The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1831-09-28
GOV. LINCoLN'S ANSWER.
WORCESTER, Sc

WORCESTER, SEPT. Is, 1881.
GEHTLEMEE,-Ih had not the honor 10 receive
until the 10th inst. your letter of the 6th and
have to regret, that in addition to this DELAY
the pressure of antecedent engagements has not
permitted more prompt reply to the interest
ing matter of Its contents. The great respect
which sincerely entertain towards those who
have addressed me, among whom | have the
pleasure TO recognize political and personal
friends, some of whom have had opportunity
heretofore, of knowing intimately my opinions
upon public subjects, and of closely observing
the course Of my official conduct, demands, that
/ should give an attentive and deliberate con-
sderation to any subject, which they may deem
worthy of formal communication.
Your letter contains an expression of the
opinions of the Anti-Masonic party upon the
character, influence, and tendency, of the In.
stitution OF Freemasonry, and conveys inforna-
ton of the proceedings of a Convention of the
Anti Masonic members of the Sonata and
House of Representatives of this Common.
wealth, with a distinct intimation of your own
views in reference to the Gubernatorial Elec.
ton in November next, and concludes with a
request .or an expression of my sentiments in
reply to the following questions, with permits.
sion to use the same in such way as NAV be
deemed advisable"
DO you consider Freemasonry a positive
evil: And If so, are you disposed to unite with
the Antimasonic party in the use of peaceahle.
lawful and honorable means not inconsistent
with the station you now hold in order to free
our country from the dominion and influence
ofFreemasonry
Before considering these precise interropato.
ries, beg leave to advert to the manner and
time in which they are proposed as the occa-
sion of much embarrassment by placing me in
Situation of peculiar delicacy, expressed, at
least in whatever way l may treat them, to
misapprehension, and possibly, even to ungen.
erous and painfuli suspicion. 1t cannot be un-
known to you, that, at Convention of mem
bers Of the Legislature, in the month of June
last, / was nominated for reelection, which
nomination was then accepted, and that now
stand IN the attitude OF candidate for the pub
lie suffrage. Having been brought into the
high Office which l have the honor TO hold. and
been thus long sustained in it BY the favor O.
my fellow citizens, without the sg htest por-
sonal effort to procure either its original be.
stownent, or subsequent continuance. excen,
in earnest endeavors faithfully and accentabI,
to discharge its duties, can never consent n
dshonor the station by making it the object
private solicitation, compromise Of principle, o,
of committal TO the arrangements and purpose
of any party. Ifpledges for the future cours,
of Administration are now to be required of me
they will be given, by reference to former franz
and explicit avowals Of opinion on all knowr
subjects OF public moment, and to the character
OF past measures of Executive action, rather
and better to be relied upon than protestation,
and professions in view to a nomination to oc
fee, which can be brought to the test only in
the event of favorable issue to an election,
The subject of Speculative Freemasonrv ba,
never yet required the official cognizanco Of tho
Executive Department of this Commonwealth
Neither that, nor its opposite, in any instance.
hitherto, has been obtruded upon the counses
otthe State. With the former, it is well known,
have repeatedly disclaimed any association or
sympathy, and the influence of the latter, as a
motive TO political and official action, has been
as little felt in the administration Of the gov