GEORGE WASHINGTON'S CORRESPONDENCE
Did George Washington Tell a Lie?
The evidence of George Washington's Masonic affiliation has been most troublesome for multitudes of Christians who have been influenced by the writings of Peter Marshall, D. James Kennedy, David Barton and others. For this reason, we are compelled to post the prima facie evidence of this matter.
The Library of Congress contains the George Washington Papers, which may be viewed online. A search inquiry yielded archives which contain actual photographs of original documents either written to or by Washington. The reader may view these documents in their original form. We have also transcribed certain of these letters which demonstrate, not only Washington's close ties to Freemasonry, but his position as Grand Master of the Alexandria Lodge No. 22 of Virginia.
Although Washington's correspondence with the Masonic Lodges is replete with Masonic references to the Great Architect of the Universe, his response to a Christian clergyman conspicuously avoids mention of Jesus Christ or acknowledgement of personal Christian faith. Washington also defended American Freemasonry and denied that American Masonic societies were connected to English Freemasonry or contaminated with the subversive principles of the Illuminati. The final exchange of letters reveals the mutual admiration between Washington and the Swedenborgian New Church of Baltimore.
The George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress
George Washington Prays to THE Great Architect of the Universe
Letter George Washington to York, Pennsylvania, Masons, January 3, 1792
By order and in behalf of the Grand Lodge in Pennsylvania in general Communication assembled in ample form.
J.B. Smith, G.W.
Attent V: LeBarbier Duplesis, G. Secy.
Presented 3 January 1792
To the Ancient York Masons of the Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.
Gentlemen & Brothers,
I receive your kind congratulations with the purest sensations of fraternal affection; and from a heart deeply impressed with your generous wishes for my present and future happiness, I beg you to accept my thanks. -- At the same time, I request you will be assured of my best wishes and earnest prayers for your happiness while you remain in this terrestrial mansion and that we may hereafter meet as brethren in the eternal Temple of the Supreme Architect.
G. Washington
An Address to the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, To their honored and Illustrious Brother -- George Washington. December 27, 1792
(Accompanied with gift of Masonic "Book of Constitutions" probably modeled upon the "Constitutions," the Masonic bible printed in 1734 by Benjamin Franklin and the first Masonic book published in America)
Whilst the Historian is describing the career of your glory, and the inhabitants of an extensive Empire are made happy in your unexampled exertions:-- whilst some celebrate the Hero so distinguished in liberating United America and others the Patriot who presides over her Councils, a band of brothers having always joined the acclamations of their Countrymen, now intensify their respect for those milder virtues which have ever graced the man.
Taught by the precepts of our Society, that all its members stand upon a level, we venture to assume this station and to approach you with that freedom which diminishes our differences without lessening our respect. Desirous to enlarge the boundaries of our social happiness, and to vindicate the ceremonies of their institution, this Grand Lodge have published a "Book of Constitutions," (and a copy for your acceptance accompanies this) which by discovering the principles that actuate will speak the Eulogy of the Society; though they fervently wish the conduct of its members may prove its higher commendation.
Convinced of his attachment to its cause, and readiness to encourage its benevolent designs; they have taken the liberty to dedicate this work to one, the qualities of whose heart and the actions of whole life have contributed to improve personal virtue, and extend throughout the world the most endearing cordialities, and they humbly hope he will pardon this freedom and accept the tribute of their esteem & homage. May the Supreme Architect of the Universe bless and protect you -- give you length of days & increase of felicity in this world, and then receive you to the harmonious and exalted city in Heaven.
John Cutter, Grand Master
Josiah Bartlett, Munso Mackey - Grand Wardens
Boston
Decem. 27. A.D. 1772.
Letter George Washington to Massachusetts Masons Grand Lodge, December 27, 1792. (Appreciation for the honor, dedication and gift of "Book of Constitutions")
To the Grand Master of the Free & Accepted Masons, for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Flattering as it may be to the human mind, & truly honorable as it is to receive from our fellow citizens testimonies of approbation for exertions to promote the public welfare; it is not less pleasing to know that the milder virtues of the heart are highly respected by a society whose liberal principles must be founded in the immediate laws of truth and justice. To enlarge the sphere of social happiness is worthy the benevolent design of the Masonic Institution; and it is most fervently to be wished, that the conduct of every member of the fraternity, as well as those publications which discover the principles which actuate them may tend to convince Mankind that the grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race.
