that one more is stricken from our roll, to join and swell the great company of the dead, who was in the first rank of the Order, and that that heart is stilled forever, which so long pulsated with the best emotions of humanity.

A bright link in our social chain is broken: Let not its strength be impaired by the loss, but rather let it consolidate its firmness, by the recollection and the practice of all that was left of good in our deceased Brother. Though dead, may he yet speak. For him we may not and need not pray: but surely, as we wave our last farewell, we may say, "Blessings on thy kind heart-oblivion to thy errors, (if errors thou hadst,) and grateful, lasting remembrance to thy name."

As having been a permanent member of the Grand Lodge, its records should bear on them the testimonial of the consideration in which he was held by its members; and I have prepared resolutions embodying sentiments of respect and affection, due to the memory of our buried Brother. It is understood that the Lodge with which he was so long connected, will have appropriate services and an Eulogy by a Brother eminently qualified by education, talents, and intimacy with the deceased, to do justice to the subject. The reminiscences of such a life, must be fraught with events of interest to every one, especially to those "of the household of our faith."

The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, impressed with the great loss sustained by the decease of the R. W. Br. HENRY Purkitt, P. J. G W., would evince their deep sense of their bereavement, by the

Resolve-That by the death of this most venerable and venerated Brother, the Masonic Institution has lost one whose devotion, zeal, and fidelity to the cause have ever been pre-eminent, and whose whole life has been a practice of philanthropy, of honesty, and all the moral and social virtues, and whose walk was upright before God and man.

Resolved, That the legacy of his good name, which he has left for us, shall ever be an incentive for emulation-a stimulus to persevere in the paths of honor, truth and integrity. "The memory of the just is blessed." His shall be enshrined in our hearts.

COREA DA COSTA.

THE Honduras (Central America) Observer and Belize Gazette, contains the following notice of this individual, which we republish in the hope that it may tend to check him in his infamous career. He is well known in this country, and has been expelled from the Masonic Fraternity by the Grand Lodge of New York :

As will be seen by an article copied from the Port of Spain Gazelle, the notorious Corea Da Costa is still at his old tricks. As we learn from an authentic source that he is down the Coast at present, it is well that the public should be upon their guard and made acquainted with his character. We have no wish to pollute our columns with a catalogue of his crimes and villainies, but can assure our readers that he has been compelled to fly from the leading cities in the United States, to escape the vengeance of outraged honor and the just severity the laws attach to crimes like his. It has been fortunate for many that his course has been traced by an unseen but unerring eye, and that in consequence

many have been prevented from falling into the snares he had laid for their ruin. His recent attempt to swindle the government of Venezuela were just exposed in time to save the government from heavy loss. Under pretence of organiziug a company for the culture of Silk, he had applied for a loan, and the Bill authorising the President to grant it had been actually passed, when information was received, exposing his real character, and furnishing proofs of the charges brought against him, in consequence of which he instantly fled the place.

There are one or two statements, however, in relation to Da Costa that are incorrect. He is not an American. Neither is he rich, unless grown so lately by his swindling propensities. We know he has subsisted on the charity of a Society that now disclaims him, and that, as far as in its power lays, will prevent further of his villainies.

The following is the article alluded to above:

CORREA DA COSTA.-We strongly suspect the hero of the following story to be the reader's old acquaintance, Correa Da Costa, of Grape Company notoriety. It is hardly possible there can be two such accomplished scoundrels of the same name. [Ed. Port of Spain Gazette.]

