(From a copy of a letter in the Rawlinson Collection in the Bodleian Lobrary at Oxford (Rawl. MS.C. 136), quoted in Gould's History of Freemasonry, Vol. IV, page 50)]

1733 (1734)

A letter of thanks from the Grand Lodge of England.

Rt. Worshipful G. Master, Deputy and Wardens, with the other Worshipful Members of the Grand Lodge at Calcutta in Bengall in East India.

All our Fraternity here rejoice much in the frequent good account of your excellent Conduct, the Grand Lodge have been refreshed by your genteel Present of Arrack, which made curious Punch and you may without telling believe that we drank all your healths after the ancient manner of Masons.

We return our hearty Thanks for it, but much more for your tow handsome Presents of ten Guineas by Br. Capt. Farr Winter and twenty Guineas by Br. Capt. Rigby for the
or Brethren: which we lodged in the hands of our Treasurer and recorded in our Books as a lasting Evidence to Posterity how strong and extensive appears the Brotherly Love of true and faithful Masons surmounting all tempestuous Billows, Promontories and distant Capes and Climes.

You have well rewarded us for our Deputation or Patent and we heartily rejoice in your Honor and Reputation, as you arc a part of our Selves, for it all redounds to us and we cannot forbear saying that no Lodge out of Britain has been so generous and so deserving our esteem.

Providence has fixed your Lodge near those learned Indians that affected to be called Noachidae, the strict observers of his Precepts taught in those parts by the disciples of the great Zoroastris, the learned Archimagus of Bactria or Grand Masters of the Magians, whose religion is largely preserved in India (which we have no concern about) and also many of the Rituals of the ancient Fraternity used in his Time, perhaps more than they are sensible of themselves. Now if it is was consistent with other Business to discover in those parts the Remains of old Masonry and transmit them to us, we should be all Thankful, but especially the learned Brothers who grasp at new Discoveries from ancient Nations that have been renowned for Arts and Science and must have some valuable remains among them still.

The Grand Master (the Lord Viscount Weymouth) orders me to write this, with as many commendations as you can imagine from all the Brethren, who, I may assure you, of their most sincere affection, and I am with great esteem.

Rt. Worshipful and Honored Brethren.

Your brother most humble servant and affectionate

I. R.
Secretary to the Grand Lodge.

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