, which, out 
 of regard to the reputation of the Order, I must not speak of 
 in the ears of the uninitiated. 
 
 "We learn, too, that it Avas only after incredible and repeated 
 sehemings and labors, that our noble Sir Knights succeeded 
 in. escaping from your watch and ward ; that you pursued them 
 even beyond the limits of your own territory ; and that it was 
 by a rough and rugged road that they found their way home. 
 
 And now. Templars of New England, you, in your turn, are 
 in our homes ; you have had the temerity to venture Avithin om* 
 encampment. Can we forget the treatment our brethren re- 
 ceived from you ? We do not perceive that you feel humbled 
 or ashamed at being reminded of the character of your con- 
 duct toward our companions. We fancy that even now you 
 arc maliciously chuckling over it. 
 
 Sir Knights, we proclaim against you the lex talionis. We 
 are bent upon revenge. Guard yourselves. It shall go hard 
 with us if we do not send you back as good as you gave. We 
 can hardly hope to surpass your outbreaks against our com- 
 panions when they were in your power. You absolutely took 
 from them that higlicst boon of Heaven, — that proudest boast 
 of Knights Templars, — their liberty, and subjected them to 
 your own will and pleasure. 
 
 In the course of human events you have become our cap-
 
 78 PILGRIMAGE TO MRGIXIA 
 
 tives now, and the measure you meted to us will we measure 
 to you again. Hope not for peace or rest or mercy. It is our 
 fell pui-pose to strain your limbs and stretch your throats ; to 
 exhibit you proudly and publicly as the captives of sword and 
 lance. Your backs shall ache, and so shall all the organs in 
 anteposition thereto. You shall go where we direct, stay 
 where we place you, sleep when we permit you, eat of such 
 fare as we choose to provide for you ; and if it should chance 
 to be a crust of bread and a cup of water, it will only be 
 renewing some of the experiences of the years of your pilgrim- 
 age, and enduring over again the privations which all have 
 submitted to who have worthily sought admission into our illus- 
 trious Order. And when your penance is complete, your pen- 
 itence sincere, — when you submissively acknowledge your- 
 selves in our power, and rightfully at our disposal, — it is 
 possible that we may take pity upon your sufferings, and at 
 length, finding you humbled and amended, bid you depart to 
 your homes in peace. 
 
 And now, as a portion of the penance prescribed to you for 
 your manifold derelictions, you are required to listen respect- 
 fully and reverently to a homily which I have been appointed 
 to pronounce. The infliction may be a severe one to you, but 
 I hope you wiU endure it patiently and wakefully. Some 
 things hard to bear are necessary as discipline and chastise- 
 ment for our faults, and among them listening to a lecture, on 
 a sunny morning in ^lay, is one. I hope you will endure it 
 like brave Knights, accustomed to severe self-denial. 
 
 We are here happy to meet with you. Brothers, Compan- 
 ions, Knights, upon an occasion so pleasant. For it is pleas- 
 ant to meet in these fraternal assemblages, to greet old friends, 
 and to stretch the chords of our hearts, so that they shall en- 
 twine new friends witliin the mystic circle of brotherly confi- 
 dence and affection. Man grows selfish by living alone. 
 Confined within the limits of the farm or workshop, the 
 counting-room or the office, there is but little space for that 
 development of the affections which is necessary in order to 
 strengthen them, and procure the highest enjoyment. Tlie
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 79 
 
 heart is cultivated, and its felicities are multiplied, by expan- 
 sion. Some speak as though man was capable only of a given 
 amount of love, which must be concentrated in order to high- 
 est enjojTnent, and which is necessarily weakened by exten- 
 sion to every new object. It is an erroneous notion. Tlie 
 more we truly and purely love, the more intensely are we 
 capable of loving each individual drawn within the pressure 
 of the affections. The father does not find his love for his first- 
 born child diminished, when a sixth or a tenth comes to claim a 
 share. The first has it all, each intermediate little one has it 
 all, and yet he finds he can fix it all upon the baby ; and that, 
 too, without depriving the mother of any. The truth is, love 
 is like light, unwasted by use. One man alone in a forty-acre 
 lot has all the sunshine ; but he has just as much if a thousand 
 men gather within the fence. He loses none because its rays 
 fall upon others. Each one has it all, and every new-comer 
 finds all its rays beaming upon himself, without diverting a 
 single ray from any other. So it is with the love of the heart. 
 If I love ten friends dearly, I can take an eleventh into my 
 affections without the slightest diminution of regard for any 
 one of the ten ; and if the eleventh, then the hundredth or 
 thousandth. More than this, I am multiplying the sources of 
 my own felicity by multiplying the objects of my love. If the 
 love of one faithful friend makes me happy, then the love of 
 ten makes me ten times happy, and the love of a thousand a 
 thousand times happy. It is true there are peculiar kinds of 
 affection, growing out of our social relations, which cannot be 
 transferred or rivalled. You can love no other man's mother 
 with the same kind of affection as your own dear mother, no 
 other man's child or wife, as you love your own. But you rob 
 not a mother or child or wife of any affection by loving one or 
 a hundred friends. And the God that formed us, knowing the 
 wonderful capabilities of the heart which he created, has made 
 love supreme to himself, and love to our neighbors as our- 
 selves, the sum and substance of all his commandments. 
 What a happy world would this be, if every one in it cher- 
 ished and exercised in dailv life all the love of which he is
 
 80 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 capable. I have seen an elastic cord, encircling a single paper, 
 and it was loose and easily blown from the table by a passing 
 breeze. But as paper after paper was thrust within the fold, 
 the pressure tightened around all, holding each more closely, 
 and the original document more securely than before. So, 
 have I thought, is it with the affections. Like these elastic 
 cords, they are capable of indefinite expansion, but that very 
 expansion renders them more tenacious in their hold upon all, 
 and especially upon the central objects of regard. The sum 
 of all this is simply this, that we cannot love too many nor too 
 much ; and this I believe to be good Masonry, as I am sure it 
 is good theology. It is in view of these jirinciples that I say, 
 we are happy to meet you, to form new fi-iendships by this joy- 
 ous gathering, because we are sure we shaU find new objects 
 of fi-aternal regard, and consequently an augmentation of the 
 sources of happiness. 
 
 But it is time to introduce the special theme upon which I 
 propose to speak. 
 
 There are some who find or frame objections to the frater- 
 nity with which we deem it an honor to be united. There 
 are others who doubt whether its influence is wholly benefi- 
 cent, and fear lest thei'e may be evil concealed beneath its 
 mysteries. Now, without formally enumerating objections, or 
 attempting to reason against prejudices, I propose simply and 
 truthfully attempting to show WHAT TEMPLAR LAWS 
 REQUIRE OF TEMPLAR KNIGHTS. This is the theme 
 which I especially propose to discuss. I shall be able, of 
 course, to touch but a few points within the limits permitted 
 to an address. But, without entering into prohibited particu- 
 lars, I shaU aim to present some of the more prominent princi- 
 ples of the Order. 
 
 What, then, are the doctrines adopted, and the duties 
 required, of every man who is luortldbj associated with the fra- 
 ternity ? 
 
 I say worthily; for it is not to be denied that there are 
 unworthy Masons and Templars, as there are unworthy mem- 
 bers of every other organization, not excepting that highest of
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 81 
 
 eartUy organizations, the Church of God. If the character 
 of an institution is to be judged by the improper conduct or 
 crimes of some of its members, then there is no pure or useful 
 society on earth. 
 
 I. Ternpku- Masonry requires of Knights fraternal confidence^ 
 sympathy, and love. 
 
 Masons are taught to confide in each other, to trust each 
 other implicitly. According to the principles of the Order, a 
 Knight is sure to find a trusty, sympathetic friend in every 
 other Knight, though he may have been a stranger to him 
 personall}'. And in this world, where there is so much of cold 
 suspicion, and jealousy, and distrust, is it not cheering to 
 know that there are faitliful hearts into which we can pour 
 our sorrows and griefs and wrongs, and be assured that they 
 will be met by no sneering repulse, no frigid exhortation to 
 '• take care of yourself, and manage your aflfairs better," no 
 chilling inquiry of the eye or tongue, " What is this to me ? " 
 — but that you will rather find a warm, brotherly sjTnpathy, 
 which is at once interested for you, ready to soothe and 
 counsel and aid ? A Mason always has a right — a right which 
 is promptly recognized by a true brother — to ask for advice 
 and sympathy and aid, and to fear no betrayal or exposure, to 
 dread no unkind repulse. In all his relations in life, the 
 Llason is taught, that on the one hand it is his duty to give, 
 and that on the other hand he has a right to expect, counte- 
 nance and assistance from his brethren. Other things being 
 equal, a Mason has the first claim upon a Mason. Of course 
 there is no right to require a sacrifice of any of the political, 
 social, or religious interests or relations of life ; there is no 
 right to demand a crime or self-injury ; but, as I have already 
 said, other things being equal, a Knight is always bound to 
 prefer a Knight. Is it objected, that this is a wrong and selfish 
 principle ? But how is it so ? Is not every man conscious of 
 an attraction of affinity toward some of his fellow-men rather 
 than toward others ? There are some men in whom you pre- 
 fer to confide, deal in business, be associated on more intimate 
 6
 
 82 PILGEBIAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 and friendly terms tliau witli others. You -will aid them as you 
 may have opportunity, throw business in their way, seek so far 
 as you can to advance all their interests. If there are none to- 
 ward whom you feel such proclivities, no man for whose prosper- 
 ity and happiness you feel a warmer interest than for the mass 
 of mankind, you are to be pitied as a poor, selfish mortal, 
 whose social affections have been frozen by intense worldli- 
 ness, or having been originally chilled in a harsh, ungenial 
 nature, have never been thawed out by benevolence and fra- 
 ternal sympathy. Now this general sympathy, common to our 
 humanity in its higher and nobler types, Masonry guides along 
 certain prescribed paths. On some satisfactory grounds every 
 man has certain preferences and leanings towards certain 
 other men. Other tilings being equal, Masons prefer Masons. 
 There are reasons why they should do so, and in doing so they 
 are only directing into definite channels those sympathies and 
 encouragements which must find objects somewhere. If two 
 men sustain to you precisely the same general relations, and 
 you, by your influence, can promote the interests of one of 
 them, you will give that influence in his favor with whom you 
 have the closest sympathy, — for whom you feel the warmest 
 affection. You would not injure the other, but your afiinities 
 and affections draw you toward your most intimate friend. 
 Every man is conscious of this, and it is right. Masonry re- 
 quires this, — Templarism requires it. Nothing more, nothing 
 less. Within the limits of right and justice and honor, a ]Ma- 
 son will always prefer a Mason. Not that he is required to 
 prefer one to his own serious detriment, or to the still more 
 endearing claims of wife and children and kindred. Masonry 
 encourages no neglect of the laws of natural and social affec- 
 tion ; it rather insists upon their faithful observance ; but it 
 regards every Mason as a brother, to be honored and aided 
 and served and loved, as opportunities may be afforded. 
 
 Like all other good principles, these may be neglected, dis- 
 regai'ded ; but 1 am speaking not of exceptional facts, but of 
 what Masonry, in its essential spirit, requires.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 83 
 
 n. Templar Laics require of Kniglds suhmlssion to rir/Jiffid 
 aulhoriti/. 
 
 It recognizes none of those wild doctrines in abuse of liberty 
 which induce a man to set himself up as his own lord and 
 lawgiver. It demands, and so far as its influence extends 
 cherishes, obedience to established laws, a cheerful yielding to 
 authority, a merging of self into society. Governed by re- 
 publican usages, adopted before political republicanism was 
 known, it gives its disciples a voice in the house of their own 
 rulers ; yet when chosen, it insists upon submission and docility, 
 prompt and unmurmuring obedience. No man too wise or 
 headstrong to submit cheerfully to the decisions and decrees 
 of constituted authorities, to manifest a tractable spirit, and to 
 render unhesitating obedience to official mandates, within pre- 
 scribed laws, need seek for Masonic association. He must 
 learn to yield implicitly to the will of the majority in all mat- 
 ters not pertaining to the landmarks, usages, and statutes of 
 the Order; and even in regard to these, he must submit un- 
 murmm'ingly to the decision of those who are authorized to 
 decide. The " order that is Heaven's first law," finds some of 
 its most beautiful illustrations in the intercourse of Masons. 
 
 And in these days of demagogism and insubordination, 
 when men so often refuse to recognize any other law than 
 their own wild passions, when turbulent selfishness so often 
 overrides law, how useful a lesson is this to learn ! The man 
 who practically learns, no matter where, that he belongs not to 
 himself, but to God and society, — that his own selfish inter- 
 ests are to yield to the general good, — that his own perverse 
 will is to bend Ijcfore authority and law, — will have learned 
 a lesson that will make him a better and more useful citizen, 
 a more contented and happier man. If he learn them no- 
 where else, Masonry will teach him these lessons, in such form 
 that he will not be likely to forget them. And if tlie princi- 
 f)les thus gained within the Order be transferred to the outer 
 daily life, he can scarcely fail to become a wiser, better, and 
 more useful man. Masonry, though it introduced the best 
 elements of republicanism in an age of despotism, and thus
 
 84 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 inaugurated a radical protest against irresponsible authority, 
 is still eminently conservative in all its principles, with no lean- 
 ings toward a rampant and turbulent republicanism, whether 
 red or black. It holds a check rein and a curb bit upon 
 fanaticism and demagogism in all shapes. 
 
 m. Still again : Templar Laws require of Knights the exercise 
 of a benevolent charity. 
 
 This is the grand external characteristic of the Order. It is 
 that outward manifestation by which more than by any other 
 it is known to the world. No man can be a worthy or con- 
 sistent Mason or Templar, without the exercise of practical 
 benevolence. There are certain charitable objects to which 
 he must give when called upon. Ay, even though it require 
 a second and a third scrutiny of his purse or pockets, when he 
 might have thought they were already empty. lie must 
 search honestly and faithfully, or some keener eye than his 
 own will detect the concealed coin which he withholds. AMien 
 in circumstances of depression and want, uncaused by crime 
 or vice, the Mason has a claim upon his brethren for encour- 
 agement and aid, which he knows will be met. So far as may 
 consistently be, his necessities will be supplied, and his efforts 
 to retrieve his embarrassed fortunes be encouraged and assisted. 
 And even if the undue indulgence of evil passions and appe- 
 tites have procured infirmity or poverty, it is made the duty of 
 his brothers to warn and remonstrate, to seek to reclaim, to 
 reinspLre him with a consciousness of his manhood, and to 
 smile upon every step taken in the path of reformation and 
 virtue. The application of the widow or orphan children of a 
 deceased brother for aid, cannot be repulsed or frowned away. 
 A generous response must be made. Often has the steward 
 of Masonic charities had happy reason to magnify and exult 
 in his blessed office, after the manner of the Patriarch Job : 
 " When the ear heard me, then it blessed me ; and when the 
 eye saw me, it gave witness to me : because I delivered the 
 poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to 
 help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came 
 upon me ; and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy." By
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 85 
 
 the fundamental laws of the Order, each one of us is required 
 " to afford succor to the distressed, to di\'ide our bread with 
 the industrious poor, and to put the misguided traveller into 
 the right way. These are duties of the craft suitable to its dig- 
 nity and usefulness. And though a Mason is never to shut his 
 ear imkindly against the complaints of any of the human race, 
 yet when a brother is oppressed or suffers, he is in a more 
 peculiar manner called upon to open his whole soul in love 
 and compassion to him, and to relieve him without prejudice, 
 according to his capacity." The Mason's benevolence and fra- 
 ternal compassion are required to have a quick ear and a 
 keen eye, to apprehend the cry of the sufferer, though his form 
 may be invisible, or to detect a mute appeal, though the native 
 language of the applicant may be unknown. Masonry has a 
 language of benevolence, which is peculiarly its own ; methods 
 of reveaHng and relieving distress with which the stranger 
 'intermeddleth not. 
 
 IV. The fundamental laws of the Temple also require of 
 Knights a firm belief in the existence, sovereignty, and providence 
 of God. 
 
 A Mason cannot be an Atheist. The connection of one 
 with the Masonic fraternity who denies the existence of a 
 supreme, ovei-ruling God, would be a mockery and an absurd- 
 it)-, equalled only by such a one applying for admission into 
 a Christian church or a Hebrew synagogue. The very fact of 
 his union with the fraternity involves, necessarily, the assent 
 of his faith to this as a fundamental principle. If he deny his 
 belief and trust in God, he cannot walk one step in harmony 
 or sympathy with his brethren of the craft. All Masonic rites 
 and duties, as an entire system, and in all their details, involve 
 and demand this belief as fundamental and essential. With- 
 out it, Masonry has no meaning, no beauty, no power. It is 
 foundation, corner-stone, and key-.stone of the edifice. Re- 
 move it, and the structure has neither foundation, corner- 
 stone, nor key-stone, and what sort of building would you have 
 without either ? Nothing but a mass of chaotic fragments ! 
 This faith is the cement, too, which binds the stones of the
 
 86 PILGRIMAGE TO MRGINIA 
 
 building together into the solid wall. We have, MasonicaUy, 
 no warrant for a Mason's faith toward his brother, no reason for 
 believing him true or honest, no hold upon his affections, no 
 guaranty for his faithfulness in any Masonic relation, unless 
 he have faith in God. It is the essential warp of the Masonic 
 garment, without which the woof is only a mass of separated, 
 tangled threads. 
 
 Do you think I put this view forward too strongly ? Every 
 Mason knows that human language, in the employment of its 
 most vigorous terms, cannot be too strong to convey the full 
 force of this idea ; — from the very moment when he sets his 
 foot within the guarded precincts, through every stage and step 
 of his progress, he is required to assent to it, to profess it, to 
 defend it. There can scarcely be conceived a grosser incon- 
 gruity, a more ridiculous mocker}', than that of a man who 
 doubts the existence or sovereignty of God being associated 
 with the Masonic fraternity, claiming its privileges, observing 
 its ceremonies, or performing its duties. 
 
 Now, is there anything in the belief of an oven-uling, ever- 
 present God, an all-seeing Eye, scrutinizing every emotion of 
 the heart and every step of the life, fitted to restrain men 
 from wrong, and to prompt to what is right and pure ? Is not 
 such a belief, firmly and frequently repeated, adapted to make 
 men better in all the relations of life ? We admit, and we 
 admit it sadly, that in the humiliating depravity of man's 
 nature, even such a belief does not always have that practical 
 influence over the life and heart which a theoretical philos- 
 ophy might suppose ; but still, that it has a mighty influence 
 none can doubt. So far then, in all good conscience, we can 
 speak in praise of ^Masonry. It demands the assent of the soul 
 to the doctrine that a God, ever present, ever watchful, ever 
 ruling, reigns over this world. 
 
 V. But still further : Templar Laws recpiu-e of Knights an 
 acknowledgment of the d'winity and authority of the Holy Scrip- 
 tures. 
 
 The Holy Bible lies open in every Masonic Lodge. It is its 
 brightest light. The square and compass are not more neces-
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAES. 87 
 
 sary to a IMason's work than tlie Word of God. Xo man can 
 give Masonically an honest pledge of fidelity, integiity, and 
 devotion, without a belief in the divine authority of the Holy 
 Scriptures. Without this belief there is no binding force in 
 his promises and obligations. Ambitious heresiarchs may war 
 against the use of the Bible elsewhere, but from the fraternity 
 of Masons they can never anathematize it. Take this from 
 us, and our greatest light would be extinguished. Darkness 
 and confusion would disband the Order. We cannot take one 
 step without it. We can scarcely utter a Masonic sentence 
 without the eniplo\-ment of its sublime language. Take away 
 the Bible, and the lessons it teaches and the principles it incul- 
 cates, and it would be like digging out the cementing mortar 
 from the walls of a stately edifice. The whole building would 
 tumble into ruins before the first blast. There may be con- 
 ceptions of impossibilities. To conceive of daylight without a 
 sun, however, is perceived to be clearly an impossibility. Life 
 without air is an impossibility. It is equally impossible to con- 
 ceive of Masonry without the Bible. It could not exist. Its 
 landmarks would be all gone ; its principles, its ceremonial, its 
 entire meaning, would be obliterated. It would be " the play 
 of Hamlet without the part of Hamlet," with a vengeance. 
 
 The use of the Bible in Masonry is not a contingency, not 
 an accident, — not an incidental expedient tacked on to gain 
 reverence, to inspire solemnity, or to fill out its ritual ; it is so 
 interwoven with it, so ingrained in it, that to remove it would 
 be like taking the flax out of linen, the wool out of cloth, or the 
 carbon out of coal, — the residue would be vanity and chaos. 
 The Mason who does not believe the Bible — if we can con- 
 ceive of such a one — can find no beauty nor meaning in 
 Masonry. To such a one it would seem the flattest, most un- 
 meaning and absurd of organizations. 
 
 Do you imagine that I present this view too strongly ? I say 
 to you again, that language too forceful cannot be employed 
 in conveying this essential truth. 
 
 Now, is there anything good in this principle ? Is it of any 
 value to have a divine and perfect rule of life, — to recognize
 
 88 PILGRIMAGE TO \1RGINIA 
 
 a supreme and perfect law of Iiuman conduct ? Is it of any 
 practical importance to adopt a belief in this as admitted truth, 
 and to have it impressed upon the soul as controlling, guiding 
 truth ? All that is of practical ■worth in the adoption and de- 
 fence of such a principle we claim for Masonry. 
 
 VI. Beyond all this, which is common to all degrees of 
 Masonry, the essential principles of the Temple require the 
 
 BELIEF AND CONFESSION OF THE SUPREME DIVINITY AND 
 SOVEREIGNTY OF THE LORD AND SaVIOUR, JeSUS ChRIST. 
 
 The defence of the Christian religion, and of this essential 
 feature of it, is a part of every knightly vow. It affirms that 
 the sins of the world were laid upon the head of the Saviour, 
 and that there is no hope of salvation but through his sacri- 
 ficial atonement and death. The world may see the cross on 
 every banner and banneret that is displayed beyond the en- 
 campment, upon the sword-hilt of every Knight, and embroid- 
 ered upon his regalia. The grand old motto, " In hoc signo 
 vinces" is the public proclamation of the faith of the Order 
 to the world. Every true-hearted Christian Templar announ- 
 ces this faith in the divinity and sovereignty of Jesus of 
 Nazareth, in terms as unequivocal and emphatic as did St. 
 Thomas, when, cured of his criminal incredulity by the expos- 
 ure of the wounds of the Lord, his assured faith exclaimed, 
 " My Lord and my God ! " 
 
 Can truths so solemn and divine as these be professed and 
 taught, without exerting a salutary practical influence upon 
 the lives of men ? Can there be any encouragement to im- 
 morality or vice in principles and teachings like these ? Tlie 
 Order of Knights Templars is, in its whole theory and regula- 
 tions, emphatically a Clmstian Order, clearly tracing its origin 
 to the pious enthusiasm of the Crusaders, in their somewhat 
 fanatical, but certainly devout, contests to wrest the Sepul- 
 chre of the Lord from the possession of infidels. 
 
 But perhaps an objector is ready to ask me : Do Masons 
 uniformly and practically, in all their relations in life, take the 
 Bible as their guide, and follow out its precepts in their prac- 
 tice ? Do Templars practically take Christ as Lord ? Alcis !
 
 OF THE KXIGHTS TEMPLARS. 89 
 
 no. But I am speaking of what these orders in their essential 
 principles demand, not of what in practical life they always 
 receive. Principles and precepts of acknowledged excellence 
 and obligation, through the depravity of our nature, often fail 
 to govern and control even those who admit their authority 
 and beauty and force. But we are always taught to distin- 
 guish between the principles upon which an organization is 
 based and the practice of those principles in life. If men do 
 not carry out these great ideas in the daily conduct, the fault 
 is not In the Institution that requires them, but In the hearts of 
 those who practically repudiate them. There may be bad men 
 who are Masons, but Masonry never taught them one bad les- 
 son, never instilled one evil precept. It is not in consequence 
 of ]\Iasonry — but rather in spite of It, in positive disregard of 
 Its requirements — that any pursue an evil course In life. 
 
 Tliese are some of the sentiments which Masonry cherishes, 
 and some of the duties which Its fundamental laws require. 
 Are they not worthy, inherently right, and in their influence 
 beneficent ? "What fault can be found with these ? Acting in 
 accordance with such principles, shall we not be deemed 
 worthy of confidence, and as extending a salutary Influence 
 upon society V 
 
 It Is sometimes Intimated that the Order of ISIasonry, by the 
 conduct of some weak and injudicious brethren, is exalted 
 above the Church of tlie living God. It is sought to be made 
 to appear, that the one institution is antagonistic to the other, 
 — that the duties recjuired by the Church are neglected by 
 enthusiastic Masons, and that one cannot be an active and 
 efficient member of both organizations. It may be that there 
 are instances of such inconsistency, which are Injurious alike 
 to ]\Iasonry and to religion. But I emphatically deny that 
 Masonry, by a single precept, warrants or encourages a dis- 
 regard of Christian duties, or excuses a neglect of any ecclesi- 
 astical obligations. Tlie worthy and intelligent Mason has no 
 disposition to exalt the Lodge, the Chapter, or the Encamp- 
 ment above the Church, or to bring the one into collision with 
 the other. We chcoi-fully admit that the Cluirch of God is
 
 90 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 the first and highest and most important of all institutions in 
 this world of ours. To its divinely authorized organization 
 and laws, Masonry ui-ges no claims. Divinity is not claimed 
 for Masonry. It is a human institution. But, among human 
 institutions, we do claim that this is most venerable and reputa- 
 ble for its antiquity, its dignity, the purity of its requirements, 
 its unostentatious beneficence, its endearing fraternal ties, and 
 for the multitudes of the best men of earth who have bowed 
 humbly at its altar. While we admit that we could not exist 
 as an organized fraternity without the religion of the Bible, we 
 cheerfully acknowledge that the religion of the Bible may be 
 propagated, enforced, and practised without us. But those 
 who imagine that there is any antagonism of the one to the 
 other in precepts, sjoh-it, or duties, know nothing of the essen- 
 tial genius or fundamental principles of Masonry. 
 
 Brothers, Companions, Knights, — We greet you in fraternal 
 affection. We are happy to mingle in the festivities of this 
 auspicious day. I have endeavored honestly and frankly to 
 evoke the prominent principles which we are bound together 
 to cherish and illustrate. You know their truth. Let me 
 urge you, for the good of the crafl, and for the benefit of 
 humanity, to cultivate and exemplify these principles. So 
 shall we preserve the lustre of our jewels untarnished, so shall 
 we evince that we know the practical moral uses of the square, 
 the plumb, the level, the gauge, and the trowel. So shall wis- 
 dom, strength, and beauty, like columns fimi and perpendicu- 
 lar, sustain the symmetry of our ancient arch ; wisdom dissemi- 
 nating light, strength illustrating the force of reason and logic, 
 and beauty displaying the loveliness of virtue. 
 
 May the will of the Sujireme Master and Commander con- 
 trol us through life, and his grace accord us a blessed and 
 eternal union in Heaven, tlirough our Lord and Saviour, Jesus 
 Christ. Amen. 
 
 The introductory portion of this address was received 
 with frequent and most enthusiastic applause, its allu- 
 sions to the visit of the Richmond Commaudery to Boston
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 91 
 
 being keenly relished by the New England Templars. 
 The main argument of the discourse enchained the atten- 
 tion of the audience throughout its delivery. 
 
 The Providence Band performed a capital piece of 
 music, and the audience were dismissed with a benedic- 
 tion by Rev. F. J. Boggs. 
 
 It had been intended that the pageant of the marching 
 Templars should be displayed through the western por- 
 tion of the city ; but that part of the programme was dis- 
 pensed with on account of a shower of rain, and the col- 
 umn moved directly to the Mechanics' Institute, on Ninth 
 Street, which place was reached a little after four o'clock 
 in the afternoon. 
 
 The lower hall of the Institute had been converted into 
 a refreshment-room, gayly decorated with flowers and 
 bunting, and pi'ovided with the amplest facilities for eat- 
 ing and drinking. Two hours were spent here by the 
 Sir Knights in unrestrained social intercourse. The 
 three bands of musicians, from Boston, Providence, and 
 Richmond, about sixty in all, mingled together at the 
 upper end of the hall, and played several pieces together, 
 while the company marched or danced, according to the 
 character of the music. 
 
 During the progress of this fraternal feast, Commander 
 Parkman of the De Molay Encampment exhibited to his 
 command, and all others present, the Gavel formerly 
 used by Chief Justice Marshall, in the Grand Lodge of 
 Virginia, when he presided over that ancient Lodge. 
 This precious relic, which is now the property of Ran- 
 dolph Lodge, No. 19, of Richmond, was regarded with a 
 feeling akin to veneration by the brethren of the mystic 
 tie. 
 
 "When this, the second festival of the day was over, the
 
 92 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 Sir Knights marched to the Exchange Hotel to prepare 
 for a third, — the Grand Family Banquet, — which took 
 place in the evening. The musicians and Templars, on 
 leaving the hall, formed promiscuously, — Boston, Provi- 
 dence, and Richmond being mingled and distributed in 
 equal proportions, as nearly as possible. In this way they 
 marched, to the tunes of " Yankee Doodle " and " Carry 
 me back to Old Virginia," to their quarters, in the hap- 
 piest frame of mind it is possible to conceive, and in due 
 time put themselves in readiness for the pleasures and 
 festivities of the evening.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 93 
 
 CHAPTER A^II. 
 
