Poinsea and the Freemason for whom the Plant was Named Joel Roberts Poinsett

2 1779 – 12 December 1851

Compiled & Edited by W. Bro. Robert Mayne

Indigenous to Mexico and aended the Polish Nobleman, when Central America, the he received his death wounds during siege . Poinsea was introduced to the by Joel Elisha’s son, Joel Poinse's formal educaon began in Roberts Poinse the first England where the family lived for six years from 1782 United States Minister to Mexico who introduced the unl 1788. Aer returning to America, he aended a plant to the United States in 1825. succession of private schools in Conneccut. He is said to have been a good scholar, especially disnguishing A South Carolinian born in Charlestown (or London, himself in languages, both ancient and modern. He the records are uncertain), to a wealthy physician, Dr. became fluent in French, Spanish, Italian, German and Elisha Poinse, and his wife Katherine Ann Roberts. Russian which prepared him for the diplomac career he was to follow.

At about 17 of age Joel Poinse was sent to England to further his studies and indulge his desire to travel. He aended a school not far from London where he rapidly mastered classical languages. In October, 1797, determined to follow his father's wishes, Poinse enrolled in medical school in Edinburgh, but a weak constuon intervened and he visited the warmer climate of the south of France to recuperate. On his return he tried in vain to gain access to the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, but as a republican the doors of this instuon were barred to him. He was able to receive instrucon from Marquois an professor at the Royal Military Academy before returning home to Charleston in 1800.

He wished to pursue a military career, but this was opposed by his father who was determined that his son should not shoulder a musket in peace me. Hoping to ence his son to sele into the Charleston aristocracy, Dr. Poinse had his son study law under Henry William DeSaussure, a prominent lawyer of Charleston. Poinse was not interested in becoming a lawyer, and convinced his parents to allow him to go Joel Roberts Poinse - 1801 on an extended tour of Europe in 1801. DeSaussure Medium Watercolor on Ivory sent with him a list of law books including Blackstone's Arst—Edward Greene Malbone (1777–1807) Commentaries and Burn’s Ecclesiascal Law, just in case young Poinse changed his mind regarding the pracce of law.

Dr. Elisha Poinse accompanied an American division The young Elisha Poinse journeyed to Europe, sent to co-operate with French General and Admiral travelling through France, Italy, the Swiss Alps, the city Charles Hector comte d'Estaing, in his siege of of Naples and even hiked up Mount Etna on the island Savannah during the American Revoluonary War. He of Sicily. In the spring of 1803 he returned to

1 Poinsea and the Freemason for Whom the Plant was Named

Switzerland where he met Aloys von Reding the Swiss journeyed through southern Russia, accompanied by patriot, military leader and polician. Later that year his English friend Lord Royston and eight others. He he journeyed to Austria and on to Munich travelled to Moscow, a city that would be burned where in December he received word of the death of only 5 years later by the forces of . Poinse his father and of his sister Susan’s illness. travelled by the Vlaga river to . On entering the Caucasus the party was provided with a Poinse arrived back in Charlestown and took his Cossack escort and journeyed between Tarki and sister to new York believing the sea voyage would be Derbent where, fearing the Cassock escort may beneficial to her health. Susan died on arriving in provoke danger, placed themselves under the New York and Poinse travelled back to Charleston. protecon of the tartar chiefs, believing a larger As the sole remaining heir, Poinse inherited a small party made it less vulnerable to aack. As it passed fortune in town houses out of Russia proper, they were joined by others and lots, plantaons, including a Persian merchant, who was transporng bank stock, and “English young girls he had acquired in Circassia to and funds.” The enre harems in Turkey. With a strong Persian and Kopak Poinse estate was guard, the party le Derbent and entered the realm valued at a hundred of the Khan of Kuban. thousand dollars. While traveling through the Khanate, a tribal chief In 1806 Poinse travelled stole some of the horses in Poinse’s party. Poinse to Russia, where Lewis boldly decided to go to the court of Kan in the city of Harris, consul of the Kuban to demand the return of the horses. The Kan United States at St never having heard of The United States had many Petersburg, hoped to quesons that Poinse answered speaking at length Csar Alexander I introduce Poinse at on it’s geography. The Khan was impressed and told court to Czar Alexander. Poinse that the head of the guilty chief was his for When the Empress learned that he was South the asking, yet since the thief had made it possible for Carolina she invited him to inspect the coon him to accept such a disnguished visitor, perhaps a factories at Cronstadt. Harris and Poinse journeyed pardon might be in order. by sleigh to inspect the factories and Poinse suggested improvements to the Dowager Empress, Poinse travelled to visit the petroleum pits in the Maria Feodorovna. Interesngly Poinse did not Baku region, a pilgrimage spot for fire-worshipers. believe the coon industry could be successful in The Persian khan showed him a pool of petroleum, Russia because of the necessity of employing serfs which he speculated might someday be used for fuel. who received no compensaon and therefore could By 1861 Baku produced about 90% of the world's oil. have no interest in its prosperity. Furthermore, he believed that the instuon of serfdom made it Aracted by the military movements in the Caucasus difficult for Russia to have a merchant marine or Mountains, Poinse visited Erivan, and journeyed become industrialized. Poinse believed hat only a through the mountains of Armenia to the Black Sea, free and Democrac Republican form of government, then through Ukraine, reaching Moscow late in 1807. as established in the United States, could form the The trip had been hazardous and Poinse’s health foundaon for the development and progress of a was much impaired. Furthermore, of the nine who naon, but at least a proporon of the populaon in had set out on the journey the previous March, the United States, would have struggled to Poinse and two others were the only survivors. understand how serfdom was much different from the burden of slavery in the coon fields of South Upon his return to Moscow, Czar Alexander’s offered Carolina. Poise a posion as colonel in the Russian Army. However, news had reached Russia of the aack of At a dinner in the palace, January 1807, Csar the H.M.S. Leopard upon the Chesapeake , and war Alexander aempted to ence Poinse into the between the United States and Great Britain seemed Russian civil or military service. Seeing Poinse certain. Before leaving Russia, Poinse met one last hesitate he suggested that he travel and “see the me with Czar Alexander, who expressed his approval Empire, acquire the language, study the people” and of the energec measures by the Congress of the then make his decision. Poinse accepted and United States to resist the marime pretensions of

