Richmond Lodge No. 10 Answer

The following letter recorded on the minutes of January 23, 1821, will give a good idea of the condition of the Lodge:

“To the Wor. Wm. M. Robertson, Master of Front Royal Lodge, No. 102:

“Brother, –

“We, the undersigned, composing a Committee from Richmond Lodge, No. 10, have the honor to address you in answer to a communication from your Lodge soliciting our Charities in favor of Brother —–. We are instructed to state to you that the present peculiar situation of our Lodge renders us utterly incapable of making any effectual return to your very powerful appeal. We are few in numbers. Our Lodge is already involved, and has no fund established for the purpose of affording relief. Added to which, the urgent and reiterated calls that have been made upon us have completely exhausted our slender means. We hesitate not to say that, if there be a Lodge in Virginia whose refusal to contribute to the relief of Brother —– can be considered excusable, it is Lodge No. 10. At present we can only return you our fraternal sympathies, and hope that you will find others better enabled (though none can be more cordially disposed) to render effectual aid.

[ 5821 A. L. ]