 COMPLUIESTAEY BaXQUET AT THE EXCHANGE HoTEL AND BaL- 
 
 LAED House, Richmond, Virginia, to the De Molay Enca^ip- 
 MENT, Boston, and the St. John's Encampment, Pp>ovidence. 
 Given by the Richmond Commandeey of Knights Templaes, 
 No. 2, Richmond, Vieginia, Tuesday, JLvy 17, 1859. 
 
 The pilgrim Templars, after the liiglily interesting 
 reception ceremonies at the Mechanics' Institute, the 
 collation at Masonic Hall, the oration at the First 
 Baptist Church, and a second collation at the Institute, 
 were dismissed, about half past six o'clock, and were 
 allowed a short season of rest from the hospitalities of 
 their Virginia friends, which had assailed them inces- 
 santly and at every point during the entire day. But 
 their respite was a short one, for they were assembled, 
 soon after eight o'clock, in the large hall of the Ballard 
 House, to await the summons to the banquet which was 
 to be the culmination of Tuesday's festivities. 
 
 Some time was spent in conversation, and a free inter- 
 change of the kindly sentiments generated by the inter- 
 course of the Sir Knights during the day. At a quarter 
 before nine o'clock, the signal was given to proceed to 
 the lianqueting-hall, in the Exchange Hotel. Each of 
 the Richmond Templars secured a guest by the arm, 
 when they marched across the bridge which connects the 
 hotels, the band playing " Fisher's Hornpipe," and en-
 
 94 riLGRIMAGE TO MEGIMA 
 
 tered the grand saloon, where the feast was spread. 
 Here a blaze of light and beauty almost dazzled the eye. 
 The tables groaned — if ever table groaned — beneath 
 the luxuries they bore. And well might they bear 
 bravely such a load, even though groaning Avithal, for the 
 choice viands were set off and ornamented in the richest 
 and most beautiful manner. There were grottos, tem- 
 ples, pyramids, castles, and pagodas in confectionery, 
 of beautiful colors, glowing Avith internal lights. There 
 was an immense silver epergne, mounted on a silver 
 plateau, filled with the finest artificial flowers that the 
 floral artist could devise. Tliere Avere twelve magnificent 
 vases with French bouquets of fruits and flowers, and 
 many smaller vases filled with roses. There were numer- 
 ous silver candelabra, containing wax candles of varie- 
 gated colors, whose light was made to contribute to the 
 illumination of the saloon, ah-eady brilliantly lighted by 
 the gas chandeliers. The chandeliers bore clusters and 
 festoons of bright and delicate flowers, and, to add to the 
 enchantment of the scene, the piazza on the east of the 
 banqueting-room was filled with the fairest ladies of Rich- 
 mond, accompanied by the New England ladies, who 
 enjoyed the sight of the pleasant spectacle within through 
 the open windows. 
 
 When the guests were seated, and the Divine blessing 
 had been invoked by Sir Kniglit Eev. F. J. Boggs, the 
 attention of the company was directed to the substantial 
 viands and delicacies spread before them in great variety 
 and profusion. 
 
 The destruction of the things eatable was accompanied 
 by the popping of Champagne, of choice brands, like mus- 
 ketry along the lines, and nothing that could give zt'st to 
 the entertainment was wantin"-.
 
 OF THE KXIGHTS TEMPLAES. 95 
 
 "When, as Homer hath it, the rage of hunger and thirst 
 had been appeased, Sir Knight John Dove, M. D., Past 
 Commander of Richmond Commandery, No. 2, after a 
 few introductory remarks, called for the reading of the 
 first regular toast. 
 
 Sir Knight J. R. Crenshaw, toast-master of the even- 
 ing, then read the first toast, as follows : — 
 
 1. Our Guests: The Sir Knights of De ]Molay and St. 
 John's Encampments, — 
 
 " The friends we have, and their adoption tried, 
 We grapple to our soul with hooks of steel." 
 
 Sir Knight Winslow Lewis responded, as follows : — 
 
 I am not a member of De Molay Encampment, except in 
 an honorary cajjacity ; but having received an invitation to 
 accompany them on their pilgrimage, I accepted it thank- 
 fully. But I am sorry to be obliged to cast a gloom over 
 the assembly by the recital of the misfortunes which have 
 befallen me since our trip commenced. I had heard of 
 Southern hospitality, of Virginia- hospitahty, and therefore 
 set out on this expedition with fear and trembling. In the 
 first place we sustained a welcome at Washington, and on 
 reaching the shores of Virginia we were met by a man of 
 honeyed phrase, of oily tongue, a good and a Wise man, who 
 kindly hinted something of the trials we were to expect. 
 "Wlien we reached Fredericksburg, we encountered the hos- 
 pitahty of that city, and heard there was something more at 
 Richmond. In the cars all along the route after entering 
 Virginia we were assailed Avith good things, and since our 
 arrival there has been no cessation in this warfare. When we 
 arrived here, we were taken into a large building and cor- 
 dially welcomed. The same evening we were taken to the 
 Theatre, and there from an ambush the ladies showered us 
 with bouquets. To-day we have been again welcomed, and 
 have done more in response to the kindness of our friends than
 
 96 PILGEIMAGE TO \lRGIJsIA 
 
 I had believed men could do. I ask eacli one of my friends 
 from New England to lay his hand, not upon his heart exactly, 
 but a little below it, and say what his feelings are. Even 
 the clergyman to whose eloquence we have listened to-day 
 had warned them of the severe treatment they were to receive. 
 For my own part, if I should die in this good cause, I would 
 beg somebody to write above my grave this epitaph, — " Here 
 lies a man who died of good living." 
 
 Sir Knight Lewis added some pertinent remarks upon 
 the principles and objects of the Order, and concluded 
 with the following sentiment : — 
 
 The Old Dominion and the Old Bay State, — May the glori- 
 ous memory of the Union of our fathers be ever enshi-ined in 
 the hearts of their sons. 
 
 The speech of Doctor Lewis was received in the best 
 humor possible, and was much applauded during its de- 
 livery. 
 
 At its close, the band favored the company with 
 appropriate music, and the next regular toast was intro- 
 duced : — 
 
 2. The Masonic Fraternity : — 
 
 " May Freedom, Harmony, and Love 
 Cement us in the grand design, 
 Beneath the Omniscient Eye above, 
 The glorious Architect Divine." 
 
 Sir Knight Dove of Richmond responded to this. 
 Commencing with some allusions to his profession, that 
 of a physician, he proceeded to read a very instructive 
 dissertation upon the Order of Masonry. He gave at the 
 conclusion of his address this sentiment : — 
 
 Tlie memory of Robert Burns, the bard of Scotia, whose 
 poetic genius has rendered immortal the genius of Masonry.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 97 
 
 The third regular toast was then prefaced with some 
 eloquent remarks by the toast-master : — 
 
 3. Tlie Union of the States, and the States of the Union : 
 " Distinct as the billows, — one as the sea." 
 
 The three bands of music, united, played the air of the 
 " Star-spangled Banner," and Sir Knight Wra. H. Mac- 
 farland, President of the Farmers' Bank, Richmond, was 
 called on to respond. He said : — 
 
 This Union is the last and crowning work of the men of a 
 heroic age, and sad will be the day — sadly will the patri- 
 otism of Americans be depreciated — when they seek to sever 
 the cords that hold the Union together. Can any toast to 
 the Union be received without applause ? Unhappy will be 
 the circumstances when this toast fails to elicit the hearty 
 response of heroic hearts. 
 
 We have on this occasion a witness and an instance of the 
 beneficence of our Union. Not that strangers are here 
 receiving hospitaUty, for that might be expected from any 
 civihzed people ; but we have, from a distant capital, strangers 
 of yesterday, but friends of to-day, — knowing and feeUng 
 that, although we are from different States, one and all have 
 the same privileges, the same hopes and aims. There is not 
 a sentiment which commands the respect and confidence of 
 the people of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, that does not 
 command respect in Virginia. The citizen of Massachusetts, 
 or Rhode Island, or Virginia, may walk abroad in any other 
 State of the Union, and enjoy the same privileges in any of 
 them, and feel that he is among a band of brothers. And is 
 the duration of this glorious Union to be counted by centuries, 
 even ? Never ! never ! Every sentiment of the past forbids 
 it. Let the Union be preserved by the same harmonious feel- 
 ing, among the citizens of different States, that distinguished 
 its founders. And I believe that its permanency would de- 
 pend in no small degree upon the principles inculcated and 
 practised by the Masonic fraternity. 
 7
 
 98 PILGRIMAGE TO ^^RGINIA . 
 
 He gave in conclusion : — 
 
 " The union between Virginia, Massachusetts, and Ehode 
 Island, so happUy begun, — may it never cease." 
 
 This sentiment was loudly cheered, and drunk stand- 
 ing, the Armory Band playing " Hail Columbia." 
 The next regular toast was : — 
 
 4. Massachusetts : The Old Bay State, — time-honored 
 Massachusetts ; PljTnouth Eock, Faneuil Hall, Bunker Hill. 
 
 Brother A. 0. Brewster, Esq., of Boston, responded, in 
 an eloquent and effective speech, to the call made upon 
 him: — 
 
 In rising to thank you for the honor thus bestowed upon 
 me, I present myself gratefully and gladly before my Vir- 
 ginia friends, the Sir Knights of Kichmond, and express my 
 most profound acknowledgments for the kind treatment I 
 have received at your hands. I am grateful and glad to 
 stand for the first time on the soil of old Virginia, and enjoy 
 Vu'ginia hospitality. For several months I have looked for- 
 ward with pleasure to this visit. This is the proudest day 
 of my life, and I thank God I have lived to see it. It is 
 one of those occasions which a man will always remember, and 
 carry the recollection to his grave. 
 
 What a spectacle is here presented ? Massachusetts, Rhode 
 Island, and Virginia, meeting as our forefathers were accus- 
 tomed to meet, on conunon ground, — coming together and 
 joining hands and hearts. They stood shoulder to shoulder, 
 and side by side during the Kevolutionary struggle, and this 
 joining of their descendants, hand to hand and heart to heart, 
 is a sure guaranty that there are ties, Masonic and patriotic, 
 strong enough and enduring enough to hold together, in spite 
 of fanaticism or treason, and in spite of the foes of freedom 
 anj'where and everywhere, these United States ! 
 
 This spot calls up to my mind the glorious events in
 
 OF THE KXIGHTS TEMPLARS. 99 
 
 the history of Yii-ginia, a State I have always revered. 
 Sixteen years ago I desired to emigrate to Virginia, but 
 Providence cast my lot in a different land. But I often 
 turn back to the sons of Virginia during the Revolutionary 
 period, and I claim them as my own. I claim "Washington 
 and ]Mount Vernon, and Virginians should claim Webster. 
 In calling up the historical names of Virginia, New England 
 men felt proud that they too belonged to the same confed- 
 eration of States to whom belonged those illusti'ious men. 
 
 I desire to remind you of one scene never equalled in 
 ancient or modern days. It was in the second Colonial Con- 
 vention, held eighty-four years ago in ]\Iarch last, in Rich- 
 mond. Go back to that day, and witness the patriotism and 
 moral heroism of that scene ! There was Washington and 
 Jefferson, and on the right was Pendleton, and Vii-ginia's best 
 patriots were in deliberation. It was the most trying period 
 in your Colonial history. All hearts were anxious, all felt the 
 tremendous responsibility resting on them in that crisis. Some 
 were undecided, until Patrick Henry, in support of his resolu- 
 tion for war, thrilled them with those memorable words which 
 have been learned by heart by every school-boy in the North. 
 Patrick Henry was on fire for action. He was eager to strike 
 the blow. He arose in that house, which I have looked upon 
 to-day, with strong emotion, and delivered that masterly 
 speech, which has made his name immortal. Demosthenes 
 never uttered words of such power and import as did Henry 
 when he exclaimed, " There is no longer any room for hope ! 
 If we wish to be fi-ee, — If we mean to preserve inviolate those 
 inestimable privileges for which we have been so long con- 
 tending, — if we mean not barely to abandon the noble strug- 
 gle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we 
 have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious 
 object of our contest shall be obtained, — we must fight ! I 
 
 repeat it, Sir, we must Jigld ! I know not what course 
 
 others may take, but as for me, (I'lve me Liberty^ or give me 
 Death!" 
 
 You have these glorious reminiscences in Virginia, and we
 
 100 PILGRIMAGE TO \nRGINIA 
 
 have ours in Massactusetts. " There is Lexington, and Con- 
 cord, and Bunker Hill, and there they will remain for ever." 
 There is Faneuil Hall and Plymo.uth Rock, and there are 
 many things besides, clustering with associations of those who 
 laid the foundations of the Union. And Massachusetts will 
 stand by the Union to the last. 
 
 Let any disunionist, North or South, attempt to tear one 
 star from our nation's flag, and there shall a voice come up 
 from Massachusetts, loud and long and deep, proclaiming, "We 
 must fight ! " I like the sentiment enunciated by the gentle- 
 man who has just spoken to us. Heaven forbid that this Union 
 should ever be dissolved ! The blood that flowed at Brandy- 
 wine, Saratoga, and King's Mountain forbid it ! Shall it ever 
 be dissolved ? A voice from Mount Vernon, from Monticello, 
 from Ashland, from Marshfield, says, " No ! " That precious 
 blood which drenched Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill 
 says, " No ! " The j'oung men in our shops and fields at the 
 North say, " No ! " These Masonic ties that bind our hearts 
 together say, " No ! " The Past says, " No I " The Present 
 says, "No!" The Future, with all its hopes, says, "No!" 
 And the people, with one unbroken front, exclaim ten thou- 
 sand times, "NO !" 
 
 There is a deep moral in this convocation. It teaches us 
 that it would be better to cultivate more those relations which 
 should exist between the North and the South. It has had its 
 good influences upon us. I doubt not, it wiU have its appro- 
 priate influence upon you. We shall go back and tell our 
 children what we have seen, and teach them that they must 
 have no North, no South, in their love of country. You have 
 happy homes enough, and to spare. You have all the ele- 
 ments necessary for a happy. Christian people, and I entreat 
 you to stand by the Union and the Constitution that holds it 
 together. 
 
 As for usj we will go home and cherish in our heart of 
 hearts most grateful recollections of your kindness and hos- 
 pitality. We shall go back to Boston with a prouder feeling 
 of admiration for Virginia, — for her public and private 
 citizens.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAES. 101 
 
 And let us all so live that, wlien we are laid down in our 
 last resting-jilace, men may read upon our tombstones, — 
 
 " Here lies one, a Templar and a Master Mason, who lived 
 true to the faith of his fathers, and, under the principles of 
 Love, Peace, and Good-Will to All, loved his country, and his 
 whole country." 
 
 Mr. Brewster's speech, of which the above is a mere 
 sketch, was warmly applauded at various points, and the 
 Virginia Templars were very enthusiastic in praising it. 
 
 Fifth regular toast : — 
 
 5. Rhode Island: Tlie asylum of Eoger Williams, — the 
 cradle of Nathanael Greene. 
 
 Sir Knight C. B. Farnsw^orth, of Providence, made a 
 speecli in response : — 
 
 He was proud of Rhode Island, which, although a small 
 State has produced some great and good men. He stood 
 upon the native soil of Washington, and had the satisfaction 
 that Nathanael Greene of Rhode Island was second only to 
 AVasliington in that war Avhich rescued our country from for- 
 eign domination and oppression. 
 
 Roger Williams had his home in Rhode Island. He lived 
 when lie was in advance of his age. He was persecuted for 
 his ideas of religious freedom, but those ideas have become the 
 common property of the civilized world. 
 
 Oliver Hazard Perry was a son of Rhode Island, and he 
 had shed an impoi-ishable lustre upon our naval history. He 
 was proud to feel that his State could boast of some names 
 whose heroism made them brothers of Virginians. He was glad 
 too of that other tie which bound citizens of the two States 
 together, and when on that day he sat in their Lodge-room, 
 in the chair occupied by Chief Justice [Marshall as Grand 
 blaster, he felt a new interest in Virginia. He gave, in con- 
 clusion : —
 
 102 PILGRIMAGE TO \1EGIXIA 
 
 The Judiciary of the United States : Though composed of 
 men, and therefore subject to human infirmities, yet the only 
 bond that can hold all the people of all the States fii-mly to the 
 Constitution. 
 
 Cheering and music followed Sir Knight Farnsworth's 
 speech, and the sixth regular toast was introduced : — 
 
 6. Virginia : 
 
 " Breathes there a man vrith soul so dead, 
 Who never to himself hath said. 
 This is my own, my native land? " 
 
 In the absence of Governor Wise, who had been ex- 
 pected to respond to this toast, his son, 0. Jennings Wise, 
 Esq., was called upon : — 
 
 He said that he was so unfortunate as not to belong to 
 the Masonic fraternit}-, but he was the son of a Grovernor and 
 a jNIason's daughter, and he had a letter in his pocket which 
 would, when read, give them more pleasure than any speech 
 he could make. He could not enter into the Masonic mys- 
 teries, but from what he had seen that night, he could say that 
 Masons eat and drink as though then* hearts were full of 
 humanity. 
 
 Sergeant S. Prentiss, in his first plea to a jury, addressed 
 them as " Fellow-citizens." Massachusetts and Rhode Island 
 have repeated the same sentiment to-day. We are copart- 
 ners in the joint sovereignty of a mighty nation, embracing in 
 its broad extent, at the same season of the year, icicles and 
 orange-flowers. And wheresoever I plant my foot within its 
 boundaries, I stand upon my native soil, and It is still my privi- 
 lege to say the same words, — " Fellow-citizens." We stand 
 as joint sovereigns in this great confederation of States, and if 
 it Is the purpose of your Order to contribute to the jserma- 
 nency of the Union, by binding its citizens together In a frater- 
 nal union, every man who loves his counti*}- will bid you God 
 speed.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAES. 103 
 
 Mr. Vt'ise, after a few eloquent remarks, proceeded to 
 read the following letter : — 
 
 rticlunond, Va., May 15, 1859. 
 To Wm. B. Isaacs, Esq.,/o/- iJie Committee, etc. 
 
 My dear Sir and Brother : — Two days ago I regretted to 
 be obliged to apprise the Committee of Invitation that I could 
 not be present at the reception of the Boston and Providence 
 brethren. I had thought they would arrive here about Wed- 
 nesday of the past week, and hastened to return to this city 
 from a visit to Norfolk on that account, and long before had 
 made appointments to be in Washington this week on my way 
 to Accomac. These appointments I cannot, with any propriety 
 or convenience, forego. It was due to you and to your worthy 
 guests that I should have been present to do my humble part 
 in tendering to them the hospitalities of brotherhood and of 
 our homes, — to which they are so deservedly and cordially 
 welcome ; but for the reasons I have named, I cannot be with 
 you in person, though I leave my house and heart and this letter 
 behind me, to aid in greeting your guests with my warmest 
 expression of welcome. I have requested my son to represent 
 me, as I find he has been honored by tickets, and he will open 
 the Executive mansion, its doors, beds, and board, at your 
 command. 
 
 I wish I had time and space to respond to the touching senti- 
 ment upon which you proposed to call me out at the banquet. 
 It has in it all the life and spirit of the fervor of patriotism. 
 "My own, my native land" is — my country — my whole 
 country — my blessed and best beloved country. But the love 
 of country, the amor patrice, is founded, nationally and fer- 
 vently, on the love of home, the amor loci. The people of the 
 United States have homes. They have a confederacy and 
 union of States, and these States have cities and towns and 
 corporations and counties and parishes and hundreds, and 
 these have houses and householders ; and these houseliolders 
 arc patriarchs of domesticity. They are husbands of tlie soil, 
 and tlioy have wives and Identity of offspring, and tlieir chll-
 
 104 PILGRIMAGE TO ^^RGmIA 
 
 di'cn have fathers and mothers, and brothers and sisters, and 
 cousins and kindred, around hearth-stones of homes. And 
 these homes are sacred, and these relationships are holy, as the 
 fanes of Heaven. And in these homes of America are germi- 
 nated and trained the tendrils of childhood and early affec- 
 tions, under the light and law of Liberty, vrhich are as endur- 
 ing as the everlasting hills. They grow and multiply, and 
 increase to rank and luxuriant and fruit-bearing, strong vines, 
 which cover the whole earth of countiy, and are indestructible. 
 At home is the cradle of infancy, nursed by mother ; at home 
 is the bread toasted at the hearth-stone, constructed by father ; 
 at home is the play-ground consecrated by the joys and tears 
 of brother and sister ; near by home is the school-house ; all 
 around home are the forests and fields of youthful exercises, 
 and every spot is marked by memory. And when manhood 
 leaves the maternal roof of home, memory endears more and 
 more every scene, and all its incidents in every stage of child- 
 hood and youth, from the cradle and the cupboard and the 
 mother's knee, — that household altar where the " Now I lay 
 me " was first lisped, — to the spelling-book and the slate, and 
 the pony, and the gun and dog, up to the day of leave-taking 
 of all for the greater preparations for life. And life-long and 
 life-through, these feelings, local and individual, and divided 
 from all besides, as they are, — isolated and tropical in their be- 
 ginning, — become the sure and safe foundation of the strength 
 of a whole State, as the States are the pillars of the whole 
 nation. Does the invader assail my country in its most dis- 
 tant, and to me strangest pai't, — to the uttermost part I Avill 
 march to meet him. Why ? He can't invade my country 
 without invading my State, — he can't invade my State with- 
 out invading my home, — " my own, my native land." He 
 shall be repelled, at whatever cost, though it may cost me 
 labor and fatigue and treasure and blood, and it may be life. 
 And how much the opposite of this is that cosmopolitan and 
 philanthropic and abstract and generic and vague and wan- 
 dering and fanatical love of one's own land, which begins in the 
 clouds and from abroad, and far above earthly affections and
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAES. 105 
 
 their germs, to make men love and respect themselves, and 
 tiy to serve their neighbors and their State and their whole 
 country, without a nucleus of affections and memories to 
 inspire patriotism ? 
 
 The love of home expands to a passionate love of a whole 
 land, and becomes generic and universal and conservative and 
 sublime, while the cold, cosmopolitan philosophy contracts to 
 selfishness and sectionalism, and becomes special and destruc- 
 tive and mean and little. In this there is the very poetry of 
 emotional metaphysics. Blount Yernon helped to make a Vir- 
 ginia, and both to make the patriotic virtue of a Washington, 
 which served and saved the whole United States of America ! 
 He did not leave home to meddle with the business and occu- 
 pations and pleasures and possessions and affairs of other 
 homes ; but because he kept to his own, he was the better 
 fitted to preserve and defend all. 
 
 And it is not only as I have illustrated that the words of 
 " my own, my native land," thus become generic and country- 
 serving and country-saving. But they are less special in their 
 growth and application in another and larger sense. With 
 God's blessing and the fair field of freedom, these homes are 
 the happiest upon earth, and they grow up and glow out the 
 most fervid patriotism known to the hearts of men. 
 
 Liberty in the United States has become a Divine Mother 
 of a new, new birth. Seeing that the strength of the country 
 protects the peace and the happiness of the homes, the homes 
 not only become the strength of the country, but they gener- 
 ate a love of liberty which works miracles. Before the United 
 States existed, men in the Old World were born serfs of the 
 soil, — they became part fixtures of a birthplace. Once sub- 
 jects of a tyrant, they were always subjects, and emigration 
 could drag no chain long enough to free them from this serf- 
 dom. But when Liberty lighted up her torches on this conti- 
 nent, there sprang up from its very brightest beams a new 
 birth of freedom, called Naturalization. When the oppressed 
 fled to America for an asylum, and swore allegiance; to Lib- 
 erty here, and said, " Tliy country is my country," Liberty
 
 106 PILGRIMAGE TO MRGIXIA 
 
 said back, in reply, " Ho ! every one that thirsteth for me, 
 come freely and you shall be born anew, — ye shall be ' natu- 
 ralized,' — ye shall become as native-born, and my country 
 shall be thy country by the glorious spirit of adoption, where- 
 by you and your heirs for ever shall be made free ! " The 
 naturalized and the native were made as one ; and the one or 
 the other may now exclaim : " There is a land of every land 
 the pride," and " There is a spot, a sweeter, dearer spot than 
 all the rest," — and Liberty in America says alike to natural- 
 ized and native : " O man ! however and whencesoever thy 
 footsteps have roamed or may roam, — 
 
 ' That land is thy country 
 And that spot 's thy home !' " 
 
 And liberty here, in America, has not only generated a 
 new birth for the oppressed of every foreign land who by elec- 
 tion may make this land their country, and this spot their 
 home ; but it has generated a new birth of allegiance and love 
 of country to the native-born. I was born, thank God, in Vir- 
 ginia. I am a native to her manor of Accomac county, and 
 my home is on her Onancock Creek, at the humble plantation 
 called " Only," after a good man who once owned it, and be- 
 cause it is the " only " place which a certain poor man can 
 call his own. But though thus born, and having there an 
 " only " home, yet all over the United States, in every State 
 and Territory, I have an estate and possession and inherit- 
 ance more precious than rubies, which entitle me to exclaim 
 with all my might, 
 
 " This is my own, my native land ! " 
 
 Because I was born to a title, an estate, an inheritance, and 
 a glad and glorious possession, in the Union of these States of 
 my country, I love 0>'ly above all homes, — it is a sweeter, 
 dearer spot than all the rest. I love my neighbors more than 
 all other neighbors, because they are my neighbors ; I love my 
 country more than all other countries besides ; I love my State 
 most and best, because she is the State of my home ; and I
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 107 
 
 love my country more than all countries on God's globe, be- 
 cause it is the land of my State, the State of my country, the 
 country of my neighborhood, the neighborhood of my birth- 
 place and my home, — and covering all, above all, guarding 
 all, I love the Union of all the States of my whole country, be- 
 cause it gives me the strength, the power, the Nationality, the 
 wealth and population of the whole, to guard and protect me 
 and my little all. Ah I it makes me, a poor man, rich ; it 
 makes me, a weak man, strong ; it makes my plantation the 
 State of Virginia ; it makes Virginia the United States of 
 America ; and it guarantees, to each and all, peace and plenty, 
 and the power to live and labor, to be hajipy and free. 
 
 What great and almighty things it has made out of little I It 
 is a creative power, this generating power of American Lib- 
 erty. Though I possess so little, and am but one, it makes all 
 in the Union mine, and makes me twenty-five millions of peo- 
 ple sti'ong. If I leave home and go to my Court-House, there 
 I am a freeholder, and an equal among sovereign men ; if I 
 leave my Court-House and come up to this metropolis of my 
 State, here I am free, by election, to be her Governor, and to 
 labor with a glowing heart for her honor and interest and per- 
 petual prosperity ; and if when weary with work for my mother 
 State, performed with passionate fondness, I go to New Eng- 
 land for recreation, (where I have never yet set my foot,) 
 even there I can, amongst perfect strangers, still say, " Fellow- 
 citizens," and if no individual man greets me, and asks me to 
 his home or house, I have a right to go to one house, at least, 
 in Boston, — to old Faneuil Hall, and dance and make music 
 in my heart of hearts of patriotism, in the ball-room of the 
 Tea-Party of the Revolution ! Faneuil Hall is mine, and 
 Bunker Hill is mine, and Bennington is mine, and all Provi- 
 dence Plantations are mine, as well as any Yankee's of the 
 six New England States. The fame of their Hancocks and 
 their Adamses of old, and of their Oliver H. Perry and of 
 their Daniel Webster of late, is mine ; and they belong to me, 
 a.s Washington l)elongs to Everett. And if I go to New York, 
 Saratoga and all the Highlands are mine ; if to Jersey, Treu-
 
 108 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 ton and Princeton are mine ; if to Pennsylvania, Germantown 
 and Brandywine and Philadelphia and Chad's Fort and Fort 
 Pitt are mine ; — just as the old Raleigh and Point Pleasant 
 and Great Bridge and Yorktown belong by inheritance and 
 Union-right to our guests Templars. And they may go farther 
 South, and they will find, as I would going North, more and 
 more possessions, all their own. There is King's INIountain 
 and Guilford and Cowpens and Fort Moultrie and Camden 
 and Talladega and New Orleans. And if we go together to the 
 Noi'thwest, we will find Kaskaskia and Yincennes and San- 
 dusky, and many other common inheritances. And if we go to 
 the very newest States and Territories, where not a sod beneatii 
 your feet has ever been a soldier's sepulchre, stiU there every 
 inch of soil, every rood of land, is trophy of a patriot's toil and 
 sacrifice, and all, all, and everywhere and anywhere is yours, 
 by common inheritance, by imion, right, and law ; and there 
 you may erectyour cabin home, and plant your vine, and sit in 
 its shade, and anywhere and everywhere, throughout the juris- 
 diction of the United States, on deck or on terra Jirma, of sea 
 or land, you may sing aloud, in patriotic pride : — 
 
 " This is mj' own, my native land." 
 
