The Daily Dispatch: October 4, 1861., [Electronic resource]

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Interesting to the Masons of Virginia.

--We have received some information connected with the invasion of Hampton by the Federals, which cannot prove otherwise than interesting to the Masonic Order. The chief actor in the affair which we are about to narrate seems to have been Col. Townsend, of the 3d New York Regiment, though he was aided by a portion of his command. When the town was occupied, and the Hessians were laying their vandal hands upon the property of the inhabitants, pillaging and destroying without limit, the persons to whom we have alluded went to the room of Hampton Lodge and secured all the records, regalia, and everything of value. These they carefully stowed in a chest and sent them to Baltimore. The fact was reported to Adjutant Alexander at Fort McHenry, and he recommended that they be deposited in some Lodge in Baltimore, which was probably done. He then waited upon Col. W. W. Moore, commander at Fort McHenry, and that officer informed him that if the Masons of Virginia would communicate with him, he would see that a safeguard was procured for their transportation to the Virginia side. Mr. Alexander took a deep interest in the matter, as did several other gentlemen in Baltimore, knowing that the ancient records of the Hampton Lodge were precious relics to the craft in Virginia.