2 Poinsea and the Freemason for whom the Plant was Named

Britain. The Czar declared that Russia and the United once exploring the commercial possibilies of the new States should maintain the same policy of respect. naon. He quickly got to meet the leaders of the Poinse again met with Foreign Minister Count revoluonary junta, and achieved some minor Romanzoff where the Russian disclosed to Poinse concessions for American trade. However, his steps that the Czar ardently desired to have a minister from were closely watched by the Brish consul and the the United States at the Russian Court. local Brish merchants, who opposed his every move.

At this me South Americans were embroiled in wars Poinse soon realized that his acvies in Argenne of independence from Spain. For the first me their had reached a dead end. In the meanme, based on ports were open to foreign shipping, free from the his reports, an appointment arrived from Washington, stringent restricons imposed by the Spanish making him Consul General for Argenne, Chile and homeland. Seeing these new opportunies to expand Perú, so by the end of November 1811 he took the its trade, Great Britain had already sent emissaries to road to Chile, where he expected to find beer Buenos Aires. The American government saw this opportunies. development with concern, not wishing to let its old Colonial masters Poinse le us a fascinang encroach into its southern backyard. descripon of his voyage, traversing the flat pampas, a wasteland which he In 1809 President , compared to the Russian steppes, flat, signatory to the constuon, 4th US devoid of trees, with scant, brackish President off the United States and water. He was fortunate not to be Father of the Bill of Rights, decided to murdered by the ferocious Indians, be cauous, and to send somebody and then came the crossing of the who could establish proper contacts, Andes, the imposing Cordillera, which start negoaons, and yet a man who had to be traversed mounted on was not a career diplomat, so he mules, along mountain paths so would not appear as official narrow that even the beasts of burden representave of the American somemes lost their foong and fell government and would not with their passenger to the boom of compromise it. He appointed Poinse President James Madison the gorge. The crossing took several as ‘Consul in General’. Poinse was to days, but when they finally reached invesgate the prospects of the the other side, and Poinse saw the revoluonists, in their struggle for independence from ferle central valley of Chile, he believed he had come Spain. to a patch of heaven on earth. His journey had lasted 32 days. He reached Sanago on 29 December 1811. On October 15, 1810, Poinse le aboard the Niagara The official recepon occurred on February 24, 1812. bound for Brazil. The voyage was stormy and the Poinse was the first accredited agent of a foreign captain was not a very able seaman, he lacked a government to reach Chile. compass and the ship almost floundered on the coast of Brazil. Aer seventy days, they finally reached Rio This was a crical me in the Chilean independence de Janeiro on the eve of , only to discover struggle. They had the previous year declared their that the captain was incapable of finding the entrance independence on 18 September 1810, but Spanish to the harbour. soldiers sll occupied the far south, and the Spanish Viceroy in Peru was preparing to send an Only the next day Poinse could set foot on land and expedionary force to regain control of the country. immediately went to see Thomas Sumter, the The independence movement was in danger, and – as American Minister to the Portuguese court in Brazil. It later events would prove – independence could not be appears that Poinse became enthralled by the achieved for several more years. luxurious local flora, because he remained in Rio for several weeks. Shipping was irregular at the me, and The Larrain and Carrera families were jockeying for he had to wait for a ship to take him to Argenne. power in Chile. By the me Poinse arrived, the Finally, a Brish vessel arrived, and in January of 1811 Carreras gained control under its leader, José Miguel he travelled to Buenos Aires. Carrera. Like Poinse José Miguel Carrera was a Freemason and he shared with Poinse the same Poinse was well received at first, and he started at devoon for the republican form of government and

