Royal and Select Master manuscript, circa 1850

Document entitled "Royal and Select Master" opens with the question: "We have been asked several times, what kind of degrees are the above mentioned and where did they come from?" It uses information from the Circular of the Supreme Grand Council of Sov. Gr. Insp. Gen. of 33° to address these questions. This document ascertains that the degrees of Royal and Select Master cannot be separated from the series of degrees conferred from the Lodges of Perfection and therefore, a Counsil [sic] of R & S Master cannot be legally established. It closes with admonition: "...to all good Masons not to have anything to do with the so called 'Grand Counsil of Royal and Select Master of New York, as such degrees as cultivated are improper, inconsistent and inconstitutional [sic], and a charter, if got from Br. Turner is an unlawful and an irregular one.'"