[p. 5] establish, we hope you will find some compensation for all your trials, sacrifices and sufferings; and we feel much complacency, that, in this respect you have gained so complete a triumph over the monarchs of the world.
Again, sir, we bid you a most cordial welcome; and hope, the testimonials of approbation you are receiving from every heart and tongue, will forever remain an instructive lesson to mankind, that patriots who endure faithfully to the end, shall not lose their reward.
The General said in reply—
I am most happy in visiting my old brother soldier and friend, General Brooks, to be received with so kind a welcome.
You speak of compensation, sir; the smallest part of the delights which I have experienced in America, would more than repay me for all my services and all my sufferings.1
Medford was further honored by the presence of
Lafayette, for he called on our Revolutionary heroine,
Mrs. John Fulton (born
Sarah Bradlee). At this time he presented her with a breast-pin, now in possession of descendants of hers (
Rindge family) in
Cambridge.
He also dined at Dudley Hall's in the house still standing on the north side of High street, No. 57.
The story of this dinner party has never before been in print.
It was natural that
Mr. Hall, neighbor and intimate friend of
John Brooks, and who was a man of wealth and prominence in the town, should have had the opportunity of having
Lafayette as his guest.
Mr. Hall, without doubt, did his friend many favors, and the latter could have easily obtained
Lafayette's acceptance for this occasion.
The dinner was a pleasant social affair, carried on in the hospitable, home-like, old-fashioned way, where good American help gave capable, cheerful and interested service.
Mrs. Hall, with the assistance of the sister of her husband's foreman, both of whom were for many years in the employ of the
Hall family, cooked the dinner, and this excellent
New England woman had a vivid remembrance forever of the day, and used to tell her nieces and nephews of the various dishes served at the different courses.
Three tablecloths were spread on the table,
