HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MEDFORD, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT, IN 1630, TO THE PRESENT TIME, 1855.
Charles Brooks, Ed.

[129] there, and was soon after married, and his prospects were fair for a very respectable establishment in his profession ; but he was destined to act a more conspicuous part in the great drama of life.

The storm which had been a long lime gathering in our political horizon began now to assume a most portentous aspect, ready to burst over the country with destructive fury. The stout hearts and steady minds of our countrymen had been preparing for the shock, resolved to defend themselves against its tremendous power. The busy hum of warlike preparation was heard through the country. Companies were formed in almost every town, who held themselves in readiness to march at a minute's warning. One of these companies was raised in Reading, and Brooks was elected to command it. He gave all tile attention he could to this company, consistently with his professional duties; and was active in his exertions to drill his men, and infuse into them that heroic spirit and ardent patriotism which animated his own breast.

He was, however, much perplexed to determine what course he ought to pursue in this momentous crisis. He had a strong attachment to his profession, and was deeply impressed with the moral obligations he was under to discharge the duties of it with fidelity. The kindly affections of his heart and the amenity of his manners qualitied him to administer relief with peculiar acceptance, and gave the fullest promise of a skilful and popular physician. He had just entered into practice with flattering prospects, and with all the ardor of a youthful mind. He had already many patients afflicted with severe disease. Judge, then, with what reluctance he listened to the calls of patriotism, urging him to relinquish these prospects and duties, to engage in a contest fraught with the most appalling dangers to himself and to his country. On the other hand, he had displayed such talents as a military disciplinarian, and was so esteemed and beloved by those who were under his command, and by all who were connected with him in military duty, that he was thought the most competent to take the lead in their affairs. In the organization of a regiment, he was elected a major. This honor he declined, from an apprehension that it might call him too much from professional duties, and involve him too far in the military and political movements of the times; so that he would finally be under the necessity of relinquishing his profession; an event which he was anxiously desirous to avoid. His fellow-officers would not accept his resignation, and unanimously repeated their solicitations that he would assume the duties of an office which he was so well qualified to sustain. This flattering distinction was enough to shake his resolution. He again took the subject into serious consideration, and the same objections presented themselves to his mind. He then determined to meet his brother-officers, and absolutely decline the honors they were disposed to thrust upon him.

He was thus situated on the memorable 19th of April, 1775,