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

[134]

In his practice, he added dignity to his profession by his elevated and upright conduct. His lofty spirit could not stoop to the empirical arts which are too often adopted to obtain a temporary ascendency. He soared above the sordid consideration of the property he should accumulate by his professional labors. Like the good and great Boerhaave, he considered the poor his best patients; for God was their paymaster. In short, he was the conscientious, the skilful, and benevolent physician,--the grace and ornament of our profession.

His mind, however, was not so exclusively devoted to his professional duties as to prevent his taking a deep interest in the affairs of state. He had contributed so largely towards establishing the independence of his country, and had exhibited such sincere devotion to its welfare, that his countrymen, who have ever been distinguished for the acuteness of their discernment in judging of public men and measures, were always ready to display their confidence in him. They felt an assurance that they might safely repose on his conscientious integrity, wisdom, and patriotism. He was consequently called to fill numerous offices of high importance in the State.

He was for many years major-general of the militia of his county, and established in his division such excellent discipline, and infused into it such an admirable spirit of emulation, that it was a most brilliant example for the militia of the State. In the insurrection of 1786, his division was very efficient in their protection of the courts of justice, and in their support of the government of the State. At this time, Gen. Brooks represented his town in general court, and he gave support to the firm and judicious measures of Gov. Bowdoin for suppressing that alarming rebellion. He was a delegate in the State convention for the adoption of the federal constitution, and was one of its most zealous advocates. After the establishment of the federal government, he was the second marshal appointed by Washington for this district, and afterwards received further evidence of his confidence and approbation by being appointed inspector of the revenue. He was successively elected to the senate and executive council of the State. He was appointed by the acute and discriminating Gov. Strong as his adjutant-general, in that perilous crisis of our affairs, the late war with England. The prudence and discretion with which he discharged this arduous duty will be long remembered by his grateful country-men.

These multifarious and laborious public services were performed with so much punctuality and ability, and with such dignity and urbanity, that, on the retirement of Gov. Strong from the chair of State, wise and discreet legislators from all parts of the Commonwealth selected him as the most suitable candidate for that high and responsible office. It will be recollected how forcibly every judicious mind was impressed with the excellence of the selection,