Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 3.

[p. 41] who remember the Civil War know the thrill which swept over the town when the news arrived. Little cared the people that day for the disagreements of Arnold and Gates. They asked for the safety of John Brooks, Francis Tufts, John Le Bosquet, and the rest.

News came soon which made Medford proud. Lieutenant-Colonel Brooks and his regiment had been the last on the field—not leaving it until eleven o'clock at night. During the evening they had kept Breyman's riflemen at bay. The British had not advanced; the Americans held their own. ‘It is what we expected of John Brooks,’ his townsmen said, ‘and the Medford boys will follow wherever he leads.’

October 7th Burgoyne was obliged to fight or retreat. When the battle was at its height, Brooks again distinguished himself. He has been called the ‘Hero of Stillwater.’ His regiment was ordered to take a redoubt occupied by Breyman. He ordered Captain Bancroft, of Reading, to lead the charge. Well he knew the men selected for that perilous duty. They were his neighbors of Reading and Medford. Not hesitating for an instant, Bancroft waved his sword and cried, ‘Come on, boys, and enter that fort!’ Then leading the way he and his company went over the parapet. Surprised at the suddenness of the assault, the enemy wavered, and the whole regiment rushed into the fort.

The names of the men who made that gallant charge should be cherished in Medford history beside that of their brave leader. They were William Cutter, Francis Tufts, Aaron Tufts, George Tufts, Daniel Bailey, John Le Bosquet, Henry Le Bosquet, and John Le Bosquet, Jr.

And just here a Medford tradition must be modified. The History of Medford says that Sergt. Francis Tufts was promoted to adjutant, on the field at White Plains. This cannot be true, for, at that time, he was at Ticonderoga.