“Romance in Real Life.—Chapter I.-Nov. 25, 1845.-The town of Chichester has for the past week been honored by the visit of a Mr. Da Costa, a rich American Planter. He has taken up his quarters at the Ram Hotel, keeps his hunters, and is a pretty regular attendant at the 'meets.' This gentleman having become connected with a family in our own neighborhood, the following extract from the Birmingham Advertiser may be interesting to our readers:-"A young American planter, Da Costa, of immense fortune, recently came over to this country in search of a wife, and after visiting some of the most fashionable cities, and spending his money like a prince,' without meeting the object of his search, he paid a visit to Birmingham, and was standing one day at the door of the Hen and Chickens, when, as old wives would say (the circumstances in this case proved the truth of the saying), the very person he came to England to look for, walked across New street, nearly opposite where he stood. Struck with her appearance, he followed the lady, and with much politeness expressed a wish for better acquaintance, and a desire to see her home. The young lady, a Miss Rimmer, of Alcester, was at that time on a visit to Mr. Heely's, Bristol road, to whose house the stranger accompanied her, but his partner in the walk not liking such a romantic visitor, 'referred him to her parents.' The traveller was not to be diverted from an object in search of which he had travelled so far, and the little town of Alcester was shortly after well nigh frightened from its propriety by a carriage-and-four driving up at full speed to the house of Mr. Rimmer. After many wonderings among the inhabitants who it could be, it turned out that it was Mr. Da Costa, come to request of the parents permission to pay his addresses to the daughter. Advice was asked of those with whom they usually advised, and consent was given; and though many tales were afloat of what the modern 'Blue Beard' would do, he married her at Alcester Church on Saturday week, three carriages and fours conveying the parties who graced the nuptial ceremonies with their presence. Mrs. D. Costa is a niece to the wife of Mr. Evans, of Watermoor, and we hear that Mr. Da Costa has stood sponsor to one of Mr. Evans' children."

CHAPTER II.

February 2, 1846.-"The town of Cirencester has for the last few weeks been greatly excited, by the sudden departure of the hero of the 'romance in real life,' who has, of late, been generally recognised by the imposing cognomen of Baron Da Costa.' For some time the Baron' has been sojourning at the Ram Hotel, and hunted with the Vale of White Horse hounds. For this purpose he hired, for a time, two excellent horses of Mr. Chapman, of Cheltenham, and was

very regular with the hounds, but generally left in the rear, in consequence, as he expressed himself, of 'having a sprained thumb.' Such was his devotion to the sports of the field, that he called into requisition a carriage-and-four to convey him and his friend to Badmington, to be present at the grand-lawn meeting of the Duke's hounds, having previously sent his horses to the place of rendezvous. By the expensive way in which he lived, he gained many converts to the opinion that he was possessed of 'immense wealth,' and there were not wanting those who wished to see his name in their ledgers; a desire which 'the Baron' was so complaisant as to gratify. But it came to pass that a strange woman, designated by one of our correspondent's 'a familiar spirit,' came to visit him, and, notwithstanding that he had obtained the 'object, in search of which he had travelled so far, the fascinations of the stranger were so great, that he has rather fulfilled the prophecies of the good people of Alcester, among whom, were many rumors of what the modern Blue Beard would do.' For it so happened that one morning he informed his newly married wife that business of importance would take him from home for a day or two; but still, not unmindful of his bride, he kindly told her that as the gold watch he had presented her with, did not work e well,' he would take it with him, and have it put into good working order,' un: 'well regulated by an experienced hand;' after bidding her an affectionate adieu, he departed with the 'familiar spirit,' who assumed the form of a French lady, and, as 'Pensumbra' affirms, was carried off in the fire-box of the Vulcan engine,' and has not since been heard of. Unfortunately, the Baron' had a short memory, and forgot to call upon those whom he had allowed to make use of his name in their ledgers, and, therefore, some dissatisfaction has been expressed. It is said that a few boxes which he left behind him contained a suit of regimentals, a rusty sword, and an old pistol, so that there is no doubt that he was a loyal subject; and it is generally thought that the atmosphere of Cirencester was no longer healthy,' or 'the Baron' would have favored us with a longer stay. His unfortunate wife has returned to the house of her parents, where she anxiously waits the coming of her 'lord (Baron Munchausen) and master.'"

