"The idea I meant to convey, was, "that I did not believe that the _Lodges_ "of Free Masons in _this_ Country had, as "_Societies_, endeavoured to propagate the "diabolical tenets of the first, or the per- "nicious principles of the latter, (if they "are susceptible of separation) That "individuals of them may have done it, or "that the _founder_, or _instrument_ employ "ed to found the Democratic Societies "in the United States, may have had these "objects, and actually had a separation "of the _people_ from their _Government_ "in view, is too evident to be questioned. "My occupations are such, that "but little leisure is allowed me to read News "Papers, or Books of any kind. The reading "of letters and preparing answers, absorb "much of my time.-- "With respect,--I remain, "Revd Sir, "Your Most Obedt Hble Servt "Go. Washington" "The Revd. "Mr Snyder." Endorsed to "The Revd Mr Snyder, "24th Oct. 1798." It is a historical fact that WASHINGTON had always retained the highest respect for the people of Maryland, and especially the citizens of Frederick County. No man ever stood higher in the estimation of the people of Maryland than WASHINGTON, and his death awakened genuine sorrow. On February 22d, 1800, memorial services were observed in the Reformed Church at Fredericktown.[79] It was a solemn day and the whole County was in mourning; at which time Ex-Governor Thomas Johnson pronounced the funeral oration. Snyder took no part in these services. The two letters to Snyder were chiefly relied upon by the Anti-Masons to support their political claims. "That Washington was never in a Lodge but twice, in his life; that he paid no attention to Masonry during the war; that in 1781 he declined being addressed by Masons as a brother Mason, and in 1798 was very particular to insist upon the fact that he had not been in a Lodge, but once or twice in 30 years, and knew nothing of their principles and practices."[80] How false these statements so frequently made, is shown by the many proofs here presented in fac-simile of the originals, which also absolutely controvert the statement in Governor Ritner's Vindication? viz:--