Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 3.

[p. 151] Mrs. Gustafson, in answer to inquiries concerning his mother,¹ he writes: ‘My mother's special characteristic was individuality. She generally succeeded in her endeavors. For instance, she applied to have me sent to West Point, and sent me to Washington, in 1829, with letters, etc. The appointment was promised, but by some influence was overruled. She then took me to Hanover, N. H., with a view to my entering Dartmouth College. In the meantime she went with her brother Hammond, of Quebec, to Europe, 1830, where she visited Southey, and by his advice got out a London edition of “Zophiel.” She was introduced to Lafayette, who was so pleased with her that he asked if he could be of any service to her. “Yes,” said she, “you can get my son into West Point.” Upon this Lafayette wrote to Bernard, our then chief engineer, and the appointment of a cadet came to me.’

Horace entered West Point in 1831, and graduated in 1835.

Mrs. Brooks lived with him at West Point, when he was Lieutenant Brooks, from 1836 to 1839. In 1840 she was with him at Fort Hamilton, N. Y.

She sailed for Cuba, the last time, in December, 1843.

She died at Matanzas, Cuba, Nov. 11, 1845, and was buried at Limonal, Horace says, ‘by the side of my two brothers.’ It is probable that one of these was a half-brother, son of her sister, Lucretia.

Mrs. Brooks' son Edgar became a planter in Cuba, and died during the life of his mother. (See her Ode.)

Horace, after going through ‘the Mexican War, the Kansas War, and the Rebellion,’ retired from active service in 1877, having reached the age limit. He was brevetted Major and Lieutenant-Colonel for his services in the Mexican War. He died in 1894.

Mrs. Brooks' first publication was made during the life