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for the philosophical ideals of the firmly believed was a milestone of Enlightenment. Thus, it is not polical science and a model for all surprising that the two developed countries of Spanish America. Poinse's an immediate liking for each other. advice was accepted in almost every Poinse, who was older and more instance, and the first dra of the experienced, and he soon became Constuon was completed in October a trusted confident and military 1812. advisor to the Chilean ruler. Flag of the Patria Vieja (1812–1814). During this period, a family quarrel broke The Chileans were divided, some of out between José Miguel Carrera and them – the wealthy land owners his younger brother Juan José, who and the Spanish-born - wanted to commanded the infantry in the remain under Spanish rule, while revoluonary army. The dispute could most of the "criollos" – those born have ended in civil war, but Poinse in Chile - thought otherwise, but intervened, and his arbitraon they themselves were divided succeeded in restoring the peace between those who wanted to gain between the two brothers. José Miguel, some form of autonomy while who had resigned to avoid bloodshed, Chilean Flag adopted 18 October remaining faithful subjects of the returned to the Presidency of the junta. Spanish crown, and those who strove to gain complete independence and form a republic, though, Unknown to Poinse at the me, the United States on to tell the truth, they had lile idea of what form that 18 June 1812 declared war on the of government should take. Great Britain and Ireland. The factors leading to this declaraon included trade restricons brought about In the spring of 1812 the movement to separate Chile by the Brish war with France, the impressment of from Spanish rule gained impetus. A naonal flag was American merchant sailors into the Royal Navy, Brish created, and the 4th of July was set to formally support of Indian tribes against American expansion, dedicate the new emblem. Poinse, who had invited outrage over insults to naonal honour aer members of the government and some three hundred humiliaons on the high seas and American interest in other Chilean personalies to a celebraon in the annexing Brish North American territory, part of Consul's residence, was careful to stress the symbolic modern-day Canada. The war ended two and half connecon between the Chileans and the Americans. years later with the treaty of Paris. The Stars and Stripes was flown entwined with the three colours of the Chilean flag. Poinse’s main adversary in Chile was the junta of Peru. The Colonial Viceroy of Peru resented the Unfortunately, the fesvity was somewhat marred by Chileans’ disregard for Spanish authority. He declared the disorderly conduct of some American sailors who the laws of the new Chilean government relave to got drunk and had to be thrown out. In the end they free commerce null and void and sent privateers to got involved in a brawl, shots were fired, several enforce the old colonial system. Seizure of ships and Americans were wounded, and one died. Poinse was confiscaon of cargoes followed, to the dismay of morfied, but his good relaons with the Chilean foreign traders, especially Americans. Poinse learned government remained unaffected. In fact, Poinse of the seizure of an American whaler searching for was soon invited to join an even more important supplies from an intercepted leer from the governor project, which marked a new step towards of San Carlos de Chiloe to the viceroy of Lima. independence: wring a Constuon for the new Furthermore, he received intelligence that ten other republic. American vessels were seized at Talcahuano in the Bay of Concepción. With lile guidance from the Madison Father Camilo Henriquez, editor of the first Chilean administraon, Poinse decided that something had newspaper, La Aurora de Chile, and six other to be done to halt violaons of American neutral prominent Chileans were appointed to draw up the rights. document, together with Poinse. We shall not be surprised to learn that the meengs were held in his Poinse urged Chile to close its ports to Peru, but the home. Poinse took as his model the recently enacted authories in Sanago did not feel they were strong Constuon of the United States of America, which he enough to take such a step. Instead they urged