 And what a land ! How beautiful, how various in beauty 
 of luscious fruits and bloom ! O, who would mar this gar- 
 den of the free, this brooding nest of teeminjj, jrenerating Lib- 
 erty ? If any would not love this home, this State, this coun- 
 try, let him have no home, no State, no country to love ! K 
 any busy-bodies, doing mischief, would meddle with other 
 homes than their own, to try to make all better by making 
 them all like their own, which they love best, let them go to 
 Heaven as soon as possible, and get under the wings of Prov- 
 idence, where they belong, much fitter than to earth and the 
 United States, where municipal and individual freedom reigns 
 for man's estate and not for angels ! And if any would array 
 this country's parts against each other in sectional division and 
 strife, let them have no inheritance in the whole, — the grand, 
 great whole ; but let them selfislily have a single, small jilace
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 109 
 
 for their safe-keeping, a home made for treason, felony, or 
 mania, — a prison or a mad-house. They cannot destroy the 
 Union without destroying States and homes, and they cannot 
 destroy homes and States ■without destroying the Union. By 
 strengthening each part we fortify the whole, and by fortifying 
 the whole we protect each part. Each and all is ours ; each 
 and all belongs to all equally and alike ; in the part and in the 
 whole all citizens are seized; and all. North and South, East 
 and West, white and black, native and naturalized, bond and 
 free, happy here as never men were happy elsewhere on 
 earth, may say, for the whole Union of these States, as this 
 toast says for the Blessed Mother of States : — 
 
 " Breathes there a man with soul so dead, 
 Who never to himself hath said, 
 This is my own, my native land ?" 
 
 I give you : — 
 
 The Union and the Constitution of the United States, as 
 they are, — the country, the whole country, — "My own, my 
 native land," as it is. 
 
 AYith the highest respect, yours fraternally, 
 
 HENRY A. WISE. 
 
 The reading of this letter — so full of patriotic senti- 
 ments, expressed in such fervid style, with such a fluency 
 of rhetoric, and so eloquent withal — was frequently 
 interrupted by the applause of the company, and at its 
 conclusion three cheers were given for Governor Wise. 
 
 Then followed the seventh regular toast : — 
 
 7. Woman: The last at the Cross and the first at the Sep- 
 ulchre. 
 
 Sir Knight Hamilton "Willis, of De Molay Encamp- 
 ment, responded briefly, in a humorous speech. 
 
 He said that, afl;er having listened six hours to the eloquent
 
 no PILGKIMAGE TO ^^EGI^^A 
 
 speeches of the evening, he could hardly be expected to detain 
 the company by any remarks of his own ; and if he had covered 
 reams of paper with words, or filled his mind with ideas, it 
 would still be impossible that he should do justice to the occa- 
 sion, — to the merits of woman, the subject of the toast, or to 
 the hospitality with which they had been met by men and 
 women since they came to Virginia. Disunion had been 
 alluded to by some of the speakers as having been seriously 
 contemplated by fanatical men ; but so long as we are sup- 
 ported by the ladies, we can fight the battles of the Union and 
 come off conquerors. Such a phalanx as this (pointing to the 
 ladies assembled in the piazza) would subdue and disarm at 
 once any foe to Union ! Sjieaking of the hospitality which had 
 been showered upon the A'isiting Sir Knights from New Eng- 
 land, he said that yesterday he went into a shop to purchase 
 some article, and the person in attendance exclaimed, " How 
 do you do, — every inch of you ? " and shook him heartily by 
 the hand, although a stranger. And thus it had been ever since 
 they arrived in Virginia and Richmond ; every one who wore 
 insignia which designated him as one of the pilgrims from the 
 East, was taken to the hearts of the citizens of the South. 
 
 He displayed an autograph conunission, and an order of 
 enlistment signed by Patrick Henry, which had been pre- 
 sented to him by a Richmond friend, and alluded to several 
 interesting scenes that occmred, in the early days of our coun- 
 try's history, in Virginia. 
 
 Sir Knight Willis concluded with some remarks eulo- 
 gistic of the Masonic institution, which has never med- 
 dled Avith politics, or anything it is not concerned with, 
 but has ever maintained its mtegrity, adhering steadfastly 
 to the sublime principles which ai'e the foundation of the 
 Order. 
 
 Three cheers were given for the ladies, and Rev. J. L. 
 Burrows, K. T., was called upon to say a word or two 
 in behalf of the fair sex. He responded, saying, that
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TElfPLAKS. HI 
 
 there was once an old gentleman residing in Lynn, Mas- 
 sachusetts, some time ago, named Dr. James Gardner, 
 who was a man of such unbending integrity that he was 
 called " Aristides the Just," after an ancient character 
 who bore that title. This man had a daughter, who has 
 been for many years a resident of Richmond, command- 
 ing the highest respect for the beauty and goodness of her 
 character as a Virginia matron, and that lady had com- 
 missioned him to present to the Sir Knights of New Eng- 
 land a beautiful gift, — a floral Maltese cross. 
 
 The cross was displayed, and Mr. Burrows proceeded 
 to read a poetic offering, written by the same lady, (Mrs. 
 S. L. Pellett,) to accompany the emblem. The following 
 is the 
 
 P E JI . 
 
 What glorious sentiments tlic heart inspired 
 Of the young Knight, on fome in arms intent ! 
 
 How his firm breast with noble rage was fired, 
 To win his laurels in the tournament! 
 
 The day is bright, the lists are all prepared. 
 
 The sun and wind in due proportions shared. 
 
 In gorgeous mail arrayed he paces round, 
 
 While plaudits from the eager throng resound : 
 
 He casts a glance upon the countless crowd 
 
 Of dames, whose cliarms might make a nation proud ; 
 
 But gazes upon one fair girl alone, 
 
 Whose brilliant eye is modestly cast down. 
 
 Whose lovely bosom heaves with maiden fear, 
 
 As silently she drops the unbidden tear. 
 
 It is the lady of his youthful love, 
 
 Whose prayers e'en now ascend to saints above. 
 
 To shield her lover's heart, and nerve his arm, 
 
 And guard him in the combat, safe from iiarm. 
 
 Unearthly is the silence reigning now ! 
 Anxiety is painted on each brow !
 
 112 PILGRIMAGE TO MRGIXIA 
 
 As the young Knights, hke pillars of fiiin steel, 
 Appear in deadly strife their blows to deal. 
 
 The trumpets sound ! and forth, like lightning's flash, 
 In swift career the coursers wildly dash ; 
 Like rattling thunder from Olympus' seat. 
 The combatants in opposition meet ! 
 
 One Knight, unhorsed, rolls headlong o'er the plain ; 
 
 But, fiercely rising to his feet again. 
 
 Although dismounted, yet still undismayed. 
 
 His war-cry shouts, and waves bis glittering blade ! 
 
 His foe springs to the ground, and draws his brand, 
 
 The combat to renew with hand to hand. 
 
 The heralds strive to stay the fight in vain ! 
 Blows upon blows in ceaseless torrent rain ! 
 The waving plume is from the helmet shorn ! 
 The vanquished Knight once more to earth is borne ! 
 Yet still he summons strength, as low be lies. 
 And with a look of scorn and hate — he dies ! 
 
 The victor now, with loud, exulting song. 
 Is led in triumph through the applauding throng ; 
 And laurel wreaths his youthful temples bind. 
 By the fair hands of her he loves entwined. 
 
 These were your sports, Sir Knights, in times gone by. 
 When Faith, and Hope, and Charity, 
 Though watchwords in your mouths, in battle's strife 
 Had little influence on heart and life. 
 
 But now, Emmanuel's mission understood. 
 No more j-ou revel in these deeds of blood ; 
 But, from the love you bear that holy name, 
 Make pure beneficence your end and aim. 
 
 Yet, should the widow, or the helpless maid, 
 
 In her despair, appeal to you for aid, — 
 
 Should sacrilegious hands your altars bum, 
 
 And Christ's religion seek to overturn, — 
 
 Your swords would leap at once spontaneous forth. 
 
 To sweep the felon from the face of earth.
 
 OF THE KMGHTS TEMPLARS. 113 
 
 TVe see you here to-day, a noble band ! 
 And, as you take each other by the hand, 
 The touch electric runs through all the land ! 
 Old Massachusetts, by Virginia grasped ! 
 And never be that Union imclasped ! 
 
 After reading the above lines, Rev. IMi*. Burrows gave 
 the following sentiment : — 
 
 Woman : The first to greet, the readiest to bless, and the 
 last to leave us. 
 
 When the applause had subsided, the eighth regular 
 toast was read: — 
 
 8. TJie Memories of Josepli Warren, Natlianael Greene, and 
 George Washington : An immortal trio, to IMasonry no less than 
 to their country dear. 
 
 The Hon. George Washington Warren responded as 
 follows : — 
 
 Sir Knights of the Richmond Commandery, — The senti- 
 ment to which I am bidden to respond, makes for me a grate- 
 ful and an easy task. Easy, because it is quite unnecessary to 
 say anything to deepen the impression which these immortal 
 names have already made upon our minds. 
 
 Of the first, bearing his name and descended from the same 
 stock from which he sprang, I will only say, that it was his 
 good fortune, after having, as a prominent political leader, set 
 the ball of the Revolution in motion, to offer up his life in 
 its first great battle, as a sacrifice of early martjTdom to the 
 cause of American Liberty, and to leave a memory cherished 
 and revered by all and for all time. 
 
 To Nathanael Greene, the Sir Knights of his native State 
 have already paid eloquent tributes ; and I will only add, that 
 it was his good fortune, at an important crisis, to retrieve otir 
 serious losses on the Southern frontier, and to render most 
 important service throughout the war.
 
 114 PILGRIMAGE TO ^^RGINIA 
 
 To Washington himself, I will not attempt, in this assembly, 
 to do justice. There is but one man in Massachusetts who can 
 do it everywhere, and his silver trumpet eloquence upon this 
 lofty theme has been heard throughout the land. 
 
 One circumstance in connection with his gi'eat services to 
 his country I will mention, as it is not so generally known, or 
 remembered if known, as it might be. AVhen the battle of 
 Bunker Hill had been fought, the news spread over the coun- 
 try as quickly as could be, and at the same time intelligence 
 was communicated everywhere that George Washington, of 
 Virginia, had been appointed Commander-in-Chief of the 
 army. His appointment had been determined two days be- 
 fore the battle, but his commission was signed, as if it were by 
 a special providence, on that memorable day. 
 
 These three illustrious men were Masons all. As patriotic 
 citizens, we love them none the less ; but as Masons, we love 
 them all the more for that. 
 
 Allow me. Sir Knights, in conclusion, to give as a sentiment 
 what I know to be the aspiration of you all, founded also upon 
 your sincere and firmest faith : — 
 
 Bunker Hill and Mount Vernon : May the sacred, conserva- 
 tive influences of both serve ever as guardian angels to guide 
 and protect our whole couxtky I 
 
 Much cheering followed this speech, and the ninth reg- 
 ular toast was read : — 
 
 9. The City of Boston : The reception she gives her friends 
 is only equalled in warmth by the fire with which of old she 
 met her enemies. 
 
 Sir Knight Gen. John S. Tyler, of the De Molaj En- 
 campment arose, at a call, to respond. He said : — 
 
 It was one of the happiest events of my life when I came 
 from Boston to Richmond. Boston has become somewhat 
 famous for her notions. She is called the City of Notions, 
 but with some notions that are not exactly relished every-
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAES. Ho 
 
 •where, she has had, and now has, some good ones. She once 
 indulged in the notion of making a dish of tea in her harbor, 
 which, although it was much disrelished by the Mother Coun- 
 try, was yet considered a good notion by her patriotic citizens 
 at the time, and has been esteemed as such by patriotic citi- 
 zens of this whole country ever since. Boston has a " town 
 hall," which she has a notion of calling a cradle, and Liberty 
 was rocked in it and grew strong. Virginia, with a strong 
 arm, with a determined purpose, and with a good will, helped 
 mightily to rock that cradle, and with a motherly care she 
 assisted in raising the infant nurtured there to become a strong, 
 and hearty, and free nation. Virginia, as well as Boston and 
 Massachusetts, had a strong notion of making this a free and 
 independent government in those days. 
 
 Virginia has her notions too. And Richmond has her own 
 notions, among which is that of making strangers who come 
 here most happy, and overwhelming them with her hospitali- 
 ties.' Her roses and her mint-juleps, are they not fragrant ? 
 and will they not be fresh in the memory of every Sir Knight 
 here present from New England, as long as his memory shall 
 last ? Her roses shall bloom in their hearts until the silver 
 cord be loosed, and her juleps shall be fragrant in their mem- 
 ory until the golden bowl is broken ! And are not her " fine- 
 cut " and " honey-dew " praised in the mouths of millions ? 
 
 One notion we have in Boston, — that we will ipaintain the 
 laws of the Union, palatable or impalatable, and will live true 
 to the Constitution which the fathers of Virginia and New Eng- 
 land framed for their happy, thrice happy children. 
 
 He gave in conclusion this sentiment : — 
 The Masonic degree of Patriotism, M'hich is illustrated in 
 our Revolutionary struggle. AVe entered apprentices and 
 took degrees at Lexington. The Master-Masons were ele- 
 vated at Bunker Hill. There were my chapter following the 
 marches of Brandywine and Valley Forge, but the seal was 
 taken at Yorktown, and let no ^lason forget the nature of that 
 oljli<ration.
 
 116 PILGPJMAGE TO VIEGIMA 
 
 This response for Boston was enthusiastically received. 
 The next toast was read : — 
 
 10. The City of Providence, the capital of Rhode Island: 
 A trust in Providence will never disappoint a stranger. 
 
 Sir Knight "W. C. Barker responded thus : — 
 
 "We who come from the land of Eoger Williams may be said 
 to trust emphatically in Providence, the capital of Rhode 
 Island ; for when that individual was driven out of Massachu- 
 setts for opinion's sake, by those who had been driven from 
 England for the same cause, he paddled his canoe across the 
 Seekonk Piver, and on his approach to the land opposite, he 
 was saluted by the Indians with the comforting words of 
 "What cheer," and continuing his pilgrimage still onward, 
 after rounding the point, he landed, and in searching he 
 found at last a spring of the purest sparkling water, and in 
 token of gratitude, for the event he named the place Provi- 
 dence, and in that name he trusted, and was not disappointed. 
 Hence the name Providence. 
 
 And though his territory was narrow, and the people in it 
 but few, yet that Providence in whom he trusted has blessed 
 it Uberally. 
 
 It is now the second city in New England ; its commerce is 
 extensive ; but its manufactures, for which it is most distin- 
 guished, show active hands, and energetic and busy brains. 
 But in the midst of these engrossing cares it does not forget 
 the higher and more sacred mark of its early history ; and the 
 name of its founder, and the first salutation of the red man to 
 him on his landing, are sacred words with us. 
 
 With these recollections thronging upon us, with these ante- 
 cedents to form our character, we should be recreant to 
 ourselves and our history, if we did not, with a whole-hearted 
 liberaUty, welcome the stranger among us, and especially, find- 
 ing him a worthy brother, if we did not draw him closely to 
 our very hearts. 
 
 We may be few, our territory small, but our hearts are
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAES. II7 
 
 large, aud blood is warm, and affections are earnest ; and 
 while I thank you for your kind remembrance of us in the 
 toast you have given, we trust you will never have occasion 
 to doubt the safety of reliance on Providence in Rhode Island. 
 
 In Masonic histoiy, Sir, we have still a clearer account. 
 We have had those with us whose memory we do not forget ; 
 particularly, we have had a Thomas Smith "Webb, to rig and 
 steer our Masonic ship in her more tender years. lie was for 
 many years our Grand Master, Grand Commander, &c., and 
 many of the features of the preparatory degrees of the Holy 
 Royal Arch may be traced to that master mind, and to those 
 persevering habits known to exist in him, which gave shape 
 and form to many things, which, before his day, were wrapped 
 in impenetrable mystery. 
 
 We have, Sir, our ancient St. John's Lodge, now in her 
 hundred and third year, still green and able to bear good fruit, 
 and Avhich has sent forth many sons to good work. 
 
 And, Sir, we have one lodge now numbering much over 
 half a century, named after your and our own sacred spot 
 called "Mount Vernon." 
 
 And last, though not least, we have the young giant, called 
 " What Cheer Lodge," fast travelling on to an honorable dis- 
 tinction among men and Masons. 
 
 Allow me to propose the following toast : To the memory of 
 our foi-mer Worthy Bi-other and Grand Commander, Thomas 
 Smith AVebb, of Providence, Rhode Island. 
 
 Eleventh regular toast : — 
 
 11. The City of Riclunond : j\Iay the echoes from her seven 
 hills resound a Virginia welcome. 
 
 Sir Knight Joseph Mayo, Mayor of Richmond, re- 
 sponded in a gonial and enthusiastic speecli (>f greeting 
 to the visiting Templars. 
 
 He said he was a new recruit as a Kuiglit lVnii)lar, but liis 
 heart was fullv with them. "Would to God he had language to
 
 118 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 express the pleasure It had given him to meet his friends from 
 New England in the city of Richmond. He welcomed the - 
 patriotic sons of the North to a patriotic city of the South. 
 
 On the fifteenth day of May, seventeen hundred and sev- 
 enty-five, resolutions were passed in the Virginia Convention, 
 held in Richmond, in favor of declaring the independence of 
 the American Colonies ; and he would remind them that on the 
 fifteenth day of May they were in the capital of the nation, 
 on their way to this city. It was a coincidence worth being 
 remembered by them. 
 
 He said that the blessings and glories of our Union had been 
 spoken of by those who had responded to the sentiments intro- 
 duced on this occasion, and disunion had been denounced in 
 appropriate terms. But he had no fear of disunion. Why, if 
 they would give him a commission as a Brigadier-General, he 
 would engage to whip every hostile foe who should dare to 
 raise his hand against the Union ! 
 
 He proceeded to say that the city with one heart welcomed 
 the Sir Knights, and the ladies who had accompanied them, 
 from Massachusetts and Rhode Island. 
 
 The twelfth toast was : — 
 
 12. The Memory of George WasMngton: 
 
 " The Cincinnatus of the West, 
 Whom envy dared not hate." 
 
 The company rose, as if by a common impulse, and the 
 toast was drunk in silence. 
 
 The thirteenth and last of the regular toasts was now 
 read, as follows : — 
 
 13. The Associations of (his Day : 
 
 " Adieu, a heart's fond, warm adieu, 
 Ye brothers of our mystic tie ; 
 Ye favored and enlightened few, 
 Companions of our social joy.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. HQ 
 
 And by that hierogh-])hic bright, 
 
 Which none but Craftsmen ever saw, 
 
 Strong mem'ry on onr hearts shall -Krite 
 These happy scenes when you 're awa'." 
 
 Sir Knight James R. Crenshaw, of Richmond, in re- 
 sponse to this toast, spoke as follows : — 
 
 The associations of this day ! How shall I speak of them ? 
 I should like to indulge the hope that to om' guests they have 
 been as gratifying, as to ourselves they have been exceeding 
 pleasant ; but this, I fear, we cannot do, so far short of our 
 feelings has been the feeble welcome extended to them. For 
 Richmond Commandery I am sure I may say, that, as these 
 associations have been the happiest of their lives, so will the 
 memory of them ever be the most vivid. 
 
 And how glorious are the recollections which these associa- 
 tions recall ! The recollection of the relations which existed 
 between Kew England and Virginia during the Revolution 
 can only fail to awake enthusiasm, and cause our hearts to beat 
 with a warmer glow, when all that is noble and manly shall 
 be trampled under foot. We cannot permit ourselves to for- 
 get that the great tree of civil and religious liberty, which now 
 lifts its lofty trunk, and stretches forth its wide-spreading 
 branches to the blue arch of heaven, and from which the entire 
 people of these United States, from ]\Iaine to Louisiana, have 
 the happy privilege to pluck the rich fruits of peace, prosper- 
 ity, and united harmony, wliilst it budded in Massachusetts, 
 blossomed in Virginia. Its tillage at Bunker Hill was an ex- 
 periment ; at Yorktown it became a confirmed success ; — the 
 most inestimable blessing which Providence in his bounty ever 
 vouchsafed to man. We cannot say that it "budded, blos- 
 somed, and bore fruit in a day." Alas that we cannot ! It 
 would not grow until its roots had been baptized, and the 
 soil enriched with the heart's blood of our common fathers. 
 Yet so wise were the hands that planted it, so rich the com- 
 post that was spread upon the soil, that its growth was rapid, 
 its roots became deep-set, and its foundation so finii, that it
 
 120 PILGEDIAGE TO MRGIXIA 
 
 stands now " amid regal ruin and national desolation, tower- 
 ing sublime, like the last mountain in the deluge, — majestic, 
 immutable, and magnificent," — and waves its strong limbs, de- 
 fiant of the storm and the whirlwind. 
 
 The recollections thus briefly referred to, which these asso- 
 ciations recall, were alone sufficient to make us — the chil- 
 dren of those common "sires of war proof," whose courageous 
 hearts, in the darkest hour of their country's gloom, " ncAcr 
 sag'd with doubt or shook with fear " — 
 
 " Two souls with but a single thought. 
 Two hearts that beat as cue." 
 
 Tliere are, however, recollections of a more personal char- 
 acter, of more recent date, which no Richmond Sir Knight 
 can forget, or fail frequently to mention with, we trust, a grate- 
 ful and generous heart. Not cjuite one year ago, many of the 
 Virginia Sir Knights now present wended their way to the 
 shrine of your and our immortal Warren. Kind Providence 
 smiled upon our journey, and, when weary and faint from 
 travel and fatigue, we were refreshed and invigorated by the 
 material comforts and elegant luxuries with which we were 
 provided ; yet much more strengthened, and our fervor and 
 zeal more increased, by the genuine overfow of true affection 
 with which we were received, and bid a godspeed on our way. 
 
 And at the shrine of Warren, and in sight of Bunker Hill, 
 which his death upon that field were alone sufficient to Im- 
 mortalize, we, my brother Sir Knights of Richmond, were 
 made captives by De Molay Encampment. Yet so happy 
 were we in our captivity, and so pleasant were the chains they 
 forged, that we are content to remain in such captivity, and 
 wear those chains for ever. 
 
 But there is one thought which your toast makes me re- 
 member, that throws a shade of gloom and sadness over this 
 hour of otherwise perfect bhss. That Is the last regular toast, 
 and that reminds me that these associations are to have an 
 end, though their memory will never die. Would this were 
 not so. Would thev could be lenfrthened out " until time
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 121 
 
 shall be no more, and eternity shall be begun." I know I 
 speak but the echoes of the heart of each Virginia Sir Knight, 
 when, in the language of the toast, I bid them an 
 
 " Adiexi, a heart's warm, fond adievi, 
 Dear brothers of the mystic tie," Szc. 
 
 " Remember thee ? 
 Ay, good Sir Knights, while memory liolds a seat 
 In this distracted globe. Remember thee ? 
 Yea, from the table of our memory 
 We 'II wipe away all trivial fond records, 
 All saws of books, all fonns, all pressures past. 
 That j-outh and obseiwation copied there. 
 And thy remembrance all alone shall live, 
 "With the book and volume of our brain, 
 Unmixed with baser matter." 
 
 And there is one other recollection which makes my heart 
 ache; that is, that we have not treated our guests as well as 
 we ought to have done. I fear that the heavens themselves 
 have been weeping, during the day, because the reception we 
 have given our friends, and our hospitality, have not been 
 what they should be. " But pardon 't as you are gentlemen." 
 It was, believe me, fault of the head, not the heart. Sirs, my 
 heart is too full to speak : — 
 
 " The heart feels most wlien the lips move not, 
 And the eye speaks the gentle good-by." 
 
 The speech of Sir Knight Crenshaw was warmly- 
 applauded. It was now a quarter past two o'clock in the 
 morning, and some of the elderly gentlemen of the com- 
 pany retired from time to time, while the festive speeches 
 and the flow of Champagne were kept up nearly an hour 
 longer. 
 
 Several letters were read, after which volunteer senti- 
 ments and appropriate resjjonses became the oi-der of the 
 moraing. The reporters were obliged to retire to pre- 
 pare copy for the Richmond press, or write despatches to
 
 122 PILGEIMAGE TO VIRGIXIA 
 
 other cities, and many good things spoken when the 
 " flow of soul " was most sparkling were thus lost to the 
 public. Some fragments of this portion of the "feast of 
 reason," however, are preserved. 
 
 , The following letters from absent Knights Templars 
 were read by the toast-master : — 
 
 NATHANIEL B. SHURTLEFF'S LETTER. 
 
 To THE Knights of the Richmond Encampment : — 
 
 It grieves me much, brother Knights and compamons of 
 Richmond, that I am deprived of the courtly privilege, at this 
 time, of paying in person my humble homage to the shrine of 
 the great Father of his country, — that I cannot join my 
 brethren of Massachusetts in their pilgrimage to the Old Do- 
 minion, a land teeming with historical and patriotic associations 
 of the most interesting character, — that I cannot exchange the 
 friendly grasp, and press to my heart my new-known brethren 
 of Virginia, and partake of their overflowing kindness and good 
 cheer, for which they are so proverbially known and dis- 
 tinguished. But, as in the loss of those things which the fates 
 deny, man should unmurmuringly acquiesce, and yield a will- 
 ing obedience, so do I, though with a heavy heart, resignedly 
 submit to decrees that I cannot avert. 
 
 To me the name of Virginia has a pecuHar charm. Its 
 mention recalls to mind valued remembrances of the past, as 
 of an intermediate fatherland, vinder whose earlier endeavors 
 and auspicious guidance the forefathers of my own home owe 
 their first heart-beatings for, and successful adventures to, 
 their early haven of rest, — pilgrim New England ; and the 
 coupling together of the names of the two most ancient and 
 renowned of the commonwealths of the great American con- 
 federation — the linking together of Virginia and IMassachu- 
 setts in one breathing, articulate sound — awakens within me, 
 also, emotion^ which no language of mine can adequately ex- 
 press. The direct origin of these two States, as is Avell known,
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 123 
 
 is absolutely traceable to the same Anglo-Saxon race of men, 
 and to the same primitiYe charters ; and by the same maritime 
 adventurers were the sea-coasts of the sister Colonies first visit- 
 ed, and their navigable inlets first explored. It would appear, 
 therefore, that between the two there existed, in a great de- 
 gree, a union of sentiment and feeling, however different may 
 have been the causes and motives which impelled their first 
 colonists to leave their old homes of England, and induced 
 them to transplant themselves to American soil. 
 
 It is now little more than two centuries and a half since the 
 fii-st James of England, son of the unfortunate Mary of Scot- 
 land, granted the Charter under wliich the successful coloni- 
 zation of this part of the American continent was accomplished. 
 The memorable letters-patent passed the seals of Westminster 
 on the 10th of April, 1606 ; and established by one instru- 
 ment the two great Colonies of America, — one to be called 
 " The Fu-st Colony of Virginia," and to be under the London 
 Company, — and the other to be called " The Second Colony 
 of Virginia," and to be under the Plymouth Company. Al- 
 though by this grant the territories of these two overlapped 
 each other three whole degrees of latitude, there does not ap- 
 pear ever to have arisen any serious differences between the 
 Colonies on this account. Our fathers of the good old pilgrim 
 times needed no lines of separation, no compromises ; they 
 knew the South, the North, just as now do the brave and 
 valiant and courteous Knights of the Do Molay and Richmond 
 Encampments of Templars. 
 
 In the year 1607, just on the eve of St. John's Day, (St. 
 John the Baptist,) the first actual settlement of Virginia was 
 made at Jamestown, by the First Colony, or, as more com- 
 monly related, by the colonists of South Virginia ; and thir- 
 teen years later, on the 21st of December, the pioneer set- 
 tlement of the Second Colony, or of North Virginia, was made 
 at Plymouth, by my own New England forefathers. In course 
 of time, ten years later in the current of events, and under a 
 charter emanating indirectly from the Great Virginia Patent, 
 Boston, the home of the De Molays, was colonized from the 
 same parent stock.
 
 124 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 From these small beginnings have arisen two commou- 
 wealths, equally renowned for the thrift, for the patriotism, 
 aTid for the valor and wisdom of their citizens. These have 
 from the first been found always together, and constantly in 
 historical parallels. Both have been equally distinguished for 
 their love of national liberty, and for their firm resistance to 
 foreign encroachments and tyranny. Both stood nobly and 
 fearlessly together, side by side, and shoulder to shoulder, in 
 the great struggle for independence ; and if the first great 
 battle of the Revolution was fought in Massachusetts, on New 
 England soil, it is no less true that in Virginia the glorious 
 victory was finally achieved, on the soil of the Old Dominion. 
 The actions at Charlestown, on the Charles Eiver, in June, 
 1775, and at Yorktown, on the York River, in October, 1781, 
 ■will ever be regarded as the most memorable in the history of 
 American Lidependence. Surely no two days in the past 
 annals of our country ever excited greater hopes in the breasts 
 of our patriot fathers. 
 
