| Citation |
VGW(PA.739.055
3-10 Aug 1739:31, 32 (158)
Boston, Jul 16. Tuesday last being the day appointed by the
Rt. Worshipful Robert Thomlinson, Grand Master of the
Ancient and Honourable Society of the Free and Accepted
Masons, in and of New-England, for the celebration of a
festival in commemoration of their Patron Saint John the
Baptist; the same was observed here with the utmost decency
and solemnity, by the gentlemen of that society.
At three in the afternoon, they assembled at the house of
their brother John Wagborn, from whence they walk'd in
procession to His Excellency's house, properly cloath'd and
distinguish'd with badges, and other implements pertaining
to the several orders and degrees of the society, preceded
by a compleat band of musick, consisting of trumpets, kettle
drums, etc.
The Society was elegantly entertain'd at the Governour's,
from whence they walk'd in the same order with His
Excellency to their brother Stephen Debois's house, where
they were entertain'd with a fine concert of musick: After
which they walk'd to the Royal Exchange Tavern in
Kingstreet, where a sumptuous supper was provided, to which
were invited many gentlemen of distinction, civil and
military.
The ship Hallowell (commanded by their brother Alexander
French, ) was purposely haul'd off into the stream, and at
the sun rising display'd her jack, ensigns, pendants and
streamers, with a Mason's apron hoisted at the mizzen peak;
She made a beautiful and gallant appearance; and discharged
21 great guns three times, viz. at five, six, and seven
o'clock in the evening: There was a great rejoycing on
board the said vessel 'till the setting of the sun; at which
time, precisely, all decoration, and ornaments, were, by
command of the captain, taken down.
A vast concourse of people attended to see this
procession, insomuch that almost all occupations ceas'd, the
streets were covered; Windows, balcony's, and battlements of
churches and houses were full of spectators, who were highly
pleased with an appearance of so many gentlemen, who in
their countenances express'd complacency, delight and love,
in the company of one another; which (they say) is the
cement and connection of their fraternity.
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