New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1843-12-08
s..s:ss seas.s aff. tiay.

s;y, Rejgar. Of Lancaster, Pa, has Nritc'' !
letter to MIR. Clay in behalf of several Meispeff
Of the Anti Masonic party wishing 10 know IL
what relation he stood to Masonry.
The following is the reply published IN the
Lancaster Union
ASHLAND, 25lh NoT., lsls.
DEAR SIR IL have duly received your ie''e''
requesting me at the instance Il several iesPeo'a
Bile gentlemen Of the Anti Masonic party IN rem
sylvania, to state what are my existhg ie'a''''
to Free Masonry he
entertain great repugnance 10 appe"n
fore the public at all, on any SUBJECT anu
cialiy upon one which, ACCORDING u A'y TINT '..,
apprehension is not necessarily coliheo.eu M"
the administration Of the Uenerai S'ov
but the respectful terms IN when you nave peen
nle,sed TO address me, and the CONSCIENTIOUS mo-
i;y,s Inv which presume you to be actuated, en-
,;tc YOU to frank and full answer to the inquiry
contained in your letter; and / now have the
pleasure of accordingly transmitting such an an
sWer.
became Mason in early life from youthful
curiosity and a social disposition. But | never
had any taste for, or was much skilled IN the
mysteries of the Order. All the protested Oh.
iects of the Institution as developed to me land
knew no other were charitable and benevolent.
never did contract, and never would have CON
tractcd, any obligations whatever Incompatible
will, nv duty to my Country, or to Society.
have always regarded the Constitution and Laws
of the Land as Supreme, and my obligations ahd
duties to my Country as paramount TO all olher
earthly obligations and duliea.
Official evidence of my retirement from the
Lodge upwards of nineteen years ago, has been
published; and have not since been member
Of any Lodge, nor held any Office, place or ap
continent Of any kind in the Institution. Nor
do believe that could, upon my own KNOW
Iedpe or recollection Of It's rites and ceremonies
obtain admission, at this time. IN any Lodge OF
anv decree whatever. never IN my LIE voted
for or supported any man, for any civil or military
or any other appointment under Government, be
cause he was Mason; nor against any man be-
cause he was not Mason. In 1925 voted for
Mr.. ADAMS, as President of the United States
although, as have understood he was not Ma
son and against General ANDREW JACKSON, not
outstanding he was distinguished member OF
that Order; but it is proper to state that was
not at all influenced by that fact. Among my
most determined political opponents in Kentucky
are Masons, who now or lately held, according TO
the newspapers eminent stations in the Lodge.
Such is a faithful account of my relations to
Masonry, an Institution which has comprised
some of the most eminent men of cur country,
dead and living. presume that the experience
of many men has been, like my own, that as we
advance in life, we cease 10 take any interest IN
attending such institutions.
In the sentiments of love of country, of obedl-
ence to its laws, of acknowledgment of their par
amount obligation, and of devotion TO our Free
Institutions, by which all ought to be, and nn-
derstand Anti Masons are animated, most hear
thy and cordially concur.
With great respect, am your obi sery't,
+. c. REIaART, Esq. H. CLAY.