 If, for the accomplishment of this great event in our national 
 history, Massachusetts produced the first soldiers, Virginia, on 
 her part, gave the inimitable General of the whole war, and 
 Massachusetts men were first concerned in privately suggest- 
 ing liis nomination ; and if they did not actually give the first 
 public motion and direct impulse for it, it was because they 
 courteously waived that right to a noble sister Colon}-, which 
 was deemed at the time a politic act for the common good. 
 If to Jefferson we are indebted for the draft of the Declaration 
 of Independence, it is to the arguments and eloquence of 
 Adams that we mainly owe its adoption. And where were 
 Henry, and the Lees, and Randolph, of Virginia, in the times 
 that tried men's souls, but with the Adamses, and "Warren, and 
 Hancock, of Massachusetts ? 
 
 On the institution of the Federal GoA-ernment, Virginia and 
 Massachusetts were not forgotten in the first places of honor 
 and responsibility. "Washington and Adams received the first 
 votes for President ; and Adams receiving a less number than 
 "Washington, from the same hands, became, according to a pro-
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEJffLARS. 125 
 
 vision of the Constitution, Vice-President ; -wliile the great 
 Yirginian, as was unanimously intended by tlie voters, became 
 President. 
 
 Indeed, this parallel might be carried to a much greater ex- 
 tent, and the patience of the Knights completely exhausted. 
 I will not, therefore, consume any more time on this endless 
 theme, but give way to others for discourse of a more social 
 and spii'ited character. But, before closing, let me suggest 
 that we take pattern from the past. Let us, in every action 
 of life, in every work and in every deed, emulate the examples 
 of our fathers. Let us strive, in the language of our ritual, in 
 that noble contention of " who best can work and best agree " ; 
 and never, never, between Massachusetts and Virginia, let 
 there be any other feeling than that which has descended from 
 our ancestry, and which should exist in a common brotherhood, 
 united by the sacred bands of our mystic tie, which, I need not 
 tell you, inculcate and enjoin good will and fraternal love to 
 all mankind. 
 
 In conclusion, my friends and brothers, let me propose 
 
 Richmond and Boston: May their citizens, and the succes- 
 sive generations which may come after them, be to each other, 
 through the long ages of after-time, what true Templars are to 
 one another, and what, from the earliest days of our common 
 country, Virginia has alwaj's been to Massachusetts, and Mas- 
 sachusetts to Virginia. 
 
 In all courtesy and brotherly love, I am truly yours, 
 
 NATHANIEL B. SHUKTLEFF. 
 Boston, May 13, 1859. 
 
 JOHN EOBIN McDANIEL'S LETTER. 
 
 LjTichburg, Va., May 14, 1859. 
 E. II. Gill, Commander Richmond Commandery, No. 2 : — 
 
 Dear Sir and Brother, — I am in receipt of your kind invi- 
 tation to participate in the entertainment and festivities on 
 the occasion of the visit of our Boston and Providence knightly 
 brethren to Richmond, on the ICth instant.
 
 126 PILGEIMAGE TO VIRGES^A 
 
 I am grateful for tliis mark of the kind feelings of the Sir 
 Knights of your Commandery ; and I appreciate highly, I as- 
 sure you, the honor, and it would indeed be gi-atifj-ing to me to 
 mingle with them on that very interesting occasion. I hare to 
 regret — deeply regret — that pressing business, of a charac- 
 ter not admitting of a postponement, will prevent my doing so. 
 
 I regret this privation the more, because the social enjoy- 
 ment would be heightened by the fact of a deep conviction on 
 my mind, that these interchanges of Masonic visits are but the 
 harbingers of a renewal, not only of social, but of conunercial 
 and political relations, and the dawn of a day of general recon- 
 ciliation ; and a revival of the feelings of the good old times, 
 when, side by side, Massachusetts and Virginia stood shoulder 
 to shoulder, and battled in a common cause, for a common 
 weal. Within the borders of the one State was first pro- 
 claimed "Liberty or Death," and the other was the first to 
 resist the tyrant's will. 
 
 Fanaticism may have, for a time, alienated our feelings, and 
 weakened the chain which binds us together, but I trust in 
 God not a link may be broken. It will add another sparkling 
 jewel in the diadem of Masonry, if upon her platform, which 
 in religion and politics leaves free and untrammelled the 
 human will, a political millennium should take place. 
 
 I pray you, present my most hearty and cordial greetings 
 to our visiting Sh' Knights of the North ; for welcome, thrice 
 welcome, are they in Old Virginia. 
 
 ISIav your efforts of hospitality be as successful as you de- 
 sire ; it wall then be a week long to be remembered ; and 
 should you succeed in doing unto them as they did unto you, 
 then, as you have said and sung of the Old Bay State, may they 
 on their retvu-n have cause, as I am sure they will feel inclined, 
 to sing, 
 
 " 0, caiTv me back to Old Vh'ginia, 
 To Old Virginia's shore." 
 
 Truly and fraternally yours, 
 
 JOHN ROBIN JIcDANIEL.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 127 
 
 JOHX H. SHEPPARD-S LETTER. 
 
 Boston, May 13, 1859. 
 
 Sir Knights, — The inconvenience of absence from home 
 will excuse me, I trust, for not uniting with the De Molay En- 
 campment in their delightful visit to the Knights of Richmond ; 
 but I s}'mpathize -with you on this joyous occasion. 
 
 The visit of our Virginia fi-iends on the festival of the Holy 
 St. John last year, and the briUiant display of two Encamp- 
 ments, representing the North and South, as they stood on the 
 heights of Bunker HiU beneath the great obelisk, will lon<>- be 
 remembered, and the associations of that day laid up as a sweet 
 memorial in the archives of memory. 
 
 Your visit to Richmond, — to the State where our good and 
 illustrious brother, the Father of his Country, was born, and 
 where his tomb hallows the banks of the Potomac, — will 
 awaken no less sacred and glorious reminiscences. Mav we 
 not believe that his spirit still hovers over the land, and is 
 anxious as ever to preserve inviolate that Uniox, of which he 
 once said, " Frown indignantly upon the first dawning of any 
 attempt to alienate any portion of our country fi-om the rest " ? 
 
 Virginia and Massachusetts have still the same great and 
 common interest to preserve the unity and integrity of our re- 
 public, which they nobly felt in the Revolution ; and if danger 
 ever threatens us from abroad, may we not realize the pro- 
 phetic minstrelsy of an American poet of the last century? 
 
 '• Should the tempcf^t of war overshadow our hmd. 
 Its bolt ne'er can rend Freedom's temple asunder; 
 For bold at its portal would AVashixgton stand, 
 And repulse with his breast tlie assault of the tlminler. 
 His sword from the sleep 
 Of his scabbard would leap. 
 And conduct every flash with its point to the deep." 
 
 I offer a sentiment, wliich is at your disposal. 
 
 Ancient Craft ifasonri/ and True Patriotism : Always unit- 
 ed. It was so in the days of old, — revived again in the Cru-
 
 128 PILGRIMAGE TO MRGKIA 
 
 sades, — and ever will be so in our own country, wMle the 
 chivalry of the North and South stand faithful to their trust, 
 as guardians of the Union. 
 
 Fraternally, with respect, 
 
 JOHN H. SEEPPAKD. 
 
 Wm. Parkmax, Esq., Commander of the De Malay 
 Encampment. 
 
 THOS. P. LAMBERT'S LETTER. 
 
 CharlestoTNTi, Mass., May 18, 1859. 
 Sir Knights and Brothers : — 
 
 There are many considerations which made me desirous to 
 accompany the De Molay Encampment to Virginia. Apart 
 from meeting the Sir Knights of the Richmond Commandery, 
 I should have had the pleasure of taking by the hand some 
 old and valued friends. It has been my privilege to visit 
 many parts of the world ; but nowhere have I found more 
 genuine hospitahty than in the Old Dominion. Twice I have 
 sailed from her shores for foreign lands, and thrice they have 
 been the first to greet my eyes after protracted absence ; and 
 I always found the Masonic party " to accompany me unto the 
 ship," and to welcome my return. 
 
 But Virginia hospitality is not confined to her shores : I 
 have met it in a foreign land, and at the hands of one of her 
 most distinguished sons. I refer to our Masonic brother, her 
 present most excellent chief magistrate, whose valor and 
 patriotism were tested on more than one occasion while ^lin- 
 ister to the land of Brazil. Should the occasion ofier, please 
 give the following sentiment : — 
 
 His Excellency Henry A. Wise : " Suaviter in modo, for- 
 titer in re." 
 
 Sincerely your friend and brother, 
 
 THOS. R. LAMBERT. 
 
 Sir liJNiGiiT Wjx. Parkman, Acting Grand Commander 
 of the De Molay Encampment of Knights Templars.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLABS. 129 
 
 ROBERT MORRIS'S LETTER. 
 
 Office of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of 
 Kentucky, Louisville, May 12, 1859. * 
 
 E. H. Gill, *sq., Commander Richmond Commandery, No. 2 : — 
 E. Sir Knight, — As I cannot participate with you in per- 
 son in your anticipated pleasures of the ICth instant, I pray you 
 lay before the devoted band whose silver crosses will flash out 
 genuine passion on that occasion, my heart-felt prayers for their 
 health and happiness. And, should my poor name be named 
 among you at the festive board, speak for mc in the following 
 sentiment : — 
 
 The Knights of the East and "West : No estrangement can 
 ever separate those who work upon the Templar's plan. 
 Devotedly, 
 
 ROBERT MORRIS. 
 
 The first volunteer sentiment was offered by Sir Knight 
 R. "W. "Wyatt, of the Richmond Commandery : — 
 
 Sir Knights of the De Molay Encampment of Boston, Mas- 
 sachusetts : May the recollection of this visit to Richmond 
 ever be as dear to their hearts as the memory of their Sir 
 Knight, James De Molay, the last Grand Master of the Order 
 of Knights Templars. 
 
 Sir Knight Benjamin Dean, Junior Warden of De 
 Molay Encampment, responded. He said : — 
 
 Most Eminent Commander and Sir Knights, — "Wliilc con- 
 gratulating ourselves upon the auspicious era in which we 
 live, and while our noble order is in the ascendant, and 
 while citizens from all parts of our extensive country look 
 smilingly upon us, it is fit and proper that our minds should 
 be called to the varied history of the past, — that we should 
 not forget its dark and bloody pages, while basking in the 
 sunshine of popular favor. 
 9
 
 130 PILGRIMAGE TO MRGINIA 
 
 The sentiment to -wlilcli I am called to respond is not cal- 
 culated to call yom* attention to the brightest pages of the 
 ancient historj' of the Templars. It does not ask you to reflect 
 upon its singular rise and progress ; — not upon those nine 
 knights, styled " Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Jesus Ch^st," -who, de- 
 nying themselves all the comforts and pleasures of life, by their 
 valorous deeds, their rigid discipline, and unsui-passed devotion 
 to the one great object of protecting weary pilgrims to the 
 Holy Land, acquii-ed the confidence and favor of the Christian 
 world ; nor upon its ranks swollen with the best and noblest 
 blood of Europe, and its coffers filled by gifts and contributions 
 from kings, princes, and peasants, and by the bequests of the 
 dying Christians who hastened to take the vows of the Order 
 the better to prepare them to meet death. I must say nothing 
 of all this. 
 
 It is not success that embalms and sanctifies, it is the blood 
 of martjTdom. It is the exultant cry of the venerable James 
 De Molay and his companions at the stake, and not their war- 
 like daring and noble exploits, nor the fame of their predeces- 
 sors in arms, which has given perpetuity and sanctity to the 
 name of the noble Order of Knights Templars. 
 
 James De Molay, of noble birth, after acquiring eminence 
 in the Order in France, became Grand Preceptor of England, 
 and subsequently Grand Master of the entire Order. He 
 entered into an alliance with Casan Cham, and, retaking Jeru- 
 salem, he and his companions in arms visited the Holy Sepul- 
 cbre with great devotion, and celebrated Easter with enthusi- 
 astic rejoicings on Mount Zion. Casan Cham compelled to 
 return to his own country, the Templars unaided were unable 
 to retain possession of the Holy City, and met with a series of 
 disasters. 
 
 Then it was that their great possessions excited the cupidity 
 of Philip the Fair of France, and their priAileges and exemp- 
 tions excited the jealousy and enmity of the Papal clergy. 
 Philip procured the election, as Pope, of Clement V., a tool of 
 his own, and Cardinals to match. The Grand Master was 
 ordered to return without retinue, under pretence of consulta-
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 131 
 
 tion upon the best means for tlie recovery of the Holy Land. 
 Upon his arrival, he and his followers were thrown into prison, 
 and after five years of incarceration in loathsome dungeons, 
 and after repeated and horrid tortures, confessions of infidelity 
 were extortfed from many of the Templars. 
 
 In England, even, ecclesiastical tortures were inflicted. 
 Immunity was promised to those who confessed, and death to 
 the obdurate. It was not, however, until after five years of 
 torture in England and France, that enough was extorted 
 from poor, weak, and exhausted nature to give them courage 
 to execute their designs. 
 
 Then it was that the Templars, — the " Poor Fellow-Sol- 
 diers of Jesus Christ," — who had watered the plains of Pales- 
 tine with their noble blood, in the cause of Christianity, and 
 whose brethren had invariably, when taken prisoners, pre- 
 ferred death to the Koran, — were convicted of the foolish and 
 ridiculous charge of heresy, and with contempt of that cross 
 which had been their talisman in battle. 
 
 The Grand Master, De ISIolay, was shown a confession of 
 heresy, which it was claimed he had made. " He stigmatized 
 it as a forgery, swearing that if the Cardinals who had sub- 
 scribed it had been of a different cloth, he would have pro- 
 claimed them liars, and would have challenged them to mortal 
 combat." Being persuaded that he had indeed made it, he 
 advanced to the edge of the scaffold, and exclaimed : " I do 
 confess my guUt, which consists in having, to my shame and 
 dishonor, suffered myself, through the pain of torture and fear 
 of death, to give utterance to falsehoods, imputing scandalous 
 sins and iniquities to an illustrious Order which nobly served 
 the cause of Christianity. I disdain to seek a wretched and 
 disgraceful existence by engrafting another lie upon the origi- 
 nal falsehood." 
 
 We also have information from some, by which we look 
 back upon that scene, and see that venerable man slowly 
 raise his hand towards heaven and exclaim to Pope Clement 
 V. and Philip the Fair : " I charge you to meet me there ! 
 Not at Philippi, in night and battle agony, but at the bar of God,
 
 132 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 under the blaze of the Judgment fires. You will meet me 
 there, to answer for estates confiscated, for tortures inflicted, 
 for characters traduced, and for the foul murder of my 
 brethren ! " 
 
 He was executed with many of his fellows, and the estates 
 of the Order were, for the most part, divided among their 
 murderers. 
 
 " History attests," says Monsieur Reynouard, " that all who 
 were foremost in the persecution of the Templars came to an 
 untimely and miserable death," and the Pope and king both 
 were called to answer the summons of De Molay within two 
 years. What was the judgment ? — What was the judgment ? 
 
 Such was James De Molay, whose name our Encampment 
 proudly bears. But it is not our property alone. It is equally 
 yours, Sir Knights of Providence and Richmond, gallant and 
 true. It is the property of all true knights. 
 
 His name still lives, bright in all its primitive beauty and 
 loveliness, to excite, as in the days of his greatest glory, that 
 spirit of refined and moral chivalry which should prompt 
 us to press onward in the cause of truth and justice, and stimu- 
 late us to exertion in behalf of the destitute and the oppressed, 
 
 — to wield the sword, if need be, when pure and undefiled 
 Religion calls us in her defence, and in a brother's cause to do 
 all that may become men. 
 
 The name of James De Molay is indeed dear to us all ; so 
 too will be these first crusades of peace and love, from Rich- 
 mond to Boston and Providence, and from Boston and Prov- 
 idence to Richmond. The memory of one is dear because of 
 his sufierings ; of the other, because of its rejoicings. The 
 former is of the last Crusade by the last of our ancient breth- 
 ren to the Holy Land ; the latter, of the first crusades to the 
 holy spots of the New World. While one opens a dark and 
 gloomy page, the other opens a page beaming all over with 
 the bright jewels of plighted friendship, sincere affection, and 
 unbounded hospitality. May these pages never be obliterated, 
 
 — no, njr e^en clouded by the slightest spot or blemish!
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 133 
 
 Sir Knight James Sliriglej, of Richmond, gave : — 
 
 Our principles, virtue and charity, — regardless of sect, 
 clime, or race : These teach us to rejoice in the existence of 
 every institution where the magic spell of party and sectional 
 names is shorn of a portion of its power. 
 
 In response to this sentiment, Sir Knight Commander 
 Parkman, of De Molay Encampment, responded briefly 
 and eloquently. On this occasion, as in all the frequent 
 calls made upon him, he had the right word to say, and 
 his genial manner and enthusiastic language won the 
 hearts of all who listened to him. He concluded with 
 this sentiment : — 
 
 The sons of Virginia and Massachusetts : The eldest sons 
 achieved our independence by their patriotism ; may the 
 younger brothers appreciate and preserve our glorious heritage 
 by the interchange of knightly courtesy and hospitality. 
 
 Sir Knight Dr. John A. Cummings, Treasurer of De 
 Molay Encampment, responded to a call in the following 
 remarks : — 
 
 Most Eminent Grand Commander, — I am glad that I have 
 been permitted to enjoy the privilege of being here to-night, 
 because I love Masonry. I love it for its principles of love, 
 union, and charity. Charity, without which the loudest pro- 
 fessions are but sounding brass ; — Cliarity, which covereth a 
 multitude of sins; — Charity, wliich, knowing that "to err is 
 human, to forgive divine," throws its broad and warm mantle 
 over the tempted and the fallen; — Charity, which sufTcreth 
 long and is kind, is Masonry ; — and for this I love it. 
 
 But, Sir, I see new reasons for appreciating our Order 
 to-night. I recollect the remarks of my worthy and esteemed 
 friend, Sir Knight Crenshaw, when in Boston, where we had 
 the pleasure of welcoming you to our hearts, our hosi)italilics, 
 and our homes. He said, substantially, this : —
 
 134 PILGEIMAGE TO MRGINIA 
 
 " If, Sir, I were able, in appropriate terms, to ttank you for 
 the kindness that you and your Commandery have heaped 
 upon ours, some, when I return home, might tell me that I had 
 dealt in fancy. If I were to relate, on arriving at home, how 
 we have been received, how we have been welcomed, how we 
 have been embraced as brothers, nothing but its being the 
 word of a Knight Templar would induce them to believe it. 
 I am glad I came to Boston. I am glad my companions came 
 to Boston. I feel, from the bottom of my heart, that it is good 
 for us all. 
 
 " I am proud of the fact that the Knights Templars of be- 
 loved old Virginia have paid a longer pilgrimage for the inter- 
 change of fraternal feelings, than any other association of any 
 kind in this country has ever heretofore made. A\Tiy, sir, if 
 the days of the persecution of Masonry were here again, might 
 I not appeal to this pilgrimage alone, if I could point to no 
 other instance of the good it has accomplished, and does ac- 
 complish, and be entitled to claim from all philanthropists 
 a wreath of glory with which to adorn its time-honored head ? " 
 
 Sir, I feel thankful this day for the privilege of responding 
 to those generous sentiments. Here, on the proud soil of " Old 
 Virginia," the mother of Presidents and heroes and states- 
 men, whose names I need not mention, for they are written 
 deeply in the hearts of all their grateful countrymen, — here 
 it is good for us all to be. Like Peter, of old, I would build 
 three tabernacles ; one for Boston, one for Virginia, and one 
 for that common heritage, — dear, however bounded, to every 
 true American heart, — our own, our native land ! 
 
 It may be, that Masonry is yet to win her proudest tri- 
 umphs, and deck her diadem with its brightest jewels, on 
 American soil. For while poUticians contend, and men are 
 swayed this way and that by conflicting tides of interest and 
 passion. Masonic brothers can everywhere " meet on the level, 
 and part on the square." And while we would disdain the 
 thought of degrading our Order to the low uses of the parti- 
 san, or the schemes of the demagogue, yet may we not hope 
 that its higher sentiment, pervading the hearts of true men all
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAES. 135 
 
 over our land, — that sentiment which brings the North and 
 South together in fraternal love to-night, — I say, may we 
 not hope that that sentiment will so radiate from our mystic 
 lights, as to teach men, that " a man 's a man " after all, 
 whether a Southern sun has scorched him, or a Northern blast 
 has chilled him, — that a " good fellow " belongs to no State or 
 Institution, but is a citizen of the wide, wide world, — thus 
 causing us to forget the local prejudices under which we are 
 born and bred, to rally under the same flag, and stand ready 
 to defend it, together, and to the last ? 
 
 I give you then as a sentiment : — 
 
 Political Masonry : Spurning the partisan, the sectionalist, 
 and the demagogue, yet silently teaching those eternal prin- 
 ciples of union, charity, and brotherly love, which are the 
 foundation of our government, and the glorj" of our land. 
 
 Sir Kniglit F. J. Boggs, of Richmond, gave : — 
 
 The De Molay and the St. John's Encampments : From the 
 specimens we witness here, the one must come from a Boss-town, 
 and the other must be the peculiar growth of Providence. 
 
 Sir Knight J. J. "Whiting, Standard-Bearer of De 
 Molay Encampment, was called upon to edify the com- 
 pany, and in lieu of a speech he gave an original song, 
 whicli he sang with excellent taste and a fine, voice. The 
 following is one stanza of the song : — 
 
 " Say not that cliivahy lias flown — 
 Claims we never can disown — 
 Here is our treasured Palestine ; 
 
 Virginia in her bosom keeps 
 One cver-eherislied sacred shrine, 
 
 Where Washington, the mighty, sleeps ! 
 Befitting aim for Knights' devoir ; 
 
 And we, as Paladins most true, 
 Vow, from this moment, more and more 
 
 To keep our holy land in view."
 
 136 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 Sir Knight John H. Bosher, of Richmond, propounded 
 the following, which elicited tremendous applause : — 
 
 The Ladies of New England who accompanied our brother 
 Knights from Boston and Providence in their first pilgi'image 
 from the East : May our efforts to contribute to their pleasure 
 induce them to make repeated pilgrimages, although they may 
 be accompanied by only a single Sir Knight. 
 
 Sir Knight F. J. Boggs gave the following : — 
 
 The visiting Ladies of Boston and Providence : Their pres- 
 ence Is as grateful as their smiles, and all calculated to Inspire 
 the hearts of the Sir Knights of Richmond. 
 
 Sir Knight "W. B, Fowle, of De Molay Encampment, 
 " set the table in a roar " by a speech full of wit, and 
 pertinent allusions to events of the pilgrimage of his 
 brother Sir Knights to Virginia. He gave the following 
 sentiment : — 
 
 John P. Ballard, our host : His till (of fare) for internal 
 improvements needs no amendments, and agrees with the con- 
 stitution. 
 
 This brought out Sir Knight John P. Ballard, proprie- 
 tor of the Ballard House and the Exchange Hotel, who 
 acknowledged the compliment, gratefully and gracefully, 
 and gave the following sentiment : — 
 
 The Sir Knights of the De Molay and St. John's Encamp- 
 ments : In unity, friendship, and brotherly love, their conduct 
 will ever convince the world that they dwell in light. 
 
 The following was offered by Sir Knight P. A. Ames, 
 of Boston : — 
 
 The true Sir Knight : He who in the battle of life forgets 
 not the motto, Magna est Veritas, et prevalehit.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEJIPLARS. 137 
 
 0. Jennings Wise, of the Richmond Enquirer, gave : — 
 
 The Sir Knights of New England : Whenever they visit 
 our Southern cities, may their reception be such as will enable 
 them to take a retrospective view of the visit with pleasure 
 and good-will. 
 
 Sir Knight A. S. Eddy, Senior Warden of St. John's 
 Encampment, made an enthusiastic speech, in which he 
 declared that it would be impossible to destroy this 
 Union, for Old Virginia would hold in check the dis- 
 unionists both North and South. 
 
 Quite a number of choice spirits held their positions at 
 the tables until " the morn, with russet mantle clad," 
 warned them to retire, and the effervescent and sparkling 
 flow of wit and eloquence ended at a quarter past three 
 o'clock.
 
 138 PILGRIMAGE TO \aKOIXIA 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 The Pilgrims visit Ashland. — A Jockey Club Eeceptiox 
 AND Dinner. — A Panorama, Illumination, and other Fes- 
 tivities IN the Evening. 
 
 On Wednesday morning, the third day of the sojourn 
 of the pilgrim. Knights in Eichmond, there were vari- 
 ous movements about the Exchange Hotel and Ballard 
 House which denoted their temporary departure from 
 the city. They were awakened, diu'ing a heavy shower 
 of rain, from their rose-colored dreams of the banquet, 
 and warned to prepare themselves for a new series of 
 festivities and enjoyments. When breakfast had been 
 despatched, they were summoned to put themselves in 
 readiness for a trip to Ashland, where a handsome vil- 
 lage, composed princijjally of the habitations of Richmond 
 gentlemen, has grown up near the " Slashes," celebrated 
 as the place of Henry Clay's nativity. A fine race- 
 course is located near the Ashland Depot, where the 
 favorite pastime of Virginia gentlemen is indulged in, 
 and the Ashland Jockey Club had extended an invitation 
 to the Sir Knights to partake of their hospitalities upon 
 the ground. 
 
 The Templars responded gallantly to the call, and 
 about ten o'clock the three Commanderies, with their 
 bands of music, formed at the Exchange Hotel, and
 
 OF THE KIv^IGHTS TEMPLARS. 139 
 
 marched up Main Street, to Ninth Street, and proceeded 
 to the Depot of the Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Poto- 
 mac Railroad. 
 
 The column attracted much attention as it moved 
 through the streets, and there were many sparkling eyes 
 peeping from the dwellings of the citizens when the 
 music announced the approach of the Sir Knights. 
 
 At eleven o'clock they took a special train, provided 
 for their accommodation, and were whirled rapidly along 
 to Ashland, fifteen miles distant from Richmond. The 
 road passes through a rich and pleasant district, and the 
 Templars beguiled the time for a part of the way by hold- 
 ing a mock trial of one of their number, in which the 
 defence commenced the case, and all the established forms 
 of judicial proceedings were reversed. This amusing 
 affair lasted until the train reached Ashland. 
 
 On alighting from the cars the New England Sir 
 Knights were escorted by the Richmond Commandery 
 into the gi'ounds belonging to the Jockey Club. When 
 they had passed into the enclosure, the Commanderies 
 were drawn up in line, and Commander Gill addressed 
 them as follows : — 
 
 Sir Knights of De IMola}-, St. John's, and Richmond Com- 
 manderies, — I rejoice that I can retire from the duties devolved 
 upon me, to give place to Colonel Robinson, who not only has 
 charge of the ii'on horse, but the iron wheel against wliich 
 Governor Wise cautioned you. Therefore I surrender my 
 command to an abler and a better man, who is more compe- 
 tent to discharge the hospitalities than myself. 
 
 Turning to Colonel Edwin Robinson, President of the 
 Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac Railway Com- 
 pany, he said : —
 
 140 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 Sir, I know that you are strongly armed witli mint-juleps 
 and Champagne in yonder tent, that it would be in vain 
 to contend with you, and beg leave, without further parley, 
 to resign my conamand into your experienced and able 
 hands. 
 
 Colonel Robinsoa then welcomed the Sir Knights in 
 the following language : — 
 
 Sir EJiights of Boston and Providence, and of the Richmond 
 Commandery, — The position assigned me by Grand Command- 
 er Sir E. H. Gill, as your leader, cannot be declined on my 
 part, notwithstanding it is fraught with danger and responsibil- 
 ity. In common with his Command, and indeed all present, I 
 cannot but regret that one who for knightly deeds has a nar 
 tional fame, — who, to advance the Cross, and destroy the Cres- 
 cent, would " any deed of daring do,'* — should encounter any 
 enemy before which his stout hands and strong arms should quail. 
 But, my friends, such is not now the case. The enemy who in 
 secret ambush lies beneath yonder canopy, and over which its 
 blood-red flag is waving, in the strength of its pride, is one 
 which knows no mercy in its warfare. The young and the old, 
 the good and the great, have fallen before it ; and your gallant 
 Commander has the discretion to bow to fate. It is true that 
 in the vigor of life, when hope was full, and daring high within 
 him, he often met this enemy ; but, warned by the approaches 
 of age, and the fact that in his late encounters the enemy had 
 him on the hip, and that he barely escaped with life, he cannot 
 reconcile it to a sense of the duty due from him to the gallant 
 force under him, to hazard their fate by a probable fall of their 
 gallant Commander ; and therefore he is willing to \^ive the 
 chance of further laurels for his brow, rather than encounter 
 the fatal blow, which by his fall would certainly ensue. He 
 has, therefore, designated me, around whom hangs the prestige 
 of victory over the enemy before you, and, acting on principles 
 of duty, I cannot decline the position. 
 
