[161] each one felt as if his strength had been suddenly withdrawn. No sooner had the mournful tidings reached Medford, than the inhabitants came together, and, Jan. 2, 1800, expressed their sorrow at the sad event, resolving by vote,--
That the town will pay suitable respect to the memory of the late General George Washington; and that a Committee of eleven be chosen to make the proper arrangements.In the printed order of services, “evincive of their deep regret,” the Committee request as follows:--
1. At one o'clock, P. M., the stores and shops of the town to be shut. The bell is to toll from one o'clock till the procession shall arrive at the meeting-house. The inhabitants to assemble at Union Hall, with a black crape or ribbon upon the left arm, above the elbow, as mourning. The scholars of the town school to join the procession in a body. The procession to move at two o'clock, under the direction of the Committee. 2. Females, of all ages, are requested to wear black ribbons, and to be seated in the meeting-house before the arrival of the procession. 3. Male strangers are requested to join the procession. 4. After the procession is seated, music, suited to the occasion. 5. Prayer, by the Rev. Dr. Osgood. 6. Music. 7. Eulogy, by the Hon. John Brooks, Esq. 8. Music. After which, the bell to toll till sunset.Every thing was thus done by the town which could express grief at the loss, or respect for the memory, of the venerated chief. General John Brooks, the companion in arms of the illustrious warrior, and one of his favorite friends, was the person, of all others, to deliver the public eulogy; and it was done on the thirteenth of January. On that day all business was suspended as on the sacred sabbath, the shops closed, the flags at half-mast, the meeting-house robed in black, and every inhabitant dressed in mourning apparel; and these badges were continued for thirty days. In forming the funeral procession, the children of the town preceded; the military, with muffled drums, were in attendance, as an escort; and the officers of the town, the chaplain, and the orator, were accompanied by strangers of distinction. The meeting-house, as the writer well remembers, was crowded to its utmost capacity; and the funeral music and impressive
