USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Medford > History of the town of Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, from its first settlement, in 1630, to the present time, 1855 > Part 13
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"John Brooks was born in Medford, Massachusetts, in May, 1752. His father, Capt. Caleb Brooks, was a respectable farmer, much esteemed and beloved by his friends and neighbors. His mother was a woman of superior personal charms, and of remark- able talents, for one of her advantages and station in life. She early discovered in her son those faculties which were destined to raise him from the plough to the first station in society, and was solicitous to place him where he might cultivate them to advantage. We are probably much indebted to this excellent woman for the
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estimable traits of character displayed in the son. Our matrons give the first and most important impress of our moralists, our statesmen, and our heroes. Happy is the lot of those who have mothers of that superior excellence which rises above the vain show and glitter of life, whose pleasures centre in the care of their off- spring, in forming their habits and directing their minds to elevated sentiments and noble objects, whose greatest pride is in those splendid ornaments, - the virtues displayed by their children.
" Mrs. Brooks had an excellent friend in her physician, Dr. Simon Tufts, at that time a very respectable practitioner in Medford. His high standing in our profession is evinced by his being enrolled in the list of our members previously to the present organization of the society, when its number was limited to seventy, and none were elected fellows but those who were the most distinguished practitioners in the State. Dr. Tufts observed the anxiety of the mother to elevate her son to a superior station in life, and encou- raged her to give him as good an education as their finances would permit. He was accordingly placed at the town-school, where he was taught the rudiments of science, and the Latin and Greek languages. Such was his proficiency in his scholastic studies, and so amiable and exemplary was his character, that he secured the friendship of Dr. Tufts, who took him into his family at the age of fourteen, to educate him for his profession. The skill and science of the instructor, and the indefatigable attention of the pupil, sup- plied the deficiencies arising from the want of a liberal education. His progress in medical science, and in judicious practical obser- vation, was such as to secure the confidence and respect of his master.
" During his pupilage, the amiable traits of his character were more fully developed ; and he began to display that talent and fond- ness for military discipline which were eminently manifested at a subsequent period, and contributed to establish that erect and manly port for which he was so remarkably distinguished. In the hours of relaxation from study, he amused himself with the drill and exer- cise of the soldier. 'His manners were so gentle and attractive that he was the delight of all the village boys; they collected about him as the chief source of their pleasures and amusements; he formed them into a company, and trained and exercised them in all the duties of military discipline. Dr. Tuft's yard was often con- verted into a train-field, and displayed in miniature all 'the pomp and circumstance of glorious war.' These juvenile scenes are still recurred to with pleasure, by those who were engaged in them, as the happiest moments of their lives.
"He continued, until he was twenty-one years old, under the tuition of Dr. Tufts, who then advised him to commence the prac- tice of physic in the town of Reading, and gave him a high recom- mendation to the people, as well qualified for the important trust, and worthy of their fullest confidence. He accordingly settled
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there, and was soon after married, and his prospects were fair for a very respectable establishment in his profession ; but he was des- tined to act a more conspicuous part in the great drama of life.
" The storm which had been a long time gathering in our politi- cal horizon began now to assume a most portentous aspect, ready to burst over the country with destructive fury. The stout hearts and steady minds of our countrymen had been preparing for the shock, resolved to defend themselves against its tremendous power. The busy hum of warlike preparation was heard through the coun- try. Companies were formed in almost every town, who held themselves in readiness to march at a minute's warning. One of these companies was raised in Reading, and Brooks was elected to command it. He gave all the attention he could to this company, consistently with his professional duties; and was active in his exertions to drill his men, and infuse into them that heroic spirit and ardent patriotism which animated his own breast.
