My Dear Sir and Brother,—I find that I shall be compelled to decline the mission so generously tendered me by the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States to visit the Order in New Zealand and Australia. I have held it under advisement longer than was probably prudent, in the hope that it would be possible for me to accept it. and even now very reluctantly forego the high honor of being the bearer of the friendly greetings of half a million page 28 of my brethren in America, to the brethren of another continent engaged in the same noble cause.

As this high honor and pleasurable duty, under the terms of my appointment, will now devolve upon the R. W. Deputy Grand Sire, Hon. John B. Harmon, of California, you will please notify him of my declination, and afford him all the facilities in your power to fulfil the object and purposes of this important mission.

You will also please advise the Grand Authorities of New Zealand and Australia of this change, and express to them the deep regret I feel in not being able to make them an official and fraternal visit.