While I beg your acceptance of my thanks for the "Book of Constitutions" you have sent me, and the honor you have done me in the dedication, permit me to assure you that I feel all those emotions of gratitude which your affectionate address & cordial wishes are calculated to inspire: and I sincerely pray that the Great Architect of the Universe may bless you and receive you hereafter into his immortal Temple.
G. Washington
Washington Denies American Masonic societies promote Illuminati agenda
Among the correspondence of George Washington, are letters from a gentleman by the name of George Washington Snyder, who sent to the President a copy of John Robison's Proofs of a Conspiracy Against All the Religions and Governments of Europe (New York: George Forman, 1798; reprint edition, Boston: Western Islands, 1967). This volume revealed the Illuminist plan, through the agency of Freemasonry, for the overthrow of established governments and religions. Mr. Snyder apparently questioned the propriety of the President's membership and position as Grand Master of the Alexandria Lodge No. 22 of Virginia. In two letters responding to Mr. Snyder, President Washington denied that American Masonic societies are contaminated with the subversive ideology of the Illuminati.
Letter of George Washington to George Washington Snyder, September 25, 1798
The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.--vol. 36
[Note 7: Of Fredericktown (now Frederick), Md.]
Mount Vernon, September 25, 1798.
Sir: Many apologies are due to you, for my not acknowledging the receipt of your obliging favour of the 22d. Ulto, and for not thanking you, at an earlier period, for the Book 8 you had the goodness to send me.
[Note 8: Proofs of a Conspiracy, by John Robison.]
I have heard much of the nefarious, and dangerous plan, and doctrines of the Illuminati, but never saw the Book until you were pleased to send it to me.9 The same causes which have prevented my acknowledging the receipt of your letter have prevented my reading the Book, hitherto; namely, the multiplicity of matters which pressed upon me before, and the debilitated state in which I was left after, a severe fever had been removed. And which allows me to add little more now, than thanks for your kind wishes and favourable sentiments, except to correct an error you have run into, of my Presiding over the English lodges in this Country. The fact is, I preside over none, nor have I been in one more than once or twice, within the last thirty years. I believe notwithstanding, that none of the Lodges in this Country are contaminated with the principles ascribed to the Society of the Illuminati. With respect I am &c.
[Note 9: In a letter from Snyder (Aug. 22, 1798, which is in the Washington Papers), it is stated that this book "gives a full Account of a Society of Free-Masons, that distinguishes itself by the Name of 'Illuminati,' whose Plan is to overturn all Government and all Religion, even natural."]
Editor's Note:
In the preceding letter, George Washington wrote to his correspondent that he wished "to correct an error you have run into, of my Presiding over the English lodges in this Country. The fact is, I preside over none, nor have I been in one more than once or twice, within the last thirty years."
Compare with the following excerpts from George Washington, Victory with the Help of France Volume VI, Douglas Freeman, Scribners, 1952, p. 92.
"In a spirit of goodwill Washington attended the masonic ceremonial and then marched with his fellow craft to Christ's Church in celebration of the anniversary of St. John the Evangelist."
Penn Packet January 1779
"This is the first masonic meeting for which the specific date and place of Washington's attendance during the Revolution have been observed in the present research."
Washington Defends AMERICAN Freemasonry
Letter of George Washington to George Washington Snyder, October 24, 1798
The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799.
John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.--vol. 36
Mount Vernon, October 24, 1798.
Revd Sir: I have your favor of the 17th. instant before me; and my only motive to trouble you with the receipt of this letter, is to explain, and correct a mistake which I perceive the hurry in which I am obliged, often, to write letters, have led you into.
It was not my intention to doubt that, the Doctrines of the Illuminati, and principles of Jacobinism had not spread in the United States. On the contrary, no one is more truly satisfied of this fact than I am.
The idea that I meant to convey, was, that I did not believe that the Lodges of Free Masons in this Country had, as Societies, endeavoured to propagate the diabolical tenets of the first, or pernicious principles of the latter (if they are susceptible of seperation). That Individuals of them may have done it, or that the founder, or instrument employed to found, the Democratic Societies in the United States, may have had these objects; and actually had a seperation of the People from their Government in view, is too evident to be questioned.