" He was, however, much perplexed to determine what course he ought to pursue in this momentous crisis. He had a strong attach- ment to his profession, and was deeply impressed with the moral obligations he was under to discharge the duties of it with fidelity. The kindly affections of his heart and the amenity of his manners qualified him to administer relief with peculiar acceptance, and gave tlie fullest promise of a skilful and popular physician. He had just entered into practice with flattering prospects, and with all the ardor of a youthful mind. He had already many patients afflicted with severe disease. Judge, then, with what reluctance he . listened to the calls of patriotism, urging him to relinquish these prospects and duties, to engage in a contest fraught with the most appalling dangers to himself and to his country. On the other hand, he had displayed such talents as a military disciplinarian, . and was so esteemed and beloved by those who were under his command, and by all who were connected with him in military duty, that he was thought the most competent to take the lead in their affairs. In the organization of a regiment, he was elected a major. This honor he declined, from an apprehension that it might call him too much from professional duties, and involve him too far in the military and political movements of the times; so that he would finally be under the necessity of relinquishing his profession ; an event which he was anxiously desirous to avoid. His fellow- officers would not accept his resignation, and unanimously repeated their solicitations that he would assume the duties of an office which he was so well qualified to sustain. This flattering distinction was enough to shake his resolution. He again took the subject into serious consideration, and the same objections presented themselves to his mind. He then determined to meet his brother-officers, and absolutely decline the honors they were disposed to thrust upon him.
" He was thus situated on the memorable 19th of April, 1775,
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when the news arrived that a detachment of the British army had marched to Lexington and Concord. His ardent patriotism then rose superior to all other considerations. His high-minded spirit could not shrink from the duties which devolved upon him as a military commander. He ordered out his company with prompt- ness, and directed them to proceed on the route to Concord; and, having made such provision for the medical relief of the sick under his care as the time would permit, he joined his gallant corps with all possible speed. Having arrived in the vicinity of Concord, he met the British on their retreat, with the cool and determined bravery of a veteran, and made such a disposition of his men, as to secure them from injury, and enable them to annoy the enemy with destructive volleys as they passed a narrow defile. He then hung on their rear and flanks, in conjunction with other troops, until they arrived at Charlestown. The military talents and calm courage which he displayed on this occasion were remarkable in a young man only twenty-three years of age, who had never seen a battle. It was noticed by those who had the direction of public affairs, and he soon after received the commission of a major in the Continental army.
"'He now entered on the duties of a soldier with ardor, and devoted all the powers of his mind to the cause of his country, and the profession of arms. He carried into the service a mind pure and elevated, and ardent in the pursuit of knowledge. He had a high sense of moral rectitude, which governed all his actions. Licentiousness and debauchery were strangers to his breast ; they fled from his presence, awed by his superior virtue. His gentle- manly deportment and unassuming manners secured the favor of his superiors in office, and rendered him the delight of his equals and inferiors. The following description of Agricola, by Tacitus, his inimitable biographer, is peculiarly applicable to Brooks : ---
"' Nec Agricola licenter, more juvenum, qui militiam in lasciviam vertunt, neque segniter, ad voluptates et commeatus, titulum tribu- natus et inscitiam retulit : sed noscere provinciam, nosci exercitui, discere a peritis, sequi optimos, nihil appetere jactatione, nihil ob formidinem recusare, simulque et anxius et intentus agere.'
" Although he sought no enterprise through vain-glory, his active zeal and high ambition led him to solicit the post of danger, if he could thereby render useful service to his country.
" When Gen. Ward had determined to fortify the heights of Charlestown, and arrangements were made for this purpose, finding that he was not included in the detachment, he solicited the general to permit him to accompany it; and his request was granted. He was active during the whole night of the 16th of June, in throwing up intrenchments, in reconnoitering the ground, and in watching the movements of the enemy. On the morning of the 17th, when it was perceived that the enemy were making preparations for an assault, he was despatched by Col. Prescott, as a confidential officer,
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to inform Gen. Ward of the movements, and to represent to him the importance of his sending reinforcements. No horse could be had, and he was obliged to walk. This duty prevented his being in that glorious battle which has immortalized the heroes who were engaged in it, and consecrated the ground to everlasting fame.
" Amidst the exulting feelings which this dear-bought victory of the enemy inspired, our infant army did not fail to profit by the experience they had gained. The advantages of superior discip- line in the enemy were apparent to every one. They made a strong impression on the minds of our officers, and especially on that of our youthful hero. He had already acquired such a knowledge of tactics, that he had been consulted by superior officers on a system of discipline to be introduced into our army. He now applied him- self with renewed diligence to this important part of his duty, and he soon acquired a high reputation as a disciplinarian. The corps he commanded were distinguished during the whole war for the superiority of their discipline, evinced by their gallant conduct in battle, and by their regular movements in retreat. He was second only to the celebrated Baron Steuben, in his knowledge of tactics. After this officer joined the army and was appointed inspector- general, we find that Brooks was associated with him in the arduous duty of introducing a uniform system of exercise and manœuvres into the army.
