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Letters of apology for absence were received from our 

 townsman, R. Rush, Esq. late Minister to the Court of 

 St. James, and from our late worthy and much respected 

 member, John Graff, Esq. Mr. Rush left the City for 

 Washington, agreeably to previous arrangement on the 

 same day, and by a casuality, Mr. Graflf's note of in- 

 vitation was not received by him until too late to join in 

 the festivities of the Castle. In a letter addressed next 

 morning to the Secretary, he says: 



" You cannot judge of the mortification and downright 

 vexation which I felt at the abominable neglect of the 

 letter carrier, in not delivering it, in due time, which has 

 prevented me from enjoying a satisfaction and honor 

 which I should have prized as one of the happiest circum- 

 stances of my life. Have the goodness to advise the 

 Governor and Council of the contents of this note, and 

 assure them of my continued high respect and esteem for 

 them and all the company." 



Want of due notice and other causes prevented the at- 

 tendance of other honorary members, in town and country. 



The Secretary pursuant to instructions from the Govern- 

 or and Counsellors of State, procured a certificate of mem- 

 bership, to be elegantly executed on parchment, which he 

 subsequently presented to the General, when on the eve of 

 bidding our citizens farewell, which together with the straw 

 hat and aproyi presented to, and worn by him at the Castle, 



