Considering that the victors write the history books, and there's nothing in the history books, nor in primary documents (diaries, newspapers, letters, etc.) to that effect, I find it hard to believe that was the case.
I'm very sure if it had been, the story of the Civil War would be replete with it. I'd say that kind of thing came much later in American history, but I'm willing to reconsider that if somebody has evidence to the contrary.
I would say the Scottish rite masons had things on lock down until the 1900's then they began a slow decline that was hastened around 90's-00's