Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1848-01-07
From the North, Carolina Standard Z.
COL. LOUIS D. WILSON

AT the recent Annual Communication of the
Grand Masonic Lodge of North Carolina, the
following Report and Resolutions on the death
of Col. Louis D. Wilson were unanimously
adopted:
The Special Committee, to whom was re-
ferred so much of the NJ w Grand Masters
annual report as refers to the death of P. G.
VI. Louis o. Wilson, beg leave to report, that
from the limited time allowed them from 9th
er duties, it is almost impossible that they can
do more than merely allude TO that melancho-
~ event The Grand Lodge is already aware
of the circumstances under which this heavy
bereavement was brought upon US. He died
in foreign land, in the city of Vera Cruz, at
the head of an army of his countrymen FL
deity 10 the cause of our country, cagerness
10 repel her invaders, has always characteri-
zed our Fraternity. In our revolutionary
struggle Masonry had her Washingtons and
her Warrens. The committee are informed on
high authority that every commanding Gener-
al of the American army was Mason of high
standing. except one, whose sad fate is an his
torlcal fact OF so much notoriety that we may
say nothing more OF it than merely TO aIlude
to it by way of contrast Nor is Masonry
without her gifts upon her ccuntrV's altar in
Amongst the number OF those who have learn
ed their duty 10 magistrates and the supreme
government at her altar, in their most solemn
VOWS, may be mentioned the name OF our most
iilustTous P. G. Master What was his course
when the thunders of war came to our ears ?
when we learned that cur nation was en-
gagged in bloody conflict with daring enemy!
Bro Wilson left the legislative halls of his
native State, repaired to his county, made up
company of volunteers over which he was
chosen Captain, Immediately assisted in rails
ing another in the same county, and entered
her service without delay
sol Bro. Wilson as Mason it is probably
more pertinent that we should speak Par
ticularIy in the active discharge of thos cardi-
nal virtues which the precepts of our Order
lncuIcate in every bosom, Charity was pre-
eminent Many incidents in his history H.
lustrate the truth of this remark. We will
alude to but two, which are sufficient 10
place his name high upon the roll of benefac-
tors of his species. On one occasion, when
provisions were exceedingly scarce in the
county of Eagecombe, and want was stalking
abroad in the land Bro. Wilson generously
threw open his barns and distributed two hun.
dred barrels Of corn amongst the poor of Edge
CUINHC uOnat! IONS Oh smaller size were COntlQ-
uatly emanating from his liberal hand.
The second grand charity TO which the
committee alude, was the closing and crown.
ing act Of his life--the capstone of his mora
and masonic edfice-the magnificent beques
contained in his will By this will he has
given to the poor Of his county an estate now
estimated at from forty to sixty thousand dol
lars.
CAS- Bro Wilson deserved, he was held
high in the esteem of his county men, and any
promotion at their disposal was freely and of
| len bestowed; in proof OF which, should any
be needed, we would refer to his frequen
elections TO the Legislature from the county o.
Edgecome-the fact that his mortal remains
are TO be brought home and monument erec
ted by contribution to his memory, over the
spot where they may find their long resting
place.
"We need hardly say that many of ou1
brethren will have an opportunity of gather
ing at his grave to give vent to feelings tina
with some have found an outlet through more
natural avenues. To many this high priv
Iege will be denied by uncomfortable circum
stances. But in or Ter that all may share il
some general expression of our grief, the com
| mittee recommend the adoption of the resolu
tons at the end of this report. The commit
tee have not, as might appear to some, men
toned the acts ct our deceased brother TO ba
ION them forth in way of vain gloriou:
Boosting: but Masonry sets no limits to The
expressions of fraternal regard TO the memory
of departed brother who has earned thu
affections of the Craft Whenever the con
duct OF a brother through life so conspicuous
| ly illustrates those masonic virtues which ar;
the pride and boast of our order, the Craft il
honored, and we can with propriety gather a
round our own family altar, and in spirit o
emulation speak freel of those virtues.
Resolved, That this Grand Lodge vii
wear the usual badge of mourning (crape o!
the left army for the space of thirty days, as
token of respect and esteem for the memory
! of our deceased brother
Resolved, That this Grand Lodge recon-
mend to the subordinate Lodges simia
course as soon as they obtain knowledge o
the course of the Grand Lodge.
Resolved, That the Secretary be instruc
ted TO furnish a copy of these resolutions, anc
request the Editors in this city and elsewher,
friendly to our order TO publish them