4 Poinsea and the Freemason for whom the Plant was Named

Poinse to aid them in obtaining arms and supplies When Poinse returned to Buenos Aires, he found a from the United States. Although Poinse furnished Junta that was very well established with a strong the names of certain dealers, many of them were Brish influence. He managed to negoate a already too involved with the conflict between the commercial agreement with the Junta by which U.S. and Britain to give any aenon to the Chileans. American arcles of general consumpon were admied free of duty. As American shipping had been The seizure of American ships by royalist Peru driven from the South Atlanc, it took some me to connued. Poinse's commission stated that he was find passage back to the United States. Poinse finally to protect all American property and provide for secured passage aboard a vessel going to the Bahia, a American cizens. Aer a consultaon with Carrera, state in the north eastern part of Brazil. From there he Poinse accepted a commission into the Chilean army transferred to another ship bound for the Madeira to fight against the Spanish Royalists based in Peru. Islands, located 535 miles from mainland Europe. This was certainly a most unusual acvity for a Poinse finally reached Charleston on 28 May 1815. properly accredited diplomat. The US was at war with England, but not with Spain. In fact, the Washington Returning to Charleston in 1815, Poinse spent the government had declared its neutrality regarding the first few months pung his personal affairs in order. conflict between Spain and its American colonies. From now unl 1825, Poinse stayed in seeking to build a reputaon in his home Poinse was later given the rank of general in state, and hold office. Yet, he became to be respected Carrera’s army. He led a charge at the head of the as an authority on Lan American affairs. In 1816 Chilean cavalry in the Bale of San Carlos and secured Poinse received a leer from his old friend General a victory for Chile. From there, he went with a baery Jose Miguel Carrera. of flying arllery to the Bay of Concepon, where ten American vessels had been seized. He arrived at dark Since Poinse’s departure, the Chilean Royalists had near the seaport of Talcahuano, and began firing on consolidated their hold on Chile, and aer spending a the town. At dawn he sent an emissary to demand the year in exile in the provinces of the Rio de la Plata, surrender of the bay to the Junta of Chile. The Carrera came to the United States in January 1816 to Peruvian royalists surrendered on 29 May 1813. smulate interest for a revoluon in Chile. Poinse wrote Carrera back stang that he intended to urge In early September 1813, the United States Frigate the U.S. government to develop decisive policy Essex arrived in Chilean waters and cleared them of regarding the Spanish colonies. President James English whalers and cruisers. When Commodore David Madison received General Carrera warmly, but never Porter of the U.S.S. Essex arrived in Sanago, Poinse offered him any official encouragement because he received the first authoritave news of the War of worried that seriously entertaining Carrera might 1812. He now desired more than ever to return to his jeopardize gaining . Carrera’s only hope of help home. However, this could not happen unl came from his former comrade. Commodore Porter completed his cruise of the Pacific. Finally, as the Essex set out with Poinse In July 1816, Poinse travelled to New York to meet aboard, the Phoebe and Cherub, Brish warships were Carrera. While there, Poinse aempted to interest spoed in the port of Valparaiso. Commodore Porter , the wealthy owner of the American returned to Sanago to ulize the guns of the fort Fur Company, in supplying Carrera’s Chilean there. He also hoped the neutrality of the bay would revoluonists with weapons; however, Astor declined discourage any Brish aack. Captain Hillyer aacked to get involved. In August 1816, Poinse was able to nonetheless, and Commodore Porter was defeated. arrange some conferences in Philadelphia between The Brish decided to send their American prisoners the Chilean leader and some of Napoleon’s former back to the U.S. in a cartel. Poinse was forced to stay officers. Among them were Marshal Emanuel behind in Chile. Grouchy, who had commanded Napoleon’s body guards during the Russian Campaign. Poinse also The period of the "Patria Vieja", the old fatherland, arranged a meeng between Carrera and General had ended, and it would take another war, this me Bertrand Count Clauzel. Clauzel had disnguished started a few years later with the invasion of Chile by himself in the Napoleonic Wars and was given the an army led by José de San Marn and Bernardo disncon of Peer of France by Napoleon in 1815. O'Higgins, to bring about the final defeat of the Although Carrera’s movement never benefited from Spaniards. the experience of these French officers, Poinse did succeed in obtaining contracts with the firm D’Arcy

5 Poinsea and the Freemason for Whom the Plant was Named

seat in the State House of Representaves. As he was beginning his first term in April 1817, the rumored posion of American envoy to South America became reality. On 25 April 1817, acng Secretary of State Robert Rush offered Poinse the posion of special commissioner to South America stang, “No one has beer qualificaons for this trust than yourself.” Rush also added that he would be personally grafied by Poinse’s acceptance.

