[142] The procession soon arrived at General Brooks's house, escorted by the Medford Light Infantry; and, after the introduction of a few friends, dinner was announced. The dinner was a private one, in the Governor's house, and about twenty only were present. There was a witty discussion at table about the origin of the word hurrah. General Lafayette said, “I know not whence it came; but, in Massachusetts, I have learned where it has got to.” Of all the persons at that table, the writer of this alone survives. The closing sickness of the patriot was neither long nor full of pain. He bore it with calm acquiescence; and spoke of it with gratitude, as affording him an opportunity for reviewing his career, and for striking the balance in life's great ledger. He said to his cousin: “My case is beyond physicians. I have received my orders: I am ready to march.” The lamp of religion was within him trimmed and burning, and he believed that his life was hid with Christ in God. Never has there died among us a man so widely known, so highly honored, so truly beloved, or so deeply lamented. His printed compositions were few. The first public oration delivered by him was printed with this title, “An Oration delivered to the Society of the Cincinnati, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: July 4, 1787. By John Brooks, Esq.” This is just such an oration as a sensible and patriotic officer, fresh from the fields of conquest, would deliver to his fellow-officers on the Fourth of July. When President Monroe visited Boston in 1817, he said he had “read the inaugural speech of Governor Brooks with entire approbation;” and then added, “I am willing to take the principles of that speech as the basis of my administration.” After the death of the Governor, which occurred March 1, 1825, the Massachusetts Medical Society, of which he was then President, took notice of the event in the most appropriate manner. The next day, March 2, the Councillors of that Society passed the following:--
Resolved, That the Councillors regard with deep sensibility the loss by death of the late President of the Society, the Hon. John Brooks, and that they feel assured they shall express the sentiments of the Society, as they do their own, in stating that the Society has derived honor from having had at their head a man
