"On Wednesday, one of the grandest Masonic processions took place, for the purpose of laying the corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States, which, perhaps, was ever exhibited on the like important occasion.

"The artillery discharged a volley. The Grand Marshal delivered the Commissioners a large silver plate, with an inscription thereon, which the Commissioners ordered to be read, and was as follows:

" 'This south-east corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States of America, in the city of Washington, was laid on the 18th day of September, 1793, in the thirteenth year of American Independence, in the first year of the second term of the presidency of George Washington, whose virtues in the civil administration of his country have been as conspicuous and beneficial as his military valor and prudence have been useful in establishing her liberties, and in the year of Masonry 5793, by the President of the United States, in concert with the Grand Lodge of Maryland, several Lodges under its jurisdiction and Lodge No. 22, from Alexandria, Virginia. Thomas Johnson, David Steuart, and Daniel Carroll, Commissioners. Joseph Clark, R.W.G.M. protem. James Hoban and Stephen Hallate, Architects. Collin Williamson, Master Mason.' "

"No act of General Washington was more historic than this and yet it has found no place in the pages of our country's history. The gavel which he used on the occasion was made from a piece of the marble used in constructing the building and is now the valued possession of Lodge No. 9 (now Potomac Lodge No. 5) of Georgetown, while the little trowel, with its silver blade and ivory handle ... is the cherished property of Alexandria-Washington Lodge. The apron and sash worn by the General during these ceremonies can also be seen in the sanctum of Washington Lodge, having been presented to the Lodge by the General's nephew, Lawrence Lewis, for his son Lorenzo, in 1812."

was born in Pennsylvania, about the year 1750, and married Miss Hannah Harmon, of that State. He moved to Alexandria prior to 1783, where he resided upwards of forty years. He was an eminent physician, and, as consulting physician, attended WASHINGTON in his last illness.

He had two children, Archibald and Julia - the latter was married to Gideon Pearce, Esq., of Kent County, Md., and was the mother of Hon. James Alfred Pearce, who for a number of years was a United States Senator from Maryland.

In 1794 he commanded a company of cavalry, raised in Alexandria, to suppress what was known as the Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsylvania. (William Veitch, Esq., late Mayor of Alexandria, and Lewis Piles were members of this company.)

Dr. Dick was a member of Philadelphia Lodge, No. 2, as shown by his diploma, issued by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, dated September 24, 1779, and now preserved in this Lodge. He attended the first meeting of this Lodge, February 25, 1783 (then No. 39), for organization, and acted as secretary. He served as Worshipful Master from December 27, 1787, to April 28, 1788, when General WASHINGTON became Worshipful Master. He succeeded WASHINGTON on the 27th of December, 1789, and served until December 27, 1795; and again from December 27, 1797, to December 27, 1799. He presided at the funeral Lodge convened on Monday, December 16, 1799, to make arrangements for the interment of WASHINGTON, and on the following Wednesday (18th) performed the interesting ceremonies of the Order at the funeral.

On the 22d of February, 1800, Dr. Dick delivered, at the First Presbyterian Church, an oration on "The Day and Decease of WASHINGTON." On this occasion the Lodge, accompanied by Brooke Lodge, No. 47, was escorted to the church by the several uniformed militia companies of Alexandria, and a long line of the citizens of the town.

A few years before his death, Dr. Dick made his residence at his farm in Fairfax County, Va., near Alexandria. He died in Alexandria in 1825, leaving a widow, and was buried in the Friends' burial-ground, Queen street. His widow died in 1843.