Nevertheless, Poinse declined the honor. In May, Poinse explained to President that he had recently accepted a seat in the legislature of South Carolina and could not resign it “without some more important move than this commission presents.” Poinse perceived that the mission would not lead to any substanal decision for recognion and was unwilling to give up his seat in the House. In the same leer, Poinse offered his knowledge of South America to the service of whomever the Monroe administraon appointed.

Poinse’s polical values mirrored those of others at the me who considered themselves Jeffersonian Republicans. One of the most important measures (Old Hickory) supported by Jeffersonian Republicans following the 15 March 1767 – 8 June 1845 was that of federally funded . As a member of the state legislature, 7th President of the United States this was one of Poinse’s passions. Aer being re- 1829–1837 elected to the South Carolina House in 1818, he became a member of the Commiee on Internal Member of Harmony Lodge #1 Improvements and Waterways. & La Fayee Royal Arch Chapter #4 Poinse also served on the South Carolina Board of and Didier of Philadelphia to supply arms for the Public Works as President. One of the main plans of expedion which Carrera was planning. this board was to link the interior of the state with the seaboard. Another important project was the On August 29, 1816, Poinse set out on a tour of the construcon of a highway from Charleston through U.S. along with four men and one slave from Columbia, to the north western border of South Charleston. He visited Philadelphia then made stops in Carolina. It was designed to promote interstate Pisburgh and Cincinna, before stopping in commerce as well as to draw commerce from eastern Lexington, Kentucky where he stayed with Tennessee and western North Carolina to Charleston. Congressman . From Lexington, the Poinse, a seasoned traveler, knew beer than travelers made their way to Louisville, and then on to anyone the importance of good roadways. Through Nashville, Tennessee. While in Nashville, Poinse and his journeys in New England in 1804 and especially to his companions had breakfast with Andrew Jackson , the west in 1816, Poinse understood that his country who would later beome the 7th President of the could benefit from transportaon facilies. United States. Poinse, aer traversing more than two thousand miles, finally returned to Charleston in In 1820, Poinse won a seat in the United States early November 1816. House of Representaves for the Charleston district. As a congressman, Poinse connued to call for Poinse was aware that his friends had nominated internal improvements, but he also advocated the him to represent Charleston, South Carolina in the maintenance of a strong army and navy. In December state legislature. In Greenville on his way back home, 1823, Poinse submied a resoluon calling upon the he learned that he had won the nominaon and had a Commiee on Naval Affairs to inquire into the

6 Poinsea and the Freemason for whom the Plant was Named expediency of authorizing the construcon of ten peace between both camps. addional sloops of war. As a member of the Commiee on Foreign Affairs, Poinse took strong Soon aer his arrival, Poise was approached by views on developments in South America. Poinse’s members of newly formed lodges. These polical views were aligned with such naonalists as included policians and military men who wanted to Secretary of State and Secretary get rid of Iturbide and his facon, and to establish a of War John C. Calhoun. Poinse, like many opponents firm republican form of government. of Clay's American system, opposed the Tariff of 1824. Once again, Poinse deviated from his role as In 1821 he was elected Deputy Grand Master of the diplomat. Although later he would claim that he did of South Carolina, and that same year he not expect the York Masons to act beyond their was elected Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of legimate funcons of benevolence and charity, he South Carolina, holding that office could not have ignored the intense for the next 20 years. polical forces that were behind the creaon of the compeng Masonic In the presidenal elecons of 1824, bodies. The Scosh Rite Masons, also Poinse supported Andrew Jackson, known as "Centralists" or "Escoceses", who lost. John Quincy Adams was were already policized, and the York elected instead and coincidentally, lodges, with the help of Poinse, soon on 7 March 1825, Poinse resigned formed their own Grand Lodge, and from Congress to accept as became the centre of an opposion appointment as the US Minister to polical force known as the Mexico. "Federalists" or Yorkinos.

