A new book, The Imperfect Storm, by Steven L. Harrison sheds new light on the most infamous cold case of the 19th Century: the abduction and disappearance of William Morgan.
The disappearance of William Morgan in 1826 sparked a wave of anti-Masonry across the United States. Morgan, a man with a questionable past and financial troubles, had threatened to expose the secrets of Freemasonry in a book. This angered Masons in Batavia, New York, leading to his arrest and subsequent abduction.
The book explores the historical context of Freemasonry, the events leading up to Morgan's disappearance, and the aftermath, including the trials of those involved. It delves into the complex relationships between Masons, the internal divisions within the fraternity, and the public's growing suspicion of the organization. Key points include:
Early Freemasonry and its divisions: The formation of the Grand Lodge of England and the subsequent split between the "Moderns" and "Ancients" created tensions within the fraternity. These divisions carried over to the American colonies, where lodges were established.
The rise of anti-Masonry: Anti-Masonic sentiment existed before the Morgan Affair, fueled by religious opposition, suspicion of secrecy, and accusations of elitism. However, Morgan's disappearance intensified this sentiment, leading to a widespread movement.
Morgan's questionable Masonic background: There's no proof Morgan was a legitimate Freemason. He gained Masonic knowledge through dubious means, possibly by studying with a prominent Mason or learning from existing exposures of the ritual.
The events leading to Morgan's abduction: Morgan's plan to publish a book exposing Masonic secrets, especially those of the Royal Arch degree, angered Masons in Batavia. His expulsion from a local chapter further fueled his desire for revenge.
The conspiracy and cover-up: Masons conspired to suppress Morgan's book, leading to his arrest on trumped-up charges and his eventual abduction. The involvement of high-ranking Masons and rumors of a pardon from the governor fueled public outrage.
The aftermath and trials: Morgan's disappearance led to numerous trials, but the mystery of his fate remained unsolved. The trials exposed the lengths Masons were willing to go to protect their secrets and fueled the anti-Masonic movement.
The book concludes by highlighting the lasting impact of the Morgan Affair on American history, including the formation of the Anti-Masonic Party and the decline of Freemasonry's influence. It raises questions about the nature of secrecy, the abuse of power, and the importance of individual responsibility.
The Imperfect Storm, which contains never before revealed information, new clues, new facts, and, perhaps most importantly, new answers about the Morgan Affair, will be released in January. All members of the Missouri Lodge of research will receive a copy of this hardbound, 424-page book at no charge. Both hardbound and Kindle versions will also be available on Amazon, selected libraries, and other commercial outlets.
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