 For your comfort, and to nerve you for the contest, gentle-
 
 OF THE KNHGHTS TEMPLAES. 141 
 
 men, I -nill say, apart from any egotism, that I liave never yet 
 been known to yield to the relentless foe before you. It is 
 true that I have been seen to stagger, and sometimes to reel, 
 but in no prostrate condition have I been yet found, but ever 
 with my face to the enemy have seemed to yield. Unlike the 
 cowardly priest, who, in exhorting his soldiers of the cross, pre- 
 vious to the fight, told them to remember that all who fell in 
 battle would sup in heaven, yet was the first to flee from the 
 scene, and, when called to and reminded of the invocation, re- 
 marked that all who knew him knew that he never liked supper, 
 I shall go with you at supper time, and aye at dinner time too. 
 I have now, my brethren, said all that I can say to nerve you 
 for the contest before you. I will only further remark, that, 
 after the first flush of excitement is over, there will be every 
 stimulant before you for the continuance of the contest, and 
 the perseverance in it will richly reward your efforts. It is 
 possible, ay, more than probable, that some of you, if not all, 
 will bite the ground. If such should be the case, I promise 
 you, one and all, knightly burial, and that green and fragrant 
 mint will flourish and bloom above your graves. Perhaps, too, 
 in after years, some patriot spirit, like Old Mortality, will 
 wander where you fell, and raise a monument like that which 
 illustrates the gallant deeds of Leonidas and his Spartan band 
 of Thermopylae, and like them will bear in future ages the in- 
 scription, " Go, stranger, and tell your countrymen, that in 
 obedience to their command, and in an assault on one of the 
 peculiar institutions of Virginia, wc fell." I wLU say no more, 
 the enemy is before you. Sound, bugles, sound. On, brave 
 Knights, to the charge, and victory is yours. 
 
 There was an irresistible humor in the manner of Colo- 
 nel Robinson, and the Sir Knights most joyfully placed 
 themselves under his leadership. The bupjlcs sounded and 
 the company marched into a large pavilion to meet' the 
 "enemy." The first thing that met the eye within the 
 tent was the great punch-bowl, belonging to the Ashland
 
 142 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGD«A 
 
 Jockey Club, which has a capacity of forty-five gallons. 
 It is oval in form, made of iron, lined with porcelain, and 
 decorated upon the outside with racing scenes, in relief. 
 This bowl was filled with the remedy recommended by 
 the wise man for him " that is ready to perish." Forty- 
 five gallons of mint, concocted with all the cunning of the 
 greatest adept in such medicines in all Richmond, blushed 
 within the huge bowl, and on each side of it were tables 
 covered with that which was prescribed long ago for 
 " him that is heavy of heart." 
 
 Some time was spent in the pavilion in repairing the 
 damages to the constitutions of the Sir Knights incurred 
 in their ride from Richmond, and then they examined the 
 race-course and its various buildings. The track is per- 
 fectly level, and the grounds are amply provided with 
 buildings necessary for the accommodation of spectators 
 who assemble to witness the races. 
 
 It was announced, soon after the arrival of the Com- 
 manderies, that the race which had been advertised for 
 that afternoon — a three-mile race between some of the 
 best horses of the South — must be postponed, because 
 the showers of the previous night and morning had ren- 
 dered the track unfit for racing. This was a disappoint- 
 ment to many of the Sir Knights from New England, who 
 had never witnessed an exhibition of the powers of the 
 noble-blooded racing stock of Old Virginia. 
 
 The bands, Gilmore's and Green's, occupied the judges' 
 stand, and played in succession some of their finest airs, 
 for the entertainment of the spectators who had gathered 
 to witness the race. In the mean time the " enemy " in 
 the .pavilion held out obstinately, and, although he inflict- 
 ed no wounds upon the attacking party, he manifested no 
 disposition to yield. The Richmond Templars and their
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEIIPLAES. I43 
 
 guests carried on the war bravely and skilfully, and 
 showed in the protracted contest that they were not de- 
 ficient in either force or strategy. The conflict was 
 protracted until three o'clock, at which time the Knights 
 came off victorious, and, at the roll of the drum, formed 
 into column and mai'ched to dinner, leaving the " enemy " 
 discomfited and forlorn in his tent. 
 
 The spacious area under the grand stand was used as a 
 dming-hall, and the extensive tables were loaded with 
 substantial and luxurious fare. Although this was called 
 a plana country dinner by the gentlemen who provided 
 it, the edibles were profuse in quantity, and excellent in 
 quality. The appropriation of the sohd elements of the 
 feast was accompanied by a lively and continuous popping 
 of Champagne, — a sort oi feu de joie in honor of the vic- 
 tory so lately achieved over the " enemy in ambuscade " 
 in the tent, which had been so recently thrown into dis- 
 order, routed, and defeated. 
 
 Colonel Robinson presided at the tables, and when the 
 cloth was removed he called upon several gentlemen, who 
 responded with pleasant, impromptu, informal speeches 
 and sentiments. 
 
 Castine White, Esq., on behalf of the Ashland Jockey 
 Club, of which he is Vice-President, addressed the Sir 
 Knights in a speech of welcome to Ashland and to the 
 grounds under the jui'isdiction of the Club. 
 
 Marmadukc Johnson, Esq., a young lawyer of Rich- 
 mond, son of the late Wm. R. Johnson, celebrated for his 
 princely patronage of the turf, and his efforts in raising 
 the blood horses of Virginia to a high standard of excel- 
 lence, was called out, and made a speech full of the fire 
 of eloquence.
 
 144 PILGRIMAGE TO ^^IlGINIA 
 
 He said lie was not a Mason or a KJnight Templar, but if he 
 understood rightly the principles of the Order, it was eminent- 
 ly worthy of all the regard his fellow-citizens could bestow 
 upon it. He joined in the welcome extended to the Templars 
 from New England with all his heart. "WTiy should they not 
 feel welcome ? They had been received with open arms and 
 hearts by the Governor of Virginia, by the civil authorities of 
 the cities of Virginia, by men of learning, by the preachers of 
 religion, by the ladies, — by everybody. 
 
 He reminded them that they stood upon holy ground. They 
 were on a sacred soil. They trod the native soil beneath the 
 native skies of Patrick Henry and Henry Clay. Their eyes 
 rested on the same trees and fields and streams, and he could 
 only say that the heart which cannot beat with lively emotions 
 in the land of Patrick Henry and Henry Clay, was unworthy 
 of an American bosom. 
 
 He had visited Boston and Bunker Hill, and his bosom, as 
 he trod that sacred soil, was filled with the holiest emotions 
 of patriotism, — emotions to which he knew all present would 
 respond with their whole hearts. He felt inspu-ed to speak to 
 the Sir Knights in the name of his own State, and bid them 
 welcome, thrice welcome, to Virginia. He felt sure, and was 
 glad, that there are men in Massachusetts, as well as Virginia, 
 who would, if necessary, in defence of this glorious Union and 
 the Constitution which binds it together, draw their swords, 
 throw away their scabbards, and take their last look upon 
 the sun ! 
 
 In conclusion lie gave this sentiment : — 
 
 Massachusetts and Virginia : Two souls with but a single 
 thought, — two hearts that beat as one. 
 
 The above is but a brief sketch of Mi'. Jolinson's speech, 
 the sentiments of which, and his impassioned style of ora- 
 tory, created immense enthusiasm in the company. TThen 
 he concluded, several rushed to him, and shook his hands 
 vehemently.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 145 
 
 When the hand-shaking and cheering were ended, Sir 
 Knight Joseph Mayo, Mayor of Richmond, being called 
 up, made one of those spirited and effective speeches for 
 which he is famous in Virginia on social and pubUc occa- 
 sions. He closed with a sentiment in honor of Queen 
 Victoria, with a view to call out Her Majesty's Consul 
 for Richmond, but that gentleman was, unfortunately, 
 absent. 
 
 Colonel Robinson proposed the following : — 
 
 The Boston Yankees of Revolutionary Times: They sac- 
 rificed their tea, but they saved the Union. 
 
 Brother A. O. Brewster was called upon to respond to 
 this toast, but not being present. Sir Knight G. "W. 
 Churchill, of Boston, answered the call. He said : — 
 
 It is. with diffidence that I rise to say a few words in response, 
 to your summons. I am no orator, like Brutus, and if I were, I 
 should stUi suffer from diffidence after the eloquent addresses 
 of I^Ir. Johnson and others, who have so cordially and warmly 
 welcomed us here. Especially do I feel inclined to remain silent, 
 since we have been reminded in such touching language that 
 our feet " stand on holy ground." Holy ground ? Yea, ground 
 sanctified and hallowed in the hearts of all true Americans as 
 the birthplace of that noble man, that eloquent orator, eminent 
 statesman, patriot, and counsellor, Henry Clay, — the immortal 
 Henry Clay, the " mill-boy of the Slashes," — as well known and 
 beloved while he lived, and as deeply deplored in death, in New 
 England as in Old Virginia. Although I differed from him on 
 some of the leading questions of the times, I am proud here 
 to-day, upon this sacred spot, to bear testimony to his patriot- 
 ism, honesty, and sincerity. 
 
 I will not attempt to make a speech on this occasion, but 
 
 only to express, in the few feeble words at my command, the 
 
 pleasure and personal gratification I have experienced from 
 
 the first moment I jjlaccd my feet upon the soil of tliis glorious 
 
 10
 
 146 PILGRIMAGE TO VIEGINIA 
 
 old Commonwealth. And now allow me to thank you, not 
 only in my own behalf, but in behalf of all my " companions 
 in arms," both those here present, and those noble Knights 
 Templars of New England whose representatives we are, for 
 the earnest and honest welcome you have given us to your 
 hearts, your homes, and the soil of the " Old Dominion." Vir- 
 ginia and hospitality have ever been in my mind synonomous 
 terms, but one needs to visit you to realize the idea fuUy. 
 Excuse me when I say that some of us have made great per- 
 sonal sacrifices to be here ; that we came not merely to pass a 
 few pleasant days with our brethren of the " mystic tie " in 
 the interchange of friendly sentiments and social enjojTnent. 
 We came to fulfil our destiny in the accomplishment of a more 
 important mission ; — not to rescue the sepulchre of our Master 
 from the infidel, to defend the Christian religion, and raise the 
 Cross high above the Crescent ; but we came to meet the men 
 of the South, face to face, and exchange views with them, — to 
 increase the love we have for our common country, and, as we 
 draw closer the cords of our fraternity, to make stronger the 
 bonds of friendship and brotherly love between citizens of 
 different States. 
 
 As Knights Templars, we profess a belief in the Deity. We 
 have also promised to be " good men and true," to " protect 
 the innocent, relieve the distressed, and succor the helpless." 
 As true and courteous Knights, we should also beUeve in the 
 Constitution of the United States, — in our noble and glorious 
 Union, however bounded, — in that national liberty which com- 
 prises the liberty of the conscience, the hberty of the press, 
 the liberty of the people. In the promotion of these principles 
 we are here to-day, enjoying your " disinterested friendship 
 and unbounded hospitality." 
 
 Allow me in conclusion to offer you this sentiment : — 
 The Union of the States and of the People : The prayer of 
 the patriot and the hope of the world. 
 
 This speech was received with cheers, and the bands 
 united played " Auld Lang Syne."
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 147 
 
 The following sentiment in honor of Honorable John 
 M. Botts was proposed : — 
 
 John M. Botts : He had rather be right than be Presi- 
 dent. 
 
 There were loud calls for JMr. Botts, but he had left the 
 grounds. 
 
 A sentiment complimentary to Colonel Robinson brought 
 that gentleman to his feet, and he made a speech full of 
 generous and patriotic sentiments, concluding with the fol- 
 lowing : — 
 
 Virginia and New England : They were undivided in the 
 Kevolution, — may they never be estranged from each other 
 in any futiu-e period. 
 
 The De Molay Encampment were toasted, and their 
 Commander, Sir Knight Parkman, replied in their behalf, 
 with the following facetious remarks : — 
 
 Mr. President, Sir Knights, and Gentlemen, — I am taken 
 against my will ! I am unprepared to speak ! I have noth- 
 ing to say, and yet by force, and against my own volition, 
 I am placed upon the top of this table and told to " go on ! " 
 — to " say something ! " — to reply to what has been said. 
 (Turning to the President imploringly). How can I speak ? 
 What can I say ? Sir, and Companions, you behold before 
 you one who landed upon these shores but a few days since, 
 full of hope, in search of enjoyment, and possessing life, health, 
 hberty, property, and last, but not least, a chosen partner, my 
 beloved wife. Having lost all, I have to-day made application 
 to take out naturalization papers and become a citizen of Vir- 
 ginia. 
 
 I find myself to have been deprived, one by one, of my 
 hberty, my property, and to-day, alas ! my wife is taken from 
 me !
 
 148 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 Sir, from the moment we landed here, " a set of fellows in- 
 stigated by some fell purpose, only known to themselves," have 
 watched us day and night. My personal freedom is entirely 
 gone ; I can neither go in nor out but I am watched. My 
 money they won't take ; and if I attempt to pay for what I 
 need, I am told my money won't pass, being either uncuiTent 
 or counterfeit, and if I try again to pass it, they threaten me 
 with arrest. 
 
 And now to-day — this very precious horse-race day — my 
 cup of personal misery is overflowed, my Kubicon is passed, 
 my crowning misery has come. This blessed morning, while 
 upon the way here, " being in the charge of my tormentors," 
 I asked to be allowed to move from my seat for the purpose of 
 finding my wife, who, I supposed, was in the cars. 
 
 Well, sir, would you believe it, one of these chaps said to 
 me, with a very threatening look, " Ybw just sit down and keep 
 quiet, or we '11 have you arrested for violation of the statute. 
 Your wife, with all the ladies of the party, is in charge of 
 the Mayor of Richmond ; and all you have to do is just mind 
 what we say, and do just what we tell you." 
 
 Well, sir, I gave it up, and said to myself, — for " I dared 
 not say it aloud," — I only hope, when they let me go, they will 
 let me have my clothes, for that is all I have now left. I im- 
 mediately made application to the Mayor of Richmond for my 
 papers, and received a promise I shall soon become a Virginia 
 citizen ; and when I do, I shall feel free to speak my mind. 
 
 Sir, to be serious, I have not words to follow either yourself, 
 or that silver tongue * which has just ceased giving us such ex- 
 quisite music ; but as to the patriotic sentiments, for myself and 
 brother Sir Knights, we reciprocate them entirely. And now, 
 with your permission, allow me to close with a sentiment : — 
 
 The Men of Virginia : Afflicted with heart complaint, Love 
 of Union. God grant it may prove epidemic, till every man, 
 woman, and child, through the length and breadth of the land, 
 shall become infected therewith. 
 
 * Marmaduke Johnson, Esq.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 149 
 
 The humor of this speech was folly appreciated, and it 
 called forth an abundance of laughter and applause. 
 
 Providence was toasted, and Commander Barker made 
 a pertinent speech, closing with an appropriate sentiment. 
 The Providence Band played " Old Bristol," a tune 
 which is called the " national air of Rhode Island " in that 
 State. 
 
 Speeches followed in rapid succession, from Sir Knights 
 Crenshaw of Richmond, Manchester of Providence, Drum- 
 mond of New Jersey, and from General Tyler, Dr. Cum- 
 mings, and Dr. Lewis, of Boston, all of whom expressed 
 themselves forcibly and happily, — reiterating the kind 
 sentiments which had been so freely interchanged between 
 the Northern and Southern Templars. 
 
 Grand Master Lewis paid a high compliment to the 
 eloquence of Marmaduke Johnson, Esq., saying that he 
 bowed with reverence before such powers of mind and 
 such thrilling oratory as that gentleman had displayed. 
 He also gave his tribute of praise to the enterprise of the 
 Ashland Jockey Club, as manifested in the arrangement 
 of the grounds and the construction of the buildings upon 
 their admirable race-course. 
 
 The entertainment by the Jockey Club was eminently 
 social in its character, while at the same time dignity and 
 good sense were paramount. 
 
 After the dinner was over, the company examined 
 some of the best blooded race-horses of Virginia, which 
 were led out upon the track for their inspection. They 
 were favored, also, with a view of some of the fine sum- 
 mer residences of citizens of Richmond who live at 
 Ashland. The mansions, cottages, and grounds denote 
 the good taste of their possessors, who seem determined to 
 render the birthplace of Clay one of the most attractive 
 towns in Virginia.
 
 150 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 At six o'clock, the signal was given to return to Rich- 
 mond, and the Sir Knights took their places in the train, 
 for Richmond. The bands enlivened the company on 
 their trip with stirring music, and on their arrival the 
 musicians formed themselves into a battalion, and escorted 
 the Templars to the Exchange Hotel, when a brief res- 
 pite was granted to the captive " Pilgrims." 
 
 After supper, the visiting Knights were placed under 
 the escort of the Richmond Commandery, and marched 
 to the hall of the Mechanics' Institute, to attend, by invi- 
 tation, an exhibition of a Panorama of the War in the 
 Crimea. The building of the Institute was illuminated 
 in front with six thousand candles, and over the main 
 entrance was a transparency, bearing symbols of Masonry 
 and Templarism, and the inscriptions, — 
 
 " In hoc signo vinces." 
 " Virginia welcomes Massachusetts and Rhode Island." 
 
 Some of the Sir Knights, who did not choose to remain 
 at the exhibition, were taken in charge by their Rich- 
 mond friends, and escorted to various private residences, 
 where they were greeted with the same prodigal hospital- 
 ity which had marked their public reception everywhere 
 in Virginia. 
 
 About ten o'clock the column returned to the hotel, 
 and the festivities of the third day of the pilgrims at 
 Richmond were closed.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 151 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Grand Dress Parade ob- the Kxights Templars in Richmond. 
 
 — Visits to the State Capitol, and to the City Armories. 
 
 — Floral Tributes from the Ladies of Richmond. — Levee 
 and B.vll in the Evening. 
 
 Ox Thursday morning, the fourth day after the arrival 
 of the pilgrim Templars in Richmond, they were sum- 
 moned to prepare for a grand parade through the prin- 
 cipal streets of the city. The Richmond Commandery 
 formed at their " Asylum," about ten o'clock, and marched 
 to the Exchange Hotel. At eleven o'clock the column 
 was formed, and the Sir Knights took up their line of 
 march, passing through Main Street and Ninth Street to 
 the Capitol Square. 
 
 Halting at the State Capitol, the visiting Knights were 
 conducted into the building, and the various objects of 
 interest therein were shown to them. The celebrated 
 statue of Washington by Houdon, the French sculptor, 
 in the rotunda, first attracted their attention. This statue, 
 in marble, was modelled from the living subject, and it is 
 considered the most correct representation of Washington 
 in existence, so far as size, form, and features are con- 
 cerned. After an examination of this splendid work of 
 art, the Knights visited the Chamber of the House of 
 Delegates. Here they saw the chair which was once
 
 152 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 occupied by the immortal Patrick Henry. The walls of 
 the chamber were adorned with a fine portrait of Thomas 
 Jefferson, and also a picture of Lord Chatham, which 
 was sent to Virginia in the Colonial times. 
 
 In the State Library they saw some of the most valu- 
 able and interesting documents connected with the early 
 history of our country, among which was a fac-simile of 
 the original draft of the Declaration of Independence. A 
 picture of Chief Justice Marshall occupies a prominent 
 position in this room. One of the trophies of Yorktown, 
 a cannon-ball found on the battle-field, is there exhibited 
 as a solid testimonial of the determination of the mother 
 country to subjugate the Colonies. 
 
 A half-hour was agreeably spent in examining the 
 rooms of the Capitol, and then the Sir Knights were 
 assembled in form upon the spacious portico of the build- 
 ing, which fronts the South, and were introduced to Col- 
 onel Wythe Munford, Secretary of State for Virginia, by 
 Commander Gill. 
 
 Colonel Munford is a gray-haired gentleman, who has 
 grown old in the service of his State, but retains the 
 vigor and energy of his younger days. He has held the 
 office of Secretary of State for five years, and previously 
 to his election to that post had been Clerk of the House 
 of Delegates for twenty years. 
 
 When Colonel Munford appeared on the portico, the 
 Templars presented arms, and he addressed them in elo- 
 quent and forcible language. He said : — 
 
 Sir Knights of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, — I have 
 been very unexpectedly requested to greet and welcome you 
 to the Capitol of the Old Dominion. I could have wished that 
 the Governor of the State had been here to perform this duty, 
 but we are content to know that he has done all in his power,
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAES. 153 
 
 by leaving a spirited letter, which shows you that Virginia's 
 doors are open to welcome yon in the name of the entire Com- 
 monwealth. The Governor has poured out his whole soul in 
 that letter, and in the same spirit which animated him I bid 
 you welcome, Sir Knights of Boston and Pi'ovidence, a hearty 
 welcome to Virginia. 
 
 In the days that tried men's souls, the men of [Massachusetts, 
 Rhode Island, and Virginia stood side by side, and poured out 
 their blood together on the same common altar, for the same 
 common cause. "When the bayonet became the final arbiter 
 between the Colonies and the mother country, they stood 
 shoulder to shoulder, the sons of INIassachusetts and Virginia. 
 When wearj', they made inspiration by singing noble anthems, 
 and the touch of each arm to that of his fellow told as plainly 
 as language could do, that each had a brother by his side. In 
 that conflict but one sentiment filled their minds, and one 
 impulse gave strength to their arms, — the sentiment, " Our 
 Country," the impulse, " God and Truth." 
 
 When their task was accomplished, they together founded a 
 nation without strife or disagreement, upon broad and endur- 
 ing principles, — upon principles which linked Massachusetts 
 and Rhode Island and Virginia together as with hooks of steel. 
 And when they had organized the government, they raised to 
 its high offices their most distinguished men. Tlie men of 
 those days, who laid the foundations of this great nation, 
 always discarded the mean, the sordid, the selfish, and the 
 vicious. 
 
 Now if we would excite the same noble sentiment, there is 
 nothing better than this interchange of courtesies and greet- 
 ings in which you are now engaged. 
 
 You will excuse me. Sir Knights, if I relate to you an inci- 
 dent in reference to one of New England's great men. I once 
 had the pleasure of seeing Daniel Webster in this very place, 
 and of witnessing an incident which has never yet been pulv 
 lished, and was known only to the four persons present. ]\Ir. 
 Webster on one occasion, in midsummer, visited RichnKtiid, 
 and came to the Capitol. I was present, and felt most Ui\\t\ty
 
 154 PILGRIMAGE TO \1RGINIA 
 
 to escort him through the building. He was accompanied by 
 a charming young lady whose name I do not remember, as 
 when introduced to her I did not expect ever to meet her 
 again. We entered the Hall of Delegates, which he had ex- 
 pressed a desire to see, and the wind blew the door so that it 
 was shut upon four persons, — Mr. Webster and the young 
 lady, another gentleman and myself. 
 
 IVIr. Webster remarked to the lady, that in that chamber 
 some of the most eminent men in the nation had engaged in 
 debate, and requested her to occupy the Speaker's chair while 
 he should make a speech. She complied, and that gifted man 
 pronounced a eulogy upon the sons of Virginia which was 
 never equalled. It was eloquent, grand, sublime. The scene 
 was one which I shall never forget, and the presence of these 
 gentlemen from New England has called it to remembrance 
 to-day. 
 
 It is well that the citizens of the North and the South should 
 become more intimately acquainted with each other. A short 
 time ago New York sent a regiment to us. They came as 
 brethren, and we received them as such. Their visit made a 
 pleasant impression upon our memories, which will not soon be 
 effaced. And now we are permitted the privilege to greet a 
 noble company of Sir Knights, from Massachusetts and Rhode 
 Island, a delegation of gentlemen distinguished for all honor- 
 able and good qualities. I did not anticipate this visit at the 
 Capitol, but I can assure you that it gives me great pleasure, 
 and again, in behalf of the Governor, and in behalf of all the 
 people of Virginia, I tender you a hearty, and sincere welcome ! 
 Consider our homes your homes ! Be with us and of us while 
 here, as if you were, indeed, sons of the Old Dominion ! 
 
 The speech of Colonel Munford seemed to reach di- 
 rectly to the hearts of his auditory. 
 
 M. E. Commander Parkman, of the De Molay En- 
 campment, replied as follo^Y3 : —
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 155 
 
 Sir, — In behalf of my companion Sir Knights, it is proper 
 that I should attempt to thank you for your warm and eloquent 
 words of welcome. But, Sir, I am not used to express myself 
 in public. Until this, our visit to Virginia, I had never spoken 
 to mixed assemblies ; but as soon as I found myself on the soil 
 so productive of oratory and patriotic sentiment, my tongue 
 was partially unloosed, and I have felt inspired with the power 
 to respond in some sort to the hearty and kind and genial wel- 
 come extended by the Sir Knights of Richmond and the citi- 
 zens of Virginia. 
 
 I return to you, in behalf of my companions in this pilgrim- 
 age, most hearty thanks for this kind reception. We came 
 here from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, not as Whigs, not 
 as Democrats, not as anti-slavery men or pro-slavery men ; but 
 in that higher and most glorious sense expressed by your chief 
 magistrate, as citizens of our common country, these United 
 States. We are national, and not sectional men. We came to 
 exchange the vows of friendship, and mingle the blazes of those 
 fires which our fathers kindled at Bunker Hill and York- 
 town, not for any section, but for the whole country. We are 
 proud to stand here as representatives of Massachusetts and 
 Rhode Island, but we are prouder yet to assert ourselves 
 citizens of the United States. The letter of Governor Wise, so 
 happily alluded to, will never be forgotten. The sentiments it 
 expresses will resound at every festival and at every fireside 
 in New England, and at every recurrence of the memory of 
 our more than knightly welcome, we shall be prouder than 
 before that we are American citizens. 
 
 When Commander Parkman had concluded his speech, 
 Gilmore's Band played " Hail Columbia," the Provi- 
 dence Band followed with " Washington's Marcli," and 
 "America" was given as a finale by tlie Boston Band. 
 
 It was an impressive scene upon the grand portico of 
 the Capitol, when the Templars took np their liiu! of 
 march. They passed through Capitol S(|uare and tiie
 
 156 PILGRIMAGE TO MEGINIA 
 
 Governor's Grounds to Broad Street, and continued on the 
 route laid down in the programme of the day's proceed- 
 ings, through the most attractive portions of the city. 
 
 While on their march, the pilgrim Knights were every- 
 where greeted in the kindliest manner. Many of the 
 dwelUngs on the route had been decorated with flowers 
 by their fair occupants, and the Sir Knights were con- 
 tinually assaulted with bouquets thrown by beautiful 
 women from windows, from balconies, from porticos, — 
 from every vantage-ground which the attacking parties 
 could occupy. 
 
 Many of these missiles, hurled so boldly at the Sir 
 Knights, displayed much taste in their arrangement and 
 construction. The Knights sustained the assaults with- 
 out murmuring, and retreated in good order, bearing with 
 them so many trophies of the encounter that their march- 
 ing column resembled a floral procession. Sir Knight S. 
 W. Clifford, of the De Molay Encampment, was wounded 
 by a bouquet in which were four magnoha-leaves, on the 
 polished surface of which were inscribed by a stylus, in a 
 neat handwriting, these mottoes : — 
 
 " Virginia's Daughters welcome the Sir Knights." 
 
 " Long life and happiness to the strangers from Boston and 
 Providence." 
 
 " Though our skies have been weeping, our hearts have 
 been rejoicing, while animated by the inspiring strains of yoiu" 
 matchless bands." 
 
 " K. F— ," " M. F— " " L. M— ," " E. M— ," " M. M— ." 
 
 When the Sir Knights reached the residence of Mrs. 
 Wirt Robinson,* they discovered that it was adorned 
 
 * Mrs. Robinson presented a beautiful gift, accompanied by a 
 poetical tribute, to the New England Encampments, on Tuesday.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 157 
 
 elaborately with flowers, in wreaths, garlands, festoons, 
 etc. With knightly courtesy they acknowledged the com- 
 pliment by presenting arms while passing. 
 
 In front of the mansion of Sir Knight John F. Reg- 
 nault, the sidewalk was completely covered with fragrant 
 bouquets of choice flowers, strewn there as an ofiering to 
 the Pilgrims. This tribute was also acknowledged with 
 a passing salute. And at almost every step they were 
 met with some fresh testimonial of regard from the wai-m- 
 hearted and bright-eyed women of Richmond. 
 
 The procession halted at the State Armory, on Fifth 
 Street. This is a fine building, used as an arsenal by 
 the State Guard, or the " standing army " of Virginia, 
 a corps numbering about ninety men. This is the only 
 military body kept constantly in the service of the State 
 in any State of the Union. The armory is under the 
 charge of Captain Charles Dimmock, formerly of Massa- 
 chusetts, a brother of the late Colonel John L. Dimmock 
 of Boston. 
 
 Captain Dimmock welcomed the Sir Knights in a hand- 
 some speech, expressing his regrets that he had not been 
 notified of their visit. After an examination of the bar- 
 racks, arms, and ammunition of the armory, the Templars 
 resumed their march, and proceeded to the hall of tlie 
 Mechanics' Institute, where they arrived at half past one 
 o'clock. 
 
 In this, the " Asylum " of the Sir Knights, they found 
 another manifestation of the prodigal, the unbounded hos- 
 pitality of Virginia Templars. Tables were extended 
 upon each side of the hall, on which was spread a tempt- 
 ing collation. In the centre of the room was a platform 
 which supported a huge punch-bowl. This bowl was sus- 
 pected of being filled with juleps by the teetotallers of the
 
 158 PILGRIMAGE TO \^RGmIA 
 
 company, and others convinced themselves that such was 
 truly the case. The pilgrims had marched a considera- 
 ble distance, under the excitements of a grand parade, in 
 which the eyes of all the ladies and gentlemen of Rich- 
 mond were upon them, and they were consequently in a 
 condition to relish keenly the excellent refreshments which 
 were spread bountifully before them. Right heartily they 
 paid their knightly devoirs to the feast. 
 
