Gourgas, John James Joseph, 1777-1865

Letter discusses the following topics: Letter Grand Council of Rite for Ireland received; answered and sent to J.W. Bay for concurrence; unable to see Bay; proper persons to form nucleus of Supreme Council- Van Rensselaer resides in your city- gives high recommendation- is a Prince of Jerusalem for 10 yrs made in Albany Council

Letter discusses the following topics: May 14 letter; Bay away from home again; received May 15 letter; when in New York for Grand lodge will try to see Van Rensselaer; written Raymond and w/aid may make required "five;" inquiry from Ireland on our Supreme Council - Grand Sect Herring; Charleston matters

Letter discusses the following topics: Legal business has prevented his return to New York; outline of subject matter of his address; E. A. Raymond was at Albany- his council has conferred degs on 8 choice Brn; J. Eveleth still alive, will have nothing to do with Freemasonry; property of Council should be paid for; Bay

Letter discusses the following topics: Aug 14 letter; we should have copies foreign correspondence Grand lodge New York 1834-44; personal affairs; since Morgan etc. Masonry not cultivated here - gave up Masonry for a time - revival of M. intercourse; going to DC. With negative photostat

Letter discusses the following topics: In Boston on pension claims; seen E. A. Raymond, Ruel Baker, & C. W. Moore, had several interviews; preparing Masonic memorial to General Warren; see Moore's Mag; in New York with Christie before Apr 10; PS: Boston Bn want patents; particulars Massachusetts qualification of Baker & Christie