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

[133] and in the esteem of the wise and good. He was not only free from the vices incident to a military life, but, what was remarkable, he had acquired more elevated sentiments of morality and religion. He was received in his native town with all the kindness, the congratulations and attentions which love and friendship could elicit, or respect inspire. He was rich in honor and glory; but he had nothing to meet the claims of his beloved family but the caresses of an affectionate heart.

His old friend, Dr. Tufts, being infirm and advanced in life, was desirous of relinquishing his practice into the hands of his favorite pupil, whom he thought so worthy of confidence. His fellow-townsmen responded to the wishes of his patron. He accordingly recommenced the practice of physic, under the most favorable auspices, in Medford and the neighboring towns. He was soon after elected a fellow of this society, and was one of its most valuable and respected members. On the extension and new organization of the society, in the year 1803, he was elected a counsellor, and continued to discharge the duties of this office with fidelity until he was Governor of the Commonwealth. He was then discontinued at his own request. In the year 1808, by the appointment of the board of counsellors, he delivered an anniversary discourse on Pneumonia, which has been published, and evinces a mind well stored with medical science and correct practical observation.

On his retiring from the chair of state, he was again chosen counsellor, with the view of electing him President of our society. It is unnecessary for me to expatiate on the pride and satisfaction we derived from his accepting this honor. Your own feelings will best convey to you the height of the honor which he reflected on our society. That he felt a deep interest in our prosperity, we have ample evidence in his so kindly remembering us in his will.

As a physician, he ranked in the first class of practitioners. He possessed in an eminent degree those qualities which were calculated to render him the most useful in his professional labors, and the delight of those to whom he administered relief. His manners were dignified, courteous, and benign. He was sympathetic, patient, and attentive. His kind offices were peculiarly acceptable from the felicitous manner in which he performed them. His mind was well furnished with scientific and practical knowledge. He was accurate in his investigations, and clear in his discernment. He, therefore, rarely failed in forming a true diagnosis. If he were not so bold and daring as some in the administration of remedies, it was because his judgment and good sense led him to prefer erring on the side of prudence rather than on that of rashness. He watched the operations of nature, and never interfered, unless it was obvious he could aid and support her. He was truly the “Hierophant of nature,” studying her mysteries and obeying her oracles.