Letter from John James Joseph Gourgas to Giles F. Yates, 1828 March 29

In this letter, Gourgas, a member of the Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, states he has received Yates' letter of March 24. Gourgas has obtained the roll containing "Egyptian Mysteries" and thanks Yates for adding Gourgas to his "list of confidential friends." Writes that he wants to collect whatever is "going on or published against" Freemasonry. In reference to Yates' Grand Council Princes of Jerusalem at Albany, Gourgas provides a brief history of the Sovereign Grand Consistory and Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, and an explanation of its authority. This authority was acknowledged by the Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction, in a letter dated March 22, 1827, which Gourgas summarizes. He also provides Yates with instructions on how to proceed with the creation of a "proper constitutional charter" for Albany Sovereign Consistory. In response to the increasing pressure in Western New York because of the Morgan affair, Gourgas asks Yates not to constitute any more consistories and to safeguard the documents relating to the Sublime degrees. Asks Yates to bring his set of rituals, regulations, and whatever was purchased from Jacob De La Motta when he visits New York City.

Letter discusses the following topics: Mar 24 letter; Egypt Mysteries; antimasonry; no knowledge of Albany; Sovereign Grand Consistory organized August 6, 1806 & Supreme Council 33, August 5, 1813; powers ceased unless confirmed; Southern Supreme Council letter March 22