MASONIC CHARACTER OF WASHINGTON. AN EXTRACT.

HAVING already contemplated such a variety of distinguishing features in this great and amiable character, does it still admit of addition? Is there room in the portrait for another trace of the faithful pencil, that will increase its beauty? Yes, my Brethren, to us another and no less interesting view remains. Animated with a generous philanthropy, our deceased Brother early sought admission into our ancient and honorable Fraternity, at once to enable him to cherish with advantage this heavenly principle, and enlarge the sphere of its operation. He cultivated our art with sedulous attention, and never lost an opportunity of advancing the interest, or promoting the honor of the Craft. While commanderin-chief of the American revolutionary army, he countenanced the establishment, and encouraged the labors of a travelling Lodge among the military. He wisely considered it as a school of urbanity, well calculated to disseminate those mild virtues of the heart, so ornamental to the human character, and so peculiarly useful to correct the ferocity of soldiers, and alleviate the miseries of war. The cares of his high office engrossed too much of his time to admit of his engaging in the duties of the chair; yet he found frequent opportunities to visit the Lodge, and thought it no derogation from his dignity there to stand on a level with his Brethren. True to our principles on all occasions, an incident once occurred which enabled him to display their influence to his foes. A body of American troops, in some successful rencounter with the enemy, possessed themselves

among other booty, of the jewels and furniture of a British travelling Lodge of Masons. This property was directed by the commander-in-chief to be returned, under a flag of truce, to its former proprietors, accompanied with a message purporting that the Americans did not make war upon institutions of benevolence.

Of his attachment to our Order in general, you, my respected Brethren of the most worshipful Grand Lodge of this Commonwealth, have had personal knowledge. His answers to your repeated addresses, breathe throughout the spirit of Brotherly love; and his affectionate return of thanks for the book of constitutions which you presented him, and for the honor, as he was pleased to consider it, which you did him in the dedication, must be evidence highly satisfactory of the respectful estimation in which he held you. The information received from our Brethren, who had the happiness to be members of the Lodge over which he presided many years, and of which he died the master, furnishes abundant proof of his persevering zeal for the prosperity of the institution. Constant and punctual in his attendance, scrupulous in his observance of the regulations of the Lodge, and solicitous at all times to communicate light and instruction, he discharged the duties of the chair with uncommon dignity and intelligence, in all the mysteries of our art. Nothing can more highly conduce to the prosperity and honor of Masonry, than a successful imitation of his bright example. It cannot fail of its effect upon our Brethren in its immediate neighborhood in the south; they will beautify their column. And shall we be outdone in zeal? Placed geographically in the east, in a quarter of the Union from which the nation has been accustomed to learn wisdom, it should be our peculiar care to diffuse light throughout the temple of Masonry. As it is known that we shared largely in the esteem and affection of our deceased Brother, it is easy to perceive that our good conduct will itself be an encomium on his memory. We see before us, among the sad emblems of mortality, not only the sword which in this neighborhood he drew in defence of his country, but also the very attire which he has often worn as a Mason. How devoutly is it to be wished, that these striking memorials may stimulate us to a noble emulation; that, like the mantle of Elijah, they may inspire us with an unalterable attachment to virtue and benevolence. This day witnesses to the world in what veneration we hold the memory of departed greatness; let not the solemnity be without its appropriate effect upon ourselves. While with funeral pomp and Masonic honors, we celebrate the obsequies of our deceased Brother, while we bend with anguish over the urn which contains a part of what was mortal in him, let us like him remember, that we are animated with a heavenly flame, which the chill damps of death cannot extinguish; like him resolve to square our actions by the rule of rectitude, persevere in the line of our duty, and restrain our passions within the compass of propriety, knowing that the All-seeing eye of our Supreme Grand Master above, continually observes us; that when we shall have performed the task assigned us here, we may like him be called from our work to those refreshments which alone can satisfy our immortal desires; that when we put off this earthly clothing, we may be arrayed with the garments of glory, put on the jewels of light and shine forever in the sublime arch above.