 The hall was draped with bunting, and tastefully fes- 
 tooned with flowers and evergreens. Along the central 
 area the following mottoes were suspended : — 
 
 " What Cheer." 
 " Clay." 
 " Warren." 
 " Greene." 
 « Webster." 
 
 While the banqueting was yet in progi'css, there arose 
 a loud call for Marmaduke Johnson, Esq., who was in the 
 hall. That gentleman stepped forward, and was imme- 
 diately placed by his friends upon the platform. Stand- 
 ing by the side of the large julep-bowl, he made a spirited 
 and eloquent speech, amid the explosions of Champagne, 
 the clinking of glasses, and the plaudits of the company. 
 
 As near as can be remembered, he spoke as follows : — 
 
 My friends, this call is most unexpected and almost unkind, 
 and yet, under the inspiring influences of this scene, I cannot 
 refuse to respond to it. If I could express the feelings which 
 the events of the past few days, and of to-day, have aroused 
 in my bosom, I would infuse into your hearts a flame that should 
 unite Massachusetts and Virginia for ever. I walked through 
 your Masonic Hall to-day, and saw by your emblems that you 
 inculcate Love, Hope, and Charity ; and I saw that I too am
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAES. 159 
 
 a Knight Templar in feeling, although not a member of your 
 noble Order, if such are j'our principles. 
 
 I have had the pleasure to-day also of being presented to the 
 noble and beautiful ladles of New England who accompanied 
 you, and felt how knightly courtesy and chivalry must be in- 
 spired by the ties which bind you to them. That all above 
 them may be sunshine, and that flowers may spring perpetually 
 beneath their feet in their pilgrimage to Richmond, and their 
 path through life, is my sincere wish for them. 
 
 "When I entered this hall, I saw conspicuous around me those 
 immortal names which I revere and love, as well as you, names 
 which revive in our bosoms the holiest sentiments of patriotism. 
 
 I saw " Warren," — the first red martjT of the Revolutionary 
 struggle ! 
 
 I saw " "Webster," — who will be remembered as one of the 
 greatest of our nation's statesmen, until the curtain of time 
 shall fall ! 
 
 I saw " Greene," — who stood by the side of "Washington, 
 second to him only, in battles for our independence ! 
 
 I saw " Clay," — whose name we wear in our hearts for ever 
 and for ever, a life-long forget-me-not ! 
 
 These glorious names, honored at your festival, are a certifi- 
 cate of your own true love of the Union. 
 
 Gentlemen, we are about to part, — shall we meet again ? 
 
 "When the beautiful Clemanthe was about to be separated 
 from the noble-hearted Ion, who was doomed to banishment, 
 she cried, " O, shall we meet again ? " And he answered, " I, 
 too, have asked that question of the everlasting hills, the 
 rocks, the trees, and the running streams, and they gave me 
 no answer, — but my heart tells me we sliall be one for ever ! " 
 
 Gentlemen, we may never meet again face to face, but the 
 interchange of thought and feeling which has taken place dur- 
 ing your visit, has made us one for ever. Let ms propose in 
 conclusion, this sentiment : — 
 
 Dear to INIassachusetts, Rhode Island, and "N'irginia are the 
 names of "Wcishington and Hancock, Adams and Jeflcrson, 
 "Webster and Clay: May our gratitude to them be eternal,
 
 160 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 and immortal he their memory in the hearts of future genera- 
 tions ! 
 
 Enthusiastic plaudits from the Sir Knights and their 
 invited guests, not members of the Order, saluted Mr. 
 Johnson at the conclusion of this speech. 
 
 Commander Parkman was loudly called upon, and 
 made a fitting response. He said : — 
 
 Sir Knights and Gentlemen, — What can I say? Where 
 shall I find language by which to express the feelings which 
 throng into my heart and the hearts of my brother Templars 
 on this occasion? I have no language adequate. Will not 
 some one lend me the tongue of a Webster, or an Everett, or a 
 Johnson, so that I may exj^ress our thanks for the kindness 
 lavished upon us during our pilgrimage in this State ? 
 
 But I can at least thank you, with a sentiment which comes 
 from the innermost shrine of the heart, for what you have done 
 to render us happy, and for the lessons of knightly brotherhood 
 and hospitality you have taught us. I would like to respond in 
 proper terms, were I able, to the beautiful and eloquent senti- 
 ments of him who has just spoken to you ; but it is out of my 
 power while I am yet under the influence of his thriUing 
 words. 
 
 I thank him for speaking of Webster as he has just now 
 spoken. I was a friend of his, — a personal fi^iend, — and I 
 feel that that great man, who, compassed about with the glory 
 of this great republic, could speak to me with such words of 
 genuine and hearty kindness as he always greeted me with, 
 would appreciate properly your hospitahty, and thank you for 
 it as it deserves. He could speak to Virginia, and respond to 
 your welcome to these sons of New England in terms befitting 
 the scenes constantly enacted around us during our visit 
 among you. 
 
 I also thank our young brother for the sentiments he has 
 expressed in regard to Masonry. It is a noble institution, and 
 I have felt, while presiding in the Lodge where John Hancock
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. igl 
 
 was initiated to its mysteries, and also when I sat in the Lodge- 
 room where Chief Justice Marshall was the presiding officer 
 in your city, that Masonry is one of the brightest and most 
 enduring links which connect the great and good men of 
 their generation with us, and that the chain will grow 
 brighter and stronger as it is lengthened along through com- 
 ing centuries. 
 
 Commander Parkman closed with a sentiment compli- 
 mentary to the Grand Lodge of Virginia. 
 
 Sir Knight John Dove, of Richmond, Secretary to the 
 Grand Lodge, responded in an enthusiastic speech. Sev- 
 eral other impromptu speeches were made, but the gen- 
 eral joy and enthusiasm of the company prevented the 
 reporters from recording the eloquent sentiments which 
 were uttered. 
 
 When the Sir Knights were sufficiently rested and 
 refreshed, they marched forth, and were proceeding on 
 their way towards their quarters, when they were inter- 
 cepted by the Richmond Blues, and conducted to the 
 Armory of that corps. This was the day of " May train- 
 ing " in Virginia, and the militia of Richmond were on 
 parade, in fulfilment of the requirements of law. The 
 Blues were in fatigue dress, Lieut. AYm. L. Maule, a Sir 
 Knight, commanding. And they seemed bent upon de- 
 voting themselves to the entertainment of the visiting 
 Templars. Their armory was decorated in an elaborate 
 style, and with much taste, both .without and within. 
 Arrangements had been made for keeping "open house" 
 during the day and evening. 
 
 Soon after the decorations wet-e completed at the 
 
 armory, about fifty of the ladies of Richmond assenibled 
 
 there, and despatched a committee of gentlemen to the 
 
 Exchange Hotel, who escorted the ladies who had accora- 
 
 II
 
 162 PILGRIMAGE TO \aRGINIA 
 
 panied the pilgrim Knights from New England to the 
 armory, where they were agreeably entertained. 
 
 On entering the armory, the Sir Knights found the 
 entrance hall and the ante-room draped with flags, and 
 adorned with mottoes expressive of the hospitable senti- 
 ments of the corps towards their visitors. In the ante- 
 room their eyes were greeted with a sight of the famous 
 Blues' punch-bowl, made of porcelain, having a capacity 
 of forty gallons, which was filled with iced juleps of most 
 nourishing quality. This bowl is held as a precious relic 
 by the company, having been in their possession during 
 three generations. Lafayette refreshed himself with its 
 contents on the occasion of his visit to Richmond, in 
 1824. The great bowl was flanked with tubs of lemon- 
 ade, and with various light and refreshing beverages. 
 
 On entering the main hall of the armory, the Sir 
 Knights found that it had been converted into a bower of 
 flags and roses. Conspicuous upon the wall was the roll 
 of the company, past and present, since its organization, 
 May 10, 1793. 
 
 Along one side of the hall was a table loaded with 
 refreshments, which were tempting, even to an appetite 
 cloyed at the banquet so lately enjoyed by the Sir 
 Knights. Behind the tables was a picked corps of Rich- 
 mond's fair daughters, each armed with bouquets and 
 wreaths of fresh-cut flowers, for distribution to the visitors. 
 
 Lieutenant-Commanding Maule received the visitors 
 in the following speech : — 
 
 Most Eminent Commanders and Sir Knights of St. John's 
 and De Molay Encampments, — The Kichmond Light Infantry 
 Blues, citizen soldiers of the Commonwealth of Virginia, are 
 assembled this morning to greet you, and welcome yon to the 
 soil of the Old Dominion. An opportunity has not heretofore
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 163 
 
 oceurred to say to you that Tve are glad to see you, and that 
 we are desii-ous of grasping your hands, and imparting the 
 token grip whereby one patriot may know another, and press- 
 ing heart to heart, with the motto, " Our Country," ever be- 
 fore us. Again, welcome ! ay, 
 
 " A hvmdred thousand welcomes ! I could weep, 
 And I could laugh ; I am light, and lieavj' : welcome ! 
 A curse begin at verj' root of his heart, 
 That is not glad to see thee ! " 
 
 Sir EJnights, our quarters are small, but they are " snug " ; 
 and I request you to pass " the word " to your compan- 
 ions, that the Blues' hands and hearts are open to receive 
 you. 
 
 Sir Knights of the Richmond Commandery, you are at 
 home ; and I command you to make your guests the same. 
 
 Commander Parkman replied : — 
 
 Sir Knights, — Cast your eyes up and down this hall. Ob- 
 serve the shades of the first and second degrees. I think, that 
 of the two, I should prefer the second ! 
 
 IMr. Commander of the Blues, the Sir Knights of Boston 
 and Providence have come to the motto of Virginia, " Load 
 and fire," on occasions like this. We are content to surrender, 
 at discretion, and most thankfully to fulfil jour commands. 
 
 The Templars were pressed to partake of the delicacies 
 which loaded the board, and their attention was also 
 directed to a silver water-cooler, holding fifteen gallons, 
 the property of the Blues, which stood at the upper end 
 of the hall, which was filled with Champagne, filtered 
 through ice, and dispensed in draught. 
 
 Brief speeches were made by several gentlemen. The 
 young ladies dispensed to the Sir Knights bouquets and 
 garlands, and smiles more beautiful than their floral oller- 
 ings. It was one of the rosiest hours the pilgrims had 
 enjoyed in Richmond.
 
 164 PILGRIMAGE TO VIEGINIA 
 
 At four o'clock the Encampments returned to the hotel, 
 and assumed their fatigue uniform. The remainder of the 
 day was occupied in visiting, in squads of from two to 
 twenty, various places of public interest, and numerous 
 private residences. Quite a number of the visiting Knights 
 were taken to some of the largest tobacco establishments 
 of the city, and witnessed the great skill and rapidity of 
 the manipulations of the tobacco-plant in the various 
 processes of its manufacture by negro slaves. The ne- 
 groes, being stimulated by a liberal compensation for 
 labor performed beyond their allotted task, acquire great 
 facility in the work of preparing the popular narcotic for 
 the markets of the world. For the amusement of the 
 visitors, the tobacconists sang a number of the songs, 
 sacred and secular, for which they are noted in Richmond. 
 Their vocal performances were marked by a certain 
 rudeness and quaintness of enunciation, but their voices 
 were sweet, and their musical instincts enabled them to 
 blend with much harmony in the choruses. They habitu- 
 ally hghten their task with songs, hymns, and anthems, 
 and negro singing is one of the sources of amusement to 
 the citizens and visitors of the town. 
 
 The Sir KJiights derived much pleasure from their in- 
 spection of the manufactories of the great staple of Vir- 
 ginia. 
 
 Another party of the pilgrim Knights, accompanied by 
 the ladies from New England, and several of their Rich- 
 mond friends, paid a visit to St. John's Church, the oldest 
 in the Commonwealth. It was in this church that Patrick 
 Henry made his thrilling appeal to arms, in the second 
 Convention of Virginia Delegates, in March, 1775. The 
 building has been altered and enlarged since the Revolu- 
 tion, and is used as a house of worship by a large congre-
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 165 
 
 gation. It is situated on Church Hill, and the visiting 
 party were conveyed to it in omnibuses. 
 
 At the request of his Honor the Mayor of Richmond, a 
 gentleman who is familiar with the historical associations 
 of the place, Rev. Dr. Kepler, pastor of the church, 
 pointed out the spot where the patriot Henry made his 
 celebrated speech in favor of immediate war for inde- 
 pendence ; and recited the speech itself in a very efiFective 
 manner. This produced a deep impression upon the 
 company, and they felt that they were indeed in a sacred 
 shrine. After the recitation, Sir Knight L. L. Tarbell, 
 prelate of De Molay Encampment, repeated the Lord's 
 Prayer, the company kneeling around him and respond- 
 ing. It was a solemn scene. All present were filled 
 with emotion, and the ladies were affected to tears. 
 
 Later in the afternoon, a number of the Richmond 
 Knights, headed by the Mayor, — a most gallant Tem- 
 plar, — made a second visit to the Blues' Armory. They 
 found this place as well supplied with refreshments as at 
 first. The " blue bowl " was yet full, and Champagne 
 sparkled as freely from the silver cooler as if those ves- 
 sels were supplied by living fountains. The tables still 
 presented abundant temptations to the appetite, and the 
 officers and members of the Blues were as pressing in 
 their hospitable invitations as before. 
 
 Sir Knight Mayo formally addressed Sir Knight John 
 M. Clarke, High Sheriff of Suffolk County, Massachu- 
 setts, in a speech replete with cordial sentiments. Sheriff 
 Clarke replied, and his remarks were loudly ai)plauded. 
 He brought a charge against the city of Richmond, how- 
 ever, of " too much hospitality," and the Mayor of the 
 city. Sir Knight !Mayo, was tried for the offence, — not, 
 however, before he had filed a " cross libel." The jury
 
 166 PILGEIMAGE TO VIEGINIA 
 
 acquitted both the " guilty parties," unanimously and 
 " hilariously." 
 
 In the evening, the Sir Knights, after having enjoyed 
 manifold hospitalities in various parts of the city, re- 
 assembled at their rendezvous, and attended a parting 
 levee in the ball-room of the Ballard House. The 
 Templars were favored with the company of a number of 
 the ladies of Richmond, and the time was most agree- 
 ably spent in conversation, dancing, and listening to sev- 
 eral presentation speeches. 
 
 The first presentation Avas a suit of regaha from the 
 De Molay Encampment to the Richmond Commandery. 
 Commander Parkman, in making the presentation, spoke 
 as follows : — 
 
 Most Eminent Grand Commander and Sir Knights of the 
 Richmond Commandery, Ladies and Gentlemen, — As our 
 very pleasant visit is now about to terminate, the pleasant 
 duty has been assigned to me to present to you a testi- 
 monial of the esteem in which we hold your efforts to render 
 our visit a happy one. Tlie Sir Knights of the De Molay 
 Encampment, being desirous of appearing like one of you, 
 have directed me to present to you this set of their regaha ; 
 and although the material thereof is perishable, the sight 
 thereof will always remind you of the pleasant recollections 
 which have induced its presentation. Its material may fade 
 and crumble, but these pleasant memories of this thrice happy 
 occasion will be ever fragrant in our hearts. 
 
 I also present you this sword. In your hand, as a true and 
 courteous Knight, it has four additional qualities, — its hilt 
 being endowed by Faith, its blade by Hope, its point by 
 Charity, and the whole emblematic of Truth. WhUe Ma- 
 sonry stands upon these fom* cai'dinal virtues, it must be ever- 
 lasting.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 167 
 
 Commander Gill, in behalf of his Commandery, made 
 an eloquent and feeling reply. Calling up one of his Sir 
 Knights, he invested him with the regalia, and assured 
 his De Molay brothers that, whenever his Commandery 
 held a meeting, this suit of regalia should appear among 
 them. 
 
 This agreeable incident was followed by another. Sir 
 Knight Rev. J. Lansing Burrows presented to D. G. 
 Mariani, Drum-Major of Gilmore's Band, in behalf of 
 Messrs. L. Macdonough and J. H. Sawyer of Richmond, 
 a beautiful silver goblet. He said that, when the pilgrim 
 Knights arrived, the Drum-Major was the first man they 
 saw, and his stature was so great that they had not lost 
 sight of him since. It was with pleasure that he fulfilled 
 the request of his friends in presenting such a testimonial 
 to one who had won the kind wishes of all who had seen 
 him by his manly deportment. 
 
 Signor Mariani, who is an Italian, returned his thanks 
 in a broken English speech, which was received with 
 loud ajjplause. 
 
 Another silver goblet was presented to Mr. Joseph C. 
 Greene, Leader of the American Brass Band of Provi- 
 dence, on behalf of several of the citizens of Richmond. 
 Sir Knight Joseph Mayo made the presentation speech, 
 and A. O. Brewster, Esq., of Boston, responded for Mr. 
 Greene. 
 
 Presentations had now become the order of the even- 
 ing, and Commander Parkman was called upon by the 
 ladies who accompanied the De Molay and St. John's 
 Encampments to present to Sir Kniglit John II. Boslicr a 
 handsome silver goI)let, and an elegant set of gold sleeve- 
 buttons. Commander Parkman made the following ad- 
 dress : —
 
 168 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 Most Eminent Grand Commander, Sir Knights, Ladies and 
 Gentlemen, — Within a few minutes there has been placed in 
 my hands by the ladies accompanying the De Molay and St. 
 John's Commanderies, a slight testimonial, to be presented to 
 Sir Knight J. H. Bosher of the Richmond Commandery, as a 
 token of their regard for his kind attentions to them while here 
 in Richmond. We have all read of the attentions of Don 
 Quixote to the fair sex, but Sir Knight Bosher has far excelled 
 him in his untiring efforts, in his entire devotion and atten- 
 tion in anticipating the very slightest want of anything that 
 might enhance their pleasure or enjoyment ; and, my dear Sir 
 Knight and brother, allow me in behalf of these ladies to pre- 
 sent you this beautiful silver goblet. I cannot, in the words 
 of our ritual, say to you, " Silver and gold I have none," 
 for of silver I have this, and with great pleasure present 
 it to you. When it is raised to your lips, may it be filled 
 with libations of nectar composed of all the joys which social 
 intercourse, sweetened by female influence, may distil. I also 
 present to you this beautiful pair of sleeve-buttons, bear- 
 ing on their face our Masonic emblems, which may always 
 be, when within your sight, a constant reminder of the happy 
 occasion which has induced theii- presentation. 
 
 Sir Knight Bosher responded briefly. He said that 
 he had been taken entirely by surprise, and could make 
 no other reply than to assure the ladies that their gifts 
 should be treasured and worn with a gratitude that should 
 last so long as his heart continued to beat. 
 
 Sir Knight John F. Regnault was presented by his 
 New England friends with an elegant set of volumes on 
 Masonry, as a token of their high appreciation of his 
 character as a man and a member of the Fraternity. 
 
 Sir Knight J. Lansing Burrows read the following 
 verses, written by Mrs. Wirt Robinson : —
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 169 
 
 PARTING ODE. 
 
 In bidding you adien, Sir Knights, 
 
 We 'd every kind word say ; 
 With fervent wishes for your weal, 
 
 God speed you on your way ! 
 God bless and keep you all, Sir Knights, 
 
 And shield you everwhere : 
 'Neath ruined arch, in busy mart, 
 
 Protect with holy care. 
 
 In parting thus, ere mutual tryst 
 
 Had more than just begun. 
 Regret and sadness mar the woof 
 
 By friendship newly spun ! 
 Of Friendship and of Memory, 
 Entwined with tendrils green, 
 Expanded, nourished, 'neath your smiles, 
 
 In hours " lang syne " you ween. 
 
 O, may you " keep the unemng line," 
 
 " Each with his mark in view," 
 Until, the " stone's contents " revealed, 
 
 You join the enlightened few : 
 You join the mystic brotherhood. 
 
 In the great Lodge above. 
 Where sits enthroned, all hallowed. 
 
 The " Architect " you love. 
 
 Our temple's fane we oped to you : 
 
 Our hearts responsive beat ; 
 God grant the future may ignite 
 
 Perpetual Friendship sweet, 
 Till when our " edifice " of clay 
 
 To kindred dust returns, 
 'Neath the key-stone, undimmcd and bright. 
 
 Its sacred ardor burns.
 
 170 PILGEIMAGE TO ^^RGINIA 
 
 Sir Knight Ballard, propinetor of the Ballard House 
 and Exchange Hotel, where the Pilgrims had been so 
 comfortably quartered during their sojourn, addressed the 
 comi^any, expressing his personal thanks for their visit 
 and liis warm sympathies with the Masonic brotherhood. 
 He then introduced to them the colored choir of the 
 African Church of Richmond, so much celebrated for 
 their fervent and harmonious singing of sacred melodies 
 and anthems. The choir proceeded to sing, from printed 
 collections, some of their best pieces, and their music was 
 much enjoyed by the company. 
 
 The levee broke up about midnight, and the Sir 
 Knights separated reluctantly from the fair ladies who 
 had graced and enlivened it by their presence and con- 
 versation. Several of the Sir Knights sallied out with 
 the bands of music, and serenaded their Richmond friends. 
 Sir Knight Wm. B. Isaacs, one of the admirably efficient 
 committee of arrangements for the Richmond Command- 
 ery, was serenaded by Gilmore's Band, at one o'clock, 
 A. M. He threw open the doors of his mansion, and 
 pressed upon the serenading party the same generous 
 hospitality that had greeted them everywhere in Vir- 
 ginia. 
 
 Greene's American Band visited the residences of 
 "Wm. F. Ritchie, Esq. of the Richmond Enquirer, Rev. J. 
 Lansing Burrows, Sir Knight Joseph Mayo, Mayor of 
 the City, Sir Knight John H. Bosher, Sir Knight John F. 
 Regnault, Sir Knight John T. Rogers, Companion TVirt 
 Robinson, and Mrs. Robert Nott. 
 
 Mr. Regnault and Mr. Rogers threw open their doors, 
 and entertained the serenaders sumptuously. 
 
 There was a dearth of sleep that night at the quarters 
 of the pilgrims, whose departure had been fixed at six
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TESffLAES. 171 
 
 o'clock the next morning. Some of the New England 
 Knights disdained to seek repose from the pleasing 
 fatigues to which they were constantly subjected by their 
 Richmond brothers, and the signal for an early breakfast 
 was answered by more than one Avho had not been guilty 
 of an interview with Morpheus during Thursday night. 
 
 And thus ended the last day of the visit of the Knights 
 Templars from New England in Virginia.
 
 172 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 CHAPTER X 
 
 Closing Scenes at Richmond. — Departure of the Pilgrims. 
 
 — Visit to Mount Vernon. — Interview with the Secretary 
 OF THE Interior. — Presentation to President Buchanan. 
 
 — Return to Philadelphia. 
 
 At five o'clock, Friday morning, the Exchange Hotel 
 was the scene of great bustle, caused by the active prepa- 
 rations of the New England Knights Templars for their 
 departure. The Pilgrims were waited upon by their 
 Richmond friends, who came to " speed the parting 
 guests," in the same spirit which had characterized their 
 efforts to render their visit an agreeable one. 
 
 Just before the summons was given for their departure, 
 the Templars were invited to the parlor of the Exchange, 
 where Miss Perry, daughter of Sir Knight Perry, of the 
 Richmond Commandery, after being introduced to the la- 
 dies from New England, sat down to the piano-forte, 
 and sang " When shall we meet again ? " with such beauty 
 of expression, and so much genuine feeling, that tears 
 filled the eyes of all the ladies present. This was fol- 
 lowed by " Home again ! " which was performed with 
 fine effect. 
 
 At half past five o'clock, the Encampments took up 
 their line of march for the railroad station. The State 
 Artillery fired a salute of thirty-four guns as they ap-
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 173 
 
 preached the Depot, and upon their arrival at that point 
 they were invited to a parting cup of julep from one of 
 the immense bowls that had been so much in service dur- 
 ing their visit in Richmond. There was a great crowd 
 about the Depot to witness the departure of the pilgrims, 
 and, before they took their seats in the cars, a general 
 scattering of emblems, and many exchanges of caps and 
 other articles pertaining to the regalia or uniform of 
 Knights Templars took place. Regrets at parting were 
 freely and feehngly expressed, as those who remained 
 shook hands for the last time with their New England 
 brothers. 
 
 When the train started, cheers, loud and hearty, were 
 given and answered, and the pilgrims, reluctantly bid- 
 ding a final adieu to Richmond, were sped on their way. 
 A large delegation from the Richmond Commandery, 
 accompanied the homeward bound pilgrims to Ashland. 
 Among them were the Richmond committee of arrange- 
 ments, who had devoted themselves indefatigably to the 
 entertainment of their guests, and also Sir Knight Joseph 
 Mayo, who, in his capacity of Mayor of Richmond, as 
 weU as a brother Templar, had been unremitting in his 
 attentions to the visiting Knights. 
 
 When the train halted at Ashland, most of the general 
 committee, on leave taking, were separated from the 
 party, but a few continued the journey as far as Aquia 
 Creek, and Sir Knight Bosher remained with them until 
 they reached Washington. 
 
 Abandoning the railroad at Aquia Creek, the pilgrims 
 were transferred to the steamer Mount Vernon, and pro- 
 ceeded up the Potomac. The weather was cloudy and 
 somewhat rainy, but the trip was a dcliglitful one. The 
 showers that had fallen during the week had brought the
 
 174 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 foliage of the country, on either bank of the river, to the 
 highest pitch of perfection, and its luxuriance and beauty 
 at that early season of the year were marvellous to the 
 eyes of the Northerners. 
 
 The pilgrims desired to visit Mount Vernon on their 
 return, but the steamer which plies between Aquia 
 Creek and Washmgton being too large to approach the 
 landing-place, the committee of arrangements for the De 
 Molay Encampment had thoughtfully provided a smaller 
 steamer, the T. CoUyer, to receive the company when 
 they arrived at a point opposite that spot, and transfer 
 them to the shore. It was near the middle of the after- 
 noon when the boat reached the home of Washington. 
 
 On landing at the wharf, the Sir Knights formed a 
 column, double file, and marched to the sounds of mom-n- 
 ful music over the dilapidated plank foot-path which leads 
 from the river beach, up through a ravine, to the tomb 
 that holds the sacred remains of the " father of his coun- 
 try." The spirit of melancholy seemed to brood over 
 the spot. The trees were dripping with moisture, that fell 
 from the weeping skies, and the tree-frogs blended their 
 plaintive cries with the dead march played by the band. 
 Arrived at the tomb, the Sir Kiiights stood before it with 
 uncovered heads, while the bands played appropriate 
 dirges. But few of the company had ever before visited 
 this sacred spot, and the hearts of all were filled with 
 sadness as they gazed through the iron grating upon the 
 marble sarcophagus which holds the precious deposit of 
 Washington's dust. 
 
 The brick Avails of the tomb are crumbling, its roof is 
 covered with wild vines, weeds, and shrubs, some of which 
 have grown to the size of small trees, and neglect and 
 decay are visible in and around it. From this spot they
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 175 
 
 proceeded to the mansion which was the homestead of the 
 great man. 
 
 "With no hand of kindred or posterity to repaii- the 
 ravages of remorseless Time upon the building which 
 once was the loved resting-place and home of Washing- 
 ton, it has fallen into a miserably dilapidated condition. 
 And the same evil genius seems to brood over all the 
 appurtenances and dependencies of this once proud man- 
 sion. The negi-o quarters and other outbuildings, the 
 fences, the garden, and the gi-ounds, have all suffered 
 from ungrateful neglect. 
 
 The pilgrims to this shrine of patriotism were pro- 
 foundly impressed by the desolation of Mount Vernon. 
 It is not the sublime desolation that hangs over the ruins 
 of ancient cities, whose founders and all the generations 
 of their descendants have passed from the earth, but it is 
 a desolateness which has been permitted to creep over 
 the holiest mementos of the most revered of the patriotic 
 men who founded this happy and free country, even 
 while every year our increasing prosperity has added a 
 deeper shade to our ingratitude to his memory. 
 
 The tomb and home of Washington seem the more 
 desolate, from the natural beauty of their site and the sur- 
 rounding landscape. The lovely and smiling aspect of 
 Nature, who invites, with every assurance of her own 
 aid, the recreant sons of the Father of his Country, to 
 restore his homestead to its pristine beauty, is an eloquent 
 though silent reproach of then- long neglect of duty. 
 
 The noble work of rescuing this holy ground from 
 neglect and desecration was more highly appreciated 
 than ever by the visiting Knights, and they rc-joiced in 
 the thought that it would soon be completed. 
 
 After inspecting the mansion, its quaint and elaborate
 
 17G PILGRIMAGE TO YIRGENIA 
 
 architecture, and the various rehcs of him who once 
 inhabited it, and purchasing a few of the canes which the 
 negroes furnish so plentifully to all comers, the party re- 
 turned to the boat. Halting at the tomb on their way, 
 the ladies strewed upon the sarcophagus a great quan- 
 tity of flowers, which had been presented to them for 
 this purpose by their Richmond friends. When this 
 floral tribute had been paid, the company bade adieu to 
 Mount Vernon, and re-embarked upon the steamer for 
 Washington. 
 