" He assisted in fortifying the heights of Dorchester, which com- pelled the British to evacuate Boston. He was very efficient in the successful retreat from Long Island. He acted a distinguished part in the battle of White Plains; and, when the detachment of our army was overpowed by numbers, his regiment, of which he was the most efficient officer, so ably covered the retreat, that it received the distinguished acknowledgments of Gen. Washington for its gallant conduct.
" In the year 1777, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant- colonel in the eighth Massachusetts regiment; the command of which devolved on him, in consequence of the sickness of his colonel. In the spring of this year, he was ordered to join the northern army, and he took an active part in those movements and battles which terminated in the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne. In short, the capture of that army may be attributed in no small degree to his gallant conduct on the 7th of October, in the battle of Saratoga. It is well known how ably he turned the right of the enemy ; with what fearless intrepidity he led on his regiment to storm their intrenehments, entering them at the head of his men, with sword in hand, and putting to rout the veteran German troops which defended them; and with what firmness he main- tained this post, which he had so gallantly gained, notwithstanding the utmost efforts to dislodge him. This action compelled the enemy to change his position, and the field was then open for Gen. Gates to surround and capture his whole army.
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".On the surrender of Burgoyne, Col. Brooks was ordered to join the army under Gen. Washington, and soon after went into winter quarters at Valley Forge, and, in common with the army, suffered all those privations and hardships, which required more heroism to endure than the most severe and bloody battles. How great are our obligations to those wonderful patriots, whom neither nakedness nor disease, nor famine, nor the sword, could dishearten !
"To follow our hero through all his valuable and laborious mili- tary services would be to give a minute history of our Revolutionary War; for there was scarcely any important services performed in the northern and central operations of the army in which he did not act a conspicuous part. To describe these, is the province of the historian : we allude only to those remarkable events which serve to illustrate his character.
" At the conclusion of the war, our army had a still more severe ordeal to pass through than the battles and privations they had endured. It remained for them to subdue their own passions and resentments, and to make this last and most noble sacrifice for the welfare of their country. The pay of the army was greatly in arrear ; and most of the officers had spent, in their country's ser- vice, all they had owned and all they could borrow. Congress had no adequate funds for their payment, and it was deficient in the power of creating them. In this deplorable state of things, inflam- matory anonymous letters were circulated through the army, founded on the most plausible reasons, exciting them to retain their arms, and to take by force what was due to them in right. 'The apparent justice of this measure concealed from the unreflecting the horrible consequences which must have ensued from it. For- tunately for our country, there were many influential officers in the army, of that purity of heart, that soundness of judgment and elevated patriotism, which led them to view with abhorrence this fatal expedient ; and it is highly honorable to Col. Brooks that he was among the first who opposed it. He had taken measures to this effect in his own regiment before the opinions of Washington were known, and he had the satisfaction of finding that his senti- ments were in perfect accordance with those of the Father of his country. He was honored with his most grateful acknowledg- ments and full confidence. His brother-officers were so strongly impressed with his wisdom and prudence, that he was appointed one of the Committee which finally made an adjustment with Con- gress, and allayed that dreadful excitement. By the influence of these magnanimous patriots, the army gave this distinguished proof of their devotion to the liberties of their country ; and, in the lan- guage of Washington, we may say, 'had this day been wanting, the world had never seen the last stage of perfection to which human nature is capable of attaining.'
" After the army was disbanded, Col. Brooks returned to private life, rich in the laurels he had won, in the affections of his fellow-
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soldiers, and in the esteem of the wise and good. He was not only free from the vices incident to a military life, but, what was remark- able, he had acquired more elevated sentiments of morality and religion. He was received in his native town with all the kindness, the congratulations and attentions which love and friendship could elicit, or respect inspire. He was rich in honor and glory ; but he had nothing to meet the claims of his beloved family but the caresses of an affectionate heart.
" His old friend, Dr. Tufts, being infirm and advanced in life, was desirous of relinquishing his practice into the hands of his favorite pupil, whom he thought so worthy of confidence. His fellow-townsmen responded to the wishes of his patron. He ac- cordingly recommenced the practice of physic, under the most favorable anspices, in Medford and the neighboring towns. He was soon after elected a fellow of this society, and was one of its most valuable and respected members. On the extension and new organization of the society, in the year 1803, he was elected a counsellor, and continued to discharge the duties of this office with fidelity until he was Governor of the Commonwealth. He was then discontinued at his own request. In the year 1808, by the appointment of the board of counsellors, he delivered an anniver- sary discourse on Pneumonia, which has been published, and evinces a mind well stored with medical science and correct practi- cal observation.
