houses, fall into disagreements and quarrels ; but these are
not much known abroad, unless brought by complaint be-
fore magistrates.

The blacks are frequently employed by the whites as
servants or labourers ; and receive the same wages and treat-
ment as other persons of the same standing.

Perhaps it may be more agreeable to transcribe what was
given me in answer to this query by the aforesaid PRINCE
HALL. "Harmony in general (says he) prevails between
us as citizens, for the good law of the land does oblige every
one to live peaceably with all his fellow citizens, let them be
black or white. We stand on a level, therefore no pre-em-
inence can be claimed on either side. As to our associating,
there is here a great number of worthy good men and good
citizens, that are not ashamed to take an African by the
hand ; but yet there are to be seen the weeds of pride, envy,
tyranny, and scorn, in this garden of peace, liberty and
equality."

Having once and again mentioned this person, I must in-
form you that he is grand master of a lodge of free masons,
composed wholly of blacks, and distinguished by the name
of the "African Lodge." It was begun in 1775, while this
town was garrisoned by British troops ; some of whom held
a lodge, and initiated a number of negroes. After the peace,
they sent to England, and procured a charter under the
authority of the DUKE OF CUMBERLAND, and signed by the
late EARL OF EFFINGHAM. The lodge at present consists of
thirty persons ; and care is taken that none but those of a
good moral character are admitted.

I shall add the following note, written by a white gentle-
man of the craft, of good information and candour.

"The African Lodge, though possessing a charter from
England, meet by themselves ; and white masons not more
skilled in geometry, will not acknowledge them. The
reason given is, that the blacks were made clandestinely in
the first place, which, if known, would have prevented them
from receiving a charter. But this inquiry would not have
been made about white lodges, many of which have not
conformed to the rules of masonry. The truth is, they are
ashamed of being on equality with blacks. Even the fra-
ternal kiss of France, given to merit without distinction of
colour, doth not influence Massachusetts masons to give an