*A lock of General Washington's hair was deposited in the urn borne in Masonic funeral procession on this occasion.

MASONIC INTELLIGENCE.

IRELAND.

OUR attentive Irish correspondent has furnished us with a copy of the Limerick Chronicle, of the 22d August, from which we gather the following articles of intelligence.

DINNER TO R. W. BR. MICHAEL FURNELL, ESQ. 33d, PROV. GRAND MASTER FOR NORTH MUNSTER, GIVEN BY EDEN LODGE, no. 73.

In a recent impression we stated that P. G. M. N. M. was entertained to dinner by Lodge 73, on his arrival from a continental tour, but our space, on that occasion, would not allow us more than merely to allude to it. We now feel great pleasure in giving some of the details. The chair was filled by W. M., Br. R. Wallace, on his right the P. G. M. N. M. Br. Furnell; on his left the Dept. P. G. M. M. Br. Dean Freeman; Br. Massy, W. M. 73; Br. Sexton, W. M. No. 13; Brother M'Donough, G. R. C. Albert Lodge, 100; Br. George Furnell, S. W. 12, and several other visiting Brethren.

66

The cloth being removed, the first toast, as is usual, Our lovely, gracious, amiable Queen"" Prince Albert"-" Albert, Prince of Wales-and the rest of the Royal Family"-"The three Grand Masters, the Duke of Leinster, Earl of Zetland, Lord Glenlyon."

The chairman then observed, the next toast was the toast of the evening, and said—Brethren, if I rightly know the object of our meeting here this evening, it is to testify our respect to Masonic worth-to pay the best compliment in our power to the best of Masons, and to show him, if it were at all necessary, that he has our full, our firm, and our entire confidence. We have met together this evening, Brethren, to hail, with delight, with pleasure, and with happiness, the return of the P. G. M. of North Munster, from a continental tour, in good health and spirits; and, Brethren, why should we not do so?If we take a retrospective view of Masonry, what do we find; that a very few years ago, it was at a very low ebb in this city, and, I may say, nearly extinct, when the P. G. M. N. M. threw himself into its ranks, with an ardor not easily to be described, and with a matchless perseverance wrought at it incessantly, until he brought it to the high position it now holds in your city—a position, I am happy to say, second to none in Ireland; for I believe I am justified in saying, that we have as good working Masons in Limerick as there are in Ireland, and probably I need not travel out of the precincts of Eden Lodge, 73, in order to find them; and I ask you Brethren to whom are we indebted for this? I reply, to the P. G. M. N. M. who, by his fostering care, assiduity and example has rendered Limerick pre-eminently remarkable for its workings, and I sincerely believe if ever there was a man who had his heart and soul centered in Masonry, it is our P. G. M. N. M. He not only labors at it incessantly by day, but it is my impression that his nocturnal slumbers are engaged therein; and, Brethren, I think I am perfectly warranted at coming to this conclusion, for his acts bear me out-and I would ask what are they-I regret my inability to tell you all, but I will endeavor to detail one or two:-Take for instance a Brother who has an object in view, and let him make his case known to the Provincial Grand M. N. M., and I say without fear of contradiction that, if it were necessary, he the P. G. will cross the Atlantic, aye, and that at the peril of his life, in order to accomplish that for which the Brother seeks; and surely, Brethren, we cannot shut our eyes to his practical acts to the distressed Craft,-numerous, I must say, as they are bountiful-generous as they are considerate, and only in my mind to be equalled by the happiness that it affords the P. G. M. when bestowing them. Take the P. G. M. N. M. as a man and a Mason, we find him kind in disposition, bland in his manners, courteous in his demeanor-if our P. G. M. N. M. was a selfish Brother, he, with his independent fortune, could retire to his