"On his retiring from the chair of state, he was again chosen counsellor, with the view of electing him President of our society. It is unnecessary for me to expatiate on the pride and satisfaction we derived from his accepting this honor. Your own feelings will best convey to you the height of the honor which he reflected on our society. That he felt a deep interest in our prosperity, we have ample evidence in his so kindly remembering us in his will.
" As a physician, he ranked in the first class of practitioners. He possessed in an eminent degree those qualities which were calcu- lated to render him the most useful in his professional labors, and the delight of those to whom he administered relief. His manners were dignified, courteous, and benign. He was sympathetic, patient, and attentive. His kind offices were peculiarly acceptable from the felicitous manner in which he performed them. His mind was well furnished with scientific and practical knowledge. IIe was accurate in his investigations, and clear in his discernment. He, therefore, rarely failed in forming a true diagnosis. If he were not so bold and daring as some in the administration of remedies, it was because his judgment and good sense led him to prefer erring on the side of prudence rather than on that of rashness. He watched the operations of nature, and never interfered, unless it was obvious he could aid and support her. He was truly the ' Hierophant of nature,' studying her mysteries and obeying her oracles.
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"In his practice, he added dignity to his profession by his elevated and upright conduct. His lofty spirit could not stoop to the empiri- cal arts which are too often adopted to obtain a temporary ascen- dency. 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 skil- ful, and benevolent physician, -the grace and ornament of our profession.
" His mind, however, was not so exclusively devoted to his pro- fessional 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 con- fidence 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 insur- rection 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 mar- shal 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 adju- tant-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 Common- wealth 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,
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and how strongly the public suffrages confirmed that opinion. His very name seemed to disarm party spirit with talismanic power ; for many, who had never acted with his political friends, prided themselves in testifying their unlimited confidence in him.
" It is fresh in your memories with what trembling apprehensions he shrunk from the loftly attitude of the chair of State, and yet, when placed there, with what singular ease and dignity he presided, and with what signal ability he discharged its various imporant duties. His government was firm and decided, yet it was so mild and gentle that its influence was chiefly perceptible in his happy facility of allaying party spirit, and all the angry passions of our nature. It was like that of a beloved and revered parent, whom all are disposed to honor and obey.
" Amidst these high military and political honors, which his fel- low-citizens took delight in bestowing on him, almost every institu- tion of a literary, religious, patriotic, benevolent, or professional character seemed to vie with each other in conferring their highest honors on him. In 1781, Yale College conferred on him the honorary degree of A.M. Harvard University acknowledged the value of his literary acquirements, by conferring on him the degree of A.M., in the year 1787 ; and, in 1810, the degree of M.D. ; and, in 1817, the highest honor of that seminary, the degree of LL.D.
"The Society of Cincinnati recognized him as one of their most distinguished members. He was elected to deliver the first oration before them, on the 4th of July, 1787; and, on the death of Gen. Lincoln, their first president, Gen. Brooks was elected to succeed him.
"He was a member of the Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was president of the Washington Monument Association, of the Bunker-hill Monument Association, and of the Bible Society of Massachusetts.
" Having faithfully and ably discharged the duties of chief magis- trate for seven successive years, he expressed his determination to retire from the cares and anxieties of public life. How great were the public regrets, and how gladly would a large majority of his fellow-citizens have retained his valuable services ! but they fore- bore urging him to any further sacrifices for the good of his country. He retired to private life with dignity, and with the love and bless- ings of a grateful people.
" Having imperfectly traced the brilliant path of his public career, let us for.a moment contemplate Gov. Brooks in his private character; and perhaps we may discover the true source of all his greatness, the charm which bound the hearts of his countrymen to him in ties so strong. He possessed a heart free from all guile, and every inordinate selfish feeling, - an evenness of temper and sweetness of disposition. His discordant passions - for we pre- sume he had them, being human - were kept in complete subjec- tion to his virtues. He had a peculiar composure and complacency
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of countenance ; and the delicacy and courteousness of his manners were uncommonly attractive. But, above all, his conduct was regu- lated by the influence of that pure morality derived from our holy religion, which was impressed deeply on his mind at an early period of life.
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