 Leaving behind them Mount Vernon, with its pictu- 
 resque scenery, its luxuriant groves and green fields, 
 its rank weeds and dilapidated buildings and fences, its 
 crumbling repository of the dust of him whose life and 
 character and deeds have rendered immortal the name of 
 this, the spot where he last lived and where he died, 
 the pilgrims pursued their way to the great city which 
 bears his own illustrious name, and fulfils the offices of 
 the capital of the nation. 
 
 They arrived in Washington at about six o'clock, and 
 were soon comfortably quartered at the National Hotel, 
 under the care of Messrs. Tenney & Co., who with their 
 assistants seemed determined they should forget all the 
 regrets they experienced on leaving Richmond, and all 
 the sadness they felt at witnessing the desolation of 
 Mount Vernon. 
 
 At eight o'clock, a supper prepared for the delectation 
 of the Sir Knights was eaten, and at nine o'clock the 
 Encampments visited by invitation the mansion of the 
 Hon. Jacob Thompson, Secretary of the Interior. The 
 Honorable Secretary gave the Sir Knights a cordial 
 reception, and in his parlors they passed an hour agree- 
 ably, in conversation with Mr. Thompson and his friends.
 
 OF THE K^^GHTS TEMPLARS. 177 
 
 enjoying his elegant hospitality, and listening to the 
 music of Gilmore's Band. 
 
 After their return to their quarters, the bands played 
 several fine pieces, and when they had retired, the dreams 
 of the pilgrims were sweetened by a serenade from 
 Withers's Band, of Washington. 
 
 On Saturday morning, the Templars were abroad 
 early, and many of them completed their inspection of 
 the public buildings of the capital. At eleven o'clock 
 they assumed the full regalia of the Order, and after a 
 dress parade in front of the National Hotel, they were 
 met by the Washington Commandery, B. B. French, E. 
 G. Commander. The column of Sir Knights then took 
 up their line of march toward the White House, the 
 President having extended an invitation to them to visit 
 him in the Presidential Mansion. 
 
 On their arrival, the Sir Kniglits entered the East 
 Room, and were formed in double lines, around three 
 sides of the room, and awaited the entrance of the chief 
 magistrate. When President Buchanan entered the 
 room, he was received with a salute by the assembled 
 Kniglits, and the band played a national air. 
 
 Commander B. B. French then addressed the Presi- 
 dent in tlie following language : — 
 
 Mr. President, — I have the honor, sir, and pleasure, to pre- 
 sent to you, in behalf of the Wasliington Commandery of 
 Knights Templars, the De Molay Encampment of the city of 
 Boston, and the St. John's Commander}- of Ivniglits TiMiipIars 
 of the city of Providence. 
 
 These men, sir, are a fair specimen of Knights Tcmphirs 
 
 throughout the world ; and it gives me pleasure to present 
 
 them. They are here on their return from Richmond, wlierc 
 
 they have been partaking of the hospitalities, courtesies, and 
 
 12
 
 178 PILGEIMAGE TO YIRGINIA 
 
 kindnesses of their brethren in Richmond, who are so far-famed 
 for such hospitality. They have been there, sir, to clasp the 
 hands of their brethren, and give them the strong grip of 
 brotherly affection, — that affection which I trust, indeed I 
 know, is mingled with that love of the Union and the Consti- 
 tution which should burn in the bosom of every true patnot. 
 
 I regard this hour as one of the happiest of my life, when 
 I stand here in the pi-esence of the Chief Magistrate of the 
 nation, and present to him these men, good and true, who 
 come from the cold winds, yet warm hearts, of my own beloved 
 New England. 
 
 To these introductory remai'ks President Buchanan 
 replied as follows : — 
 
 I am rejoiced to see the Sir Knights in the Executive Man- 
 sion of the country. I am always rejoiced to find a large and 
 respectable portion of our countrymen from the North visiting 
 the South. They have partaken of Southern hospitality at 
 Richmond, and if they went to Richmond with any prejudices 
 against the South, 1 feel confident that they must have been 
 removed by their intercourse with that warm-hearted and 
 generous people. I am confident that the cold winds of the 
 North, to which you have alluded, have not chilled the hearts 
 of these noble Sir Knights ; and though they may not be 
 called upon to defend the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem, as 
 had the Knights Templars of old to do, yet I have no doubt 
 that they will be ready to defend what is equally valuable, 
 the Constitution and Union of the country, — not with their 
 swords, but with their moral influence, and with the strength 
 and power of their example. [Applause.] The Union is in- 
 deed the most precious legacy left to us by our ancestors, — 
 the most precious legacy that ever any people enjoyed. 
 
 The race of Revolutionary patriots and heroes has passed 
 away ; that sacred deposit is committed to the men of the 
 present generation ; and I trust that every man, individually, 
 will make it a matter of conscience and of pride, to exert all
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 179 
 
 just influence to perpetuate our glorious institutions, and to 
 preserve the Constitution and the Union for generations to 
 come. [Applause.] 
 
 I thank you all, gentlemen, for the honor of this visit, and 
 shall be very happy to clasp the hands of each one of you. 
 
 The officers of the Encampments were then formally 
 introduced to the President, and the Sir Knights filed 
 past him, and were each presented in due form. The 
 ladies — wives and daughters of the Templars, who had 
 accompanied them on their pilgrimage — were also pre- 
 sented to JNIr. Buchanan, who received them graciously. 
 
 While this scene was transpiring, the bands performed 
 several national airs, and after the ceremony of introduc- 
 tion was over, Sir Knight J. B. Borden of the St. John's 
 Encampment sang the "Star-spangled Banner" with 
 fine effect, the Providence Band playing an accompani- 
 ment to the song. 
 
 The President then retired, having been apparently 
 much gratified by the interview. 
 
 The Templars returned to their hotel, and sat down to 
 an excellent dinner, prepared expressly for them. The 
 officers of the Washington Commandery were present, as 
 invited guests, and the hour allowed the pilgrims before 
 their departure was well improved in discussing the meal, 
 and interchanging congratulations and friendly sentiments 
 with their AVashington brethren. Impromptu speeches 
 were made by Commanders Parkman, French, and 
 Barker, and Rev. W. D, Haley, Sir Knight, of Wash- 
 ington. 
 
 Commander Parkman complimented the Washington 
 Commandery in well-chosen terms, and Commander B. 
 B. French made a fitting response. 
 
 Commander Barker made a few felicitous remarks, 
 concluding with a sentiment in honor of the ladies.
 
 180 PILGRIMAGE TO "VaRGINIA 
 
 Rev. Mr. Haley being called upon to speak in behalf 
 of the ladies, he responded in a manner that called forth 
 rounds of applause. 
 
 The Sir Knights were compelled to leave the festive 
 board and take passage in the three o'clock train for 
 Philadelphia. They bade adieu to their "Washington 
 friends with reluctance, and in due time were on the road 
 to Baltimore, with hearts full of grateful recollections of 
 their Southern pilgrimage.
 
 OF THE KXIGHTS TEMPLARS. igl 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 The Pilgkims ljj the Quaker City. — Return to New York. — 
 A Night upon Loxg Isi^\.xd Souxd. — Reception in Provi- 
 dence. 
 
 The pilgrim Knights arrived iu Philadelphia at half 
 past ten o'clock, on Saturday evening, in fine spirits. The 
 De Molay Encampment proceeded to the Girard Hotel, 
 where quarters had been engaged by their committee of 
 arrangements, and were soon made exceedingly comfort- 
 able. The St. John's Encampment found excellent 
 quarters at the American Hotel, whei'e the committee 
 had also secured accommodations in advance of their 
 arrival. 
 
 The Regalia of both Encampments had been packed 
 up in Washington, not to be again used until their arrival 
 in Providence. The Sir Knights now began to feel the 
 magnetic attraction of home, a foi'ce which had but little 
 effect upon them while they remained within the circle of 
 Richmond influences, but which grew stronger in direct 
 ratio as the distance was lessened between them and 
 Providence and Boston. Having broken the bands of 
 their "captivity" in Virginia, they felt a strong desire 
 to meet their brothers at home, and recount to them the 
 experiences of their pilgrimage. They were laden with
 
 182 PILGRIMAGE TO \1RGINIA 
 
 reminiscences, whose rehearsal they knew would afford to 
 their friends in some degree the pleasure they had them- 
 selves enjoyed. Each had his stock of personal anecdotes 
 to relate, in addition to the public demonstrations in which 
 all participated alike. 
 
 The banquets and festivals of various kinds, given in 
 their honor, were feasts of fat things. While the senses 
 were regaled, the mind was delighted with the elimina- 
 tion of patriotic and social sentiments which move the 
 heart, and wit and humor that animate the soul. Of 
 course, the simple record of speeches and toasts cannot 
 give the reader an idea of what was really done and said 
 and enjoyed by the company at the feast. There are a 
 thousand flashes of wit, and manifestations of feeling, as 
 evanescent as lightning or the topmost sparkles of the 
 overflowing wine-cup, which leave an indehble impres- 
 sion on the memory, but cannot be recorded. With their 
 hearts full of these, and of the richer and better experi- 
 ences they had enjoyed in the households of their South- 
 ern friends, the pilgrims were returning, not unwillingly, 
 at this stage of their journey at least, to impart to their 
 brethren and friends, in familiar conversation, some idea 
 of the height, breadth, and depth of the fraternal kind- 
 ness and hospitality of Virginians. 
 
 Sunday was a welcome day of rest, and its tranquillity 
 in the Quaker city was highly enjoyed by the Templars. 
 They attended Divine service in various churches, and 
 were edified by the ministrations of some of the most elo- 
 quent pulpit orators in Philadelphia. 
 
 The new Masonic Temple on Chestnut Street, the finest 
 building of the kind in America, and perhaps in the 
 world, was thrown open during the day for the inspec- 
 tion of the visiting Knights, and they spent some time in
 
 OF THE KXIGHTS TEMPLARS. 133 
 
 admiring its manifold beauties. Tlie entire establishment 
 cost three hundred thousand dollars, and in its various 
 departments it presents a wonderful specimen of the art 
 of architectural decoration. The frescoing and draperies 
 of the halls of the Blue Lodge, the Chapter, the Encamp- 
 ment, and the Grand Lodge, are marvellously beautiful, 
 and at the same time most appropriate to the Masonic 
 institution. The Encampment is a fac-simile of the 
 tent-room of the Knights of Ehodes, as described by Sir 
 Walter Scott. This grand temple of Masonry is justly 
 the pride of the fraternity in Philadelphia. In all its 
 halls and apartments there reigns a solemn beauty, or a 
 beautiful solemnity, entirely consonant with the spirit and 
 principles of the Order to which it is dedicated. 
 
 The Sir Knights met, individually, many of their 
 brethren of the mystic tie, but there was no opportunity 
 for public demonstrations between them. They enjoyed, 
 however, in private, many warm congratulations upon the 
 success of their pilgrimage, and kind wishes for their safe 
 return to their homes. 
 
 On Monday morning, the pilgrims bade adieu to Phila- 
 delphia, and took the cars for New York. The trip 
 through New Jersey was a delightful one. The weather 
 was brilliant. The fields and gardens looked much 
 fresher and more luxuriant than they did upon the out- 
 ward trip of the company. All Nature seemed to smile 
 upon New Jersey. 
 
 New York was reached in due time, and the Knights 
 dined, informally, at the Aster House. They met at five 
 o'clock on board the steamer of the Stonington line, and 
 continued their journey. Their passage through Long 
 Island Sound was a remarkably pleasant one. The water 
 was as placid as an inland lake, and as the day faded into
 
 184 PILGRIMAGE TO MEGINIA 
 
 twilight, and the twilight gave place to starlight, while 
 the steamer was rapidly speeding them homewai'd, the 
 thrilling music of the bands cheered and enlivened the 
 hearts of the company. 
 
 At half past nine o'clock, a convocation of Templars 
 was called in the lower cabin of the boat, and Sir Knight 
 S. D. Nickerson presented, in behalf of De Molay En- 
 campment, a handsome silver goblet, containing fifty dol- 
 lars in gold coin, to P. S. Gilmore, Leader of Gilmore's 
 Baind. The presenter said, that this was intended as a 
 testimonial to IMi*. Gilmore's professional skill, and also to 
 the correct and gentlemanly deportment of himself and 
 his band, which had reflected credit upon themselves and 
 upon the Sir Knights who had employed them during 
 this excursion. They had deported themselves with dig- 
 nity and decorum, and had always responded cheerfully 
 to the frequent calls for their services by day or night. 
 He asked Mr. Gilmore to accept the present, with the 
 best wishes of the De Molay Encampment for the health 
 and prosperity of himself and his baud. 
 
 Mr. Gihnore returned his thanks Avith much feeling, 
 and his friends of the Providence Band played '"Auld 
 Lang Syne," and several other airs. The goblet pre- 
 sented to Mr. Gilmore bears the following inscription : — 
 " Presented to P. S. Gilmore, by the members of the De 
 Molay Encampment of Knights Templars, to commemo- 
 rate their appreciation of his courteous and obliging dis- 
 position, as displayed upon the occasion of their visit to 
 Richmond, Virginia, May, 1859." 
 
 After the presentation, the Sir Knights were requested 
 by Commander Parkman to pay theii* respects to Sir 
 Knight Crozier, Commander of the Palestine Encamp- 
 ment, Knights Templars, of New York, who had sent on
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 185 
 
 board the boat certain baskets of a poi)ular sparkling 
 beverage. The health of Sir Knight Crozier was drunk 
 with enthusiasm, and brief speeches were made by Sir 
 Knights Lewis, Fhut, Stimson, Fowls, and Damrell, of 
 Boston, and Hart of the Palestine Encampment, New 
 York. After this pleasant reunion, the Templars retired 
 to their state-rooms. 
 
 The steamer arrived at Stonington at the usual hour, 
 one o'clock ; but by a convenient, wise, and humane 
 arrangement of their committee, the Sir Knights were 
 not called from their berths to take the steamboat train. 
 They enjoyed their slumbers until sunrise, and then took 
 breakfast on board the steamer. The morning was a 
 briUiant one, and many of the Pilgrims strolled through 
 the quiet streets of Stonington, mhaling the delicious 
 atmosphere, an hour before their departure for Provi- 
 dence. 
 
 At half past six o'clock, the bands played a parting 
 tune, and the company took their seats in tlie cars, and 
 were whirled along through smiling fields and groves 
 to the city of Providence. On reaching that city, they 
 found its population in a state of unusual excitement. 
 As the train api)roached the Depot, the Marine Corps of 
 Artillery, stationed near it, fired a salute of welcome, 
 which shook the surrounding buildings, and scattered 
 loud reverberations far and wide. 
 
 The Encampments were immediately conducted to the 
 large hall of the Depot, where cooling refreshments were 
 in readiness, and where they put on their regalia, pre- 
 paratory to a reception and parade to which they liad 
 been invited by the Masonic brethren of Pro\i(lcnce, 
 whose committee were in waiting on their arrival. Thi' 
 armory of the National Cadets, adjoining Kaih-oad Hall.
 
 186 PILGRDIAGE TO VIKGINIA 
 
 was placed at the disposal of the De Molay Encamp- 
 ment. 
 
 After the returning Pilgrims were dusted, washed, and 
 refreshed, and had arrayed themselves in full regalia, 
 they were marshalled forth to Exchange Place, where 
 they were received in military style by the Masons, who 
 numbered nearly four hundred. Exchange Place was in 
 a blaze of excitement, and the city generally presented a 
 holiday appearance. The streets through which the pro- 
 cession was to move were lined with spectators, a large 
 proportion of whom wei'e ladies. Flags were suspended 
 in conspicuous places, and several of the large buildings 
 were dressed in bunting. The " What Cheer " building 
 was handsomely decorated, and bore the inscription, — 
 
 '" Welcome, Knights of Massachusetts and Rhode Island ! " 
 
 The Arcade, which afforded a favorable point of ob- 
 servation of the procession from its terraces, was 
 crowded with ladies, and looked like a bed of roses. 
 Several other buildings presented a rich display of fe- 
 male beauty. 
 
 When the reception ceremony was over, the Masons 
 and Knights Templars formed into a marching column, 
 and passed through the principal streets. The Masons 
 were headed by Gilmore's Band of Pawtucket, and 
 Colonel Nicholas Van Slyck acted as chief marshal. 
 
 The procession moved through Canal Street to Market 
 Square, thence through North Main, Meeting, Benefit, 
 Power, South Main, Broad, High, and Westminster 
 Streets, into Dorrance Street, to Swart's Hall. Multi- 
 tudes of admiring spectators filled the sidewalks and the 
 windows along the entire route, and the utmost interest 
 was manifested in the beautiful and unusual display.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 187 
 
 One of the most interesting features of the procession 
 Tvas a number of tandem carriages occupied by aged and 
 venerable members of the Masonic fraternity. Follow- 
 ing in the rear was a company of juveniles, dressed in 
 complete mihtary uniform, who performed coiTectly the 
 ordinary military evolutions. Swart's Hall was gayly 
 and tastefuUy adorned with bunting, evergreens, flowers, 
 and Masonic emblems. The galleries were fiUed with 
 ladies, many of whom were wives and relatives of the 
 members of St. John's Encampment, assembled to wit- 
 ness the festival in honor of their return. 
 
 Tables were ranged around the hall, loaded with every 
 comestable that could tempt the appetite of a pilgrim, 
 and in the centre of the hall was a " centre table," on 
 which were spread a variety of cooling beverages, emi- 
 nently fitted to assuage the thirst of such as had been 
 engaged in a military march. 
 
 When the Templars had entered the Hall, and the 
 bands had played some introductory 2)ieces, Thomas A. 
 Doyle, Esq., Chairman of the Masonic Committee of 
 Arrangements, addressed Commander Barker, of St. 
 John's Encampment, as follows : — 
 
 Most Eminent Commander, — It is my pleasant duty, on the 
 part of the Masonic fraternity of Providence, to bi|i you wel- 
 come home, and in their name to extend to our brethren of 
 De Molay Encampment a cordial greeting to our city. We, 
 who were obliged to remain at home, have read over and over 
 again the glowing accounts which liavc come to us of the in- 
 cidents connected with your trip, and arc oompellcd to believe 
 that they after all convey Vjut a sliglit impression of the reali- 
 ties of the journey. 
 
 Never, sir, has a body of men been so elegantly, so munifi- 
 cently entertained; all that taste or refinement could devise, 
 or wealth procure, has been lavished upon you. Profusion
 
 188 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 has marked your progress, and it has seemed as if there really 
 was danger that you might be killed with kindness. The meas- 
 ure meted by De Molays and St. Johns to the Knights of Vir- 
 ginia has indeed been returned to you, "pressed down, shaken 
 together, and running over." Never did a band of Knights, 
 in the brightest days of chivalry, on any tour of pilgrimage, 
 find warmer hands or more loving hearts than you have found 
 among your brethi-en, and never did Knights of old get 
 sweeter smiles from women's lips, or brighter glances from 
 their eyes, than have fallen to your share, from the ladies of 
 the South. 
 
 The hospitality of Virginia ! Vvlio that has ever heard of 
 her, has not heard of that ? Famous in the olden time, her chil- 
 dren of the present have proved worthy of their sires, and now 
 in every portion of our land the name of the mother of states- 
 men and heroes is being sounded with new praises, and a new 
 lustre brightening her escutcheon. 
 
 Noble Virginia ! knowing no section, no North or South, 
 come fi-om whatsoever quarter the stranger may, her homes 
 are ready to receive him, her hands ready to welcome him. 
 How could it be otherwise ? The State that gave birth to 
 Washington can never be unfaithful to her trust. And, sir, for 
 what they have done unto you, we thank them ; — as citizens of 
 Rhode Island we thank them, and as Masons, in the name of 
 Masons, we thank them. Let the obligations we feel bind us 
 . still stronger to each other, still stronger to our country, to 
 Masonry. , 
 
 Sir Knights of De Molay Encampment, you are not stran- 
 gers in a strange land, but pilgrims, passing to J'our homes 
 through a country conquered by you, and brought under full 
 subjection, two years since. We rejoice at this opportunity to 
 prove ourselves still loyal. Your limited stay with us pre- 
 vented such an entertainment as we desired and deemed 
 worthy of the occasion ; to this simple refreshment, therefore, 
 true and courteous Knights, we invite you. 
 
 Your own State has compressed ours so tightly as to leave 
 us but little territory to speak of, and is even now endeavor-
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEifPLARS. 189 
 
 Ing to obtain a part of that little ; yet in onr first days, with 
 true sisterlj' kindness, she gave iis Roger Williams, and in con- 
 sideration of that, for all her offences since we pardon her, 
 and to prove the sincerity of our forgiveness, we bid you come 
 again when you will ; only stay long enough to put our profes- 
 sions to the test, and you shall not find us wanting. 
 
 But I have detained you too long ; it was but my duty to 
 say the word of welcome, which I again do. Welcome, Sir 
 Knights, thrice welcome to Providence, to your homes. 
 
 Commander Barker introduced Commander Park man, 
 of De Molay Encampment, and that eminent Sir Knight 
 responded happily, in a pleasant speech, wherein he 
 recounted some of the scenes witnessed by the pilgrims 
 in Virginia, and the adventui-es they had passed tlirough. 
 He paid a hearty compliment to the hospitality of the 
 Virginians, and the attractiveness of their ladies. 
 
 Commander Barker returned his thanks to the com- 
 mittee of arrangements, and througli them to the Masonic 
 brethren of Providence, for the generous and hospitable 
 reception they had given the returning pilgrims. He 
 called upon Grand Master Lewis, and that most eminent 
 Sir Knight replied in a brief speech, full of cordial fra- 
 ternal sentiments towards the brethren of the mystic tie 
 in Providence, by whom tlie Templars had been so 
 warmly welcomed. He also extolled in the wannest 
 terms the hospitality of the " Old Dominion." He said, 
 every card in the pack there is a trump, — every man a 
 true gentleman, and every lady an excellent woman. He 
 said, their pilgrimage was about ending, and he <lid not 
 believe that, if it were to last ten year.«, any one of the 
 Knights would ask a remission from tlic ]\Iost Kniincnt 
 Grand Commander. In conclusion he gave this senti- 
 ment : —
 
 190 PILGEIMAGE TO VIEGINIA 
 
 Knights Templars, in Massachusetts and Rhode Island: They 
 were born almost at the same time ; they have never been 
 divided ; may they ever be, like the Siamese twins, one and 
 inseparable. « 
 
 The Grand Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Carpenter of Provi- 
 dence, then asked a blessing on the feast, and the Sir 
 Knights regaled themselves upon the delicacies spread 
 before them. 
 
 Upon the platform occupied by the officers of the En- 
 campments and the committee of arrangements sat ]Mi'. 
 Moses B. Richardson, wjio is regarded by the Masonic 
 brethren with a tender respect amounting almost to 
 veneration, from the fact, that when, during the famous 
 Anti-masonic excitement, the Legislature of Rhode Island 
 commanded all Masonic Lodges in that State to surrender 
 their charters, he saved and preserved the charter of St. 
 John's Encampment. Mr. Richardson is eighty-five years 
 old, and when a beautiful wreath, presented by a lady, 
 was placed upon his head as he sat upon the platform, 
 the contrast between the fresh and tender flowers and his 
 hair, whitened with age, was touching to behold. ' 
 
 The Sir Knights arrived in the hall at half past eleven 
 o'clock, and remained until about one o'clock. Just before 
 their departure, hiis Excellency Governor Dyer, Chief 
 Magistrate of Rhode Island, entered the hall, and was 
 greeted with enthusiastic applause. He made a brief 
 speech from the platfoi-m, expressing his gratification at 
 the late intermingling of fraternal feeling between the Sir 
 Knights of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Virginia. 
 He welcomed the return of the New England Pilgrims, 
 and wished the De Molay Encampment a safe journey on 
 their return home. 
 
 The ladies in the galleries looked down upon the festiv-
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 191 
 
 ities in the hall with interest, and the eyes of many of the 
 fair throng sparkled with peculiai' pleasure as they wit- 
 nessed the return of their husbands from their two weeks' 
 pilgrimage. 
 
 At one o'clock the Encampments returned to the Depot, 
 where a general fraternization took place between them, 
 previous to the departure of the De Molays for Boston, at 
 two o'clock.
 
 192 PILGEIMAGE TO \^RGrNIA 
 
 CHAPTER XII 
 
 EeTUKN of the De ilOLAY ExCAMPMENT. — RECEPTION OF THE 
 
 Pilgrims at Roxburt by the Boston Encampment. — Grand 
 Parade in Boston. — Festival in Nassau Hall. 
 
 The Knights Templars marched from Swart's Hall to 
 the Depot to the music of " Carry me back to Old Vir- 
 ginia," and each one of the De Molays bore a hand- 
 some bouquet, presented by the ladies of Providence. A 
 special train had been provided by the Committee, to 
 start towards Boston at two o'clock, and the Boston Sir 
 Knights at that hour parted from their brother pilgrims 
 of the St. John's Encampment with many a hearty grip of 
 the hand, and kind farewell greeting. 
 
 A great multitude assembled to witness the depai'ture, 
 and Avhen the train left the Depot, the air was rent with 
 cheers from both Encampments and from the spectators 
 of the scene. 
 
 The train reached Roxbury Crossing about four o'clock, 
 and a committee conducted the Sir Knights of De Molay 
 to the Norfolk House, where the Boston Encampment 
 were waiting to receive the returning pilgrims. 
 
 The Boston Encampment, Wm. ElUson, M. E. Grand 
 Commander, numbered nearly two hundred Knights, 
 dressed in full regalia. They were accompanied by
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 193 
 
 Hall's Brass Band, and their appearance was in every 
 way worthy of the noble Order to which they belong, 
 and whose fraternal principles they illustrated in the 
 happiest manner on this occasion. 
 
 A large throng of spectators was gathered in Eliot 
 Square, to witness the reception of the De Molay En- 
 campment, and they received the Templars with shouts of 
 welcome. After the formal reception had taken place, the 
 Templars formed a marching column, and the De Molays 
 were escorted by the Boston Encampment over Roxbury 
 Neck to Boston. 
 
 The line of march was through Dudley and Washing- 
 ton Streets, to Boston; then through "Wasliington and 
 Davis Streets to Harrison Avenue, down Harrison Ave- 
 nue to Essex Street, into Washington Street, down Wash- 
 ington Street to Court Street, up Court to Tremont 
 Street, and through Tremont Street to Common Street, 
 into Nassua Hall. 
 
 The knightly procession made a beautiful and imposing 
 display, as it moved through the principal streets under 
 the gaze of tens of thousands of the citizens, whose coun- 
 tenances glowed with pride as they looked upon this 
 exhibition of what they evidently considered the flower of 
 Massachusetts Masonry. For hours before the proces- 
 sion arrived, every street corner and other available 
 locality was thronged by eager crowds, impatient to see 
 the returned pilgrims and their brethren. A large force 
 of Boston police had been detailed to accompany the 
 procession from Roxbury through the entire route, to 
 preserve order and prevent any interruption of the march. 
 So great was the crowd at some points, that their ser- 
 vices were found indispensable in clearing a passage for 
 the Sir Knights. 
 
 13
 
 194 PILGRIMAGE TO \nRGINIA 
 
 As the column marched along, to the sound of the 
 inspirmg music of the bands, there were incessant demon- 
 strations of delight at the safe retm*n of the Pilgrims. 
 Handkerchiefs were waved from windows, and personal 
 greetings from full hearts, all along the lines of spectators, 
 saluted the Sir Knights of De Molay. Thousands of the 
 lookers-on envied them the rich experiences of their 
 pilgrimage, and other thousands scrutinized them curi- 
 ously, to see how men would look who had enjoyed such 
 pleasures in a Southern State as had been described in 
 the pubhc prints dui'ing their sojourn in Richmond. War- 
 riors retm'ning from a brilliant campaign, decked Avith 
 laurels, could hardly have excited more interest and been 
 looked upon with greater admiration, or received with 
 more abundant tokens of respect, than were these Knights, 
 who had so worthily rejiresented their native city and 
 State in a distant city and State of our great confederacy. 
 
 When they arrived at Nassau Hall, the pilgrims re- 
 moved their regalia and the dust of travel, and after a 
 season spent in an exchange of greetings and congratula- 
 tions with their brothers of the Boston Encampment, they 
 were ushered into an upper hall, where an elegant and 
 bountiful i-epast was spread before them. 
 
 The company was called to order by Commander Elli- 
 son, of the Boston Encampment, and the Prelate, Rev. 
 WiUiam R. Alger, offered a prayer appropriate to the 
 occasion. 
 