Poinse already knew Mexico. He Mackey in his work, The History of had been there in 1822, sent by in South Carolina, President Monroe to examine the records that In 1826 the Grand Lodge condions in the newly independent of South Carolina received a leer a naon and to determine if the leer from Poinse. The contents of United States should recognize the 29 September 1786 – 21 March 1843 the leer are unknown but as a result local government. Mexico was then 1st President of Mexico the following resoluon was adopted: ruled by Agusn de Iturbide, an army officer who first had fought for the Spaniards, then That the Grand Lodge do constute our worthy against them, and finally took control of the country Brother, Joel R. Poinse, the Minister declaring himself Emperor. He was an acve Scosh Plenipotenary of the United States, near the Rite Mason. Poinse, whose republican insnct made Republic of Mexico, the Agent and Representave him abhor the trappings of empire, took an instant of the Grand Lodge, for the purpose of dislike to the man. establishing friendly relaons with the Lodges of that Republic. That our said Representave be On returning to Mexico in 1825, Poinse met the new authorized, in the manner of the Grand Lodge, to President, Manuel Felix Fernández, beer known by visit and inspect the working of the said Lodges, his nom de guerre Guadalupe Victoria, who had been and, if deemed expedient, to grant dispensaons elected in October of 1824. Guadalupe Victoria has for the constung and working of Lodges the disncon of being the only Mexican President to according to the ancient landmarks, as fixed by serve his full term during the first 50 years of Mexican this Grand Lodge; with a request that he will independence. He also has the disncon of having communicate to the Grand Lodge such abolished slavery in his country. informaon and advice as will enable it to promote the cause of Masonry in that country. The conservave followers of Iturbide, however, many of whom were Scosh Rite masons, connued Whilst the Grand Lodge of South Carolina did not undermining Victoria and doing all they could to bring warrant Lodges in Mexico it is believed that Poinse Iturbide back. They were commanded by the received warrant for three Lodges from The Grand conservave Nicolás Bravo, who had been elected Lodge of New York. A York Rite Mexican Grand Lodge Vice-President in a fule move designed to bring was soon established and developed with amazing

7 Poinsea and the Freemason for Whom the Plant was Named

speed. In the course of five months some eighty-two Arch Masonry into Mexico. lodges were established. During his me in Mexico Poinse visited the area As Guadalupe Victoria's presidenal term came to its south of Mexico City around Taxco del Alarcon, where close in 1828, the conservave Vice-President, Nicolás he found what was later to become known in the Bravo, a Centralist and Scosh Rite Mason, rebelled United States as the poinsea. In Mexico the and issued a proclamaon, known as the Montano Poinsea it is called "Flor de Noche Plan, which contained four main points: the first was Buena" ( flower). The Aztecs referred to to prohibit by law all secret sociees; second, all the winter-blooming plant as cuetlaxochitl ; its Lan ministers were to be dismissed; third, Poinse was to name is Euphorbia Pulcherrima or "the most beauful be expelled from Mexico, and finally, the Constuon Euphorbia." The Aztecs used the plant to produce red was to be rigidly enforced. dye and as an anpyrec medicaon. Poinse, an avid amateur botanist, sent samples of the plant home to Then came about one of the strangest bales of the States and by 1836 the plant was most widely history, fought by armies led by the Grand Masters of known as the "poinsea." Even though the Mexican two contesng Grand Lodges: Nicolás Bravo was naves of Taxco claimed the plants had medicinal Grand Master of the Escoceses, while Vicente properes, Dr. Poinse was unable to discover any Guerrero was Grand Master of the Yorkinos. The such properes bale took place outside Mexico City and the Yorkinos were victorious. Bravo was sent to exile. The poinsea was first introduced into culvaon and commercial trade by Bartram’s Garden on June 6, The elecons of 1828 were fiercely contested. 1829 at “The first semi-annual exhibion of fruits, Although Gómez Pedraza was declared the winner, he flowers and plants, of the Pennsylvania Horcultural was forced to leave the country, and Vicente Society”. The owner of the Guerrero, with the support of Santa Anna, Závala and commercial nursery at the Poinse, assumed power. me was Col. Robert Carr, married to Ann Bartram-Carr Poinse had overstayed his welcome. His acve the granddaughter of the involvement in Mexican polical life had become too famous American Nurseryman blatant, to the point that it antagonized even the John Bartram. Col Carr people he supported. He was unable to fulfil his received seeds and plants that instrucons to acquire and to convince the exhibited “A new Euphorbia Mexicans to redraw the border line moving it further with bright scarlet bracteas or floral leaves, presented to the south. to the Bartram Collecon by Mr. Poinse, United States Minister to Mexico.” At his installaon as Deputy General Grand High Priest, Royal Arch Masons, 3 April 1830, Poinse Whilst Poinse was responsible for introducing the defended his acon in helping the Mexican brethren Poinsea to the United States, and Col. Robert Carr saying: "I have been most unjustly accused of for it’s early cultivation, it was Abert Ecke and his extending our order and our defendants who would make the poinsea a firm principals into a neighbouring Christmas favourite. country with a view of converng them into an engine of polical Albert Ecke emigrated from Germany to Los Angeles in influence. In the presence of this . . 1900, opening a dairy and orchard in the Eagle Rock . assembly and on the symbols of area. He became intrigued by the plant and sold them our order which are spread around from street stands. His son, Paul Ecke, developed the me and the sacred book which is graing technique, but it was the third generaon of open before me I solemnly aver that this accusaon is Eckes, Paul Ecke Jr., who was responsible for false and unfounded--and that if Masonry has advancing the associaon between the plant and anywhere been converted to any other purposes than Christmas. Paul Ecke was a fiy-year Golden Veteran that for which it was instuted I have in no way of Oceanside-San Dieguito Lodge #381. His son, Paul contributed to such perversion of its principles." Jr. was also a member of the same Lodge. Besides changing the market from mature plants shipped by Poinse is also associated with the introducon Royal rail to cungs sent by air, he sent free plants to

