Nueva York: Imprenta de El Espejo Masónico, 1866. First edition. 8vo, iv, [1], 384pp. in Spanish. Portrait frontis, few illustrations in the text. Presentation copy inscribed by Cassard to Samuel Todd and dated in 1866 on the ffep. Publisher's patterned brown cloth stamped in blind and gilt. Edges of boards and spine faded, very slight split at base of upper joint. Light foxing to prelims else clean internally and very good.

Tremendous signed copy of this collection by French Cuban Freemason, Andres Cassard (1823-?).  This volume 1 (of 3?) collects the first 12 issues of Cassard's Spanish language Masonic Mirror.  This Freemason news and history publication targeted lodges and communities in Spanish speaking countries, as well as those the U.S., such as his own La Fraternidad Lodge #387 in New York.  Founded in 1855 by Cassard, it was the first such in the Northeastern United States.

Cassard was exiled from Cuba for supporting the country's independence from Spain in 1857 and moved to New York.  Two years later, Albert Pike authorized Cassard to create higher Masonic offices in Cuba.  As there was an execution warrant for for him there, Cassard stayed aboard his ship.   During this time, he founded the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree for Cuba and the Spanish Antilles (COGA) as well as the Grand Lodge of Colón, helping to revive Freemasonry in The West Indies, namely Cuba and Puerto Rico.  It was also likely during this time, these Espejo Masónico began publication.  

As the Civil War began, Pike aligned himself with the South, becoming a Confederate Brigadier General.  He began to speak out against the inclusion of Caribbean Masons, people of color, and Spanish-speaking communities into the Southern Scottish Rite.  This put him at odds with Cassard and his efforts in Cuba and New York, the very efforts Pike had previously authorized.  In this same narrative and further adding to the intrigue of this book is the inscription to Samuel M. Todd (1815-1905) from Cassard.  Todd served as Grand Master of Masons in Louisiana in 1859, 1868, and 1870-1872.  He was also grand commander of the Knights Templar of Louisiana in 1866-67.  Further research may reveal a relationship between Cassard and Todd, with Cassard's shared French Creole background, and how they influenced Freemasonry membership in the South at this time, navigating the Civil War. 

Price: $2,000.00