 The Sir Knights then proceeded to refresh them- 
 selves by partaking of the luxuries with which the hos- 
 pitable board was crowned. A vigorous attack was made 
 upon the feast, but the supply proved inexhaustible, and 
 they were at length compelled to desist. They drew off 
 their forces in good order, and gave their attention to the 
 intellectual entertaimnent which followed the banquet.
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 195 
 
 Commander Ellison first addressed the Sir Knights. 
 He said : — 
 
 Sir Knights of the De Molay Encampment, — After your 
 return from a journey which from its length must have been 
 necessarily quite fatiguing, it would ill become me to tres- 
 pass upon your time and patience with anything like a set 
 speech. As Commander of the Boston Encampment, it is, 
 however, my duty, as well as my pleasure, to bid you a cordial 
 welcome back to your homes, your families, and yom- friends. 
 It is well known that yom- journey and your visit in Richmond 
 have been a series of ovations ; and while such a state of things 
 could not fail to afford us and yourselves great delight, what 
 else could have been expected fi-om a land which gave birth 
 to Washington, Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and numerous other 
 eminent men, whose names adorn the pages of our country's 
 history ? 
 
 The kindness shown you by your entertainers in Virginia 
 is felt as a compliment to us, as well as to you. The i-eception 
 you have met with in Richmond, during the past week, has 
 reduced our hearts to perpetual bondage to our friends there, 
 and I am afraid we can never prove ourselves sufficiently 
 grateful for the kindness bestowed upon you as Sir Knights 
 and New-Englanders. God bless the noble Knights of Rich- 
 mond ! We can never forget them. 
 
 This interchange of knightly courtesies between members 
 of the same Order, from all parts of a common country, has 
 a further and deeper and better effect than the enjoyment of 
 a few passing hours of pleasure. It makes men better Masons, 
 better husbands and fathers, better members of society, better 
 men, and serves to strengthen the great fabric througli the 
 existence and safety and permanency of which we enjoy all 
 the blessings of a free, mighty, and united peopk'. Our Ma- 
 sonic ritual teaches us to look upon those of (he Soutli as 
 brothers, whom we arc not to meet with jealousies and heart- 
 burnings, but " with the timbrel and the song." Tliis inli-r- 
 change of knightly courtesies, in which you have participated,
 
 196 PILGKIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 and wliich you so mucli enjoyed, will not only tend to give 
 vitality and perpetuity to our social and political interests, but 
 an additional benefit is exhibited in bringing around the festive 
 board the members of the De Molay and the Boston Encamp- 
 ments. This occasion is an oasis in Free Masonrj-, — not an 
 oasis in the desert, for there Is no desert, no waste place, in 
 this holy fraternity, no spot unsanctified by the noblest senti- 
 ments. The office of Masonry is a high and noble one, and 
 we cannot fail to rejoice in such an evidence as this that it Is 
 fulfilling its mission, and that the onward progress of the insti- 
 tution is peaceful and happy. 
 
 Sir Knights, again I bid you welcome ! and most heartily do 
 I congratulate you on your safe return to your families, your 
 friends, and your homes. 
 
 Commander Ellison was loudly applauded during the 
 delivery of his address. 
 
 M. E. Grand Commander Parkman, of the De Molay 
 Encampment responded substantially as follows : — 
 
 Most Eminent Commander and Sir Knights, — I must con- 
 fess my inability to find words adequate to express the senti- 
 ments and portray the feelings of my heart, and of the hearts 
 of the Knights of the De Molay Encampment, on this occasion, 
 although I have been called upon so often during our pilgrim- 
 age to speak In behalf of the De Molays, that even a new 
 beginner, as I was, should have learned something of the art 
 of public speaking. I cannot find language to thank you in 
 appropriate terms for this kind, this glorious welcome. 
 
 During our visit to Vii-ginia, we have met, I can assure you, 
 the most kind and cordial welcome fi-om our brother Sir 
 Knights, and from all the citizens of the Old Dominion with 
 whom we were brought In contact. No language of mine can 
 describe to you the glorious reception we met with every- 
 where on our pilgrimage. Governor "Wise received us with a 
 speech such as he only can make, which was full of the gener- 
 ous feeling of a Virginian. You have all heard of Virginia
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS. 197 
 
 hospitality ; but none can really know what that is until he 
 stands upon their soil, and sees and experiences it. Notwith- 
 standing we came from Massachusetts, we were made to feel 
 it in its broadest and fullest extent. 
 
 We did not go there as delegates to a convention, but we 
 went to kindle anew the fires of patriotism and brotherly love 
 that first blazed upward on this continent, in Massachusetts 
 and Virginia ; and I conceive that we have been the humble 
 instruments of sowing the seeds of a conservative influence, 
 which strengthen the common bond which binds together the 
 hearts of true men in the North and the South. 
 
 My feelings to-day are the proudest I have experienced 
 since I became connected with Free-Masonry, for I am sure 
 that the principles of the fraternity of Masons will exercise an 
 influence — not a poUtical influence, but something higher 
 than that — which shall tend to preserve and strengthen the 
 bonds which unite our great fraternity of States. 
 
 And now, Sir Knights, that we have returned to our homes, 
 we meet the greatest kindness of all, and we have to thank 
 you most sincerely for this crowning joy of our pilgrimage, 
 this glorious reunion of the Boston and the De Molay En- 
 campments. 
 
 Hearty applause followed this speech of Commander 
 Parkman. Sir Knight William B. Hubbard, of Columbus, 
 Ohio, Grand Commander of the Gi-and Encam])nient of 
 the United States, was introduced amid great applauso 
 and said : — 
 
 Sir Knights of Boston and De Molay Encampments, — I 
 thank you for your kind call and greeting. Being in this city 
 for the transaction of private business, I have delayed at all 
 hazards my return home, in order to witness the display of this 
 occasion, and meet my worthy fellow-Knights of Boston. I 
 believe that I do no discredit to others when I aflirni, tliat tlie 
 Sir Knights of the two Encampments of Boston arc aiiiniii: the 
 first and foremost in this country, and I say tiiis witli ,ill tin;
 
 198 PILGRIMAGE TO \1EGIXIA 
 
 experience I possess as Grand Commander of tlie Grand En- 
 campment. To be with you at tliis liour is a pleasm-e almost 
 inexpressible. 
 
 I have arrived at such an age that I cannot expect ever to 
 address you again in the official capacity I now hold ; and let 
 me say, that you are hardly aware of the influence you pos- 
 sess in upholding the right, and in repressing dissensions that 
 might be injurious to our great commonwealth of States. I 
 am proud that I was born of New England parentage, for the 
 Free-Masonry of the United States had its nursery in New 
 England. I have been a Mason during almost my whole life, 
 and am proud to say that I have never wavered in my un- 
 swerving fidelity to Slasonry. 
 
 It was the influence of the older States, where Masonry in 
 this country first took root, that caused the whole to be com- 
 bined as a unit, and in feeling, as in fact, to march shoulder 
 to shoulder in the cause of right and truth. So may we go 
 through life, and so may we die, — raising up a host to the 
 Almighty, in which may be found all our blessed Order ! 
 
 On previous occasions, when it was appropriate, I have 
 expressed the firm belief that Boston should be the head- 
 quarters of the grand army of the Knights Templars. I have 
 done so for various reasons which it would not be appropriate 
 to discuss now. But one of the reasons is, that here are to be 
 found such worthy exemplars of Knight-Templarism as the 
 Boston and De Molay Encampments. The invariable loyalty 
 and integrity of your two Encampments give you to enjoy an 
 influence, I assure j'ou, far beyond your present appreciation. 
 And this influence gives you a high duty to perform, and that 
 duty is of high importance to the welfare of the Order. Love 
 of country, Sir Knights, was always considered one of the 
 great means of consolidating the Union, and I believe that 
 love of country predominates in the heart of every Mason. I 
 have never yet found among Masons the man that had one 
 breath of disunion in his soul. 
 
 During my long Masonic life, I have sought diligently to 
 build up Masonry, because I knew its pi-inciples were sacred;
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TESffLAES. 199 
 
 and it is one of my proudest boasts, that while, in the roign 
 of fanaticism and bitter animosity, others may have deserted 
 its banner, I remained steadfast. 
 
 In conclusion. Sir Knights, permit me to invite you to wait 
 upon me at my home in Columbus, Ohio. I should be most 
 happy to greet you there ; I have a large house, and I will 
 assure you that I have also plenty of obliging and hospitable 
 neighbors. Come there, Sir Knights, and I wQl, to the best of 
 my power, reciprocate your kindness. 
 
 The speech of the General Grand Commander was 
 listened to with deep interest and much gratification, and 
 the speaker sat down amid loud cheering. 
 
 Sir Knight TVyzeman Marshall then read the follow- 
 ing original poem of welcome to the De Molays, written 
 by Sir Knight John K. Hall. 
 
 RETUEN OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS FROM RICHMOND, 
 VIRGINIA, MAY 24, 1859. 
 
 Welcome to your homes once more, 
 Sir Knights, who from our Southern shore 
 Bear back to us what erst of yore 
 
 Bound us both heart and hand. 
 That friendship which should bind the twain, 
 Both North and South, in one strong chain, 
 Unbroken may it e'er remain 
 
 Around our native land. 
 
 Virginia's greeting, borne by thee, 
 
 Shall ever consecrated be, 
 
 And in our hearts enshrined will we 
 
 Her memory ever keep. 
 Our band of brothers, firm and true. 
 Shall put to shame the trait'rous few 
 Who shed disunion's baneful dew, 
 
 'Mid graves where patriots sleep.
 
 200 PILGRIMAGE TO ^'^EGmIA 
 
 Old Massachusetts still shall prove 
 A worthy son of him we love, 
 Whose spirit, from the Lodge above, 
 
 Well pleased that scene might view, 
 Where North with South stood hand in hand, 
 Upon that spot of his dear land, 
 Where he so oft met with our band 
 
 Of brothers tried and true. 
 
 And in that name to Masons dear, 
 Of Washington, may we revere 
 His virtues, — then we need not fear 
 
 But we our land will save. 
 For heart with heart each other's rights, 
 Richmond and Boston by trae Knights 
 Shall be upheld, till Bunker's heights 
 
 Sink in old Ocean's wave. 
 
 Sir Knight Rev, William R. Alger, Prelate of the 
 Boston Encampment, was the next speaker introduced. 
 He said : — 
 
 Most Eminent Commander and Sir Knights, — I believe 
 that our Commanders have the right to say to each brother in 
 cm" Order, " Go here," or " Go there," and they should be 
 obeyed. From a sense of duty, I am ready to obey impHcitly. 
 I think this is a most joyous hour for the Boston Encampment, 
 when it thus receives the brethren of the De Molay Encamp- 
 ment on theh return fi-om a pilgrimage which has reflected so 
 much credit upon our Order. ]May we forever continue to 
 let our hearts thus flow together in the common sentiments of 
 Masonry and Knighthood, — sentiments dear to us all. This 
 is a glorious and memorable occasion. We may never look 
 upon its like again. Could there be a reality corresponding 
 to this, I would indeed wish that there might be " six Rich- 
 monds in the field."
 
 OF THE KXIGHTS TEMPLARS. 201 
 
 Our fi-iends of the De Molay Encampment went down to 
 Richmond, not to conquer enemies, but to overcome the love 
 of brethren. 
 
 The Reverend Prelate in eloquent language set forth 
 the beauties of Masonic principles, and alluded to Louis 
 Kossuth, the Masonic connections he formed in this coun- 
 try, and the mission in which he is now engaged in refer- 
 ence to the freedom of Hungary and Italy. He said 
 that when Kossuth was in this country, he had been pre- 
 sented with a lock of hair of the revered Washington, 
 and wuth a cannon-ball used by General Jackson at New 
 Orleans. These might now very fitly serve him as com- 
 panions, for while one would inspire him with a pure and 
 holy devotion, the other would nerve him to send death 
 into the ranks of the enemies of freedom. 
 
 When the applause that followed Sir Knight Alger's 
 remarks had subsided, M. W, John T. Heard, Grand 
 Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, was called 
 up, and he expressed briefly, but eloquently and em- 
 phatically, his cordial interest in the occasion, and most 
 heartily welcomed the De Molay Encampment on their 
 return from Virginia. 
 
 The presiding Grand Commander, Ellison, remarked, 
 that during the absence of the De Molay Encampment 
 the Knighthood had increased largely, and they had now 
 the pleasure of numbering among them the Chief Magis- 
 trate of the Commonwealth. It gave him unfeigned 
 satisfJiction to know that Sir Knight N. P. Banks, Gov- 
 ernor of Massachusetts, was present on this occasion, and 
 that he might have the pleasure of introducing him to the 
 company. 
 
 Governor Banks, on rising to respond t(j the call of
 
 202 PILGRIMAGE TO VIRGINIA 
 
 Commander Ellison, was greeted with hearty applause. 
 He said : — 
 
 Most Eminent Commander and Sir Knights of the Boston 
 and De Molay Encampments, — I did not expect to be called 
 upon to express the gratification it affords me to be present on 
 this occasion. But I make my acknowledgments with un- 
 feigned pleasure. I am glad to be present at this time, and to 
 welcome home those who represented us lately in a distant 
 part of the Union, in the interchange of brotherly greet- 
 ings. 
 
 Without brotherhood there is but little to be desired or be 
 proud of in this world. It knits us all together. It is a more 
 powerful bond of union than the commerce of the seas or the 
 iron bands of the railroad. All honor to Yhginia for her 
 hospitable kindness to our brethren, and all honor to the De 
 Molays for having deserved it ! We should be glad to recipro- 
 cate her hospitality to these pilgrims just returned from her 
 borders, but I doubt whether we could do it in the fulness it 
 deserves. 
 
 It gives me pleasure also to say that the visiting Knights 
 have done honor to Massachusetts on their late pilgrimage 
 to Virginia. They were entrusted with the honor of our 
 State, and nobly have they guarded it. Massachusetts and 
 Virginia are twins in historic and patriotic fame. Their his- 
 tory is the history of the foundation of this gi'eat republic, 
 and it is meet that they should shake hands and salute each 
 other with brotherly greetings. The sterling patriotism of Vir- 
 ginia is known to all men , and Massachusetts will be true to 
 the lessons of patriotism, and behind no other State in her love 
 of independence, liberty, and the national Union. 
 
 The remarks of Sir Knight Banks were enthusiasti- 
 cally received. 
 
 Sir Knight General John S. Tyler of the De Molay 
 Encampment was called upon, and in responding paid a
 
 OF THE KNIGHTS TE^^fPLAES. 203 
 
 warm compliment to the ladies of Riclimond. This allu- 
 sion to the ladies was greeted by the De Molays with 
 three vehement cheers. He closed with the follow- 
 ing:— 
 
 The Ladies of Richmond: Although the clouds and rain 
 prevailed while we were there, the sniiles of the ladies made 
 perpetual sunshine. 
 
 Sir Knight Winslow Lewis, Grand Master of the 
 Grand Encampment of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 
 was called upon to speak in behalf of the ladies of Rich- 
 mond, and he responded in strains of eloquence and wit 
 that elicited frequent and hearty applause. 
 
 Sir Knight Charles Levi "Woodbury and others fol- 
 lowed with speeches eloquent and appropriate, of which 
 no record was made. 
 
 The festival closed at a seasonable hour, and the Sir 
 Knights of De Molay retired to their homes, with grate- 
 ful recollections of their pilgrimage to Virginia, so 
 auspiciously begun, so successfully prosecuted, and so 
 happily ended.
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 No. I. 
 
 A LIST OF THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF RICHMOND 
 COMMANDERY, NO. 2, K. T.,. .TUm: 1, 1859. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 *SiR E. H. Gill, E. Commander, and G. Commander 
 of the Grand Encampment of Virginia. 
 " E,. 0. Haskixs, Generalissimo. 
 
 * " J. F. Eegnault, Captain- General. 
 
 * " T. H. De Witt, Prelate. 
 
 " Wji. Allen, Senior Warden. 
 
 " J. C. Page, Jr., Junior Warden. 
 
 " A. B. Archer, Warder. 
 
 * " Wji. J. RiDDiCK, Recorder. 
 " T. W. Dudley, Treasurer. 
 
 * " J. H. Hackett, Standard-Bearer. 
 '* " W. T. Allen, Sword-Bearer. 
 
 " E. Semon, Steward and Sentinel. 
 
 Past Grand Commanders. 
 E. Sir John Dove, William B. Isaacs, E. II. Cill. 
 
 * The stars in this list indicate tlie names of the Sir Knifrlits who 
 visited Boston in June, 1858.
 
 206 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Sir Kxights. 
 
 Sir Jas. Evans, 
 
 " T. C. Rice, 
 
 " J. V. Hardwicke, 
 
 " S. y. Landrum, 
 
 * " Powhatan Weisiger, 
 
 * " John F. Stagg, 
 " Chas. K. Allen, 
 
 * " George Whitfield, 
 " C. A. McElvoy, 
 
 " C. H. Wynne, 
 
 * " Joseph Hall, 
 " B. Slade, 
 
 " John H. Claiborne, 
 
 " K. M. Burton, 
 
 " C. W. PurceU, 
 
 " Thos. P. August, 
 
 " R. H. Dickiuson, 
 
 * " G. H. Tompkins, 
 " P. D. McKiuney, 
 
 * " L. W. Glazebrook, 
 " J. H. Crenshaw, 
 
 " C. B. Luck, 
 
 " Jas. L. Bray, 
 
 " Thos. B. Bigger, 
 
 " Jas. Beale, M. D., 
 
 " Hector Davis, 
 
 " Thos. Vaiden, Jr., 
 
 " Jas. S. Kent, 
 
 " John Thompson, 
 
 * " Geo. W. Curtis, 
 « N.B.Hill, 
 
 * " J. W. McKel, 
 " Wm. F. Butler, 
 " Jas. M. Sublett, 
 " A. B. Eaton, 
 
 ISir D. S. Walton, 
 
 * " J. F. Dahlberg, 
 
 * " John H. Bosher, 
 " S. Myers, 
 
 " Andrew Johnston, 
 
 " S. B. Jacobs, 
 
 * " Wm. Nott, 
 
 " Preston M. Quarles, 
 
 * " John W. Wright, 
 
 * " E. E. Dudley, 
 
 * " W. H. Tyler, 
 " A. Barratta, 
 
 * " John Horton, 
 
 * " Wm. F. White, 
 
 * " A. S. Lee, 
 
 " J. D. Goodman, 
 
 * " G. W. C. Stratton, 
 " Henr}^ W. Murray, 
 
 " J. L. Burrows, D.D., 
 
 " John P. Little, M. D., 
 
 " Jas. A. Scott, 
 
 " W. Peterson, 
 
 " J. W. Archer, 
 
 " John P. BaUard, 
 
 * " Thos. Ellett, 
 " B. Clopton, 
 
 " D. K. Weisiger, 
 
 " Jas. N. Shine, 
 
 " Saml. B. Brown, 
 
 " E. H. Lane, 
 
 " Thos. Skinner, 
 
 " H. D. Whitcomb, 
 
 " Wm. H. Hardgrove, 
 
 " B. T. Chalk, 
 
 * " J. W. Bransford,
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 207 
 
 Sir 
 
 * « 
 
 # u 
 
 H. W. Fry, Jr, 
 Johu P. Roberts, 
 P. Oliver Simms, 
 
 A. A. Allen, 
 W. D. Colquitt, 
 
 B. M. Harris, 
 S. P. :Mitchell, 
 Jas. R. Crenshaw, 
 N. Tinsley Pate, 
 R. W. Wyatt, 
 
 P. Trent, M. D., 
 John W. Davies, 
 Jas. E. Riddifk, 
 
 D. T. WilUams, 
 J. A. Hobson, 
 H. B. Dickinson, 
 Thos. Dodamead, 
 Alex. England, 
 
 E. J. Warren, 
 
 John H. Davies, M. D., 
 
 D. King, 
 
 J. W. McCandUsh, 
 
 C. E. Snodgrass, 
 W. G. Richardson, 
 Thos. E. Ballard, 
 Sanil. Peters, 
 
 W. E. Wiatt, 
 
 M. W. Yarrington, 
 
 A. McRae, 
 Clay Drewry, 
 
 C. W. Macmurdo, 
 C. Campbell, 
 
 B. J. Vaughan, 
 J. N. Parker, 
 S. Sutherland, 
 H. II. Miles, 
 
 Sii- 
 
 * u 
 
 4|( 1( 
 
 a 
 
 * u 
 
 * 41 
 
 V. A. Bowis, 
 John N. ^^'illiams, 
 John Perr}', 
 S. Jones, Jr., 
 E. R. West, 
 R. W. Drewry, 
 John Temple, 
 M. W. Eord, 
 W. H. CuUinsworth, 
 J. C. Shields, 
 E. D. Ogden, 
 W. E. Tanner, 
 C. C. Johnson, 
 Lyle Foster, 
 b" K. Pullen, 
 L. ]\Iaule, 
 Z. Kidwell, 
 John T. Sizer, 
 Rev. J. T. Points, 
 W. J. Bevill, 
 G. G. Goocb, 
 Jas. Rauls, 
 R. S. Powell, 
 Rev. F. J. Boggs, 
 R. Crouch, 
 R. M. Anderson, 
 E. S. Baber, 
 T. H. Wynne, 
 C. E. Wortham, 
 Patterson Allan, 
 Geo. W. ^Vih•y, 
 John AIcFarland, 
 Fred. Butler, 
 C. S. Daw(if)n, 
 Rev. J. Sl.iigley, 
 Julian Kean,
 
 208 APPENDIX. 
 
 Sir E. M. Nimmo, Sir T. J. Deane, 
 
 " B. J. Johnson, " T. J. Evans, 
 
 " Wm. Bradley, " N. S. Walker, 
 
 " G. L. Betty, « Jas. Lyons, 
 
 " W. A. Wyatt, " Jos. Mayo, 
 
 " R. B. Snead, " John T. Rogers. 
 
 No. n. 
 
 LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE BOSTON ENCAMPMENT. 
 
 The following is a List of the Officers and Members of Bos- 
 ton Encampment, who received and entertained their brethren 
 of the De Molay Encampment, on the return of the latter from 
 their visit to Richmond, Virginia, May 24, 1859 : — 
 
 Officers. 
 
 *Wm. Ellison, Host Eminent Grand Commander. 
 
 Dr. Winslow Lewis, Generalissimo. 
 *Chas. B. F. Adams, Captain-General. 
 *JoELN K. Hall, Senior Warden. 
 *WYZEMA]sr Marshall, Junior Warden. 
 *Rev. Wm. R. Alger, Prelate. 
 *JoHN McClellax, Treasurer. 
 *W. H. L. Smith, Recorder. 
 *F. C. Raymond, Sword-Bearer. 
 *Noah Butts, Standard-Bear er. 
 *AjsrDREW Lanergan, Warder. 
 *SoLON Thornton, Tliird Guard. 
 *Jas. M. Burgess, Second Guard. 
 *Henry C. Stratton, First Guard. 
 *Wm. C. Martin, Sentinel. 
 *H. G. Barrows, Organist. 
 *Jacob C. Phelps, Armorer.
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 209 
 
 Members.* 
 
 John B. Hammatt,* 
 Robert Lash,* 
 Samuel Wales,* 
 A. A. Dame,* 
 John Hews,* 
 Gilbert Nurse,* 
 John FHnt,* 
 Daniel Harwood,* 
 Amos Stevens, 
 Z. B. Porter, 
 Benjamin D. Baldwin, 
 John R. Bradford,* 
 Hugh H. Tuttle, 
 Jacob S. Savage, 
 John Stevens, 
 C. Southworth, 
 Peter Dunbar, 
 William B. Hawes, 
 Samuel Pearce,* 
 E. M. P. Wells, 
 Loyal Lovejoy, 
 Lewis Rice, 
 Newell A. Thompson, 
 Joseph Barnard, 
 John F. Edwards, 
 Ebenezer Smith, 
 Nahum Ball, 
 Joseph Hall, 
 Abner W. Pollard, 
 Elisha V. Glover, Jr. 
 Francis A. Hirsch, 
 N. Y. Culbertson, 
 Calvin M. Thompson, 
 
 Joseph L. Ross, 
 Eben B. Foster, 
 Sanford M. Hunt, 
 Wm. M. Stedman, Jr., 
 Henry F. Durant, 
 David Thayer, 
 William Bogle, 
 Sylvester Ba.xter, 
 Benjamin F. West, 
 Wm. K. Jones, 
 Edward B. Moore, 
 George M. Gibson, 
 Joseph W. Howard, 
 Samuel Jepson, 
 George W. Patten, 
 James A. Dupee, 
 John T. Heard, 
 T. Larkin Turner, 
 Chester Sanderson, 
 Ithamar W. Beard, 
 Amos W. Cross, 
 George IMoulton, 
 John A. Robertson, 
 Theodore Atkinson, 
 Thomas C. Day, 
 Franklin F. Heard, 
 Samuel R. Spinney, 
 Richard M. Barker, 
 William Pearce, 
 John T. Gilman, 
 Martin W. Long, 
 Jesse P. Pattcc, 
 De Witt C. Brackett, 
 
 * Those marked thus * are Honorary. 
 14
 
 210 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Alexander K. Brj^er, 
 Joseph Chapman, 
 William Knapp, 
 John W. Lord, 
 Charles A. Mores, 
 Wm. P. Butterfield, 
 Thomas J. Herring, 
 Benjamin F. Nourse, 
 James A. D. Worcester, 
 WiDiam W. Bullock, 
 Ellsha J. Cleveland, 
 Chauncey Page, 
 Alfi-ed A. Prescott, 
 Homer Kice, 
 Lewis A. Surette, 
 George H. ChUd, 
 Joseph P. Johnson, 
 Stephen S. Seavy, 
 William G. Train, 
 Charles E. Caneday, 
 Jonas Fitch, 
 George B. Swasey, 
 Jona. T. Spalding, 
 Thomas G. ^Yhytal, 
 Joseph H. Bradley, 
 Richard Briggs, 
 Thacher Beal, 
 Thomas Hunt, 
 Henry E. Jocelyn, 
 Jeremiah Mahoney, 
 George H. Peirson, 
 Charles A. Smith, 
 Geo. W. Smith, 
 A. W. Banfield, 
 John Borrowscale, 
 Philander J. Forristall, 
 James A. Maynard, 
 
 Morris Mattson, 
 Samuel Mason, Jr., 
 Robert L. Bobbins, 
 Isaac F. Shepard, 
 J. E. M. GiUey, 
 George Young, 
 James L. Lincoln, 
 Stephen M. S. Pratt, 
 Samuel G. Clap, 
 Joseph J. Hewes, 
 Geo. L. Barr, 
 Elihu C. Baker, 
 Jabez F. Hewes, 
 George Haslet, 
 John D. Jennings, 
 William F. Davis, 
 Thomas Pember, 
 Sidney Patch, 
 Hamilcar Rice, 
 Charles T. Stevens, 
 WiUiam B. TMiitcomb, 
 Alfred G. Taggart, 
 Thomas C. Savory, 
 ]Moses G. Cobb, 
 A. K. P. Joy, 
 Wm. E. Parmenter, 
 Caleb B. Watts, 
 James W. Lee, 
 Wm. E. Hough, 
 Merrick Blanchard, 
 Sylvester P. Gilbert, 
 Peter McInt}Te, 
 Horace Barnes, 
 David Roberts, 
 Saml. Kennedy, 
 Frank O. Eldredge, 
 Henry J. Gardner,
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 211 
 
 Jona. E. Morrell, 
 Moses Tenney, Jr., 
 Henrj' Blaney, 
 John A. Baxter, 
 Geo. S. Wentwortb, 
 Wm. C. Morey, 
 Henrj" Melius, 
 Saml. E. Weston, 
 Saml. C. Lavrrence, 
 Wm. W. Clapp, Jr., 
 Micah Dyer, Ji-., 
 John S. H. Fogg, 
 John F. Macomber, 
 P. Stearns Davis, 
 Wm. R. Huston, 
 Wm. Crook, Jr., 
 Charles C. Southard, 
 Geo. H. Weeks, 
 David N. Skillings, 
 Steuben T. Bacon, 
 Edwin R. Sawyer, 
 Wm. L. Batchelder, 
 Noah M. Gaj-lord, 
 Geo. Marston, 
 Chas. C. Dame, 
 Freeman Baker, 
 Lester Ilolcomb, 
 Nathl. Hamilton, 
 A. K. P. Welch, 
 Charles B. Hall, 
 M. A. Moore, 
 
 Abel A. Adams, 
 Wm. Hobbs, Jr., 
 Sylvester Trull, 
 Geo. L. Pratt, 
 Ivory Bean, 
 Ezra Forristall, 
 Wm. F. Knowles, 
 C. F. Dana, 
 John G. Case, 
 John F. Cun'ier, 
 Francis A. Hall, 
 Saml. L. French, 
 Geo. Woodman, 
 Geo. I. Robinson, 
 R. E. Demmon, 
 ]\Iarshall S. Scudder, 
 Sanford Fificld, 
 Chas. B. Sanford, 
 Arthur Cheney, 
 Harvey T. Litchfield, 
 Danl. W. Lawrence, 
 Wm. W. Peirce, 
 S. B. Phinney, 
 James C. BuUen, 
 Jeremiah Dunham, 
 Wm. H. Calrow, 
 Curtis Guild, 
 Thos. J. Leland, 
 Frederick 11. Calrow, 
 Geo. AVatson Prcscott, 
 Chas. L. Amory. 
 
 TIIK KND.
 
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