8 Poinsea and the Freemason for whom the Plant was Named television staons for them to display on air from Christmas miracle right before their eyes. From Thanksgiving to Christmas. He also appeared on that day on, the bright red flowers were known television programs like The Tonight Show and Bob as the Flores de Noche Buena, or Flowers of the Hope's Christmas specials to promote the plants. Holy Night, for they bloomed each year during the Christmas season. Today, the common The Ecke family, who had moved their operaon to name for this plant is the poinsea! Encinitas, California, in 1923, had a virtual monopoly on poinseas owing to a technique that made their But what happened to plants much more aracve. They produced a fuller, man who gave the plant more compact plant by graing two variees of his name? Poinse poinsea together. A poinsea le to grow on its requested his recall in own will naturally take an open, somewhat weedy 1829 and he returned to look. The Eckes' technique made it possible to get South Carolina, to oppose every seedling to branch, resulng in a bushier plant. John Caldwell Calhoun, to espouse the Unionist In the 1990s, a university researcher discovered the cause in the ‘Nullificaon’ method previously known only to the Eckes and quarrels, and to again published it, allowing competors to flourish, serve in the South parcularly those using low-cost labour in Lan Carolina state legislature, America. The Ecke family's business, now led by Paul from 1830 to 1831. Ecke III, decided to stop producing plants in the U.S., but as of 2008, they sll serve about 70 percent of the Nullificaon was a States Sovereignty issue. At domesc market and 50 percent of the worldwide queson was the right of a state to nullify or market. The sale of poinsea currently contributes invalidate Federal law. The public unrest leading to over 250 million US dollars annually to the US the demands for nullificaon, was caused by the economy. In the US the 12th of December is imposion of Federal Tariffs. Those in favour of recognised as Naonal Poinsea day. nullificaon argued that the right to nullify unjust federal laws was enshrined in the US constuon. It is All good Masonic stories needs a legend and this story worth nong that whilst Poinse’s Unionist party also is no different. opposed the tariffs, they believed nullificaon to be an unconstuonal and sought other means to A charming story is told of Pepita, a poor oppose the tariffs. Ships where sent to Charleston Mexican girl who had no gi to present the Harbour, troops where deployed and milia formed, Christ Child at Christmas Eve Services. As Pepita and for some me it looked as if the situaon could walked slowly to the chapel with her cousin develop into a full scale civil war. Eventually a Pedro, her heart was filled with sadness rather compromise posion was reached, but the fracture in than joy. “I am sure, Pepita, that even the most American society had formed, and would not heal humble gi, if given in love, will be acceptable in unl the American Civil War seled the issue of states His eyes,” said Pedro consolingly. Not knowing rights. what else to do, Pepita knelt by the roadside and gathered a handful of common weeds, In the fight against Nullificaon, Poinse was fashioning them into a small bouquet. Looking President Andrew Jackson's confidenal agent. at the scraggly bunch of weeds, she felt more Between October 1832, and March 1833, his saddened and embarrassed than ever by the correspondence kept Jackson abreast of the evolving humbleness of her offering. She fought back a situaon in their home state, helping Jackson to cra tear as she entered the small village chapel. As policy in regards to the crisis. He was occupied thus she approached the alter, she remembered unl 1833, when he married the widow Mary Izard Pedro’s kind words: “Even the most humble gi, Pringle (1780-1857), daughter of Ralph and Elizabeth if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes.” (Stead) Izard. She felt her spirit li as she knelt to lay the bouquet at the foot of the navity scene. When, we do not know, but we do know that Poinse Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into became a Master Mason, and served as Past Master blooms of brilliant red, and all who saw them of Recovery Lodge #31, Greenville, and Solomon's were certain that they had witnessed a Lodge #1, Charleston.

