84 BANQUET TO THE 



and met the ready response of the loving and devoted 

 husband and father. But I must not dwell on this, 

 and I only speak of it as the crowning glory of a 

 complete life. 



My Brother, when in i860, by the partial love and 

 confidence of my brethren, I was elected Grand 

 Master of Masons in Massachusetts, it became my 

 duty to select from among them one who united 

 consummate judgment with a wise discretion and 

 executive ability, to fill the office of Deputy Grand 

 Master ; and as my confidential counsellor and ad- 

 viser, you did me and the Grand Lodge of Massa- 

 chusetts the honor to accept that appointment in the 

 trying period of the opening of the late war, and 

 you won for yourself their lasting respect and broth- 

 erly affection. And so, my Brother, I bring to you 

 to-night the congratulations of the whole Fraternit}^ 

 in Massachusetts, and their best wishes for the con- 

 tinuance of that happiness to yourself which you 

 have so liberally bestowed on others, and which a 

 grateful community acknowledges. I close these re- 

 marks with my own sincere wish that your valuable 

 life may be continued in comfort and happiness till 

 the message is sent to " come up higher." 