My occupations are such, that but little leisure is allowed me to read News Papers, or Books of any kind; the reading of letters, and preparing answers, absorb much of my time. With respect, etc.
Washington Praises Swedenborgian Church
The following is an address from a the Swedenborgian New Church of Baltimore to George Washington. Emanuel Swedenborg was a Swedish engineer turned prophet who communicated with angels and spirits, and published the Arcana Coelestia in London in 1749. According to The Occult Underground, "Swedenborg taught there there had already been two great judgments which had fallen on mankind; and both had signalled the end of an established Church. Thus the Flood had meant the end of a hypothetical Most Ancient Church; and the Crucifixion that of the Ancient Representative Church. Swedenborg had concluded that the Third Age, that of the Christian Church, was due in its turn to be overthrown. This third judgement had been prophesied by Christ and foretold in Revelation. It was in this tradition that the Church of the New Jerusalem sought to inaugurate the New Age." (439:21-2)
* * *
An Address from the New Church at Baltimore, To George Washington, Esquire
Sir,
While the Nations of the Earth, and the people of United America especially, have in their various denominations paid their tribute to the respectful deference to the illustrious President thereof, permit, for a Society however small in number, yet sincere they trust, in their attachment to offer up in the dawn of their institution, that mark of dutiful esteem which will become the new associations, to the Chief Magistrate of America.We presume not, Sir, to enter into a reiterated panegyric of matchless virtues or exalted character, but assuming causes with effects, we are led to believe that you were a chosen vessel for great Salutary purposes, and that both in your actions and in your conduct, you justly stand one of the first disinterested and exemplary men upon earth. Neither in this address can we, was it expected, enter into a detail of the profession of our faith; but we are free to declare that we feel ourselves among the number of those who have occasion to rejoice that the word literally is spiritually fulfilling; that a new and glorious dispensation or fresh manifestation of Divine Love hath commenced in our Land; when as there is but one Lord, so is his name becoming one throughout the earth; & that the power of Light or truth and righteousness is in an eminent Degree, universally prevailing, and even triumphing over the powers of Darkness; when Priestcraft & Kingcraft, those banes of human felicity, are hiding their diminished heads, and equality in State, as well as in Church, proportionally to mind, are considered the true criterion of the majesty of the people. -- Oh! Sir, could we, without being charged with adulation, pour out the fullness of our souls to the enlightened conduct of him who stands chief among the foremost of men, what a volume of truth might we deservedly offer to the name of Washington, on the altar of Liberty uncircumscribed! Allow us, by the first opportunity, to present to your Excellency, among other Tracts, the Compendium of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem, as the readiest mean to furnish you with a just idea of the Heavenly Doctrines.
That the Lord Jesus, whom alone we acknowledge as "the true God & eternal Life," will preserve you long to reign in the hearts of the people, and lastly to shine as a gem of the brightest lustre, a Star of the first magnitude of the unfading mansions above, is the fervent aspiration of your faithful citizens and affectionate Brethren. Done in behalf of the members of the Lord's New Church at Baltimore, this 22d Day of January 1793 -- 37.
W.J. Didier
Secy. Protem
To the members of the New Church at Baltimore.
Gentlemen,
It has ever been my pride to mind the approbation of my fellow citizens by a faithful and honest discharge of the duties annexed to those Stations to which they have pledged to place me; and the dearest rewards of my Services have been those testimonies of esteem and confidence with which they have honored me. But to the manifest interpretation of an over-ruling Providence, and to the patriotic exertions of United America, are to be ascribed those events which have given us a respectable rank among the nations of the earth. --We have abundant reason to rejoice that in this land the light of truth and reason has triumphed over the power of bigotry and superstition and that every person may here worship God according to the dictates of his own heart. In this enlightened Age & in this Land of equal liberty it is our boast, that a man's religious tenets, will not forfeit his protection of the Laws, nor deprive him of the right of attaining & holding the highest offices that are known in the United States.
Your Prayers for my present and future felicity were received with gratitude; and I sincerely wish, Gentlemen, that you may in your social and individual capacities, taste those blessings which a gracious God bestows upon the Righteous.
G. Washington
