Washington's Masonic Correspondence As Found among the Washington Papers in the Library of Congress

This volume brings together a remarkable set of George Washington’s Masonic letters, drawn from the original manuscripts preserved at the Library of Congress. Compiled in 1915 under the careful supervision of the Grand Master, the collection reflects the deep respect the first president held for the fraternity that shaped much of his early life. By presenting the correspondence in chronological order, listeners gain a clear view of how Washington’s sense of honor and duty extended into his Masonic relationships.

The book includes facsimiles of original drafts, replies, and formal addresses from lodges across seven colonies, accompanied by period portraits and illustrations of key sites such as Mount Vernon and Washington’s headquarters at Newburgh. Through these documents, the listener hears Washington’s courteous tone and sees the mutual esteem between him and his brethren, offering a vivid snapshot of the social and political networks that underpinned the new nation. It’s an intimate portrait of a leader whose private convictions helped shape public service.