The Liberator Files

Mar 19, 1831

In answer to a query about harmony between black and white citizens, there is a discussion about Prince Hall Masons.  A “white gentleman of craft and good nature” is  
quoted:  “The African Lodge….meet by themselves …and white masons 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 receiving a charter …..The truth is they are ashamed of being on equality with blacks…..These on the other hand, …think themselves better masons in other respects than the whites, because masonry considers all men equal who are free, and our laws admit no kind of slavery ..It is evident from this, that neither avowedly nor tacitly do blacks admit the pre-eminence of whites; but it is evident, that a pre-eminence is claimed by the whites.”

December 10, 1831

From the National Journal  FREE MASONRY AMONG THE BLACKS
Addressed, “Dear Sir”,and signed only “A.B.”

“If there was to be devised a scheme for organizing and preparing the Southern blacks for insurrection, none that I can conceive of is so admirably calculated for the purpose as free Masonry introduced among free Negroes.  They of all others are most forward in promoting the spirit of revolt among slaves. ……….. recommend the call of a convention of masons for doing away the lodge throughout the Union…….It is necessary and proper that the white should take the lead in that matter, for so long as lodges of white masons are tolerated, who can gainsay the right of free blacks to hold lodges also. Let the white men abolish the order among themselves, and the laws can and will be made for abolishing it among the blacks…….”