9 Poinsea and the Freemason for Whom the Plant was Named

Poinse was Deputy Grand Master of South Carolina significant advantage in the Mexican War (1846-1848). and in line for the Grand Master’s chair when President Marn Van Buren appointed him Secretary In 1841 Poinse again rered to his plantaon at of War. He served in this office from 7 March 1837 to Georgetown, South Carolina, where he opposed the 5 March 1841. He used his posion to authorize an growing secessionist movement in his state. expedion in 1838, led by French scienst Joseph Nicholas Nicollet with the assistance of American During the 1820s, Poinse was a member of the explorer and military officer John C. Frémont, to presgious society, Columbian Instute for the survey and map the region between the Mississippi Promoon of Arts and Sciences, who counted among and Missouri rivers. Poinse also authorized an their members former presidents Andrew Jackson and expedion by the explorer Charles Wilkes that John Quincy Adams and many prominent men of the reached Antarcca and sailed through the South day, including well-known representaves of the Pacific Ocean and along the western coast of North military, government service, medical and other America. professions.

He was a cofounder of the Naonal Instute for the Promoon of Science and the Useful Arts in 1840, a group of policians advocang for the use of the "Smithson bequest" for a naonal museum that would showcase relics of the country and its leaders, celebrate American technology and document the naonal resources of North America. The group was defeated in its efforts, as other groups wanted sciensts, rather than polical leaders, guiding the fortunes of what would become the Smithsonian Instuon.

Shortly aer leading the Union Party to victory over the secessionists in his nave state, Joel Roberts Poinse became ill with tuberculosis, and hastened by an aack of pneumonia, he died near Stateburg, South Carolina on the 12 December 1851. He is buried at the Church of the Holy Cross Episcopal Cemetery, Stateburg.

He also presided over the second semole war (1835 -

1842) and the connuing removal of Indians west of the Mississippi.

It was Poinse who appointed General Winfield Sco to escort more than twenty thousand Cherokees on their "Trail of Tears" in which at least a fih died on the way.

Poinse reduced the fragmentaon of the Army by concentrang elements at central locaons and he equipped the light baeries of arllery regiments as authorized by the 1821 Army Organizaon Act. It is claimed that these improvements gave the US forces a

10 Poinsea and the Freemason for whom the Plant was Named

References 1. Notes on Mexico, Made in the Autumn of 1822: Accompanied By an Historical Sketch of the Revoluon, and Translaons of Official Reports No the Present State of That Country by Joel Robert Poinse 2. Poinse’s Mission to Mexico by William R Manning 3. hp://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/466288/Joel-R-Poinse 4. hp://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/zeldis16.html 5. hp://historicaltextarchive.com/secons.php?op=viewarcle&ard=563. 6. hps://archive.org/stream/jstor-20083269/20083269#page/n25/mode/2up 7. hp://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/466288/Joel-R-Poinse 8. hp://poinseaday.com/bill.html 9. hp://palmeomason.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/beyond-poinsea.html 10. hp://www.ecke.com and hp://poinseaday.com/bill.html 11. hp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_Roberts_Poinse 12. hp://info.acgl.eu/html/Famous_Masons/JOEL%20ROBERTS%20POINSETT.pdf 13. hp://books.google.co.uk/books?id=vJ1HAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA362-IA3&lpg=PA362- IA3&dq=Dr.+Elisha+Poinse&source=bl&ots=cLgFh6q9y0&sig=n55XMaZw4fiHfpEtqk6tsCb1BjI&hl=en&sa =X&ei=rQRWVKzpJouw7AbHqYG4Dw&ved=0CCgQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=Dr.%20Elisha% 20Poinse&f=false 14. hp://books.google.co.uk/books?id=vJ1HAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA362-IA3&lpg=PA362- IA3&dq=Dr.+Elisha+Poinse&source=bl&ots=cLgFh6q9y0&sig=n55XMaZw4fiHfpEtqk6tsCb1BjI&hl=en&sa =X&ei=rQRWVKzpJouw7AbHqYG4Dw&ved=0CCgQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=Dr.%20Elisha% 20Poinse&f=false

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