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                                                                                                             Bowd. Coll. July 20th ' 45

Dear Brother

  I sent letters to you & Lucy, about a week ago; but perhaps the one to you was hardly an equivalent for the last I received from you; therefore the late ceremonies of laying the corner stone of the new chapel afford a pretty good theme of communication. I will try to write a letter today, and give you some account of them.  The cornerstone of the Chapel was laid on Wednesday, July 16th. with Masonic honors. I think likely it is the first that I know it great public building which has been thus founded since the great excitement against Masonry some years ago, which apparently destroyed the whole system, though now it seems showing itself again in full vigor.

It was done in in honor of Ex. Gov. King, who has given $6000.00 towards the building; and who was the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Maine. It was a pleasant day & the number of people present at the ceremonies was very large from Boston, Portland etc. The Whole Order of Knights Templars were present with their regalia, or insignia, and made a splendid appearance. We students, with government of the College etc. etc. formed a procession and received the Masons as they came onto the College grounds through a triumphal arch created for the occasion, then escorted them around the grounds to the Chapel, where a platform had been prepared and all accommodations for seats for thousands around the fated Corner.