The Virginia Gazette

Boston, July 16.

Tuesday last being the Day appointed by the Rt. Worshipful Robert Tomlinson, 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 Lilieghorn, from whence they walk'd in Procession to His Excellency's House, properly cloath'd and distinguished with Badges, and other Implements pertaining to the several Orders and Degrees of the Society, preceded by a compleat Band of Music, consisting of Trumpets, Kettle Drums, &c.

The Society was elegantly entertain'd at the Governor's, from whence they walk'd in the same Order with His Excellency to their Brother Stephen Deblois's House, where they were entertain'd with a fine Concert of Music: 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 Rejoicing 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.