The weekly mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado County, Calif.) 1861-1862, 1862-08-23
From MOore's Masonic Review.
The Old Lodge ut Fredericksburg,
Virginia.

FRoNr ROYAL, Va, Jnne 9TH, 1862.
BIO. MooRE: - \ few minutes respite
from the routine Of hospital practice ai.
lords an opportunity. to write you an ac
count Of n visit recently made to Freder-
icksburg Lodge No. 4, +. \. NJ. Maj -,
our division tShiclds) encanped opposite
the ancient city, after ii tireSome march
of many days. Next day, regardless OF
the ENHANCEMENT of red tape to prevent,
was the possessor Of pass, signed by
Gen. King, to pass over the Rappahan-
mock and visit the city. A pontoon
bridge constructed by Gen. Mcdowell af-
lorded an easy passage. The enemy had
burned all the bridges on our approach.
Fredericksburg bears many traces of
age; queer gable ends front on the street;
attic windows of antique architecture
shoot out from rain worn and very steep
roofs. \ few modern houses afford con-
traSt. Having ridden through the prin-
cipal streets, | made inquiry of an old
citizen for the Masonic Lodge where
Washington was initiated. He informed
me that, although nearly every eligible
resident was member of the Order, yet
he was unable to give me the desired in
formation. afterwards ascertrined that
the building stood exactly opposite his
house. was finally able to find the
Secretary, Mr. Ray, who had the keys.
He opened the doors @R11 answered my
numerous questions. On entering the
aDDzooPa $4,-, -'..itG~ (, t,".s::>c!!: Ssith thc
curious arrangement Of the records of
death in possession Of the Lodge, and
hung up all around the room. The Sec
Rotary ipfgtoe1 ,~S %hat this ancient Gus
II; Il.l.A. -.--.lg.t Of eacn Tnt 6ictfS
decease, hau accumulated several wagon
loads, which were stored in the room
above. The custom does not now pre-
vail. We soon entered the Lodge room.
This is Il comparatively new structure,
u moderate building, without any preten-
sion to show. The original Lodge has
long since been torn down. The charter
was brought over from Scotland, but they
are now working under one granted in
this country. The most conspicuous Oh
jrct in the room is likeness Of Washing
ton. Ii is very fine painting. just be-
ncathi stands the Masters Chair, which,
with that oi the " ardenS. is 81 eolids;;>-
hogany. 1t was imported at the same
Iiuie 4aE TX, ( li;ss%xv tom ,Sc;slzad. ii is
cab1rately carved, and Of Ehzabethian
style. Its carving carefully represented
all the cnhleuS'and working tools OF the
Ordcr The jewels are also ancient, bav-
ing been brought over at the same time.
They are silver, and of Il very quaint pat
tern. The furniture was ali imported
over two hundred Years ago. Ofiar more
interest was the ancient records. all care
fully preserved. a few were allowed to
remain in the Lodge room tn hr shown.
The most valuable, are kept in the hands
Of private individual, aud are not to be
seen except on special application. The
original application Of Washington for in
itiaton is preserved.
The records show many oh time Gus
toms, some of them yet in practice. The
supper and drink lodge night was often
noted in the Minutes. Also the visit o!
l.afavttr, when he visited this country.
On Sunday every year is set apart for the
q Lodge tt, attend Church in body, and
there is always an emulation manifested
by the different churches to secure their
attendance, for collection is always Ia.
ken up, and it is no Slight one either.
Ones feelings Of reverence were damp
cnc'l by the want Of Il warm Masonic
wcconc, expected in Nucn il place.
In conclusion, will n .d that our Ma
sonic Military !.n'lLC> are much neglected.
NJ work hcius d"nr, aul that commence
unfinished. This i in some eases incN
cu>ablr. \ serious Inconvenience vi!
occur when our initiates 20 home ana
wish to adya>cc in Masonry.
Fra,rrnally, ). SEXTON.
Nnrlnlinw ,Surrrnn Slh q L